Show Us Your Rob Allen Basses Part III

[Joe Smithberger]

IMO the key to great tone with the mouse is low end control. A High Pass like the AI has built in or a lean low end like the little GK. An outboard box like the Fdeck preamps or the Fishman Pro Platinum DI box can make things work well if you are using a larger setup or going straight to a PA. My version 2 Fdeck preamp lives in my Mouse case. It allows me to run the Mouses onboard preamp wide open and gives perfect boom control.

My favorite sounds to date have been running into a full range PA or recording setup with a touch of reverb and the Fdeck.

 

[nostatic]

One solution I've used is a good dual band comp (FEA). I would cross it at around 150hz and use a bit higher ratio and lower threshold on the low end. Tightens up things well.

 

[FenderP]

Re: amp and RA.

While I love my B-15 and B-18, lately I've been preferring my old solid state late 70s/early 80s Polytone when paired with my Deep 4. There's a reason the Polytones were loved by many upright players.

 

[citizenchris099]

So its sounding like my GK MB 150s will work great, good to know
I also solicited amp advised from Rob. He hasn't gotten back to me, though I know he's a busy guy.
nostatic is this the DBC your talking about?
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[nostatic]

Yup - great unit.

 

[tedw]

How on earth to you learn how to use that FEA device? I've tried compressors and got nowhere with them because I didn't know what the dials meant or did. Makes brain surgery look easy, but then again I must have a mental block about them. Nostatic, how does one learn how to use these things/

 

[nostatic]

Easy. I pretty much set it and forget it. I set attack and release around 9:00 (fairly fast). Then ratio and threshold are the next things. I don't really like a heavy squished sound, so I'll go with a low ratio combined with a medium to high threshold (increase punch or tighten the sound up) or a high ratio with a high threshold (peak limiting). The crossover frequency I have around 200-300hz - depends on the room.

 

[BigBeatNut]

I've tried compressors and got nowhere with them because I didn't know what the dials meant or did. Makes brain surgery look easy, but then again I must have a mental block about them. Nostatic, how does one learn how to use these things/

You might find Link Removed useful for setting up compressors.

If it looks like too much info, try reading the section 'Setting Up a Compressor' first (just after the last graph), then refer back to the previous sections for stuff you didn't understand. It's probably worth reading the whole thing in order, though, if you're starting from scratch.

 

[tedw]

Thanks for the info, guys. I'll read up on the thread you mention. I tried a demeter compressor once and could not detect any real affect. I really need to read up on these things. Thanks again. Ted

 

[77PBass]

I tried many fretless electric basses in pursuit of a sound I have had in my head for a long time. I was never satisfied with what was out there. It was easy to find a Jaco sound which, to me, is a unique electric fretless sound and in no way comes close to the sound of an upright bass.

I kept my eye out for used RA MB's and lucked into the beauty below for a great price. This bass cops the sound I have been seeking.

Now I am looking for a used Deep 5...which are much more rare than MB's or MB'2s.

 

[jmceachern36]

That's beautiful!

 

[Chef]

man, that's sweet

 

[nostatic]

walnut top and goncalo alves fingerboard?

 

[tedw]

Awesome Mouse!

 

[gruuv]

Great thread, although it will probably take me close to a year to get through it all. I'm hoping to jump back into the RA Club here soon. I used to own an MB-2 5 years ago - alder body/walnut top/walnut neck/Mac ebony board. It was phenomenal tonewise, but the 35 in scale began to get to my tendinitis. Hopefully I'll find another one in that recipe again.

Anyway, good stuff...

 

[gruuv]

Nothing like a double-post... so, speaking to nostatic about this bass:

I wanted to see if anyone in this thread was the one who bought it from him. It's exactly what I'm looking for, so I thought I'd toss it out there.

 

[Jeff Moote]

I didn't buy that bass, but I have one with all the same woods and specs

 

[nostatic]

I've bought and sold so many instruments I can't recall who I sold it to It is a killer bass though, and it has been to Wooten Woods.

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[gruuv]

I didn't buy that bass, but I have one with all the same woods and specs

If there's a line, please put me in it should you ever decide to sell.

I've bought and sold so many instruments I can't recall who I sold it to It is a killer bass though, and it has been to Wooten Woods.

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Understood... been there with many sales and can't always remember buyers' identities. Maybe the buyer will see this though - thanks again!

 

[77PBass]

walnut top and goncalo alves fingerboard?

Yes. Rob was gracious enough to respond to an email with the serial number to tell me when it was made. I had to replace the bridge saddle he was very helpful. Rob's customer service is first class as is his instruments.