Judging by looks alone I like the spector. Why play an ugly bass? Why risk self mutilation with the Ibanez?
That said, I'm an Ibanez 885 owner.
That said, I'm an Ibanez 885 owner.
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Hmm... Ibanez BTB or Spector NS Pulse??
- Thread starter Amoebehemoth
- Start date
I just sold a BTB about a week ago, a six-string. It was from the Premium line, a step up from the Standard that you're looking at. I don't usually like more modern basses, but that bass was spectacular. If they made a four-string BTB anymore I would happily buy one. If the Standard is even just close to the Premium, I would say you can be confident in the quality. I sold mine just because of the string spacing and the 35" scale, the six-string was narrower than 19mm. I've never played a Spector before, so I won't say you should buy the Ibanez and not the Spector, but I'll give my endorsement to the quality of the BTB basses.
Why is this a question? Ibanez basses are crazy good.
Get the Spector.
Get the Spector.
@wvbass is that to say you dig Ibanez strongly but think the Spector is still a step up?
There are also the BTB845v and 846v which are 33". I have the 846v and it's awesome.
Yes, 16.5mm, the 5 is 19mm.
As will I; awesome basses. I've owned a lot of boutique axes and I really can't see the reason to spend more on the structure at least PUs ans pres can be changed easily and reasonably cost wise if you have a particular preference.
Overall, Ibanez is innovative and consistent in quality. Right now, the only Ibanez I own is a Volo BTB33. It is excellent. Maybe better than that. It is a great bass.
I also have an older Spector Legend Custom, which is a Korean-made bass, as is the Pulse. I also have an Indonesia-made Legend and a Czech-made NS4CRFM.
Is the Spector a step up? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I think Ibanez is the best company out there when it comes to exploring multiple directions and delivering a quality product, but between these to brands, I think Spector is better overall. Spector focuses more on one thing, and they excel at it. Also, in terms of likely build quality, I don't think anybody is doing better than South Korea at mass produced basses.
I own (2) Spector NS Pulse 4’s and they are amazing instruments. The active EMG’s are very hot and the Tone Pump on top of that makes this bass really versatile. These are very light due to the sandblast finish. The roasted necks are killer.
That low weight does sound appealing! How does the spacing treat you? (Edit: disregard, that’s the 4. Cheers!)
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I have owned 2 BTB 5's in the past, and probably 10 Spector Euro5's...the BTB is a striking bass, however the size of the body bothered me (too big and bulky for me), but much more than that was the string spacing/neck width and the profile of the neck...fat-wide D shape...I felt like I was playing a 2X4
I'm a much bigger fan of Ibanez Soundgears
I'm a much bigger fan of Ibanez Soundgears
I was in love with the look of spectors 15 years ago. Finally bought a euro 4 online and didn't like the way it sat in my lap or on a strap, it was not comfortable. Plus I didn't like the preamp.
BTB are great basses even though I prefer tighter string spacing, they are still comfortable for me.
It's personal preference in the end
BTB are great basses even though I prefer tighter string spacing, they are still comfortable for me.
It's personal preference in the end
But then I'm kinda partial.
BTW I had an Ibby BTB few years back..... sold it to my lead singer, and ain't even really a bassist.
Thanks guys! So circling back, while I’m waiting for the BTB745 to come back in stock, I am test-driving a Spector NS Pulse 5. I love the fit and finish... very comfortable to play seated or standing. BUT... I’m finding the low B (and to some extent the E string as well) to be murky and overshadowed by atonal resonance especially in the higher parts of the neck... something like a beat up, out of tune piano. 12th fret and above especially poor sounding.
I did check the neck relief, bolts, saddles and pickups, pretty much anything to adjust. Just to be sure there weren’t any obvious issues there.
Judging by some discussion here on general Low-B problems... Perhaps it’s just the nature of the beast?... but just doesn’t sound right. Jumping back to my 4 string Jazz Bass after a few minutes was a breath of fresh air. Higher fret playing on my E string there sounds noticeably clearer and more musical.
So, BTB players, what’s your experience with Low B’s and E’s above the 12th fret? Does the neckthrough design make a noticeable difference over bolt on? Or is that just par for the course on a 5er?
I did check the neck relief, bolts, saddles and pickups, pretty much anything to adjust. Just to be sure there weren’t any obvious issues there.
Judging by some discussion here on general Low-B problems... Perhaps it’s just the nature of the beast?... but just doesn’t sound right. Jumping back to my 4 string Jazz Bass after a few minutes was a breath of fresh air. Higher fret playing on my E string there sounds noticeably clearer and more musical.
So, BTB players, what’s your experience with Low B’s and E’s above the 12th fret? Does the neckthrough design make a noticeable difference over bolt on? Or is that just par for the course on a 5er?
just spent some time with a BTB745 at my local GC.
wow!
debating the 33" 6 string now.
the BTB745 was superb up to the 17th fret - a little wonky above that.
but the BTB745 knocked every other 5er in the store down the block.
i was concerned about the 35" and the string spacing, but it felt fantastic!
another thumb's up for the Barts!
wow!
debating the 33" 6 string now.
the BTB745 was superb up to the 17th fret - a little wonky above that.
but the BTB745 knocked every other 5er in the store down the block.
i was concerned about the 35" and the string spacing, but it felt fantastic!
another thumb's up for the Barts!
Stop debating and just buy it. Mine is the best bass I've ever owned, and I've had Alembics, Status, Kubicki etc.
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For me, yes.
I'd like the 5 too, but it looks too much like the 6 I have so I'm going to look out for a BTB33 but it's well down on the acquisition list, so it may never happen. It's far more want than need.
Would you use the six? If not get the 5. A couple of people have restrung them B-G too.
In one of the Ibanez or BTB threads recently a TBer plays some wonderful Bach on the 846v. Have a search, but I'll try to find it.
