Author Topic: Alembic electronics in a Modulus Q4 (Read 259 times)

briant · « **on:** July 12, 2008, 11:13:18 PM »

I know I should just be calling the Mothership about this but I'm hoping to get an early answer from all you people who know.

I have a Q4 and I'm wanting to replace the pickups and electronics with something like the Signature electronics. So how accurate are my thoughts here?

I want the full-on Signature electronics sound all the time on this bass. I don't care about having filters with this bass. I am thinking the Signature sound with no filters but add a bass and treble control. Will that work? Does the Signature electronics with no filter controls still sound basically like the Signature electronics with a filter cranked all the way to full? And how close are the pickups to the EMG HZ humbuckers? How much will I have to route out?

Inquiring minds want to know.

David Houck · « **Reply #1 on:** July 13, 2008, 04:46:33 PM »

I'm guessing here, but I think an AE-3 set of Activators will do what you are wanting. Pickup sizes are here.

tbrannon · « **Reply #2 on:** July 13, 2008, 09:03:11 PM »

I'm pretty sure that Kris (Keurosix) has an Activator equipped Modulus....

adriaan · « **Reply #3 on:** July 14, 2008, 10:26:02 PM »

The filter adds a little resonance peak at the cut-off point (3500Hz?) even before the Q boost. Without the filter, you don't have that specific peak. Not sure if you would completely miss having it.

David Houck · « **Reply #4 on:** July 15, 2008, 05:58:43 PM »

I didn't think about that Adriaan, but I think you're right; I do seem to recall reading that it's the filter circuitry that does produce a slight peak at the cutoff point even without the boost. So there would be a difference in tone with no filter circuit. Wide open would be 6000Hz. So the difference in the lack of that peak would be noticed at the high end.

keurosix · « **Reply #5 on:** July 23, 2008, 09:29:59 PM »

Toby is correct, however, my Modulus has an unconventional setup: 3 pickups with 3 on/off switches, a vol and a filter with a 2 position Q switch. I believe it is one of my best sounding basses! Here she is 3rd from left:

Here's a solo shot:

I would think a "Signature setup" without filters would not be a "Signature setup". The filters are what makes the classic sound, even for the series circuits, which the signature design is following. However, adding Q switches will require drilling, and a finsih touchup or total refinish. Something to consider. I did not want to commit to that with mine, so I opted for a simple circuit to occupy all the original holes that came with my Modulus TBX Quantum 5. Kris