SMART

Sorry one and all...but another 'I've just be listening to...' story! Just on the way back from Gatwick after a day of biz in Denmark (no, we're not buying TC Electronic as a result of their merger with Gibson being called off which personally I think was a great big favour to TC Electronic!) and I decided to refrain from yet another delve into the back catalogue of Level 42 again and lighted upon Roxy Musics Flesh and Blood album in the 'ol iPhone. I used to play the life out of 'Same Old Scene' when it came out on cassette and so proceeded to play it since a recent reminder of just how good it is was made not so long ago when the BBC prog "Ashes to Ashes' was being aired. Excellent bass lines again and indeed through out the whole album. Anyone remember who was on bass then in the old Roxy? Sounds like the same guy on 'Avalon' which followed this album? Ciao Ian

[quote name='The Funk' post='191812' date='May 4 2008, 08:08 PM']Dennis Cornell - what a don. The guy builds Clapton's amps. I asked him about getting one of his studio (guitar) amps with a different speaker. He said the speaker I was after was identical to a Fender branded one that was built by Jensen. He said he had one lying around and could put it in for me. He sounded like he thought I was speaking in Martian when I asked him how much extra it would cost for the upgraded speaker. He did it for nothing. I've asked him about a couple of things since - very cool guy. When you ring the company, you always get him on the phone personally.[/quote] Yep, Denis is a great guy and really knows his stuff. He kindly lent us one of his valve heads for our first trade show which we demoed via BAG END speakers. One of the best valve guys in Europe period. Ciao Ian

[quote name='Old Horse Murphy' post='190316' date='May 2 2008, 09:52 AM']Graham Gouldman[/quote] Well, I thank you! My Friday morning is now complete! Ciao Ian

I'm showing my age again! Been 'a playing the life out of the back catalogue of Level 42 as I like Mr King but also luv Mike Lindups keyboards and singing... Just to get some relief I came across a very best of compilation by 10CC on my trusty iPod. Great original music, production absolutely superb and something many can still learn from but the bass lines are peaches. Try playing 'Good Morning Judge', I'm sure many of you will like it especially if you don't remember this great group from the 70s or were too young to hear them on the TV or radio. Can anyone remind me who their bassist was? Ciao Ian

[quote name='warwickhunt' post='190000' date='May 1 2008, 08:51 PM']So how middle class are you to have a personal shopper Hey Ian you can do stuff like that with me if you like but make it half a months salary and could you deliver to Newcastle please BTW nice one Chris![/quote] We try our best to give the kind of service and back up we'd like to receive...but even we have limits! We seek...to make...a bass player...very happy! Ciao Ian

[quote name='Beedster' post='190100' date='May 1 2008, 10:38 PM'] Easy Tiger, Ian and I were talking Fleas way before I was a BWer[/quote] Cheers, Chris! Nice coffee and boy we could have talked and talked and... about bass and muzak! Enjoy! Ciao Ian

I know what you're getting at but... Getting to the point, Chris was already a customer outside of the forum as the official Modulus distributor for the UK and Ireland (and any other part of the world!) with work we recommended be carried out by the SimS Custom Shop which was a commissionless job for us (is there such a word?) on our part, just wanting a Flea lover to get the best repair/custom work possible with a carbon fibre neck instrument, so it's not a direct result of new business being generated by Basschat. But...what I was to suggest before this happened was that I am now in a position in the next few weeks to place a new Peterson tuner order (at long last some of you may be thinking!) and can work out a very good deal on any of the tuners (many via the forum have asked me about doing a forum deal on the the StoboRack) that may interest members of the forum as a way of trying to give something more back to the forum (as well as the other not for profit contributions by way of advice, insight, ideas, positive provocations (constructive ones to lead to discussion!) I have and continue to make drawing on the past 15 years experience of working closely with Mr Sims, my own bass activities and a lot of very famous musicians, bass players 'an all. Peterson are currently quoting 6 weeks on the StroboRack, I'd actually say in reality 8 weeks to be safe. So...how about it??? On things like this I'd be more than happy to help proven Basschaters of good record and contribution to the forum with these type of products. Let me know what you think... Ciao Ian [quote name='Crazykiwi' post='190063' date='May 1 2008, 09:54 PM']Hmmmm, I wonder what Basschat's commission on that sale could have been? Ian, any donations would be gratefully recieved.[/quote]

Contact the best in the biz, Martin Sims at the SimS Custom Shop - www.simscustom.com Ciao Ian [quote name='BassManKev' post='187722' date='Apr 29 2008, 12:16 AM']as title says really i think the basses colour is candy red, but not definate How would i go about finishin the headstock in the same colour? would i have to sand down first, or could i just spray over and laquer again? not sure if im gunna do it, as its an expensive neck to f*** up, but just interested if anyone would be prepared to do this for me actually, id be interested in how much you would charge [/quote]

The neck in question, is it a bolt on? Ciao Ian [quote name='spree' post='187656' date='Apr 28 2008, 10:31 PM']I'm after someone to put a design into a fretboard, is this possible and does anyone know anyone that can do it?[/quote]

We can make any Modulus dream come true... Historically, we've only ever sold one Flea 5 and that was in marvelous silver flake, everyone wants Flea 4s. Seriously, it is a great bass. Ciao Ian [quote name='Crazykiwi' post='185020' date='Apr 25 2008, 07:29 AM']Too bad this isn't a 5 or I'd have your arm off.[/quote]

[quote name='molan' post='180945' date='Apr 20 2008, 11:49 AM']Hey Ian, you know more about this bass than me - don't suppose you know what the switchable active circuit is by any chance?[/quote] I'll see if the old order paperwork is still on file as it was quite a number of years ago now but I think it might be Bartolini. The person that retro-fitted the pickup and anything else at the time was not us but Martin Peterson at The Gallery in London as it was he that kindly introduced us to Randy and his search for a new Modulus bass for use with the Jeff Beck band. BTW - I visited them all when they were in rehearsal in London, awesome sound, then when they stopped for a break Jeff, about six feet away, started to play 'A Day In The Life' (hope I got that right!) the Beatles song he played as an instrumental on George Martins album of a few years back with his fav Beatles tracks played by friends and heros. Randy's bass playing was a superb addition and foundation to the Beck guitar sound with Jennifer Batten doing her zillion note thing in between and Steve Alexander with his solid techno type beat on the 'ol drums. Back as soon as I can... Ciao Ian

[quote name='budget bassist' post='180831' date='Apr 20 2008, 01:46 AM']Holy GAS batman! twin lane poors!!?? that must sound sweet! I want but i can't afford [/quote] Randy wanted an even bigger sound when he hit the USA with Jeff Beck to compete with Steve Alexander on drums, Jennifer Batten on guitar as well as Jeff doing his bit... So, we got Modulus to provide the extra pickup and Martin Peterson of The Gallery fitted them for Randy. The fantastic inlay is utterly superb in detail and finish, Randy faxed me this cartoon he drew of himself and we just faxed it onto Modulus who incorporated it into the fingerboard. He went through an 'everything must be passive' moment and that's when I believe he put it up for sale. Ciao Ian

[quote name='Leowasright' post='176814' date='Apr 15 2008, 06:56 AM']Guys, I have no problem finding ones (pickguards that is) that fit a reissue or Jap Fender Jazz. But does anyone know who does a decent "pattern part" replacement pickguard that fits the Mex/US Jazz screw hole centres, without me resorting to buying a "Fender USA" part????? Ta David H[/quote] Try the SimS Custom Shop - the specialise in making custom made plates at great prices and exactly as you need. They handle much of the custom shop work that Fender Europe need from time to time so you can't get a better recommendation. See: www.simscustom.com Give them a call, I'm sure you'll be satisfied. Ciao Ian

[quote name='Golchen' post='175160' date='Apr 12 2008, 01:41 PM']Thanks for some comprehensive answers there! certainly plenty to think about. I'm fishing for another bass right now, and really like my Status, but there seems to be more Modulii (?) knocking around generally so I thought I might check them out.[/quote] In addition to the above, the only other way I try and explain the 'thang' about a Modulus instrument is that it seems to balance both the past and the modern regarding design and technology, so you have a comfortable feel with the past and its legacy regarding the ever still importance of wood and its design for the body and a fantastic modern approach to solving all the problems inherent with using wood for the neck by using carbon fibre and the addition of modern pickup and preamp design. I think Modulus have achieved that balance making the best of the past and the now. It\s one of the many reasons why we have so many really happy customers! Just some thoughts... Ciao Ian

[quote name='Golchen' post='174032' date='Apr 10 2008, 05:24 PM']I've never got my hands on a Modulus bass to try it. I was just wondering how their graphite necks compare to Status ones? Do they feel similar to play or are they a different beast altogether?[/quote] I'll try and help with what we certainly know about the Modulus neck. Cosmetically they do look quite dissimilar from their UK counterparts as Modulus use a very much different pattern of carbon fibre when they 'lay' the neck. If you're familiar with any engineering work from say F1 cars the twisted neat fibre lays in the carbon fibre mouldings is the same finish and pattern that Status uses. Modulus uses a pattern called KLD (known in-house as a 'Thousand Ladies Dancing') to give a more organic look to the neck which many prefer from an aesthetic point. It certainly makes the necks look less like a product of an engineering house and more akin to a musical instrument; the pattern also give the necks a truly unique look much the same way as the grain in a wooden neck is unique from neck to neck. The finish on the neck can be specified as a gloss finish or satin finish. Modulus report that the satin finish is increasingly popular and comes as standard if specified at no extra cost. I visited the Modulus factory nearly three years ago now and we have been truly amazed at the quality of the the neck and their finish in every detail. It was explained that the guy in the factory that fretted each and every neck had been doing so for the past 12 years (a Vietnamese immigrant worker) and that's all he did and that's all he liked doing and it shows! He produces simply some of the best fretwork we have ever experienced and the necks in general really are some of the very best bass guitar necks that we have worked with period. In conjunction with our work with the SimS Custom Shop and their customisation and reto-fit L.E.D. work we have seen probably most of the best basses in the world and seen in detail how they are constructed and finished and I have to say that the quality that we have experienced in the past 10 years with all our sales of Modulus basses have been simply excellent and a joy to work with. Customers often express their appreciation of this soon after delivery, that the neck is just the best they have ever used and are just over the moon. It would be true to say that in the last 10 years we have never received any negative feedback about these superb necks. 'Exceeding all expectations' is the usual response and feedback we receive. I hope the above helps. If you need any further info just ask. Just some thoughts... Ciao Ian

Both status and modulus have had issues with neck warping however because of the fingerboard stiffness. I think Status have switched to foam filled cores though on their stock basses which dampens the overtones nicely. Modulus necks still sound a bit clattery, not helped by being paired with ash bodies for the most part. If you're going for a Modulus neck, get the grenadillo fingerboard option. [/quote] It's interesting to read your comments above regarding Modulus necks. Can you shed any further light on the background to such occurrences as in the last 10 years of working closely with Modulus as their exclusive UK distributor we have never experienced this with any of our customers here in the UK and Europe. Granadillo has always been an option that customers have opted for more for aesthethic reasons that anything else as we also have not experienced any issues with the composite fingerboards either. We have many Quantum and Flea instrument owners with the standard Modulus composite fingerboard who are and have been extremely chuffed at the quality and sonic performance of their necks. The most usual feedback we receive is that the intonation produced by a Modulus neck is nothing short of superb and almost synthesizer like in its precision and definition. To balance the cut (which again our customers love) that is such a recognisable part of the Modulus carbon fibre neck sound we generally recommend an Aguilar preamp which we are very familiar with as we first imported the OBP-1 when it was launched). But then sound and tone is a matter of personal musical taste and subjective as what is fab with one bass player will not the be the case with another...the eternal story amongst musicians not forgetting the myriad of musical genres that we either love or hate! Just some thoughts... Ciao Ian

[quote name='beerdragon' post='171797' date='Apr 7 2008, 09:44 PM']And the price? going to have a guess at... haven't a clue.[/quote] Approx £1620 including Modulus hard case and UK mainland 24 hour courier delivery. A really cooool bass! Ciao Ian

[quote name='SJA' post='171799' date='Apr 7 2008, 09:49 PM']Modulus P and J style necks used to have fender style large headstocks. Hutch Hutchinson also has a precision style bass made by Stars Guitars with a Modulus Graphite neck- and that definitely has the full size headstock and elephant ear machineheads (seen in an old Bass Player interview). in that interview he also mentions 2 jazz style basses with Modulus graphite necks. also Sting had a p-bass with a Modulus neck around the time of 10 summoners tales. I presume the big F forced them to change it.[/quote] Thanks for the filler-in, we've only been with Modulus 10 years and the question of the headstock design has never come up until I saw this thread so thanks for the backgrounder. We've only ever dealt with the current design and you're probably absolutely correct about the big 'F' getting them to change design. There's always something new to learn! Ciao Ian

[quote name='Born 2B Mild' post='171005' date='Apr 6 2008, 09:45 PM']Good link. Thanks for that![/quote] Modulus don't make a Fender headstocky neck, their 'P' and 'J' type replacement necks or those used on the Modulus VJ have the Modulus headstock design, same as on the Flea bass. The first few photos you posted have a blurred image around the headstock, the last one posted definitely looks like a Fender style headstock. Shame the photos lack definition and focus otherwise it would be easy to tell. Hope that helps! Ciao Ian

[quote name='spree' post='171268' date='Apr 7 2008, 11:38 AM']I see Will it come with a BadAss II bridge then?[/quote] Yes siree, plus an Aguilar OBP-1 preamp. Just a used by Flea currently. Ciao Ian

[quote name='wateroftyne' post='171724' date='Apr 7 2008, 08:16 PM']Cheers all! I went with the Hiscox in the end, but not before I bought an SKB (I'd already ordered it). The SKB felt like a toy, so I ordered the Hiscox... what a difference! Solid as a rock. I like it so much, I'm going to order another. So there.[/quote] Well done, that man! Hiscox is THE best case out there for a hardcase. Modulus use a customised SKB case which good but the Hiscox is still a vastly better design and in many way superior. I'm sure Modulus would use them save for the cost of shipping over to the USA which would greatly inflate the final cost. But alas the US manufacturers are on the SKB band wagon. Just some thoughts... Ciao Ian

[quote name='King Tut' post='170783' date='Apr 6 2008, 05:00 PM']This is quite topical for me - I depped for Richard on friday night as part of "Giles Hedley and the Aviators". It was a real honour to fill this guys shoes - and a top gig to boot. Giles is an awesome blues guitarist/singer/harp player - don't miss him if you get the chance to see him![/quote] Top chap Richard, a pleasure to work with him. Richard emailed me yesterday about the really positive results of appearing on 'Later...' last Friday evening received from Neil himself: No.1 in the itunes jazz chart No.4 in the itunes jazz song chart for 'His Nibs' No.94 in the overall album chart on itunes 1250 plays in the space of two hours last night on myspace; recently been average 400 a day No.1 in the Amazon Jazz chart No.1 & 2 in the Amazon 'Movers and Shakers' chart No.71 in the overall Amazon chart when I looked this morning (Saturday, yesterday) Didn't they do well! And long may it continue! Ciao Ian