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Reasons why not to buy a Modulus?

#21
The graphite can be very different in terms of feel and tone so it's a crap shoot to know if you'll like it or not without trying one first. I went from loving two of them (Q6 and VJ) to being annoyed by them. Stability was always a plus. The necks don't move IME. The Q6 became problematic for me. The coldness of tone in the mids was disheartening after I had it for a while. I had a phenolic board which has more of this character. The 35" scale was the second thing that I just didn't like on the Modulus. It wasn't a comfy 35" to me. I have a BTB that feels much better in this regard, and I have a Skjold 35" on the way. Of course, these are 5 strings, not 6, which made it even worse.

The VJ was great! It wasn't as organic as a wooden bass, but it played like a dream. Still, it had a bit of coldness in the mids compared to a wooden bass. What ultimately caused me to sell it was sheer weight. Both the VJ and Q6 were over 11 pounds, and I have hypertension in my shoulders anyway. It was getting harder and harder to wear these basses for more than an hour. My Skjold should be around 8 pounds or less. My G&L is about average in weight, so it's more comfy than the Moduli.

Try before you buy. These basses can be polarizing, and you don't want to buy a new one without knowing for sure if it's for you. Resale on it will kill you.
 
#22
I got my custom Q5 in an ash body, and it's a featherweight compared to the alder ones I used to have. You can tell in the tone, too.

They do lots of options on Quantums, so always check out/verify the features and the like on it, and you're sure to find a good one.

Another option is the chechen fretboard (which is my fave) or the Genesis line, which adds more "warmth" plus the stability of the necks.
 
#24
basswave said:
Hey Hoover

That a bummer that it did not work out for you the way you thought.

In believe in 89 there was some proto types that where Alembic mergers, is yours one of them?

Also I can say pretty confidently that a lot has changed since then. Notice Modulus line has not really changed that much because its working "If its not broke don't fix it".

Do you still have that bass?
Let me know if you do...

:)
Click to expand...



Not sure what you mean by "Alembic mergers" (although I was aware that Geoff Gould/Modulus did build necks for some Alembics). Mine is a Quantum-6 SPX which was sort of a prototype/limited production six-string that was built on their 5-string SPX neck & body template. Not sure how many of this model actually exist; from the conversations I had with Geoff at the time I ordered mine (fall 1988) I got the impression mine would be one of the first.

Note that all of this was way before they started doing the Integrated Neck Joint (SPi) stuff; it is way different than anything that's been in their product line since the move across the bay. At the time I ordered it Modulus Graphite was still Gould's baby on Folsom Street in San Francisco.

And yes I still have the bass:

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#26
The only 'negative' I can think of (besides the retail price) is that a Modulus sounds like a Modulus. If you must have a "woody" sound or must have a P or J sound, then the Modulus probably isn't the way to go.

Yes, they can sound warm; and I'm sure they can even sound P or J-like in the right hands... I would heed the above advice and be sure to play one first.
 
#27
rockstarbassist said:
Also, I've confirmed that Quantums are now being made in 34" scale (or maybe they were before, I donno). I think they were custom jobs before, but you can put in orders now, as you're not likely to find a used one like that. :)
Click to expand...

If that's the case - count me in! I've had several 35" scale 5 strings, but due to my job (where I use a LOT of pneumatic tools), I don't want to further strain my hands by using the larger scale. And, I'll be honest - I wasn't a big fan of the Flea series.
 
#28
Kitsapbass said:
If that's the case - count me in! I've had several 35" scale 5 strings, but due to my job (where I use a LOT of pneumatic tools), I don't want to further strain my hands by using the larger scale. And, I'll be honest - I wasn't a big fan of the Flea series.
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I'd contact some of the more reputable dealers instead of Modulus to get more info.
Tony @ Planet Bass is who I've dealt with on mine, and won't go anywhere else from here on out to get my Modulus fix.
Bass Emporium in Austin is also another good choice.

I'd hit 'em up!
 
#30
Call Alpha Audio Works in Connecticut and ask for Andy. One of the nicest guys I know of to deal with, and they are a Modulus dealer. He knows as much about Modulus basses as anyone I've talked to. He has several himself, and he'll cut you the best deal possible. Tell him Jason Sikes sent you.
 
#32
very good and interesting comments about modulus basses
it really sucks that i can't go try one, cause i remember long and mcquade in toronto use to have them but they do not carry them anymore.
i think the act that i wanna try one and i cant it's getting me obsessed.
and another think that i would like to know is the difference between the flea 5 and the quantum 5, cause i have 3 different basses but i like them all
my main one is a garry willis, then an ESP F-255 and a warwick corvete 4 strings.
 
#33
bassike said:
very good and interesting comments about modulus basses
it really sucks that i can't go try one, cause i remember long and mcquade in toronto use to have them but they do not carry them anymore.
i think the act that i wanna try one and i cant it's getting me obsessed.
and another think that i would like to know is the difference between the flea 5 and the quantum 5, cause i have 3 different basses but i like them all
my main one is a garry willis, then an ESP F-255 and a warwick corvete 4 strings.
Click to expand...

The Q5's and FB5's are about as night and day different as you can get.
I'll explain a little more on this tomorrow.
But they are my fave Modulus axes, which is why I have both Q's AND FB's!!
 
#36
For the longest time, a Modulus was my dream bass. The idea of graphite and having a super-stable neck without the action ever moving and no dead notes was perfect. I finally tried a couple and they just didn't feel right. It's hard to put my finger on it; they just felt a little lifeless.

I tried them at Long & McQuade's in Ottawa (if I remember correctly). I don't know if they still carry them as I haven't seen one there in a long time.
 
#37
I have a Q5, a passive vintage jazz and a firebass which is basically a VJ with active electronics. My Q5 is actually pretty light. It has been my main bass for the last 5 years and I doubt I will ever sell it. The sound took some getting use to but I like it.
 
#39
bassike said:
very good and interesting comments about modulus basses
it really sucks that i can't go try one, cause i remember long and mcquade in toronto use to have them but they do not carry them anymore.
i think the act that i wanna try one and i cant it's getting me obsessed.
and another think that i would like to know is the difference between the flea 5 and the quantum 5, cause i have 3 different basses but i like them all
Click to expand...

I bought mine without ever having played one as I said. The thing for me was that I KNEW what kind of tone I wanted from hearing other bassists play and they played Modulus basses...so I followed suit and I am glad I did....wouldn't change one thing.

I don't know if it gets any better when I have my rig warmed up and I am standing in front of my cabinet playing deep grooves and then follow it up with some clear crisp highs!!

I could never be a guiTARDist. :bassist:
 

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