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The Mike Lull Club Part 4

#3,301
Fellow Lull Nerds,

Can someone comment on the feel of the M4XL? I've always been intrigued by the body and neck. Does the neck feel longer, i.e. do you need to extend your fretting hand further out? Even though a Roscoe 4 is 34", it has a reachy feel for the fretting hand.

Also, there is a curious amount of wood between the bridge and the end of the bass. Is that odd feeling?

I'm not in dire need of two more frets or anything. But I kinda dig the vibe, and I'm just curious about them.

01-gallery.jpg
 
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#3,302
That 'reachy feel' mentioned is not really due to having the extra frets. It is actually due to the shorter upper horn and strap button location.
Since the lower horn is shorter for access to 24th fret - many builders for sake of looks also make the upper horn with strap button somewhat shorter.
This reduced strap button location in relation to nut, is what causes first position to feel further away - because it actually is.
I agree - it can cause arm/shoulder pain from additional outward reaching, and also puts the wrist at a more precarious angle when playing in lower positions.
This is something I look at and consider when evaluating every new bass purchase.
 
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#3,304
I made the comment from looking at the photo you'd posted. Compare this visually to other basses you own.
The strap button falls a bit short of the 12th fret, and where typical J and P basses strap buttons are located.
Even just a small distance back from the 12th fret makes a big difference in how far away first position will feel for you - when playing using a strap.
You will find this same issue on most 24 fret basses being made - and it surprises me that more people don't complain about this to the builders that do this.
 
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#3,312
I'm so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He was a precious friend and encouragement to me as a bass player over the years. His wife once gave me vocal lessons and I'm sorry for her and the whole family's loss. Mike was not just a great luthier, he was also a great leader. He developed an the awesome Mike Lull team. I know the loss is great, but they will carry on making the same great instruments with Mike's signature style.
 
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#3,320
Mike not only helped my career He was life long friend.

My last words to him was "I will always support You" and his heartfelt response was "I know...I know You will"
 
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