Rigetto Posted January 11, 2023 Share Posted January 11, 2023 Hi guys, I'm about to buy a beautiful Czech made Spector NS-5CR in black cherry gloss with EMG 40DC pick-ups and EMG BTS preamp. The bass looks like it's in good conditions. It comes with the dots and with the original Spector logo (not the SSD one) and it's a 34" scale bass. The seller told me it has maple wings. I did a bit of research and it looks like it's never been modified (no preamp swap, etcetera). Do you have any idea how much should I pay for this bass? The seller is asking for 1400€ which are about 1250£... I beg your pardon in advance if I asked for something I couldn't ask. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Machines Posted January 11, 2023 Share Posted January 11, 2023 So it's an early Euro ? If so, that seems a fair price. Newer ones go for a bit more I would say. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rigetto Posted January 11, 2023 Author Share Posted January 11, 2023 @Machines thanks yes, it came just before the EURO LX series. I've seen Euro LX basses for sale at 1300€, so I thought that the NS5CR is kind of expensive compared to the newer Euro series. Anyway... I like the 34" scale and I'll not miss the crown inlays. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodinblack Posted January 11, 2023 Share Posted January 11, 2023 What year is it? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris2112 Posted January 11, 2023 Share Posted January 11, 2023 Sounds fair. I paid about the same for this one (after taxes) a couple of years ago. It's the dream-spec Spector for me, having dot inlays, EMG's, all maple construction and 34" scale. They don't really command a premium over other Euro models but if you want the solid maple body and 34" scale then you won't find much else to suit that isn't American made. Mine happens to have to lowest action of any bass I've ever played, it's a total slap machine. Just buy one! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rigetto Posted January 12, 2023 Author Share Posted January 12, 2023 (edited) 16 hours ago, Machines said: So it's an early Euro ? If so, that seems a fair price. Newer ones go for a bit more I would say. 13 hours ago, Woodinblack said: What year is it? From what I learned online it could be a 1999 one being dots, 34" and Spector logo. 11 hours ago, Chris2112 said: Sounds fair. I paid about the same for this one (after taxes) a couple of years ago. It's the dream-spec Spector for me, having dot inlays, EMG's, all maple construction and 34" scale. They don't really command a premium over other Euro models but if you want the solid maple body and 34" scale then you won't find much else to suit that isn't American made. Mine happens to have to lowest action of any bass I've ever played, it's a total slap machine. Just buy one! What a beauty. I'm not what you call a slap guy but I like a nice low action for that extra clank How is the neck? Is it fat or thin or...? And how do you like the BTS preamp? Did you swap it? Edited January 12, 2023 by Rigetto Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris2112 Posted January 12, 2023 Share Posted January 12, 2023 I love the sound it makes. It's perhaps a little difficult to comment on the preamp specifically because I've not the tried the bass with anything else. I knew that the EMG sound was my go-to for a Spector though, having played Spectors in the last with EMG pickups and preamp. I do also like the Tonepump, for what it's worth. The output is hot and lively, as you would expect. The tone is bright and clear with loads of headroom and articulation. Probably the best low B I've ever heard on a wooden bass. There is a little bit of growl available from the low action should you want it. Cut and boost is clean and it's very flexible. It just does it's job and doesn't get in my way. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rigetto Posted January 12, 2023 Author Share Posted January 12, 2023 (edited) @Chris2112 I've read that the Tonepump will get you closer to the infamous Spector tone from the US models without breaking the bank (99$ for the Tonepump compared to almost 400$ for the Hazlab...https://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Hazlabs.html)... Anyway, how do you like the neck? Edited January 13, 2023 by Rigetto grammar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris2112 Posted January 12, 2023 Share Posted January 12, 2023 The neck is just great. It's sizeable but very fast and smooth. I love a finished neck but the finish has to be very smooth otherwise they can start to feel a bit tackey. The Spector is great. I'm not usually too fussed about neck specs as I can get on with most things but the Spector is just great for me. Most people would say it's closer to a P than a J, and definitely on the fatter side as far as necks go. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rigetto Posted January 12, 2023 Author Share Posted January 12, 2023 Well, I'm currently playing a 4 string Am Dlx P-bass and I would define the neck as something in between, not too fat, not too thin. It's not a J-bass but it's not a Warwick either. I guess I will adapt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cetera Posted January 12, 2023 Share Posted January 12, 2023 Just buy it! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rigetto Posted January 12, 2023 Author Share Posted January 12, 2023 How's the weight? Is it more than 5kgs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris2112 Posted January 12, 2023 Share Posted January 12, 2023 I don't know as I never weigh my basses (I don't have any back issues and I'm fit and healthy). It will be over 5kg though, maple is heavy. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rigetto Posted January 12, 2023 Author Share Posted January 12, 2023 Yes, I agree, my precision bass is incredibly lightweight compared to my all maple rickenbacker. The Ric is also half as thin as the precision...it looks like it's made out of lead. Anyway, as long as it's comfortable and ergonomic I'm happy to buy it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paulhauser Posted January 13, 2023 Share Posted January 13, 2023 On 11/01/2023 at 16:38, Rigetto said: Hi guys, I'm about to buy a beautiful Czech made Spector NS-5CR in black cherry gloss with EMG 40DC pick-ups and EMG BTS preamp. The bass looks like it's in good conditions. It comes with the dots and with the original Spector logo (not the SSD one) and it's a 34" scale bass. The seller told me it has maple wings. I did a bit of research and it looks like it's never been modified (no preamp swap, etcetera). Do you have any idea how much should I pay for this bass? The seller is asking for 1400€ which are about 1250£... I beg your pardon in advance if I asked for something I couldn't ask. Cheers This is a transition-era Spector and as such you won't see many around. These already have SS logo / Spector brand but still 34". I had one and it was a lovely instrument. The neck was comfortable for me (no surprise given that I play Spectors 95%) 1400 Euros is just about right especially if it is in tiptop condition. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rigetto Posted January 13, 2023 Author Share Posted January 13, 2023 51 minutes ago, Paulhauser said: This is a transition-era Spector and as such you won't see many around. These already have SS logo / Spector brand but still 34". I had one and it was a lovely instrument. The neck was comfortable for me (no surprise given that I play Spectors 95%) 1400 Euros is just about right especially if it is in tiptop condition. Thanks for your contribution mate. I'll let you know guys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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