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Modulus Mob

as far as buying a bass that has history, it all depends. about 10 years ago, was watching an auction for a bass from one of my heroes growing up. it went in the $2k range which was out of my budget so walked away.

in reference to the 'pawn stars' mention above, any seller can put any price tag on merch. but that doesn't mean it's gonna sell at that price. reality rules from a reality show no less!

in regards to moduli currently on sale, there does seem to be an 'average' price tag hovering in the upper $1k - lower $2k area depending on features and condition. i think we're all in the same boat where we're waiting for that nice, 'low-ball' figure from someone who maybe doesn't know what they may have on hand. right now, it looks like $1.5k is the low end of the spectrum for q5's. it's lower for m-92's.

of course, that doesn't stop dreamers from dreaming. not to flame on anyone, but this made me chuckle:

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maybe if it was sting's modified p-bass with the mod neck, then maybe that would warrant the price tag!
 
You guys are not getting my point.. it is the proof of provenance, it is not about the price the guy is asking.. but I don't think that the notoriety of the player is worth 10K either.. yeah with proper provenance, maybe 6K at most.. there are lots of known named artist that guitars or basses don't bring in much to about 10K in the past.. George Gruhn has a bass that belonged and was used in the studio and in performance, with provenance of Dan Fogelberg and it only as a ticket of 3250.00 on it, reduced from 3500.00, so I can't see where this bass would even come close to warranting a 10k price.. !!!!!
 
It is only worth what someone will and does pay for it. He may as well be asking a million for it, wouldn't matter, it isn't worth it to me. A bass out of the hands of Mike Gordon or Phil Lesh wouldn't be worth that money. Especially since I am a player, not a collector. I don't buy basses to have them on display. I buy them to play. Makes a big difference when you look to buy something as an art collector piece and something to play. Again, Mike Gordon, Flea or Phil, then you pony up big cash, but it never gets played because of it's provenance and value. Most of us here are players though, so it is a different world
 
I agree with iriegnome. 100%. I'm a player. The instrument itself is what's important, not who has played it. As a player there's nothing of benefit in the fact that Claypool may have owned the fender jazz bass that someone is selling. It's a fender jazz, nothing more. I was originally drawn to modulus by flea, and I thought the whole concept and coolness of the basses were drool worthy. Likewise, once I played one, I fell in love with the feel and sound of them and eventually bought a couple. So it wouldn't matter if flea played one, it's a nice bass either way and that's why I would want one.
 
Fred, I think you are 100% on target with your observations. I could not with you agree more.
What are your thoughts and experiences with the pre vs post truss rod basses and their respective values today and forward?
Personally, I like the profiles on the pre-truss rod basses better.

I know you didn't ask my opinion, but I wouldn't be surprised to see people moving away from the pre truss rod models. I had a '97 Flea in blue sparkle a few years back and the neck was definitely beginning to warp. Now, I do have a Q5 from '94 that has the best neck I've ever touched, but, personally, I wouldn't buy another Modulus that didn't have a truss rod. That extra sense of security is nice to have.
 
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hope this post isn't considered in bad form but looks like these might be available (click on the 5/29 link):

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drool That Q6 only has 5 strings though- must be a custom order ;)

You guys are not getting my point.. it is the proof of provenance, it is not about the price the guy is asking.. but I don't think that the notoriety of the player is worth 10K either.. yeah with proper provenance, maybe 6K at most.. there are lots of known named artist that guitars or basses don't bring in much to about 10K in the past.. George Gruhn has a bass that belonged and was used in the studio and in performance, with provenance of Dan Fogelberg and it only as a ticket of 3250.00 on it, reduced from 3500.00, so I can't see where this bass would even come close to warranting a 10k price.. !!!!!

I think we all agree with you. However, it may be legit, but still not worth the $$$. Unless you're a crazy Garth Brooks fan.

Am i the only one who had to dictionary.com provenance?
 
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List things you wanna see on new mods:

LED fret markers
Adjustable nut

Damn, you read my mind; especially on the LED markers. I F@$%'ing can't tell you how many times I wish I had them on my Modulus basses, especially my 2 Q5's when playing a low-lit bar while fretting a Phenolic board.. Uggh! Can't see much at all. I really think Modulus and many others should offer the option from the get-go. For reals.
 
I just bought a set of these for my Alembic but it looks like they have all kinds

Notice! --> FretFX LEDs appear to have a bright black center when digitally photographed, this is due to the limitations of current camera technology. FretFX will only appear as bright Red, green, or Green to the naked eye.

To get answers to Frequently Asked Questions Click Here! To read customer Testimonials Click Here!


Available for scales of 24.75", 25", 25.5", 32", 34", & 35" with your choice of LED positions for Fretted (centered BETWEEN the fretwires) or Fret-Less (ON the fretlines)

FretFX were developed to meet the needs of musicians encountering less than optimum stage lighting conditions. Low levels of stage light will usually cause the fret markers along the top of an instrument neck to fade out of sight, leaving the musician without any points of reference during critical passages.

Now with the addition of Patented FretFX illuminated fret markers, low level lighting conditions are completely irrelevant as the intensely bright LEDs display marked fret positions clearly at all times.

LEDs have long been commonly ordered upgrades on magnificent Alembic Guitars and Basses, as well as a select few other manufacturer's instruments. These helpful fret markers have always been expensive options due to the need to embed them and their associated wiring/power supply into the woodwork of the neck and body, so most musicians are not familiar with seeing them on factory built guitars. Now for the first time (due to recent advances in sub-miniature LED manufacturing technology), LED fret markers can simply be attached with no modifications necessary to an instrument at anytime after it has been completely assembled. FretFX is very proud to bring this enhancement to you, and at an affordable price, as it is long overdue that almost everyone can enjoy this feature!

FretFX are easy to install and do not interfere in any way with the play-ability or the sound of the instrument. The magnified (compared to a U.S. dime coin) view also displays the smooth radiused shape of the array.
 
LEDs aren't really needed once you know the 'feel' of your board... YMMV.
Oh thanks soooooooo much. Really appreciate your advice......

I have been playing bass since 1985 and have a good idea for the "feel " of the fretboard, thanks. I play in a few trios and have to sing a lot in dimly lit rooms so the LED markers would help fretting and singing for reference. Trust me, I have been doing just fine for 30 plus years as is; just think the markers would be a nice advantage especially for playing complex lines and singing harmonies. That said, I have never installed the after market ones yet have considered them, I just think they would be a good option from the build.

You don't think the black fb of a Modulus Q5 in a dark room on dark stage with poor lighting is difficult to see during a gig? I do. Gotta go now and work on my 'feel'......sheesh.
 
I would love to see LEDs just because its new and neat more than anything

Really looking for ANYTHING different though than has been done in the last decade


Seems the only thing we got is satin necks, tbx return(should not be understated) and......thats it.
 
List things you wanna see on new mods:

LED fret markers
Adjustable nut
Ebony top
More wood fretboard options
18-19mm at the bridge (3" width at the 24th fret)
tbx? yes please!

if i can have only one choice, it would for them to do one-off's/special orders like a 10-string (octaves). many moons ago, someone had one custom made. they built it using a q6 neck to accommodate the strings. just would like to have one to have one.
 
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