SR5 or Modulus Q5?

[Dr. Cheese]

I only have played one ZOn, and it didn't do much for me, it was in GC with a bad setup. That said, I have owned two Q5s and I really liked how they played and sounded. They are not warm basses, but they do slap like crazy and are as clear as a bell with killer B strings.

 

[Guinea Pig]

its just a shame because no dealer around me carries "moduli?"
I would love to compare the two right next to each other note after note but its just not possible. I think the moduli have stunning looks, but i think the stingray is ugly (sorry my opinion) but had redeeming audio features. I am not a huge slapper though i do on occasion, but actually i would like to stray away from the slap technique and focus more on fingerstyle.

I wouldn't call my Cort Elrick 5 a peice of junk, but i would say its not what im looking for as of tone.

I'm going to take alot of time on this, The stingray is accessable at local shops, but the modulus looks oh so good in pictures.

 

[Pickebass]

If you're looking for the reliability and strong sound graphite can give you, consider a 4 or 5 string Modulus Genesis. The neck is built with a graphite spar inside that bears all the weight. Maple or other woods are fitted around the graphite to give the neck its shape. I've got a Genesis neck on a Frankenbass I made and it's great:
1. Not as "clanky" as a straight graphite neck
2. (see above) Has a woodier tone, but all the good things about graphite - even tone production across the board, endless bass fundamental, perfect (really perfect) intonation, never goes out of tune
3. Built like a brick sh*thouse. Beautiful fit and finish, great fretwork, super fast action.

Genesis basses typically go for a few hundred less used than Quantums. Harmony Central is full of great reviews. I've never talked to an owner who didn't love his. But I'd be curious if anyone out there who's tried or owned one found a significant fault.

Good luck with your upgrade. (SRs are good too, and maybe a little closer to the sound you've been getting.)

+1!!

I own all three. The SR5 is a great bass and does what it does very well. The problem is that you have a limited amount of sounds. I have a Q6 and if you are thinking about getting a quantum definitely get the barts. Perfect match for the bass. I bought the Genesis because I got a great deal on it but it tends to be my 1st choice bass. Sounds great and feels good. Truly an underrated bass that sounds as good as any other high end Jazz style 5 string.

 

[mchildree]

I've owned multiple examples of both basses. I like both of them a lot, but I favor the new HH or HS SR5s. That's subjective, but the reason I like the SR5s better is comfort. The 35" scale and odd body shape of the Q5s just didn't feel as comfortable to play as the 34" scale of the SR5. I did like the lighter weight of the Q5. The B on the Modulus might be a bit tighter, but the SR5 feels perfectly fine to me.

One thing that nobody ever mentions is what happens when you have to get a fret job or other neck work on the graphite-necked basses. Sometimes it's tough finding a luthier who'll work on those...and don't fall for the hype. There are times when even composite necks need work, just like wood.

 

[pickles]

I've owned multiple examples of both basses. I like both of them a lot, but I favor the new HH or HS SR5s. That's subjective, but the reason I like the SR5s better is comfort. The 35" scale and odd body shape of the Q5s just didn't feel as comfortable to play as the 34" scale of the SR5. I did like the lighter weight of the Q5. The B on the Modulus might be a bit tighter, but the SR5 feels perfectly fine to me.

One thing that nobody ever mentions is what happens when you have to get a fret job or other neck work on the graphite-necked basses. Sometimes it's tough finding a luthier who'll work on those...and don't fall for the hype. There are times when even composite necks need work, just like wood.

Yessir! The '91 that we both had went a little crazy finally a few years ago and backbowed juuuuuuuust a little bit and started buzzing. I sent it to the man -- Jerry Dorsch of graphite guitar systems (and one of the co-founders of the original modulus), and he did a full refret for an amazingly low price. He said it'd be good to go for another 10 or 15 years, then he could do it again Jerry is an awesome guy, and I'd never let this prospect stop me from buying another modulus bass.

SR5s and Q5s are both killer.

Glad you dig that HH, thats such a sweet bass.

 

[mchildree]

Yeah, I dig it a LOT Dave. It really changed my mind about the versatility of Stingrays.

 

[Crazykiwi]

Yessir! The '91 that we both had went a little crazy finally a few years ago and backbowed juuuuuuuust a little bit and started buzzing.

I had a forward bow in the neck of my fretless Mod Q5SS and took it to Rob Green (Status Graphite) for attention. Luckily it just needed a minor reprofiling of the fingerboard which would have been necessary any way when the strings had eaten into the fingerboard sufficiently. But he did comment that the phenolic fingerboard probably wasn't stiff enough.

He went on to say that he's very, very specific about what mix of phenolic goes onto his own necks because of this very issue.

 

[SteveC]

I've owned both. Q5 no question.

 

[Guinea Pig]

I just got back from guitar center, the HH SR5 was still there and a new orange SR5 with a single H. I gave the two comparison and find the HH to have such versatility that the single H is no longer an option for me. I think the best and safest purchase for me will be the SR5 HH. Hopefully the same one will still be there by next pay check but i absolutly love it. Honey Burst, with tort guard, and rosewoodneck.

Thanks for all your input guys. I'll post pictures when i get it (if i get it)