Tried a Rebop 5DLX...and got a question

Shlogo · #1 11-05-2012, 03:14 PM

For a while I've been wanting a Spector Rebop. Or at least try one out.
Well, today I went out to my semi-local Bass Club in Chicago to give it a go and I got to say, I loved it!
I've been playing an Ibanez so I thought the 35" scale and larger neck would throw me off, but it felt like home in my hands.
The only thing with it was it sounded very clanky.
I remember the same sound on my bass when I put new strings on, and it went away after about a week of playing.

Is this clankiness normal for Spectors? Or could it have simply been new strings?

I was obviously smart and asked the person working there...(some times I make myself feel stupid...)

Thanks for an answer!!

(And if its not a problem with the bass I'm expecting to get one early next year)

Thundar · #2 11-05-2012, 03:21 PM

Remember, the Tone Pump preamp on those is boost only, so if you had the treble knob maxed out on it then it probably was very "clanky"...thats the only reason I can imagine it would sound "clanky" as you call it.

**awilkie84** · #3 11-05-2012, 03:34 PM

Agreed. Mine's not clanky at all. Growls nicely, but no thwack or clank. Try backing off the treble boost.

Dr. Cheese · #4 11-05-2012, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thundar

Remember, the Tone Pump preamp on those is boost only, so if you had the treble knob maxed out on it then it probably was very "clanky"...thats the only reason I can imagine it would sound "clanky" as you call it.

Try a Rebop with treble and bass turned all the way down at first. Remember that this bass will sound mid heavy. It will not get a scooped Jazz bass sort of tone.

Shlogo · #5 11-05-2012, 05:15 PM

Ohh, I didn't know it was a boost eq control!
That explains why it sounded very bassy with the bass up and treble down, and clanky with the treble up.
Thanks for the info!

ysand · #6 11-06-2012, 04:53 AM

No it is NOT a boost only eq control, it has been a common mistake for years.

From the official Spector site:

Quote:

TonePump™ Specifications:
POWER SOURCE 9V battery
POWER CONSUMPTION: 1,2mA
BATTERY LIFE: Approx: 420 - 1000 hrs (alkaline battery)
GAIN: +12dB
CONTROLS:
Bass: +14dB/-4dB @55Hz
Treble: +14dB/-12dB @6,5kHz

If u ask me, it was probably bad set up, that's why it sounded clanky.

My Rebop 5 DLX (even with the old non trim-pot tonepump) doesn't sound clanky at all when properly set up.

mmbongo · #7 11-06-2012, 07:31 AM

Yep, it's NOT boost only.

But it's impossible to answer your question. Clankiness can be caused by poor setup, or simply your string choice. Get some less clanky strings.

Bass Club Mark · #8 12-13-2012, 05:24 PM

Hmm, not sure why the Spector sounded clanky? I don't remember your visit, but since it looks like you live in Chicago I'd invite you to stop in again for another demo. We have a Rebop 4 & 5, and they both have EMG-HZ soap pickups. The string action is great (I'm sure you'd notice a bad set-up or poor playability if that were the case). I agree with the other comments, the Spector should sound growly with a full bottom and clear highs. Give us a call or stop by, and we'd be happy to discuss this further. Thanks!