Musicman20 Posted March 26, 2013 Share Posted March 26, 2013 Morning all My current lineup of basses is fantastic. However, I feel like I need to vary my collection a little for the next one. I have been spending time on guitar recently, purely because I can’t find a guitarist who plays the style that I like. I am not the best guitarist, but I know what sounds good. I was thinking of investing in more guitar gear, but my amp/cab/pedal setup is perfect, and the only addition I’d like is another Telecaster, large bodied ‘Casino’ style Epiphone/higher end Gibson, or a Strat. At the moment, I don’t think I need to, as bass is still ‘my’ instrument. Looking at my basses, it is all Musicman and Fender. Nothing wrong with that at all, but maybe I need to branch out a little, style and tone wise. I do have a hankering for another Fender P bass, but until I find one that I really get on with, I won’t be bothering. Strangely enough, I’ve started to take notice of Spector basses. Can anyone give me any information on what to expect from all the different series of basses? They have a lot of different models and pickups... I am assuming from what I have seen that Spector basses have an incredibly high level of quality. There is currently a stunning collection at Bass Direct, with the USA models not been that much more than a new higher model Musicman. Advice would be great. Yes, I am after something very aggressive, modern, and different to what I normally use, (although the Bongo is pretty damn modern). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cocco Posted March 26, 2013 Share Posted March 26, 2013 If you're thinking P and want something a little different might I suggest a Lakland? I've had my skyline bob Glaub for 3 weeks now and it's completely left my other basses in the cupboard. I've always liked P's but every Fender I've played or owned (MIM 50s, CIJ 51, CIJ 70, US 78, US 2012) has had something missing. The lakland has everything in spades. The tone knob has a far wider spectrum too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mudpup Posted March 26, 2013 Share Posted March 26, 2013 Buy a Spector Euro if funds are limited or an American Spector NS2 if youre flush Job done Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eude Posted March 26, 2013 Share Posted March 26, 2013 +1 for Lakland. I remember being blown away by Funkle's Skyline 44-02 a few year's back. Very nice to play and a great modern aggressive tone, particularly from the bridge pickup. I've never been the biggest fan of the look of those particular basses, but the sound and playability more than made up for that! Spectors are fine fine instruments, incredibly well made and pretty reasonable value for money when you compare them to others in a similar ballpark. My only problem with them has been the reach required to play 1st position, if you're shorter than average, like myself, you might find them quite uncomfortable to play. You've talked previously about maybe trying for a custom bass, maybe now's the time? My vote would be for an ACG, but you seem more of a classic style guy, bar the bongo, so maybe a Shuker J or P might be a good idea? Jon would build you something pretty awesome for around, or maybe even less than the cost of a similarly specc'd Spector. There's obviously the issue of the wait, but his times seem to be much improved lately. Having owned a custom Shuker modern style Jazz I can confirm it nearly played itself, the nicest Jazz bass I've ever owned! Eude Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xilddx Posted March 26, 2013 Share Posted March 26, 2013 OH NO GARETH, NOT AGAIN!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charic Posted March 26, 2013 Share Posted March 26, 2013 Have you considered Overwater / Shuker / Sei / ACG? Or are we avoiding custom options? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted March 26, 2013 Author Share Posted March 26, 2013 [quote name='charic' timestamp='1364300667' post='2024504'] Have you considered Overwater / Shuker / Sei / ACG? Or are we avoiding custom options? [/quote] To be honest, as much as I like Shuker and ACG, I don't want to try the custom route. I am not sure why! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eude Posted March 26, 2013 Share Posted March 26, 2013 [quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1364300795' post='2024506'] To be honest, as much as I like Shuker and ACG, I don't want to try the custom route. I am not sure why! [/quote] Fair doos mate, Well the Euro Spector 4's on Bass Direct's site certainly look very nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charic Posted March 26, 2013 Share Posted March 26, 2013 [quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1364300795' post='2024506'] To be honest, as much as I like Shuker and ACG, I don't want to try the custom route. I am not sure why! [/quote] That's fair enough, although I would trust either to always do what's "right" for the bass and with your eye for detail these are the guys which will get as close to perfect as possible. You could check out their "stock" pages? I've only played one or two spectors and both from the budget end of the range so I can't really contribute on that level but I would say if you were considering them then chuck Warwick into the mix as well, quality control is very good from what I've seen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted March 26, 2013 Author Share Posted March 26, 2013 (edited) What a weird coincidence. The local music store to my work had a nice new Spector Euro 4 LX, (in fact two!). This was the dual humbucker version with the coil tap. The bass needed a setup, but I can hear the Spector growl! Very cutting and precise tone. The back pickup is fantastic. I worked out you could coil tap, and having both pups on (what I can only presume) single coils with the treble quite high sounded fantastic. Solo'ing the back bridge pup sounded tight, middy, and aggressive. I like it! Easy to play, nice neck profile, very well designed body. For the amount, I was shocked they don't provide a gig bag, but...I guess thats just how things are. Fit and finish was immaculate. I also tried a Ric 4003, and it changed my view on how they play. Apart from the big chrome metal cover over the pickup, it was a nice bass to play, although I could get used to the cover being left on. Everything sounded very 'Beatles' and retro, and I didn't have the amp gain setup right after the Spector, but a very very pretty bass. Quite an easy neck profile. Both these basses confirmed to me that its time to try out something new on my next instrument. Edited March 26, 2013 by Musicman20 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dingus Posted March 26, 2013 Share Posted March 26, 2013 (edited) If you are planning on pushing the boat out , then a USA Spector is a fantastic bass bass , especially if you are prepared to go the whole hog ( two metaphors one sentence - that's what I call value for money ! ) for a neck thru USA model . That is a real Spector , most of the rest are essentially budget attempts to exploit the success of that design . That is not to say some of the lesser models are not great basses , but the neck- thrus set the standard and are one of the best basses that money can buy , in my opinion . Some of the bolt -on USA models are also wonderful instruments in my estimation , and some folks might actually prefer them to the neck thru models , and they also tend to be a bit lighter in weight generally speaking . If you are looking at resale value , in the long term the USA models will ,always fare better than their Euro counterparts . I have always found Spector basses to be very good quality basses , but whether they will meet your requirements regarding quality of finish ect I couldn't really say Gareth . Don't forget , they are essentially hand - made instruments and you are bound to get some idiosyncracies and variation from one example to the next , so bear that in mind if you are particulaly bothered by uniformity and consistency . Edited March 26, 2013 by Dingus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
molan Posted March 26, 2013 Share Posted March 26, 2013 I'm with Dingus. For me the USA NT basses knock spots off the Euro models. I've owned a few of both and a couple of my US ones were amongst the best basses I've ever owned. The one thing I would say I that I always found the 5 strings had a something bit special about them and I preferred them to their 4's. Hard to explain exactly why but the 5's just really 'worked' for me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted March 26, 2013 Author Share Posted March 26, 2013 Thanks all. Yes, I am not expecting absolute mind blowing quality, and as many realise, I am a stickler for quality, but if the USA bolt on models are as good as the Euro 4 LX I tried today, I think I'd be impressed. However, I assume the bolt on NS4 I am looking at is probably higher quality, and has a different pre-amp. Would it be fair to say the bolt on USA versions will be a little less smooth in tone? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dingus Posted March 26, 2013 Share Posted March 26, 2013 (edited) [quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1364316133' post='2024765'] Thanks all. Yes, I am not expecting absolute mind blowing quality, and as many realise, I am a stickler for quality, but if the USA bolt on models are as good as the Euro 4 LX I tried today, I think I'd be impressed. However, I assume the bolt on NS4 I am looking at is probably higher quality, and has a different pre-amp. Would it be fair to say the bolt on USA versions will be a little less smooth in tone? [/quote] Sound can be a bit difficult to quantify , but I find the neck thru USA Spectors , particulaly the classic NS2 pj configuratuion to be one of the more aggressive sounding high end basses , hence their popularity with rock players . The bolt on versions will probably be slightly more immediate and punchy but a little transparent and sustaining in terms of sound by comparison , if that makes sense . Bear in mind I have never played both side by side , so it's difficult to say with any real confidence . Also , the pickups and electronics package will make a big difference . Humbuckers will be very different to a PJ or JJ setup , and I think the USA models now have an Aguilar preamp , so that should sound pretty good . The old Spector bolt -on bass from the 1980s had JJ pickups and it was a bit of a closet classic , so I would personally go for that option , but they will all sound fine . Edited March 26, 2013 by Dingus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warwickhunt Posted March 26, 2013 Share Posted March 26, 2013 You need a Dingwall in your arsenal... oh dear I seem to have one for sale! However, to address your original question - I've owned USA and Euro Spectors and I have to say that if you are looking at the Steinberger shaped models you may as well include the Warwick Streamer in your options; there are more similarities than differences and you may just find that the 'W' suits you better than the original... Spector! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cetera Posted March 26, 2013 Share Posted March 26, 2013 It's down to budget.... If you can afford a US Spector NS2 then do it - you WON'T regret it..... but the resale value takes a dive due to the more 'boutique' price on a new one. If you can find a used one (good luck!) then go for it! If you can't afford/don't want to spend as much then you can't go wrong with the Euro series. Superb basses, build quality is second to none, tone to die for and good resale value. Should you not be a fan of the Tonepump preamp then it's easy to swap out for an Aguilar/EMG or similar to suit your needs... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eude Posted March 27, 2013 Share Posted March 27, 2013 [quote name='warwickhunt' timestamp='1364322744' post='2024902'] You need a Dingwall in your arsenal... oh dear I seem to have one for sale! However, to address your original question - I've owned USA and Euro Spectors and I have to say that if you are looking at the Steinberger shaped models you may as well include the Warwick Streamer in your options; there are more similarities than differences and you may just find that the 'W' suits you better than the original... Spector! [/quote] +1 here, I actually find Streamers nicer to play and I've never seen a Warwick that didn't have impeccable build quality. There's some amazing secondhand bargains to be had on here and the new Korean built Pro Series look to be phenomenal value for money, and I'm amazed that this >> http://basschat.co.uk/topic/196981-fs-ww-ps-streamer-lx4-white-as-new-615l-till-monday/ is still here... Eude Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted March 27, 2013 Author Share Posted March 27, 2013 I tried a Streamer when the Bass Merchant was open. As it was an ex-demo, they let me have a few days with it to see if I liked it. It wasn't really my thing, but I think it was because it was a $$...the pickups seemed very dark sounding compared to the Spector I recently tried and the Musican H pups. Nice bass, well made, one of the German made Streamers. Just not my thing, although I do like some of Warwicks basses. The Spector just seemed easier to play. It puts certain things into perspective. Fender's seem relatively good value when compared to a Spector Euro which are £1600+ now without a case. Same with a new Stingray. I imagine the Spector bodyshape and woods factor in to the higher costs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
longtimefred Posted March 27, 2013 Share Posted March 27, 2013 I will vouch for a Euro, i had a Euro 5LX with humbuckers and it was without doubt the most aggressive snarly bass i ever had. I sold it because i was a dick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warwickhunt Posted March 27, 2013 Share Posted March 27, 2013 [quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1364379282' post='2025545'] I tried a Streamer... but I think it was because it was a $$...the pickups seemed very dark sounding compared to the Spector I recently tried and the Musican H pups. Nice bass, well made, one of the German made Streamers. Just not my thing, although I do like some of Warwicks basses. The Spector just seemed easier to play. [/quote] If you are even considering a USA NS2 or Euro Spector and you are comparing it with your experiences of a Warwick Bolt-On $$ Streamer then that is akin to comparing a Custom Shop Fender 'Jazz' to a MIJ 'Precision'! In fact I struggled to find a comparison that bore a more stark contrast. If you are looking at a NT Euro/NS Spector then it needs to be stacked alongside a NT Streamer. In fact you are just in Newcastle, I'm about 10 mile from you, pop down and try one of my Streamers before you try a Spector then it would be a better/fair comparison. I'm not trying to dissuade you from Spector (I've owned USA NS2 and Euro 4 & 5 strings) but I think you need to compare apples with apples before reaching a decision like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted March 27, 2013 Author Share Posted March 27, 2013 [quote name='warwickhunt' timestamp='1364408541' post='2026128'] If you are even considering a USA NS2 or Euro Spector and you are comparing it with your experiences of a Warwick Bolt-On $$ Streamer then that is akin to comparing a Custom Shop Fender 'Jazz' to a MIJ 'Precision'! In fact I struggled to find a comparison that bore a more stark contrast. If you are looking at a NT Euro/NS Spector then it needs to be stacked alongside a NT Streamer. In fact you are just in Newcastle, I'm about 10 mile from you, pop down and try one of my Streamers before you try a Spector then it would be a better/fair comparison. I'm not trying to dissuade you from Spector (I've owned USA NS2 and Euro 4 & 5 strings) but I think you need to compare apples with apples before reaching a decision like that. [/quote] Ay! I should take you up on that sometime! Thanks for the info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dannybuoy Posted March 27, 2013 Share Posted March 27, 2013 If you're heading to Bass Direct, check out the new G&L M series: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted March 27, 2013 Author Share Posted March 27, 2013 [quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1364420992' post='2026390'] If you're heading to Bass Direct, check out the new G&L M series: [/quote] Cheers, would love to but a round trip would be quite expensive from up here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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