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The Mike Lull Club Part 4

#1,161
Well now that I've had the P4 for a few days, I can say that I really think it's a keeper. It honestly took me a few days to get used to it in some respects. Dredmahakus pointed out to me that the "weak" E string may just be my perception due to the fact that the pickups are more even sounding than I'm used to, and I think he's right. I no longer feel like something is out of balance. I'm also realizing that technique wise, this bass is unforgiving. If I get sloppy with my right hand, she barks at me...but that's a good thing. Every P bass I've ever had, I've always tried to get some growl and some fret buzz at times if I really dug in, and I felt like it was a struggle. No struggle here, but that also means I have to pay attention a bit more to what I'm doing.

I'm still loving the tone control. Wide open or about 90% closed, I love every bit of its range.

I may just be a guy who hacks away at home, but damnit I'm a picky hacker, and I'm becoming more and more satisfied with the purchase.

I actually wrote Mike regarding the dead spots (which I barely notice when I play, only when I stop to analyze the fact that it's there) and he just repeated what I thought: They're a fact of life. But with this bass, I just don't care. It's all good :)
 
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#1,162
I have no idea if my Lull PJ5 has dead spots. I've not looked for them and if they are there they don't notice or matter.

+1 on the unforgiving nature. Fudge a note or line and the whole world will know all about it.

This bass is a step beyond all the instruments I've owned up to now and it's the first that has made me feel like I was the junior partner. It makes me up my game every time we go out.
 
#1,163
On Dead Spots
Anyone here fans of Marcus Miller (I'm going to take a safe guess and say yes...)
Well He bass main has a couple of them...So my question is...Has anyone ever heard the dead spot tones on his recordings :unsure:?
Probably not...It has not come to my attention.

My point is...Yes its the nature of the beast.
Yes headless bass are less prone to them...But I rather have a headstock.
 
#1,164
TonyP- said:
On Dead Spots
Anyone here fans of Marcus Miller (I'm going to take a safe guess and say yes...)
Well He bass main has a couple of them...So my question is...Has anyone ever heard the dead spot tones on his recordings :unsure:?
Probably not...It has not come to my attention.

My point is...Yes its the nature of the beast.
Yes headless bass are less prone to them...But I rather have a headstock.
Click to expand...

Probably the best example of a dead spot. When he hits that high C (I believe the note is).

Though, he's using a foam mute. There is no hiding a dead spot with a foam mute. That's actually how I definitely confirm one.

 
#1,165
fourstringdrums said:
Probably the best example of a dead spot. When he hits that high C (I believe the note is).

Though, he's using a foam mute. There is no hiding a dead spot with a foam mute. That's actually how I definitely confirm one.

Click to expand...

Yes it's there but I've listened to that song many, MANY times (I even sang a karaoke version) and have NEVER noticed (or even known) it was there. A bassist with good ears (and headphones) may be able to pull it out of the mix but Joe Public would never know (or care). "Dead Spots" are IMO just another example of bassists navel gazing.
 
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#1,167
mark beem said:
Yes it's there but I've listened to that song many, MANY times (I even sang a karaoke version) and have NEVER noticed (or even known) it was there. A bassist with good ears (and headphones) may be able to pull it out of the mix but Joe Public would never know (or care). "Dead Spots" are IMO just another example of bassists navel gazing.
Click to expand...

I only started noticing them on my own basses when I got my G&L LB-100 back from being rebuilt. I went over this bass with a fine tooth comb because the first one was such a mess. Actually the dead spot on that bass was pretty bad, so I noticed it. But that wised me to their existence and now I look for them on every bass I have.

I want to be naive again...
 
#1,176
ISnt this messed up....I didnt pick up my V4 for like a week....I been messing with that new PB4 carvin....so I put that back in the case and got the good ole V4 out and it didnt sound right! the notes which are usually bliss sounded off! even though it was in tune....it still had a little zing but just sounded like a bad bass sounds!
I changed the strings to the another of the same kind Fodera stainless and now it sounds fine again! weird huh??? they didnt go dead but lost their musicalness?
 
#1,177
So my truss rod wrenches from StewMac came in.

This one is fantastic, though given the design I'm still afraid of stripping the nut. I'll have to get over that.

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This one doesn't work with Mike's design because the channel is too deep with the fretboard overhang. The wrench can't reach it. It would be more useful on a Fender vintage truss rod design.

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#1,179
Dave W said:
I gotta say, I'm not a fan of the truss rod design on these. The previous owner basically destroyed my M4V's nut from using the wrong tool. Just yesterday I contacted Lull to see about getting a replacement.

I really wish they had a wheel instead.
Click to expand...

I wonder what tool they used. A wide blade flat screw driver should be enough. Unless they used a Phillips which he says not to do.

I like the wheel as well. Those should be standard.

Let us know how he handles the replacement.
 
#1,180
fourstringdrums said:
I wonder what tool they used. A wide blade flat screw driver should be enough. Unless they used a Phillips which he says not to do.

I like the wheel as well. Those should be standard.

Let us know how he handles the replacement.
Click to expand...

I'm sure they just used a regular #2 flat head screwdriver. Maybe destroyed is the wrong word to use but it's definitely on it's way to being stripped which is a big pet peeve of mine.
 

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