Spector NS-5CR-FM vs. Legend Custom 5

BassOrdinaire · #1 01-19-2013, 02:14 AM

I currently own a Legend Custom 5 (not to be confused with the Legend Classic), and I like it very much for what it is. Plays smoothly, sounds pretty good, etc.

However, someone on Craigslist in my area is selling an NS-5CR-FM for $800. I was wondering just how much better that bass would be, and if it would be worth a quick buy (I would selling my current bass to cut my losses). I'm leaning towards no, but I'd like to see what you guys think. It's hard to find good info on it on account of it's age.

As far as I can tell, it boils down to:

EMG-HZ vs. "real" EMG mystery pickups
3-band EQ vs. 2-band
Korean vs. Czech-made, for what it's worth
Alder vs. maple body

Here's a link to the ad, if anyone's interested.

wvbass · #2 01-19-2013, 06:10 AM

I think you are on the right track. Those Legend Customs are nice instruments. Many prefer the higher-end Spector electronics, but that is a pretty easy upgrade.

Another difference is that - I think - the Customs are set-neck, not neck-through.

In the Euro's favor, those crown inlays are pretty cool.

j.kernodle · #3 01-19-2013, 06:12 AM

hey, the link didn't come through, but it's a very good deal for a neck through Czech 5 string. Legends are very good basses, so only you can say whether its worth it. the Czech bass has a fully rounded and contoured body, brass nut, and significantly better electronics. they are great pro quality instruments, so it boils down to your money situation and whether or not it speaks to you. go check it out, couldn't hurt.

belimad · #4 01-19-2013, 07:14 AM

I have an early (2000) NS-4CR-FM and I can say it beats the quality of a Legend hands down.
This is what someone who knows Spectors much better than I do had to say about mine:

Quote:

Just a little tidbit here. I am a Spector guy and have owned/played/modded near 20 Spectors in the past 5 years (own 6 right now). These older CRFM's are very unique. They are built like the current USA's are now with the solid wings. The new EURO models have 3 piece wings with a walnut tone plate. The older NS-4's, NS-5's have a different tone. I advise if your interested in this bass, snag it. I just landed a trans red 1998 and it sounds different than my 2012 EURO4LX. Also the necks on these older ones are shaped different. You can access the higher registry easier. Neck taper is great!! Solid brass bridge too!!

leemelone · #5 01-19-2013, 01:37 PM

I have a 98 NS5 CR that I played hundreds of shows with and it never let me down. Great tone, never goes out of tune and it's built like a tank!

BassOrdinaire · #6 01-19-2013, 01:58 PM

Thanks for all the feedback guys. Sorry about missing the link; here it is:

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/msg/3526336611.html

How would you say it compares to a Warwick Corvette Proline 6? There's a nearby seller that I think I could wiggle down to a similar price. I've never owned a Warwick but I really like the look and recorded tones.

wvbass · #7 01-19-2013, 02:12 PM

That's a pretty smokin' deal, imo.

belimad · #8 01-19-2013, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassOrdinaire

How would you say it compares to a Warwick Corvette Proline 6?

I own both a Spector and a Warwick, and I would choose the Spector every time.

J-O · #9 01-19-2013, 08:18 PM

Snag it. The CRFM's are a crazy good value for the money. I have a 4 and 5 string CRFM, and they are both awesome instruments.

sumgruuvz · #10 01-19-2013, 08:18 PM

oh my. snag that thing up. i wish i had $ and found a good deal like that at the same time. lucky you. dont waste another minute and pick that bass up. solid maple! oh yeah!

Worldeeeter · #11 01-19-2013, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sumgruuvz

oh my. snag that thing up. i wish i had $ and found a good deal like that at the same time. lucky you. dont waste another minute and pick that bass up. solid maple! oh yeah!

+1

That's an excellent deal on a great bass. I'd jump on it.

tomydacat · #12 01-19-2013, 08:39 PM

uh if you have 800 Jump both feet I had one and it was the best 5e r I ever played

KsPiNeSh · #13 01-20-2013, 07:13 AM

Assuming that you don't mind a gloss-finished neck, there is no comparison between a Legend and a Czech-made Spector. Snag it and enjoy.

And the "mystery EMG" pickups are most likely EMD 40DCs

twangchief · #14 01-20-2013, 07:17 AM

My NS-5CR-FM was a 34" scale. I loved and should have never sold it. Damn GAS!

BassOrdinaire · #15 01-20-2013, 01:56 PM

So assuming they're the same price, you would recommend the NS5CRFM over a Warwick Corvette Proline 6? I might make a new thread for this.

belimad · #16 01-20-2013, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassOrdinaire

So assuming they're the same price, you would recommend the NS5CRFM over a Warwick Corvette Proline 6? I might make a new thread for this.

As I said, i think Spector wins hands down. You are comparing a bass that is ~2k new to one that is 800 bucks or so.

BassOrdinaire · #17 01-20-2013, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by belimad

As I said, i think Spector wins hands down. You are comparing a bass that is ~2k new to one that is 800 bucks or so.

Oh, I wasn't aware the price gap was so large. I'm just going to try them both out and see if I can get the Warwick seller to go down to a more reasonable price. He seems convinced the bass is worth $1000.

belimad · #18 01-20-2013, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassOrdinaire

Oh, I wasn't aware the price gap was so large. I'm just going to try them both out and see if I can get the Warwick seller to go down to a more reasonable price. He seems convinced the bass is worth $1000.

Makes sense - seems like you are really much more interested in the Warwick than the Spector anyway...