• 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.

The Mike Lull Club Part 4

#3,941
tb-player said:
Yeah, I never seem to settle on strings. I think I've tried them all... lol. The crazy thing is, the ProSteels sound amazing on the Lull M5. It's more of a tactile thing for me. I just really prefer the feel of nickel. I did try NYXLs once and really liked them. For me though, I really like the thru-body B-string, so that limits my choices. EXL170s and LaBella RX Nickels both fit the bill pretty well. I'll definitely revisit the NYXLs though. :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

The NYXLs are available in extra-long single strings, I just didn't look at the time. I seem to have grown a serious disdain for pouring through webpages of specs and details, so I literally texted Jason at FretNation, told him what I wanted in NYXLs, and he set me up with the 4-string set and the 135 single. I didn't inquire about the extra long strings at the time, but gee thanx, now ya got me thinking about it….:roflmao::roflmao::roflmao:. So I'll fix an extra cup of coffee and dive into FretNation's website and see what I can find.

And kudos again to Jason for the help with this. He rocks.
 
#3,942
Geri O said:
The NYXLs are available in extra-long single strings, I just didn't look at the time. I seem to have grown a serious disdain for pouring through webpages of specs and details, so I literally texted Jason at FretNation, told him what I wanted in NYXLs, and he set me up with the 4-string set and the 135 single. I didn't inquire about the extra long strings at the time, but gee thanx, now ya got me thinking about it….:roflmao::roflmao::roflmao:. So I'll fix an extra cup of coffee and dive into FretNation's website and see what I can find.

And kudos again to Jason for the help with this. He rocks.
Click to expand...
He really is a good guy. Last night, I found NYXLs on Amazon. The 4-string set is 22.99 and the single B is 17.41. Oof! I'll check with Jason and see if he can save me a little off on that B.
 
#3,945
Geri O said:
I like the Nickels well enough, but I was kinda looking for something else (that little human fault that makes us spend a lot of money, doncha know….:roflmao::roflmao:).

So for several months, I used Pro Steels and I did like them. Stocked up on the 4-string sets and the extra-long B string to go with them.

But still, after a few months….…:eyebrow:

So I tried the NYXLs.

And I think….I can say I've settled on the NYXLs. I ordered 2 sets from FretNation, put them on both Lulls and I really do love their tone and their feel. They are just….different. And in a really good way. And these things seem to be lasting a lot longer, not going dull or flat in the usual 5-6 weeks. I've had these sets on both Lulls for over 8 weeks now and they are still sounding 98% as new. I didn't order the extra-long B string, just running the regular long B string in the top of the bridge. And it sounds just fine.

You might try a set of those to see what you think. They are more expensive than the nickels or Pro steels, but if they last twice as long, hey, it's a win there as well…

(I use the 50-70-85-105-135 in the nickels and pro steels, but for some weird reason, the medium gauge NYXLs 5-string set comes with a 130 for the B string. So I ordered the 4-string sets in mediums and 135 singles. This is working well for me at the moment. I may try the 130 later and may even see if there's extra-long singles in those gauges. Later on….)
Click to expand...

I just ordered a 5 string set, 45-125 of NYXLs. Looking forward to trying them on my M5.

I usually get bulk strings from juststrings.com, and the do the job, but I've been wanting to try something different.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Geri O
#3,946
bdgotoh said:
From 1984-1987 I had a wonderful classic American bass with amazing tone I absolutely loved. I lost it to a fire and found another that sounded just as good and played it for another 10 years. Eventually the neck problems on that bass bugged me and I sold it assuming I could find one with a better neck and the same tone. Unfortunately I was never able to find one that sounded right, even though I bought a bunch of them over many years.

For a very long time I've been wanting that awesome tone in a bass that felt as good as it sounded, I never liked the ergonomics. I approached Mike about it roughly 10 years ago and he understood the desire, but wasn't confident about finding the right pickups to get it done. Since then I've tested many different pickups trying to find a set that sounded right but had standard Fender string spacing. Early in 2021 I discovered Stonewall pickups. I use the stock neck pickup and a custom underwound bridge pickup.
Store

These pickups in a custom Lull with special pickup locations give me the closest I've ever come to the tone of that bass I loved. The black V4 has become my favorite Lull, it's the one I reach for all the time. I decided to order another so I could try out some different wiring schemes, and also to see if the first one was luck. I picked the second one up last week and it sounds just as good. I'll figure out how to post sound clips someday but I'm still early in that process.

Many thanks to the Lull folks for building such amazing instruments and to Scott at Stonewall pickups - these two basses are literally my dream come true!

View attachment 4882788
Click to expand...

Cool story, Brad. Wasn't familiar with Stonewall until your post. Looks like the pickups are placed nearer the neck than what we typically see for jazz basses. Is this location a function of the pickup or something you decided for tone (to make it warmer, I assume)?

I'm still playing your old P4 and it is still my go-to bass. Still love it like the first day I got it. I did finally replace the Lollars with a set made by Mas Hino in New York a couple of months ago. They are a bit spendy, but, wow, what a glorious tone! I live reasonably close to Brooklyn, so I brought it to him for the pup replacement and set up. Interestingly, he told me this was the first Lull he'd worked on in New York. He'd seen many Lulls in Japan, but none in NY.

You are absolutely right about Lull making amazing instruments. So glad I get play one. Lucky.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Geri O, bdgotoh, Kitsapbass and 1 other person
#3,947
75Ric said:
Cool story, Brad. Wasn't familiar with Stonewall until your post. Looks like the pickups are placed nearer the neck than what we typically see for jazz basses. Is this location a function of the pickup or something you decided for tone (to make it warmer, I assume)?
Click to expand...

Thanks Gary, the pickup placement and spacing is where the pickups were located on that old bass of mine, the pickup near the neck gives more low end. The old bass had single coils, these are single coils. Scott at Stonewall is really great, I'm putting a set of his guitar pickups into a Lull guitar this weekend.

I'm still playing your old P4 and it is still my go-to bass. Still love it like the first day I got it. I did finally replace the Lollars with a set made by Mas Hino in New York a couple of months ago. They are a bit spendy, but, wow, what a glorious tone! I live reasonably close to Brooklyn, so I brought it to him for the pup replacement and set up. Interestingly, he told me this was the first Lull he'd worked on in New York. He'd seen many Lulls in Japan, but none in NY.
Click to expand...
It's surprising that Mas hasn't seen a Lull in person. I should have my Olinto J4 very soon, so I'll get to feel and hear Mas's handiwork then. I'm really looking forward to playing it, I haven't ever seen one in person.

I'm so glad you're still enjoying the P4, my first Lull was a P4 and they are still among my all time favorite basses.

You are absolutely right about Lull making amazing instruments. So glad I get play one. Lucky.
Click to expand...
Me too, I have felt so lucky to live near the shop for all these years!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Xansky, direwolf333, Holdsg and 4 others
#3,948
bdgotoh said:
...

It's surprising that Mas hasn't seen a Lull in person. I should have my Olinto J4 very soon, so I'll get to feel and hear Mas's handiwork then. I'm really looking forward to playing it, I haven't ever seen one in person...
Click to expand...

He said he has worked on Lulls in Japan, but mine was the first that has been brought to his Brooklyn shop. He had nothing to say but good words about Lull. I would bet you will like the Olinto. I've played a p Olinto. It's an outstanding instrument in every respect. I'll be interested in what you think about it. I'm planning on an new j this year. It will be either a Lull or one by Mas.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bdgotoh, TonyP- and Fred312b
#3,949
Deck the halls with lots of low end
EFDF4163-8444-4105-9AFE-9C16642FCF03.jpeg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Warren Bassett, Laklandfan, Eadger and 13 others
#3,952
I have had a bunch of Lull basses. And hopefully, the necks are very stable so I almost never have to adjust them.
But when I have to, I never find the right screwdriver. And when it barely fits, I have to protect the pickguard because the screwdriver puts pressure on the tip of the pickguard at the begininng of the notch and damages the pickguard.

I have tried bent screwdrivers like these, but they do not work at all :
71enTENSrxL._AC_SX679_.jpg


Can you guys recommend the right reference of screwdriver to adjust a Mike Lull neck ?
 
#3,955
Killens84 said:
This is the one Lull's shop had been sending with their basses. It's just a long flathead screwdriver, but it's the perfect size.
GrooveTech Standard Truss Rod Driver

Lull's shop recently switched to a 4mm hex key truss rod nut instead of the screwdriver nut. The hex key adjustment is much better than the screwdriver, IMO.
Click to expand...

The good thing about this particular screwdriver is that the screwdriver part is pretty short and the shank is small and round so it's not likely to damage the edge of the pick guard as the OP has suggested (and I've done once....:banghead: :banghead:).

I can't believe the hoops I had to jump through to search for this screwdriver, but this is the one I ordered and used. It came from Sweetwater. NOT CruzTools, NOT Groovetech, NOT Amazon, and NOT StewMac. Sweetwater. I ordered 3 of them at the time...

Invalid Link Removed. (EDIT: I see where Kody already posted this very link. Good thing I'm staying home today....:roflmao: :roflmao:)

Of course, a few months later, Lull let it be known that they went to a hex key true rod nut. I was hesitant to mention this, but Kody and I were able to buy those newer truss rod nuts and replace the slotted nut with these new ones. MUCH easier to make adjustments. I don't know if Spencer is officially making those hex truss rod nuts available, but the OP might be able to get them if they will contact Spencer. It does require removing the neck to replace the nut. Well, both of mine did. It uses a 4mm hex key. I bought several.....:D

And I have 3 screwdriver tools sitting in a drawer. If anyone wants one of them, message me.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Eneade, macribas and 75Ric
#3,956
Eneade said:
I have had a bunch of Lull basses. And hopefully, the necks are very stable so I almost never have to adjust them.
But when I have to, I never find the right screwdriver. And when it barely fits, I have to protect the pickguard because the screwdriver puts pressure on the tip of the pickguard at the begininng of the notch and damages the pickguard.

I have tried bent screwdrivers like these, but they do not work at all :
71enTENSrxL._AC_SX679_.jpg


Can you guys recommend the right reference of screwdriver to adjust a Mike Lull neck ?
Click to expand...
See my response to Kody's post...
 
#3,957
Killens84 said:
This is the one Lull's shop had been sending with their basses. It's just a long flathead screwdriver, but it's the perfect size.
GrooveTech Standard Truss Rod Driver

Lull's shop recently switched to a 4mm hex key truss rod nut instead of the screwdriver nut. The hex key adjustment is much better than the screwdriver, IMO.
Click to expand...

Geri O said:
The good thing about this particular screwdriver is that the screwdriver part is pretty short and the shank is small and round so it's not likely to damage the edge of the pick guard as the OP has suggested (and I've done once....:banghead: :banghead:).

I can't believe the hoops I had to jump through to search for this screwdriver, but this is the one I ordered and used. It came from Sweetwater. NOT CruzTools, NOT Groovetech, NOT Amazon, and NOT StewMac. Sweetwater. I ordered 3 of them at the time...

Invalid Link Removed. (EDIT: I see where Kody already posted this very link. Good thing I'm staying home today....:roflmao: :roflmao:)

Of course, a few months later, Lull let it be known that they went to a hex key true rod nut. I was hesitant to mention this, but Kody and I were able to buy those newer truss rod nuts and replace the slotted nut with these new ones. MUCH easier to make adjustments. I don't know if Spencer is officially making those hex truss rod nuts available, but the OP might be able to get them if they will contact Spencer. It does require removing the neck to replace the nut. Well, both of mine did. It uses a 4mm hex key. I bought several.....:D

And I have 3 screwdriver tools sitting in a drawer. If anyone wants one of them, message me.
Click to expand...

Thanks guys !
SweetWater will not ship to Europe / France.
But the screwdriver is available at Thomann Germany so I will order it there ;-)

Here are my current Lulls :
BS6A1514-5 by Eneade, sur Flickr

BS6A1515-6 by Eneade, sur Flickr

BS6A3276-6 by Eneade, sur Flickr

BS6A3275-5 by Eneade, sur Flickr
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Warren Bassett, Laklandfan, Eadger and 5 others
#3,958
Eneade said:
Thanks guys !
SweetWater will not ship to Europe / France.
But the screwdriver is available at Thomann Germany so I will order it there ;-)

Here are my current Lulls :
BS6A1514-5 by Eneade, sur Flickr

BS6A1515-6 by Eneade, sur Flickr

BS6A3276-6 by Eneade, sur Flickr

BS6A3275-5 by Eneade, sur Flickr
Click to expand...
Very nice! Having a Mike Lull active 5-string jazz bass and a passive P bass will take care of 99.99% of anything that will ever need to be played on electric bass.
 
  • Like
Reactions: crucislancer, 75Ric, tb-player and 1 other person
#3,959
  • Like
Reactions: Warren Bassett, Zoot H Rollo, 75Ric and 5 others

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back