SPECTOR® Club - Part 50

[JPSBassist]

Originally Posted by seventhframe

Thanks Patrick! And HELLO EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Boy I've missed out on a LOT of forum talk! I just got back to Santiago from Easter Island. An amazing experience!!!! Simply a magical place on so many levels!!

**The natives didn't cut down the trees to move to Moai and at last devastate themselves :P That's a poor myth. Peruvian explorers came to the island and brought disease with them....from 40,000 they were left only 1500 inhabitants on the island.
Chilean explorers came to a ghost island, surprised by the 1500 people left as it was recorded that there were more than 40,000...the ship turned around, came back with medicine, and saves the few remaining.
Though that is only the story about the Polynesians that FOUND the island a long time ago.....There's another far more advanced civilization that lived there much much early on...but that's another story.


I hope everyone is well. I will try and share photos with you at some point, but my internet connection here is a "free wifi" based connection, so it sucks.
I MISS MY SPECTORS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Sam has a cool video I sent him that he can share.

Take care everyone!!!!

I hate to disagree with you about the history of the island...

One of my friends from film school. You'll see him on my FB page, Kokoma Ika Atan, is from there. He is a native of Rapa Nui.

We've had some pretty interesting conversations about the history of Rapa Nui. He grew up in a village not too far from where you had your photo taken (Tai Hai).

And there is an excellent documentary called "Easter Island Underworld" on National Geographic channel that explains the history, all of it pieced together from scientific exploration of the island, its vast underground cave system and the artifacts found there.

Kokoma said that by 1400 AD the ecological devastation caused by deforestation (the palms were used for canoes and to roll the massive maoi) had taken its toll. Another issue was the original polynesian explorers who settled the island are through to have brought rats with them on their boats. They usually travelled with dogs and pigs. But this group did not.

Many modern ecologists who look at the island think that the combination of deforestation and the rats, who reproduced unchecked with no predators, ate the seeds of the giant palms, preventing new palms from growing.

When there were no more trees for canoes the island fell into famine. Clans started warring and there is archaeological evidence of cannibalism. Many clans moved underground for protection, using the caves left over from Rapa Nui's volcanic past.

By the time the Spanish came there were only about 4,000 natives left. They had formed a new "government" by which a new King was appointed each year after the results of a race which was called "the Bird Man Cult", the race participants had to run across the island, swim a mile out to another smaller island, get a rare bird egg and then bring it back to their clan chief. The first one to do so, their clan chief became king for the year. THis ensured a more balanced political system and created a sharing of the limited island resources.

Really fascinating stuff. After slave ships took 1500 natives, who all but a dozen died from Smallpox, and then the Smallpox outbreaks on the island... by the late 17th Century there were approximately 1500 natives left.

Since then the population has grown back to the 4,000 that existed before the Spanish discovered the island (on Easter day 1722, thus it was named Easter Island).

Kokoma also did a documentary about his home island when we were in film school. You'll find it on my FB page if you'd like to watch it. Really cool stuff.

Dude! Safe journey and can't wait for you to make it back home safely so you can rejoin our tribe here. Rock on!!!

[ebradfordrich]

Originally Posted by grendle

Amen to that! My Spector in my hands, the ampeg behind me, all is right with the world . Nothing like that feeling!

I'll drink to ^^THAT^^.

[NOLA Bass]

Originally Posted by superdick2112

Well, after almost a year of writing songs & woodshedding, I have my 1st gig tonight with my original metal band.
I"ll be playing all 3 of my Spectors, including my new USA NS-4. Yeah, I'm a bit nervous about bringing it to a semi-dive bar, but they are meant to be played, and I'm always careful to protect their finishes.
Full report & gig pics tomorrow...

Hope the show is awesome!!!!

[ynot12]

Originally Posted by JPSBassist

I hate to disagree with you about the history of the island...

One of my friends from film school. You'll see him on my FB page, Kokoma Ika Atan, is from there. He is a native of Rapa Nui.

We've had some pretty interesting conversations about the history of Rapa Nui. He grew up in a village not too far from where you had your photo taken (Tai Hai).

And there is an excellent documentary called "Easter Island Underworld" on National Geographic channel that explains the history, all of it pieced together from scientific exploration of the island, its vast underground cave system and the artifacts found there.

Kokoma said that by 1400 AD the ecological devastation caused by deforestation (the palms were used for canoes and to roll the massive maoi) had taken its toll. Another issue was the original polynesian explorers who settled the island are through to have brought rats with them on their boats. They usually travelled with dogs and pigs. But this group did not.

Many modern ecologists who look at the island think that the combination of deforestation and the rats, who reproduced unchecked with no predators, ate the seeds of the giant palms, preventing new palms from growing.

When there were no more trees for canoes the island fell into famine. Clans started warring and there is archaeological evidence of cannibalism. Many clans moved underground for protection, using the caves left over from Rapa Nui's volcanic past.

By the time the Spanish came there were only about 4,000 natives left. They had formed a new "government" by which a new King was appointed each year after the results of a race which was called "the Bird Man Cult", the race participants had to run across the island, swim a mile out to another smaller island, get a rare bird egg and then bring it back to their clan chief. The first one to do so, their clan chief became king for the year. THis ensured a more balanced political system and created a sharing of the limited island resources.

Really fascinating stuff. After slave ships took 1500 natives, who all but a dozen died from Smallpox, and then the Smallpox outbreaks on the island... by the late 17th Century there were approximately 1500 natives left.

Since then the population has grown back to the 4,000 that existed before the Spanish discovered the island (on Easter day 1722, thus it was named Easter Island).

Kokoma also did a documentary about his home island when we were in film school. You'll find it on my FB page if you'd like to watch it. Really cool stuff.

Dude! Safe journey and can't wait for you to make it back home safely so you can rejoin our tribe here. Rock on!!!

Wow. Very fascinating. Patrick, you are just a fountain of knowledge. It's a pleasure hearing all of the great history, Spector or otherwise.

[Clearwave]

Originally Posted by JPSBassist

I hate to disagree with you about the history of the island...

One of my friends from film school. You'll see him on my FB page, Kokoma Ika Atan, is from there. He is a native of Rapa Nui.

We've had some pretty interesting conversations about the history of Rapa Nui. He grew up in a village not too far from where you had your photo taken (Tai Hai).

And there is an excellent documentary called "Easter Island Underworld" on National Geographic channel that explains the history, all of it pieced together from scientific exploration of the island, its vast underground cave system and the artifacts found there.

Kokoma said that by 1400 AD the ecological devastation caused by deforestation (the palms were used for canoes and to roll the massive maoi) had taken its toll. Another issue was the original polynesian explorers who settled the island are through to have brought rats with them on their boats. They usually travelled with dogs and pigs. But this group did not.

Many modern ecologists who look at the island think that the combination of deforestation and the rats, who reproduced unchecked with no predators, ate the seeds of the giant palms, preventing new palms from growing.

When there were no more trees for canoes the island fell into famine. Clans started warring and there is archaeological evidence of cannibalism. Many clans moved underground for protection, using the caves left over from Rapa Nui's volcanic past.

By the time the Spanish came there were only about 4,000 natives left. They had formed a new "government" by which a new King was appointed each year after the results of a race which was called "the Bird Man Cult", the race participants had to run across the island, swim a mile out to another smaller island, get a rare bird egg and then bring it back to their clan chief. The first one to do so, their clan chief became king for the year. THis ensured a more balanced political system and created a sharing of the limited island resources.

Really fascinating stuff. After slave ships took 1500 natives, who all but a dozen died from Smallpox, and then the Smallpox outbreaks on the island... by the late 17th Century there were approximately 1500 natives left.

Since then the population has grown back to the 4,000 that existed before the Spanish discovered the island (on Easter day 1722, thus it was named Easter Island).

Kokoma also did a documentary about his home island when we were in film school. You'll find it on my FB page if you'd like to watch it. Really cool stuff.

Dude! Safe journey and can't wait for you to make it back home safely so you can rejoin our tribe here. Rock on!!!

[sumgruuvz]

Originally Posted by superdick2112

Well, after almost a year of writing songs & woodshedding, I have my 1st gig tonight with my original metal band.
I"ll be playing all 3 of my Spectors, including my new USA NS-4. Yeah, I'm a bit nervous about bringing it to a semi-dive bar, but they are meant to be played, and I'm always careful to protect their finishes.
Full report & gig pics tomorrow...

good luck! knock em dead!

[Fat240]

Originally Posted by ynot12

A note to all of the preamp talk. We all thought the red one, with the PJX pups and BQC sounded just a little better than the standard Euro with the tone pump at 18v. I think I was able to dial in the mids to sit in better.

Brotherbassj and I got together and tested quite a bit of gear today. Though the Euro I played with the BQC did not have the X pup's in it, I would have to agree that it was way more usable tonally than the TP Euro I have. I also got to finally hear the Korean Spector 9v circuit. It had a good tone but I would like to compare it with passive pups. I liked the 18v with the DC's Jamie had also. I have had DC's in the past and I did prefer the P/J euro with the BQC. That's why I had to bring it home with me. lol Thank's Jamie for coming off of it . As far as the 9v goes, since I got the original Kramer circuit, the Kramer with the newer 9v gets neglected. The treble is a big factor between those two basses. We also got to try some amps, my Monique, which we all agreed was a great pre. The Thunderfunk, which I have never played one before. I am more of a tube guy for sure. The Mesa M6, awesome bottom end and really made me want one. Lastly was the Aguliar TH500. We didn't play that one long so I will let that speak for itself. So that is the take that I got today on my journey through bass gear.

[sumgruuvz]

Originally Posted by Fat240

Brotherbassj and I got together and tested quite a bit of gear today. Though the Euro I played with the BQC did not have the X pup's in it, I would have to agree that it was way more usable tonally than the TP Euro I have. I also got to finally hear the Korean Spector 9v circuit. It had a good tone but I would like to compare it with passive pups. I liked the 18v with the DC's Jamie had also. I have had DC's in the past and I did prefer the P/J euro with the BQC. That's why I had to bring it home with me. lol Thank's Jamie for coming off of it . As far as the 9v goes, since I got the original Kramer circuit, the Kramer with the newer 9v gets neglected. The terrible is a big factor between those two basses. We also got to try some amps, my Monique, which we all agreed was a great pre. The Thunderfunk, which I have never played one before. I am more of a tube guy for sure. The Mesa M6, awesome bottom end and really made me want one. Lastly was the Aguliar TH500. We didn't play that one long so I will let that speak for itself. So that is the take that I got today on my journey through bass gear.

heard any word on the 9v usa?

[brotherbassj]

Originally Posted by Fat240

Brotherbassj and I got together and tested quite a bit of gear today. Though the Euro I played with the BQC did not have the X pup's in it, I would have to agree that it was way more usable tonally than the TP Euro I have. I also got to finally hear the Korean Spector 9v circuit. It had a good tone but I would like to compare it with passive pups. I liked the 18v with the DC's Jamie had also. I have had DC's in the past and I did prefer the P/J euro with the BQC. That's why I had to bring it home with me. lol Thank's Jamie for coming off of it . As far as the 9v goes, since I got the original Kramer circuit, the Kramer with the newer 9v gets neglected. The terrible is a big factor between those two basses. We also got to try some amps, my Monique, which we all agreed was a great pre. The Thunderfunk, which I have never played one before. I am more of a tube guy for sure. The Mesa M6, awesome bottom end and really made me want one. Lastly was the Aguliar TH500. We didn't play that one long so I will let that speak for itself. So that is the take that I got today on my journey through bass gear.

Well said.....

[Fat240]

Originally Posted by sumgruuvz

heard any word on the 9v usa?

Not yet, I need to check on that.

[Clearwave]

I bought my HAZ 3 months ago, still hasn't showed up.
I hope they start making them again.

[JPSBassist]

Originally Posted by Clearwave

AWESOME! I'm Norm! Sweet!
And yes. I am a walking encyclopedia of many arcane facts which equates to what is probably completely useless information.

But I own Trivial Pursuit and Jeopardy! LOL.

[JeffplaysBass]

Originally Posted by Fat240

Brotherbassj and I got together and tested quite a bit of gear today. Though the Euro I played with the BQC did not have the X pup's in it, I would have to agree that it was way more usable tonally than the TP Euro I have. I also got to finally hear the Korean Spector 9v circuit. It had a good tone but I would like to compare it with passive pups. I liked the 18v with the DC's Jamie had also. I have had DC's in the past and I did prefer the P/J euro with the BQC. That's why I had to bring it home with me. lol Thank's Jamie for coming off of it . As far as the 9v goes, since I got the original Kramer circuit, the Kramer with the newer 9v gets neglected. The treble is a big factor between those two basses. We also got to try some amps, my Monique, which we all agreed was a great pre. The Thunderfunk, which I have never played one before. I am more of a tube guy for sure. The Mesa M6, awesome bottom end and really made me want one. Lastly was the Aguliar TH500. We didn't play that one long so I will let that speak for itself. So that is the take that I got today on my journey through bass gear.

So you saying Mesa 1, Thunderfunk 2 and Aguilar 3???

[brotherbassj]

Originally Posted by JeffplaysBass

So you saying Mesa 1, Thunderfunk 2 and Aguilar 3???

I think Mike is saying that, however the Mesa is a different animal from the Thunderfunk. The Thunderfunk is unforgiving and very clean, the Mesa has huge gonads and a big low end. A traditional tone guy would love the Mesa. A player that like clean modern articulate tone.....and plays with great form.....would love the tone shaping abilities of the Thunderfunk. Both the Thunderfunk and Mesa kill the aggie....my two cents.....


The Mesa m6 is rock all the way! Big huge low end. The Thunderfunk almost gets there but is more a tone shapers and purist amp. Lee turned me onto the m6 so I feel the need to give him some public credit for knowing me and my tone tastes! Thanks Lee.....

Also that new Monique all tube preamp was to DIE for.....

Well Jeff?

[Zitch]

Originally Posted by JPSBassist

AWESOME! I'm Norm! Sweet!
And yes. I am a walking encyclopedia of many arcane facts which equates to what is probably completely useless information.

But I own Trivial Pursuit and Jeopardy! LOL.

Actually thats Cliff..."Well you know..."

[brotherbassj]

Originally Posted by Zitch

Actually thats Cliff..."Well you know..."

Yes, Cliff Claven.....from Cheers! I loved that show. He annoyed everyone with his trivia and trivial stories.....lol

[Fat240]

Originally Posted by brotherbassj

I think Mike is saying that, however the Mesa is a different animal from the Thunderfunk. The Thunderfunk is unforgiving and very clean, the Mesa has huge gonads and a big low end. A traditional tone guy would love the Mesa. A player that like clean modern articulate tone.....and plays with great form.....would love the tone shaping abilities of the Thunderfunk. Both the Thunderfunk and Mesa kill the aggie....my two cents.....


The Mesa m6 is rock all the way! Big huge low end. The Thunderfunk almost gets there but is more a tone shapers and purist amp. Lee turned me onto the m6 so I feel the need to give him some public credit for knowing me and my tone tastes! Thanks Lee.....

Also that new Monique all tube preamp was to DIE for.....

Well Jeff?

Pretty much on the money.

[seventhframe]

Originally Posted by JPSBassist

I hate to disagree with you about the history of the island...

One of my friends from film school. You'll see him on my FB page, Kokoma Ika Atan, is from there. He is a native of Rapa Nui.

We've had some pretty interesting conversations about the history of Rapa Nui. He grew up in a village not too far from where you had your photo taken (Tai Hai).

And there is an excellent documentary called "Easter Island Underworld" on National Geographic channel that explains the history, all of it pieced together from scientific exploration of the island, its vast underground cave system and the artifacts found there.

Kokoma said that by 1400 AD the ecological devastation caused by deforestation (the palms were used for canoes and to roll the massive maoi) had taken its toll. Another issue was the original polynesian explorers who settled the island are through to have brought rats with them on their boats. They usually travelled with dogs and pigs. But this group did not.

Many modern ecologists who look at the island think that the combination of deforestation and the rats, who reproduced unchecked with no predators, ate the seeds of the giant palms, preventing new palms from growing.

When there were no more trees for canoes the island fell into famine. Clans started warring and there is archaeological evidence of cannibalism. Many clans moved underground for protection, using the caves left over from Rapa Nui's volcanic past.

By the time the Spanish came there were only about 4,000 natives left. They had formed a new "government" by which a new King was appointed each year after the results of a race which was called "the Bird Man Cult", the race participants had to run across the island, swim a mile out to another smaller island, get a rare bird egg and then bring it back to their clan chief. The first one to do so, their clan chief became king for the year. THis ensured a more balanced political system and created a sharing of the limited island resources.

Really fascinating stuff. After slave ships took 1500 natives, who all but a dozen died from Smallpox, and then the Smallpox outbreaks on the island... by the late 17th Century there were approximately 1500 natives left.

Since then the population has grown back to the 4,000 that existed before the Spanish discovered the island (on Easter day 1722, thus it was named Easter Island).

Kokoma also did a documentary about his home island when we were in film school. You'll find it on my FB page if you'd like to watch it. Really cool stuff.

Dude! Safe journey and can't wait for you to make it back home safely so you can rejoin our tribe here. Rock on!!!

Somewhat true but all the points you mention are debatable. This is all based on "recent" history and what has transpired throughout the island since the Polynesians discovered it which again, is fairly recent.
What happened to the trees could be argued many ways. I for one believe that the Polynesians found the island with the statues already standing and built shrines around them to worship them. It is clear that there are 2 types of rock wall formations in each and every one of the Ahu's that are used to build them. One that makes the base of them and has the same style as how the rocks are laid in Macu Picchu, Gobekli Tempe, Egypt, Mexico etc. And the other, which was built around it was likely made by the Polynesians as it has a lot of similarities to Hawaii, New Zealand and so forth... One has laser like precision, the other, somewhat sloppy in comparison and it's clear to see when you're STANDING there that one came before the other and are from very different time periods.

The interesting thing about this is that Historians, friends, relatives, natives, scientist and so forth can only speculate and theorize what happened. No one will ever know for a fact. For example the Rongo-Rongo language found on the Island hasn't been deciphered yet so everything is left to "word of mouth" and speculation from recent times. Our history is far more ancient that we think it is. We've just needed to put everything in boxes of meaning to make sense to us. Again, a lot of things in ancient history civilizations can be argued many ways. No one can be certain.

[Baird6869]

Originally Posted by brotherbassj

Yes, Cliff Claven.....from Cheers! I loved that show. He annoyed everyone with his trivia and trivial stories.....lol

Yup... "Little known fact...."

[GBassNorth]

Originally Posted by JeffplaysBass

So you saying Mesa 1, Thunderfunk 2 and Aguilar 3???

I've played the M6 (unfortunately not with a Spector) and it does in fact have some earth shaking low end and heft. For rock work I'll still take my Ampeg SVT-VR and Berg610, I just havent found anything better.
On the other hand, for jazz work I'll take my Thunderfunk and Berg HT322, still the best Jazz combo I've run across and it just sings with my new NS-2J SE.
I've gone the Aggie (DB750 and GS412) route in the past and it's a formidable rig to say the least but not as ballsy as my SVT or as defined and shapable as my Thunderfunk.

Now to rip the nontrim tonepump out of my Euro 4LX and replace it with something more to my liking. I actually like the sound from my Rex5 BT equipped bass and am completely beside myself with the sounds I'm getting from my USA NS-2J SE. Leaning more and more to an OPB-2 for the LX or possibly the USA 9volt preamp. Once I get that all sorted out it's back to the Spectorcore (non amberburst) search.
That will complete my spector arsenal and I shouldn't need anymore of Stewart's toys (yeah right - famous last words).