• 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

#763
Well, I have a bass that started the very first "show us your Rob Allen Basses" thread on the way. Cannot wait to get my hands on it. Should arrive Monday!
DSC05486.JPG
 
  • Like
Reactions: Nightman, kevk, Booty Shaman and 3 others
#768
Groove Doctor said:
Anybody modded their Mouse/MB2 with different tone controls? I'd like to control the tone live at a gig.... make a new control plate and attach adjustable tone pots. Ideas?

I need to replace the current tone pot anyway, just wondering if I had other options.
Click to expand...

Rob's Solid 4 (similar body shape to the MB2) has a tone control integral to the bridge; it's on the bass side of the saddle. If I was in your shoes, that mod would be a *bridge too far* for me, but I wonder if that saddle could be retrofitted?

Mostly throwing it out there for ideas, I guess!
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Groove Doctor
#769
Jeff Elkins said:
Rob's Solid 4 (similar body shape to the MB2) has a tone control integral to the bridge; it's on the bass side of the saddle. If I was in your shoes, that mod would be a *bridge too far* for me, but I wonder if that saddle could be retrofitted?

Mostly throwing it out there for ideas, I guess!
Click to expand...
Cheers Jeff. I wouldn't touch the front of the bass. A rear-facing pot fixed to a replacement control cavity plate would be the most daring (or wise) one should go here.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Nightman
#770
Groove Doctor said:
Cheers Jeff. I wouldn't touch the front of the bass. A rear-facing pot fixed to a replacement control cavity plate would be the most daring (or wise) one should go here.
Click to expand...

I totally concur. :) Interested to see what suggestions you get! I haven't had the need for this for my MB2 for the shows I do, but I may in future.

I'm using the copper whites on mine, and they give me a little more presence. There's a review around here somewhere.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Groove Doctor
#771
I find my mouse to be the most responsive bass I've ever played. Just curious, why do you feel like you need a tone control? I find that moving my hand or changing plucking pressure modifies the tone as much or maybe even more than on my P or J basses

I might think about a preamp or eq pedal as a way to try it out before modifying the bass. Lots of options that way.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Booty Shaman
#772
Groove Doctor said:
Anybody modded their Mouse/MB2 with different tone controls? I'd like to control the tone live at a gig.... make a new control plate and attach adjustable tone pots. Ideas?

I need to replace the current tone pot anyway, just wondering if I had other options.
Click to expand...

I don't think it's a great idea outboard or stomp box would be a better solution.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Nightman and Booty Shaman
#773
Thanks for the input fellas.

cultrvultr said:
Just curious, why do you feel like you need a tone control?
Click to expand...
My tone pot has broken and doesn't work. I'm needing to fix my Mouse. Jeff's comment kinda steered my question off track. Classic TB :cool:

Basically I want to know
- Has anyone here actually Modded their RA Bass? I've got the part number for a replacement pot. I want to know my options first.
- Can I give my Mouse the tonal control of a Deep with just the regular Tone pot and a HPF? I was using a Fishman PPBDI, I more prefer my Fdeck HPF Series III these days. I use a HPF the most of all my tone controls.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Jeff Elkins
#777
Really, really pleased with Rob's incredible artistry/workmanship (and sonic result) on my (E~C , 34") fretted Deep 5...
IMG_3352.JPG

This was one of the last he agreed to do custom...and I'm very grateful. I really wanted some arm relief on the lower bout, and it's perfect...
IMG_3354.JPG

Tone-wise, I was actually looking for a crisper attack, less bloom, further away from an upright...he nailed it! He changed the interior bracing to support the pressed top curvature...but, I believe it's about the same (Deep 5) amount of chambering. Walnut top, Alder body, with a Rosewood fb...
IMG_3353.JPG

For sure, the most elegant custom-fit bass case I have...
IMG_3384.JPG
IMG_3385.JPG
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: HotelX, RyanKinBK, pudge and 11 others
#778
kevk said:
Rob's incredible artistry/workmanship on my (E>C 34") fretted Deep 5! This was one of the last he agreed to do custom...and I'm extremely thrilled with it! I wanted some arm relief on the lower bout, and it's just perfect! :thumbsup:

Tone-wise, I was looking for a crisper attack, less bloom, further away from an upright...he nailed it! He changed the interior bracing to support the pressed top curvature...but, I believe it's about the same volume of chambering...View attachment 1191363View attachment 1191364 View attachment 1191365View attachment 1191380 View attachment 1191381
Click to expand...

One of my favorite examples! Beautiful.
 
#779
Groove Doctor said:
Thanks for the input fellas.


My tone pot has broken and doesn't work. I'm needing to fix my Mouse. Jeff's comment kinda steered my question off track. Classic TB :cool:

Basically I want to know
- Has anyone here actually Modded their RA Bass? I've got the part number for a replacement pot. I want to know my options first.
- Can I give my Mouse the tonal control of a Deep with just the regular Tone pot and a HPF? I was using a Fishman PPBDI, I more prefer my Fdeck HPF Series III these days. I use a HPF the most of all my tone controls.
Click to expand...

Never tried the combo you're considering. But on my deep 4 and 5, the active bass and treble boost/cut gives me options im getting from passive set ups.
 
#780
So, I have my Rob Allen MB-2 5'er I play when I play my Roscoe FL basses. Although I like the sound of my Roscoe FL, and there is a lot of talk about the Roscoe FL sound, there isn't near enough (in volume) about the Rob Allen basses and how they sound. I suspect since they are not produced by a team of builders they are few in number and I guess that's what also makes them special.
 
Last edited:

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back