Spector

[radiophonic]

Having almost pulled the trigger on a P-bass, I managed to take my foot of the GAS at the last minute. I'm after a back-up for my Stingray but want something that sounds different too. I think I've kind of got locked into a Fender way of thinking and fixated on the P option without really considering other alternatives. For the same (or less) money than a Chinese built Squier P, I can get a Korean built Spector... and so on up the range until we're into serious money. The necks look to be ~1 5/8 at the nut (a plus), they are relatively small bodied (also a plus) and not offset (non negotiable). I hadn't really considered them. The 'Euro' built ones look to [u]very[/u] competitive compared to a modern stingray or USA P and even the cheapies look pretty well specced, with corners cut where you'd expect (basswood, bolt on etc).

Any Spector players on here care to comment?

[NancyJohnson]

Gary will be along in a minute...

[three]

I play a Spector shorty (US model) - the nut is around 1.64" and very comfortable for me. It's a short-scale obviously, so not directly comparable to the basses in which the OP might have an interest. However, the small body is beautifully ergonomic, as is the neck - a neat combination of substance and slender playability. Ergonomic design seems to be a Spector specialism. The tone is nothing special to my ears but I tend to use a preamp for tone sculpting rather than the on-board pre.

[naxos10]

I have a 5 string bolt on Legend and have had an 4 string NS94 both are excellent to play with very good build quality and the response to questions from Spector has always been good. On both the active electronics have given a pretty wide tonal range with the NS94 probably being the more 'modern' sounding of the two.

[Paulhauser]

I have owned and own several Spectors from almost every level: Korean, Euro and US. I have to say that one of the biggest pro for this brand is that their products are of very good value in every price segment they have products. I can recommend Spectors without any doubt in any level really.

Assuming you are a 4 string player, a Euro 4 would be a really good backup for the SR, but not just like that. The PJ pickup config has a great variety of sounds, it nails the P tone quite well, with the J added it sounds really growly and fat. These basses are built exceptionally well with well thought out ergonomics

Ergonomics and sound were the two things that won me over for Spector and after going through many other basses I have settled for them as my main basses.

Any specific question you have I'm happy to answer....

[radiophonic]

Before I dive in further, the main ergonomic thing I have to address is how offset the neck position is. I have a Jazz and I have a real problem with how far to the left the neck sits, due to the offset. I made a big and expensive mistake with the Jazz - having played several but only sitting down (as is normal in a shop). Hanging round my neck it's all wrong. In comparison the Stingray feels like a significantly shorter scale length, even though it isn't. It's really hard to judge, looking at Spector due to the 2 octave neck and the small body, but where the first fret falls is a big issue for me (not being a tall person). I may not be able to stump for an LX4 (assuming I can't offload the Jazz - no luck so far), but a Rebop might be more in budget.

[Paulhauser]

I think I understand your point. If you check my profile pic you see how a 5 string 35" scale Spector Euro is positioned when worn quite high. (im 5.9') The 4 string is 34" so it is shorter.
Anyway, if it is an issue for you then by all means try one before buying.

[cetera]

[quote name='NancyJohnson' timestamp='1489403841' post='3256561']
Gary will be along in a minute...
[/quote]

Don't panic Mr Mainwaring, I'm here!

[quote name='Paulhauser' timestamp='1489411245' post='3256647']
I have owned and own several Spectors from almost every level: Korean, Euro and US. I have to say that one of the biggest pro for this brand is that their products are of very good value in every price segment they have products. I can recommend Spectors without any doubt in any level really.

Assuming you are a 4 string player, a Euro 4 would be a really good backup for the SR, but not just like that. The PJ pickup config has a great variety of sounds, it nails the P tone quite well, with the J added it sounds really growly and fat. These basses are built exceptionally well with well thought out ergonomics
[/quote]

All the above - nail on the head.
I would also say that a Euro is much more than a back up - it is a monster in its own right- and may well become your go to bass. It certainly is for me over any of the other basses/brands I own or have owned.

[quote name='radiophonic' timestamp='1489413561' post='3256677']
Before I dive in further, the main ergonomic thing I have to address is how offset the neck position is. I have a Jazz and I have a real problem with how far to the left the neck sits, due to the offset. I made a big and expensive mistake with the Jazz - having played several but only sitting down (as is normal in a shop). Hanging round my neck it's all wrong. In comparison the Stingray feels like a significantly shorter scale length, even though it isn't. It's really hard to judge, looking at Spector due to the 2 octave neck and the small body, but where the first fret falls is a big issue for me (not being a tall person). I may not be able to stump for an LX4 (assuming I can't offload the Jazz - no luck so far), but a Rebop might be more in budget.
[/quote]

The ReBop has an element of neck dive, which being of a slightly shorter stature you may find to be a problem. I'd recommend trying a Euro as a priority (to check neck position) and then looking out for a used one on here if they take your fancy....

[TheGreek]

I'm a recent convert to Spector - I blame Billy Apple for the conversion - I've always preferred small body basses, mainly because of the weight issue but playability and looks play a big part too. The Spector design is easy on the eye and though it's not the smallest bodied bass on the market I find the contoured body on Spectors a definite positive - something I liked on "W" basses but want proper customer service when I need it which I don't feel that I get with "W".

The neck profile is good but I rarely have issues in this department, in fact the only profile I didn't like was on my Wals - hence not owning them any longer. I find playing my 4 string very instinctual, I don't feel I am adapting anything and the neck on my LX5 is the only 5 I've actually enjoyed playing. I haven't noticed any issues with balance but I do spend most of my time practicing sitting down.

I find the electronics layout easy to use and finding a usable tone is pretty straight forward. Tonewise, the range is excellent, from boosted mids to the deep bass you're not going to have to spend half an hour twiddling knobs before being happy.

£ for £, I feel I'm getting a lot for my money. The Korean NS 4 build quality is amazing, it plays as good as some of the high end gear I've owned and certainly doesn't feel like a "cheap" £400 bass. I'd doubt that there are many who can tell the difference between this and a Euro or US made one, and compares well with my Euro5 despite a £1500 price difference. I'd like those with more experience with the brand to explain why anybody should buy a US model over the Euro/Korean ones. Superb throughout the range.

I've always had issues with Fenders, could never find one that felt like it was "[i]the one[/i]", or understand why the brand is the market leader, or why players limit themselves to the basic package the electronics provide. Nobody's ever given me a definitive answer to why I should have a US model over a MIM/MIJ or MIK - the look the same, feel the same and pretty much play the same, in fact I played a US Jazz and a MIJ Squier in a shop and preferred the cheaper one.

I know it's "[i]horses for courses[/i]" but I've yet to play a Fender that lives up to the reputation or compares to any of the Spectors I've tried.

Not everybody's going to agree but I know how I'd spend my money.

[spectoremg]

There's a thread on here somewhere along the lines of 'things that bug you about your bass.' I don't think there was one complaint about Spectors. The build quality is excellent at all levels. Careful though, you could possibly fall in love with them

[radiophonic]

A lot of useful info - Thanks. The neck dive issue on the Rebop isn't something I'd considered and I assume it's due to reduced body mass due to the bolt on neck, rather than a difference in geometry? Alas, the only 4 string Spector I've seen for sale on here was the Doug Wimbish signature and aside from the price, I think it'd give me a massive case of impostor syndrome! I'd really have no excuses. That guy is a legend. Bass Direct are local to my job at least and seem to have a decent range, but I'd prefer not to deal with them if at all possible. It may be my only option, but an inconvenient trip to PMT Birmingham may be required. PMT Nottingham have about 3 basses that aren't Fenders. Anywhere else in the Midlands I don't know about?

[Paulhauser]

I can not comment on the Rebop neck dive issue as I never had one, but I've heard about it.
Doug Wimbish signature is a Euro4 with a different neck profile and otherwise quite indistinguishable compared to other Euro4's with orange color. So you can get away wit hthat :-) (the one in the classified is a US NS-2 with a DW neck profile. This is an option on the US 4 string instruments and is called DW because he was the first to ask Stuart for a 1.5" nut)

[radiophonic]

[quote name='Paulhauser' timestamp='1489482914' post='3257234']
I can not comment on the Rebop neck dive issue as I never had one, but I've heard about it.
Doug Wimbish signature is a Euro4 with a different neck profile and otherwise quite indistinguishable compared to other Euro4's with orange color. So you can get away wit hthat :-) (the one in the classified is a US NS-2 with a DW neck profile. This is an option on the US 4 string instruments and is called DW because he was the first to ask Stuart for a 1.5" nut)
[/quote]

I'd actually prefer the standard nut width I think. I certainly have no problem with the Stingray nut width, provided the neck isn't too deep. The two 40th Anniversary models they have in BassDirect at the moment look very nice and Trans blue or red would be ideal - I'm not keen on plain wood or orange stain options. That said, the Rebop is a lot less money, so it'd come down to playability. I could just do without having to deal with Bass Direct again!

[Paulhauser]

Those anniversary models are great! Full maple body wings and some custom options (black strip on the neck, inlay) make these more special than the normal Euros and they are a limited run.
As for the Rebop, if you are lookin at the PJ version of it, bear in mind that the P pickup is closer to the bridge due to the deep pocket insert than on the neck through Euro. Not that it is a bad or good thing, just good to know FWIW)

I can't comment on BassDirect as I've never dealt with them. But they do carry the largest selection of Spectors in Europe AFAIK.

edit: now that I've checked, the bridge pu is also closer to the bridge on the Rebop

Edited March 14, 2017 by Paulhauser

[Mudpup]

I had a Euro....the 1st fret feels significantly further out to the left than on a Fender style bass. But i only noticed it as an issue (for me) when i bought a Musicman and everything suddenly felt more compact to play - then i sold the Spector because it really began to feel awkward for me. Up till that point it had always just felt like a bit of a reach to play below the first 5 frets.

It was a bass i really wanted to love but couldn't quite get there with...great build quality and looks though.

[radiophonic]

[quote name='Paulhauser' timestamp='1489487283' post='3257284']
Those anniversary models are great! Full maple body wings and some custom options (black strip on the neck, inlay) make these more special than the normal Euros and they are a limited run.
As for the Rebop, if you are lookin at the PJ version of it, bear in mind that the P pickup is closer to the bridge due to the deep pocket insert than on the neck through Euro. Not that it is a bad or good thing, just good to know FWIW)

I can't comment on BassDirect as I've never dealt with them. But they do carry the largest selection of Spectors in Europe AFAIK.

edit: now that I've checked, the bridge pu is also closer to the bridge on the Rebop
[/quote]

Yes - It was the PJ model I was interested in. The only way is to plug in and have a go. I've heard a few on line demos and they don't seem to vary very significantly, certainly not enough to notice once the guitar player cranks it up. Bass Direct totally wasted my time on the only the only occasion I dealt with them previously and were extremely patronising and rude in the process. Basically I drove for an hour to try out an amp that they had confirmed on the phone that they had in stock and invited me to demo, then the same guy I'd spoken to by phone refused to let me try it because he wanted me to buy something else that I made it clear from the get go that I couldn't afford. When I pressed him on my intended purchase he just reiterated that MarkBass was more transparent and that anyone needing to use tone controls was playing the wrong bass. IMO, anyone who is that rude to a serious customer deserves to go out of business. I bought online instead. Others have had no problem, so maybe the problem is me. Whatever, I'm reluctant to hand them any money. They do have a load of Spector basses, mind.

[Paulhauser]

The Rebop is 500[font=Helvetica-Bold, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif][b]£ [/b][/font]cheaper compared to the 40th Anni models, which is quite a bit money.
Definitely give both of them a try so you can see whether the ergonomics fit to your requirements.
Sorry to hear your experiences, maybe if was a bad day...

[Billy Apple]

I wrote a whole long thing about my road to Damascus conversion to Spectors, but it was on the train on my phone and checking back here I can see that it disappeared into the ether!

So to sum-up.. You must try one and take it from there. I'd start with the Euro.

And in conclusion.. Spectors Rool!

[Billy Apple]

[quote name='radiophonic' timestamp='1489485360' post='3257268']
The two 40th Anniversary models they have in BassDirect at the moment look very nice and Trans blue or red would be ideal - I'm not keen on plain wood or orange stain options.
[/quote]

My latest purchase..



The solid Maple wings make this right up there in NS2 territory, plus has a slimmer neck than my NS2. I think the blue anniversary model has Barts in it? I got this from Bass Gear and while the shop is no longer in operation, they may still have an 'in' with distributors Barnes and Mullen's if you were looking to buy new and wanted to spread your money elsewhere.

[radiophonic]

That's pretty drool-worthy. I'll try and pop into BD later this week if it's quiet at work. I'll see if they can redeem themselves. I can at least get an idea of how the Spectors balance and take a look at relative build quality across the range. This is likely to be a protracted decision due to the outlay after all. Anderton's are now stocking Spector too and I notice that PMT Brum had a pic on their FB page. No stock listed on their store-site, but this may be a case of 'look what's coming'.

[Paulhauser]

[quote name='Billy Apple' timestamp='1489500998' post='3257455']
I think the blue anniversary model has Barts in it?
[/quote]

Great bass you have there! I think the blue is the same as the red, but there were a few of the blue that had Barts in it and ebony fingerboard.

[MattBanshee]

Hello, newbie to the forum here

I use a Spector Q4 Pro (Korean made) as my main bass at the moment and I absolutely love it. I'm not a professional bassist by any stretch of the imagination, but I tend to play heavier rock styles, and I struggled a bit with the jazz bass I had previously, possibly due to the much thinner neck and although I loved the shape and feel, it really felt like I couldn't thrash away on it, especially in a lower tuning, as it just felt 'floppy'. The Spector is much better in that respect; maybe the combination of a thicker neck and a much sturdier bridge helps, and the EMGs give it a decent punch too.

[darkandrew]

I'm only 5'8" and I play a 35" scale Euro 5LX with no problems with reach - guess the small body helps to keep the over all length down. I really wouldn't worry about this.

[radiophonic]

I went and had a play. I tried both a Rebop and a Euro LX (some kind of signature model, all white). The Rebop does suffer neck dive, but more generally, it just wasn't as nice to play or as full sounding as the LX. The only downside of the Spectors as a whole was that rather chunky neck joint. If I were to go for one, it would have to be an LX I think.

[markstuk]

[quote name='radiophonic' timestamp='1489501505' post='3257460']
That's pretty drool-worthy. I'll try and pop into BD later this week if it's quiet at work. I'll see if they can redeem themselves. I can at least get an idea of how the Spectors balance and take a look at relative build quality across the range. This is likely to be a protracted decision due to the outlay after all. Anderton's are now stocking Spector too and I notice that PMT Brum had a pic on their FB page. No stock listed on their store-site, but this may be a case of 'look what's coming'.
[/quote]

They had a couple in PMT Brum when I was there a few weeks ago..