The Mike Lull Club Part 3

[nostatic]

Well, depends on your gigs. In my case I have five different bands I play with that are all over the map musically. While I could only use one bass, I've worked out arrangements for some songs that I flat out can't play on the Lull (either up above the 20th fret or use a high C for comping). I also have a Rob Allen fretless which is still the gold-standard when I want the best "upright vibe" for a gig.

But I am liking this bass more and more, which doesn't happen that much. Usually there is the initial, "wow, this is the coolest bass ever!" followed by slow realization that the shiny new toy isn't everything you hoped for. This one is somewhat the opposite. When it showed up, sure it was pretty and played nice, but it still was "a jazz bass" so I was skeptical. And when I first slapped it, I whacked the volume knob with my right hand (the controls are set way back on my Foderas). At that point I could have given up and said, "nope, not for me." But I liked the tones I got out of it and liked the feel even though it is a beefier neck than my YYD. After adjusting my technique and then learning the instrument a bit, I'm getting more and more happy playing it.

[basswalker2004]

Originally Posted by nostatic

Well, depends on your gigs. In my case I have five different bands I play with that are all over the map musically. While I could only use one bass, I've worked out arrangements for some songs that I flat out can't play on the Lull (either up above the 20th fret or use a high C for comping). I also have a Rob Allen fretless which is still the gold-standard when I want the best "upright vibe" for a gig.

But I am liking this bass more and more, which doesn't happen that much. Usually there is the initial, "wow, this is the coolest bass ever!" followed by slow realization that the shiny new toy isn't everything you hoped for. This one is somewhat the opposite. When it showed up, sure it was pretty and played nice, but it still was "a jazz bass" so I was skeptical. And when I first slapped it, I whacked the volume knob with my right hand (the controls are set way back on my Foderas). At that point I could have given up and said, "nope, not for me." But I liked the tones I got out of it and liked the feel even though it is a beefier neck than my YYD. After adjusting my technique and then learning the instrument a bit, I'm getting more and more happy playing it.

that is very cool... I'm hoping for the same reaction when I finally get to play them.. soon :-)

[Killens84]

Just got my brand new Mike Lull P4 in today, thanks to Greg from Rocket Music. Rocket Music and Mike Lull Custom Guitars are both first class all the way! Can't go wrong dealing with those guys.
I've been itching for a P4 to go along with my Lull V4, so now I finally have both! Can't wait to hear the new P bass in a live mix this weekend. After playing it for a few hours at home today, all I can say is that it's awesome! As is the case with my V4 (and every other Lull instrument), it feels, sounds, and looks amazing.

Here's the new P4




And here's my Lull P4 and V4 together

[Holdsg]

Nice P and J. is the P an Alder body?

[Killens84]

Originally Posted by Holdsg

Nice P and J. is the P an Alder body?

Yes, alder body

[LeonD]

Sweet P4. Much luck with it.

[RocketMusic]

Thanks for the kind words, Kody. Looks like your P4 turned out great! Enjoy!

[basswalker2004]

Really nice..

Originally Posted by Killens84

Just got my brand new Mike Lull P4 in today, thanks to Greg from Rocket Music. Rocket Music and Mike Lull Custom Guitars are both first class all the way! Can't go wrong dealing with those guys.
I've been itching for a P4 to go along with my Lull V4, so now I finally have both! Can't wait to hear the new P bass in a live mix this weekend. After playing it for a few hours at home today, all I can say is that it's awesome! As is the case with my V4 (and every other Lull instrument), it feels, sounds, and looks amazing.

Here's the new P4

[Killens84]

I've typically always set up my basses using Fender's suggestions in their bass setup guide... On a 12" radius neck, they recommend setting the neck relief at .012"
They recommend the action (measured from top of 17th fret to bottom of string) set at 2.4mm on E side, and 2mm on G side.
I've always used these setting recommendations as a foundation, even on my Lull's, and have liked the results most of the time. Do you guys have specific setup measurements for your 4-string Lull's? And what do you think about those Fender setup specs for a Lull bass?

[NOLA Bass]

Originally Posted by Killens84

And here's my Lull P4 and V4 together

That is a great looking pair of Lulls! Congrats!

[nostatic]

So I'm a half dozen gigs into the orangesicle JJ and I am happy to report that I like it more each time I play it. In fact, it influenced me to change up the spec on one of the Foderas I have on order to dual coils (which can be tapped to get a JJ sound) and maple fingerboard.

I can't be dogmatic about my anti ash/maple/JJ stance any more . The Lull is now on "keeper" status in the stable next to the Rob Allen and Fodera. And it more than holds its own in that company. Different vibe than either, but a really spectacular bass. Now I'm just trying to talk myself out of ordering up a P...

[RocketMusic]

Lull's are breaking all my orthodoxies, as well. I consider myself a 5-string guy who generally dislikes P basses, but I have a Lull P4 here that is REALLY calling my name. I don't think I can resist much longer...

[Saluki]

Originally Posted by nostatic

So I'm a half dozen gigs into the orangesicle JJ and I am happy to report that I like it more each time I play it. In fact, it influenced me to change up the spec on one of the Foderas I have on order to dual coils (which can be tapped to get a JJ sound) and maple fingerboard.

I can't be dogmatic about my anti ash/maple/JJ stance any more . The Lull is now on "keeper" status in the stable next to the Rob Allen and Fodera. And it more than holds its own in that company. Different vibe than either, but a really spectacular bass. Now I'm just trying to talk myself out of ordering up a P...

Or you could get a PJ5-24 also routed for a J neck pickup in a fantastic color complimentary to your CAOJ.

[KJung]

That BEAUTIFUL used Lull P5 (in 'ice blue') is still on the Austin Bass Traders website. It looks really nice.

I assume it has the typical Lull narrow string spacing and 35" scale on his 5's that kind of eliminate this for me, but it looks like a beautiful instrument at a VERY good price.

Someone needs to grab that.

[nostatic]

I like his narrower string spacing on a 5 (actually I prefer 17.5), but 35" does kill it for me as I'm sticking with 34" for everything. Having a tough time not ordering a P4 and a 5'er as I currently don't have a bass with a low-B at the moment.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by nostatic

I like his narrower string spacing on a 5 (actually I prefer 17.5), but 35" does kill it for me as I'm sticking with 34" for everything. Having a tough time not ordering a P4 and a 5'er as I currently don't have a bass with a low-B at the moment.

It looks like an amazing instrument. Ash body and Brazilian board... GREAT combination for a P IMO.

[Saluki]

Originally Posted by nostatic

I like his narrower string spacing on a 5 (actually I prefer 17.5), but 35" does kill it for me as I'm sticking with 34" for everything. Having a tough time not ordering a P4 and a 5'er as I currently don't have a bass with a low-B at the moment.

Mike is doing 34" scale fivers now. I prefer the 35" and dig the 18mm spacing. Don't like less than 18mm, but I can still play 3/4" standard. Sorry for mixing imperial/metric units

[pauliebass]

Merry Christmas to all Lullards and Lullinites.

[Holdsg]

Merry Christmas to you too Paulie, and all the other Lull-heads.
Still love my TC4 and can't wait for my PT4.

[vates]

Merry Christmas!