I sometimes tune my Sonus 4 string down to BEAD and the notes stay focused and with great tension... Highly recommended... That said, their sound is different to the Modulus... I would say Zons sound "warmer"...
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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 free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
- Status
I sometimes tune my Sonus 4 string down to BEAD and the notes stay focused and with great tension... Highly recommended... That said, their sound is different to the Modulus... I would say Zons sound "warmer"...
But would you say the Zon string tension when tuned normally is really tight? Because that's what I don't like about the Modulus and 35" scale basses that I've played.
Both of my Zons are 5-strings, 34" scales. They are very easy to play, tension feels easy, and can be set up with extremely low action if desired. I've played quite a few basses, and the Zons are absolute tops for playability. Also, the B string has great definition despite the non-extended scale length.
Also, there are lower-tension string sets [e.g., DR Sunbeams I think] that you can try if you want to further lower the tension.
I absolutely could not be happier with my Zons. They kill GAS dead and let me focus on *playing* -- zero hindrances from the instrument
Also, there are lower-tension string sets [e.g., DR Sunbeams I think] that you can try if you want to further lower the tension.
I absolutely could not be happier with my Zons. They kill GAS dead and let me focus on *playing* -- zero hindrances from the instrument
Both basses have great neck profiles, very easy to play. The Zon is going to sound more organic, but still have all the definition, clarity, consistency, and purity of the Modulus. The B strings are strong and focused. The tension is fine, and depending on which strings you use, it can be fairly stiff or fairly slinky. I definitely prefer Zons to Modulus personally.
- Dec 12, 2007
- 2,268
- 43
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Zon Guitars, Tsunami Cables, DR Strings, GK
Fragger:
I played a Q6 for 10 years before Joe built my TJ6. I always had trouble with the 17mm on the Q6. So when Joe and I designed my bass I was happy that he was going to make it in 19mm but I wasn't sure I'd like it in 34". Joe suggested the 34" scale and said the B would sound just fine and the C would be sweeter in 34. He totally nailed it. I love it.
A friend has a Q6 still and when we hang I try it out just for kicks. I definitely prefer my Zon hands down over the Q6 in every way.
Not knocking Modulus. My all time fav jbass and fretless are both Modulus.
Awesome, thanks for the replies! Having struggled with the Q5 for a couple years now, I guess I've decided that I just don't love it as much as I wanted to. The tone is great, but I just don't dig that long scale and how tight the strings feel. It's great for pick playing, but I struggle with fingering and slapping on it. Oh well, just time to move on, I guess.
Now to find the right Zon at the right price!!
Now to find the right Zon at the right price!!
Anybody want to guess what kind of top this is? The owner says it's maple, but it doesn't look like maple. Looks sweet though.
looks like it could be maple to me. the blonde legacy in front, right? the other possibility is redwood...Anybody want to guess what kind of top this is? The owner says it's maple, but it doesn't look like maple. Looks sweet though.
here's my redwood top'd sonus 5... about as light as i've ever seen redwood... and the grain looks like it could be similar in some ways...
I sold my Modulus VJ4 to get my Sonus with no regrets but have been jonesing for a VJ4 again. They are my favorite jazz bass also but I have never played a Zon four string to compare it .It can be hard to get both those basses in the same room to compare. Iam going to post a pic of my X vj4 soon get your drool napkin out it is very foxy. You will Zon they are cadillac.
the vj is the only model i've more recently been drawn to, but, every time i've found one to do a gig on, i've always gone back to the Zon. but i personally definitely like the vj better than the quantum (despite the fact the quantums are great basses... just not my personal choice).
Have you tried lighter gauge strings? It might make all of the difference.
I don't think you will notice a huge difference in 34"/35" between Zon and Modulus. A Q5 is one of the more comfortable 35" scale basses.
If you struggle with fingering/slapping, you might want to find something with wider spacing. You'll have difficulty finding a wide spacing, 34" scale Zon though, unfortunately.
I put a set of light strings on my Q5, still just too tight. Maybe most wouldn't notice much difference, but I feel a huge difference in string tension between my Q5 And my G&L 34" scale. Is it just me? Am I crazy? I swear I'm not making it up or being overly sensitive. I think it's just the tension and reach of the 35" scale on my Modulus is just uncomfortable.
Anyone tried the Standard Sonus 5? Not much out there about this bass and I'm super curious. Thoughts?
Anyone tried the Standard Sonus 5? Not much out there about this bass and I'm super curious. Thoughts?
that mystery top maybe could be myrtle also -- I've seen photos of myrtle ones at Bass Central that were similar
--
re : standarrd sonus 5 : I assume we're talking about the wood-necked models : I really believe that if you're going to go Zon, it's best to go carbon. The carbon neck is a *huge* part of what makes Zons what they are, in my opinion. There are a great many options for great wood-necked basses out there; carbon is kind of a different bag.
--
re : standarrd sonus 5 : I assume we're talking about the wood-necked models : I really believe that if you're going to go Zon, it's best to go carbon. The carbon neck is a *huge* part of what makes Zons what they are, in my opinion. There are a great many options for great wood-necked basses out there; carbon is kind of a different bag.
Again, thanks for all the great replies. I know you're right about holding out for a carbon neck on a Zon too. I was trying to convince myself otherwise. Not sure what I can get for my Q5, but I'm sure I'll still have to save up before getting a Zon with carbon neck. I'm sure it'll be worth it though.
- Dec 12, 2007
- 2,268
- 43
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Zon Guitars, Tsunami Cables, DR Strings, GK
I've bought and sold a few Zons at very reasonable prices. I had a Sonus Custom that was amazing but the 17mm was killing me. Great for finger style but I had such trouble getting in the strings for percussive playing.
I used DR High Beams on my Q6 and now on my TJ6. The tension only bugged me on the high C of the Q6. The TJ6 feels very natural in 34". I'm glad I listened to Joe
- Dec 12, 2007
- 2,268
- 43
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Zon Guitars, Tsunami Cables, DR Strings, GK
I had a Zon Sonus 4 and would like to probably get a 519 for my last bass. The 4 banger I had was really nice and sounded great but it had been ridden hard by the previous owner and not set up well so the bass had a good deal of abuse. I didn't keep it.
I'm most at home on my VJ since I started on a 75 jbass. I know the VJ is modeled after a 60's Jbass but the vibe is there. Mine has a rare ash body as most were made with alder bodies and then capped. I generally use my VJ and a 6 string for solo stuff and a pair of 5s for bands. I think after NAMM ill be selling my Fodera and getting a 519.
Yep, the VJs can be pretty drool inducing!
- Dec 12, 2007
- 2,268
- 43
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Zon Guitars, Tsunami Cables, DR Strings, GK
Thanks Tsar. It's a keeper. I've had it for nearly 10 years and played the hell out of it. With a polished pickguard it would pass for new.
- Status
