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Show us the Rob Allen basses!

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I don't use LaBella strings - on my Deep 4 I use the Rotosound RS88 tapewound strings. Rob set it up that way for me.

On my Solid 4 I use my Rotosound RS77LE set, and I would assume most folks getting the Solid 4 will put "normal" strings on them.
 
I don't use LaBella strings - on my Deep 4 I use the Rotosound RS88 tapewound strings. Rob set it up that way for me.

On my Solid 4 I use my Rotosound RS77LE set, and I would assume most folks getting the Solid 4 will put "normal" strings on them.

Are there any Solid 4s yet in the wild, other than your initial unit? I'm a huge Rob Allen fan, and very eager to hear how the Solid 4 is, especially with the somewhat controversial bridge.

-Ethan
 
Are there any Solid 4s yet in the wild, other than your initial unit? I'm a huge Rob Allen fan, and very eager to hear how the Solid 4 is, especially with the somewhat controversial bridge.

-Ethan

I understand why some may think the bridge is odd due to the whole intonation thing, but that's their hangup.

It's a wonderful bass to play. There are no issues with it whatsoever. When I got mine Rob said some people placed orders but I think mine is the only one done. I could be wrong, though.
 
Does anybody string their Rob Allens with anything other than tapewounds?
Seems like that's all I ever see on them. Nobody uses TI Jazz Flats, or
Acousticores, or something like that? Just curious :)
Acousticores and tapes ;)

I started off preferring the Roto 88's over the LaBella 760n's (less zingy).
Then I tried a set of Galli G77's.

The G77's and a Swamp Ash body?... :hyper:

Now if I can just find a U.S. distributor for the Galli's :( .
 
Does anybody string their Rob Allens with anything other than tapewounds? Seems like that's all I ever see on them. Nobody uses TI Jazz Flats, or Acousticores, or something like that? Just curious :)

I have run TI flats on my Mouse for the past 6 months or so. I like them a lot. They make a 30 inch scale set. The E string is a bit long (the full-width string makes a half turn on the tuner post) but otherwise they fit OK. Sound wise they have less sustain than the tapes. In my case I wanted less of the fretless (mwah) sound and more upright-like growl. I think the TI's achive that pretty well.
 
Just discovered how much replacement strings for my RA Deep 5 are going to cost ... since no-one (apparently) in the UK stocks them (online or offline) I need to order from the US ...

40 $ postage on a 55 $ set of strings !

I think I might order several sets to save postage.

WOW! I would order a whole box!!!!
 
Just discovered how much replacement strings for my RA Deep 5 are going to cost ... since no-one (apparently) in the UK stocks them (online or offline) I need to order from the US ...

40 $ postage on a 55 $ set of strings !

I think I might order several sets to save postage.

If you're referring to La Bella's (I've skipped through the thread briefly and didn't see anything to suggest otherwise) you can get them from Invalid Link Removed. They have the Deep Talkin' sets in a 5 version, but I'm not too sure if these are the blacks as standard on RA basses? About £23 a set plus £1.50 postage. Hope this helps?
 
Alright, so from reading more of this thread I have decided that I very well might love the Rob Allen tone. However, my original question still needs to be answered. ;)

Which Rob Allen is the most versatile (Deep, MB, or Mouse)? Or all they all too different to compare? I am looking for the one that has the most tonal versatility.

Thanks

Proton

Hard question to answer except by someone who owns and plays all models on a regular basis.

I have a deep 4. I bought it because i thought it sounded "better" than the MB.

I use it for big band where it can simulate an upright or a tuba (using the fingers correctly).

I use in in a blues band for its punch.

Great all around fretless sound. Some people say it is Jacoish but I don't really think so.

Huge differences in how you use your fingers. I think the bass reacts more than many. punchy funky stacatto plucked hard at the bridge and mellow upright played at the fingerboard. True of all basses to a degree but this more than most.

It will never sound like a rick with rotosounds and probably isn't my first choice for funk or straight rock.
 
If you're referring to La Bella's (I've skipped through the thread briefly and didn't see anything to suggest otherwise) you can get them from Invalid Link Removed. They have the Deep Talkin' sets in a 5 version, but I'm not too sure if these are the blacks as standard on RA basses? About £23 a set plus £1.50 postage. Hope this helps?
Thanks for taking the time to reply. I had already checked that site though, and they don't have the ones that are specified in the little RA booklet ... 760N (black nylon, not deep talkin), 5-string, x-long ... [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

That booklet suggests that if you swap strings that you may need to address setup ... truss rod tweaks I don't mind but I wouldn't fancy doing a new nut and saddle.

In any case, the LaBellas sound purrrfick, so I'm not sure I'd want to swap them even for something close, like the black tape rotos.

Andy
 
Thanks for taking the time to reply. I had already checked that site though, and they don't have the ones that are specified in the little RA booklet ... 760N (black nylon, not deep talkin), 5-string, x-long ... [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

That booklet suggests that if you swap strings that you may need to address setup ... truss rod tweaks I don't mind but I wouldn't fancy doing a new nut and saddle.

In any case, the LaBellas sound purrrfick, so I'm not sure I'd want to swap them even for something close, like the black tape rotos.

Andy

Just had a set of those black Rotos on a P-bass and they're not very good. They give a very thumpy unclear tone IMHO. Nowhere near as defined as the La Bella blacks. Even the E string felt more like a B. I believe they're designed for a particualr bass called a Bisson(?) - don't quote me on that though ;)

Unfortunately with the current credit climate, buying abroad specifically from the US, is now as expensive as within the UK. The conversion rate is rather poor and obviously it's not a case of waiting for the rate to be more favourable as it could take some time! I think you'd be as well buying several sets as mentioned and paying the one shipping cost.

I actually have a used set of La Bella blacks for 4 string - but they were used on a bass with 2-a-side tuners on the head. They've been trimmed but might be usable if you've got the B string. PM if you're interested.
 
Just had a set of those black Rotos on a P-bass and they're not very good. They give a very thumpy unclear tone IMHO. Nowhere near as defined as the La Bella blacks. Even the E string felt more like a B. I believe they're designed for a particualr bass called a Bisson(?) - don't quote me on that though ;)

I wouldn't put nylon tapewounds on a fretted P. I've used the RS88 set on nearly all of my fretless basses since the mid-90s. I tried the LaBella set and hated the sound.

To each his or her own.
 
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