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Modulus Mob
- Thread starter rockstarbassist
- Start date
Hi Everyone,
I'm writing with a few slightly related questions about my 1980s Modulus Bassstar with EMGs and an 18v preamp.
1. Is anyone using any kind of Modulus of any kind in a country or folk or Americana sort of band? It's my favourite 4-string bass to play but I've always gone for a hotter, liver, rock tone with it. "P-bass on steroids" sort of thing. Now it needs to come off the 'roids for a project I'm in. Is this even possible and what would be the way to do it?
2. I'm thinking of doing some mods to the body. Are they stupid? Any suggestions?
A: I am thinking of a refinish. It's red. I bought it used. I've never liked red (but for a $600 deal in 1999 on a used Modulus I went for it). And no style of music I play calls for a red bass.
It looks like there's beautiful maple underneath. I was thinking of getting a refinish in either clear or transparent black or blackburst. Or maybe some kind of dark woody stain.
I'm looking for something a little more timeless and "classy" that would work for indy-rock, post-metal, jazz (the three styles I play mostly) and the country act I'm in to boot. Is there any reason not to do this? I am not concerned about resale value and even if I was, I don't think red is a particular selling point.
B: it's my heaviest bass. I was thinking of either some kind of chambering or thinning. Is this even possible? Am I stupid to contemplate this?
Alternatively, the basstar neck appears to be a Fender replacement. I could stick it on the Alder body of my 1980 fretless precision and see what happens. (Tried the fretless for country and didn't like it).
THANKS!
--JES
I'm writing with a few slightly related questions about my 1980s Modulus Bassstar with EMGs and an 18v preamp.
1. Is anyone using any kind of Modulus of any kind in a country or folk or Americana sort of band? It's my favourite 4-string bass to play but I've always gone for a hotter, liver, rock tone with it. "P-bass on steroids" sort of thing. Now it needs to come off the 'roids for a project I'm in. Is this even possible and what would be the way to do it?
2. I'm thinking of doing some mods to the body. Are they stupid? Any suggestions?
A: I am thinking of a refinish. It's red. I bought it used. I've never liked red (but for a $600 deal in 1999 on a used Modulus I went for it). And no style of music I play calls for a red bass.
It looks like there's beautiful maple underneath. I was thinking of getting a refinish in either clear or transparent black or blackburst. Or maybe some kind of dark woody stain.
I'm looking for something a little more timeless and "classy" that would work for indy-rock, post-metal, jazz (the three styles I play mostly) and the country act I'm in to boot. Is there any reason not to do this? I am not concerned about resale value and even if I was, I don't think red is a particular selling point.
B: it's my heaviest bass. I was thinking of either some kind of chambering or thinning. Is this even possible? Am I stupid to contemplate this?
Alternatively, the basstar neck appears to be a Fender replacement. I could stick it on the Alder body of my 1980 fretless precision and see what happens. (Tried the fretless for country and didn't like it).
THANKS!
--JES
Please for the love of all that is good and just, leave that bass completly stock.
Agree!
If you're really not feeling the colour and weight you could maybe think about getting a replacement body that you could swap in and out with the stock one.
But leave the original as it is - there's no undo button for that kind of work, and they won't be making any more of those
Anyway, I reckon it looks great - just rock it!!!!!! (and get a padded strap if you need to, too - I just got a really comfy 3.5" DSL one, and would highly recommend it)
Great bass.
Thanks for the replies so far. I can see not messing with the actual makeup of the body, but what's so special about keeping the finish? If it matters, the bass already isn't stock. I replaced the tuners with hipshot ultralites right after I got it, and the EMG preamp was upgraded from 9v to 18v (and amazingly, it does sound even better).
Blasphemy!!
I kid, i kid. I personally see no harm in a refinish- I'm thinking of getting my Q5 refinished myself. I would be more hesitant with any modifications to the body, because a)they are not reversible and b)it may throw off the balance of the body. I'm not a fan of heavy basses either, but have you tried a neo strap? I use the sadowsky one myself (a re-branded neotech) and they do help a lot. There's also the gruv gear duo strap, which while not looking the coolest, distributes the weight over both shoulders, so that may help too. And a new strap is a LOT cheaper than getting any work done...
Or has been said, maybe a new body from warmoth or somewhere else? that could kill two birds with one stone, as you could get the weight and the finish you want... plenty of options...
I kid, i kid. I personally see no harm in a refinish- I'm thinking of getting my Q5 refinished myself. I would be more hesitant with any modifications to the body, because a)they are not reversible and b)it may throw off the balance of the body. I'm not a fan of heavy basses either, but have you tried a neo strap? I use the sadowsky one myself (a re-branded neotech) and they do help a lot. There's also the gruv gear duo strap, which while not looking the coolest, distributes the weight over both shoulders, so that may help too. And a new strap is a LOT cheaper than getting any work done...
Or has been said, maybe a new body from warmoth or somewhere else? that could kill two birds with one stone, as you could get the weight and the finish you want... plenty of options...
Fred, don't you have that Honeyburst Q5 that you want to let go to me?? Really, I will glady trade you my G5 or Q6 for it
Yeah, that does look like alder, and that is the usual body wood (with a figured top) that Modulus uses on all their basses.
Thank you! I FIGURED as much (drum roll).
I had already posted other pics earlier on this thread. But these are much higher quality pics. Really catches the grain of the quilted top. Truly beautiful.
I read this as: "That rug really tied the room together." Anyone else?
It's sad when we have to realize our limitations. I got rid of my 6'er for that same reason, although one day I will try again.
somebody tell me what sienna finish actually is? I see the term all the time but I don't know what it actually means.
