I pretty much only play in big bands (I'm in two) and small combo stuff. The G77s may work for you as the touch is much lighter than the RS88s and LaBellas. Sonically they fit right in. Like I said, listen to the clips I posted a few pages back.
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Show Us Your Rob Allen Basses Part IV
- Thread starter smperry
- Start date
Thanks @FenderP - VERY much appreciated!!!!
I went back and listened to them again tonight, three times through each clip. I loved clip 2 the most. Definitely less of that higher pitched fretless EB 'mwah' that the La Bellas give me.
Hmmm.... that might be an issue for me. The La Bella's hold me back from really digging in for that URB vibe, so I raise the action, etc.
I really miss that metal-string-on-ebony-board low-mid 'growl' that I'm so hooked on with my URB. Which string will best give me that sound??
Here's another clip played with a big band. All live.
The G77s really give a nice upright vibe, and maintaining high action, etc., not a problem, but they don't have the same tension as the RS88s or LaBellas. That's what will probably get me to switch back ultimately to the 88s. I'm really pleased with the sound, but wish they were higher tension.
Trust me when I say I dig in, so digging in is not an issue - it's completely a feel thing for me. And you're right, these aren't strings that will make your Rob Allen sound like a fretless Ernie Ball (and I've owned a fretless StingRay strung with RS88s).
The G77 + D4 combo gives a nice woody sound. I'm sure through something more than with a 2 x 4" amp maybe it'd sound a touch different, but the PJB Double Four pumps just fine for my use.
I've been reading this thread and several others looking for info about using different strings with a Mouse, and realized that no one had mentioned trying any of the LaBella white tapewounds, so I thought I'd try an experiment. I have a set of medium scale white tapewounds and I swapped out the E and G strings on the Mouse to see how they sounded compared to the usual black tapewounds. Played for about 15 seconds and switched 'em back. Besides being a lighter gauge, the white tapes had way too much midrange and highs. They're obviously much better suited to electric bass.
I looked around online at the G77's, but they apparently don't some in short or medium scale lengths. The only other strings I saw recommended for the Mouse are TI Flats, but that'd be an expensive experiment and every time I've tried them on other basses I didn't care for the feel. I'll stick with the black tapes I guess.
I do have to say though, that every time I play my Mouse, it makes me happy. I'd love to try a Deep 4 sometime, but I could never afford to have one of my own.
I looked around online at the G77's, but they apparently don't some in short or medium scale lengths. The only other strings I saw recommended for the Mouse are TI Flats, but that'd be an expensive experiment and every time I've tried them on other basses I didn't care for the feel. I'll stick with the black tapes I guess.
I do have to say though, that every time I play my Mouse, it makes me happy. I'd love to try a Deep 4 sometime, but I could never afford to have one of my own.
Thank you for the experiment! Next question on the G77's. Do you think you could cut them down for the Mouse?
Anything can be cut down. I have the regular RS77LE set on a Fender Japan MBP-33, which is a mini P bass made in the early 90s that is not a standard short scale length (it's shorter). However, because they are nylon tapewound I'm not sure what that would do BUT that part would go in the tuning posts so it might not matter.
Just stumbled across this lovely mb-2 on YouTube looking for something completely different. Nice groove, @Pacman !
- Apr 1, 2000
- 17,410
- 9,869
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Roscoe Guitars, DR Strings, Aguilar Amplification
Thank you, man! That's my favorite clip of my Rob Allen, for sure! (there are better examples of someone else playing them, for sure)
If I had the right gig I'd love to have a Mouse again. Amazing how that short scale bass can sound so much like an upright.
Paceman sounds great on his MB-2 for sure.
Paceman sounds great on his MB-2 for sure.
Getting the mouse out of the house? I know its early onset insanity, but I'm pondering selling my Mouse.
Over the past few months I've sold off a whole lot of the piezo posse leaving me with my RA's. I find I use the Deep 5 and Deep 4's for most everything and the Mouse just sits home feeling left out. Spent the morning playing it....blissful, but I know I'll end up using one of the others.
Here's the mental argument: I've been thinking about a fretted MB2-5 and since we got rid of our house, there is just no room in our tiny apartment. New rule is: one in, one out (FYI downsizing the oversized lifestyle is great except they never tell you you have to get rid of all those cabinets you were holding on to).
Do any of you serial bass owners have regrets? I parted with my MB2 epoxy fretless and had no ill effects. But I think the Mouse may haunt me?
Rob Baby Picture:
The shrinking family:
Over the past few months I've sold off a whole lot of the piezo posse leaving me with my RA's. I find I use the Deep 5 and Deep 4's for most everything and the Mouse just sits home feeling left out. Spent the morning playing it....blissful, but I know I'll end up using one of the others.
Here's the mental argument: I've been thinking about a fretted MB2-5 and since we got rid of our house, there is just no room in our tiny apartment. New rule is: one in, one out (FYI downsizing the oversized lifestyle is great except they never tell you you have to get rid of all those cabinets you were holding on to).
Do any of you serial bass owners have regrets? I parted with my MB2 epoxy fretless and had no ill effects. But I think the Mouse may haunt me?
Rob Baby Picture:
The shrinking family:
Seeing as the only bass I own at the moment is a Mouse, I would discourage you from selling yours. And yours is also gorgeous - what is the top wood - Koa? I don't think I will ever sell mine.
Seeing as the only bass I own at the moment is a Mouse, I would discourage you from selling yours. And yours is also gorgeous - what is the top wood - Koa? I don't think I will ever sell mine.
And the mouse is so tiny, surely you can find a place in the new apartment. Hang it on the wall... It's a beautiful piece of art!
With the selection of RA's that you have there, I don't know that I'd miss a Mouse. Then again, if you wanted another one, you'd never find one like the one you already have. Tough call, but what a nice problem to have.
My brother calls this a "first world problem"...I agree.
Good thought: small home = short scale! Btw. It was the only bass that fit in the hatch of the Jaguar XK (I was doing their advertising back then). I recommend it to all you exotic sports car guys
The Mouse has a spalted rosewood top, cut from a very old plank. We upgraded to the Walnut neck, integral thumbrest, fancy headstock and drop tuner.
Good thought: small home = short scale! Btw. It was the only bass that fit in the hatch of the Jaguar XK (I was doing their advertising back then). I recommend it to all you exotic sports car guys
The Mouse has a spalted rosewood top, cut from a very old plank. We upgraded to the Walnut neck, integral thumbrest, fancy headstock and drop tuner.
@richnota amazing collection! Having owned both, whats your take on the fretted vs fretless? Why do you want the fretted MB-2?
I've found the fretted Rob Allen basses really cut through the mix. I play with a roots rock band--it would make a good addition. A more traditional rock bass vibe.
I've had an MB-2 4 and 5, both fretless and a Mouse. I miss the Mouse the most. If I had a gig that I could use a Mouse on every week, I'd probably make you an offer.
@richnota does it still have some of that woody sound? I'm looking for the accuracy of fretted with Rob's woody sound. Don't need the mwah of a fretless.
In my opinion, you have the organic sound with the precision of a fretted instrument. However, the fretted are more "guitar" than stand up.
Thanks Rich! Good news is that's exactly what I'm looking for. Bad news is I need to save up for another Rob Allen! I don't think I could ever sell my mouse.
