SPECTOR® Club - Part 50

[iceboxbass]

Originally Posted by lippylou

What's going on guys?! Hope everyone is doing well and stoked for the holiday season. Pretty soon I'm going to be making my move back stateside from Korea, and hopefully after all the travel I'll have some cash to throw down on a Forte4. I heard from a few people that the Aguilar pre-amp is extremely clean, to color obviously use of pedals needed. I'm just curious to get a good mindset on the sound due to lack of videos. What would a good comparison be to that of my Euro Wimbish. I don't ever plan on getting rid of her since she is my first Spector, but I have some serious SAS issues and I can't stop looking at the Forte. If I was stateside, I could answer this for myself via music stores :/ I gotta work with what I got.

Also, any advice on traveling Airlines with my bass? Hope I can hand carry instead of checked luggage but I'm just nervous when anyone else really handles my lady. Thanks!

Oh yeah...as for traveling with your bass with the airlines...I work in the airline community, put your bass in a gig bag and you'll be able to take it on the jet with you. Chances are that the airline attendant will ask you if it's okay to put your guitar in the suit closet. If not, put it in the overhead compartment. People's guitars are one of the most respected carryon items. I see a lot of them every day get carried. You might want to limit the electronic items that you put in the gig bag. TSA will get very curious about electronics with batteries in them. As they tend to look at 9V batteries very seriously. Feel free to PM with any questions that you may have about traveling with the airlines.

[iceboxbass]

Originally Posted by brotherbassj

Tom
Yes, I looked at IAD, Dulles, as that is the cheapest, and its not to cheap, especially after Christmas........lol. It's a passing thought that I would LOVE to do, but I'm not sure the finances will align properly so soon after the holidays.......

I would like to see Donny rock out his CRFMs and support a Spector brother though..........

When is Donny's cd release party?

[bclark812008]

Originally Posted by iceboxbass

My new Coda 5 deluxe arrives today!
I'll have to take it to GC here in Columbus to hear it in full.

AWESOME!!! I can't wait to see it/hear it!!! Take it to GC, plug it into an Ampeg SVT head and an 8x10 cab, turn that bad boy up to 11 and let everyone in the store hear that Spector goodness!!!

[brotherbassj]

Originally Posted by iceboxbass

When is Donny's cd release party?

January 11 I believe.......

Feel free to send me a ticket, mr airline community brother! :-)

[iceboxbass]

Originally Posted by djaxup

Thanks a lot for the input regarding the Euro LX. Can someone please elaborate on the differences between LX and Rebop?

I'll give that craiglist steal a shot if it is still up.

Here's the spectorbass site URL that you can see the comparisons;
http://www.spectorbass.com/europe/index.html

[lippylou]

Originally Posted by iceboxbass

+1 on the Spectors! And making money gigging! It's always awesome when you can make money and a living from something that you love to do VS. the ole "Ball and Chain" J.O.B.! I taught my sons this and they are living their dreams while making a living.


The Forte 4 with the OBP2 is a great bass! All you need to do is boost it to 18V and they'll be all the nasty grit that you're looking for! Or you can pay the extra $ and order it with the USA 9V circuit! That's what I'd suggest to do. It'd be worth saving the extra $$! You'd be in Spector bass Havana! Are you serving in the military over in Korea?

Sweet! Don't get me wrong, I love the Euro and love the sound it puts out. Best bass I've ever played, just something about that blacked out look and nothing flashy on it just calls me. Plus I've heard you guys talk so highly about the USA 9v, really wanna put one in the Wimbish. Looking at the online Spector store, it was sold out, or on back order. Spector Bass Havana sounds delightful and I want some of it! Yes, I am in the military over here. At least stationed for the time being. Sending PM soon about those Airline questions.

[ynot12]

Hey all, after reading through the last several pages I wanted to share my experience dealing with Steve (smadder), just so you all can hear how I was treated in my two transactions with him.

First, I purchased a brand new Euro LX that had been upgraded with EMG PJX pickups and the EXB-BTC combo (the old smadder set up). This bass was set-up perfectly upon receipt and it came with a new Spector gig bag. I felt I got a great deal on a new Spector ($1,250 shipped). One Saturday morning, about two-months after I bought it, I received a random call from Steve telling me he had passed along information that he learned wasn't true regarding the warranty on the bass (turns out it wasn't covered under Spector warranty). He then told me he wanted to send me back $100 due to the incorrect info he received on the warranty and asked me if I was cool with that. I said that was cool by me and he promptly sent $100 via paypal. I don't know about you guys, but I've never had ANYONE ever call me to give me back money on any transaction. BIG +1 for Steve in my book.

My second transaction was for a Aggi OBP-2 preamp, which was pre-wired and like new . I bought it thinking I was getting a great deal to begin with and he went and included two sets up strings for the same price. Essentially cutting the cost of the preamp in half. BIG +1 for Steve!

So, given the recent conversations, I just wanted everyone to know Steve (smadder) has been a great guy to deal with and he has treated me like a friend. If he made a few bucks along the way, that's okay, he has stated his situation with how he's making a living. Bottom line, he's given me fair prices and great customer service. Very rare to come across people like this these days.

So sorry to jump in, but I felt you all would benefit from hearing another viewpoint.

Tony

[ebradfordrich]

Originally Posted by iceboxbass

Oh yeah...as for traveling with your bass with the airlines...I work in the airline community, put your bass in a gig bag and you'll be able to take it on the jet with you. Chances are that the airline attendant will ask you if it's okay to put your guitar in the suit closet. If not, put it in the overhead compartment. People's guitars are one of the most respected carryon items. I see a lot of them every day get carried. You might want to limit the electronic items that you put in the gig bag. TSA will get very curious about electronics with batteries in them. As they tend to look at 9V batteries very seriously. Feel free to PM with any questions that you may have about traveling with the airlines.

My two cents on this topic. I travel with my bass in a hard shell case that I gate-check. Basses are obviously longer than guitars and it's been my experience (depending on the airline) that they don't always fit in the overhead bins lengthwise. Several airlines have also done away with the coat closets to accommodate more seats. I wouldn't want to see what would become of an instrument that rides for a couple of bumpy hours under several hundred pounds of luggage in the cargo hold in just a gig bag. Sure, it would be nicer to have it up in the cabin with me but sometimes that's just not practical. A little bit of pre-planning and preparation will save you a lot of aggravation later.

[lippylou]

Originally Posted by ebradfordrich

My two cents on this topic. I travel with my bass in a hard shell case that I gate-check. Basses are obviously longer than guitars and it's been my experience (depending on the airline) that they don't always fit in the overhead bins lengthwise. Several airlines have also done away with the coat closets to accommodate more seats. I wouldn't want to see what would become of an instrument that rides for a couple of bumpy hours under several hundred pounds of luggage in the cargo hold in just a gig bag. Sure, it would be nicer to have it up in the cabin with me but sometimes that's just not practical. A little bit of pre-planning and preparation will save you a lot of aggravation later.

You definitely have a point there, I definitely don't want that bass in a gig bag. That's why I got a case for it. Just wondering if they do check it in, Could I lock it, most checked baggage goes unlocked in case TSA wants to take a gander.

[smadder]

Originally Posted by brotherbassj

So I'm putting this out there.........I would like to go see Donny's CD release party. Does anyone have any magical airlines connections? Tickets look to be about $450 from VA to Pheonix/Mesa.......I'd love to support his band. Anyone got a bunch of flight miles laying around? Christmas is the time of giving (and spending). I figure Donny needs a long haired fellow bassist and Spector player there to cheer him on........wait was that metal? I mean to headbang in his success!

In all seriousness, if anyone knows any discounts or secrets PM me. I have to fly due to the distance and working two jobs.....otherwise a roadtrip with Ho, Lee, and Mike seems like it would be a grand adventure!!!!!!!

I'm interested. If plans start gelling for that, please keep me in the loop. Sounds like a blast!

[iceboxbass]

Originally Posted by TRichardsbass

Hmmm...changed my avatar just to give you guys in the club a little present...

Cool!

Originally Posted by bunkaroo

This might have blown by me, but seeing that they're doing the US bolt-on NS-5PJ with actual P/J pickups, I wonder if that means it is possible to get an NS-5XL with the same pickups. I know the 40P5 and 40J can be done, but I like the look of the P/J's.

Yeah that'd be interesting to know...when I ordered my Forte5 I asked for the traditional P/J pups and at that time it was a no. But things do change.

Originally Posted by ynot12

I think we all can feel your excitement. Enjoy the NBD! Looking forward to pics and a full review!!

Thank you! And be sure I will give a full report!

Originally Posted by bclark812008

AWESOME!!! I can't wait to see it/hear it!!! Take it to GC, plug it into an Ampeg SVT head and an 8x10 cab, turn that bad boy up to 11 and let everyone in the store hear that Spector goodness!!!

That would be really awesome to do that! I think besides myself, there has been several others here that have been waiting for this day to come for almost 8 months.

Originally Posted by lippylou

Sweet! Don't get me wrong, I love the Euro and love the sound it puts out. Best bass I've ever played, just something about that blacked out look and nothing flashy on it just calls me. Plus I've heard you guys talk so highly about the USA 9v, really wanna put one in the Wimbish. Looking at the online Spector store, it was sold out, or on back order. Spector Bass Havana sounds delightful and I want some of it! Yes, I am in the military over here. At least stationed for the time being. Sending PM soon about those Airline questions.

Thank you for serving our country and helping to keep us safe! I know those isolated tours can be really tough being isolated from family for 12-24 mos. Even though you can take leave 1-2 times a year. Have you checked out where the guitar shop for Spector basses are there in S. Korea? That'd be really cool to take a tour thru!

Originally Posted by ebradfordrich

My two cents on this topic. I travel with my bass in a hard shell case that I gate-check. Basses are obviously longer than guitars and it's been my experience (depending on the airline) that they don't always fit in the overhead bins lengthwise. Several airlines have also done away with the coat closets to accommodate more seats. I wouldn't want to see what would become of an instrument that rides for a couple of bumpy hours under several hundred pounds of luggage in the cargo hold in just a gig bag. Sure, it would be nicer to have it up in the cabin with me but sometimes that's just not practical. A little bit of pre-planning and preparation will save you a lot of aggravation later.

That is a possibility also. Our airport we have only two types of aircrafts all the time, 32 & 50 passengers. And I don't see many bass players unless its bands like "Molly Hatchet", Village people, Grand Funk Railroad...and they check in their instruments. Except for Mark Farner, he carries his one of a kind custom guitar on board.
Yes, if you side check your bags/bass it goes on a cart that'll be packed on top & in front of the checked in baggage in the belly of the aircraft. And it'll be waiting for you at the end of the jet bridge when you disembark the aircraft. (Suppose to be)

[TRichardsbass]

Originally Posted by iceboxbass

When these do pop up its usually in GC for $125-250.

JPS...that is a very interesting life fact about Kramer that I did not know on the NS-2C's. Good to know and thank you for sharing that it'd bit!
Are these more like between a Legend and a NS-2A?

If any clubbers have questions about Kramer era Spectors, I work with and for one of the original owners of Kramer and the most critical one in the Spector-Kramer basses and relationships. If any of you have questions, send me the messages. Oh, and just look at my avatar picture for proof and enjoyment.

tom

[iceboxbass]

Originally Posted by lippylou

You definitely have a point there, I definitely don't want that bass in a gig bag. That's why I got a case for it. Just wondering if they do check it in, Could I lock it, most checked baggage goes unlocked in case TSA wants to take a gander.

Buy a lock made by "Sentry". TSA have the master keys to unlock those locks. They're only $2-3, depending where you buy them. If you're asked to unlock your suitcase or hard case when checking in, TSA is suppose to make sure it gets locked again. It really depends on the size of the airport...

[TRichardsbass]

Patrick,

When these basses were produced there was no law or rule of what could or would go on an instrument. You could only say made in the USA if it was. This doesn't say made in the US, and I know for a fact that all Korean made Kramers and Spectors came with a small sticker on the neck that said, "Made in Korea." I have owned several Kramer and Spector instruments from that era and all had the sticker, the coolest of which was my Kramer Striker 500ST explorer style guitar..

Kramer, was in fact in Neptune, NJ, USA. So the neck plate was good. It was never a secret where the instruments were made. Nothing shady about that, and to infer that is incorrect. I would like you to withdraw comment, as it is unnecessary and also incorrect.

During this same period I believe there were companies like Fender who would put neck bolt plates that said Fender USA or the like, but on the headstock noted where it was made.

Either way, my two cents.

Originally Posted by JPSBassist

Yes... that neck plate caused a bunch of trouble...

This is one of those shady things that Kramer did that caused a bunch of issues and was one of the things that led to their downfall.

That bass was made in Korea. But the parts were shipped to the Kramer factory in Neptune where the neck was bolted onto the body and that "Kramer USA" neckplate was slapped on it.

That was one of those misleading things that allowed them to put guitars together in Neptune and do the whole "USA" thing. But they were assembled in the USA and not MADE IN THE USA. Big difference.

Imagine how angry some people where when they found out the guitar they just paid good money for wasn't really made in the USA...

This is a cool bass because you'll have that fun little piece of history with it.

[TRichardsbass]

Originally Posted by JPSBassist

Come-on... as many Spectors as you've turned over the last several months? You never keep one for more than a couple of months and any time you can get one and turn it for a profit; you're all over it.

There's nothing wrong with that. But you should stop playing coy. That's what gets people offended.

You have a very distinct and predictable pattern so the "who me?" thing only insults people's intelligence.

Just keeping it real. I'm a very nice guy but don't mistake that for stupidity. And shame on you if you think you can play me.

And no. I don't endorse your used bass business. Yours or Smadders. You guys want to get basses in trade and sell them for a profit... great. But understand that if those sales go south or there's a problem with the bass you've just sold, nice comments and "hey buddy, buddy" isn't going to get me to lift a finger to help you.

And please don't pretend that because we talk or I did a video with you that I'm OK with your used bass business. I'm fine with it so long as you don't try to take advantage of the trust and fellowship that's been built on this board.

For the record I do not endorse or support what you do as a private party regarding the trading, buying or selling of basses.

So please do not associate me with your shenanigans.

If you were wondering why there's a bunch of people on this board that are wary of you; this is why.

Everyone here already sees that you're going to trade something that's worth less than what you're getting and you're going to sell or trade what you get for more than you have in it.

Horse trading, wheeling/dealing, there's a lot of things you can use to describe it. And again, there's nothing wrong with it so long as you're up front about it.

Let's stop playing the games and just be out in the open about it. That way everyone is on the same page.

You're an opportunistic predator. And hey, most really good salesmen are. But there are a lot of people here on this board that look to one another for fairness and trust. Which is why I think you're going to find fewer and fewer people here that are willing to entertain your not-so-upfront sales techniques.

Just keeping it real. I've worked really hard, as have many others... to cultivate a sense of fellowship and brotherhood on this board. And people who would take advantage of that trust for their own personal gain disgust me.

And I'm not going to just keep quiet about it.

What does someone trading or selling basses with no bad feedback nor any posts of ill will have to do with anything? TBers know the score, and if you trade, you agree on the trade. If you sell, you agree on the price. Everyone is as they say on Duck Dynasty, "happy, happy, happy." I can't find any reason for a post like this.

Jaymi has always been informative, helpful, and knowledgeable. He has been a literal human billboard for Spector and I am sure has brought in many players to the Spector family. And, he answers any questions you have about his experience with Spectors quickly and accurately. His videos are always fun and informative.

I wish that I could get him in the fold. He's a killer asset to any company. So, Jaymi, you are always welcome with me.

Tom

[awilkie84]

[grendle]

Originally Posted by awilkie84

lol I'm gone for a bit and the place goes to hell....

just my .02

I've spoken at length with Jaymi, he collects and goes through basses. no issues there, some people just flip gear, I have several friends who do. I always find him very informative and honest. I haven't bought a bass from him but as with anything the agreed price is between the buyer and seller. I didn't see any of his prices unfair. All members I have dealt with here have been exceptional and i always felt i got a great deal on what i have purchased. What they paid is not my business. Most of us wheel and deal, hell it could have been free from a trade, if your happy with what you paid, and the description was accurate, is really all that matters.

Last I checked, spreading the word and putting great, high quality basses in peoples hands was the deal, and everyone here does a good job of that. maybe too good, as used prices are definatly on the rise.

JPS, I love ya brother, but that was a bit out of wack.

[JPSBassist]

Originally Posted by TRichardsbass

When these basses were produced there was no law or rule of what could or would go on an instrument. You could only say made in the USA if it was.

I'd agree. And there are reasons why these laws eventually came into existence. Not saying that is because of Kramer... but across multiple industries the lines were blurred and of course as import/export laws became more complex with the advent of NAFTA and other trade agreements.

Originally Posted by TRichardsbass

This doesn't say made in the US, and I know for a fact that all Korean made Kramers and Spectors came with a small sticker on the neck that said, "Made in Korea."

No. You are correct. The issue was that many of the former Kramer owners I spoke to didn't know the difference. They didn't know that because the neck plate had the Kramer/Neptune NJ plate that it WASN'T made in the USA. And many dealers took the stickers off. Now was that Kramer's fault? The dealers fault? The customer's fault? Probably a little of everyone's and no ones.

In the research I've done and the people I've spoken to including former Kramer employees, this was just one of the things that seemed to happen to create marketplace confusion regarding their products, which were good products, BTW, and this was one of the many complex issues that contributed to their downfall.

Originally Posted by TRichardsbass

Kramer, was in fact in Neptune, NJ, USA. So the neck plate was good. It was never a secret where the instruments were made.

Agreed. Again, the issue is complex and probably changed from dealer to dealer. Some would leave the "made in Korea" stickers on, others would not and then who was able to tell one from the other?

Originally Posted by TRichardsbass

Nothing shady about that, and to infer that is incorrect. I would like you to withdraw comment, as it is unnecessary and also incorrect.

I apologize if it was a blanket statement and as pointed and direct as it needed to be. Was Kramer being shady?

One could argue that towards the end little effort was made to differentiate product... you see that in the Spectors that were made after Stuart left.

There are NS-2A models running around out there with Crown Inlays and USA Circuits. Were they sold as USA models? I haven't been able to track anyone down who was an original owner of one of these to get their story.

Was this a symptom of the financial pressures that were on the company as a result of a completely different set of circumstances?

So I should have clarified. In the last year that Kramer operated there were a lot of blurred lines. Again, from former Kramer employees.

Am I trying to bash Kramer? No. They made great guitars. Look at how many have held their value through the years and are (especially when you look at the value when adjusted for inflation) worth twice and three times what they originally were. Crap guitars don't do that.

I think the whole story as I've been given it, and I'm sure some of those resources are biased, is pretty sad. A rags to riches to rags story. And luckily for a period of time some of the best and most innovative guitar designs in the history of the instrument came from Neptune, NJ.

I am anything but a Kramer fan. So let me apologize if I gave the wrong impression.

But if you look at the question that my post (that you quoted) was in response to, you'll see the EXACT sort of market confusion that "Kramer, Neptune, NJ" neck plate creates, even to this day. People see it and even though it doesn't say, "Made in the USA." They see Neptune, NJ and think, "This must have been made in Neptune, NJ"

That was the reason I made the comment I did.

Originally Posted by TRichardsbass

During this same period I believe there were companies like Fender who would put neck bolt plates that said Fender USA or the like, but on the headstock noted where it was made.

Yeah. Don't get me started on Fender.

[worshiprocker]

I'm blown away that ANY of you guys would travel out to AZ for our album release... just blown away... Rock and Roll!!! That is just too cool

[Jaymi]

You are an honored member of the community and we all appreciate what you do!