three

I don't know if you'll have tried this yet but Reggaebass makes a good point - it might be worth tightening the screws/washers that hold the gearing in place on the machine heads - I've had these come loose on Fender-type basses with resulting rattle. I'd also agree with Lozz196 re: break angle - just pressing down on the string behind the nut might reveal the cause of the rattle (though it sounds more like a loose component to me). I hope you get it sorted - really frustrating!

To address the OP directly, I've owned four Spectors, all US models, and still own two, both Spector Shortys. For context, I haven't owned a Czech or any other model. Both of the long-scale basses (NS4 and 5), now sold, had deep profile necks that were frankly too large for me to play comfortably. The basses were built and finished to a superb standard - truly on a par with or superior to anything else that I've played (including Wals etc.). Solidity and stability are assured with the US models in my experience. The gloss sprays were also world-class - the ultra amber 4 was an instrument of rare beauty, and the water cured redwood 5 was uniquely lovely. Electronics (HAZ and EMG) were very hot, though not to my personal taste. The basses were sold as they were heavy, the balance and ergonomics didn't really work for me, the tonal range didn't really fit my needs/tastes, and the neck profile was a little too much (though as others have indicated, there are options within the US and other ranges). That said, I miss both in terms of sheer build quality and good looks. The two Spectors that I've retained are Shortys and are my main basses - they're both different takes - one with EMG humbuckers and an Aguilar OP3, the other with Aguilar P and J pickups and an OP2. The build quality is exactly the same as the long-scales - superb - the three-piece necks are wonderful. Both necks are fairly slender and beautifully carved: one has the DW 1.5 nut and the other, a standard 1.64. Body carving, tops and finishes are exquisite - perfect really, though both bodies have satin/matte finishes and I tend to prefer gloss. A little strangely, the DW necked bass is significantly lighter than the other. I can't comment on the Czech instruments other than to say that some of them look staggering. If cost isn't an option, I'd go for the US versions, but be prepared for a reasonably heavy instrument with a deep/thick neck (unless you're able to specify otherwise). US Spectors remain my go to for pretty much everything.

This thread is an absolute joy - staggering talent and an outstanding achievement. Wow!

There’s an Epiphone pro version in white on eBay at the moment for £450 – in Telford. Looks decent - item number is: 196752560838

Great choice in my opinion - the Baby Sumo is a really impressive implementation of Class D. I've used a Tonehammer with some success, and a Mesa Subway+ preamp and DI - the latter was really impressive, though they're really difficult to find and are no longer in production. I've used all sorts of pres with the Baby Sumo (Warwick PR40, Monique, SF2) and they sound how you'd expect. I think I read somewhere that somebody had experienced some input gain problems with the Sumo, but I certainly haven't encountered any issues with signal. I haven't used an SBP-2, though if it's a pre that you know and favour, probably worth a try - I'm pretty sure the results are what you'd anticipate

If you can find one - I wish I could - I'd recommend the Mesa Boogie Subway+ DI. I really shouldn't have sold mine. Two DIs (Mic and Line from memory) and real versatility in a well-built package

It's the first I've heard or seen of these - possibly an interesting addition to the Alembic line-up, and something novel (I think) with the extra filter modes. I use an SF2 that appears to have a little more in terms of control/parameters, but I can see the pedal-type form factor appealing to some. It won't make any bass sound like an Alembic, but a useful tool for recording and live use. The Alembic filters (in the SF2 and probably in this box) offer a great deal of control and versatility. On a related issue, I've been playing for decades and have yet to meet an Alembic-playing dentist, though I do know a guitarist that gigs as a consultant gastroenterologist

I live in the town (utter dump) and don’t think there’s any connection between SUYG and Tony - other than optimistic pricing for quite ordinary basses. Perhaps oddly, I don’t know Tony though I think he offers lessons. I haven’t seen him playing locally either. The town’s once thriving music scene crashed dramatically in the late ‘80s (along with its economy as a whole). I might go and have a mooch but can’t see anything that appeals, especially given the prices

If these are anything like as good as the Spector Shorty (no reason why they shouldn't be), they'll be superb if prohibitively expensive basses. I often wonder why the Shorty was discontinued (if indeed it was, though I haven't seen a new one for a long time). The Shorty came in a wide range of configurations, though didn't have the exquisite curves of the NS2 etc. I'd be interested to see the prices, though very unlikely to pay them.

Thanks and yes, the absence of a ratio control (or any discussion of this) is a little curious. Or maybe not if the unit is primarily designed as a master. The replies are very useful - I may be looking in the wrong place with Caveman

I’m not sure if there are many of these in circulation. Most of the video demonstrations, and especially that from Caveman, promote the unit as a back-end (end of chain) master compressor. It seems to work beautifully but it’s subtle. Has anybody tried using one as a front end, i.e., more as an effect than a master? Given the specification and parameters of the BC1, there doesn’t appear to be any reason why it shouldn’t work really well to squish and pump etc. Maybe I’ve missed some good videos, or somebody out there has real world experience?

This is what I really like about BC - the best of it

Agreed! Lovely to see more

Lovely! Please let us know of further dates - a really good venue and night out!

Thanks Rob - excellent - it sounds like all went well and a great experience. A good audience too. I'm with you on wedges or sidefills, I really haven't adapted well to IEMs. I thought that FoH would be involved - it really is quite a long room. Great staff and a friendly vibe too. Sorry I missed it!