To this day one of the best live bass tones I've heard was some kid, probably a Berklee student, playing one of these basses with a jazz group in Boston Common. No PA, no nothing, just a combo amp that he was sitting on. It sounded so awesome. He was a good player too.

The B string almost lining up with the frame rate of the video at 3:50 is so satisfying.

Jazz tone,Precision tone Music Man tone,Alembic tone Rickenbacher all from one instrument...MIND-BLOWING!!!

This is like the best sounding bass I've ever heard.

That cat loves you for sure )) And the Modulus is wonderful !

I have owned two Q5’s in the days before I began raising a family. I am almost happy I have sort of forgotten how good these basses are.😂😂😊

Such a blast from my past! I always loved Modulus basses as a kid. They played themselves and I always saw them as aspirational basses I could get when I was more of a pro. I liked the Bartolini equipped ones slightly over the EMGs, but this still brings back good memories going through a SVT-II at multiple Guitar Centers in my area.

I’m old enough to not think the 90’s were that long ago,but new enough to playing bass, to have never heard of these basses. It also could be that the guys that played bass in bands I was in, in the 90’s could never afforded one of these...So cheers, to the lucky owner of it. Thank you for introducing my eyes and ears to wizardry of “high end” of the “low end” of years past. Also, speaking of magic...I use to think that lobster you would wave your claw for a second or two, push pause, flick it off, then push record again.... but I f I did that, my cat would run off. So I truly believe, that pinching that like button, turns you hand back to normal. Cheers

What a monster sound!!! Tha ks to the viewer for sending you this for us to see!!! Killer review lobster!!

I purchased my Q5 a few years ago, it has been on every gig with me since, love it so much I just sold my Warwick hotrod and bought another Q5.

Modulus basses are amazing. Glad to see you got to review one. Mine is in the shop getting some much-needed love (strings-setup-frets crowned). I have owned mine since December 1998 (‘97 model). I’ve owned 100+ instruments since I started playing bass in 1987. It’s the only one I’ve never wanted to sell it. I wish it had a separate battery compartment and wasn’t so heavy; but otherwise it has tone for days. And it loves to stay in tune as well as be easily moved to drop tuning without needing setup adjustments.

The sound of Modulus basses cuts through anything. Great tone!!!

Modulus has ALOT of history :) it’s super awesome to see a review like this. My boss/grandpa Jerry has owned Graphite Guitar Systems since his split from Modulus.. didn’t know modulus was still up and productive?!?

Really nice video! Modulus basses are really stout, and the 35" scale makes that B sound massive. One thing I will say though; your cats absolutely love you! Thanks Lobster!

My god I’ve wanted one for years and this video… pinnacle sound. Thanks for the video fellow new englander!

The notes jump off the fretboard! A beautiful bass that produces a very clean and defined tone!

Killer bass, great review. Love the passion you have for the bass

I haven't seen a Modulus in a long time. When I was a kid, the music store I used to frequent had a room for the expensive stuff I used to gawk at. I remember when they got in a wall of Modulus bass's. That store was Speir Music. It closed down a long time ago, but those dudes were awesome. They didn't say a word when the poor scraggly looking kid was playing on all of their expensive equipment. They had a layaway plan and I abused that, picking up a few bass's, amps and cabs over the years that they were in business. That brings back memories. I always think of that place when I see a Modulus these days. Seems like it sounds even better now than it did back then!

I think this this the best sounding bass I have heard on a YT video.

Wow. Everything about that bass is stellar. Not to mention one of the sexiest basses you can buy.

A good friend of mine has that exact same Modulus except his has a red finish. I've gotten to play it on more then a few occasions and it is truly a great instrument. 👍

Wonderful bass. Another great sounding bass.

Man! That sounds killer 💪🏿 Yeah the B string is clear and unique 😍😍

I love modulus basses. Great job man!

That's a sick bass. I need to try one! Thanks for the vid.🥂

Lobster: I absolutely love the beauty of that bass. The color is killer and I love orange or reddish orange (sunset) colored basses. It sounds fantastic. BTW when you said you were 10 years old in 1998 I had to laugh. I was 31 years old in 1998 😆

My god this bass sounds incredibile, i've been watching demos of this bass everywhere and i'm really thinking on buying one! The only problem is that they are so expencive... Awesome video!! You have been extremely detailed about every kind of sound you can get with it and it just sounds enormous

Absolutely gorgeous bass with a killer sound. I never was a fan of Modulus with Bartolini electronics. The EMGs sound much better. Nice!!!

Awesome sauce!

I worked for production company here in Vermont and we were good friends with gordons crew. His tech used to manage backline for us in-between running out with gordon and the rest of the crew worked up in Burlington and worked for us when not with gordon so we were all buddies. Anytime they were prepping for a tour I had to to clear a part of the shop and make a riser for them to set up the stage and get all the equipment running ready, as shop manager it was my job to make sure they were all set up and unloaded.. The best part was when they would open up the flight case with all the basses. He saw me eye mikes modulus up close so he can over and picked it up and handed it to me to check out and play. Awesome bass and those carbon fiber neck is the only thing Id prefer over a roasted maple.

Great analysis. My Q5 has the Aguilar OBP3 pre w Bart Soaps and I LOVE it! Currently running it through an Aguilar AG700 head and Aguilar SL212 cabinet. Ooof! It really is something special.

Nice funky lines! I have a Q5 from 2001 with Barts. Love love it. Always in tune, can play everywhere on the feet board, great sustain and of course that low B. Had to upgrade my amp and cabinet to allow the thickness to shine through clearly! Chasing the sound of Phil, Mike, Schools, and Oteil. I also have a G&L 2000 in the sunburst finish, looks just like what's on your wall? Fun video, thanks

Nice! Got one behind me, an 01’ blue 5 as wel, my dad when he was my age played them and unfortunately had to sell all his gear and after me playing for a while now he bought one back

A modulus I actually like. Looks and sounds great

Love the original Modulus basses, had a four string for awhile E string had booty. That's a dynamic sounding bass.👍

I just bought that exact Modulus!

I had a Q5 Fretless back at the turn of the century. It saw regular duty for a few years, but then I crossed paths with a Warwick Dolphin I Pro V Fretless, and that became my new #1.

That's simply stunning! Great tight sound.

Those are killer basses!

When I was much younger and often playing in bars I lusted after Modulus basses but really couldn’t afford one. My main interest in them was because of the graphite neck which I thought enhanced the sound and helped it stay in tune. I even considered getting a new Peavey bass offered with a Modulus neck but even that was too expensive. Many years later I became totally obsessed with natural wood necks with no paint or lacquer. I love the feel and that my hand doesn’t stick to the neck when it gets sweaty. Nowadays the only basses I will ever consider buying are ones that have natural necks and now roasted maple necks are my new fetish. I never played a Modulus with sweaty hands but I imagine that neck would be sticky!

That neck...just Wow! Your vid makes a very strong case for saving up for one of these. Or selling off some gear for one...or a kidney, or bone marrow or something. Maybe I will have to return the kids braces. LOL!

I remember several years back a Funk Unlimited went for 2 and a half grand. Now they want 5 and half. Don't remember how much the Quantum or TBX went for but now they're close to $10k. Crazy times we live in. All in all, I'm more than happy with my Ric 4003S.

2:48 "man look at this neck, it's beautiful" MAN, look at this cat, so beautiful!!!!

Other notable players of Modulus - Oteil Burbridge and Taylor Lee. I was fortunate enough to own two during but sadly had to sell them. Great basses and great review!

I bought a used Modulus VJ4 (vintage jazz) w EMG's & EMG preamp. It has the Chechen fingerboard option which looks great. The 4 knobs are master volume, pup blend, bass, treble. I've wanted a Modulus since the early 90's & finally stumbled upon this used one that is in almost new condition (made in April of 1997) for only $1499. I never saw one at that price in that kind of condition so I went for it. I string it w/ D'Addario NYXL's and it is one amazing bass. In the past I've owned 2 Zon's, 3 Musicman's, Yamaha, Spector, Fender, Warwick Rockbass, Ibanez ATK. Interesting note; when I first joined my band I had a MM Sterling. Then bought a Zon Sonus Special IV. Then also bought a Fender USA made Jazz V & finally a Spector Rebop 5. After we stopped playing - we decided on playing a reunion show around 9 years later & at this point in my life (married, two kids) I only had the ATK 4 string. When we got together for our first practice the other 3 guys in my band started uncontrolably laughing (but a shocked laughter) asking "What the hell kind of bass is that? What happened? You always had great basses." So after being embarrassed, I had to burrow my friends MM Stingray for the actual reunion show. I kind of knew the ATK was crappy looking but figured at this point in my life, I'm just playing in my bedroom for fun - not thinking I would be back in a real venue playing a benefit show in Seattle in front of a packed house. I'm glad my friend offered up his MM. Lots of pictures were taken and posted online. I'm glad I had the MM strapped on instead of the ATK. Cheers!

Owner of a Q6 from ca 95 or 96 (bought it used from my bass teacher back then, not entirely sure) here. Never needed anything else since then. 🤘

That thing is slick!

I had looked into a modulus many years ago. It was between modulus and a pedulla pentabuzz. I went with the pedulla. As far as barts and emg. Emg by far. You can put them on a broomstick and they sound good. Love the review lobster as always! Tony franklin fretless coming! Yessssss!

My favourite Bass brand! I only wish they were more available, especially here in Europe.

Ahhh yes...now you need to test one of Geoff Gould's GGi basses. If you think the Quantum is nice, just wait. The necks are even better! When I had my Q5 I swapped the Bart setup for all EMG's along with its BQC system preamp. The mid sweep was a must for me on the Modulus, but I don't need it on my GGi basses.

One of my dream basses from Late 90's. The only thing I can't stand is these EMGs pickups / preamp. I have a set in one of my basses and they sound trebly no matter what you do. There's this high end clickity clackity always there, even with the treble AND mids rolled down all the way.

I played a carbon fiber neck 4 nights a week for over a year in the 80's and what I did not like was that the neck was always cold and that gets old but the neck had no dead spots and did sound nice, however in the end nothing beats wood for feel. I can't remember for sure but I'm pretty certain it was a Modulus brand neck I put on my American Schecter with a solid Koa body (J-style)... These necks were sold to fit various brands at the time and were available before complete instruments were marketed. (If I remember right?)

Great great biggest Bass boutique !!!!!!! I love módulos Quantum basses !!!!! I like with aguilar obp3 + emg DC!!!!! Fantástic sound! Cheers from Brasil!!! Yeahh i love cats !!!!!more cats on your vídeos guy

Happy 25 year owner of a Q5. Mine's a 1996 model. EMG DC40P5 pickups, 2-Band EMG BTS EQ, Gotoh bridge. The DC40P5s are like P-bass pickups inside that soap-bar cover Pre truss rod. That means the neck is 'right' for just one tension. 45 to 130 (135) sees the relief where I like it. Some sales guy tried to BS me “It's carbon fibre, it never bends” when I made enquiries at the vendor (a London bass shop) And Modulus about recommended string gauges … actually Modulus didn't reply. Lo and behold a year or so later … Voila - truss rods !!! Not the end of the world but a restriction nevertheless. It Did need the nut raising a little when it was new. Luthier built it up with powdered pencil lead and superglue. I nearly bought a Petersen SEI Bass on that shopping trip. Lovely lovely basses too, I often wonder … Still, no regrets though.

I've never heard the name before, sounds really cool

I wish I still had mine. I might get another one if I find the right one at the right time at the right price. I always had a love-hate relationship with it. The B string is second to none. Even at the 12th fret it sounds like it could be the Estring or the a string. All the notes have a lot of fundamental. It’s easy to overdrive a cabinet with the B. There is a certain sound that you just can’t get rid of. I think the variable mid range control would have been a good addition on the one I had and I probably would have cut frequencies rather than boosted. You’ll never ever get lost in the mix but it is a bit difficult to get a more mellow or traditional tone. I live in New England and that base never went out of tune or needed any sort of adjustment. Literally brought my bass into an 80° establishment from a 0° car. Instantly in tune played fine the entire night. It is absolutely not a one trick pony by any means but it sounds like a modulus. That works for me 90% of the time except for those times when I really wanted another sound. I do miss mine. They make fantastic instruments.

Still love my 93 TBX 6 string, It has Barts with coil tapping.

Awesome basses been wanting one myself , also alex webster of cannibal corpse plays them along with his signature spector euro 5. He has 3 1 early one with no truss rod , and 2 with truss rods I believe the first one is a 91 then he has a 93 and 94.. great bass.

I own a Quantum 6 and I must say it's the best sounding of my 16 basses

What you're noticing is the fundamental frequency response of the overall platform is not altered, but enhanced, as the carbon fiber necks are generally less colorful or even fully transparent - they add to sustain and stiffness of the instrument which make the tonewoods that are present punch through with more clarity and separation but maintain all the beef and then some. This unit will soak up a lot of aggressive knob frobbing and always sound good. I have no idea what the long term issues or maintenance things might be, but If it's a completely non-wood neck (my heartfield DR5 has a laminate neck, but it feels - malleable, soft, plasticity under my thumb); Some finishes are like that too, though) then there might be some heel pocket working loose or bolts not keeping their torque due to difference in material expansion/contraction coefficients - I would guess the deep pocket helps keep it stable and anchored. I'm going to assume that the neck has inserts, being composite, and the body is literally bolted with actual bolts/machine screws instead of lag screws, and if it's captured well in the joint then I can see how it might be completely stable as the part where the bolts are doesn't get to move/flex as much..

Nice bass! I love my EMG BQC System preamp in my main bass, paired with the EMG PJ-X pickup set. Don't forget the added versatility of the 2 dip switches in the control cavity, which gives you four different treble curves to choose from,. This determines how you are affecting the treble portion of the tone, including some upper mid frequencies, when you adjust the treble pot. It actually does have a noticeable effect on the tone of the bass and I really like that

Thanks I’ve been wondering about Modulus Basses for years.I think Alex Webster from Cannibal Corpse played them as well

LET’S GOOOOOOOOO

I once had Modules which could be its twin. My first thought was "what's my old bass doing there?". But I think my bass stayed in Europe after I sold it. Mine had awesome sound and playability. I eventually sold it because it was rather heavy and had too much neck dive to be comfortable on stage.

Oof, that mid pot is reliably scratchy enough to be used as effects in songs. Likely needs replacing. Absolutely beautiful bass!

That bass and I share the same year :)

I love your cat

hey lobster, I’m a 5 stringer and a modder. the one thing that I noticed that most reviewers fail to mention in reviews is string spacing at the bridge and nut width. This may sound petty but it took me 20 years to find my “ neck specs “ and I find even manufacturers don’t understand the importance of including these specs in there descriptions. If you could add this in your. videos, I ( and maybe others) would appreciate it. I prefer a minimum of 18mm spacing and at least 45 mm nut for example Warwick offers a Broad neck that has a wider spacing , but no you tuber to my knowledge has ever mentioned that. sorry for rambling, may I need to start a bass spec channel. blessings

That's a beautiful instrument! The B string sounds tremendous. Very defined. Too bad it's a 35" scale. A little bit long for me.

The diamond pattern is the wrap design of the carbon fiber this design leads to a stronger neck then just conventional carbon fiber!

That B string reminds me of a Bosendorfer concert grand. I think you need to sell Pinky and get one of these ;-)

I own a q6 with EMG’s. To me the EMG’s crush barts on a modulus.

Any chance you have tried G.Gould basses yet ? Very interested in a demo.

I really miss mine I had a Q5 with EMG DC’s in it.

I swear, EMG got so much hate for a while because it was trendy. Watching a lot of video lately and they always impress me. My Spector always did impress people at show also. EMG are solid at way they do. Not for everyone for sure but not bad at all.

More EMGs you like 😁 try out the CS humbuckers in something

I want this T-shirt

I remember my brother irl bought one like this one from a friend of his thinking it was a guitar (he had no fucking clue back then xD) and I was like: "Uh...that's a bass dude .w." I had a Flea signature, sparkle red, but sold it to pay for my college expenses. It even had a Lane Poor pickup too.

Lobster have u ever had the chance to review the MG dessert bass ?

Age and Old are two different actualities 💫

Does this one have a Truss Rod?

have you ever tried the earl slick p basses from guitarfetish.com ?

Something about Modulus necks make their basses sound almost hollow body. Almost bought one back in the day and regret it ever since.

Hey Lob... How do you deal with the "thin G" problem of the stingrays?

KLD THOUSAND LADIES DANCING! That's what Modulus nicknamed the mosaic pattern in the back of the neck!!! Sorry I sold all of mine....

Sorry if it out of topic, what do you think about yamaha trbx505?

Well, I certainly want a Modulus 😂 But my bank account...? Nope 😉

Hey, when are you reviewing a Fodera Monarch 4?

Carbon fiber necks on a bass are the best in my opinion.

Dat 😻💀

Who else giggles any time they hear the words "swamp ash"?

So you're going to award that bass as a prize to 98th commenter, right Lobster?

those were excellent basses ..i wonder why they had to end production and go off the business ...now that basses are extremely expensive. You should review ZON basses , great basses even in the less expensive line ..Salutations !

While very cool. Idk if it's 4k cool. Sounds great tho

How is the neck dive?

Wait till he finds out that there are dip switches to change the treble knob frequency to one of four settings. Best preamp there is, and there's a passive version that works with all bass pickups.

Modulus ranks on top of boutique basses elite. IMHO. My 3 Q5 WIDE sports Bartolini quad coil PU's. Wich makes them versatile as Unique. People just don't know how superior carbon fiber is . Only multilaminated necks stands a chance against it.

I see you have an over abundance of basses there, I'm willing to help you out and take a few off your hands...

I've seen Dave Ellefson use this bass

Hey Lobster, how does this one compare to your Dingwall NG3?