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Author
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Topic: Mullen Tone & Sustain Mod
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Billy Henderson
Member From: Portland, AR, USA
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posted 30 August 2006 06:09 PM
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I have a Mullen 12 String Universal (SD 12)I was happy with except I thought it was lacking in tone and sustain. Someone gave me Tommy Young's name and said he had come up with a Tone and Sustain Mod for Mullens guitars. I talked to a guy (a real player)who had Tommy mod his steel and he said flat out the Mod is for real. That was good enough for me, I sent mine to Tommy and got it back today. I am no pro but I am amazed at the tone and sustain my Mullens has now. First thing I did was to pluck the 12th string, WOW! I knew I had a new guitar! From the 1st fret, any string or grip, all the way to the last the sound just filled the room and sustain with a capital "S" and stayed in tune all the way! I have a '72 PP and this Mullen 12 string is awful close to it. I might add I play through a Nashville 400 and a Profex 2 on the John Hughey setting (U17) Yep, I Like my Mullen! Tommy Young lives in Mississippi, anyone interested in checking into the Mod contact Tommy at 662 328 9511 or Email TYoung52@Yahoo.com |
Jim Harper
Member From: Comanche, Oklahoma, USA
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posted 30 August 2006 06:34 PM
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That is great new,s Billy. Now you bring your guitar and come to our next meeting in Sept up here by Okla City. We would all be proud to see you. We are proud for you and know you are proud of your Mullen,s==Jim Harper |
Dale Stacy
Member From: Pontotoc, Ms. U.S.A.
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posted 30 August 2006 06:53 PM
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Billy I am the person that told you about the tone and sustain modification. Tommy has fixed 3 guitars for me. Not only does he make the guitar sound as close to the push\pull as anything I've ever heard but he fixed the guitars to where all stay in tune like never before. I honestly cannot say enough for what he really does for the guitar. Anyone who happens to read this will probably say that is just too good to be true but the guitar speaks for itself.
Billy just wait until some of your buddies hear the guitar. I think this is just the begining of the good things folks are going to be saying when they hear and experience this. If anyone out there plays a Mullen and wants some real improvements just give me a call and I will be glad to give more info.
By the way, you can reach Tommy at this phone # 662-251-0948
Glad I could help you Billy in making the decision to do the modifications.
Dale |
Al Moss
Member From: Kent,OH,USA
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posted 31 August 2006 07:22 AM
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Without revealing any trade secrets of the mod, in general terms, what's going on? I have two Mullens and have had no issues with either their tone or sustain. But, who knows, if there's improvements, innovations and such, I'd sure like to know about 'em. |
Jack Stoner
Sysop From: Inverness, Florida
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posted 31 August 2006 07:36 AM
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I have a friend with an RP and a Herby Wallace model. The Herby Wallace model has much better tone and sustain. I wonder if it's along those same lines. |
pdl20
Member From: Benton, Ar . USA,
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posted 31 August 2006 09:50 AM
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You need to tell Del so he can make a production change if its that good.just a thought |
Mike Vallandigham
Member From: Concord, CA
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posted 31 August 2006 12:50 PM
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What a tease. I'd also really like to know how to increase tone and sustain on my Mullen...
But I'm sure not gonna send it to Mississippi to get it done 
It's so far!
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Bill Mayville
Member From: N. Las Vegas, NV, USA
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posted 31 August 2006 02:12 PM
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To Jack Stoner
With all respect to you and Herbie, I think the write up,that allows Herbie to say that his Model is better because of the sound and sustain is Bull ----.If that is true then myself and a lot others are getting ripped off.The amount we paid for the RP was pretty heavy.Great guitar.But every time I read where his Model is better I feel ripped off.
What about it Mike????? Where do the owners of RP models stand??Bill Mayville |
Mike Vallandigham
Member From: Concord, CA
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posted 31 August 2006 02:24 PM
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I dunno. I think my RP sounds great (but not as great as my '75 PP) I also hear alot that the HWP model is all that. I have to believe that it is a matter of preference. Things I know are different are:
1. thickness of the body boards are different
2. absence of the center support on the RP (I think this is to facilitate removal and installation of cross rods.)
that's all I know of. I think the changer is a bit differrent.I cant imagine that the folks at Mullen would make a design change making the guitar worse in tone, sustain, playability, or ease of maintenance. I bought a Mullen because I thought (and still think) that it is tops in those catagories I just listed. It's such a nice guitar, but if it sounded like my PP, I'd sell everything. FYI, I have truetones on it. I'm REALLY interested to see the advances they're supposed to be coming out with soon (G4 I think) to recap, I LOVE my Mullen RP, but goddamnit, I want to know how to make it better if it can be done. TEASE![This message was edited by Mike Vallandigham on 31 August 2006 at 02:25 PM.] |
Jack Stoner
Sysop From: Inverness, Florida
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posted 31 August 2006 02:39 PM
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I have no axe to grind with Mullen. Just reporting on my experiences playing the friends two Mullens. Of course I think my Franklin is better  |
Bill Mayville
Member From: N. Las Vegas, NV, USA
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posted 31 August 2006 03:53 PM
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Hi Mike
You and I are still happy campers.I wrote you about the different pickup's that change that guitar's sound ,to be not to shrill.
I actually was refering to Mike at Mullens.
He has the answers,and usually good ones.Bill Mayville |
Mike Vallandigham
Member From: Concord, CA
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posted 31 August 2006 04:09 PM
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Dang, too many MikesDid you ever change out those PUPs?
I think my TTs sound pretty good. |
Dale Stacy
Member From: Pontotoc, Ms. U.S.A.
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posted 31 August 2006 05:28 PM
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Just read the comments made concerning the new modifications on the Mullen guitar, and thought I would follow up with A little info.
I have had the modifications performed on 2 pre-royals (like Hwp) and one royal precision. The results were the same. The shrill sound is totally gone and I now can play at any fret on the guitar.(no gadgets or tricks) It has added much body to the guitar not to mention the tone and sustain.
One process of the Mod is much improvement in the guitar staying in tune.(for more info on just this subject let me know)
If you like the push/pull sound and tone, this is definitely for you.
I could say much more about other improvments I've experienced with this mod but it would be hard to explain.It's one of those things you just have to experience from playing and knowing your instrument.
I'm trying not to come on too strong when I make these comments but I when it's the truth it's the plain truth. I won't back up .
I have to say and admit in all honesty, if I had not seen and heard what I have experienced, I would probably do like many of you reading this, just ignore it and go on. Folks, it's the real deal .
Last of all , I would like to say that Mullen Guitars are great instruments and the folks who build them are equally great. I have no axe to grind with them. They are my friends. Should anyone like to ask me any questions I would be more than happy to answer them.
Dale |
Lee Baucum
Member From: McAllen, Texas (Extreme South) - The Final Frontier
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posted 31 August 2006 05:59 PM
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So, can this "mod" be installed by the guitar owner, or does the guitar need to be shipped to Tommy Young for installation. Is it reversable/removable? |
Calvin Walley
Member From: colorado city colorado, USA
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posted 31 August 2006 08:17 PM
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does this mean that there is something wrong with all the Mullen's out there ??
were we cheated ??
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Mullen SD-10 3&5 / nashville 400 |
Lee Baucum
Member From: McAllen, Texas (Extreme South) - The Final Frontier
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posted 31 August 2006 08:33 PM
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Calvin said: quote:
does this mean that there is something wrong with all the Mullen's out there ??
were we cheated ??
Calvin, I do hope you are joking. I don't think the good folks at Mullen are out to cheat anybody. At what point in time did Mullen guitars start sounding "shrill"? Did I miss something over the years? ------------------
Lee, from South Texas
Down On The Rio Grande Mullen U-12, Excel 8-string Frypan, Evans FET-500, Fender Steel King |
Kevin Hatton
Member From: Amherst, N.Y.
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posted 31 August 2006 08:39 PM
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I've never heard a shrill sounding Mullen. I've owned two of them. In fact in my opion they are just the opposite. |
Paddy Long
Member From: Christchurch, New Zealand
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posted 31 August 2006 08:41 PM
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So are you saying that in order for a Mullen to have good sustain and tone - it needs this mod? |
John Bresler
Member From: Medford, Oregon
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posted 01 September 2006 08:04 AM
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Attending a Steel Guitar Jam in Denver is what switched me to a Mullen. There were both Pre and Precision's there and I just liked the tone of the Mullen. I have had many a person tell me the tone of my U-12 is awsome.Could someone post an mp3 of before and after the mod? My parents were from Missouri and I must have inhereted a "Show Me" attitude. 
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Calvin Walley
Member From: colorado city colorado, USA
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posted 01 September 2006 09:21 AM
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yea Lee, i was joking , i know that there is nothing wrong with all the Mullens out there
is it just me or did all the folks telling us how great this so called "mod" is suddenly go silent when we started asking questions , i'm with Bill , i'm sick of hearing Herb tell us that the steel with his name one it sounds better that any other Mullen ...Bull
when i got ready to move up to a pro model there was a reason why i picked Mullen...the sound and sustain ain't nobody monkeying around with mine ------------------
Mullen SD-10 3&5 / nashville 400 [This message was edited by Calvin Walley on 01 September 2006 at 09:22 AM.]
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Charlie Moore
Member From: Deville, Louisiana, USA
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posted 01 September 2006 10:36 AM
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Guy's i'm sorry but if you don't have the hands all the mod's in the world won't help,mullen is a fine guitar any way you cut it,i play a zum but love mullen...sorry but true....Charlie.... |
Eddie D.Bollinger
Member From: Calhoun City, Mississippi
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posted 01 September 2006 11:10 AM
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Now, let's just back up a minute and talk a bout the person doing the work here. I have known Tommy Young for several years and I can tell you he is a straight-up guy.
The questions and comments have been about the Mullen Guitars exclusively and
I think that they are great guitars made
by quality people. But my story about Tommy
involves a 1998 Pre-BCT Carter. I was having the issues that Dale Stacy talked about. My sound was thin and piercing at the
time. Playing above the 15th fret was out of the question. Tommy tweaked my guitar
and now I am not taking peoples heads off with a piercing tone. Guys, please don't take offense to the
statements above. Old Tommy believes there are adjustments that can be made to ANY
guitar that would enhance the tone, even it is a minimal difference. Tommy does quality
work at a fair price and he is not out
to demean anyone or their instrument(s).
I sent my guitar to him willingly and
I was so pleased with it when he returned it. I trust him enough that even if I got
a brand new guitar of ANY kind, I would go to him to see if the guitar was reaching its full potential.
I am telling you guys that worry about your tone not to become defensive. That will
not help your tone. But talking to Tommy sure might.
Eddie
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Mike Vallandigham
Member From: Concord, CA
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posted 01 September 2006 11:19 AM
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I dont know why Charlie had to come in here and badmouth the ability of the players commenting on this thread...hummm.We were simply talking about mods that could get the best out of our already great guitars. I'd still like to know what these mods consist of...again, where the heck did the folks that started this thread go?[This message was edited by Mike Vallandigham on 01 September 2006 at 11:20 AM.] |
Joe Smith
Member From: Charlotte, NC, USA
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posted 01 September 2006 01:07 PM
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Well, guys I have been reading all this stuff about Mullen guitars and I would like to add my 2 cents worth. First of all, I have a Mullen RP. When I first got it from Bobbe Seymore about 5 years ago I thought it sounded a little thin. Bobbe told me to change the pick ups to the George L 10-1s. I did and it brought my Mullen to life. I have compared my RP to the HWP and my RP has a much fatter fuller sound than the HWP with the stock Mullen pickups. As far as sustain, I have never had a problem with sustain. |
Donny Hinson
Member From: Balto., Md. U.S.A.
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posted 01 September 2006 01:38 PM
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IMHO, as far as sound goes, there's no "better"...there's only "different". What seems an improvement to some might be pretty "ho-hum" to others. We're not all looking fo the same thing as far as sound goes, and if you pay attention at all, neither are the pros. Play what you like, and use whatever works for you. But don't gloat too much, there's always someone who plays something different...and sounds a lot better.
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Joe Smith
Member From: Charlotte, NC, USA
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posted 01 September 2006 01:42 PM
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Well put Donny. |
Malcolm McMaster
Member From: Beith Ayrshire Scotland
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posted 01 September 2006 02:12 PM
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I have a pre RP, fitted with Tommy White pickups, and all I can say is it as good as it gets.I would be interested to know what the mod is, and being over in Scotland 1 can it be fitted or altered by anyone or does it have to be sent to be altered? 2 what is cost? 3 if it does enhance sound ,why arn't Mullen doing it, or perhaps they are with the new G2 model?------------------
 Mullen D10,Peavey Nashville 400,Peavey Profex, Peavey DPC 750, Nashville cabs |
Billy Henderson
Member From: Portland, AR, USA
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posted 01 September 2006 02:36 PM
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When I started this thread I did not intend to sound too boastful or come across in a gloating way. I will say though my Mullen is a better guitar after the "mod", same amp setting, same profex setting. The sound just fills the room and the sustain is so much better and the tone is there. As someone used to say "no brag just fact".
I'll stand on that. |
Mike Vallandigham
Member From: Concord, CA
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posted 01 September 2006 02:55 PM
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But you wont tell us what thge Mod is?
I understand protecting your friend Tommy's info, but how bout just the jist? |
Lee Baucum
Member From: McAllen, Texas (Extreme South) - The Final Frontier
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posted 01 September 2006 02:58 PM
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quote:
no brag just fact
Walter Brennan - The Guns of Will Sonnett |
Charlie Moore
Member From: Deville, Louisiana, USA
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posted 01 September 2006 06:17 PM
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Mike,i was NOT bad mouthing anybody,i just made a true statement,i've been playing steel 28 years so i'm seasoned at the inst.but i have seen guys that buy all these crutches when if you work on your hands the tone will come not for some but for some,i've seen guys make a push pull sound bad..not a bad mouth just fact...Charlie... |
Billy Henderson
Member From: Portland, AR, USA
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posted 01 September 2006 07:36 PM
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Charlie I guess you meant that for me. I do make a pp sound bad. |
Brint Hannay
Member From: Maryland, USA
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posted 01 September 2006 07:54 PM
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Hey mod advocates: Why should anyone take your word about the wonders of this mystery mod if you won't even give us an inkling of what sort of change it consists of? "Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain". I think it's safe to say there are a number of players who are quite happy with their Mullens as they are. Why shouldn't they be? What could be improved, i.e. WHAT'S THE BLANKETY-BLANK MOD?????? |
Lee Baucum
Member From: McAllen, Texas (Extreme South) - The Final Frontier
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posted 01 September 2006 08:39 PM
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Both Tommy Young and Dale Stacy emailed me a couple of days ago. They are both at the convention and probably don't have access to the Forum. Give them a few days to reply. Tommy told me a little bit about his "mod". I'll let him tell you about it. I don't like passing on emails without permission.------------------
Lee, from South Texas
Down On The Rio Grande Mullen U-12, Excel 8-string Frypan, Evans FET-500, Fender Steel King |
Brint Hannay
Member From: Maryland, USA
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posted 02 September 2006 06:51 AM
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My questions are:A. Are you suggesting that Mullen in particular among all the brands out there is deficient in tone and sustain?
OR
B. Are you saying that there's something in the way Mullens in particular are constructed that makes this mod possible? C. If either A or B, are you saying this applies to older, HWP, or RP Mullens, or all the above?
OR
D. Is this a mod that applies to all brands, and it just happens that the example you cite is a Mullen? If so, it seems unfair to the Mullen company to post it as a MULLEN mod, making potential Mullen buyers have doubt about the desirability of Mullen guitars. |
Ernest Cawby
Member From: Lake City, Florida, USA
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posted 02 September 2006 05:40 PM
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What Jack Stoner said, Larry's HW Mullen sounds so great in his hands or anothers, it sure sounds good, can't argue with what you hear. Larry has one of each he plays the HW, what does that say from the guy that owns them.ernie |
Curt Langston
Member From: ***In the shadows of Tulsa at Bixby, USA***
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posted 02 September 2006 06:12 PM
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quote:
"Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain".
Good one! Seriously, HOW DOES THE MOD WORK?? |
tommy young
Member From: columbus,ms. usa
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posted 03 September 2006 07:11 PM
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Gentlemen,Gentlemen...
As you can see, some people do like to start inferior questions as to what Mr. Henderson and Mr. Stacy has stated. The modifications that I do to the Mullen guitar, both HWP and Royal Precision, has to be done by me personally, as this is neither a trick nor gimmick. The modifications are made to the guitar as a sustain and tone, as some people like and desire their guitar to have a different tone and sustain as Mr. Mullen has engineered into the guitar. That's the reason they make different namebrand guitars. The Mullen guitar is the guitar that I use personally and desired a different tone, as no two guitars sound the same. If any of you should want a different sustain and tone in these great guitars, then I do these modifications to my opinion and liking. Thanks and feel free to call (662-251-0948) or e-mail (tyoung52@yahoo.com) with any questions or concerns. Thanks for all the inquiries. P.S. Sorry I have not posted earlier due to being at the convention in St. Louis. |
Jack Francis
Member From: Mesa, Arizona, USA
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posted 04 September 2006 06:03 AM
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Gee, that sure cleared up what the "MOD" does!!  |
Curt Langston
Member From: ***In the shadows of Tulsa at Bixby, USA***
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posted 04 September 2006 07:00 AM
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Again, with feeling.....HOW DOES THE MOD WORK?? |
Topic Closed
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