Westone Spectrum

bassfootballguy · #1 09-10-2012, 06:36 AM

I got this bass for what amounted to $85. I traded a multi effects pedal that I had $85 in for this thing straight up and I have been so pleased.
I will post pictures later, but this thing is extra light and I had it set up with flats and it simply thumps the thump. It looks very 80s and that is not my bag, but for the sound, playability and weight, I will take it.

progrmr · #2 09-10-2012, 07:32 AM

Pics or it didn't happen!!

(obligatory pic of my own Westone

)

bassfootballguy · #3 10-24-2012, 08:44 AM

Here is mine (not quite the photographer you are):

bassfootballguy · #4 10-24-2012, 08:45 AM

This one has had some changes: the bridge and knobs are not original. If anyone knows where I could find some, I would be interested for sure.
The electronics are stock and these sound great. It is very light weight and plays very nicely.

i_got_a_mohawk · #5 10-24-2012, 09:16 AM

Hadn't heard of Westone until recently, apparently very good build quality, was quite close to buying a Quantum!

bassfootballguy · #6 10-24-2012, 09:35 AM

If I run across one for $200 or less, I am always tempted now. They far surpass that mark in quality and tone. I just didn't know about them until the last couple years and now that I do, I am not gonna pass one by.

Immigrant · #7 10-24-2012, 10:00 AM

I'd bet it sounds pretty good considering it looks like a Mastumoko P pup along with a humbucker.

Westone is (was?) part of the family along with Aria. It may look funky, but most 70s and early 80s Matsumoko builds are pretty amazing. The body scoop on the treble side dictates mid 80s/early90s IMO.

Nice score for a great price!

TRichardsbass · #8 10-24-2012, 10:05 AM

For the record, Westone, also known as Elektra, is the home brand for Matsumoku, the manufacturer of all the Aria Pro II instruments that are revered for their quality, craftsmanship and sound. Very few basses can still touch an Aria Pro II SB-1000, and it is THE sound of British New Wave. Used, of course, by John Taylor of Duran Duran (Aria Pro II SB-700 and SB-1000) on most of the Duran Duran albums in the era, you can also hear them on XTC, Haircut 100, and even the last Jam album.

Westone basses us all the same basic electronics, and in fact actually made significant improvements and upgrades, as well as did some great body shaping, as you can see in progrmr's picture. His, I beleive, may be an anniversary addition.

If you can score ANY Westone bass that cheap, its a win. If you don't like it, you can always just give it to me. I'll pay for shipping.....

tabdog · #9 10-24-2012, 11:47 AM

I bought my Westone Electra X640N new.
It spoiled me. It's got an 18 volt pre like
no other I have ever played.

For me, I have never played a better bass,

Tabdog

mpdd · #10 10-24-2012, 04:49 PM

oh well, the price of these is going to skyrocket now

tabdog · #11 10-24-2012, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpdd

oh well, the price of these is going to skyrocket now

Don't worry. Nobody pays
any attention to what I say,

Tabdog

mpdd · #12 10-24-2012, 05:07 PM

i was just scared that i wasn't going to be able to get the vampire bat flying v one cheap due to all this sudden interest now

bassfootballguy · #13 11-07-2012, 08:54 PM

These are such great instruments. Very underappreciated.

chef wong · #14 11-07-2012, 09:42 PM

Westone guitars and basses are some of the best made, at any price. Brass hardware, Dimarzio pickups..high quality woods. My friend had one years ago that felt, played..and sounded way better than my American Fender. I think it was a Spectrum..not sure.

You won't get a deal like that today.

bassfootballguy · #15 01-21-2013, 04:55 PM

Chef W, there is no doubt of what you state in my mind.
I strung mine up with new strings this weekend and plugged it into my Sadowsky DI/Preamp into the Aguilar TH500 and into my cabs and it was just a huge tone. Just huge.