hidesert

I think that the best Modulus values are the earlier Quantums, the VJ's, and the Vertex(?) models. The Genesis series are in the same price range, but have a bit different neck construction that isn't 100% carbon fibre. In the US, any of these can be had for around $1000 if you shop hard, maybe a bit more for the Quantums. You may end up upgrading electronics to your taste, but the woods and finishes on the bodies tend to be extraordinary, and the necks are fantastic. I do think that they are going up in value and becoming less available. Like ANY Fender or other bass, mind the neck before purchase (Does that sound British enough?).

I own 8 Modulus basses. 5 Q5's (4 pre-truss rod, one with truss-rod), one Q4 (truss-rod), one Flea 4 (no truss), and one FB5 (truss). My favorites are the pre truss-rod Modulus necks. They are sleek and fast in comparison with the chunkier truss rod equipped basses. The transition was 1998-1999, FYI. But be careful. I have had to adjust the truss rods on several basses, and I have seen and heard about at least a dozen warped necks. A huge hassle and somewhat expensive, by all accounts, if no truss rod is available. I sold one nice Q4 because of the neck, and passed on buying several others for the same reason. Also, the clear coat is prone to discoloration and clouding on the 1999 era instruments, and chipping and peeling on all years. Nevertheless, I believe that once you find a 20 year old Modulus with a dead straight neck, it is unlikely to change for the next century!.

Ah, that explains it! Thank you. Well, I bought a Trans Red 1969 Yamaha SA-70 yesterday here in the US that has yet to arrive. I spent a great deal of time talking with the owner and poring over photos of the neck and fingerboard, in particular. It looks to be an excellent specimen.I'll try to provide a report. You guys do have the benefit of, I imagine, a flood of 60's Hofners, right?

One at a time, please!

Weren't standing up or plugging them in back then.

Hi all. I am a US bassist who recently took an interest in finding a vintage short-scale, hollow body, semi-hollow body, or (I guess) solid bodied instrument, and the Yamaha SA-70 has come to interest me. Any experience with them? Are they easily located in your area, and what is their price range? Anyone owning one or with past experience with one, please feel free to post your opinions! Other options are the Guild or Gibson or Hofner originals ($$$$), a Lakland Skyline Hollowbody short scale ( haven't played one yet, but people seem to like them and they are not too expensive over here). I am looking for an instrument to play, not hang on the wall. i have some guitars like that and haven't taken them out of their cases for 10 years because I know that, as a playing instrument, they would disappoint me immediately. I keep them for sentimental reasons, but don't wish to add to that group any longer. So, how do you think the Yamaha SA-70 family of basses holds up?

The market here in the US has bumped significantly. I have been buying good Modulus basses for the past several years, and I can report less than 5 original Flea basses equipped with factory Modulus-spec Lane Poors to come across my radar. I was lucky enough to recently score an excellent 1996 example of the Flea 4 with a LP, all of the earliest features and a rare Satin Black finish and, thank goodness, an arrow straight neck! It was well below $2000US It is an awesome bass! I really love the Quantum basses, and prefer the pre-trussrod neck profile, but, again, be careful with warpage, particularly on the Q4s. Prices on the Quantums have escalated as well, with excellent newer truss-rod equipped examples (most prefer these) selling in the $2000 and up range, 40% higher than just a couple of years ago. Fortunately for me, the earlier ones can still be picked up here and there in the $1500ish range, depending on a bunch of variables. Lagging behind are the other Modulus models, the Genesis, VJs, Vertex, and super-early ones...for now. FYI, Geoff Gould, the originator of the design, left the company in 94 and is building this style of bass today. They aren't cheap, I have never tried one, but they appear to me to be awesome instruments and carry the graphite-neck torch forward in a most authentic manner. Can't post pics from work, otherwise I would.

Thanks Lozz196

New member here from Santa Fe, NM. I just bought a second hand '69er which, here in the US, is like finding a needle in a haystack in a field of haystacks. I have a 78 Ampeg SVT that I want to use it for. Considered Ampeg 810 Heritage (Really heavy), Bergantino NV610 (heavy), Fender 610 Neo (still a bit heavy), and waiting for the Retro 6 ($1700 US plus shipping across the pond). I was aware that the Retro 6 is being released and that the '69er is now approaching obsolescence, but was glad to jump on it nevertheless. Looks like you guys have a lively forum! Best part, it's not blocked (like TalkBass) from my work computer! Any advice regarding a British-sourced cover for it?