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Show Us Your Rob Allen Basses Part III

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#122
FenderP said:
Since I only play 4 string basses, no idea on the high C 50.

I had the LaBella 760N set on one fretless back in the 90s for about 2 weeks. Hated the sound. I believe at the time I was using a G&L L-2000. I then put back my RS88 set and all was right with the world. For me, it was a "hey, need to change my strings so why not try something else" experiment that failed.

Having said that, maybe the RS88s are not your cup of tea in the way the LaBellas are not for me. Only one way to find out.
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I'll have to give them a try. Are they long enough for the 35" scale?
 
#123
So I'm thinking two possibilities. One would be a 2-pup fretted with round wounds. The other would be a single pup but about in P position, maybe a bit more towards the bridge. I suppose a stock S4 would be the quickest/cost efficient way to go. But I think I'm looking for something different than a typical P sound (I've got that with my Fender - yes, I know the S4 sounds way better, but the Fender PJ is "good enough" for most of my purposes).
 
#125
nostatic said:
So I'm thinking two possibilities. One would be a 2-pup fretted with round wounds. The other would be a single pup but about in P position, maybe a bit more towards the bridge. I suppose a stock S4 would be the quickest/cost efficient way to go. But I think I'm looking for something different than a typical P sound (I've got that with my Fender - yes, I know the S4 sounds way better, but the Fender PJ is "good enough" for most of my purposes).
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I wouldn't say the S4 sounds way better - just different. It's like the Ps with the two sets of humbuckers. Different sound, not necessarily better.

The only thing I wish was different on my S4 is that it was thicker like my real P or the D4. While it's a breeze to play live and with a strap, I prefer a bit more bulk and weight.
 
#128
spade2you said:
Cool. I'll have to snag them soon and test them out.

35" scale for a 4 string. Are you crazy? I keed. I kinda enjoy that option sometimes.
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Now, I could be wrong but I don't think so. I didn't have an option when I got it, and considering it was the first production D4 to ship, still somewhat "experimental". Although it feels more comfortable in terms of 1:1 ratio to my P than the S4 does which is the same scale. Go figure.

On the new D4 I explicitly asked for 34".
 
#130
Koa top with matching knobs for the mag pickup, piezo controls on the bridge
P7082682.jpg


Finished and coated maple neck (just like a P neck) - note the detail
P7082683.jpg


Black vintage P-like tuners
P7082684.jpg


Both output jacks
P7082685.jpg


Bigger, "higher mass" bridge
P7082686.jpg
 
#133
JxBass said:
Really, really beautiful. Having a D4f that is somewhat similar, although not as elaborate and flexible, I know it sounds fabulous!
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My pics don't do it justice and I added some light captions above the pics.

Rob really nailed this one down to what I wanted in a fretless. The 34" scale is perfect. While technically 21 fret length (literally at the end of the neck), it's more like 20 just like a P.

The neck is incredible. Rob translated what I wanted perfectly. It's a thicker neck (just like my 70s fretted P), but we finally got "the" one. He hand shaped it and got it right. It tapers (hard to explain) just like my 70s from I think 7.5 to 9.5. However Rob did it, it feels exactly right and what I didn't do on my other D4 and S4. Those are good, but this is spot on.

The unlined fretboard is also a bit different. It's I believe a 7.25 radius. One of my complaints about my other D4 and S4 is that the fretboard is too straight. Too many years of P basses I guess. Basically, between the back and the fretboard, Rob finally emulated my P neck and I think just a touch thicker which is good by me. In terms of thickness it's not quite the TB10, but a good compromise between P and D4.

The matching koa knobs for the mag are very, very cool. The bigger bridge is a nice touch, so I get my higher action with no mods.

The walls of the body are thinned out a bit and I haven't done an in depth comparison from my old D4 to this one on the piezo. But both the piezo and the mag do sound excellent. It'll be hard to do a 100% 1:1 comparison because I use the bottom 4 of the RS885 set on my old D4 (so the E is like a B string); this new one is just the RS88D set (.65 - .115).

Same could be said of the mag to my fretless '70s P (which is probably going to be listed shortly). I haven't done a comparison, but it'll be a bit more apples to apples.

It's super comfortable to play, and I think due to the neck, has a bit of heft to it (another good thing for me). It was like I went from my fretted P to this - it's that good. Basically, Rob made a D4 into a P, but keeping the D4 intact :)
 
#134
that is really sweet, exactly the set up I would want on one of these. Would love to hear a sound clip if you get a chance to post one. What was the total for this set up? if you dont mind me asking.
 
#135
bluesblaster said:
that is really sweet, exactly the set up I would want on one of these. Would love to hear a sound clip if you get a chance to post one. What was the total for this set up? if you dont mind me asking.
Click to expand...

I'm not going to share the exact number, sorry, but it's more than a standard D4 but not outrageously more given the amount of work and customization I had Rob do.

I may re-record some bass tracks already done for my album with it and if I can, post some of those.
 
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