Feels like a Spector but sounds like a Jazz

Omniant · #1 12-27-2011, 07:35 AM

Is there such a thing?

I used to own a Spector Euro LX but it was a bit too hot for my liking (albeit I never changed the preamp). I did however LOVE the balance, feel and look of that bass. Does anyone have any recommendations for something that feels like a spector but has a great jazz bass tone?
Let's say my price range is $500-$1500.

madbassplaya · #2 12-27-2011, 07:42 AM

Spector rebop.

KsPiNeSh · #3 12-27-2011, 07:50 AM

Used Spector NS-2J. Tough to find, but exactly what you're after.

madbassplaya · #4 12-27-2011, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KsPiNeSh

Used Spector NS-2J. Tough to find, but exactly what you're after.

Great suggestion. I had one a while back and it was awesome. Its not as scooped as a normal J but its a great tone.

Omniant · #5 12-27-2011, 11:22 AM

No kidding..

I've been researching the past couple hours and you're right. They're pretty difficult to find.

Any other suggestions?

rockstarbassist · #6 12-27-2011, 12:07 PM

You can get most any Spector in a J/J config nowadays, I'm pretty certain.

Are the NS-2JA-R's really hard to find?? I couldn't give mine away in late 2010.

KsPiNeSh · #7 12-27-2011, 02:33 PM

Also, you could snag a Rebop (or other Spector) and swap the pups for a pair of EMG 40Js, as they are the single-coil pups housed in the humbucker-sized case.

Omniant · #8 12-27-2011, 02:43 PM

That's an interesting idea.

Do you think it would make sense to replace with the 40j pickup and also the aguilar preamp in a EuroLX instead of the tonepump?

grendle · #9 12-27-2011, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Omniant

That's an interesting idea.

Do you think it would make sense to replace with the 40j pickup and also the aguilar preamp in a EuroLX instead of the tonepump?

Leave the tone pump just turn it down.

**worshiprocker** · #10 12-27-2011, 03:00 PM

I've got a NS-2JA-R and I can definitely get that jazz bass sound. Also the rebops have been described as a jazz bass on steroids and are easier to find used

Darkstrike · #11 12-27-2011, 03:07 PM

What about that new Spector Jazz?

**worshiprocker** · #12 12-27-2011, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkstrike

What about that new Spector Jazz?

The Spector Coda is not in the price range given... $2300 IIRC. The coda is more of a traditional J bass than a Spector. It doesn't have a curved body, but it should still be a great bass. I've never seen one used as they are a newer bass

Darkstrike · #13 12-27-2011, 03:18 PM

Ahhhhh, I didn't even see the price range.... /selffaceplam

JimiLL · #14 12-27-2011, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KsPiNeSh

Also, you could snag a Rebop (or other Spector) and swap the pups for a pair of EMG 40Js, as they are the single-coil pups housed in the humbucker-sized case.

Id personally go for the 40TW's; they are two pick ups in one... you can choose between the single coil 40J sound or switch to the 40CS sound, lots of versatility

JimiLL · #15 12-27-2011, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grendle

Leave the tone pump just turn it down.

Tone pump has more haters than likers

He might be looking for something a little smoother.... I have the EMG BQS wired at 18v and its a pretty hifi/smooth sound

KsPiNeSh · #16 12-27-2011, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Omniant

That's an interesting idea.

Do you think it would make sense to replace with the 40j pickup and also the aguilar preamp in a EuroLX instead of the tonepump?

Matter of taste. Understanding how the TonePump is set up (i.e. where "flat" is) and taking Grendle's suggestion of turning it down can make it seem like a completely different pre.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimiLL

Id personally go for the 40TW's; they are two pick ups in one... you can choose between the single coil 40J sound or switch to the 40CS sound, lots of versatility

True, but I think the swap-out would be more complicated due to the dual-mode function. If the OP wouldn't mind the extra work (if necessary), this would be a very viable and versatile option.

**worshiprocker** · #17 12-27-2011, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KsPiNeSh

Matter of taste. Understanding how the TonePump is set up (i.e. where "flat" is) and taking Grendle's suggestion of turning it down can make it seem like a completely different pre.

True, but I think the swap-out would be more complicated due to the dual-mode function. If the OP wouldn't mind the extra work (if necessary), this would be a very viable and versatile option.

i imagine it would need a push/pull pot or a toggle switch... way worth it IMHO

steamthief · #18 12-27-2011, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimiLL

Tone pump has more haters than likers

Was there a poll?

**worshiprocker** · #19 12-27-2011, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steamthief

Was there a poll?

from what I've seen Die hard Spector players love it and people who just have a spector in the collection don't like it that much...

locisbrelm · #20 12-28-2011, 12:50 AM

Try a Spector the newer EMG TW pickups. I believe with a slightly turned down tone pump (about 40%) you can get a amazing jazz bass tone. Either Rebop or Euro Neck Through can do it, but the Rebop, because of its bolt on neck will be closer. But with a Rebop, the pickups would be aftermarket. Ive also heard of people taking the EMG Hzs that come stock on the Rebop and wiring them to Single coils.

Check out these video I did. They might help.
Pickups Voicing - Spector Euro 4LX-TW Bass - YouTube
Spector Euro 4LX-TW Pick-up Voicing. Pt.2 Finger Style - YouTube

the tone pump is the best pre amp ive used, it did take a little bit to learn how to use it. mainly because im used to detents telling me whats "normal" Give it some time, you'll see.