The Mike Lull Club Part 4

[Dave For Real]

Just wondering what strings anyone is using on their 5 string PJ passive and what sound they are getting.

i Know I asked this question before, but wondering if anyone is using Roundwound strings on their PJ 5s ?

 

[chris_b]

i Know I asked this question before, but wondering if anyone is using Roundwound strings on their PJ 5s ?

I used to put DR Lo-Riders on my Lull PJ5 when I first got it. No complaints, I thought they sounded pretty good, then a friend recommended flats. I put some GHS Precision flats on and the improvement in sound was almost visible! Then I found a good deal on some TI flats and the sound improved again.

Then again, if I went back to rounds I'd try D'Addario NYXL's. I've been using them on my Jazz for about 3 years now, and they are nice, very lively.

 

[Dave For Real]

I used to put DR Lo-Riders on my Lull PJ5 when I first got it. No complaints, I thought they sounded pretty good, then a friend recommended flats. I put some GHS Precision flats on and the improvement in sound was almost visible! Then I found a good deal on some TI flats and the sound improved again.

Then again, if I went back to rounds I'd try D'Addario NYXL's. I've been using them on my Jazz for about 3 years now, and they are nice, very lively.

Thanks Chris. I guess I'm going to have to try some Flats to see what I'm missing. I play in a cover band that covers a wide genre of music from rock, funk, blues, dance & country. I'm wondering if the Flats will work for most of it, as I don't like changing basses every other song. I have been playing a Sadowsky Jazz bass for the most part to cover the songs, but I love my new PJ and want to get the right strings to cover my music. I guess the only way to find out is to try the flats. So far I have tried DR Fat Beams and Dunlop Super Brites as far as Roundwounds. The Super Brites are pretty close to the sound I'm looking for, but not quite. Haven't tried the Lo Riders. But maybe I will try a set of Flats just to see, as alot of people that have never used them are surprised they like them. Maybe the GHS Precisions as you suggested, as the TI's are pretty expensive.

 

[gregbackstrom]

Thanks Chris. I guess I'm going to have to try some Flats to see what I'm missing. I play in a cover band that covers a wide genre of music from rock, funk, blues, dance & country. I'm wondering if the Flats will work for most of it, as I don't like changing basses every other song. I have been playing a Sadowsky Jazz bass for the most part to cover the songs, but I love my new PJ and want to get the right strings to cover my music. I guess the only way to find out is to try the flats. So far I have tried DR Fat Beams and Dunlop Super Brites as far as Roundwounds. The Super Brites are pretty close to the sound I'm looking for, but not quite. Haven't tried the Lo Riders. But maybe I will try a set of Flats just to see, as alot of people that have never used them are surprised they like them. Maybe the GHS Precisions as you suggested, as the TI's are pretty expensive.

Hi Dave - If you like the Super Brites, then you might also like D'Addario Pro-Steels. I've been using them in either light or regular gauge for several years. My only "other" strings are T-I Acousticores for my Taylor AB-1 and D'Addario EXL 165-5 Nickels for my Gary Willis bass. Oh, and Ken Smith short gauge SSRW's for my Supro HIII. I tried using TI JR345 roundwounds on my Mike Lull Custom M5V -- they sounded great recorded, but I couldn't hear my bass very well in live settings.

 

[jerry]

i Know I asked this question before, but wondering if anyone is using Roundwound strings on their PJ 5s ?

I do, Sadowsky steels. Last year I bought a Lakland Skyland P-5 that came with flats and I couldn't get them off fast enough, if I want old school thud, I palm mute. I also use D'Addario NYXLs from time to time on mu Lulls.

 

[chris_b]

Thanks Chris. I guess I'm going to have to try some Flats to see what I'm missing. I play in a cover band that covers a wide genre of music from rock, funk, blues, dance & country. I'm wondering if the Flats will work for most of it, as I don't like changing basses every other song. I have been playing a Sadowsky Jazz bass for the most part to cover the songs, but I love my new PJ and want to get the right strings to cover my music. I guess the only way to find out is to try the flats. So far I have tried DR Fat Beams and Dunlop Super Brites as far as Roundwounds. The Super Brites are pretty close to the sound I'm looking for, but not quite. Haven't tried the Lo Riders. But maybe I will try a set of Flats just to see, as alot of people that have never used them are surprised they like them. Maybe the GHS Precisions as you suggested, as the TI's are pretty expensive.

Hi Dave, the sound we are after is such a personal thing, but I've played everything from top 40 covers, to reggae, from blues rock, to Americana and soul to R&B with my PJ5 and flats. The Duncan pickups have easily handled everything so far. The flats won't zing, it's gotta be rounds if you want that, but the flats give a nice full mid and low mid tone. I also use my Sadowsky Jazz with NYXL's for a lot of the gigs. Choices, choices!

 

[Holdsg]

Zing is not my thing, but feel free to zing your heart out.

 

[Chiliwailer]

Thanks Chris. I guess I'm going to have to try some Flats to see what I'm missing. I play in a cover band that covers a wide genre of music from rock, funk, blues, dance & country. I'm wondering if the Flats will work for most of it, as I don't like changing basses every other song. I have been playing a Sadowsky Jazz bass for the most part to cover the songs, but I love my new PJ and want to get the right strings to cover my music. I guess the only way to find out is to try the flats. So far I have tried DR Fat Beams and Dunlop Super Brites as far as Roundwounds. The Super Brites are pretty close to the sound I'm looking for, but not quite. Haven't tried the Lo Riders. But maybe I will try a set of Flats just to see, as alot of people that have never used them are surprised they like them. Maybe the GHS Precisions as you suggested, as the TI's are pretty expensive.

I'm a huge fan of flats, using GHS, Thomastik, Ernie Ball Group and Ernie Ball cobalt flats on my various basses. I love them all for different reasons, and for me the instrument's character dictates which of these I use - my particular Lull sounds most authoritative and full with the Cobalt flats.

 

[Dave For Real]

I'm a huge fan of flats, using GHS, Thomastik, Ernie Ball Group and Ernie Ball cobalt flats on my various basses. I love them all for different reasons, and for me the instrument's character dictates which of these I use - my particular Lull sounds most authoritative and full with the Cobalt flats.

I am trying a set of GHS Pressure wounds. So far, they are sounding better than any of the roundwounds I have tried. Maybe Flats are the way to go.

 

[Dave For Real]

I know the Pressurewounds aren't true Flats, but it's a start for me to change from roundwounds. I will eventually try some "All Flats".

 

[Chiliwailer]

I know the Pressurewounds aren't true Flats, but it's a start for me to change from roundwounds. I will eventually try some "All Flats".

The EB Cobalt flats are a good entry as they are most like a roundwound compared to other flats. Then, once you're hooked, the choice is almost endless!

 

[Dave For Real]

Thanks Chili,
I will try the Cobalts!

 

[bdgotoh]

I am really loving my Lull V4s lately, picked up another one today!

 

[4Mal]

oh good lord... that is awesome! Damn! That is a looker!
Hot Damn! That is too sexy for my shirt!
I am such a sucker for maple and pearl blocks...

 

[Dave For Real]

Thanks Chili,
I will try the Cobalts!

Tried the Cobalts. Didn't like them at all. Dull and lifeless to me. I guess it comes down to the sound you are looking. I don't think flats are going to work for me on my pj 5. I think I'm going to try DR Low Riders next. Heard some good things about them.

 

[atrapp]

A very sweet little Lull, P body with EMG 40 J active pups. Is a '99 SN 282 in near perfect condition.
I put D'Addario tapes on it, action is super low and great body tone. I'm digging so much that I might sell the Sad NYC vintage shoreline gold behind it.
Don't like EMG's very much and plan to swap them out with Nordy Big Blade Man pups and run it passive.

 

[TonyP-]

A very sweet little Lull, P body with EMG 40 J active pups. Is a '99 SN 282 in near perfect condition.
I put D'Addario tapes on it, action is super low and great body tone. I'm digging so much that I might sell the Sad NYC vintage shoreline gold behind it.
Don't like EMG's very much and plan to swap them out with Nordy Big Blade Man pups and run it passive.
View attachment 4241162

The blades are great...and will be excellent for that bass...

 

[atrapp]

Thanks Chris. I guess I'm going to have to try some Flats to see what I'm missing. I play in a cover band that covers a wide genre of music from rock, funk, blues, dance & country. I'm wondering if the Flats will work for most of it, as I don't like changing basses every other song. I have been playing a Sadowsky Jazz bass for the most part to cover the songs, but I love my new PJ and want to get the right strings to cover my music. I guess the only way to find out is to try the flats. So far I have tried DR Fat Beams and Dunlop Super Brites as far as Roundwounds. The Super Brites are pretty close to the sound I'm looking for, but not quite. Haven't tried the Lo Riders. But maybe I will try a set of Flats just to see, as alot of people that have never used them are surprised they like them. Maybe the GHS Precisions as you suggested, as the TI's are pretty expensive.

I played in a similar band for 5 years, my main basses were always Sadowsky and I had them all strung with D'Addario Chromes or Tapes. I've tried TI and they are fine on 4's, I had Roger put Sadowsky flats on the Sad Singlecut and the Gold with Zen blades behind the Lull and did not like them at all, went to Chromes on the Gold and tried LaBella low tension flats on the Single cut - did not like them at all - settled on tapes - happy days. Another benefit of the D'Addario is there relatively inexpensive.

 

[Chiliwailer]

Tried the Cobalts. Didn't like them at all. Dull and lifeless to me. I guess it comes down to the sound you are looking. I don't think flats are going to work for me on my pj 5. I think I'm going to try DR Low Riders next. Heard some good things about them.

Ah, sorry it cost you the $ but at least know you know you don't like flats - because these are surely the most lively and bright ones!

 

[TonyP-]

Hey Gang...Just stopping by saying Hello...