Modulus Graphite Opinions Sought
Daniel Hildebrand
the last many years regarding graphite basses (specifically Modulus).
Many years ago, I picked up a 4 string Modulus and to my ear it was
about as dead as you can imagine. I made a mental note that Modulus
was a very bad bass and ignored any Modulus pitches thereafter.
Then, about 5 years ago, I bought a Steinberger XL2A and it had a very
nice, even, rock n roll sound to it. It didn't change my feelings about
Modulus basses, but nevertheless, I advocated the Steinberger graphite
sound for certain applications.
Recently, I sold a high end Smith bass to a guy and as part of the deal,
I got a Modulus SPI Custom 4 string bass (bolt-on with EMGs).
I was very impressed with the sound the first time I played it, and over
time I'm appreciating it more and more. In fact, I played a 6 string
through neck Modulus (Bartolinis) and I'm; in plain english; sold on Modulus.
Now I can't understand how I went from being a faithful Ken Smith advocate
to being, of all things, an increasingly faithful Modulus advocate, but
there it is...I'm thinking about picking up 5 and a 6 string Modulus'.
I'll keep my 78 Jazz but these Modulus' are very solid instruments.
Any comments?
KAllen3140
to play all styles. It's great. I play through an SWR -900 with a Triad
and Big Ben speaker system. Works great!!
Richard Blair
P-P configurations Modulus used to use. I changed the P-J set in my Modulus to
DC's and there was an amazing transformation in tone. Seemed to gain an extra
octave of low end and the highs smoothed out nicely while still retaining the
ability to cut through.
Rick B.
Daniel Hildebrand
ridiculously nice. I'm considering selling my 4 string to buy the
6 and then picking up a 4 and a 5 later on.
If anyone interested in purchasing a 4 string, here is the spec:
4 string Modulus Graphite SPI Custom bolt on with EMGs
2 EMGs
Green quilted maple top very nice.
Black hardware.
Modulus (Gotoh style) machines
Modulus bridge
4 controls (vol, pan, bass, treb) or (vol, bass, mid, treb).
(I never use controls on my basses. I usually flatten everything
and tune from my rig).
With hard shell modulus case.
Sells for over $2000 new. Asking $1250. Close to brand new condition.
e-mail me and I'll trade numbers with you.
Spawn Ranch Disciples
>the last many years regarding graphite basses (specifically Modulus).
I have seen people make Modulus work. The graphite neck seems to give
a lot of high end, and I guess if the bass is made right, you'll get solid
lows. They must've gotten better over the years, I kinda felt the same way
until I saw/heard Fieldy of Korn - I'm pretty sure he's Modulus and his
sound is awesome.
Pete
Wayne Pryor
bridge,etc.) that I fell in love with at the NAMM show. Like you I've
come full circle on these basses. I had a five string 8 years ago and
it did nothing for me. I've noticed that the necks have a better
"carve" on the newer instruments and the Bartolinis seem to warm up the
tone. I've been playing wood neck instruments for 20 years, fretless
for the last five and I'm very picky about my fretless sound. This bass
nailed it for me. Of course, the other advantage is the neck is
absolutely stable and virtually indestructable. Good luck on getting
your 6 string!
======================================================================= Wayne R. Pryor
RREEF Management Co.
Phone: (415) 781-3300 Fax: (415) 986-6248 E-Mail: wpr...@sirius.com
Richard Blair
Modulus's do indeed have lots of high end. They tend to punish sloopy technique
in the form of godawful string noises that you don't hear with other basses
(don't ask how I know this). If played cleanly, the neck is very fast and feels
wonderful.
I think the older Modulus basses with the EMG P-J pickups may have been the
least satisfying sound-wise. I played one with Bartolini pickups and it sounded
very nice, but the one I bought had the P-J setup, and it didn't have as much
low end and the J pickup was way too harsh sounding for my taste. Switching to
EMG DC's transformed the instrument and brought out the tone that I knew was
hiding in there. The bass seemed to gain an octave of low end and the highs
smoothed out like the Bartolini-equipped basses. The bass now has a smooth
round tone with lots of balls. Just what I wanted.
I have heard that most EMG-equipped Modulus basses now come with DC's. Anyone
looking for a Modulus should try both the Bartolini and DC equipped versions,
but don't dismiss an older one with EMG's. For $150 or so a change of pickups
will make it into a great instrument.
Rick B.
Chris S. Vandegriff
> =
> I am writing this because I seem to have come around 180 degrees over
> the last many years regarding graphite basses (specifically Modulus).
> =
> Many years ago, I picked up a 4 string Modulus and to my ear it was
> about as dead as you can imagine. I made a mental note that Modulus
> was a very bad bass and ignored any Modulus pitches thereafter.
> =
> Then, about 5 years ago, I bought a Steinberger XL2A and it had a very
> nice, even, rock n roll sound to it. It didn't change my feelings about
> Modulus basses, but nevertheless, I advocated the Steinberger graphite
> sound for certain applications.
> =
> Recently, I sold a high end Smith bass to a guy and as part of the deal,
> I got a Modulus SPI Custom 4 string bass (bolt-on with EMGs).
> I was very impressed with the sound the first time I played it, and over
> time I'm appreciating it more and more. In fact, I played a 6 string
> through neck Modulus (Bartolinis) and I'm; in plain english; sold on Modu=
lus.
> =
> Now I can't understand how I went from being a faithful Ken Smith advocat=
e
> to being, of all things, an increasingly faithful Modulus advocate, but
> there it is...I'm thinking about picking up 5 and a 6 string Modulus'.
> I'll keep my 78 Jazz but these Modulus' are very solid instruments.
> =
> Any comments?
Yes, I have a few comments.
Graphite, just as wood, is not exactly identical from Bass to Bass. I =
too have experienced what you did with a Modulus and other graphite =
Basses. Some seemed to be completely dead sounding with no life and =
others sound fantastic. I like Modulud Basses over all, but each is =
different. If you add a Cocobola or Birdseye Maple fretboard to the =
Graphite neck, you will be amazed at the difference in presence and =
livliness!
I recently went thru a similar "disliking" over a year or so for my =
Tobias 5 String (fretted) and started using Warwick Streamer 5's and =
6's. I still have a one of a kind Tobias Fretless 5 string that sounds =
phenominal, but I now use the Warwick's as my main Basses.
Chris V.
-- =
BM=FE=DF
DANQUMK
them. My favorite bass is my Spi-custom 4 I wanted a bass that had the
punch of a grafite neck, but also able to switch to a 68' jazz sound (most
people thought impossable) but after doing some research I found what I
wanted. A $ string with a wood fretboard(cocobola), EMG's with sweepable
mids(BQC control), flammed top, swampash back, multilam
strips(Walnut,maple,walnut) and it created the sound I wanted.
There are alot of options that people do not know about that modulus
offer, they can make a bass to your likeing(after all thats there job) if
you have the money they will do anything.
You might even want to call the company if your local salesmen dont
know there stuff. Geoff Gould is the co-owner and if you can catch him is
a great guy and would be happy to help you create the bass you want. I
would also be happy to answer your questions on tone from different woods
and what would be best.
Good luck!!!!
Jeff Rompala
well as techniques and stuff.
Books would be ok too.
Thanks,
Rom...@Xnet.com
Richard Blair
You might get a better response if you made the subject something like :Bass
Instruction Videos Opinions Wanted. Modulus Graphite doesn't produce bass
instruction videos.
Rick B.