• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Show Us Your Rob Allen Basses Part IV

#362
I went with a smaller shim and the bass is finally perfect for me.

One cool thing I noticed at rehersal tonight was how damned good my RA sounded for old school rock and country tunes and basically anything that really calls for a P w/flats. I am going to use it a bunch tomorrow at a corporate gig. I love my Fodera, but I like how the RA complements it. Perfect gigging combo for what I am currently playing for sure.
 
  • Like
Reactions: puff father
#364
nostatic said:
Try playing it with a pick, doing some palm mute.

You're welcome :D
Click to expand...

I didn't read this in time to try at my gig, but I bet it sounds great.

My singer changed around my setlist, so I only got to use the RA for 6-7 songs. Eagles, Johnny Cash, ZZTop, etc..... stuff I don't play often, but was requested for the gig. Really worked! I would have generally brought my 1974 P with old Chromes, but I really like the RA for these styles. I still need to work on my articulation a tad, but the RA has such an authoritative voice in a mix. Cool stuff.
 
#365
I will post better pics soon but these basses are great! Koa love
ImageUploadedByTalkBass1406746781.912475.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: asbs
#373
In case you've never seen a shim, here's what mine looks like on the Deep 4 fretless. You can barely tell it's there on the side. Physically it tapers to a paper-thin thickness before it reaches the middle of the neck. As a result, the neck's G string side moved slightly closer (up) toward the strings, which eliminated the need to shave the bridge. The Deep 4 is now much easier to play and feels totally different (in a good way!). Such a major, pleasurable change with a small, reversible trick by the luthier!

FWIW, the luthier's fee for making the shim and installing it was $100. I had originally approached him with a request to shave the bridge. He recommended this alternate simpler and less expensive approach. The money was well worth the advice and result!

Invalid Link Removed
 
Last edited:
#374
I just now put in a thin strip of plastic as a shim to tilt the neck back a bit on my MB-2f, and what a difference in playability! I wish I had done this years ago, I will use this bass more now.

A tapered shim would be better, maybe I'll have that done eventually, but for now I'll live with a bit of a gap between neck and body. I don't hear any difference in the sound anyway.
 
  • Like
Reactions: puff father and Groove Doctor
#379
FretNoMore said:
FWIW, the black tapewound strings I got with my MB-2 says "Extra long" on the packaging.
Click to expand...
Thanks.

35" RA's definitely need Extra Long LaBellas.

I ordered a set of white copper tapes for my MB-2 as my 6 year old black tapes need to take a little break.

So far so good with ordering with Bassstringsonline.com. Jason was great setting me up for the TB discount, answering my scale length questions (I bought tapes for a Precision and Fodera also) and my order was placed quickly. Great pricing too.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back