Looking for a Spector

[NYgiant]

Want to post to get some information. I’ve been wanting one for a while. I think the budget will be somewhere between $1800 and $2300. Maybe getting something lightly used would be best. I think I’m leaning towards the Euro 4LX. from what I’ve read, seems it’s best to go with the EMG pick ups and the tone pump pre amp over Aguilar pick ups. I understand it’s personal preference.

At any rate does that seem realistic? I saw a Spector Ethos4 in the awesome Interstellar Gloss color with the Aguilar PJ pickups and OBP-2 preamp. Used but looks brand new for $1529. The only thing lacking in my opinion is the EMG pick ups with the tone pump preamp, and it does not have the Spector crests on the neck. Instead, it has dots and the Sprctor symbol on the 12th fret. That’s a real good price I would imagine. Just not sure which way to go. The other one is the same Euro 4 but has the EMG pick ups and tone pump but that one is going for $2500.

 

[FRoss6788]

EMG is the Spector sound, period.

To me, if you're after the "classic" Spector tone go with the EMG's.

 

[DWBass]

EMG is the Spector sound, period.

To me, if you're after the "classic" Spector tone go with the EMG's.

Agreed. Full EMG install is my preference.

 

[NYgiant]

EMG is the Spector sound, period.

To me, if you're after the "classic" Spector tone go with the EMG's.

Agreed. Full EMG install is my preference.

I’m assuming the tone pump pre amp is the way to go as well? Is that pretty much standard with the EMG pick ups? I had posted a question over in the Spector forum and they said there’s a member on TB that can actually make a HAZ clone called the LHZ preamp that’s almost identical to the original if you ever wanted one.

Been doing some reading, and YouTube videos, and it sounds like the tone pump jr is not highly regarded at all. Seems like that would be one to avoid. so I gather if I’m working, maybe something lately used euro for LX for the curve the body shape EMG PJ pick ups with the tone pump preamp.

Guess I’ll remain on the hunt. Just wanted to post here to make sure since I am new to those style basses. Just love the way they look and I’ve heard enough of them on recordings and YouTube videos to be damn sure that’s the tone I would absolutely love.

 

[DWBass]

Tone Pump Jr. is trash, IMHO. As for whatever pre floats your boat, it depends on the sound you're looking for. Tone Pump, HAZ, EMG and others are fine. Match them to the pups of your choice.

 

[direktor]

I think I’m leaning towards the Euro 4LX.

The current lower dollar option to get something like a US made, of any era, is to get a Euro. Be patient and find a EuroLX to your liking. They do come up for very good prices, under $2k if you’re patient.

I have yet to handle/play a Korean that feels anything like a US Spector, save Kramer era NS-2As. The Asian imports for sale mass market are…not like US/Euros.

 

[Katoosie]

Find a used one for a price you like and you're set. Even if you get one with a preamp/puppies you don't like, these things aren't super expensive to replace. Just be patient and you'll find a deal sooner or later.

 

[BaltBass5]

I own 5 Spector Euro 4's. 3 of them are Euro 4 Classics with the active EMG's and EMG BTS Preamp. The other 2 are Euro 4 LT's which I replaced the Barts with the EMG's and the Darkglass Pres with the EMG BTs. Obviously I am biased (LOL) but EMG's with the BTS is the Spector sweet spot IMO.
As far as pricing goes....used Euros in good shape seem to be selling between $1800 (If you are REALLY patient) and $2500.

 

[someguyfromNC]

I have a Korean Spector with a tone pump jr. it’s a coda pro so compared to other jazz basses it sounds great. If you are wanting that classic Euro Spector sound that is a totally different beast and the korean stuff won’t get you there.

 

[Ulf Buck]

For $1800-2300 you should have no problem finding a very nice used Euro LX with emg pickups and tone pump. The EMG/tonepump should serve you well.

I have and have had Euros and USA with Haz, tone pump, and Darkglass circuits. They all sound and play great.

 

[ColdEye]

Got myself a Spector Euro5lx recently and installed the LHZ preamp. Very happy with it. It gets the most play time.

 

[birminghambass]

I had a beautiful Euro with EMGs. I sold it when I got a Korean NS2A. The NS2A had a faster, thinner neck, sounded better (EMGs w/KHaz pre), and was $1000 less than the Euro. The Euro did have a flame top and transparent satin finish, absolutely gorgeous. But in the end playability and tone win over appearance any day.

 

[Relayer71]

Want to post to get some information. I’ve been wanting one for a while. I think the budget will be somewhere between $1800 and $2300. Maybe getting something lightly used would be best. I think I’m leaning towards the Euro 4LX. from what I’ve read, seems it’s best to go with the EMG pick ups and the tone pump pre amp over Aguilar pick ups. I understand it’s personal preference.

At any rate does that seem realistic? I saw a Spector Ethos4 in the awesome Interstellar Gloss color with the Aguilar PJ pickups and OBP-2 preamp. Used but looks brand new for $1529. The only thing lacking in my opinion is the EMG pick ups with the tone pump preamp, and it does not have the Spector crests on the neck. Instead, it has dots and the Sprctor symbol on the 12th fret. That’s a real good price I would imagine. Just not sure which way to go. The other one is the same Euro 4 but has the EMG pick ups and tone pump but that one is going for $2500.

Check Reverb.com. And don't ignore the Rebop/Eurobolt (bolt on version on Euro).

Here are a few:

Spector Doug Wimbish Signature Euro 4 LX DW 2010s - Amber Stain Gloss | Reverb

Spector Euro 4lx 2014 - Natural Matte | Reverb

Spector Euro4 LX 2009 - matte | Reverb

Spector ReBop 4 MM 2010s - Trans Blue Stain Matte | Reverb

Spector Euro 4 LX 2016 - Present - Black Cherry Gloss | Reverb

Spector NS-2JA-R 2008-2009 - Natural | Reverb

 

[Knavery]

I recently bought a Spector Euro LT and couldn't be happier. I never thought it'd be my go-to bass, but that's been the case since I purchased it. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[CascadeBass]

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Edit: I see it's posted on TB in Classifieds also.

 

[Ken R]

FWIW, the Euro series with the TX-TW pickups and the Tonepump are my choice. Pickups can be single coil or humbucking and mated with the Tone Pump make for my favorite Spector tone.
My friend Hal Jordan Ketofsky on the Spector bass.


YMMV tho.

 

[NYgiant]

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Edit: I see it's posted on TB in Classifieds also.

Wow, no, I had not seen that one. That’s NICE.

 

[CascadeBass]

I wonder if this seller would ship.. pretty good price on a [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] in Las Vegas.

 

[NYgiant]

I wonder if this seller would ship.. pretty good price on a [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] in Las Vegas.

Damn, that is a ridiculously low price! Is that normal? I’m not privy to the Rebop. What exactly is that and how does it differ from a Euro 4 LX?

 

[CascadeBass]

Agreed; great price. The ReBops were made in the Czech Republic. The Euro Bolt would be the replacement model for the ReBop I believe. If I wasn't looking for a 5 string, I would try and nab this thing. Especially with a case, this is a great deal.

And while we're on the subject, though OP wants a 4, I'd be all over [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] in Southern California. Seems like a pretty legit posting, and if I read it correctly, it seems shipping is included (though not called out).