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The Mike Lull Club Part 2

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#161
VroomVroom said:
Not sure about the NAMM reference, but the orange one is my take on a 'modern' sounding Jazz bass. IMO, it delivers, and it gives me another voicing option. You're certainly not alone - Mike himself isn't a big fan of the Barts - but this bass definitely has some serious mojo. :D
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Clearly you have vintage covered. So a modern Lull seems to be called for.

Actually, by the looks of your gear list, you've got anything and everything covered! :)
 
#163
I'm not sure what to add that hasn't been already covered in two massive threads. Personally, I think of Mike's basses as the "Fender Shoulda's" - vintage tone with outstanding craftsmanship. Obviously you can choose models and options that go away from this strategy and approach, but for the bass you describe I think it's definitely worth exploring. If you call, either Paul or Mike will answer the phone, and they'll both answer any questions you have.

I think the key question back in your direction is...when you say "different from a Fender," what does that mean?
 
#164
rulyøngo;9444068 said:
Hello:

I got a question for you guys, I have been looking for a replacement for my '75 P-bass, and have been looking for something different from a Fender. I'm thinking Lakland or Mike Lull. It has to be passive. I really like the Mike Lull P4. What can you tell me about Lull basses?

Thanks for your input.
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I am ordering a jazz bass from them , I visited Mikes shop a couple weeks ago and tried out the spec I am ordering , while I was there I played Mikes personal P bass P4 , well now I want one of those too , I have a 1974 fender P and his is as nice or better , he still plays in a couple bands , and mainly plays that 1 P bass , I could see why when I played it , I will get one soon too , his was passive , that should be what a P bass is , really nice guys there and quality basses , best of luck , i know how this GAS can be
 
#165
VroomVroom said:
I'm not sure what to add that hasn't been already covered in two massive threads. Personally, I think of Mike's basses as the "Fender Shoulda's" - vintage tone with outstanding craftsmanship. Obviously you can choose models and options that go away from this strategy and approach, but for the bass you describe I think it's definitely worth exploring. If you call, either Paul or Mike will answer the phone, and they'll both answer any questions you have.

I think the key question back in your direction is...when you say "different from a Fender," what does that mean?
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I mean, different from the Fender brand... both answers have helped me make my mind, thanks, I'm putting my Sadowsky Metro for sale and will order a Lull in a few months...

Thanks again...
 
#166
craigb43 said:
I am ordering a jazz bass from them , I visited Mikes shop a couple weeks ago and tried out the spec I am ordering , while I was there I played Mikes personal P bass P4 , well now I want one of those too , I have a 1974 fender P and his is as nice or better , he still plays in a couple bands , and mainly plays that 1 P bass , I could see why when I played it , I will get one soon too , his was passive , that should be what a P bass is , really nice guys there and quality basses , best of luck , i know how this GAS can be
Click to expand...


Another plus is having 21 frets... you don't know how much I miss that high E on my Precision...
 
#167
Jerry... I looooooooove the b/w/b guard on the 3TS... that look definitely nails the "70's Jazz Fender Shoulda' Made" look.

Anyway... I'm getting closer to pulling the trigger on the next Lull... I haven't talked to Mike yet (Paul told me I need to call him) but I'm thinking 70's... here's what I'm looking for:

  • M5V - Left-Handed
  • Bart NTMB pre
  • Wired V/V/M/T&B with a selectable mid switch and an active/passive switch (not sure if Mike will do this)
  • SD HC's
  • Black body
  • Hipshot Four String Retainer (Not sure if Mike will do this)
  • Chrome Hardware
  • Chrome knobs
  • b/w/b guard
  • maple fingerboard
  • pearl blocks (not sure if Mike will do pearl blocks on maple)
  • binding (not sure if Mike does binding)
  • Badass II Bridge (Not sure if Mike will do this)
  • Chrome neck pickup cover

I think that about does it... I'm going after the "look" of the black Fender Markus Miller Jazz as seen here...

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

...but, I'm also trying to make it my own with some of the other stuff I picked.

Ugh, the GAS is KILLING me... I'll definitely have to sell my Lakland JoBo5 to make it happen, but... the Lull is pretty much the ONLY bass I'm playing right now.

Oh... by the way... put some .045-.130 Sunbeams on the Lull and, so far, I LOVE them... can't wait til they break in a little so I can really find out what's up.
 
#168
Chris, just....well, just...slurp. :D

A few notes, as they come to mind. Mike will do the blocks and binding. You just won't like the upcharge. Seriously - I think it's something like $800 list. Mike's way of saying, "I don't wanna', but if you insist, it'll cost you." :D My original idea on my custom order was kind of the Marcus vibe as well, with just a little Darth Vader thrown in...natural finish, black hardware, black blocks & binding.

I can't imagine he won't do the Hipshot retainer, but if you don't mind, I'm curious...do you think the bass needs it, or is this just cosmetic? Likewise, I'm guessing he'll be happy to do the switches, but they'll probably have to go through the body...unless you're up for a larger control cover.

Looks like a heck of a bass, my man. And we know it'll sound incredible. I'm amazed at how consistently awesome Mike's ash/maple offerings sound. Good luck with everything!

P.S. - Sunbeams. They settle in quickly, IME. I love 'em!
 
#169
VroomVroom said:
A few notes, as they come to mind. Mike will do the blocks and binding. You just won't like the upcharge. Seriously - I think it's something like $800 list. Mike's way of saying, "I don't wanna', but if you insist, it'll cost you." :D
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Yeah, the option is quite pricey as compared to a few other builders... Nordstrand, for example, offers blocks AND binding for only $300.

BUT...

This is bass is set to be "the one" and I promised myself that I can't cut any corners. :)

IF for some horrible reason I decide differently by the time I order it, then I will probably go "marker free" as you did with The Dreamsicle™. :D

VroomVroom said:
I can't imagine he won't do the Hipshot retainer, but if you don't mind, I'm curious...do you think the bass needs it, or is this just cosmetic?
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To be honest with you, I actually popped the E string out of the nut slot during one of my more ridiculous moments, and, well... I'd rather not have that happen again.

Granted... it MIGHT never happen again, but... it wasn't exactly fun when it happened the first time.

I'm going to bring it up with Mike when I talk to him to see what he says... but, I have seen a screenshot of Mike Smith's bass (Rhianna) from Mike Lull's Facebook, and you'll notice that he has requested the same thing.

Link Removed

I've also noticed that my other basses that have had a retainer to keep compression on the nut stay in tune a lot better... but, that might just be in my head.

Also... is it just me, or is that headstock "different" somehow? Or is it the odd perspective? I dunno... but I like it! :D

VroomVroom said:
Likewise, I'm guessing he'll be happy to do the switches, but they'll probably have to go through the body...unless you're up for a larger control cover.
Click to expand...

I'm hoping he'll be able to use the same type of switches and pull off the same type of "look" that the J-Retro preamps have, but with the functionality I requested:

jretro_big.jpg


If not, I'll just do the knob thing... but, I don't see why it shouldn't be possible.

Anyway... thanks for the comments!!! And I can't wait to make this happen... hopefully sooner than later, but I think I might have to wait until after the 1st of the year (for tax purposes).

:hyper:
 
#170
That's Mike's old headstock design. I can't remember for sure when he switched - 04/05, maybe? (Total guess there.)

Good find on that control cover. Wow...that's a lot of stuff. :D FWIW, With the knobs you can get everything but the three-way mid selector. Mine are all Vol (Pull for Passive) > Blend > Mid (Pull for 800hz) > Stacked Bass & Treble.

All the best with the bass. I can't wait to hear about your fireside chat with the man his ownself. :D
 
#173
So, I just put a set of Cleartone strings on #1525, my custom ash/maple bass..

4812534988_d8c56d037e.jpg


The sound is amazing. Bit higher mid point, to go along with a general mid boost, and to my ears it's just what the bass needed. Definitely still sounds a bit more "modern" than the standard formula, but I'm really loving this instrument.

Here's a Invalid Link Removed. Fingerstyle sounds great too, although like a knucklehead I didn't think to record anything.
 
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