Author Topic: Modulus Blackknife (Read 370 times)

mydogbucket · « **on:** October 11, 2015, 03:40:46 PM »

Hi I stumbled across this old post (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=17445.msg176075#msg176075 ) on the Alembic club forum and it seems someone here may be able to tell me a bit more about my Modulus Blackknife, it is serial # 323. It looks nearly identical to the one in this picture:
http://www.rockstarsguitars.com/eurythmics/dave-stewart/dave-stewarts-modulus-graphite-black-knife-1242/
The only difference I can see is that mine has black hardware. May be a different style Kahler for the bridge but hard to tell from the low res image. Mine has 3 EMG?s (gold logo ? SA?s?), I think the Kahler bridge is a ?cam? style very similar to a ?flyer?. It has Kahler?s patent number stamped on the plate behind the fine tune knobs. According to http://www.wammiworld.com/KAHLER/Bridges/Q1.php Kahler used this stamp from ?81-?88.
The guitar also has the 3 on/off switches and 3 knob config.
Any clues as to possible build dates or any other info would be great. I called Modulus about 10-12 years ago and spoke to someone who seemed to be quite interested in the guitar and wanted me to send pictures. Of course I never got around to it, any inquiries to them since have gone unanswered.
Recently one of the string hooks on the Kahler broke as I was tuning her up. Luckily that Wammiworld has all the bits and pieces. It made me think that I may be in a tight spot if I need to replace other parts (especially the pots and boards) as she ages, as any info has been scarce to say the least.
That guitar is so fun to play, that if its origins remain shrouded in mystery that?s ok with me.
Anyways, I was glad to see some other folks geeking out about it, even if it was 4 years ago.
Hopefully one day one of those Alembics will cross my path (maybe when the kids get older).

Thanks!

lbpesq · « **Reply #1 on:** October 11, 2015, 04:48:45 PM »

You'll be waiting a long time to hear back from Modulus. They are out of business.

Bill, tgo

StephenR · « **Reply #2 on:** October 11, 2015, 05:35:21 PM »

Planet Bass acquired the rights to the Modulus name and is making a limited amount of instruments. At least I think they still are, their Facebook page hasn't been updated since July. Prices have gone up. I am pretty sure that former Modulus luthier Joe Perman is making the instruments for the new owners.

As far as getting info about your guitar it seems there would only be a slim chance that anyone currently involved in the company would know about the early instruments. If your guitar pre-dates 1998 you could try contacting Geoff Gould for info. Not sure if the email address I have for him is still good but you can get his attention through his Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/ggould.music/timeline/

Good luck!

lbpesq · « **Reply #3 on:** October 11, 2015, 06:13:06 PM »

David Fung, who is a regular around here, knows a lot about Modulus. I suspect he'll show up on this thread with some interesting info before too long.

Bill, tgo

sonicus · « **Reply #4 on:** October 11, 2015, 07:13:15 PM »

I saw their molds and equipment being sold for pennies on the dollar dirt cheap on eBay ! It was a sad ordeal for a company. I felt empathy for their plight even though I do not own any of their products and never have .

Wolf

edwin · « **Reply #5 on:** October 11, 2015, 08:25:05 PM »

You might check at the forums at rukind.com. These are popular with the Deadheads.

gtrguy · « **Reply #6 on:** October 11, 2015, 08:50:51 PM »

Yes, that first one was a guitar I owned for a while. I liked it fine except that I don't like trems that stick up. I really like ones like the one on the Ibanez JEM that sit low (edge). It had actice EMGs and had a nice warm tone. The neck could get a little cold in the winter.