Smashed Bass

[ModulusFan]

That's what my gut is telling me too, lots of lesser musicians (and less popular) axes go for some BIG bucks.

 

[6 string demon]

you could leave the body as is so it retains its value, but if you made or had made a new pickguard with you can mount the controls onto and make its playalbe. obviusly it could only be strapped on but this would give you a bass to play and also the oportunity to sell it downthe line, and a pickguard for it would not be nearly as much as the body. this of course depends on the body and neck being able to take the the bass strung to tension from the photos you posted they looked tuned up. interesting find hope you find something to do with it that will make you happy

 

[seansbrew]

If it were me I would have a bass made out of the parts you have.Sure It would be an interesting conversation piece if you left the bass as is hanging on your wall, but wouldnt it be an even more interesting conversation piece playing the bass at a gig ( and taking the spirit of Flea with you). It will do you no good hanging on a wall, put the parts to good use.

 

[Kelvin]

... and if had pics of him smashing up the bass at the concert, I'd attempt to get someone like Hard Rock Cafe interested in displaying it at one of their restaurants.

 

[warwickben]

u should figure out wats cheaper getting a body made or buying a new bass. if u go the way of getting a new bass sell wat u dont need(or keep it).keep the body some were safe and in 20 years or so put the nek back on and sell it to the emp for alot of money.it has hendrix guitars and alot of othere stuff like that there (i belive its called emp). its owned buy one of the guys that started windows and, i belive mars music.

if u end up buying a new bass, save all the parts cause if u ever sell the neck and body from the smashed one ull be able to still have a bass.

 

[giantjerk]

Like everything else, this bass is only worth what someone is willing to pay you for it. Without proper and verifiable documentation supporting its authenticity I would not hold out any hope of it being an "investment." Rebuilding it completely changes what it is and adversely affects its value.

I always remember one of my Dads favorite saying to me as a kid, "No matter how hard you try you can't polish a turd."

 

[monkfill]

I guess I don't really see the point, especially if you're talking about buying another bass and replacing the neck with one that is essentially the same neck, just more worn out.

If you could get a hold of the other half of the body and glue it back together, then it could be cool. But the way it is, you'd essentially be playing a new bass with the neck.

 

[Blazer]

Maybe you ought to leave the body as it is ans rout out the electronics room in the upper part of the body, not everyone can claim to be playing half a bass.

 

[pilotjones]

Originally posted by monkfill
I guess I don't really see the point, especially if you're talking about buying another Flea bass and replacing the neck with one that is essentially the same neck, just more worn out.

... the way it is, you'd essentially be playing a new bass with Flea's neck.

Ditto.

 

[Arthur Poon]

Originally posted by ModulusFan
I'm none too impressed with modulus customer service. Over the last year, I have sent 5-6 emails that went totally unanswered all together. I made a call yesterday, left a voice mail, and did get a call back.

All they told me in my message back was, they don't sell bodies, and they won't even sell me a plastic rear cover for the electronics cavity, he told me to go to allparts.

I really like their basses, but am rather soured by my experiences with them.

I agree with you on Modulus' customer service. I had zero responses to my 3 e-mails when I first bought my Q-4 last June. I finally had to call them personally. I commented to them about a poor neck/body fit, I was told if I was unsatisfied I could always ship the bass back to the retailer for a refund. I was floored! I asked: "This is how you guys stand behind your product?!?" I could'nt believe it. I really love my Q-4, but Modulus really leaves a lot to be desired in this area. I wonder how their customer service was under Geoff Gould's ownership?

-A.P.

 

[monkfill]

Modulus customer service is hit or miss . . . They have usually answered my questions, such as what pots to use when I switched out my Bart NTBT for an Aguilar OBP-1, but when I asked about getting a part they claimed they aren't a parts supplier and that I could find what I need at allparts.

Right now I think the lead time on special orders is 6 months. I would imagine that if their demand starts to slack off, their customer service will step up a notch, but until then, I wouldn't count on it.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

This was a great read. A lot of interesting history in this bass. He might want to buy it back or be willing to sign it. You should contact him.

On a personal note, these Modulus basses started my love affair with Sparkle finish .

 

[Bevan777]

Amazing stuff, thanks for the update, a truly epic piece of history there.