F/T: 1988 Modulus To TBX or not to TBX....LOTS of pics!!

**sleepy_monkey** · #1 12-16-2009, 02:14 PM

SOLD!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, I picked this up within the last few months. GREAT BASS!! By far the best 4 string bass I have ever owned or played for that matter. On tone and playability, I give this a 10! This bass is extremely rare and I am not exaggerating when I say you probably won't have the chance for another one. So why would I want to get rid of this great bass? I must be nuts......

It is a 1988 neck-through. Despite the carbon neck-through this is pre-TBX years. Cocobola top. I believe it has an Alder back, but not sure, with a purpleheart strip covering the front of the neck where it passes through the body.

EMG P/J active, volume, pan, stacked treble/bass

Original Modulus case (although it has no Modulus emblem and is not one of the newer molded case, I was assured it is original when I bought it)

What did Geoff Gould say about it?
just some general info. It's not technically a TBX; that came later. It's from the original Quantum neck mold, before we even began to call all the basses Quantums. It's the same mold as the first basses made for Phil Lesh. If the serial number starts with 88, then it's 1988. Should be about 2.5" at 24th fret. There are probably fewer than 11 of these exact models made, perhaps half that. Great bass, I just wanted to clear up some details.

Although Gould says it came from the same mold as Phil's basses, Phil played a 5 string, so I am not sure if this is correct. Joe Perman at Modulus seemed to think that was incorrect, regardless of the history it is a great bass.

It has been well used, but I wouldn't say abused...some of the more dramatic spots are shown in the pics. I would rate it about a 7/10 on cosmetics (note the back of one of the tuner thingys is missing...doesn't affect at all).

I have replaced the knobs with gold dome knobs and a gold stacked knob too.

So what do I want in trade? A Modulus Q4 in the blue/purple finish to match my Q5. I know that I am looking for a needle in the haystack, but that is exactly what I am offering too. If I can't find one, believe me, I have no problems hanging on to this bass.

And for reference, here is the color of Q4 I am looking for...I might consider other Modulus Q4s...but I am not sure yet. Has to come with Modulus case.

bommer · #2 12-16-2009, 02:35 PM

bump for a beautiful bass

TwoGearGeeks · #3 12-16-2009, 10:00 PM

Bump for a piece of Modulus history!

**sleepy_monkey** · #4 12-17-2009, 07:58 AM

Thanks guys..indeed it is a piece of Modulus history. Joe at Modulus said he could have been the one to build it but couldn't quite remember.

And I believe the color I am looking for is pink over blue...I THINK. Maybe Modulus would want this bass and just send me a new one..hahaha.

MTMTEX · #5 12-17-2009, 10:27 AM

Oh you wanted to trade for a FOUR string.....

free cool bass bump.

quadrogong · #6 12-17-2009, 10:39 AM

anyone know if these are 34 or 35" scale??..

**sleepy_monkey** · #7 12-17-2009, 10:53 AM

Also, a little more history on the bass...I am the 3rd owner:

Your new bass was originally bought by John Main. He lives locally, but has played with a lot of heavy hitters over the years. He's been playing with Carlene Carter since '79, but has also worked with Bill Kirchen, Commander Cody, Huey Lewis, Clover... the list goes on and on. Super nice guy.

**sleepy_monkey** · #8 12-17-2009, 06:39 PM

35" scale....17.5 from nut side of first fret to bridge side of 12th

realbadgroove · #9 12-18-2009, 11:25 AM

Huh why you would trade this for a newer model

ChrisPbass · #10 12-19-2009, 05:35 PM

Phil played 6 string Mods (and others) and from what I've read they basically crammed 6 strings on to that neck. He's never played a 5 string afaik.

sunbeast · #11 12-21-2009, 01:18 PM

Beautiful!

ubado · #12 01-01-2010, 05:52 AM

I DIG this bass!!! Not sure if it's the same one I saw on evilBay a while back .... I drooled then, and I'm drooling now!

Wish I had the funds or what you want in trade.

Good luck with the sale!

**sleepy_monkey** · #13 01-04-2010, 07:47 AM

Bump for a new SALE Price....there is some stuff around the house that needs replacing and I use my Q5 a little more than this one.

As always, feel free to make an offer..worst I can say is no.

**sleepy_monkey** · #14 01-07-2010, 08:36 AM

Sold Pending Payment.

phishaholik · #15 01-07-2010, 08:52 AM

Man, I was just about to say, I can't believe this hasn't sold yet. What a cool, rare, bass this is. I absolutely love my Quantum and it's sustain can be measured in minutes. This bass has to be killer! There's going to be one happy Quantum owner.

Michael

**sleepy_monkey** · #16 01-07-2010, 02:13 PM

Sold.