1997 MODULUS GRAPHITE VINTAGE JAZZ BASS

"Vintage" Jazz bass...? Maker's name's Modulus, made in 1997, with a graphite neck? Something's funny with the nomenclature, if you ask me.

(No, I haven't played the instrument.)

 

But still, how much of a "vintage vibe" can there possibly be with that neck?

OK, so I shall stop whining for now.

 

I like VJ's. I dunno how much vintage vibe they have, but I like them in general. Alternately, Modulus makes a Genesis series VJ. This has the Michael Tobias-designed neck with a graphite spine and a wood (alder) shell over the neck, so you still have the stability of graphite. I just got one of these yesterday (from list member PJR) and I LOVE IT! Here's a photo:

After it arrived, I decided to retire my Noel Redding Jazz and hang onto it until maybe it's worth something someday.
More photos of the bass (where you can kinda see the way the neck is constructed): http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1350904&a=13810395
fc

 

I don't know it offhand, but Modulus is pretty good with releasing their list prices, so you might want to visit http://www.modulusguitars.com

 

www.moddulusguitars.com (link Below)
should have all of the information you are looking for.
All retail prices,and option upgrade prices are listed there, and if you emil them they will send you a catalog real quick.
But i wouldn't expect to pay more than $1500
for a new one, right off the wall from a modulus retailer.www.modulusguitars.com

 

Hey FC, is there a bass you have that doesn't have the E-pro in????


Matt

I heard it years ago on Ryder custom jazz basses in the uk.

 

Hey Matt, I actually don't have the E-Pro in any of my basses (have a lotta Bartolini preamps though). I bet you were thrown off by the chrome knobs.
fc

 

My bad, yeah the the bell plate and knobs look so shiney that I assumed them to be seperate! I never thought I would use those words together - shiney knob.
Well as I'm sure the Dude would say go and upgrade now. And make make me look like I know what I'm talking about . Waht would you say was better/worse in the Fender/Modulus?

Matt

 

The main difference is that the Modulus is clearer across the whole fretboard. All of the notes have the same timbre, as opposed to the Fender (or I guess most wooden neck basses), where there are certain "sweet spots". I actually think the Genesis is a good compromise between the two--my Quantum 5 has the graphite neck and phenolic fretboard and exhibits that "one big string" phenomenon to a much greater degree than the Genesis, which seems a little more "organic" overall. I'm happy with it!
fc

 

I personally prefer the Genesis VJ, from Modulus, over the normal VJ, but I like the Quantums over the Genesis basses. I also got in a Flea jazz bass 5 that I ordered with a MM pickup in the bridge and a jazz pickup in the neck. That bass sounds great!
Back to the Jazz basses, the Genesis sounds more like one ot the good Fenders, and the standard one seems to have a more modern sound.

 

I played my Genesis VJ at rehearsal today and it kicked! I love this bass! The fact that it's almost like a J makes it easy to warm up to, and its tone is awesome. This is my first experience with DiMarzios, and the Ultra Jazz pickups on this bass are great. Shhh...don't tell Brubaker (my third custom Bru is being shipped to me tomorrow).