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Modulus Mob
- Thread starter rockstarbassist
- Start date
So I finally got my Q5 back with the EMG’s installed. Did not get the copper foil shielding as there was some miscommunication and since it didn’t need it (and my guy is busy), I figured I’d let it go...
Sorry- didn’t realize that last one was out of focus, but you get the idea of how much wood hd to be removed.. I think if I had it to do over again, I’d have left the Bart stuff in there- the EMG stuff sounds good, and is super quiet, but it was a lot of hassle, and Bart stuff doesn’t sound bad...
Sorry- didn’t realize that last one was out of focus, but you get the idea of how much wood hd to be removed.. I think if I had it to do over again, I’d have left the Bart stuff in there- the EMG stuff sounds good, and is super quiet, but it was a lot of hassle, and Bart stuff doesn’t sound bad...
Hey man! Thanks for posting it looks great! I'm trying to figure out what was routed - the blend knob pot/component?
Yes, and the bass/treble stack under the batteries... just a little bit, but enough to be a pita...
How do you like the tone shaping compared to the Bartolini preamp? or are you going to have to sit with it for a few days first? Have you used that bass in a mix? Does the preamp allow the Modulus to sit well in the mix?
I literally just got it back this afternoon, so I haven’t had a chance to try it out with a band yet. I had a Q5 with EMG’s before (40dc’s and the 2 band pre- NEVER should have sold that bass, even though I didn’t care for the honeyburst finish) and I never had a problem being heard with it. Imho, EMG stuff is very flat, almost clinical, combined with the graphite neck and phenolic board, it’s a very even and natural tone. I like the bart stuff too (have several basses with some in them), i think the preamp is pretty flat and neutral, a lot depends on the pickups. The EMG has a sweepable mid freq, whereas the bart has a 2 (or 3 depending on the wiring) frequency selection. But they’re not bad (800hz is the default, I believe, and that is a good one to boost to get heard).
I am dealing with tendinitis in my left forearm (have been for a few months), but depending how I’m feeling, I may take it to a local blues jam tomorrow night, so I’ll give a better report then.
How’s your Q5 working out?
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oh bro...so sorry about the tendinitis. I had it for 9 months straight and thought I was completely done for. I was very sad and there was a huge hole in my life. it got so bad at one point, that I couldn't play more than 60 seconds without my wrist retracting in pain. I had an idea to wear gloves one day and it was a huge factor in my recovery. I also hiked my bass way up...and played a little softer and let the bass and eq do the work. It finally went away and I can play how I want now (slap, soft or really digging in if I have to). Every one plays differently and the causes can come from many different variables of your playing technique and bass. Man, hope that gets better...it's a real big bummer. I know all about it.
I'm still dialing in the Q5. My last was a 2002 with the two separate Bartolini preamp modules. It could be the preamp, or the bass, but the way I used to set the onboard preamp is totally different than what I'm hearing and setting it at today. Another thing, it could just be that my tastes in eq have changed over time. But it is going really great with this new bass. Playability and tone are getting better every time I use it. So glad I have it.
Thanks- it is getting better, just slow going. I went to physical therapy and have my exercises and stretches to do. I can play now without burning pain, my hand/forearm just gets stiff after a bit. I’ve talked to a lot of people who dealt with it, and like you said, it EVENTUALLY gets better, just seems like forever...
Welcome home.
Recuperating a pinched (back) nerve.
Time and water will heal the tendinitis.
Avoid physical over exertion:
Love my EMG's. Enjoy the gig.
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any lefty, fretless players out there? not mine. just happened upon this craigslist ad. she's a beaut!
any lefty, fretless players out there? not mine. just happened upon this craigslist ad. she's a beaut!
GeoffGould
Commercial User
I wonder who the original owner of that bass is. There was a guy near Watsonville named David Smelt, who worked in the long gone Green Valley Music store, who got the lefty thing going in the 6-string. David died in a home accident, and I think his basses were given away.
I put that bridge on an ibanez 5 string I once had. Or rather, I had a tech at a music store do it for me. Wasn't installed correctly. The plate that the individual saddles sit on is a trapezoid and will sit at an angle on the body.... Looking at that photo I wonder about the install. IMO it shouldn't square up against the pickup that much.
A question for you Modulus experts in here. Have you ever seen a Quantum 5 with P/J pickups stock (Alembic pickups)? I am hoping to have the chance to buy it, but just wanted to make sure it’s legit, since I have never seen that pickup combination on a Quantum.
@GeoffGould will pretty much give the definitive answer on the bass. iirc, the basses from the late 80's had quite a few pickup configuration options available.
GeoffGould
Commercial User
Sent them PM, not my bass (yet) so I didn’t want to broadcast this guy’s business for the world to see...
GeoffGould
Commercial User
It’s a Quantum 5 SPX. The Alembics were probably retrofitted.
GeoffGould
Commercial User
