- Aug 21, 2003
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- 18,683
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- A-Designs Mike Lull GK Tsunami Cables GHS Strings RMI Basswitch Nordstrand Pickups Darkglass
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Modulus VJ4 versus Warmoth/Status?
- Thread starter TimBosby
- Start date
I've only tried a couple of Zon basses and they were great, but for me perhaps not quite in the same league as Status, imo. Rob Green is the master when it comes to graphite.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
If I were going for a stock bass rather than a custom job, my rank order would be Status-Modulus-Zon. But it's pretty close and you could be happy with any of 'em, depending on preference.
Warmoths are like you said... expensive frankenstein projects that pale in comparison over bigger names IMHO when all is bought and modded.
As far as getting a graphite jazz, I would ask a simple question first...
Do you want the bridge jazz tone (which modulus can handle) or the classic Fender tone?
I have a Modulus with a Bart 3 band and it still sounds miles away from my Jazz, but it's an awesome animal nonetheless that I just won't part with. If you want that jazz tone, get a Fender Jazz, because not much comes close in the world of graphite IMO.
Zons are cool too, but I simply wouldn't trust one without a truss rod, and they are bit harder to find and pricier. I owned a very light Sonus 5 and while it had great feel and tone, it still wasn't a Fender Jazz. If you must go graphite, I'd go with a Modulus with a completely carbon fiber neck. I have played a few of the ones that are wooden necks with the spine and they were very heavy. Heavier than the fully carbon fiber ones.
As far as getting a graphite jazz, I would ask a simple question first...
Do you want the bridge jazz tone (which modulus can handle) or the classic Fender tone?
I have a Modulus with a Bart 3 band and it still sounds miles away from my Jazz, but it's an awesome animal nonetheless that I just won't part with. If you want that jazz tone, get a Fender Jazz, because not much comes close in the world of graphite IMO.
Zons are cool too, but I simply wouldn't trust one without a truss rod, and they are bit harder to find and pricier. I owned a very light Sonus 5 and while it had great feel and tone, it still wasn't a Fender Jazz. If you must go graphite, I'd go with a Modulus with a completely carbon fiber neck. I have played a few of the ones that are wooden necks with the spine and they were very heavy. Heavier than the fully carbon fiber ones.
Some of the nicest basses I see on this forum are Warmoth Frankenstein projects.
Sure, they don't necessarily work out cheap and resale value is poor. But the big advantage is being able to choose exactly what you want. I wouldn't swap either of mine for anything else I've played.
I guess some of us just like the flexibility of project basses and some prefer something stock. Luckily there's plenty of choices available for everyone.
I have had an offer to swap my vintage Pedulla MVP for a beautiful 6 string Status Stealth, a bit tempted because it is so hot and humid here and I have to adjust the neck on the MVP regularly. I really couldn't resist a good Modulus.
But I just LOVE my Pedulla too much!
But I just LOVE my Pedulla too much!
- Aug 21, 2003
- 11,617
- 18,683
- Disclosures
- A-Designs Mike Lull GK Tsunami Cables GHS Strings RMI Basswitch Nordstrand Pickups Darkglass
Some of the nicest basses I see on this forum are Warmoth Frankenstein projects.
Sure, they don't necessarily work out cheap and resale value is poor. But the big advantage is being able to choose exactly what you want. I wouldn't swap either of mine for anything else I've played.
I guess some of us just like the flexibility of project basses and some prefer something stock. Luckily there's plenty of choices available for everyone.
+1 to this...well put Bill.
I'm going to get get on my soap box for a minute (its not meant to offend anyone)
Listen to some of the classic recordings from NY 70's early 80's recording scene.
Neil Jason, Will Lee, Marcus Miller, ect...and guess what your lising to parts bass / frankenbasses. Some of these basses even use replacement necks from Valley Arts as well.
Scott Ambush (Spyro Gyro) has been making his living playing 'graphite neck parts basses' for years and in fact it worked out so well for him that He started making them and selling them to other folks.
Point being here I would not get caught up in that in parts basses.
I have owned - own - built - modded - bought stock literally dozen(s) of basses mostly J style my favorites have all been franken
Another Frankenbass is very tempting. I'm just not sure I feel like putting one together. I have a Warmoth fretless in pieces at the moment. And several other basses with their guts hanging out... 
But I'm kinda leaning Modulus VJ4 - I'd really like a wood fretboard and Villex p'ups. Now finding that used is going to be a challenge
But I'm kinda leaning Modulus VJ4 - I'd really like a wood fretboard and Villex p'ups. Now finding that used is going to be a challenge
- Aug 21, 2003
- 11,617
- 18,683
- Disclosures
- A-Designs Mike Lull GK Tsunami Cables GHS Strings RMI Basswitch Nordstrand Pickups Darkglass
Hi Sethlow
This is a good point...but I believe you obtain the best of both worlds.
Let me explain. Yep there is no way to get away from that modulus even 'thonka' sound that comes out in the upper mids that and that quicker attack is not there in wood. However I don't think that characteristics is uber dominant (but it is there and noticeable hence one of the reasons why I love it) but in your case I think the one of the reasons you hear it so different is the Barts pre.
What do you have for pickups?
Are those Barts as well?
You see if Tim uses something that a single coil done in a more traditional format He would be able to obtain that classic single snarl mixed with the graphite...Let me tell you IMHO that one killer combo
Currently I have a
(2) Warmoth Modulus VJ style basses (fretted / fretless)
(1) Flea 5
All using Nordstrand Singles with Audere I think its the best of both worlds.
PS: My last post was just debate not an attack...
Peace
- Aug 21, 2003
- 11,617
- 18,683
- Disclosures
- A-Designs Mike Lull GK Tsunami Cables GHS Strings RMI Basswitch Nordstrand Pickups Darkglass
But I'm kinda leaning Modulus VJ4 - I'd really like a wood fretboard and Villex p'ups. Now finding that used is going to be a challenge
I had a GVJ with that combination...It had that wood/carbon fiber hybrid neck with the Villex.
It was nice but a little mellow for my tastes. I used it for a lot playing with Acoustic singer song writer material. I eventually moved and started using a 79 J in its place for those gigs that Had the ability to be as smooth as the GVJ but could dial in a more sparkle if I wanted it too.
- Dec 12, 2007
- 2,268
- 43
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Zon Guitars, Tsunami Cables, DR Strings, GK
I have both the Modulus full graphite necks and the Genesis models. I've played both for the better part of ten years.
My take is that the Genesis neck offers a more organic tone with perhaps scooped mids, more like a mid 70's Jbass but still can sound quite modern due to the Bart 3 band eq. It can sound huge but also more transparent in a mix if you decide.
The VJ full carbon neck Jazz has that deep Jbass punch, burpy bridge pickup soloed sound, but is FAR more even and consistent when compared to a wooden necked Jbass.
I NEVER get lost in the mix with my VJ, regardless of the sound I'm going for. The VJ has louder, richer, and longer sustaning notes and harmonics. Since the VJ has the Bart 2band pre on mine, it sounds more traditional to my ears.
Bottom line is that you would be able to find an incredible used bass cheaper than you could build one for while knowing that it was professionally built and assembled.
I've had a few Warmoth basses in the past and they ROCK. But I did say in the PAST
Enjoy the search. There are so many cool basses to play.
My take is that the Genesis neck offers a more organic tone with perhaps scooped mids, more like a mid 70's Jbass but still can sound quite modern due to the Bart 3 band eq. It can sound huge but also more transparent in a mix if you decide.
The VJ full carbon neck Jazz has that deep Jbass punch, burpy bridge pickup soloed sound, but is FAR more even and consistent when compared to a wooden necked Jbass.
I NEVER get lost in the mix with my VJ, regardless of the sound I'm going for. The VJ has louder, richer, and longer sustaning notes and harmonics. Since the VJ has the Bart 2band pre on mine, it sounds more traditional to my ears.
Bottom line is that you would be able to find an incredible used bass cheaper than you could build one for while knowing that it was professionally built and assembled.
I've had a few Warmoth basses in the past and they ROCK. But I did say in the PAST
Enjoy the search. There are so many cool basses to play.
Next time I go through Des Moines I'll hit ya up to try something out I travel between Omaha, NE and Milwaukee, WI probably 3-4 times a year.
I travel between Omaha, NE and Milwaukee, WI probably 3-4 times a year.
Modulus! I too have owned both. I loved them both. Sadly the Modulus was stolen. It remains my favorite bass ever. The Status was actually a Warmoth/Status build. It was an amazing instrument. Cost almost $1,700.00. Could not even get $800.00 when I had to sell due to financial hardship. Might be worth considering.
I don't know how if it's just som graphite reinforced neck you are looking for, but i guess it is that. Then i would recomend Viger excess , arpege or passion. I got the excess and it is amasing. they are build i france, so it's no asian made "crap". I also got an alembic and a Lakland, but i always go back to the Vigier bass. you can get the standar or roger glover's signature who has ha three band EQ. There is no doubt in my mind that you would be satisfied with a vigier. and i also thinks it's a bit rare.
I owned a Modulus Q5 for years, awesome bass. Very unique, clean, almost compressed sound.
I eventually traded it in for a Zon. The Zon has a different playability and sound altogether. It is warmer and more organic sounding (if that makes any sense).
My advice is to find a way to try them all before you make a decision. Graphite neck basses are very different animals.
I eventually traded it in for a Zon. The Zon has a different playability and sound altogether. It is warmer and more organic sounding (if that makes any sense).
My advice is to find a way to try them all before you make a decision. Graphite neck basses are very different animals.
