Your Thoughts on using a Bongo 5 HH/Big Al 5 SSS on Hip-Hop?

Best bass to play Hip-Hop/Reggae/World Music

  • Bongo 5 HH

    Votes: 4 44.4%

  • Big Al 5 SSS

    Votes: 5 55.6%
  • Total voters
    9
Sixtino

Sixtino

Guest
Nov 6, 2015
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#1
Hello fellow bass-colegas.
I'm a bassist in a Hip-Hop/Reggae band that mixes jazz, rock, electronic, afro-beat and world music to its sounds (it's a lot of stuff and it's a lot of fun) and I'm thinking on getting a new bass (Enough of my cheap Ibanez Hardcore-oriented SR 4 strings). From all I have seen (that is in my budget) I have decided that MM Bongo 5 HH and Big Al 5 SSS are my options. I think they're both versatile and offer a lot of tones and textures. Now, here's the thing: I can't go to a shop and try them, because they don't have 'em where I live, so I'll have to just order it and be happy with my decision. This is where I'll ask your help: From your experience, which of the basses can give me the low end and funky treble and, also, the versatility to cover a wide range of genres/sounds? I like the passive/active and many options of the Big Al, but I also like the power of the humbuckers and the options aviable with the EQ of the Bongo. What are your thoughts?
 
#4
I play in a dance/R&B band, and the tone of the Big Al kills in it.
I'll admit that I NEVER use the passive feature of any act/pass bass I've ever owned. I've always bought them specifically for their active tonal voice.
Where do you live?
 
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#5
Caca de Kick said:
I play in a dance/R&B band, and the tone of the Big Al kills in it.
I'll admit that I NEVER use the passive feature of any act/pass bass I've ever owned. I've always bought them specifically for their active tonal voice.
Where do you live?
Click to expand...
Well, That's one point for the Big Al. I live in Colombia (Cali). What would you say it's the main difference between the two basses (tone, options, neck, weight)?
 
#9
Discontinued or not both are out there commonly on the market.
I've played neither, but can only imagine both sounding phenomenal and capable to do just about anything.
I think it's going to come down to aesthetics and ergonomics, so you need to get them both in the same room at the same time.
Capabilities aside, I've always liked Big Al's looks, especially with insane metallic paints, the Bongo is atrocious to my eyes.
 
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#11
Thanks for your answers. I'll keep on searching and listening to demos from both basses (if you have any sugestions of where I can find that kind of material, is welcomed).
 
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