Modulus Mob

[Taustin Powers]

2000 5A Quilt Maple
2005 Black Walnut
2011 Chechen TBX
2022 Claro Walnut TBX

That Claro Walnut is probably the best looking Modulus bass I have ever seen!

 

[enjoytheband]

Curious: Did you order that 2022 for yourself, or was it already in stock at a retailer (presumably Planet Bass)?

Hi Bob,
Worked with Tony at Planet Bass. Spent way more time in the specs and top than my other TBX build. Took about 16 months for that one.

 

[iriegnome]

Ok my Moddy brothers and sisters. I want to veer off course here for a second and have someone compare the Modulus to a Vigier Passion? Who has played both and thoughts on them both would be really very nice.

 

[MattLplaysBass]

Not a bad price for a Vertex ($1500 before shipping and taxes)

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[funkymonk13]

So I went on the PlanetBass site and it seems like its kinda dead. I skimmed this thread and judging by a few posts it seems like that may be the case. What do you guys think is going on there? and what could this mean for the future of the company?

Maybe they're just backed up. but Its been a few years now; I was kinda hoping they'd move on from the custom shop 4 basses a month model. It would be nice to get a bass thats not 5 grand. I thought they could make it happen; Its an iconic company with a pretty solid fanbase. Even an overseas line would be cool as long as the quality is there.

 

[Bob_Ross]

I was kinda hoping they'd move on from the custom shop 4 basses a month model. It would be nice to get a bass thats not 5 grand. I thought they could make it happen; Its an iconic company with a pretty solid fanbase. Even an overseas line would be cool as long as the quality is there.

I think it might be a bit misguided to assume that every manufacturer of a custom/bespoke product is interested in expanding their sales capacity. Some manufacturers are honestly more interested in being a small batch builder so that A) they can guarantee that their high standards are always met, B) they retain control of/responsibility for all aspects of the process, and C) they produce on their own terms rather than those dictated by the market.

I'm not saying I know Planet Bass/Modulus is staying small for ^^^those reasons, just pointing out that I've spoken to a number of small builders (both of musical instruments and other custom handbuilt products) who stressed that those are their priorities, rather than market share. One builder of bespoke custom handbuilt bicycle frames literally told me "I'm not interested in selling frames; I'm interested in building frames. So hiring more staff so I could increase capacity doesn't align with my interests at all."

otoh, I must admit I'm surprised that we haven't seen many (any?) overseas factories step up with graphite guitar and bass necks at lower-than-Modulus/Status/Moses prices, because it's generally accepted in the manufacturing industry that Taiwan's factories have incredibly comprehensive expertise and high standards in carbon fiber production...and China isn't too far behind, at least when they're not intentionally cutting corners to meet a pricepoint. Personally I'd rather not see an overseas-produced neck branded "Modulus" -- imho every once-respected company that added offshore fabrication to their offerings mostly succeeded in diluting their brand, even if it did also increase sales to the point where it allowed them to stay in business. But I'd give a serious look if a new startup company started importing graphite necks made in Taiwan and selling them for 60% of what a BassStar used to sell for.

 

[bassmike2010]

I think it might be a bit misguided to assume that every manufacturer of a custom/bespoke product is interested in expanding their sales capacity. Some manufacturers are honestly more interested in being a small batch builder so that A) they can guarantee that their high standards are always met, B) they retain control of/responsibility for all aspects of the process, and C) they produce on their own terms rather than those dictated by the market.

I'm not saying I know Planet Bass/Modulus is staying small for ^^^those reasons, just pointing out that I've spoken to a number of small builders (both of musical instruments and other custom handbuilt products) who stressed that those are their priorities, rather than market share. One builder of bespoke custom handbuilt bicycle frames literally told me "I'm not interested in selling frames; I'm interested in building frames. So hiring more staff so I could increase capacity doesn't align with my interests at all."

otoh, I must admit I'm surprised that we haven't seen many (any?) overseas factories step up with graphite guitar and bass necks at lower-than-Modulus/Status/Moses prices, because it's generally accepted in the manufacturing industry that Taiwan's factories have incredibly comprehensive expertise and high standards in carbon fiber production...and China isn't too far behind, at least when they're not intentionally cutting corners to meet a pricepoint. Personally I'd rather not see an overseas-produced neck branded "Modulus" -- imho every once-respected company that added offshore fabrication to their offerings mostly succeeded in diluting their brand, even if it did also increase sales to the point where it allowed them to stay in business. But I'd give a serious look if a new startup company started importing graphite necks made in Taiwan and selling them for 60% of what a BassStar used to sell for.

Absolutely agree. Modulus has always been a respected, coveted quality product and I would hate to see Indonesia take over another brand. Regardless of somewhat acceptable quality. If you can't afford a quality instrument, stick with Craigslist

 

[funkymonk13]

I think it might be a bit misguided to assume that every manufacturer of a custom/bespoke product is interested in expanding their sales capacity. Some manufacturers are honestly more interested in being a small batch builder so that A) they can guarantee that their high standards are always met, B) they retain control of/responsibility for all aspects of the process, and C) they produce on their own terms rather than those dictated by the market.

I'm not saying I know Planet Bass/Modulus is staying small for ^^^those reasons, just pointing out that I've spoken to a number of small builders (both of musical instruments and other custom handbuilt products) who stressed that those are their priorities, rather than market share. One builder of bespoke custom handbuilt bicycle frames literally told me "I'm not interested in selling frames; I'm interested in building frames. So hiring more staff so I could increase capacity doesn't align with my interests at all."

otoh, I must admit I'm surprised that we haven't seen many (any?) overseas factories step up with graphite guitar and bass necks at lower-than-Modulus/Status/Moses prices, because it's generally accepted in the manufacturing industry that Taiwan's factories have incredibly comprehensive expertise and high standards in carbon fiber production...and China isn't too far behind, at least when they're not intentionally cutting corners to meet a pricepoint. Personally I'd rather not see an overseas-produced neck branded "Modulus" -- imho every once-respected company that added offshore fabrication to their offerings mostly succeeded in diluting their brand, even if it did also increase sales to the point where it allowed them to stay in business. But I'd give a serious look if a new startup company started importing graphite necks made in Taiwan and selling them for 60% of what a BassStar used to sell for.

That’s a fair point. I guess the brand sorta turned into that. It makes more sense to me when the builder is the brand. I’m like really curious what it cost to buy the modulus name. It’s probably just me but I feel like it’s kinda iconic and they could be doing more with it.

and yea, it surprises me there’s not more basses with carbon fiber necks. They seem to be going bust, but it’s honestly such a big benefit, especially on bass. The main benefit of it being modulus is if they did an overseas line I’d be more likely to trust the product. Not all composites are the same quality; modulus already figured out their process.

i don’t necessarily agree with it diluting the brand. At least not anymore. Indonesian and Korean guitars are really solid. Japan is probably above US realistically. Also, you have to factor in accessibility, the average musician isn’t buying guitars over 2k. The majority of musicians are playing import guitars.

Absolutely agree. Modulus has always been a respected, coveted quality product and I would hate to see Indonesia take over another brand. Regardless of somewhat acceptable quality. If you can't afford a quality instrument, stick with Craigslist

That’s pretty harsh. The cheapest modulus is something like 4.5k. At that point you’re pricing out 99% of musicians.
You can find a quality instrument for a lot less, it just won’t be a modulus

 

[bassmike2010]

That’s a fair point. I guess the brand sorta turned into that. It makes more sense to me when the builder is the brand. I’m like really curious what it cost to buy the modulus name. It’s probably just me but I feel like it’s kinda iconic and they could be doing more with it.

and yea, it surprises me there’s not more basses with carbon fiber necks. They seem to be going bust, but it’s honestly such a big benefit, especially on bass. The main benefit of it being modulus is if they did an overseas line I’d be more likely to trust the product. Not all composites are the same quality; modulus already figured out their process.

i don’t necessarily agree with it diluting the brand. At least not anymore. Indonesian and Korean guitars are really solid. Japan is probably above US realistically. Also, you have to factor in accessibility, the average musician isn’t buying guitars over 2k. The majority of musicians are playing import guitars.


That’s pretty harsh. The cheapest modulus is something like 4.5k. At that point you’re pricing out 99% of musicians.
You can find a quality instrument for a lot less, it just won’t be a modulus

Not meant to be harsh. 99% of musicians don't need a Modulus. 1% do. Plenty of other manufacturers have produced outsourced and overseas products and lessened the overall quality of the brand. Squire, Epiphone, Sterling etc. You Don't See China and Indonesia producing for Alembic, for example. Even Ibanez, known to cater to GC entry level market, still produces good upper end instruments. Just nothing I'm interested in. Anyway, hope Modulus doesn't outsource and destroy the Legacy.

 

[iriegnome]

otoh, I must admit I'm surprised that we haven't seen many (any?) overseas factories step up with graphite guitar and bass necks at lower-than-Modulus/Status/Moses prices, because it's generally accepted in the manufacturing industry that Taiwan's factories have incredibly comprehensive expertise and high standards in carbon fiber production...and China isn't too far behind, at least when they're not intentionally cutting corners to meet a pricepoint. Personally I'd rather not see an overseas-produced neck branded "Modulus" -- imho every once-respected company that added offshore fabrication to their offerings mostly succeeded in diluting their brand, even if it did also increase sales to the point where it allowed them to stay in business. But I'd give a serious look if a new startup company started importing graphite necks made in Taiwan and selling them for 60% of what a BassStar used to sell for.

What about Vigier? Sure they do the 10/90, but also 100% graphite as well

 

[bassmike2010]

What about Vigier? Sure they do the 10/90, but also 100% graphite as well

Unfamiliar with Vigier, although yours is certainly nice. High-end instrument. I think the graphite composite neck is critical enough to the industry to warrant any manufacturer utilizing it. Also one thing that justifies the price point and It's one of the things I like the most about my Quantum5.
Next time I see a good MusicMan Ray with a Status neck I'm not going to hesitate.

 

[iriegnome]

Unfamiliar with Vigier, although yours is certainly nice. High-end instrument. I think the graphite composite neck is critical enough to the industry to warrant any manufacturer utilizing it. Also one thing that justifies the price point and It's one of the things I like the most about my Quantum5.
Next time I see a good MusicMan Ray with a Status neck I'm not going to hesitate.

Roger Glover from Deep Purple seems to be the most notable Vigier player, but I am sure there are a few others of note. I picked up mine because of its similarities to all of my Modulus' and I am a big fan of those mid-80's ones. Of course they are very different, but pretty much similar.

 

[landrybass]

I’m just guessing, completely out of thin air… but I have worked w Tony to build a modulus and I don’t think it’s his full time job at all. It’s a side gig for him and Joe.

 

[Bob_Ross]

I’m just guessing, completely out of thin air… but I have worked w Tony to build a modulus and I don’t think it’s his full time job at all. It’s a side gig for him and Joe.

I've definitely gotten that same impression, based on my limited interactions w/ Tony & Joe over the past couple years.

 

[bassmike2010]

The 90/10 system, strap button metal inserts, shielding etc. Good innovations.
And yeah I remember Geezer and Jon Camp. Will do further research.

 

[Bob_Ross]

Alphonso Johnson was the only Vigier user I was aware of

(well, until I visited their website and their 3 pages of artists)

 

[funkymonk13]

Not meant to be harsh. 99% of musicians don't need a Modulus. 1% do. Plenty of other manufacturers have produced outsourced and overseas products and lessened the overall quality of the brand. Squire, Epiphone, Sterling etc. You Don't See China and Indonesia producing for Alembic, for example. Even Ibanez, known to cater to GC entry level market, still produces good upper end instruments. Just nothing I'm interested in. Anyway, hope Modulus doesn't outsource and destroy the Legacy.

Well no one NEEDS a modulus. I’ve seen more professional musicians using squiers than modulus. You can have import lines that are accessible to the average musician while still having a custom shop or a US line.

If anything I think pricing out 99% of musicians is much more damaging to their legacy. The boutique market is basically for collectors. I def don’t think their current model is improving their legacy. There’s posts here of people spending 5k on a bass that needs work. There also won’t be any legacy if the brand goes under.

I’m just guessing, completely out of thin air… but I have worked w Tony to build a modulus and I don’t think it’s his full time job at all. It’s a side gig for him and Joe.

As a fan of the brand that’s what’s frustrating.

 

[India_Sierra]

What about Vigier? Sure they do the 10/90, but also 100% graphite as well

Vigier have not produced entirely graphite necks for a long, long time now. Patrice apparently thought the wood and CF mix neck was the best option.

 

[bassmike2010]

Well no one NEEDS a modulus. I’ve seen more professional musicians using squiers than modulus. You can have import lines that are accessible to the average musician while still having a custom shop or a US line.

If anything I think pricing out 99% of musicians is much more damaging to their legacy. The boutique market is basically for collectors. I def don’t think their current model is improving their legacy. There’s posts here of people spending 5k on a bass that needs work. There also won’t be any legacy if the brand goes under.



As a fan of the brand that’s what’s frustrating.

I'm good w what I enjoy.

 

[loveandbass]

Not meant to be harsh. 99% of musicians don't need a Modulus. 1% do. Plenty of other manufacturers have produced outsourced and overseas products and lessened the overall quality of the brand. Squire, Epiphone, Sterling etc. You Don't See China and Indonesia producing for Alembic, for example. Even Ibanez, known to cater to GC entry level market, still produces good upper end instruments. Just nothing I'm interested in. Anyway, hope Modulus doesn't outsource and destroy the Legacy.

99% of bass players don’t WANT a modulus.