Modulus Quantum, Quantum Bass Owner's Manual

Modulus Quantum Bass Owner’s Manual

Table of Contents

Welcome to Modulus
The Nature of the Neck
Fingerboard
Wood
Commitment to a Healthy Planet
General Maintenance
Pickups and Electronics
Bridge Adjustments
Neck Relief Adjustment
General Specifications
Customer Assistance

Welcome to Modulus® and thank you for choosing one of our instruments. This owner’s manual is intended to be a
resource to help you understand and fully utilize the features and functions of your new guitar or bass.

Located in the heart of the thriving San Francisco Bay Area music scene, Modulus Guitars began building exceptional
handmade instruments in 1978. Our specialty is utilizing innovative materials to better serve the needs of the serious
player. Modulus pioneered the use of carbon fiber in the construction of guitar and bass necks. We were the first to
combine structural carbon fiber with non-structural tone woods in our Genesis guitars and basses. We were also the first
to commit to using independently certified woods for every aspect of instrument building.

Innovation is meaningless if it doesn’t result in increased playability, sonic integrity and visual beauty. Let’s take a look at
the many facets of your new instrument and how they work together with your ears, hands, and heart. Music is the
reason we are here.

Genesis® and Quantum™ Necks

Modulus instruments feature two types of composite necks, depending on the model. Our original Quantum bass neck is a
lightweight, ultra-rigid “D”-shaped shell made from dozens of layers of hand-formed aerospace-grade epoxy-impregnated
carbon fiber fibers. With an amazing strength-to-weight ratio and a resonant peak far above the range of the notes on a
bass, it is an ideal neck for producing crystal clear, even tone. Because the carbon fiber telegraphs attack more quickly
than conventional wood necks, the Quantum neck aids articulation and is dynamically very sensitive.

Genesis guitar and bass necks incorporate a composite spine reaching from the tip of the headstock to deep inside the
body. Wrapped with a solid piece of lightweight, resonant tone wood, the Genesis neck combines the best elements of
carbon fiber and wood. All string tension is held by the composite central structure to eliminate warping and twisting.
Because the carbon fiber is
handling the stress of the strings, we’re able to use soft woods like red cedar, alder and soma to add warmth and
character to the crisp attack characteristics of the composite spine. It’s the right neck for players looking for organic,
woody sound with the added brilliance of composites.

Fingerboard

Most Modulus basses offer the option of a wood or composite fingerboard, providing players a choice of feel, look and
sound. Genesis guitars and basses feature granadillo, chechen or maple fingerboards.

Composite boards are denser and harder than a wood fingerboard, offer similar performance to ebony and will not shrink
or crack. The harder material adds a bit of extra high end sizzle on fretted basses, and a tighter focus to the sound of
fretless instruments.

Granadillo and chechen are ecologically sustainable, independently-certified Mexican hardwoods with similar
characteristics to rosewood and pau ferro. They add a touch of warmth to the midrange of the instrument and provide a
more traditional look and feel than a composite fingerboard.

Wood

Modulus instruments are crafted from the finest aerospace-grade composites and hand-selected exotic woods. Wood,
whether for the body of a Quantum bass or the neck of a Genesis guitar, is chosen for its tonal characteristics, beauty
and long-term stability. Our skilled builders combine woods to create instruments with individual sonic and visual character
that maintain the signature Modulus sound: Crisp and clear with warmth and dynamic sensitivity.

Commitment to a Healthy Planet

Modulus Guitars is committed to using ecologically-sustainable, independently certified wood in all its instruments. Our goal
is for 100% of the wood in our instruments to be earth-friendly and properly harvested.

Through close cooperation with SoundWood, Scientific Certification Systems and Eco Timber, Modulus pioneers the use
of non-traditional woods for electric guitars and basses. Granadillo, chechen, red cedar, chakte kok and soma are a few of
the exceptional-sounding, ecologically sound woods Modulus offers. More than any other guitar company, we are on the
cutting edge of new materials that improve the performance of the instruments while respecting the environment we all
share. Instruments made of 100% certified woods are available on request.

General Maintenance

Cleaning and Storing Your Modulus Instrument
Keep a soft, clean cotton cloth in your case and wipe down the body, hardware and the back of the neck after each
playing session. Use a separate cloth to wipe down the strings and fingerboard as well. This will remove body acids and oils
that corrode metal parts and will maintain the playability and beauty of the instrument.

All surfaces of your instrument, excluding hardware, pickguards (where present) and fingerboards, are finished with
hand-rubbed polyurethane. This finish is extremely tough, but can be scratched or chipped by hard objects such as tools,
jewelry or keys. Always store your instrument in its case or gig bag when not in use and keep it on a guitar stand between
sets on the gig. In most instances, wiping the finish with a soft cloth after each use will be enough to keep the finish
looking new. If you desire greater protection, use an automotive paste wax, such as Turtle Wax twice yearly. We do not
recommend spray guitar polish. Never use abrasive polishing or rubbing compounds or solvent-based cleaners on your