Can someone give me the background on the Modulus Flea Bass and also the deal with the Modulus Funk Unlimited bass? Was this just a name change, if so, when did it go into effect? If it was more than a name change, what else did they change with it? thanks!
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Modulus Flea Bass
- Thread starter jnevi9nr
- Start date
when did this occur? did they make any changes to the bass after this? what is flea endorsing now?
Flea is endorsing "Flea Basses", and I dont believe theyre were any changes, other than the name.
Dont quote me on that though.
Dont quote me on that though.
Actually I don't know for sure if he used the Wal on BSSM, but he did use Wals at some point. I've also heard he used Alembics on BSSM... you should probably wait for someone else's reply to verify that
The Modulus Flea bass hit the market in late 1996, early 1997. Developed by Modulus with Flea, it was their combined take on the MM Stingray. The neck was revised around the 1999/2000 model year with a slightly thicker/chunkier feel and a truss-rod for adjusting neck relief. Still great sound but didn't play as nice - IMO/IME. Last year, the endorsement with Flea ended and Modulus began calling the bass the Funk Unlimited (FU for short... if you get the drift) and that is what is available now.
The Modulus Flea basses are exceptional instruments, especially for touring, as the neck remains stable no matter the temperature/humidity or how much you lay into/thrash/abuse it. My favorite pup/pre combo was the Bartolini pup/Aguilar OBP1 pre. Absolutely killed for my purposes. Others favor the Lane Poor pup/Aguilar OBP1 pre. The Bartolini pup/pre combo seems to be the least favored. Currently the FU bases come equipped with a Seymour Duncan pup/Aguilar OBP1 pre. This is decent combo, but no where near as good as the Lane Poor or Bartolini pup and Aguilar OBP1 pre combos.
As far as the "new" Flea Basses are concerned, they have been designed for the budget market and students, and just don't cut it - IME/IMO. Some do like them though... but they are a pale shadow in comparison to the Modulus Flea and are built in some sweat shop factory in China or Indonesia.
If you can find a '97 to 99' Modulus Flea (both FB4 and FB5) that is in good condition, snap it up. Sick, sick bass!
The Modulus Flea basses are exceptional instruments, especially for touring, as the neck remains stable no matter the temperature/humidity or how much you lay into/thrash/abuse it. My favorite pup/pre combo was the Bartolini pup/Aguilar OBP1 pre. Absolutely killed for my purposes. Others favor the Lane Poor pup/Aguilar OBP1 pre. The Bartolini pup/pre combo seems to be the least favored. Currently the FU bases come equipped with a Seymour Duncan pup/Aguilar OBP1 pre. This is decent combo, but no where near as good as the Lane Poor or Bartolini pup and Aguilar OBP1 pre combos.
As far as the "new" Flea Basses are concerned, they have been designed for the budget market and students, and just don't cut it - IME/IMO. Some do like them though... but they are a pale shadow in comparison to the Modulus Flea and are built in some sweat shop factory in China or Indonesia.
If you can find a '97 to 99' Modulus Flea (both FB4 and FB5) that is in good condition, snap it up. Sick, sick bass!
You're welcome. I was the original owner of a '97 silver sparkle FB4 that just killed! It was my main got-to and touring bass for many years, and remained one of my favorite all-time basses, that is until it's untimely demise at the hands of Modulus last year. 
A long story I don't wish to go into great detail about - let's just say I miss my F-Lea Sparkle and Modulus customer service dropped the bomb BIG TIME!
Anyhow... really love the '97 to '99 versions of these bases.
A long story I don't wish to go into great detail about - let's just say I miss my F-Lea Sparkle and Modulus customer service dropped the bomb BIG TIME! Anyhow... really love the '97 to '99 versions of these bases.
FB5.. he's talking the fruit colored import basses.. not the pro class stuff.
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IF out looking, don't overlook a GBass (modulus neck on a cirrus body/guts) it's suprisingly close in feel and sound... about $500 compared to $1500 (used)
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IF out looking, don't overlook a GBass (modulus neck on a cirrus body/guts) it's suprisingly close in feel and sound... about $500 compared to $1500 (used)
For what it's worth, a store owner who sells both Modulus and the Flea bass explained to me, Flea's endorsement ended because Modulus is producing the Fleabass and he didn't want the name on both. The FB4 is the Funk Unlimited, but the FU is just a good story.
Flea used his Alembic on BSSM (can be seen on Funky Monks) and One Hot Minute. His reason: the even volume across the neck and that it's 'not in your face like a MM' (better for recording).
He toured with Modulus because they withstand temp/humidity swings better than MM.
Flea used his Alembic on BSSM (can be seen on Funky Monks) and One Hot Minute. His reason: the even volume across the neck and that it's 'not in your face like a MM' (better for recording).
He toured with Modulus because they withstand temp/humidity swings better than MM.
Don't confuse the two. Modulus no longer markets the "Flea Bass". That name and a new bass are being marketed by Flea and built by his team of Indonesian or Chinese bass builders. The street price is $499 for the 34" scale bass and $399 for the 30" scale "junior" bass. In no way are they comparable in quality, construction, tone or playability to the original Modulus Flea bass, which is now sold by Modulus as the Funk Unlimited.
Google around, you'll find various interviews stating that the used a Wal for almost all of BSSM (only like two songs on the record were recorded with a Stingray 5) and that all of One Hot Minute was recorded with an Alembic Epic save "Aeroplane".
The funk unlimited is still called the the fb5 not fu5 so when u said fb5 i thought thats wHat u meant.ive seen the crap he is selling.its not even the same
Yeah Flea quit Modulus a while back. As far as basses,he's moved to "Higher Ground".(lol. Yeah,right.) IMHO. Of course!
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