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Reasons why not to buy a Modulus?

#41
I work at a Modulus dealer and they are top notch. The fit and finish are amazing and they play very well. The tone is a little different, maybe even sterile on it's own, but in a band mix they sound full and even. The only reason I don't have one is because they don't make a 6 string with wide spacing. If I could make a suggestion, get one with Bartolini's instead of EMG's. The EMG's are already a bit bright, so that coupled with the graphite neck makes it a little harsh if you like to ride the treble on the hot side.
 
#43
steve4765630 said:
I work at a Modulus dealer and they are top notch. The fit and finish are amazing and they play very well.


If I could make a suggestion, get one with Bartolini's instead of EMG's. The EMG's are already a bit bright, so that coupled with the graphite neck makes it a little harsh if you like to ride the treble on the hot side.
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+100 To both statements. :hiding::D
 
#44
neuromancer said:
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.
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To add to the above.

A Q is not they way to go if you are looking for a vintage sound, and I think that would be a given. Its not what it meant to do.
You don't buy BMW Z4 and expect it cruise like a Cadillac Eldorado.

The exception to this is with the VJs and the GVJs (without a capted top).
My VJ with Active barts reminds me of mid 70's Jazz with a maple fretboard.

My GVJ with Villex pickups riminds me Late 60's Jazz with Rosewood, maybe a touch brighter which is nice to me.


:hiding:
 
#45
basswave said:
To add to the above.

A Q is not they way to go if you are looking for a vintage sound, and I think that would be a given. Its not what it meant to do.
You don't buy BMW Z4 and expect it cruise like a Cadillac Eldorado.

The exception to this is with the VJs and the GVJs (without a capted top).
My VJ with Active barts reminds me of mid 70's Jazz with a maple fretboard.

My GVJ with Villex pickups riminds me Late 60's Jazz with Rosewood, maybe a touch brighter which is nice to me.


:hiding:
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+11.

When people say "It sounds like a Modulus", they're usually referring to the Quantum line only, which is why they've introduced other instruments across the board that fill all needs.
That being said, I played my Q's in my latest country band and got compliments from FOH people, soundmen, and my band, every show. :bassist::bassist::bassist:
 
#46
basswave said:
To add to the above.

A Q is not they way to go if you are looking for a vintage sound, and I think that would be a given. Its not what it meant to do.
You don't buy BMW Z4 and expect it cruise like a Cadillac Eldorado.
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I agree, although since there are always exceptions with some peoples' hands/ears I thought the OP should play one personally to hear for himself.

And yes, I should have said "A Quantum sounds like a Quantum." ;)
 
#47
bassike said:
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
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From having owned a few FB4's and one FB5, and various Q5s, here's my rundown on the two:

FB5 Pros:

- Lightweight, good balance, in your face front and center tone, especially with the Aguilar preamp and if you threw in a Nordy replacement, watch out!
- 34" scale, 22 frets, more "traditional" shaped neck for people who want that feel.

FB5 Cons:

- Pretty much limited to one main tone, unless you got a J/J or J/MM setup, or had a 3-band EQ with some switching options (like my FB4).
- Moreso IMO you get more "click" or "clank" from the phenolic board on this bass, unless you really crank down the treble. It's a very midrange tuned instrument, so just be aware of that. Of course electronics and strings and touch change all that, but just sayin'...

Q5 Pros:

- Big, thick, heavy tone pretty much no matter how you set it up. Much better suited for a wider variety of styles than the FB's. And the fretless tone is to die for.
- 35" scale and 24 frets gives you arguably one of the best B strings on the market, and from having owned a Dingwall ABII 5, this easily comes in a very close second. Plus you get spot-on intonation and no dead spots all the way up and down the neck.

Q5 Cons:

- If you have an alder or other heavier wood as a body, it can be a little wearing after a 2-4 hour gig. My new one is ash and pretty light, so it shouldn't be a problem.
- Just may not be a fan of the 35" setup, and that's something to think about, but it's very easy to get around on and no chance of feeling "cramped" at all, IME.
- May not like the sound of "graphite", but that goes for both basses. I highly highly recommend the chechen fretboard option on at least the Quantum series.
 
#48
IF you like the tone of a Modulus, then I can't think of much of a reason to not buy one. You better make sure you like the tone first, though. The quality of my Quantum exceeds or equals everything I've ever played, including other boutique brands that cost more. The neck never moves. The action is extremely low, with no fret buzz (even when I really dig in). It balances well. I can't imaginge anyone thinking my Q5 is heavy. The neck isn't too thick or too thin. The tone is very versatile.

However, it sounds like a Modulus, which is a very clear, modern tone. I can't speak for the Genesis line or the Modulii with chechen fingerboards, but the ones I've heard with phenolic boards have a certain tonal quality that you just can't escape from. I've heard it in Quantums, Fleas, and VJs. I'm not saying that's bad, but it might not be your thing. The phenolic boards are very unforgiving. Whatever you do will be heard. Your technique needs to be spot on.

I can do just about anything with my Q5(with Bart PU's and pre). Any genre, any technique. It really doesn't ever sound out of place. That's not to say, though, that it will always be my preferred instrument for a particular style or genre. For example, for slap I'll usually pick up a jazz or my Cirrus. The Quantum has a killer slap tone, but I usually prefer something else. For finger funk, I'll usually grab one of my Warwicks.

The bottom line is that Modulus basses excel in quality and can be used for just about anything, but they have a distinct tone that may or may not work for you. They're not the end all, cure all.

By the way, I'll second the recommendation against the EMGs. The EMGs I've heard in Quantums have sounded very brittle, bright, and aggressive. Of course, maybe that's what you're after... :)
 
#51
bassike said:
hey what do you guys think of this one
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/prod...5-String-Figured-Claro-Walnut-Bass?sku=514645
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I really wouldn't even consider buying a brand new Modulus unless I had it completely spec'd out and planned on keeping it FOREVER!

As with most high priced basses, you'd take a huge loss if you turned around and tried to sell it. And I know someone's going to chime in and say "yeah, what's up with the Modulus resale value". It's not just Modulus. Almost every other high priced bass manufacturer experiences it too.
 
#53
LifeIsBass said:
I really wouldn't even consider buying a brand new Modulus unless I had it completely spec'd out and planned on keeping it FOREVER!

As with most high priced basses, you'd take a huge loss if you turned around and tried to sell it. And I know someone's going to chime in and say "yeah, what's up with the Modulus resale value". It's not just Modulus. Almost every other high priced bass manufacturer experiences it too.
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+1 The answer is eBay. That is where I got mine. I am pretty confident that the $$ I spent on my Modulus (used), I will have NO problem recouping the same amount AT LEAST. With new, you have nowhere to go but down in value.
 
#54
LifeIsBass said:
I really wouldn't even consider buying a brand new Modulus unless I had it completely spec'd out and planned on keeping it FOREVER!

As with most high priced basses, you'd take a huge loss if you turned around and tried to sell it. And I know someone's going to chime in and say "yeah, what's up with the Modulus resale value". It's not just Modulus. Almost every other high priced bass manufacturer experiences it too.
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Yep, same here.
I sold both of my older used Q5's in order to get my custom one made, exactly to how I wanted w/ the fit, finish, electronics, everything to the T, as this WILL be my gigging bass for as long as I can foresee myself playing. :)

I got my (coming) FB4 secondhand tho.
 
#57
#58
#59
bassike said:
what about this one
http://cgi.cafr.ebay.ca/Modulus-Qua...oryZ4713QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
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That looks like an excellent specimen! :bassist:

While it's true that most Q5's go for about $1300-$1600, that one looks to be in excellent shape, has a great quilt finish on it, and is a newer model with neck relief adjustment (basically a truss rod), so I'd actually be willing to go just a bit higher. I've seen used Q5's go for as high as $2000 depending on age, condition, finish, electronics, and if it had a truss rod or not.

When I bought mine, I was willing to pay a little extra $$ to have the truss rod. I've never even touched it, but it gives me peace of mind knowing that it's there.
 
#60
That is a pretty bass! I say go for it. Looks to be in good shape. It has the same pre-amp and pups as mine. If for some reason you don't like it you should be able to get most if not all your money back if you decide to sell.
 

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