You're right, the Duncan's gave my Lull a more natural, aggressive sound. I'm excited to get that sound back.
-But I'm also a fan Bartolini's
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The Mike Lull Club
- Thread starter Ron Plichta
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You're right, the Duncan's gave my Lull a more natural, aggressive sound. I'm excited to get that sound back.
-But I'm also a fan Bartolini's
.
Gentlemen, there is cause for celebration tonight! My prodigal Lull has returned to the fold after a year's absence.
A little background is in order. I owned 3 Lulls at one time - my CAR PJ5, a Sunburst M5V and a black ash V5 with maple fingerboard and block inlays. I eventually got the urge to add a Stingray to the arsenal and figured two J-style basses were a bit duplicative, so I sold the V5 since it was passive.
Well about two months after selling the V5 and buying the 'Ray, I realized I made a BIG mistake. I couldn't get really comfortable with the 'Ray and eventually parted with it in favor of an F Bass. It was better, but still lacking to me.
So a few days before before Christmas, I was perusing the TB classifieds and I saw a Lull for sale. Curiosity got the better of me and I clicked on the link. I looked at the photos and thought the Lull looked familiar. Black, maple fingerboard, block inlays, hardshell case. I figured Mike didn't make too many of those and so I sent a PM to the seller since I remembered the serial number. Sure 'nuff. it was my old Lull.
Just by luck, I had some spare cash laying around and promised the wife that I'd sell the F Bass (I was going to anyway). So I sent off the money that night and patiently waited.
Well, today was the big day. The Brown Truck stopped by the house and the bass was inside waiting for me to get home from work. I let it acclimate for a few hours and then opened up the box. Man that brought back memories! It was in the same condition as the day I sold it; it even had the same strings on it!
First order of business was to plug it in and test everything out. All the electronics worked fine and so I went on to the next order of business, which was restringing it. I normally used Lull or Markley strings on it, but this time I opted for Rotosound 66's. So I restrung it, tweaked the truss rod, tuned it up and plugged it in. That was a great moment! All the snap, zing and grunt was there, just like I remembered it. The Rotos even brought out some new sounds once I played with various pickup blends. I'm going to a more thorough setup once the bass and strings settle down.
Needless to say, I'm a happy guy tonight. I'm back to three Lulls. I've tried LOTS of different basses and I always come back to my Lulls. It will take pretty dire circumstances for me to part with any of the three in the future. I got lucky this time.
A little background is in order. I owned 3 Lulls at one time - my CAR PJ5, a Sunburst M5V and a black ash V5 with maple fingerboard and block inlays. I eventually got the urge to add a Stingray to the arsenal and figured two J-style basses were a bit duplicative, so I sold the V5 since it was passive.
Well about two months after selling the V5 and buying the 'Ray, I realized I made a BIG mistake. I couldn't get really comfortable with the 'Ray and eventually parted with it in favor of an F Bass. It was better, but still lacking to me.
So a few days before before Christmas, I was perusing the TB classifieds and I saw a Lull for sale. Curiosity got the better of me and I clicked on the link. I looked at the photos and thought the Lull looked familiar. Black, maple fingerboard, block inlays, hardshell case. I figured Mike didn't make too many of those and so I sent a PM to the seller since I remembered the serial number. Sure 'nuff. it was my old Lull.
Just by luck, I had some spare cash laying around and promised the wife that I'd sell the F Bass (I was going to anyway). So I sent off the money that night and patiently waited.
Well, today was the big day. The Brown Truck stopped by the house and the bass was inside waiting for me to get home from work. I let it acclimate for a few hours and then opened up the box. Man that brought back memories! It was in the same condition as the day I sold it; it even had the same strings on it!
First order of business was to plug it in and test everything out. All the electronics worked fine and so I went on to the next order of business, which was restringing it. I normally used Lull or Markley strings on it, but this time I opted for Rotosound 66's. So I restrung it, tweaked the truss rod, tuned it up and plugged it in. That was a great moment! All the snap, zing and grunt was there, just like I remembered it. The Rotos even brought out some new sounds once I played with various pickup blends. I'm going to a more thorough setup once the bass and strings settle down.
Needless to say, I'm a happy guy tonight. I'm back to three Lulls. I've tried LOTS of different basses and I always come back to my Lulls. It will take pretty dire circumstances for me to part with any of the three in the future. I got lucky this time.
That's awesome Ron, sound like a happy reunion. I love the look of that Geddy bass, add a black pickguard and it's heaven (for me).
I'm trying to add a 2nd Lull to my stable (which is only 1 bass at the present time) but I think practicality may get the best of me... We'll see what I do or think of in a few days.
My M5V is really the only bass I need, but I don't know if it's GAS or what but I keep thinking that I need a backup in case it's ever out of commission for some reason... Am I overreacting or overthinking???
I'm trying to add a 2nd Lull to my stable (which is only 1 bass at the present time) but I think practicality may get the best of me... We'll see what I do or think of in a few days.
My M5V is really the only bass I need, but I don't know if it's GAS or what but I keep thinking that I need a backup in case it's ever out of commission for some reason... Am I overreacting or overthinking???
It's always good to have a backup. Things have a way of dying at the wrong time and it's always good to have something on reserve.
I'm really happy for you too Ron!!
A bass reunion is a wonderful thing. I've had one myself with a bass (that I have since sold).
I can also relate to having "2nd Lull GAS". I'm trying NOT to talk myself into that!
A bass reunion is a wonderful thing. I've had one myself with a bass (that I have since sold).
I can also relate to having "2nd Lull GAS". I'm trying NOT to talk myself into that!
The M5 I had on hold was the black quilt top in the classifieds - $1300 shipped.
TB'er Robboy has been very gracious in holding it for me for a couple weeks now (maybe more) but I guess I just ran out of time coming up with the funds.
It sucks because I want that bass, but at least I don't have to get into debt. My M5V will have just to do (stay in good working order) till I can score a backup.
TB'er Robboy has been very gracious in holding it for me for a couple weeks now (maybe more) but I guess I just ran out of time coming up with the funds.
It sucks because I want that bass, but at least I don't have to get into debt. My M5V will have just to do (stay in good working order) till I can score a backup.
TimothyGroovy
Commercial User
- Aug 3, 2000
- 2,374
- 2,097
- Disclosures
- Owner: Uni•Sound Endorsing Artist: Sadowsky Guitars, Olinto Bass, LaBella Strings
Nothing close to huge news, but I swapped out the Cloverleaf Ultralites on my M5 for Y-key Ultralites. As I said, nothing big but I think the Modern 5s (and 4XLs, which have been growing on me and I may pick one up at some point) look... sleeker with the Y-keys. Then again, I still have Cloverleafs on my M4, which as a much more traditional-looking 4-string Jazz Bass works better old-school.
Sure, it's vanity... but they're my babies. I'm also most likely going to send them in for a PLEKing now that the price has dropped even more ($125 vs $150 a few months ago) and now included a setup. Even with shipping I'd rather send them off to their creator for the PLEKing/setup than someone closer but less familar.
Sure, it's vanity... but they're my babies. I'm also most likely going to send them in for a PLEKing now that the price has dropped even more ($125 vs $150 a few months ago) and now included a setup. Even with shipping I'd rather send them off to their creator for the PLEKing/setup than someone closer but less familar.
I guess I stole YCBass' thunder, sorry about that. I just reacted to seeing that bass available for the price, seemed like a great deal, and since seeing Timothy's bass, I have been lusting for one exactly like it.
I have a question though. I'm not real familiar with these basses, other then their rep on these boards. When I go to the Lull site, it shows all the different jazz models with the traditional vol/tone plate where the knobs are aligned in single file. the pics for the bass I purchased show the knobs in a diamond or square pattern, with no control plate. Are there any pictures of basses in this arrangement on his site?
Maybe I can join this club when it arrives and I have pics to prove it.
I have a question though. I'm not real familiar with these basses, other then their rep on these boards. When I go to the Lull site, it shows all the different jazz models with the traditional vol/tone plate where the knobs are aligned in single file. the pics for the bass I purchased show the knobs in a diamond or square pattern, with no control plate. Are there any pictures of basses in this arrangement on his site?
Maybe I can join this club when it arrives and I have pics to prove it.
I don't have a Lull, but his work is Awesome. I was in his shop recently (last weekend) and he had some VERRRRY Interesting bodies with necks hanging from the rack in the back...they were being prepared for NAMM.
If you are partial to the Gibson Thunderbird you should definitely keep your ear to the ground
If you are partial to the Gibson Thunderbird you should definitely keep your ear to the ground
I guess I stole YCBass' thunder, sorry about that. I just reacted to seeing that bass available for the price, seemed like a great deal, and since seeing Timothy's bass, I have been lusting for one exactly like it.
I have a question though. I'm not real familiar with these basses, other then their rep on these boards. When I go to the Lull site, it shows all the different jazz models with the traditional vol/tone plate where the knobs are aligned in single file. the pics for the bass I purchased show the knobs in a diamond or square pattern, with no control plate. Are there any pictures of basses in this arrangement on his site?
Maybe I can join this club when it arrives and I have pics to prove it.
No worries Bro... That was a smokin' deal and I tried my hardest to swing it. If it somehow doesn't work out for you, I call dibs, k? Seriously, I'm ready for it now, hahaha.
As to your knob pattern question... The bass you bought is a 2000 model according to Roger at the shop, the M5 has since been updated - knob pattern, body shape (shorter lower horn) - those are the 2 main differences I noticed. I actually prefer the older model that's why I went after that one.
For me, the knob placement on your bass was a slight concern cause I am addicted to palm muting and the Garrison-esque technique - practicing that a lot - and I was concerned that the volume knob would get in my way.
Have fun with the bass man... I'm sure you'll love it.
TimothyGroovy
Commercial User
- Aug 3, 2000
- 2,374
- 2,097
- Disclosures
- Owner: Uni•Sound Endorsing Artist: Sadowsky Guitars, Olinto Bass, LaBella Strings
Mike Lull Introduces the new T-Bass!
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Mahogany body with Raised Center Section
Graphite Reinforced Mahagany neck
Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard
Contoured Neck Heal
34" Scale length
21 frets
12" radius fingerboard
1 -1/2" nut width
Bone nut
Custom Chrome Tailpiece and Bridge
Polished Stainless Steel Saddles
Hipshot Ultralite tuners
Vintage style pick-guard
Custom Mike Lull T-Bass pickups
Options: Hipshot D-Tuner
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Mahogany body with Raised Center Section
Graphite Reinforced Mahagany neck
Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard
Contoured Neck Heal
34" Scale length
21 frets
12" radius fingerboard
1 -1/2" nut width
Bone nut
Custom Chrome Tailpiece and Bridge
Polished Stainless Steel Saddles
Hipshot Ultralite tuners
Vintage style pick-guard
Custom Mike Lull T-Bass pickups
Options: Hipshot D-Tuner
- Mar 13, 2008
- 18,908
- 142,368
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist Mike Lull T Bass pickups, The Bass Shop, Seattle WA.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=504842
The shot of the single pick up body is my bass....Its the #1
production piece after the two prototypes shown in the thread. Look closely and you'll see two different pickguard colors, the black one has a pre amp as well.
The shot of the single pick up body is my bass....Its the #1
production piece after the two prototypes shown in the thread. Look closely and you'll see two different pickguard colors, the black one has a pre amp as well.
No worries Bro... That was a smokin' deal and I tried my hardest to swing it. If it somehow doesn't work out for you, I call dibs, k? Seriously, I'm ready for it now, hahaha.
As to your knob pattern question... The bass you bought is a 2000 model according to Roger at the shop, the M5 has since been updated - knob pattern, body shape (shorter lower horn) - those are the 2 main differences I noticed. I actually prefer the older model that's why I went after that one.
For me, the knob placement on your bass was a slight concern cause I am addicted to palm muting and the Garrison-esque technique - practicing that a lot - and I was concerned that the volume knob would get in my way.
Have fun with the bass man... I'm sure you'll love it.
Thanks for the info, I didn't realize the bass was that old, doesn't really matter I suppose. If I ever decide to sell I'll contact you first.
I actually ended up buying FishTx' M5V that was in the classifieds right before christmas. I "needed" another Lull, as the only bass that I ever regret selling was an old M5 that ended up getting damaged in transit (stupid UPS!). Thankfully, this one sounds tonally pretty close to the old one (same electronics), and has the same perfect broken-in feel and playability. Woohoo!
Things have a way of working out I'm sure... That bass is hot. My fav look for a J and black hardware to top it off - wow!
- Oct 17, 2006
- 731
- 21
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Aguilar Amplification, Dunlop/MXR
Sooooo.......I played a Mike Lull for the first time at NAMM today and all I have to say is Wowow! Those basses are off the hook.
Basseroni (love that name!), glad you had a chance to try one out. They are great basses.
I have had my Lull at the shop for about 2 weeks now.
I had a new neck built for my bass (that took about 4 weeks), and I am trying to resolve a grounding problem in the electronics.
It seems if you mix the Lull Duncan pickups with an Audere preamp you get a VERY LOUD pop if the strings hit the poll pieces on the pickups. My luthier has been trying to find the root issue.
I love my Lull...but it's spent more time being fixed or rebuilt than played!
I have had my Lull at the shop for about 2 weeks now.
I had a new neck built for my bass (that took about 4 weeks), and I am trying to resolve a grounding problem in the electronics. It seems if you mix the Lull Duncan pickups with an Audere preamp you get a VERY LOUD pop if the strings hit the poll pieces on the pickups. My luthier has been trying to find the root issue.
I love my Lull...but it's spent more time being fixed or rebuilt than played!
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