Big Al 5 Preview.mov

[MakeTeaNotWar0]

my god you play well

[Vizillar2505]

the bass sounds great!

[brunocoelhobass]

Thanks Ed, great playing.

[AttitudeCastle]

That is some seriously EPIC riffing at the start! Awesome man! Great sounding Ed!

[xGreenHouseVidiosx]

i dont know if you remember me, haha but man this bass is on the list too. I cant decide whether i should get this bass, fender american deluxe jazz bass 5, or the music man sting ray 5 :(

[BassGuitarMag]

@xGreenHouseVidiosx - well, they're all great and they're all different!

[bassistxx]

I love the weather channel music in the beginning =)

[Aparashi]

I waaaaant this baaaaass

[CameronFrittz]

What looper pedal are you using?

[BassGuitarMag]

@CameronFrittz - Boss RC-2

[MrRedrocket42]

Ed, thanks for the great preview. How does the neck and the overall comfort level/playability of the Big Al 5 compare to the Stingray 5? Fantastic performance as always by the way.

[BassGuitarMag]

@MrRedrocket42 - Thanks. Actually, the neck seems the same to me as an SR5, and the Sterling 5. The 4 string Al is more like a Sterling neck instead of a Ray.

[Aparashi]

Ed, how well suited is this bass to players who like to use both fingers and a pick?

[BassGuitarMag]

@Aparashi - Watch the full review and you'll hear me play it finger and pick style. I'd say this bass is very well suited to either. Slaps nice too.

[monkeybass01]

Man I wish you lived closer to Denver I'd love to get some lessons & figure out your approach. You know, without actually getting off my butt and just transcribing these reviews you keep doing.

[heath4w]

I think the Big Al 5 is one of the coolest looking basses ever. The single coil pickups sound great. I really want one of these basses!

[SuperMfkr]

Damn, you can play! Really looking forward to the complete review as I'm on the verge of ordering one. I'd really like to hear if it has that typical MM growl in the lows!

[lloydage]

when will you be reviewing the Steve Harris signature p-bass?

[BassGuitarMag]

@lloydage - Not sure, I'm awaiting instructions from my editor at Guitar World.

[lloydage]

Hey man. Love your reviews. Great playing too! I was just wondering what effects/equipment are you using to record yourself as you play as I think thats a great way of practicing solos and writing.

Cheers

Lloyd, London, UK

[BassGuitarMag]

@lloydage - SOmetimes I use a Boss RC2 Loop Station pedal to set up a groove to play over.

[TheBloxBass]

When will you be posting the full review?

[BassGuitarMag]

@TheBloxBass - As soon as Bass Gear Magazine issue #5 is ready to roll.

[Musicman20UK]

Ed, great reviews as always. I look forward to the full Big Al 5 bass review.

Im very tempted to order one of these in that spec, different body colour though.

Can I ask, how do you find the B string? I love EB basses anyway, but I was wondering if this bass ranks up there with being just as great as a Stingray/Sterling, but with the cool single coils.

Any thoughts you have would be great, many thanks.

[BassGuitarMag]

@Musicman20UK - Well, this particular bass had an awesome B string. They will all vary slightly from one to the other, but considering that I own 3 MM 5 string basses and they all have exceptional B strings - I think it's safe to say you don't need to be concerned about that.

[syndrome666]

Boy that was a shock at first when i saw it on their site at first. kinda made me happy then upset that it was in a different configuration. Thought it was only offered as a Humbucker with only active preamp. Well thanks to Ed here for displaying the classic configuration of the same 4 string on a 5 string. Funny how they made the 5 string a year after I was bitching about there not being one. Gotta love MM. Now they need that little tweek to the board to the 24th fret and it's gold ;)

[AttitudeCastle]

Wow Ed! You never cease to amaze me, amazing playing great riffling one man jazz band, i love this at the start, looks like an awesome bass! Keep of the work man!

Quick question, what strings are on that? Ernie balls? also what are your preferred strings for general use?

[BassGuitarMag]

@AttitudeCastle - Yes, the bass had the stock Ernie Ball strings. I find they sound the best on MM basses. I use lots of other strings, depending on the bass. DRs, LaBellas, D'Addario, Lakland, Thomastik, but on my MM basses I use Ernie Balls.

[peter17111]

great video! i like the sound-range and the way it looks like (bit agressive)! sexy....

[TommyGunnTheBassMan]

Didn't you do this line at the clinic? It never gets old!!! :D

[BassGuitarMag]

@TommyGunnTheBassMan - Yeah, pretty much the same lick. Recycle, reuse man!

[achickensandwich]

Quickly becoming my dream bass... Hopefully they're still retailing by the time I make up the dough.

[njtguy]

Nice sounding bass & licks.I saw this 5 string on the Musicman site showing it with the regular humbucking pickup.I was wondering if you had the chance to play one in that configuration ?

[BassGuitarMag]

@njtguy - No, I haven't played the single H version. I imagine I'd like it though!

[Gabrielziera]

otimo!;)

[Gabrielziera]

otimo!;)

[Gabrielziera]

otimo!;)

[toddgakk]

Great video Ed! What pickup/preamp combination were you using for the solo/melody that starts around 28 seconds? Thanks.

[Belman5]

Ed, no one can sell a bass like you can. Most awsome playing......

[BompProductions]

been enjoying your playing for awhile now...I copped a couple of you licks, sorry I had to do it, they just sound too nice...come to Philly!! I'd love to see you play live. much love bro

[DWJWDbass]

Wow..so impressed with the playing, especially the jazz stuff. Great stuff, sounds like a nice bass to, great shit ed..

[demoncow416]

ooo, lay down dem bass lines. this is some high quality shit here

[divehater]

Damn Ed,...that first bit was tasty.

[MeatballCereal]

What did you use for looping & effects here?

[chickenandababy]

what kind of loop pedal are you using in this vid

great review btw

keep it up

[BassGuitarMag]

@chickenandababy - a Boss RC2 looper, and Digitech Bass Multi Chorus with a touch of reverb.

[chickenandababy]

@BassGuitarMag thnx so much

i was really considering buying the Boss

i was wondering if you thought that the 16 minutes of loop time was enough?

once again, i really appreciate you replying back!

[BassGuitarMag]

@chickenandababy - It's never been a problem for me. I store several patterns and it has never run out of room.

[chickenandababy]

@BassGuitarMag

thnx ed

really appreciate all of the help

i am really looking foward to ur new video

keep it up!

[riccaliolio]

Show(off)manship is also greatly improved! Congratulations! (BTW, it's a compliment. ;))

[riccaliolio]

Wow! Now you're soloing over a looped riff that you just recorded! Great improvement! :)

[JauqoIIIX]

Ed the bass sounds very nice. And your playing is on point as always.

[JauqoIIIX]

Ed the bass sounds good and your playing is on point as always.

[BenJoelHoare]

I'm going to put it out there and say that I actually really like this thing's looks. That plus the sound, the versatility; I've got my heart set on this for my next buy.

[rcoveyduc]

I dig it. Body is like a 50s car.

[JosephGallagher]

Is there a 4 strings version?

[BassGuitarMag]

Yes, check my channel, there is a video.

[wackiirahki]

3 pickups alone is enough to make me look past the bodystyle. what could you NOT do with that bass?

[MCgoogles1000]

really great solo tone there, I was just curious if you put any effects on top of it such as reverb?

[BassGuitarMag]

Yes, I used digital reverb.

[serpentinessarecute]

Hey Ed, just wondering - How long have you been playing / What was your 1st bass? Thanks - & Very enjoyable review (sneak preview?) w/the improvs!

[eddiespencer1]

When I first saw the Big Al, I wasn't very keen on the body but it's sort of grown on me. I wouldn't say it's my favorite look but it's not bad. They sound incredible though and seem very versatile, too. Looking forward to reading Ed's review in BGM and seeing the vid.

[iggyslap]

very, very ugly but sounds awesome :)

[6y298]

Balking at the aesthetics myself too - well just the body style anyway. Clearly an incredibly versatile instrument though.

[PhatLarkin]

Is there any notable differences between the 5 and the 4? (except the obvious)

[borcemiovski]

omg what a awesome sound,i love it!

[mperoug]

Great sound...absolut...very ugly bass though..

[Volodjah]

oh thanks for showing bass with great playing!

[1951abcd]

I think you like it!

[bullguit]

Sounds great, looks.........

[BassGuitarMag]

Yeah, I know, it's not for everyone. But after playing this bass for a while, it starts to look good.

[jasonkang93]

from 0:38 ... how do you play like that? It is just freaking amazing!

[BassGuitarMag]

Well, if you really want to learn how to play like that, I wrote a book called "Bass Improvisation". You can find it on Amazon or musicdispatch (dot) com.

[jasonkang93]

can you pm me a link to it? I really wanna learn it and buy it :P

[uberbowser]

@BassGuitarMag

isnt improvisation bases mainly on the pentatonic scale?

[happyslappysoong]

onlyif you're playing blues. for jazz, no.

[uberbowser]

oh wait i get it

i looked online

thanks tho :P

[nicoptw]

Ed, sorry to bother you again. I noticed this Big Al it´s got rosewood fingerboard. I´m having some problems choosing the fretboard for my next bass. The usual woods are rosewood and maple. I need some warmth, but also i need brightness and clarity, cause i use effects like chorus, pitch shifting and delay. any useful tip? Thanks again!

[BassGuitarMag]

Maple is considered to be brighter and snappier. But the bass has plenty of snap, you could do rosewood on this bass too.

[baronofbefoulment]

Man I wish I had the finances to afford one of those. Maybe I'll save up, and when I decide to get a new bass, it'll be this one. Sounds sweet. And has a distinctive look.

[Lecadragos]

Very nice playing - very inspiring - congratulations! One of your best I've seen till now! Really great!

[clefdefa]

wow really nice playing. I really like your videos.

[CodyCEngdahl]

sick...

[keithpas]

It sort of amazes me that whatever pickup configuration Ernie Ball comes up with they still have that "Musicman sound". Great clear and articulate tone and great playing.

[brunocoelhobass]

Great clip Ed!

[then00best]

dude, i love your new background. is that at your own house?

[adurgaram]

Nice soloing ED you go !!!!!

[andyKCIUK]

Awesome playing. You're the man, Ed!

[hesingshesobs]

Well, I see you are skipping a neck strap.. is that because that large 5 string headstocked-instrument is actually balanced, or are your pythons that solid that neck dive is no issue?

[BassGuitarMag]

My pythons? I didn't know I HAD pythons. Go figure.

I don't usually play with a strap sitting down, mostly out of convenience, it's not really a decision, it just happens that way.

[SCWGhost101]

exponentially awesome preview. cannot wait for the full video. also mxr just came out with a new bass pedal r u going to review it

[BassGuitarMag]

The M82 Envelope Filter? Yes, I have it in the studio right now. Very nice. There are a few things ahead of it, but it will happen.

[toddhamby]

do y'all smell that? It's Big Ed and he is the S*#t. Man, I love your playing.

[BassGuitarMag]

Well, I DID shower before playing.... ;)

[borcemiovski]

ed,what kind of yamaha are you going to rewiew?p.s.sorry for my english.

[BassGuitarMag]

I don;t know, they haven't sent it yet. It's a BB something....

[Thatguy301]

Easily one of the most tasteful soloists around right here. Can he go fast? Hell yeah! Does he need to go fast to sound amazing? Nope :). Great vid.

[flahprius]

While I love Ed's reviews, I gotta say that the man can probably make a crappy bass sound incredible by just his playing alone.

[norin02]

I know you have the MP3 link on your website, but if you ever feel like making more of these videos don't hesitate on it!

[mickyhodge]

this bass is pretty much the only bass id need, want it so much.

[therealwaveydavey]

If only Ed knew how to play these Basses.... :P

**JOKE**

Seriously awesome Ed, love watching your work, inspiring!

[borcemiovski]

i'm not a big fan of a 5string but men this bass is awesome

[Rafescow]

HOLY SHIT ed you are such a skilled musician!

[Kickbasser]

Great improvisation :D Nice bass!

[moosemoosemoo]

Hi Ed,

Could you kindly tell me what mode that is your using at the start?

Many thanks

[BassGuitarMag]

The slap is all three pickups on in active, the soloing is the bridge pickup solo in active. The jazz stuff with the chords is just the bridge, in active.

[BassGuitarMag]

@moosemoosemoo - Ah, MUSIC! Nobody ever asks about that on Youtube. lol!

Well, I'm using a combination of the E blues scale with modes from the key of D major. A lot of A mixolydian, G Lydian, and D Ionian.... with chromatic stuff thrown in too.

[Evgene666]

amaizin sound! & amazin player)

[blockmatix]

Im looking forward to the stingray classic review more than anything!

[izsquall2]

yey first! this sounds great! :)