• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Musicman Big Al Club

#1,582
IMG_0922.jpeg
New member to the Big Al Club here! Super happy new owner of a 4 SSS. :bassist:
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: bdgotoh, mjm0, BassmanM and 6 others
#1,585
I forget if I posted this somewhere before but a while after Ernie Ball discontinued the Big Al I called Musicman because I need a Big Al case, mine was damaged. Turns out they still had some cases in stock so I bought one. My Big AL is white pearl with a tort pickguard so I asked if they had any more Big AL SSS pickguards laying around and they did. I bought a white shell type? pickguard.
When a bass is discontinued it may be a good idea to check the factory for spare parts before they become "vintage".
 
  • Like
Reactions: Holdsg and GROLF
#1,588
Ken R said:
Just for the record, I have been playing my Bongo Hp 4 string and my Sterling H4 for the last 3 months. I played my Big Al sss 4 string this morning.


Why did I ever stop playing it? What was I thinking? :rollno::rollno::rollno::rollno::rollno::rollno::rollno:

All is right with the world after this morning.

I now return you to your regularly scheduled lives.
Click to expand...

Exactly my thoughts everytime I pick mine...i actually like to "forget" it and have that discovery feeling again when I pull the case.

Only the weight really provide me to gig my Big Al SSS 5, it's really a pity cause it sounds gorgeous
 
#1,589
scuzzy said:
Nice one. Enjoy it!

Played mine today. It's butter and has a brilliant smooth tone.View attachment 4743897
Click to expand...
Hi @scuzzy, and MusicMan enthusiasts,
I'm wondering how the BigAl compares to the Reflex. I've seen a Reflex H5 in the small adds (1600€) and wonder how they compare in sound, and also play comfort (the Reflex horn is around the 15th fret).
Any idea how many were built?
I have an SSS5, a Bongo H5, Bongo HS5, and a 25th SR5 and I like them all. DO I ALSO NEED A REFLEX ?
Thanks for your insights :thumbsup:
 
#1,590
BrusselsBass said:
Hi @scuzzy, and MusicMan enthusiasts,
I'm wondering how the BigAl compares to the Reflex. I've seen a Reflex H5 in the small adds (1600€) and wonder how they compare in sound, and also play comfort (the Reflex horn is around the 15th fret).
Any idea how many were built?
I have an SSS5, a Bongo H5, Bongo HS5, and a 25th SR5 and I like them all. DO I ALSO NEED A REFLEX ?
Thanks for your insights :thumbsup:
Click to expand...
Howdy!

I have the 5hss. They sound similar, but the hb in the bridge has a bit more throaty-ness to it. It adds a lot of clarity to the B though. I run both active mostly, and bump both mid controls a bit. It was confirmed through the EBMM forums that the preamp is different in these basses, although I'm sure it's slight. The 25th anniversary is ever-so-slightly quieter. I love them both and my standard setting is neck+middle pickup, active.

Oddly enough, my reflex balances better than my big Al! And both are fairly heavy. I can't explain it, but it doesn't dive at all. With a suede strap, the big Al sits fine, but with a cheap nylon strap, it will drop a bit below parallel.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BrusselsBass
#1,594
Colin W said:
Hi! Looking for some help: What do you guys think a reasonable street value is for a Big Al 5 nowadays? I have someone wanting to do a trade for a 4003 Ricky. Is that a fair trade?
Click to expand...

Big Al's go for anywhere between 1800-2300 depending on the seller… I'd say it's more than fair for the Ric. Especially considering the rarity of the al, you can always get another Ric… the SSS version is the most desireable of the Big Al basses
 
  • Like
Reactions: BrusselsBass
#1,596
Joeynone said:
Big Al's go for anywhere between 1800-2300 depending on the seller… I'd say it's more than fair for the Ric. Especially considering the rarity of the al, you can always get another Ric… the SSS version is the most desireable of the Big Al basses
Click to expand...

Thanks, this is exactly what I wanted to hear before making the trade. I thought the same, I can replace the Ricky relatively easily but finding another BigAl5 would take more time. I assume you're talking USD? I'm in Canada..
 
  • Like
Reactions: BrusselsBass
#1,599
Benko said:
Mhhh, meanwhile I wonder how big in the interest in the Big Al, I believe I have the only 5 SSS currently available for sale and no one is biting after 3 months listed on Reverb...
Click to expand...

there's 2 on the verb now that I see. I think what they are valued at and what people will pay fluctuates. It's a tough time to sell gear now. It's more wants vs needs for a lot people nowadays.
 
#1,600
Joeynone said:
there's 2 on the verb now that I see. I think what they are valued at and what people will pay fluctuates. It's a tough time to sell gear now. It's more wants vs needs for a lot people nowadays.
Click to expand...

Ah yes, one more was listed a couple of weeks ago, and there is a 3rd Fretless one actually.

Mine is probably price on the high side but I'm open for offer, I'm actually very surprised I did not get one single offer in the past 3 months, oh well, I would not be sad if it would not sell :)

(maybe I could offer as trade)
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back