NBD: Mike Lull IMA4 - When Thunderbird meets Jazz

[dedpool1052]

Yeah, they're very special. I described them as a 'warmer' jazz. That isn't really the right word, because they're so glassy on the high end. Maybe 'thicker' jazz sound? It's so hard to describe. Just ooey, gooey goodness!

I'd say like a jazz, but with the "wooliness" of a p-bass.

But yes.
Ooey, gooey goodness.

 

[detoxxx]

I heard these on the IG Live the other day.... GREAT BASSES! Congrats!!!!

 

[tb-player]

I heard these on the IG Live the other day.... GREAT BASSES! Congrats!!!!

Thanks. That was an interesting live. Two of the nicest guys in the bass world. And yeah, the bass lives up to the hype.

 

[Maxi Funkl]

The 1st green bass I would love to own enjoy!!!

 

[alembicbones]

Super cool bass TB, congrats. Those Lull t-bird pickups are amazing. A friend of mine has a 5 string Lull Jazz with the t-bird pickups. It's a great sounding bass.

Enjoy the heck out of it!

Bones

 

[IanMartinAllison]

@tb-player So fun to see one in the wild! Thrilled that you like it. I am blown away by mine! We were also humbled by the amazing response to this bass and plan to do a second run late summer early fall.

 

[tb-player]

@tb-player So fun to see one in the wild! Thrilled that you like it. I am blown away by mine! We were also humbled by the amazing response to this bass and plan to do a second run late summer early fall.

It's so great! Whoever gets in on the next batch will not be disappointed.

Spencer and I spent over an hour on the phone last night talking about every little detail of the bass. I've never met a builder who is more passionate about what he does. The dude's all heart, and it comes out in his basses. You picked the right manufacturer to partner with. Lull is a class act from top to bottom. I've bought 3 of their basses and I can't brag about them enough!!

 

[Jimmy Stump]

It's so great! Whoever gets in on the next batch will not be disappointed.

Spencer and I spent over an hour on the phone last night talking about every little detail of the bass. I've never met a builder who is more passionate about what he does. The dude's all heart, and it comes out in his basses. You picked the right manufacturer to partner with. Lull is a class act from top to bottom. I've bought 3 of their basses and I can't brag about them enough!!

It's really great that his son has more than an interest, but has a real passion for it. It's a boutique company and it wouldn't have been that surprising to see them close down after Mike's death. Glad to hear they're thriving.

 

[jeffb28451]

Beautiful piece! I have a blue mist non-reverse standard T bird version with blue abalone inlays. Hate to admit
it, but I like yours better. No, mine's not for sale either! Enjoy that gorgeous bass. I'm sure it sounds as good as it looks. Lull workmanship still leaves me amazed, even after 50 years of playing good instruments.

 

[Slade N]

Nice!

 

[tb-player]

It's really great that his son has more than an interest, but has a real passion for it. It's a boutique company and it wouldn't have been that surprising to see them close down after Mike's death. Glad to hear they're thriving.

Spencer started working there while his dad was still alive. He has an extensive background in digital marketing, so what he's doing is being the frontman for the company and letting the luthiers luth. It works really well. They're putting out some of the best quality basses available today… and moving them quickly.

He's excellent at making all his contacts feel special. I've been communicating with him (text/dm/phone) for a year or so. He's genuinely taken the time to get to know me. Would he have done that if I hadn't bought basses from him? I have no idea. But I have a sneaking suspicion that he would. He's just that kind of guy. But if not, it's still good business.

I like him and I like working with him. And I've talked to a bunch of other dudes who have had similar experiences. I truly believe he'll take that company farther than his dad ever dreamed.

 

[MAJOR METAL]

Does Lull ever pair these pickups with a preamp?

 

[dedpool1052]

He's excellent at making all his contacts feel special. I've been communicating with him (text/dm/phone) for a year or so. He's genuinely taken the time to get to know me. Would he have done that if I hadn't bought basses from him? I have no idea. But I have a sneaking suspicion that he would. He's just that kind of guy. But if not, it's still good business.

Haven't met Spencer yet, but based on this,he reminds me of his dad.

I had various work done by Mike from '08-'16,
Spent a lot of time in his shop.
Mike was incredibly genuine, and incredibly gracious with his time, even when no money changed hands.

It's reassuring to know his son is carrying on that legacy.

 

[dedpool1052]

Does Lull ever pair these pickups with a preamp?

There's a couple basses in the "custom builds" gallery (on the Mike Lull website) that indicate yes.

 

[tb-player]

OP here. Follow up on this bass. I ended up not keeping it. It is a very nice bass (VERY nice!). It's just not me. I believe a 5-string version would do me much better.

Funny how that works. Fortunately, because they're in extremely high demand, I was able to break even and get it into the hands of someone who will really enjoy it. The bass community is awesome like that.

 

[jefframm]

OP here. Follow up on this bass. I ended up not keeping it. It is a very nice bass (VERY nice!). It's just not me. I believe a 5-string version would do me much better.

Funny how that works. Fortunately, because they're in extremely high demand, I was able to break even and get it into the hands of someone who will really enjoy it. The bass community is awesome like that.

Have been checking these out - so just curious @tb-player, what was it about that one that you didn't bond with?
Thx! Jeff

 

[tb-player]

Have been checking these out - so just curious @tb-player, what was it about that one that you didn't bond with?
Thx! Jeff

It just wasn't me. The bass itself played, sounded and looked amazing. Seriously one of the nicest basses I've ever owned. But the color and the metallic finish just isn't me. The reverse headstock isn't me either. I've tried and tried to like colors on bass... surf green, shell pink, all shades of red. In the end, I like black, white and wood tones.

Also, I'm just more of a 5-string guy. It was too much cash out of pocket for a 4-string that will see less play, simply because it's a 4. Spencer Lull and I have talked about building a similar bass in 5-string. Maybe next year? I have a couple of builds in-process (5-string MTD and 6-string Elrick). So I'll wait til those are done to revisit this. (Good grief! I'm supposed to be scaling back. Might as well embrace the madness)

So yeah, the bass is literally perfect. I'm the one with issues.

 

[jefframm]

It just wasn't me. The bass itself played, sounded and looked amazing. Seriously one of the nicest basses I've ever owned. But the color and the metallic finish just isn't me. The reverse headstock isn't me either. I've tried and tried to like colors on bass... surf green, shell pink, all shades of red. In the end, I like black, white and wood tones.

Also, I'm just more of a 5-string guy. It was too much cash out of pocket for a 4-string that will see less play, simply because it's a 4. Spencer Lull and I have talked about building a similar bass in 5-string. Maybe next year? I have a couple of builds in-process (5-string MTD and 6-string Elrick). So I'll wait til those are done to revisit this. (Good grief! I'm supposed to be scaling back. Might as well embrace the madness)

So yeah, the bass is literally perfect. I'm the one with issues.

@tb-player - thanks for the comments. I completely get you on colors on a bass. I had a Lakland US Hollowbody that was three-tone sunburst with a gorgeous flame maple top - and just hated the color. I know most people love that look - but I've never been a fan. It was a dream bass - but I had to move it out because I didn't like the color. Goofy. I've played 5's almost exclusively for the last 20+ years, but at 63 have developed some left hand athritis so am finding 4's a lot easier to play. Just sold two beloved 5's so on the hunt for a new 4 string. Haven't ever owned a Lull but am very intrigued by the work Spencer and team are doing.

My only two hesitations on the IMA4 are the painted back of the neck (what was your impression there - I really like satin feel - curious what it was like painted) and the reverse headstock. I'm warming up to the headstock look - but unsure about the neck being painted. Don't own a single guitar or bass with that approach.

I've talked to Spencer a little bit on email about doing a custom build with specs very similar to the IMA4 but with the standard headstock and a oil-finished neck. I actually really dig the metallic colors (ice blue in particular) and matching headstock vibe. Decisions, decisions.

Anyway - appreciate your comments on the neck finish when you have a sec. Thx again.

 

[tb-player]

@tb-player - thanks for the comments. I completely get you on colors on a bass. I had a Lakland US Hollowbody that was three-tone sunburst with a gorgeous flame maple top - and just hated the color. I know most people love that look - but I've never been a fan. It was a dream bass - but I had to move it out because I didn't like the color. Goofy. I've played 5's almost exclusively for the last 20+ years, but at 63 have developed some left hand athritis so am finding 4's a lot easier to play. Just sold two beloved 5's so on the hunt for a new 4 string. Haven't ever owned a Lull but am very intrigued by the work Spencer and team are doing.

My only two hesitations on the IMA4 are the painted back of the neck (what was your impression there - I really like satin feel - curious what it was like painted) and the reverse headstock. I'm warming up to the headstock look - but unsure about the neck being painted. Don't own a single guitar or bass with that approach.

I've talked to Spencer a little bit on email about doing a custom build with specs very similar to the IMA4 but with the standard headstock and a oil-finished neck. I actually really dig the metallic colors (ice blue in particular) and matching headstock vibe. Decisions, decisions.

Anyway - appreciate your comments on the neck finish when you have a sec. Thx again.

You're approaching it right. He won't build an IMA4. They're only doing those in batches. But you can get what you want for sure. I'd definitely go with a satin neck. The painted neck on the IMA was better than lacquer, but it wasn't my favorite. I much prefer their satin necks.

 

[SteveC]

These are amazing basses. They sound and look amazing. But, if you can't get one but want something close maybe...

Mike Lull JT4 Bass, Mahogany Neck, Pau Ferro Fretboard, Satin Surf Green | Reverb

Not affiliated or anything, just saw this when I searched Mike Lull.
I bet this is in the ballpark. Not the chrome pickups but still the Lull Tbird in jazz position. Just missing a few upgrades like the ebony board and some shaping on the neck/body area.