The Mike Lull Club Part 4

[EricOnTheBass]

Im thinking of ordering a P5/PJ5. For those of you that have played both, do you find that the J pickup affects the tone of the P pickup when the P is soloed? I could use the bridge pickup for additional tonal options, but I wouldn't want to compromise the P sound. I think I read somewhere that the J pickup in a PJ set changes the overall impedance even when it's turned to zero.

 

[macribas]

Im thinking of ordering a P5/PJ5. For those of you that have played both, do you find that the J pickup affects the tone of the P pickup when the P is soloed? I could use the bridge pickup for additional tonal options, but I wouldn't want to compromise the P sound. I think I read somewhere that the J pickup in a PJ set changes the overall impedance even when it's turned to zero.

I had both a Lull PJ5 and a Lull P5, kept just the P5, liked the tone better. The PJ5 was less clear, even with just the P on. They were both chambered swamp ash. Fingerboard was maple on the PJ5 and rosewood on the P5.

 

[EricOnTheBass]

I had both a Lull PJ5 and a Lull P5, kept just the P5, liked the tone better. The PJ5 was less clear, even with just the P on. They were both chambered swamp ash. Fingerboard was maple on the PJ5 and rosewood on the P5.

Thanks for the feedback. I think I'll just go for a P5 then. I'll have my M5V if I want that bridge pickup tone…

 

[macribas]

Thanks for the feedback. I think I'll just go for a P5 then. I'll have my M5V if I want that bridge pickup tone…

Smart choice!

 

[75Ric]

Im thinking of ordering a P5/PJ5. For those of you that have played both, do you find that the J pickup affects the tone of the P pickup when the P is soloed? I could use the bridge pickup for additional tonal options, but I wouldn't want to compromise the P sound. I think I read somewhere that the J pickup in a PJ set changes the overall impedance even when it's turned to zero.

You might talk with Spencer about this. He is very approachable and a very nice guy who would be interested in helping you make the best decision for you - at least that is my experience with him.

 

[nonohmic]

Im thinking of ordering a P5/PJ5. For those of you that have played both, do you find that the J pickup affects the tone of the P pickup when the P is soloed? I could use the bridge pickup for additional tonal options, but I wouldn't want to compromise the P sound. I think I read somewhere that the J pickup in a PJ set changes the overall impedance even when it's turned to zero.

P5 is way cooler than a PJ5.

 

[Holdsg]

I have Js and Ps. no P/Js for me, thanks. I've tried and tried. And my Lull is a P5.

 

[Gogoplata1980]

Guys, I'm currently trying to sell or trade (preference) my Lull PJ4, so if you all could stop dumping on it, that'd be great.

 

[Gogoplata1980]

Alright one of y'all have to have an M4V or a JT4 that you like but don't quite love and want to trade it for my PJ4 that you do love.

 

[chris_b]

My Lull PJ5, with the Duncan pickups, a set of TI flats and a lump of foam, is a monster. I love it and so do all my bands. Sometimes I turn the J off other times I run both pickups. IMO it's unbeatable either way.

 

[projectapollo]

String advice for a 35" Lull P5: I currently have it strung with 45-128 hex core rounds. The tension is a little high for me and it plays like the strings are higher than they are. I'm going to experiment and go the other direction with DR Pure Blues round core 40-120 - the round core and thinner strings will both lower tension. Any "just right" string suggestions for the 35" Lull?

 

[projectapollo]

My Lull PJ5, with the Duncan pickups, a set of TI flats and a lump of foam, is a monster. I love it and so do all my bands. Sometimes I turn the J off other times I run both pickups. IMO it's unbeatable either way.

Is your Lull 35"? How does the TI B string work for you? I'm thinking about TI Flats on my 35" Lull P5. But they are quite expensive to experiment with.

 

[Gogoplata1980]

My Lull PJ5, with the Duncan pickups, a set of TI flats and a lump of foam, is a monster. I love it and so do all my bands. Sometimes I turn the J off other times I run both pickups. IMO it's unbeatable either way.

I absolutely agree., It's a fantastic bass and I have zero issues with it. I wouldn't be trying to move it if not for trying for a few other items. I have thought about putting my Custom Shop P up instead but I love it too (even though the Lull is clearly built better and is way lighter).

 

[jebmd]

For 35" Scale Spencer uses the D'adario NYXL Super Longs which I like and i also use the DR Fodera nickels but the B is too short to string through the body. Both produce a very articulate B when set up correctly.

 

[EricOnTheBass]

I'm a fan of the NYXL strings on my M5V. I've started putting them on my other basses as well, I think they strike a good balance of warmth and sparkle.

 

[projectapollo]

For 35" Scale Spencer uses the D'adario NYXL Super Longs which I like and i also use the DR Fodera nickels but the B is too short to string through the body. Both produce a very articulate B when set up correctly.

I'm a fan of the NYXL strings on my M5V. I've started putting them on my other basses as well, I think they strike a good balance of warmth and sparkle.

The NYXLs are my favorite string and I had that set on this P5 a few months ago, but they are hex core, work great on my 34" P bass, but are pretty tight and not flexible at 35". I'm talking feel and playability, here, not tone. Just curious if anyone has tried lighter gauge round cores.

 

[chris_b]

Is your Lull 35"? How does the TI B string work for you? I'm thinking about TI Flats on my 35" Lull P5. But they are quite expensive to experiment with.

Yes it's 35". The B has no issues at all. The bass is passive which I like. I believe the Duncan pickups are a direct copy of Mike Lull's 63 Precision, and they sound great. I love the old Precision and flats thump. The TI's give me that with more clarity and definition.

 

[Holdsg]

I like NYXLs and DR Pure Blues (for rounds)

 

[gotly]

Part of a longer thread but I figured I'd cross-post my Mike Lull story here.


In January 2020, I was in Mike Lull's shop getting the Mustang set up in anticipation for an album release and shows with the originals band. While I was there I was mentioning the balance. Mike pointed me into his show room and encouraged me to pull an orange bass of the wall and try it. It was short scale and perfectly balanced. It felt amazing in my hands. I didn't realize there was a Mike Lull short scale, it was a pretty new addition. My Mike Lull is unique in that the holes in the back are filled in due to being drilled in the wrong location. He gave me a hefty discount for the "defect" and I ended up buying the bass, but asked if they would re-paint it. I paid for the instrument, walked out of Mike's shop. That was the last time I talked with Mike, he passed away Feb 12 2020. I picked up the bass in Surf Green later that July from Spencer Lull who had taken over the shop.

(P430 hanging in Mike's shop, pre paint job)

(P430 perfectly balanced at a show)

 

[ExaltBass]