Modulus Graphite

Modulus Graphite basses at Bass Buddha

Modulus Graphite builds its basses by hand in the USA. In short, Modulus was the first company to make bass necks out of carbon fiber, and that is still what the brand is all about. As a result, a Modulus sounds and feels different from a bass with a wooden neck. You can read more on the Modulus Graphite website.

Where the carbon neck came from

Bassist Geoff Gould started Modulus in 1978. Interestingly, the name comes from Young’s modulus, which is a measure of how stiff a material is, and carbon fiber is very stiff. Before Modulus made complete instruments, they built carbon necks for other companies, for example Alembic.

Why a carbon fiber neck matters

Basically, a carbon neck does not move with the weather. Therefore, the neck stays straight when the temperature and humidity change, which means less adjusting and a bass that plays the same at every gig. Moreover, the stiff neck gives a very even, clear tone with a lot of punch and sustain, and the dead spots you sometimes find on wooden necks are basically gone.

The Funk Unlimited and the Flea Bass

The best-known Modulus bass is probably the Funk Unlimited. Its former name was the Flea Bass, and yes, it is the bass Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers played. In addition, there are models like the Quantum and the Modern J. Today, Modulus Graphite builds every bass by hand to order, only a few basses a month.

Why we really dig Modulus Graphite basses

For me personally, a Modulus is one of the most reliable basses you can own. Consequently, when a good one comes through the shop, we grab it. You can see the ones we have right now below, and you can find the rest of our instruments under basses. So, what’s not to like?