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Modulus Mob

#11,061
Very nice bass looks exactly like mine, but I have the curly top. I use taper-core B & E strings. I was using GHS progressives long-scale, but I don't think they make those anymore. Years ago, I bought 8 sets when you would call companies before the internet. Geoff happened to be in the office and gave me a great deal. I only have 1 set left. I see the new G Gould strings also have a taper-core A string.
 
#11,062
cliff78 said:
Can I see your '88?
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mod1.jpg
 
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#11,072
modulus - 1.jpeg
I know this is subjective but I'll ask anyway: what strings would people recommend on a Modulus Q5 for sounds in the Mike Gordon, Phil Lesh, Dave Schools camp? Recent Q5 owner here. I started with the Ken Smith Slickrounds (halfrounds) which are supposedly used by Mike Gordon...but for some reason I'm not digging it. They've got a sticky, tacky feel (described previously), and overall...just don't feel like these are "the one". Other context: I love LaBella Low Tension Flats on my Guild Starfire and P-Bass, but not sure that's the call for a Modulus (but maybe?)...they only come in the one gauge and it seems like they'd be pretty floppy on a 35" neck. I like Rotosounds on a Geddy Jazz bass...but feel like that's a pretty specific, bright and twangy sound. So...that all said, what would be a good next try for the Q5? Thanks!
 
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#11,073
brownbud said:
View attachment 5273230 I know this is subjective but I'll ask anyway: what strings would people recommend on a Modulus Q5 for sounds in the Mike Gordon, Phil Lesh, Dave Schools camp? Recent Q5 owner here. I started with the Ken Smith Slickrounds (halfrounds) which are supposedly used by Mike Gordon...but for some reason I'm not digging it. They've got a sticky, tacky feel (described previously), and overall...just don't feel like these are "the one". Other context: I love LaBella Low Tension Flats on my Guild Starfire and P-Bass, but not sure that's the call for a Modulus (but maybe?)...they only come in the one gauge and it seems like they'd be pretty floppy on a 35" neck. I like Rotosounds on a Geddy Jazz bass...but feel like that's a pretty specific, bright and twangy sound. So...that all said, what would be a good next try for the Q5? Thanks!
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This is something that has been brought up a lot.. IMHO, I like D'Addario XL's. I use them on all my basses and have used them since the 1980's. I have tried many many other strings, but the sound I like comes along with the D'Addario strings. I have had flats on my fretted Modulus bass before, but I didn't care for them (on my fretless Modulus, definitely). Crazy nice looking bass btw
 
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#11,074
brownbud said:
View attachment 5273230 I know this is subjective but I'll ask anyway: what strings would people recommend on a Modulus Q5 for sounds in the Mike Gordon, Phil Lesh, Dave Schools camp? Recent Q5 owner here. I started with the Ken Smith Slickrounds (halfrounds) which are supposedly used by Mike Gordon...but for some reason I'm not digging it. They've got a sticky, tacky feel (described previously), and overall...just don't feel like these are "the one". Other context: I love LaBella Low Tension Flats on my Guild Starfire and P-Bass, but not sure that's the call for a Modulus (but maybe?)...they only come in the one gauge and it seems like they'd be pretty floppy on a 35" neck. I like Rotosounds on a Geddy Jazz bass...but feel like that's a pretty specific, bright and twangy sound. So...that all said, what would be a good next try for the Q5? Thanks!
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I loved DR Sunbeams on my Q6 - Very much in the Lesh/Gordon camp sonically and the tension is perfect. Perhaps not the best strings if you plan on slapping a lot, but otherwise ticks all the boxes. (These are what Lesh actually uses, or used to at least)

Edit: As I was reading this I remember I also put Modulus Strings, from Modulus, on this bass and they were every bit as good as the DR Sunbeams. I seem to recall that there was a very minor issue with the wrap length overlapping slightly at the nut on the B string with the DR's - did not affect tuning or playability, but I think that was my reason behind trying the Modulus strings.
 
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#11,075
UpperBout said:
I loved DR Sunbeams on my Q6 - Very much in the Lesh/Gordon camp sonically and the tension is perfect. Perhaps not the best strings if you plan on slapping a lot, but otherwise ticks all the boxes. (These are what Lesh actually uses, or used to at least)
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I've been using DR Sunbeams on my Modulus basses for more than 20 years. They are a perfect combination, IMHO. I find them to be fine for slapping. But I don't like crazy bright strings.
 
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#11,076
edwinhurwitz said:
I've been using DR Sunbeams on my Modulus basses for more than 20 years. They are a perfect combination, IMHO. I find them to be fine for slapping. But I don't like crazy bright strings.
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Yes, agreed, they work fine when slapped, but they're not the crazy bright 'smile' eq stainless-steel type of string. Not much of a slapper myself, maybe 1 song a set, if that, so these worked just fine. But if you slap more than pick or finger, you might be left wanting.
 
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#11,078
brownbud said:
I started with the Ken Smith Slickrounds (halfrounds) which are supposedly used by Mike Gordon...but for some reason I'm not digging it. They've got a sticky, tacky feel
Click to expand...

Slight Thread Drift: I use Ken Smith Slickrounds on one of my basses (only). It's not a Modulus, and it's fretless...and the combination is awesome! I can't imagine a better string for that particular instrument and the sonic goals I have for that instrument.

But A) yes, they're definitely sticky/tacky/something...it's a unique feel for sure. And B) I would never think to use those strings on my fretted Modulus basses. Wrong tool for the job imho (although tbh I'm not striving for nor super-familar with the Mike Gordon, Phil Lesh, Dave Schools sound, so... :shrugs: )

fwiw I use Ken Smith Rockmaster medium stainless steel roundwounds on my Modulus fretted basses and I love that combination. But it can get pretty twangy if you're not careful. Or if you want that.
 
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