• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Modulus Mob

99% of bass players don’t WANT a modulus.
to add on, i don't think most musicians are even aware of the brand. we are very much a minute niche market that not only knows the name but owns a bass or two (or more... ;)).

one of my godson's (recent graduate of berklee) was over my place and straight out said he's never heard of 'modulus graphite' or 'g. gould'. but, then again he's a drummer and we all know they ain't the sharpest tools in the shed... :roflmao::roflmao::roflmao:
 
to add on, i don't think most musicians are even aware of the brand. we are very much a minute niche market that not only knows the name but owns a bass or two (or more... ;)).

one of my godson's (recent graduate of berklee) was over my place and straight out said he's never heard of 'modulus graphite' or 'g. gould'. but, then again he's a drummer and we all know they ain't the sharpest tools in the shed... :roflmao::roflmao::roflmao:

Aside from percentages, most musicians (are programmed) come up to me, familiar with it or not, focus on the bass, and comment on how great it sounds. It and the SR5 cover most everything.
The OP was about Tony and Planet Bass. Bought a black Hardware kit and Bridge from him few years ago other than that I've had no need.
And I don't think it's a good idea to reach the majority of musicians to sell them a foreign made MiniMod but it would drive up the price on the existing market.
 
Last edited:
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.

The boutique market is for collectors? While I'm no longer a full time touring musician, my basses still make me a couple tens of thousands of dollars per year. I have three Modulus basses and they all get gigged regularly. They got paid off a long time ago. And I have a couple of other boutique basses. I could see your point if I didn't know lots of other musicians doing the same.

I also love my Squier CV 60s P bass. It got paid off in a weekend.
 
Modulus has the absolute worst “marketing/social” of like any brand. It’s kinda remarkable how little they value that. I hope to god that Joe is at least training a few people to continue building the basses if he retires
I doubt this is getting passed down. Tough to make a living on selling roughly 4 basses per month and having to pay another employee living wages on top of the other people and businesses they work with that need to get paid.
 
  • Like
Reactions: landrybass
The boutique market is for collectors? While I'm no longer a full time touring musician, my basses still make me a couple tens of thousands of dollars per year. I have three Modulus basses and they all get gigged regularly. They got paid off a long time ago. And I have a couple of other boutique basses. I could see your point if I didn't know lots of other musicians doing the same.

I also love my Squier CV 60s P bass. It got paid off in a weekend.
I don't know why you took this personally. Thats cool that you actually gig yours, and I'm sure so do a lot of other modulus owners. Something to keep in mind is most players who own a modulus didn't buy it at these new prices. Its only been a few years since the reboot with the new custom shop model.

The whole boutique instrument niche is def geared towards collectors. I dont know why you guys find this offensive, its the truth. Theres nothing wrong with being a gearhead or liking nice things. If you can afford it, or are willing to save up for it, thats cool. I like nice instruments too. All I'm saying is the average person can't afford a 5k bass build, MUCH less the average musician.
 
I don't know why you took this personally. Thats cool that you actually gig yours, and I'm sure so do a lot of other modulus owners. Something to keep in mind is most players who own a modulus didn't buy it at these new prices. Its only been a few years since the reboot with the new custom shop model.

The whole boutique instrument niche is def geared towards collectors. I dont know why you guys find this offensive, its the truth. Theres nothing wrong with being a gearhead or liking nice things. If you can afford it, or are willing to save up for it, thats cool. I like nice instruments too. All I'm saying is the average person can't afford a 5k bass build, MUCH less the average musician.

Because your comments come off offensively.
There are plenty of, as you call them, Boutique manufacturers out there. And just because we own one or more of them doesn't make us "collectors",
We likely own other instruments that are not high end. I own two Fenders that are vintage. Doesn't make me a vintage collector. "Average" or not, I purchased them when they weren't vintage. We're simply grown ups that buy quality instruments regardless of whether we gig them out or not. And vehicles. And homes. I hear some people even buy swimming pools. To marginalize someone who owns a Bacchus, Dingwall, F Bass, Geoff Gould, Lackland, Marleau, Mayones, Pedula, Ritter, Sadowski, Spector, Status, Warwick etc. Or anything that isn't an entry level Ibanez or fender speaks volumes. Priviledge? Go out and Order a new Ken Smith, Alembic, Fodera, Jerzy Drozd or Carl Thompson or extended range instrument. Go to their TB owners groups and tell Them, that Their, instruments should be retooled and marketed to your "99% musicians". Not everyone buys their instruments from Guitar Center. And personally not everyone gives a damn about what everyone else buys or who can afford it. Buy what you wish and and or make money. Enjoy life and don't worry about the other guy. That's supposed to be why we do this. I figure these custom handmade or otherwise luthiers have been at this longer than me or you and can survive or fail on their own. I also figure I support their efforts and business model with my patronage and for my part, end this (respectfully) You do You.
Redirect
TalkBass Clubs & Special Interest Groups INDEX | TalkBass.com
 
  • Like
Reactions: Avalon5
I’m changing the subject. You’re welcome. I was perusing Amazon the other day and saw that you can buy bags of diamond cut chopped carbon fiber. This is essentially what makes up the 10KLD pattern. Pretty cool

That's awesome, I wish I would've looked into that more a year ago. Someone's building me a carbon neck in their free time very slowly and it would've been easier to point them to this. They cut it in patches vs small diamonds which looks cool but not quite as sharp.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bassmike2010
Never seen a headstock logo like that, but those old Barts are early-80's (maybe earlier to mid-80's). Love the red neck thru. I have seen another one, but $7,500?? It is listed as a 1988. I don't recall what Geoff has said in the past about the TBX models and when they came out
 

Maybe, but the pre-TBX basses I've seen have a different graphite pattern. (see below). This bass has the KLD pattern with color applied. I've had a couple of those that were TBX basses.


Modulus-3.jpg
 
Last edited: