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Modulus basses

Z

Zoso962

Oct 25, 2009
7
0
#1
I've been looking at the flea bass and the quantum by modulus. I've always liked the musicman style setup with one humbucker in the back but im wondering if not having a neck pickup on the flea bass will really cut back on its versatility. I know the quantum will have a wider range in tones but i was wondering if its still capable of getting that punch and cut that the flea bass gets. I was just wondering if anyone has played these and can offer any advice on how they compare in sound, playability, and weight.
Thanks for any help :)
 
#2
Zoso962 said:
I've been looking at the flea bass and the quantum by modulus. I've always liked the musicman style setup with one humbucker in the back but im wondering if not having a neck pickup on the flea bass will really cut back on its versatility. I know the quantum will have a wider range in tones but i was wondering if its still capable of getting that punch and cut that the flea bass gets. I was just wondering if anyone has played these and can offer any advice on how they compare in sound, playability, and weight.
Thanks for any help :)
Click to expand...

My former student bought one, and had an issue with the neck/body joint and sent it back. I thought it was way cool though. Two things I don't like are the narrow string spacing (on the 5-string) and the lack of 24 frets. That's why I went with another Kinal. But, the Flea is a cool bass. Get the J/MM setup. Laklands have them, it can't hurt on the Modulus. BTW, I still have my Modulus VJ as my main 4-string. I love it! :hyper:

One other thing, the Q5 would probably be my preference, only because now you can them wide wide spacing and 34" scales, even semi-hollow. And another thing--Villex pickups kick butt! I don't have them in my Modulus, but I have them in another bass and they are some of the best pickups I've ever heard. If you go custom, I'd consider going with Villex pickups. I've had the idea of using Villex pickups with the mid control and an Aguilar OBP-1 for quite some time.
 
#4
Yeah i have heard a few modulus' and i thought they sounded great. They have so much punch and clarity thats what drew me to them. Plus the fact that the neck is carbon fiber and is alot more durable than a typical neck is def. a plus. I read above that you said they tend to have narrow string spacing on the 5's and i was wondering if this is also true for the 4 strings cuz im def. looking at getting a 4. Also, do all modulus basses have 34' scales?
 
#5
Zoso962 said:
I've been looking at the flea bass and the quantum by modulus. I've always liked the musicman style setup with one humbucker in the back but im wondering if not having a neck pickup on the flea bass will really cut back on its versatility. I know the quantum will have a wider range in tones but i was wondering if its still capable of getting that punch and cut that the flea bass gets. I was just wondering if anyone has played these and can offer any advice on how they compare in sound, playability, and weight.
Thanks for any help :)
Click to expand...

Why not just buy a standard stringray or an HH ray. I own 1 of each and they both kill. The HH stringray is a bit hotter, at least It sounds tha way to my ear, but the tonal variation is excellent.

I've always found that the neck pick-up adds more low end tone to the bass, whereas the bridge pick-up gives the bass a higher tone. The combo of both pick-ups always add to tonal variations.

Also, remember the MM pick-ups or Proline aftermarket pick-ups Flea uses might play a hugh role in the tone.

Hope this helps!!!

K :bassist:
 
#6
The 4-strings have standard 3/4" (19mm) string to string spacing. The 5 strings vary, from about 17mm to a new wide spacing, I think its around 20mm, check their website. If I'm not mistaken, the Flea basses are all 34". The Q5 and Q6 used to only come in 35", but I've seen them in 34" on the Planet bass website. I think the 34" scale Q5 has 26 frets instead of 24. The Flea bass and the VJ have around 21 frets from what I recall. The VJ is amazing by the way, and I'm sure the 4-string Flea bass is too. I once played a Q6 that had the graphite neck with a grenadillo fingerboard and satin finish. The wood fingerboard definitely added some warmth, but it still sounded more snappy than the Genesis basses. Personally, I really like that setup. If I ever get another Modulus, it will likely be one with that set up. I think chechen might be better than grenadillo. Status makes basses with graphite necks and wooden boards, and so does this new company Enfield. I think even Bee basses are making graphite necked basses now too.
 
#7
I have A number of these basses.
34" scale Modulus VJ with the all carbon graphite neck.
2 35" Modulus Genesis 5 stringers with the hybrid carbon fiber and wooden necks
and a Q6 with the chechen fingerboard.
I've also had a number of Q5s but never kept one.

I've played the Flea 4 but found more versatility in the VJ
I've played the Flea 5, but prefer a 35" B string. Also the 17mm spacing was a bit tight for me. That's why I like the Genesis basses better ( 35" scale and 19mm spacing)

Modulus basses are known for their articulate tone and power. If you custom ordered a flea with a humbucker in the bridge and a single coil in the neck position, you may just have the best of all worlds.

bottom line: Play and buy what feels and sounds right for you.
 
#8
I have traded and sold a bunch of nice basses over time, and I am sure I will continue to do so. Losing my Modulus was one I will never stop regretting, and if I get another I won't make the same mistake again. IF you can afford it, get a used one. Highly unlikely you won't be able to sell it again if you don't want it.
 
#9
I haven't played the Flea Bass, but am completely in love with my Q5. I prefer the smaller spacing between the strings as I only finger pick, and don't need room to slap or pick. I almost never adjust the pickup balance from the centre (2 Bartolini's), and usually adjust tone with the eqs or on my pre-amp. Never having to worry about set-up again and being able to drunkenly swing the bass at my enemies and know they will stay down and I can go back on stage is a bonus.
 
#10
I have a Modulus Q5 and a VJ4. Love 'em both and they are my main gig basses for Rock gigs. Here's a link to Basstasters and a few clips of the Flea bass.

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I don't own a Flea but I've played one. IMO they sound a little more bright with a bit more rattle than the Q5 but it's just a matter of personal taste.
 
#12
Like others have stated, look for the J/MM setup. But I found the Flea J (at least that's what they called it at the time). Was quite awesome. The one I tried out had Bartolini pickups and a 3-band EQ (Bart also I think). I thought it sounded better than the single MM pickup offerings. Loved the consistency of the neck and tone up and down the neck.
 
#14
I regularly use a 1990 Modulus Quantum 5. Responsive, defined, butter, stable, fast… the list of good things goes on and on. I bought it off the original owner about a year ago and have never stopped thanking him for it. I was searching for a modern sounding 5 with a fast neck and that's exactly what this bass is.

I just recently swapped out the original preamp with an Aguilar OBP-2 but even with the original pre I was able to get a super wide range of tone. The range of tone available panning between the two pickups is awesome as well.

Only 5-string that I’ve ever played that I really like the B string on as it has great piano like overtones.

The previous owner is a fulltime pro player and this was his main bass for 6 years. He has owned many Modulus basses but this one was particularly sweet in his opinion. Even though graphite is more consistent, like any other instrument, they are not all the same and must be tried and tested to see if they speak to you.

Almost 20 years old, no truss rod and the action is still perfect. I don't think you can go wrong with a Modulus Q5. I hope to buy a fretless one as soon as I can get the cash together.

This bass is not the best for a classic rock sound though although it can get pretty close. I still use my Fender Jazz for 70s rock as it fits into the traditional mix better. If you want a modern sound or are playing solo, nothing I've played is better than a Modulus Q5 IMHO.

Sorry, I have never tried the Flea bass but the Q5 is also available in a 34" scale if that’s what you are looking for.
 

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