Modulus VJ4 versus Warmoth/Status?

[TimBosby]

So I've got the graphite bug - trying to raise some money and wondering, what should I get - Modulus or Status? I know this question has been raised dozens of times before. I've ruled out Peavey G-Bass and Moses. Peavey G-basses are too ugly and, while I like Moses, I want to try something different.

I'm partial to the Modulus VJ4 with the wood fingerboard (I believe it's chechen on all models that have wood boards). Curious about the Villex pickups but Barts are cool too.

Or - I could buy a Status J neck and add it to a Warmoth body - or something similar. This would allow more customization. I already own 4 Jazz-style basses, so I wouldn't mind another PJ. Love Warmoth stuff, too, and black korina would be cool... HOWEVER, I think this option would end up being more expensive than a used Modulus VJ4 - an imported Status neck would be about $600 after shipping/import taxes, and you can easily spend quite a bit on Warmoth stuff once you factor in pickups, preamp, hardware etc.

Price limit about $1000-$1200 give or take.

Now a poll...

 

[onda'bass]

Status Basses rule......

 

[AltGrendel]

Why did you rule out Moses?

Just curious.


PS. Voted for Status/Warmoth. More options on the body that way.

 

[mmbongo]

I never got to play a Modulus OR a Status, but I remember Zon basses as the best I've ever played. I actually owned a pair of 5 string Zons and wish I would have gotten 4 strings because the wide flat neck didn't work for me. If I had gotten 4's I probably would still have those Zon basses to this day.

 

[TonyP-]

You cannot go wrong with either option.

You will be stoked.

 

[TimBosby]

Moses is cool but I like the woven/patterned necks better than the smooth black paint - sounds silly but .... yeah. Plus I've owned Moses before and want to try something new.

 

[bass1503]

Modulus, Zon and Status are all good basses.
Peavey B Quad is good, too.

 

[KeithPas]

Owned a Warmoth jazz bass with a Modulus neck and it was killer.

 

[BassyBill]

No surprises for guessing which way I voted. I've played some great graphite neck basses from Modulus, Zon, Status and others, but never anything that bettered my Status/Warmoth made-to-be-exactly-what-I-want-them-to-be beauties.

Link Removed

 

[TonyP-]

Owned a Warmoth jazz bass with a Modulus neck and it was killer.

Thats my main J and I love it...

Alder Body
NJ4s 60s wind
Audere Pre

J bass heaven...

Traditional - Stable - Punchy - balanced tone - with a modern twist if I want it.

 

[KeithPas]

Thats my main J and I love it...

Alder Body
NJ4s 60s wind
Audere Pre

J bass heaven...

Traditional - Stable - Punchy - balanced tone - with a modern twist if I want it.

Mine was an alder body with a flamed koa top, EMG jazz pickups and BQC preamp. It was the growliest, most aggressive sounding bass ever. Wold have kept it if it did not weigh 15 lbs.

 

[Mulebagger]

I have all three and for a Jbass I prefer the Modulus VJ with the full carbon neck.

Mine has a maple quilt top over ash, and barts with the 2 band pre. The phenolic fingerboard has more snap like maple but will still give a lot of warmth like rosewood. It's the most versatile, and sweetest sounding Jbass I've ever had or played.

The Status and Zon basses I have are also killer sounding, but the VJ is taken from a 64 Jazz if I recall correctly, so you have the Jbass vibe instantly. Either way you can't go wrong, but I'd just rather have the Modulus.

 

[Mulebagger]

Tim, make the trip to Des Moines and you can try out all three.

 

[patrickm]

Had a M-Quantum 6-loved it, should've never sold it
Peavy B-quad 5-it was okay

Currently own a Status 5 headless Stealth-Love It!
Part of me would..... sell it for a Zon (never tried one) or trade for a headless Zon... I dunno

 

[darthplagis]

have you priced up status' actual basses, they do a vintage bass which is their take on the classic fender lines, then they have the amazing T-bass with the sweet little weird angled headtock.

just popping up ball park figures here, about £1600 for either status at export price. and add about £200 ish for a custom wood look phenolic fretboard if you want that as an extra option.

 

[TonyP-]

Mine was an alder body with a flamed koa top, EMG jazz pickups and BQC preamp. It was the growliest, most aggressive sounding bass ever. Wold have kept it if it did not weigh 15 lbs.

Man...Thats a bummer it weighed so much.'

Mine comes in a 9 lbs (just about dead even) I wonder if that flammed koa brought up the weight a lot?

 

[TonyP-]

I have all three and for a Jbass I prefer the Modulus VJ with the full carbon neck.

Mine has a maple quilt top over ash, and barts with the 2 band pre. The phenolic fingerboard has more snap like maple but will still give a lot of warmth like rosewood. It's the most versatile, and sweetest sounding Jbass I've ever had or played.

The Status and Zon basses I have are also killer sounding, but the VJ is taken from a 64 Jazz if I recall correctly, so you have the Jbass vibe instantly. Either way you can't go wrong, but I'd just rather have the Modulus.

+1 to all the above.

Status and Zon are really good...(I'm picking up a Status neck for MM body actually)

But for a J style in graphite...Man its hard to top Modulus.

 

[KeithPas]

Man...Thats a bummer it weighed so much.'

Mine comes in a 9 lbs (just about dead even) I wonder if that flammed koa brought up the weight a lot?

I think it may have been the koa but it was really the only bass that I have ever sold because of weight and I have owned probably 100 basses. Man that thing sounded and played good. I may be wrong about the body wood as well (purchased it used), I think it was alder but it could have been ash I suppose.

 

[MNAirHead]

I'd look toward europeand botiques for your budget... with some digging you can find botiques in your budget range.

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

Zon, dude.


I got my Sonus Custom V with flame walnut top for $1200 on Ebay;
My Sonus 5/1 with spalted maple top cost me $1250 hereon TB.