Is Modulus still in Business?

[johnson79]

I played a used Modulus 5 string about 15 years ago. Only one I've ever seen in person. I remember it was an incredible instrument.

I can see why so many of you are convened that they are going through whatever issues they are. Good luck!

 

[superblues]

I have a good friend who I play with that can verify this. He's the rep for KMC Musicorp.

I think blowinblue's comment may have been sarcastic after what happened over in the Amps forum with Genz Benz.

 

[the yeti]

Did he ever get a website up? I've drooled at your bass a "few" times.

google says no... got a phone number though.

 

[Roscoe East]

IME, Modulus has always had a zero CS policy- They are a Dealer Oriented business.



I found this vid- IMO it says a lot.
Many mfrs. have spokespeople like game-show hosts, all sparkly, bubbly.
Not him!

Very dry, almost uneasy public speaking, very low-key presentation to say the least.

I think it shows that these fellows build great bass guitars, sell them through a dealer network, and really-
They don't want to interface with us players.

Just for the record: When I first became interested in Modulus circa 1987, I wrote to the company requesting some literature. Received a bunch of printed materials within a week or two. When I decided I was going to take the plunge the next year (1988) I called the phone number listed on the literature they had sent me.

Geoff Gould answered the phone.

And he proceeded to talk to me for a good half hour about the options and various offerings that might meet my needs. Was very helpful, very thorough, very professional.

He also said I would have to order the instrument through a dealer, and he gave me the name of the dealer in my area. I placed the order through that dealer, received my brand new Modulus bass some 8-12 weeks later, and have had it ever since.


Sort of sounds like the description of Joe Zon from earlier in this thread, doesn't it?


My point is: Modulus wasn't always a "Zero CS policy" company. They may have been "Dealer Oriented" but not at the expense of providing decent CS and interfacing with the players.

That apparently came later.

 

[dinsdal3]

I think blowinblue's comment may have been sarcastic after what happened over in the Amps forum with Genz Benz.

what did i miss?

 

[Baird6869]

I think blowinblue's comment may have been sarcastic after what happened over in the Amps forum with Genz Benz.

+1.

Fender is not buying Modulus.

Sheesh

 

[JAUQO III-X]

+1.

Fender is not buying Modulus.

Sheesh

Tell me about it.

Saying Fender is buying Modulus,now that's a post that should seriously be deleted by the mods.

 

[cjp3044]

Tell me about it.

Saying Fender is buying Modulus,now that's a post that should seriously be deleted by the mods.

No doubt - people are starting to make up rumors either trying to be funny or trying to stir the pot. Truth is very few people (probably NONE of us here) know the real or the whole story. I think it's safe to say that it's not exactly "business as usual" over at Modulus, but beyond that...?


But I heard the problem is that they hired Microsoft to create a Windows 8 firmware for their new preamp module and it's full of bugs because Microsoft didn't tell them it was a beta version, so they have all these non-functioning basses sitting around...
Sarcasm - also shows just how ridiculous rumors and conjecture can be.

 

[LennyJ]

what did i miss?

Actually for anything of importance - you did not miss anything.

 

[gwangi]

I just received my 6 string TBX from Joe last week, here is a couple of pics taken from my lame digital camera, I'm going to have some serious pro pics taken at the end of the week showing the detail of the instrument but in the time being especial since bad-rumors are being spread about Modulus here is a couple of shots of my 6 string TBX, it has a highly figured Koa top, alder back, Bartolini pu's, w/3 band eq, the top of the bass is gloss, the back of the entire neck is done in satin, the back of the body wings are done in gloss, and I had Joe sign his signature on the back of the head stock.
I've been friends with Joe since 1994 and he has always build the finest instruments for me and this particular TBX is the dream come true bass for me, Thank You Joe Perman for everything.
Way better pics coming soon!!!!

 

[Baird6869]

But I heard the problem is that they hired Microsoft to create a Windows 8 firmware for their new preamp module and it's full of bugs because Microsoft didn't tell them it was a beta version, so they have all these non-functioning basses sitting around...

WRONG!

Actually, Modulus' SAP implementation went terribly, their whole supply chain and distribution was effected and now hence, they are having problems.

 

[ArtechnikA]

I just received my 6 string TBX from Joe last week

No question, that's beautiful !

 

[Roscoe East]

STILL don't see your point though! Yes, sweet that the CEO answered, etc, but any GOOD Dealer would have done the same thing! It's really not that complex, and from what I see, there's not that many pertinent questions to be asked re: options and such, and nothing wrong with chatting it up if you need to- But I don't feel the need to. They spec their basses out on the 'web, there ya go!

My point was

My point is: Modulus wasn't always a "Zero CS policy" company. They may have been "Dealer Oriented" but not at the expense of providing decent CS and interfacing with the players.

That apparently came later.

iow, their CS didn't always suck. I was trying to put into perspective the contention made by some in this thread that Modulus has never embraced personalized Customer Service as part of their business model. They have; just, apparently, not no more.

And fwiw, back in 1988 you'd better believe there were a lot of "pertinent questions to be asked re: options and such" because back then they were almost -- not completely, but close to being -- a custom builder. Very few Modulus basses that went out the door in the 80s were stock (sic) models. The bass I wound up ordering wasn't even in any of their catalogs or literature or dealer price lists, and so the dealer I ordered through had to call Modulus just to verify that what Geoff had described to me was even a valid possibility.

Plus there warn't no internet in 1988. Times have changed.

 

[Munjibunga]

+1.

Fender is not buying Modulus.

Sheesh

That's right. But Peavey is.

 

[Todd GT5]

Did he ever get a website up? I've drooled at your bass a "few" times.

No website yet. I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for a GGS website. Jerry is available by phone during business hours - west coast unless he's in the spray booth then his employee will answer.

-Todd

 

[sleepy_monkey]

I just received my 6 string TBX from Joe last week, here is a couple of pics taken from my lame digital camera, I'm going to have some serious pro pics taken at the end of the week showing the detail of the instrument but in the time being especial since bad-rumors are being spread about Modulus here is a couple of shots of my 6 string TBX, it has a highly figured Koa top, alder back, Bartolini pu's, w/3 band eq, the top of the bass is gloss, the back of the entire neck is done in satin, the back of the body wings are done in gloss, and I had Joe sign his signature on the back of the head stock.
I've been friends with Joe since 1994 and he has always build the finest instruments for me and this particular TBX is the dream come true bass for me, Thank You Joe Perman for everything.
Way better pics coming soon!!!!

Ima gonna need your address so I can peak through your windows. Nice bass!!!!!

 

[blowinblue]

I think blowinblue's comment may have been sarcastic after what happened over in the Amps forum with Genz Benz.

what did i miss?

+1.

Fender is not buying Modulus.

Sheesh

Tell me about it.

Saying Fender is buying Modulus,now that's a post that should seriously be deleted by the mods.

Any TBer who thought I was serious doesn't know me or Talkbass. It was an obvious reference to 'that' Genz-Benz thread in the amp section. No need for anyone to get their panties in a bunch. Relax. Breathe deep. Enjoy Talkbass. Shop for better underwear.

M. M.

 

[dinsdal3]

Any TBer who thought I was serious doesn't know me or Talkbass. It was an obvious reference to 'that' Genz-Benz thread in the amp section. No need for anyone to get their panties in a bunch. Relax. Breathe deep. Enjoy Talkbass. Shop for better underwear.

M. M.

what genz benz thread? still wondering what i missed? lol. im gonna guess that people freaked out when they heard genz benz was bought by fender?

 

[blowinblue]

what genz benz thread? still wondering what i missed? lol. im gonna guess that people freaked out when they heard genz benz was bought by fender?

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f15/all-genz-benz-products-standby-fender-946496/

It was a hoot. A good time was had by all. Well, almost everyone.

M. M.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Any TBer who thought I was serious doesn't know me or Talkbass. It was an obvious reference to 'that' Genz-Benz thread in the amp section. No need for anyone to get their panties in a bunch. Relax. Breathe deep. Enjoy Talkbass. Shop for better underwear.

M. M.

The problem is that TB is also indexed by search engines. People can find bits of threads and jump into the middle of a discussion. When it's something as serious as a company's future or reputation, you really have to be careful what you post on the Internet.