SMART

[quote name='BassBod' post='73466' date='Oct 12 2007, 05:10 PM']Now that's a bit of a subject - do a search here (?) and on Talkbass, then look at Bob Gollihur's site - his summaries and prices are the best I've seen. Any idea what's on your bass? Also, what sort of sound are you looking for? Favourite players? Double bass strings vary more in construction, sound and feel than bass guitar strings, and of course cost more so you'll want to think about this one... I'd suggest Thomastick Spirocores or D'Addario "hybrids" as a good start, unless you're really wanting to use a bow lots. BB[/quote] Yep, I'd concurr with what BassBod advises (sorry I sound like a doctor!).

Fascinating designs and ideas but if we're not careful the technology takes over from enjoying making great music!

[quote name='cheddatom' post='73329' date='Oct 12 2007, 01:39 PM']Matt Bellamy as a bassist? That does not sound like my cup of tea![/quote] Na, he can stick to guitar and continue letting Mr Wolstenholme hold down the bottom end!! Ian

[quote name='cheddatom' post='73326' date='Oct 12 2007, 01:35 PM']Sims do the finished on Matt Bellamy's guitars I think, which are pretty cool![/quote] Yes siree! The lights, LEDs anything Mansons (sorry Hugh) aren't specialists in them Mr SimS and his magic hands did the rest. In all an awesome guitar (shame he's not a bass player!) from Mansons with some SimS magic. Ian

I managed (again!) to miss out on their gigs in the summer this year and wondered if anyone out there in Basschat Land managed to see and hear them, particularly Stefan Lessard on bass? Ian

[quote name='Beedster' post='72572' date='Oct 11 2007, 07:39 AM']All agreed Ian. Modulus probably have the right idea all things considered, and perhaps that is why they are have the reputatin they do (there's not many people on this site have a bad word to say about Flea Basses). As I said, they were great to deal with: Chris in Customer Support especially couldn't have been more helpful. In fact, he seemed to be doing all he could to stop me spending money on this repair, and that meant suggesting and contacting a specific UK tech as opposed to a custom repair at Modulus. You don't get that sort of contact with EBMM or Fender. I couldn't believe my luck when I reaslised that the tech in question is based 20 miles from where I live! I'm also sure Martin wil do a great job, I'll keep you posted with updates. Cheers Chris[/quote] Yes, Chris is a great guy and the other good thing about the key memebers of staff at Modulus is that they have been there for some time which is unusual in this industry and so gives great continuity for the company, customer and most of all great continuity with instruments. The guys there are all passionate about Modulus and helping musicians make their dream bass a reality. For us it's a real pleasure dealing with them and a breath of fresh air in the industry as there is so much bad service and bad attitude around which really isn't very clever is it? And...I'm not just saying this as a friend but Martin's custom shop really is one of THE best custom shops in the world. They have an CNC now and can produce custom or shall I describe them as 'industry standard' necks, bodies, scratch plates as well as their world (and still the best) famous SimS Custom L.E.D.s. Most of the custom shops in the UK now use Martin for all their spraying and finishing (or re-finishing) work because its so good and the attention to detail is nothing short of superb (why we won't trust any of our instruments with anyone else!). If Fender Europe need a bass or guitar or series of instruments customised then the SimS Custom Shop is the first call. If anyone visited Harrod's earlier this year and saw their guitar show with all sorts of customised wonders then most of it was done by the SimS Custom Shop. Most people (apart from Rob Green at Status) don't know how to deal with carbon fibre technology but Martin does so your Flea bass will look brill I'm sure when finished. SimS Custom Shop = Wow!!!! Ian

[quote name='6stringbassist' post='72452' date='Oct 10 2007, 10:34 PM']Sorry for any offence...honestly, I've deleted my previous reply. I didn't mean it to come across quite the way it did, you were very helpful in your reply to me. My reply was done in a bit of a rush, after reading it through I was going to edit it but had to go out. I certainly didn't mean to infer that they had any superior knowledge or care regarding Modulus basses, you have a very fine reputation, you are afterall the UK distributor for one of the worlds finest instrument manufacturers. I was about to go abroad at the time, and wanted to get the ball rolling on my order before I went, the US store were very prompt in replying to all of my emails I therefore felt obliged to order from them, I'm now about a month into a 6 month wait for my bass. I suppose really I should have phoned you, but I honestly just didn't have the time during your office hours, an email is quick and can be done anytime. I totally agree with you about Modulus basses, they are fantastic instruments, I love mine, and I will certainly will buying another in the very near future...... after I get my fretless that is. I really love the sound of Steve Lawsons semi hollow body Q6, and one of those is next on my list, and I will be contacting you early next year, I'll try and be a bit more patient next time...promise.[/quote] Thanks for your commensts and action, it's really appreciated! Enjoy your new Q6, It's fab!! The hollow-body Q6 is a very special instrument. Stefan Lessard of the Dave Matthews Band has a great Q6 Hollow-Body. He opted for a Chechen fingerboard to compliment the wood facing on the body which gives it a great balanced look aesthetically. With Bartolini's married with the Aguilar OBP-3 it's a killer tone machine! Take care and talk when you're ready. Ian

[quote name='markdavid' post='52083' date='Aug 29 2007, 12:55 AM']Hi all, Will be buying some flatwounds in the next couple of days , I have only tried a couple of brands of flats (Daddario Chromes , Rotosound Jazz Flats) I am looking for something a bit darker and more dead and old school sounding and considering the following , any recommendations out of these? Ernie Ball Flatwounds Elites Flatwounds Fender Flatwounds Roberts Flatwounds Olympia Flatwounds Picato Flatwounds I thank you for any suggestions you may have[/quote] Yep, I'd try Thomastiks, they are wound at a lesser tension than most strings and have a lot more give and take a bit more getting used to if you're used to a higher tension string. Dave Swift (Jools Hollands bass player) one of our customers uses them on his Fender J and P basses and feels they improve your feel and playing due to the lower tension so you have to adjust your usual style compared to higher tension string sets - you have to work harder on your technique which can't be anything but good! Ian S.M.A.R.T Distribution www.smart-distribution.co.uk

[quote name='angelboy' post='72765' date='Oct 11 2007, 12:54 PM']Thanks for the advice. I am sort of thinking a little too grand now and I think I might be edging into the territory of a custom bass. Hmmmmmmm.................[/quote] Sorry but can't resist a chip in here! Possibly...don't forget Modulus can offer a superb J or P-type neck for a DIY bass! Probably one of the best finished quality repalcement necks on the planet. Ian S.M.A.R.T Distribution www.smart-distribution.co.uk

[quote name='Rich' post='52122' date='Aug 29 2007, 08:05 AM']What, both of them? [/quote] Hey guys, S.M.A.R.T can help, they're the only bass amplification that we sell 'cos it's the best solid state bass amplification out there. Perfect for our Modulus and Turner basses. Their philosophy is to amplify the sound of your bass as purely as possible, hence the name in German 'Glockenklang' ('bell sound literally or in English as 'clear as a bell'). Ian S.M.A.R.T Distribution www.smart-distribution.co.uk

[quote name='HarryPotter' post='72211' date='Oct 10 2007, 03:29 PM']Been playing bass now for a whopping 2 months (or so) and really enjoying it. However, most of what I play in anger are Church songs - and for these I am playing music that wasn't intended for a bass guitar so I find myself running out of depth (I know I can simply play higher up etc. but I feel it would be better if I went deeper instead of higher). With this in mind are there any sensibly priced (say less than £300) 5 stringers I should consider. Current bass is a Cort Curbow, which I really like and get along with. I also dont have the worlds longest fingers so skinnier necks should be borne in mind. I dont mind SH (in fairness I prefer it as I am getting a better deal) so what would you recommend? TIA.[/quote] I just had to say this ('cos it's true!), a Modulus Quantum 5 has one of the best low B's in the biz!! As Yello once sung: 'check it outtttt!!!' But...it's a big budget job new, not so much (but still a lot) pre-owned (sounds better than used or s/h don't you think??) Ian S.M.A.R.T Distribution www.smart-distribution.co.uk

[quote name='Tradfusion' post='72407' date='Oct 10 2007, 09:25 PM']Just made an ebay purchase today on a Bag End S15-D 1x15 cab. I know these are very common in the States and get great reviews which is why I took the chance...at $299 in mint cond it seemed an OK price. Just wondering if any basschatters are using these or has anyone anything to say about them good or bad...not too much bad since I now own it !! [/quote] We used to import BAG END bass cabs. They are simply one of the best sounding systems we have come across. We only stopped importing them because of the sheer cost of shipping such large boxes that attract very high airfreight charges and the bass specialist stores just did not get the script on these and did not show any interest. Enjoy! Ian S.M.A.R.T Distribution

[quote name='Beedster' post='72267' date='Oct 10 2007, 04:52 PM']Hi Ian Thanks for the above. I didn't mean to tread on your toes and apologis of I appeared to. As I said, you and Modulus are great guys and were/are both very helpful. However, it was frustrating dealing with you both 6 months ago to be told of such long lead times (12 months for the flake finish) when US dealers at that time had over 20 on their shelves (Beaver Fenton being one who had several at the same time). OK, I was stupid/unlucky and learned my lesson the hard way, but although I think the Flea Bass is an awesome instrument, I doubt they're so difficult to make that Modulus couldn't bash out a few more so that dealers could hold stock and idiots like me don't get impatient and buy bad'uns? In fact, I'm sure SMART would be happier to have stock. We all know that emotional/impulse buying can happen very suddently, and for a number of reasons that might disappear dramatically when the words '6 months' are mentioned! Cheers Ian Chris[/quote] Chris Me toes are OK and so no toes stepped on, we just want to be as open as possible about the supply situation and Modulus always give us a realistic and true lead-time and not one that always seems to move as with some custom shop bass specialists. We certainly would be happier to be able to get hold of new stock quicker but please remember that Modulus is not a big company and they intend to keep it that way to maintain the spirit and quality that makes these superb instruments such a joy to own and play. They only run the flake finishes a couple of times a year simply because the paint shop spray booths get so contaminated with flake it takes at least a full day to clean it up absolutely thoroughly otherwise those nice gloss white finishes would have the occasional flake shining out when the light catches it! So it's not a matter of the Flea bass being any more difficult to produce it's simply if you want a flake finish the demand this year has simply outstripped the available number in each flake production slot. I'm sure this is down in no mean way to all the activity and touring that the Chilis' have been involved in the last 18 months and Flea sounding absolutely awesome with his signature bass (did you catch the Chilis' on 'Live from Abbey Road'? Flea's bass sounded brill!). The other thing to remember is that the USA is the largest single market for Modulus and dealers there may or may not have a bass that suits at any one particular time. The UK in turn is a very, very small market for these basses and we are constantly having to balance supply and demand which is difficult when the vast majority of people spending out for a high-end bass want something special (and quite rightly too!) and want to custom order their instrument. And...when we do get any stock instruments in they go very quickly and so back to square one! The same lead-times apply to the US dealers (and if any say different to get an order just call Modulus!), no one gets preferential treatment. The only bass that Modulus had in stock recently was a Q6 when I asked just on the off-chance that something might have fallen through with an order for a Q5 for a customer busting for one. That Q6 was only available due to an artist deal falling through but there was nothing else in the cupboard. So really Modulus are now more like a custom shop operation, only making to order. We have several basses in the pipeline including a silver and blue flake with matching headstocks, one exactly the same burst finish as the bass Flea is currently using. So, first in the queue gets them when they arrive! Martin Sims will create a unique instrument for you; I'll probably nip over to the workshop for a peak!! Enough of the rant, we just love these basses and would like it if more of you out there gave us a call and we can bash out a deal! Yours Modulusly Ian Morton S.M.A.R.T Distribution www.smart-distribution.co.uk

[quote name='6stringbassist' post='72299' date='Oct 10 2007, 06:24 PM']Yes, definately. I emailed Smart about it, it took them a week to reply, then about another week to get a price for the custom options, Bart pickups and myrtle facings etc. In the meatime I ordered my new one through these [url="http://www.planetbass.com/basses.htm"]http://www.planetbass.com/basses.htm[/url] Tony Cimperman is the guy to contact there, they're fantastic. Emails are answered very promptly, and they're very knowledgeable about Modulus instruments. I was going to go for the basic electronics to keep the price down, and reduce the import taxes, they explained the benefits of having the Barts fiited as standard and gave me a great discount on them, they'd already given me a good discount on the bass. Modulus are now offering an Ash body as an option, this is something I've opted for to give more mwah to the sound, Smart didn't say anything about this. Shipping is included in the price they gave me, which is £1600 plus VAT etc, total of about £1950 (approx). Smarts price is as you say £2215, plus about £250 for the myrtle facing and Barts.[/quote] Hi there Well all we can say is a big sorry because we lost your email in our system hence the extra delay which is not our usual response time I might add but I wish you would be somewhat more even handed in your description of events surrounding our previous discussion via email on the bass. You make us sound like we don't really care or know about Modulus instruments! Don't forget the detailed advice and suggestions we gave you about why you should opt for the Bartolinis and not the standard EMGs you originally were thinking of before you contacted the US dealer and the price for those also included the other advice we gave you to think carefully about in going for the Aguilar preamp system (either the OBP-1 0r OBP-3) as well. I quote: 'the standard EMGs are excellent but the Bartolini and Aguilar electronics teamed together give this instrument even more breadth and depth in the sound and tone departments, giving an instrument that can cover any musical genre you can throw at it. I'd thoroughly recommend thinking about this option to increase the instruments capabilities. You'll have a superb instrument that will last you for many years to come plus a great big grin on your face every time you plug in and play together with immense musical enjoyment!' If there are any queries on pricing versus current or projected exchange rates and the effect they will have on the final price, we're always fielding and dealing with those issues, just give us a call and we can discuss these things. Email isn't the only way of communicating; I did invite you to contact us at any time to discuss your requirements. I quote again: 'Once you've decided on your final spec please let me know so we can confirm the total price. The prices you can use from our web pages include a Modulus hard case and 24 hour delivery in the UK mainland.' So, apart from a glitch in our computer system the week we should have got back to you and boy we should have, we left it open for you to come back discuss the final price with us; I was already looking at exchanges rates in readiness to work out a deal. Last quote (promise!): 'Once you've decided on your final spec please let me know so we can confirm the total price. The prices you can use from our web pages include a Modulus hard case and 24 hour delivery in the UK mainland.' But we never heard anything more from you. One last thought, if you'd come back to us with written proof of an offer who knows what we might have been able to work out along with a UK supported warranty?? The trouble is with modern email is that we all (and I include myself amongst the sinners!) make snap judgments and decisions without any further communication either verbally or in writing. Anyhow, anyone else out there thinking Modulus, let's talk!! Thanks for putting up with the moan! It is meant in the best of spirits and to help more of you realise that we can help you get one of these highly sought after basses and as I often say to customers...put a great big grin on your face when you plug in and play!!!

[quote name='Beedster' post='72174' date='Oct 10 2007, 02:18 PM']Hi Bassman Thanks for the reply. Yes, I have spoken to Modulus. Had the bass been sold as 'new' they would have acted. It was however sold as 'used but 10/10'. Yes, SMART are very good, although I still find it amazing, given how many of these basses can be bought off the shelf in the USA, that it's a 6 month wait here with 50% of the cost up front? There is a also a guy who uses this forum - whose name I won't mention lest he gets accused of forum abuse by the curtain tuggers - who every now and again gets new Flea Basses from the USA and sells them via abay. Seems SMART, despite being very polite and friendly, could up their game a little re stock? Would have saved me a whole load of trouble! Worth it though! Chris[/quote] Chris We'd all love to be able to buy our dream instruments as soon as we would like and I for one would perhaps feel the same way if the bass I dreamt of was only available on a long lead-time. Perhaps some real context to the availability of Modulus instruments in the UK would be helpful for everyone after reading the above and related thread I have looked at over the past few days. We've been working exclusively with Modulus now for nearly 10 years (our 10 years anniversary with them and the Turner workshop in 2008). Some years ago now, Modulus took a decision to shed its production of Genesis guitars and concentrate fully on bass guitar manufacture. As a result of a lot of inventory tying up a large sum of cash flow Modulus decided to reduce inventory to nil and only make to custom order. They have purposely kept the company to a relatively small size in instrument manufacturing terms in order to control costs better for the bean counters but more importantly to be able to maintain their passion for the highest quality instruments that can be produced for bass players which invariably suffers when companies grow too fast or just plain grow. A smaller size company meant that quality control at every level to the highest standards could be maintained. We never have any issues with the quality of any instrument that comes over as a direct consequence of this passion for excellence in every detail. As you can imagine, working closely with our friends at the SimS Custom Shop over the years we have seen and experienced practically every high-end instrument there is and I have to say that the quality of Modulus basses is second to none, every instrument that we receive we just google over. The quality and finish of the neck is just astounding; the guy that specialises in the frets at Modulus has been doing the same job for over 14 years and it shows! So you'd like more stock in the UK to get rid of those current long lead-times (currently running at 6 months for standard finishes and 12 for the flake finishes on the Flea Bass - the longest lead-times we've experienced from Modulus for at least the last 7-8 years due to a surge of demand in the US market; BTW the same lead-times also apply to US dealers and if any of them say different they are just saying that to get an order or they simply have stock soon to arrive that has already been on order for several months, there is no fast track dealer in the USA!)? Firstly, Modulus make strictly to custom order which as I have explained naturally restricts stock availability (think Aston Martins or Morgan cars....or the wonderful WAL basses from Pete the Fish Stevens). Secondly, whenever in recent times we do actually have some free stock that has been ordered specifically to try and bridge the gap it usually is swept up by a dead keen bass player and so then back to square one!! Note that the Flake finishes are only run about twice a year and fill up really quickly. It's the contamination and cleanup time that restricts these finishes - usually at least a day to clean up a constantly in use spray shop at Modulus (they don't sub out work!!) and so the longer lead-times for the flake runs. With a high-end bass and custom ordered instrument it is not unusual to ask for a commitment from the buyer for something he or she has specifically ordered in some monetary terms, thus the commitment that we ask for to sort out any time wasters or customers who will not honour their order when ready, is to ask for a perfectly reasonable 50 per cent pre-payment with the balance due just prior to final shipping. It's an equitable arrangement for all involved in ordering custom built instruments. The whole process is as smooth as possible for us, Modulus and especially the customer who'll have a hassle-free experience in sourcing one of the best bass guitars available today. To boot, if there are any movements in the Dollar/Pound exchange rate in the period from order to delivery we will always try and reflect that in the final total price which includes a Modulus hard case and 24 hour UK mainland delivery. In most cases our final prices (that may possibly be less than our website prices due to currency movements) will be less than if you sourced a new instrument heavily discounted by a US dealer say from Bass Alone in San Diego as we absorb the freight, import duty and VAT that will invariable add 25-30% to any US dealer discounted price. I'd strongly encourage anyone who is thinking of ordering a new Modulus to talk to us as well and not leave us out of the equation. We're here as the official Modulus importer and reseller and have one of the best workshops in the world behind us for any set-ups, repairs, etc - the SimS Custom Shop. We're equally as passionate about these superb instruments as Modulus are themselves and will always strive to do our very best to support old and new customers - we like to aim for the same service, support and attitude that we'd look for ourselves if we were customers. Ian Morton S.M.A.R.T Distribution