New Gould vs Used Modulus

[glocke1]

I've been tooling around with the idea of getting a 5 string, and right now a new G. Gould or a used Modulus are at the top of the list.

I have no opportunity to play these or other graphite necked basses, though I do remember playing a used modulus about a decade ago at GC and liking what I heard felt, but that was a long time ago.

Both of the basses I am looking at have phenolic fretboards.

Realistically, what can I expect from these basses and aside from cost is there a reason I should pick one over the other?

 

[ModulusFan]

Resale will be better with the Modulus. Buy used at a good price, play as long as you want.....and sell for the same or more when you decide to move on.

 

[hdfixer]

I recently picked up a new GGi5 and I am delighted. It exceeded all my expectations. It's articulate, flexible and comfortable, and has that wonderful crisp graphite neck sustain. It's a lot like my '96 Zon Sonus 6 string, but lighter, and with EMGx instead of Barts. It's also drop dead gorgeous-redwood over a purpleheart lam, swamp ash back.

As far as deciding between a used Modulus, it's a tough call and depends what's available. I have heard and played a lot of used ones that I didn't care for, too clanky or muddy, but I haven't owned one and dug in with my own setup, diagnosing electronics, etc. Another way to say it is I haven't played one that made me want to buy it. I like the sound of a bolt-on, though a TBX would be interesting to spend some time with, but not sure it's worth the expense (graphite necks are pretty transformative on their own - I now own 3 graphite neck basses).

One notable difference between a GGi5 and a Quantum 5 is string spacing. The GGi5 is ~17mm, Q5 is available in 17, 19 or 21.5mm. I like the 17mm as I play with a pick or fingerstyle, I almost never slap.

With the GGi5 you are getting a unique truly hand-built instrument by a legendary craftsman, at a very reasonable price. The same can be said for brand new Modulus, but their list prices are ~30% higher.

I would absolutely buy another G.Gould (and in fact may soon as I understand Geoff has a number of 4 strings underway in his new shop).

Good luck with your journey!

PS. Bass Place is solid and were very helpful - I'll do business with them again without hesitation.

 

[TolerancEJ]

In the G. Gould club thread, Geoff frequently drops by to answer questions, etc.

 

[the_home]

I have a Modulus Quantum in both 4 and 5 strings and a Gould GGi 4. The Gould body seems slightly smaller than the Modulus. Don't know how a Gould 5 would compare to the ModQ.

 

[bubba-b]

I've been tooling around with the idea of getting a 5 string, and right now a new G. Gould or a used Modulus are at the top of the list.

I have no opportunity to play these or other graphite necked basses, though I do remember playing a used modulus about a decade ago at GC and liking what I heard felt, but that was a long time ago.

Both of the basses I am looking at have phenolic fretboards.

Realistically, what can I expect from these basses and aside from cost is there a reason I should pick one over the other?

i have both (gould ggj5's and ggi5's and mod tbx's).

ggi5's have 17.5-18mm spacing at the bridge (3" at the 24th fret).

95% of the quantums found out in the wild are 17mm at the bridge (2 3/4" at the 24th fret).

gould-era quantums (pre-'97) do not have an adjustment/truss rod and have a thinner profile; a bit more "comfortable" to get around on.

1997 was the transition year. some quantums have truss rods. some do not. most quantums from '98 on should have them. neck has a thicker profile.

the market for a used ggi5 is in the $1400-$1500 range.

the market for a used quantum is a bit higher depending on rarity and options.

imo, geoff's basses 'speak' to me more. more organic sounding. not that the quantums don't have tone. they definitely do. in fact, they balance better on me than the gould's. big factor when 9-10 pounds is strapped to your left shoulder hours on end.

i've always described them as modern-day versions of the fender p (quantum) and fender j (ggi5). both somewhat different and yet cut from the same cloth.

you can't go wrong with either. good luck in your search.

 

[Chuck M]

I presently own a ggi5 and a ggi6. They are hands down my favorite basses.

I used to own a Modulus Q5 and a Q6. Both of those basses were built after Geoff Gould left Modulus and had truss rods and Bartolini electronics. I liked them very much but they eventually got traded or sold.

The Gould basses are about a close to perfection as they can be IMO. There is NOTHING about them I do not like. Tone, feel and ergonomics, balance are all wonderful. On top of that my ggi6 weighs 8 pounds 14.5 ounces.

After I bought my ggi5 I contacted Geoff and have to say he is one of the nicest guys you will meet. He is humble, friendly and very responsive.

Modulus has made some great basses. I like them a lot...especially the earlier ones with EMG's that do not have a truss rod. A close friend of mine owns a lovely Q6 and just acquired a ggi6. Now he is trying to figure out how to make the Q6 sound more like the ggi6.

If you buy the ggi5, you will be a happy man.

 

[gwangi]

I've been tooling around with the idea of getting a 5 string, and right now a new G. Gould or a used Modulus are at the top of the list.

I have no opportunity to play these or other graphite necked basses, though I do remember playing a used modulus about a decade ago at GC and liking what I heard felt, but that was a long time ago.

Both of the basses I am looking at have phenolic fretboards.

Realistically, what can I expect from these basses and aside from cost is there a reason I should pick one over the other?

Have you checked into Zon basses:
www.zonguitars.com

 

[Jay jetton]

I’ve had my Gould for a month or so, it’s a great bass. I had a 2005 Q5 I sold a few years back and it too had superb tone and feel. The neck on my Q5 was deeper and not quite as wide. The Gould weighs MUCH LESS.
I prefer the feel and tone of the Gould. Mine does have a mapleboard and seems to not be as “sterile” sounding as the modulus I had with a phenolic board. Both are amazing instruments and your can’t go wrong. Although the craftsmanship in the modulus may have looked a little bit better(neck/body joint on Gould a lil gap) their price point is out of my league. There’s a 34” Scale Q5 for sale on the website and MAN!! But I got my Gould for $1500, and i don’t think I’ll ever spend $6500 on a bass unless I win the lottery..
Emailed Gould the Saturday after I bought my bass HE RESPONDED THE SAME DAY. His day off I imagine and he replied within the same day. Amazing. By far the best customer service experience I’ve ever had in the music industry and beyond. I don’t endorse modulus or Gould but I love JER and Phil Tone. The ggi5 gives me all that and some serious funk...

 

[India_Sierra]

Of the two I'd be tempted to pick the Gould because to me, Mr. Gould is Modulus. I am sure the company are still producing fabulous instruments in the fashion they were 20 years ago, but the G. Gould basses are the product of a designer who has had time and space to return to the drawing board and apply what he has learned since first striking gold.

I'd love to have the cash for both because I love them and consider them distinct from one another. I'd always have room for both in my collection but I'm known to my musician friends as something of a graphite-lover. I will definitely own a Modulus soon but only because I have never seen a G.Gould for sale in the UK.

 

[daddymactx]

Don't know how I missed this but I sent you a PM.. I LOVE EM BOTH!!