a Modulus VJ4 review

[M.R. Ogle]

I'm in the "model" race car business, and was also in the real car industry years ago.

Carbon Fiber and Graphite are two terms used interchangeably for the same thing (even though what we're using is woven Carbon Fiber composite with resin, and graphite is technically a mineral, a derivative of carbon).

Engineers get a bug up their butts about it, but 99% of the time the terms are referring to the same stuff. We finally just started referring to it as "composite" so we didn't have to hear it anymore.

 

[TonyP-]

I have had a number of Modulus on my stable over the years.

I have 3 VJs they are my main 4 strings (1 fretless in there)

Just acquired a FU5 and I'm pretty stoked to get it set up like the others.

Do not feel like you need Barts in these basses to keep them warm, because your playing graphite.
I play with Nordstrand pickups in my 4s and I'm getting the FU5 setup with it as well.

 

[frianbisher]

Here's a not so good pic of my VJ with Genesis neck. I'm thinking of putting an active pre in there once I get the skills to do so, but as is it's still a killer bass. Cost me less than a MIA Jazz to boot.

 

[TonyP-]

Has anyone played a VJ Genesis? I have often thought about how cool those basses might sound with the mostly wooden neck. Also...graphite, or carbon fiber composite? Seems like mostly a semantic difference to me?

I owned one and did a review on both that and a standard VJ.
This was done years ago and its in the review section of TB check it out its pretty detailed.

 

[jonnymac]

I wish I never got rid of mine. It was one of the heaviest basses I've owned second only to my Warwick Thumb 5 NT but it was sweet. I always have my eye out for another one but they never seem to come up at the right time.

 

[sethlow3]

What changed is that Geoff Gould, aerospace engineer and founder of Modulus, sold the company. Here's a link to the patent for Modulus necks. Please note the liberal use of the word "graphite".

http://www.google.com/patents?vid=USPAT4145948

Furthermore, here's a link to an older Modulus that has "Modulus Graphite" right on it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Modulus-Quantum...pt=Guitar&hash=item3a5fd73e0c#ht_17219wt_1280

I argue that the statement "Modulus necks are not graphite" is grossly incorrect.

well I guess that settles it... my friend made me "grossly incorrect" over something that appears even engineers who make the stuff can't agree on to disagree about.

I even looked this up on it.
Graphite (carbon) fiber and carbon nanotubes are also used in carbon fiber reinforced plastics, and in heat-resistant composites such as reinforced carbon-carbon (RCC). Products made from carbon fiber graphite composites include fishing rods, golf clubs, bicycle frames, and pool cue sticks and have been successfully employed in reinforced concrete. The mechanical properties of carbon fiber graphite-reinforced plastic composites and grey cast iron are strongly influenced by the role of graphite in these materials. In this context, the term "(100%) graphite" is often loosely used to refer to a pure mixture of carbon reinforcement and resin, while the term "composite" is used for composite materials with additional ingredients.[21]

and then there is this which speaks of the difference being how the material is molded.
http://www.rc10talk.com/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=9824
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_8033992/printable.htm

Looks to me its like calling a cake, frosting (one ingredient of the whole), the difference between fishing and fly fishing, or a tissue and a paper towel. Is a mechanical pencil full of graphite or carbon fiber? I think just because it has it in it, engineers may have inadvertently did that, when really it's a combination of differences.

Sounds like the difference between parts and the whole to me.
I have no idea why my friend or even the guy who posted above have a discrepancy about it. I could care less honestly.

 

[elgecko]

Looks to me its like calling a cake frosting (one ingredient of the whole) or the difference between fishing and fly fishing.

Oh, them's fightin words! There is no way "bait & wait" is anything like the meditative art of fly fishing!

Just kidding! It's all good...just like Moduli!

 

[Thir13teen]

I have a 1997 VJ with the graphite neck w/ the Chechen fingerboard option. Love the tone especially with the EMG's.