JazzBassfreak

[quote name='molan' timestamp='1397991223' post='2429221'] Given that you like to have somewhere to anchor your thumb (and were looking to fit a ramp on the Fodera to help in this regard) then you'd probably need a twin humbucker Ray. In general terms I always think MM's are well made but I don't get on with them to play. I've owned both regular Rays and Sterlings but none have kept me interested for more than a couple of weeks - I can never put my finger on exactly why but they just don't 'work' for me [/quote] I still need to sort out getting a ramp made, however I've always had a soft spot for Bongo Basses. When the Alembic sells I've got to make a decision what I add to the arsenal next XD

[quote name='rodacademy' timestamp='1397940494' post='2428944'] I feakin love my bongo HH! Ive never had a bass that kicks like it! Love it love it! [/quote] Don't rub it in!

[quote name='drTStingray' timestamp='1397934509' post='2428844'] I agree - spent a morning with a Marcus Miller Jazz and prefer the Musicman. I have four Stingrays (including one 5 and a fretless) and one Bongo - I generally only use two of the Stingrays most of the time (an HH and a Classic 2 band). The Bongo is great but I tend to fiddle too much live - it has a piezo also which adds to the complexity. It is a great instrument though. [/quote] Always had GAS for a Bongo but let the fantasy go thinking I'd struggle to get my hands on a 4'er in white or black in the UK

[quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1397932507' post='2428813'] In comparison to a decent Jazz, IMO the Musicman sounds 'bigger', faster and more responsive. I like a nice Jazz tone but even the active Jazz tone doesn't have the Ray quickness of attack. [/quote] Already decided I want one XD

[quote name='Bassmonkey' timestamp='1397929123' post='2428771'] If JBF opts to come to Leeds to try Roons Rays out, I will happily bring along my 93 maple 2EQ with dampers for him to try at the same time. Let me know if it happens and we can sort it. [/quote] Leeds would be a nice day out tbh, but then again so would Denmark st! Only prob is I work mon-fri 8-5

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1397924242' post='2428708'] To directly answer your question, EBMM basses compare very favourably with a lot of boutique instruments. You are indeed a bit mental ( to use the medical term) to consider swapping your Alembic for one, but that is , of course, your choice to make . Find a good Music Man bass and , at what it does, it will play and sound as good as just about any bass on the market, boutique or otherwise. Where EBMM bass fall short of boutique basses like your Alembic is in the overall integrity and finer points of the construction , most notably in so much as the MM basses have got straightforward flatsawn necks without any laminations or graphite reinforcement, and it is quite noticeable how EBMM have moved towards slightly more substantial neck profiles in recent years to try and combat the common instability of their earlier basses thinner necks. Overall though, EBMM basses represent excellent value for money , either bought new or secondhand. If you like the crisply defined sound of Jazz Basses and your Alembic and Fodera basses then I would strongly recommend checking out the Bongo. It's a fabulous bass in my opinion , with a unique tone that has all the inherent punch of the Stingray, but a with a much more modern , articulate voice that is easier to be heard clearly. The Reflex /25th Anniversary is good, too. The Stingray is, of course, a classic that we all know and mostly love, but it has a very distinctive and stylized sound that , whilst being very useful in its' own right, can be a bit limiting, in my opinion. In many ways, the Stingray is one of those basses that is beyond criticism and a good one is great fun to play and a joy to listen to, but to my tastes at least , it has always been quite a specialized instrument. It will do one thing , and that is be a Stingray. I hasten to add, however, that a Stingray is a great thing to be. [/quote] Thanks man ! Yeah I'm really after a sound that is basically a Fender Jazz but added boom on the bottom end, cheers for the advice!

Just posted my Alembic on Gumtree yet again! Must be the 12th time !

[quote name='roonjuice' timestamp='1397918051' post='2428630'] Where u at buddy? If you are close u can try out various combos of rays/bongo! Stingrays lend themselves to playing hard and digging in well, due to to the big bridge (but Bernard was a tickler and he had AWESOME tone obvs) The 18v 4 band pre in a bongo is something entirely differant. u can really REALLY sculpt your sound. I prefer rays thru a big old valve amp hit hard, but a bongo thru a big old SS amp for nuance and definition. Easily outclasses the pre in many very expensive boutique basses. Just dont get one at home for playing on your knee, because the lower horn Knacks! [/quote] Very kind of ya mate! Would love to, Burton on Trent staffs

[quote name='hiram.k.hackenbacker' timestamp='1397915834' post='2428594'] Where are you located? Another BC'er might be able to help you out! I find the Ray necks wider than a Jazz, but not uncomfortably so. My hands a quite small and I get on with a Ray fine. The Bongo's necks are similar to Ray's, but I find they taper more severely down to a more Jazz like width at the nut. This is not based on any knowledge of neck/nut widths, but just how the Bongo felt for me when I played one at the LBGS. I would definitely play one before you sell your Alembic. [/quote] In Burton on Trent staffs, I'm selling my Alembic anyway, I've just not really had any trade offers or interest which is a shame

[quote name='ML94' timestamp='1397914751' post='2428580'] Stingrays are known for their 'cuts through the mix' attribute. Long ago I had a not so very wise bass teacher who told me 'You only play a Stingray when your confident because everyone can hear you'. Since then he took up photography lol! [/quote] That's the exact type of idiocy and ignorance that beginner bassists don't need to hear. Some people really like to misinform the noobs!

I had the same problem a few months Back!

[quote name='drTStingray' timestamp='1397913736' post='2428563'] You should find Stingrays stocked in some large shops so you could make a trek to try some - this is what many people have to do even to try US or any Fenders - but Bongos are really few and far between - they are totally different from a Stingray as well. I think Strings and Things (UK Musicman distributor) may be willing to ship one to your nearest MM dealer so you can try out on sale or return - they certainly used to anyway and it's likely they'll have a couple of them! What model of Alembic do you have, out of curiosity? [/quote] It's an Epic 1994 (original year of release) with Zebrawood top+Matching headstock

[quote name='ambient' timestamp='1397913472' post='2428557'] I've had a four Stingrays, two 4 string and two 5 strings. I don't own them anymore . They seem to 'work' for some people, and not others. They have a built in sound that's extremely hard to get rid of, if you need to. So they're good basses, but it depends on how versatile you need an instrument to be, and if one would work for you. [/quote] Well it's like, for Versatility I've got 3 go to basses. ATM I think I'm fed up of Having to EQ as much as I do, just looking for simplistic, easy playing but badass sounding

[quote name='Kev' timestamp='1397913292' post='2428552'] You shouldn't be asking that question mate, please don't trade/sell an Alembic without at least playing a Musicman first, you may hate it! No-one can really answer the question but you. [/quote] I've just sorta decided my Alembic isn't for me, had abit of a change in playing style recently and I'm certain I want to trade it for something I'll get the use out of. I've recently moved back to my Fender Jazz as my main bass but it still lacks the "boom" I desire. Aswell as the fact my Alembic has sat in its case for the past 4 months XD

[quote name='HowieBass' timestamp='1397913131' post='2428549'] Am trying to get my head round how an Alembic might be considered flashy but a Fodera YYS isn't LOL. Can't help you on the Stingray or Bongo experience but hopefully you can either get to a local store with one in stock, go to a local bass bash or ask nicely to try a local BC member's? [/quote] I don't gig my Fodera, that's purely home use. As for local guitar shops, nope. None stock MM and none are willing either.

So as most of you have probably seen I'm looking to trade away my Alembic for an Average stingray or Bongo bass. Crazy I know, but I'm just looking for something less "flashy"? Maybe that's not the right word, not sure. Anyway what are Musicman basses like to play compared to "Boutique" basses or say Fender Jazz basses? I've developed a recent interest in Musicman instruments and decided I want one in my collection that I won't feel guilty for gigging. So some lucky bassist on here will get my beaut of an Alembic sooner or later!