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Rob Allen Mouse 5-string

Hollow Man

Hollow Man

Supporting Member
Apr 28, 2003
4,062
111
Springfield, VA
#1
Hey all, I've been talking to Rob Allen over the last few weeks about having him build a Mouse 5-string tuned E-C. I've been reading a lot of older Rob Allen threads, and it looks like I'm not the only one who's had this idea... I've seen at least three other references to creating such a beast. He's totally willing to do it, but it's not cheap.

So... is anyone actually interested enough to approach Rob with me and see if he'd build a few at a lower cost than a one-off for me? The cost he quoted me was in the neighborhood of a Deep 5... he told me that normally for a one-off custom job, he asks for even more than that, but he's really intrigued by this idea. C'mon guys, who's willing to try and make this happen? Respond here or PM if you're into it. Please, serious responders only... I don't want to go to Rob with "potentially" ten orders and find out that eight people bail when the quote comes out. Thanks!
 
#3
spade2you said:
Been tried. Trying to find several people in the market at the same time isn't a battle you're gonna win. Rob can make a 32" or 33" scale MB2 5 string that will have a very similar vibe to the Mouse 30.
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I suspect that, believe me. But I figured it was worth trying... even getting, say, two other people might be enough to have Rob start offering it as an expensive-but-not-totally-custom option. I definitely want a Mouse, and I've been trying like hell to talk myself out of a 5-string version. Each time I think I've done it, I come back and start thinking about the chordal work that I could do with that high C on a short scale. I'm still looking for people who are serious, but I definitely understand the odds (or lack thereof) of pulling this off, particularly in this economy.
 
#4
Not sure this is not going to turn out too different than Spade2You's attempt. Its a real task to build a buyers group. You may want to go the custom MB2 route or talk to Joe Veilllette. I have a Veillette Minotaur shortscale five string (strung E-C). The bass is pictured on the Veillette website. Its a nice setup--sounds and plays wonderful.

L1010258.jpg
 
#8
buckminster said:
Was the 32" scale MB2 more expensive than a standard MB2?
Click to expand...

I think it's $300-ish more for the custom neck and any options you'd have on top of that. He has the templates for it, although I think he also upgrades it to a 5 pice neck as well. I don't know the exacts, but I am most likely going after this probably next year.

Hollow Man said:
Would be interested in hearing this too.

I really want a Mouse for the ergonomics and DB-ish tone, but it's going to be a big trade-off between those qualities and money. The 32" scale MB2 is a nice mid-point... I guess I've just got to get my priorities straight and make the call.
Click to expand...

I believe a 32" scale MB2 should sound pretty darn close to the Mouse 30. Rob once explained to me that the Mouse 30 has some added rigidity to keep a nice fundamental. The discussion was over my head, so I simply agreed with him.

Too bad I really have no experience with a 34" scale MB2. The 5 string version has the ash body and added scale length which increases the low B fundamental, but takes a little away from the DB nature.
 
#9
My Deep 5 (e-c) and fretted Mb2 four-string are 34"--they loose some of the big fundamental of the 35" scale mb2 five string. Makes sense.

What I cant figure is how the mouse gets so much bottom?

Maybe someone needs to break down and splurge on a custom Mouse V.
 

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