Thinking of swapping electronics in my Spector

**BassIsFun17** · #1 12-04-2011, 11:44 AM

Hey all,

I did some searching and had some question's answered, but nothing specifically to what I want to know. I have a USA bolt on Spector 6 string, it currently has a Tone-pump preamp and EMG dual coil pick ups. While I do like the sound of this set up, I do really prefer having the option to switch to passive mode, and with this set up, I will never be able to do that. I am thinking of switching to a set of Bartolini pickups. I am unsure of whether or not i want dual coil's, quads, or spits. I am looking for a darker voicing than the EMG's honestly, but still have a good bit of clarity. I like the sound of dual coils, but I never tried any of the listed Bartolinis before. I've only ever had a set of Bartolinis in my old jazz V. As for the preamp I was either thinking Bartolini 3 band or Aguilar obp-3, maybe Glonkenkang? or Audere? I just want to be able to switch to passive mode.

I would just like input on what combination of these pickups and preamps would suit the Spector mojo well.

Thanks!

grendle · #2 12-04-2011, 11:36 PM

What's the big deal with switching to passive mode? Barts do sound good in a Spector, I would leave the tonepump in or go with the obp1 maybe. Hot emg's and the tonepump or usa 9v are pretty much what the Spector "mojo" is all about.

**BassIsFun17** · #3 12-04-2011, 11:43 PM

i just like knowing i dont have to use a battery, but in all honesty i am probably just going to stick with the stock electronics, as its not like i dont like the sound or anything, and i really do love the clarity this set up produces. i would imagine bartolini's take away alot of what I'm already hearing as far as high end clarity.

grendle · #4 12-05-2011, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassIsFun17

i just like knowing i dont have to use a battery, but in all honesty i am probably just going to stick with the stock electronics, as its not like i dont like the sound or anything, and i really do love the clarity this set up produces. i would imagine bartolini's take away alot of what I'm already hearing as far as high end clarity.

Bart's sound a little less trill on the highend and a little warmer overall ( slight low mid bump imo) . Nothing you can't dial in with a little eq. Only problem with Bart's is they don't growl like the emg's do with the spector pre. As for the battery, change it once every 6months or so, and keep the bass unplugged when not playing. I change mine when we change the clocks forward and back. They don't just die either. Your signal will get low and then start distorting when the batt. Gets weak. Use a good batt. ( Duracell) and it really is a non issue. I haven't played a passive bass in over 15 years, only had a batt. die on me once.

Relax, you bought the best, give her a little bit and learn what she does. Its a really flexable bass and has the 700-800 Hz growl that cuts through anything. Find the sweet spots on the controls and you be loving it

. Come over to the spector club for any questions . Lots of great people over there and people that actually work for spector as well.

**BassIsFun17** · #5 12-05-2011, 05:51 PM

i'm pretty well acquainted with my spector, and really love the sound. i just had some curiosity about how bart's sound with spector and what not. thanks for all of the info. as for the spector club, i follow the threads everyday!

kb9wyz · #6 12-05-2011, 06:09 PM

I feel your pain with the battery thing. I lent a bass to my friend's son to play as church one day. I felt like a total ass when the battery died on him. All because I got lazy and didn't check the battery in too long.

One idea I've played with is making a power pedal for my electronics. Basically, it would just be a small box with 9-volts going into it, and I would use a stereo cable to plug the bass in. I'm just too lazy and don't want to buy a stereo 1/4 inch cable.

**BassIsFun17** · #7 12-05-2011, 08:08 PM

i actually bought the device to do that. my main reasoning for wanting to make passive capability, is because i like being able to just go with the passive vibe, preferably even adding a passive tone control to the circuit, to have more of a fender jazz bass control layout at heart.

testing1two · #8 12-06-2011, 01:39 AM

In terms of tone, I like the sound of the EMG pickups with an EMG EQ circuit or an Aguilar EQ circuit over the Spector Tone Pump. However, that's just a matter of preference. If you're concerned about checking your battery life pick up a Batt O Meter and check it as often as you like:

Overview

https://secure.sadowsky.com/store/pr...7757a2fee2b12b

PhatBasstard · #9 12-06-2011, 04:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by testing1two

In terms of tone, I like the sound of the EMG pickups with an EMG EQ circuit or an Aguilar EQ circuit over the Spector Tone Pump. However, that's just a matter of preference. If you're concerned about checking your battery life pick up a Batt O Meter and check it as often as you like:

Overview

https://secure.sadowsky.com/store/pr...7757a2fee2b12b

The problem with these is they only work for 9 volts.
Many of us EMG guys are running 18 volt setups.

Love the idea. I just wish they had been a little more forward thinking and made it switchable.
There are a lot of guys running 18 volt (and occasionaly 27 volt) circuits out there.

**BassIsFun17** · #10 12-06-2011, 07:43 AM

I have that same device, works great with my 9v