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Modulus Mob

#8,681
MattLplaysBass said:
I agree with everything, except I have a 19mm Q5 which matches the nut width/string spacing of the Genesis ;)

But yeah, the wood 'boards are easy to spot, as they're a member of the rosewood family (chechen and grenadillo).
Click to expand...

Yep, there is a 5-sting 19mm option--and 5-string "wide" option with 22.5mm spacing that uses 5 strings on a 6-sting neck---but those are relatively rare beasts.
 
#8,685
Angus said:
Is it an old wide Q5? Those had crazy 20mm spacing and a super wide nut because they were a 5 string on a Q6 neck. Super wide.

Edit: someone got there first.
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there was one for sale here not too long ago. spalt top. seller mentioned the fretboard was about 1 7/8" at the nut and 3" at the 24th fret. so kinda like the same dimensions as one of geoff gould's ggi5's.
 
#8,686
bubba-b said:
there was one for sale here not too long ago. spalt top. seller mentioned the fretboard was about 1 7/8" at the nut and 3" at the 24th fret. so kinda like the same dimensions as one of geoff gould's ggi5's.
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Yeah, that’s one I got. It’s buried in the ohsc in the basement at the moment, or I’d go measure it. It is definitely wider than the standard 17mm spacing, but narrower than the 6er I had at the same time (but sold locally to a guy who is enjoying it a lot).

17C6322E-7590-41B6-92DE-DE2942B80EB6.jpeg B1A50FB8-10DB-4F75-A62D-258009F7ACB2.jpeg D24C1407-5715-4E48-82A6-FF003A4EC238.jpeg
 
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#8,687
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#8,690
Mohawk said:
I suspect the said guy and his drummer are enjoying watching the lead guitarist ducking everytime a dart is thrown at said dart board that they conspired to set up behind him.
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nah, i think the drummer took care of that issue since there's a cymbal missing from the cymbal stand.

"i'm rushing the tempo??? heavy 22" ride cymbal comin' atacha!"
 
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#8,691
Way to rub it in, Tom.
drewphishesp said:
modulus mob maybe you can help me,
I am in the market for a 5 string. I play an alembic epic 4 string currently and love it but need the low B. I am looking between an epic 5 and a mod q5. My playing heroes are phil lesh and mike gordon and I play sort of in that same style of music. I am wondering if anyone has any comparisons they can make between the 2. Obv the alembic is a 34" scale vs a 35" modulus scale. Is it harder to find the modulus with a wood fingerboard? how can you tell if its wood or phenolic? I have played a q5 once and the scale didnt seem to feel too different to me than the 34: I am used to. any advice or tips appreciated!
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You could probably answer this guy’s question though, since you’re an Alembic guy too...
 
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#8,693
MattLplaysBass said:
Way to rub it in, Tom.

You could probably answer this guy’s question though, since you’re an Alembic guy too...
Click to expand...

Def not meaning to rub it in. And I think you still have a Modulus ( or two ) to soften the blow, no?

And you can visit the Q6 any Thursday, and play it (just give me a heads up so I bring that particular bass to the Jam)

Tom
 
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#8,694
UpperBout said:
Def not meaning to rub it in. And I think you still have a Modulus ( or two ) to soften the blow, no?

And you can visit the Q6 any Thursday, and play it (just give me a heads up so I bring that particular bass to the Jam)

Tom
Click to expand...
Yes, I still have a Q5 which I’m swapping out the electronics in (well, having Carl Pedigo swap out): And I always hope to make it on Thursdays, but real life has a habit of getting in the way... but glad to see you’re enjoying it
 
#8,695
drewphishesp said:
modulus mob maybe you can help me,
I am in the market for a 5 string. I play an alembic epic 4 string currently and love it but need the low B. I am looking between an epic 5 and a mod q5. My playing heroes are phil lesh and mike gordon and I play sort of in that same style of music. I am wondering if anyone has any comparisons they can make between the 2. Obv the alembic is a 34" scale vs a 35" modulus scale. Is it harder to find the modulus with a wood fingerboard? how can you tell if its wood or phenolic? I have played a q5 once and the scale didnt seem to feel too different to me than the 34: I am used to. any advice or tips appreciated!
Click to expand...

I don’t think there’s a huge difference in playing feel or sonic character when you get to the build level of Alembic and Modulus. I found the switch to 35” from 41 years of 34”s nearly imperceptible. I was more affected by the slightly narrower spacing, and I overcame that after about 3 sessions. I do have somewhat larger hands, so ymmv.

I love Epics and Orion’s from the Alembic world, but I’m also developing a deep appreciation for my new Modulus Q6. My personal choice is, whenever possible, to avoid choosing between two options by choosing both options. Alembic and Modulus are different, but kindred animals. I also play in some bands that cover Dead, etc. so I like having both Alembics and the Modulus. The Modulus is my only 6 at the moment.

Adding some more commentary (since you asked for comparisons).
  • Both exceptionally stable necks, with very little slop in the neck (due to multiple laminates in the all-wood Alembics, and Graphite in the Moduli), and without dead spots.
  • The Epic EQ is similar to the Modulus, except the Modulus (in my case) is 3-band, the Alembic is 2-band. (This assumes you are looking at the Bass/Treble activator EQ and not the Filter EQ, which is an optional upgrade on Alembic Epics and Orions)
  • I think the average weight of the Alembic 5's is going to tend to run a bit higher than the average weight of a comparable Modulus. Although I've had a lightweight Orion 5 that was near 9 lbs. They are out there, but rare. I've also seen heavier Moduli advertised, depending on woods.
  • I think the set-neck construction and wood construction (and possibly the 34" neck) puts the Alembic a tiny bit more towards what we think of as traditional basses (i.e. Fender Jazz).
 
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