First off, I've never played a 5 string so I did not know exactly what I wanted. Do I really need a low B string? No, but it would open up the range of songs to learn and play so my search began. I toyed with the idea of an Alembic 5 string, either a used Europa or an Epic but at 4k plus, that would have been an expensive experiment. I knew I wanted a quality instrument that could mimic the sound and playability of my 6 Rickenbackers. Is there such a non Rickenbacker instrument?? I had played a brand new Fender Jazz 5 at my local Sam Ash and was not thrilled. I wanted to try a Jackson CB5 but there were none in my area. On Talk Bass, I learned of the Modulus company and it received high praise. Now for finding one. It turned out to be a difficult search. I found a slightly used Quantum 5 on Talk Bass for $1,900. and pulled the trigger.
The review.
Modulus uses carbon fiber necks on their basses. The necks feature compound radius. Active electronics with various pup manufactures are all standard on the basses. This particular bass has two EMG BTS pups
The width at the nut is approx.1.85" wide
The width at the 24th fret is 2.75" wide.
String spacing at the bridge is 17 mm.
The neck is a bolt on shallow 'D" profile with phenolic fingerboard with side fret markers. The neck is quite comfortable to play. This bass is equipped with an adjustable truss rod.
It came strung with half rounds. The prior owner stated he was in a Grateful Dead cover band and these strings worked best for that style and sound. Note: As a rule I detest flat wound strings. I hate the silky feel of them and I've yet to find a set of flats that I liked the sound of. Yes, I have had a set of TI flats that I could not co-exist with. I deep sixed the half rounds for a set of Circkle K's that Skipp Fanty (the owner of Circle K) helped select. .136 .106 .079 .059 .043. I feel this was an improvement to the overall sound of the bass.
The pros
Getting use to the extra string was not a difficult as I thought. After a short while, I was able to move around the neck with ease. I find if I do not play it I need to really concentrate on the fingerboard and ease into it for a while.
The neck tapers is a bit wider than I an accustomed to but the different radius makes it easier to play as I progress up the neck.
The bridge is a Hipshot Type A and is a breeze to set up.
The fit and finish is really nice. While this instrument is used, 2004, and has a few dings, it is in really nice shape.
The neck is very stable and needed no adjustment after my string change. Over the course of my ownership, it has remained consistent whereas several of my Rickenbackers have needed adjustments to keep pace with the change of weather .
The cons
The treble pup is placed where I normally play. It's not a problem when I'm playing finger style but it seems to be in the way while using a pick.
No front fret markers. I did not think this would be a big deal but at times, I feel lost on the neck. Yes, it has side markers but in low light situations, I doubt they would be of any use.
Tuners. They are Gotoh 20:1 (GB70) and the posts all feel wobbly with no string tension on them. The D string tuner is tight to turn and finding a replacement anywhere is turning out to be a challenge!!
The sound. I can't seem to get this bass to sound like any of Rickenbackers and that frustrates me. Yeah, I know, it's not a Rickenbacker but I thought with active pups, I'd have a better chance of dialing in a punchy Rickenbacker growl. As of yet, no dice.
Overview
Like I said, it's my first 5 string as well as my first active pup instrument. I don't know what i was expecting with either. Maybe my expectations were too high. Perhaps the problem is with me. I'm not a very tech savvy type guy. Effects and things like that confuse me. The controls on the bass have the same effect. I need to refer to the instruction booklet when I attempt to tweak the dials. Even with the new strings the sound is quite dull. With all my Rickenbackers, I hear the bright tones while playing unplugged. Not so with the Quantum. It sounds dull almost muted.
Like I said, most of the instruments "issues" maybe with me. I need to screw around with it more but I find it difficult when I can't get it to sound like I want.
I too have been told that I would find the string spacing too tight for my big hands on the S-5.
All I did was check out EMG's website for info I may have forgotten.