It was 4 A.M. when I opened my eyes and realized immediately that sleeping would take some time. It always takes some time when I wake up at 4 A.M., I knew it.
The iPad seemed to be the answer, right within reach. I stretched my left arm and picked it up. Opened the cover. And eBay shone its light over the sheets. And there she was, on a tiny picture filled with orange splendor…
But there's not how this story begins. It begins with Sting, maybe, then Ian Hill, then Mike Starr, Mike Inez and many others. The Spector bass haunted me for years.
Only, I've never got one. I'm a scavenger. That's the word, as my friend Gollem put it. I've never bought a brand new bass. Ever. Always looking for the used ones, the rejected ones, the ones people were putting aside.
I found many, put some aside myself. Never a Spector.
Then, there was the 2012 Southern US RoadTrip. Long Planned. Exhaustively planned. And the day was coming.
Some Spectors showed up on the forum, on eBay, none I could afford. Or none i would.
The tiny picture filled with orange splendor contained a link, that took me to an ad that said clearly "YOU CAN AFFORD THIS ONE". Yes, I could. That much I could (would) pay. Only not. Shipping to Brazil and taxes would be insane. But how about the 2012 Southern US RoadTrip? Question to the Seller 'would you ship it to the hotel I'll be staying in?" Answer, by morning, "Yes". Some click later it was paid for. Done.
One week later, in a hotel room in Sunrise FL, a huge Fender cardboard box was being torn apart. Old newspapers (that's what newspapers are good for on these internet times) and bubble wrap everywhere. And, finally, I had my hands on her. Much splendorous orange than in the pictures, Delano pick-ups (no EMGs, yeah!), and handmade by Warwick, in 1991. The Spector I always wanted is a Streamer Stage One.
For the next 22 days she followed me 'round southern US, speaking to me through iRig and crappy earphones, and she sounded beautiful. Now she's home, and through the TC and Epis, I cant even begin to describe…
Thanks, Mr.Bassie720
I use only Spector basses now. Mostly because I prefer the company, the people that own and run it and the incredible way that they treat their artists. But as instruments, the older, thin necked, Warwicks have a playability and a naturally beautiful tone that can not be denied. I actually shave the necks on my Spectors to feel like the neck on that bass. I'm also happy that you are enjoying the Delano pickups. Fantastic pickups, very versatile.
