educate me on Spector basses

I have an NS 2 (probably a 1990 or so Kramer era model). It was one of my main players for years.

The construction is excellent. 100% maple (neck through) with an EMG P/J active configuration. Very bright tone. Great for metal and harder edged stuff. Will cut through any mix. Don't go Spector if your looking for a vintage tone - you won't find it here. I found the slap tone a little too brittle to my liking.

These basses have excellent hardware and finishes. The proprietary Spector bridge from this era is an engineering marvel, and a work of art. The only downside was that it was HEAVY due to the maple. Theses basses sound great through an old SVT setup or early SWR tube stuff. They were a little cold through the GK or similar solid state rigs.

Playability - off the charts. Great necks and fretboards. These basses recorded extremely well.

If you can find a Kramer-era NS 2, grab it.

 

It just occurred to me that my NS2 is a kramer era spector. I notice alot of hard rock/metal players use them, but I get a great funk tone out of mine. I wouldn't necessarily call the slap tone brittle, but you will definately have to boost the lows. They are indeed really really bright sounding, I actually have to cut the treble a bit on both amp and bass.

 

If it's an old 'Kramer-made' Spector you are looking for then I recommend the US NS2 model or the Asian made NS2A model. Both are superb through neck basses with active circuitry and solid hardware. You won't go wrong. Forget about the cheaper NS2B or NS2C models though....

If you want to buy 'new' or 'hardly used' then 'for the money' the best value are the 'Euro' or Euro LX' series basses.

Whichever you end up with you'll love it!!

 

The Euro models are made with transparent finishes, but if you contact Spector, they'll hook you up with a solid color with no problems. You'll be happy with any of the NS models from Spector. I don't know about the "Spector sound", but the EMG P/J configuration allowed the player to dial an infinite array of tones. For an all-around bass, you can't go wrong.

 

I have a Performer model (pre-2005) and I love the shape. It can't even compare to the other Spectors however; the Rebop and Euro are infinitely superior on this one. I love them for their comfort and the mids are very solid. Like others have said, the slap tone is a bit brittle, and you'd probably want to boost the lows for it. You were probably playing a Euro 4, which are VERY nice basses, although it will cost you a pretty penny for one. I also have an OLP MM2 and always find myself using the Spector lots more. I'll be standing by this company for quite some time. I myself plan to get either a Rebop or Euro eventually... they're that good!

 

Yes I do. That is if you're willing to put down a little bit extra, although I have seen white Euro Spectors. Best thing to do is email PJ Rubal at [email protected] to see what they can do. From what I hear, they're very accommodating to player's needs and wants.