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Opinions on entry level Spector basses
- Thread starter Leilacore
- Start date
If you can find a Spector NS-2A from the late 80s at a good price, go that route! I'd say that's the closest thing available to classic Spector in the relatively affordable camp. Neckthru construction, nice PJ pickups and active 2-band EQ preamp. They were made in Korea (I believe) and of exceptional build quality. Really did the brand justice. Pretty sure these can still be had for around $1k if you're patient
this isn't a popular viewpoint, but i actually prefer the performer line to the legend. they're lighter-weight, and i just like the performers more - i got to try several of each when sam ash still carried them. and after all, you can always upgrade pickups.
the guy's had only 3 sales on reverb, but i love my NS Pulse, and this one is a nice upgrade. they're also lighter than most models.
Goes to show ya, Different Strokes For Different Folks: I’ve only played two Spectors in my life — a ‘77 and an ‘84 — but they were easily two of the most comfortable basses I’ve ever played!
I love my Spectors. I have 11 ranging from Korean neck thrus to USAs. Personally, I would go for a used Korean Legend neck thru or an NS-2000 (or an NS2A if you can find one). They are really, really good instruments. The construction, fretwork, and fit & finish are impeccable. Where the budget is typically met is by using passive pickups vs EMGs and different (though not necessarily worse, unless it's a TonePump Jr) preamps. The tuners are ok and serviceable but not as good as Gotohs. It's simple to swap pickups and that will generally bring these instruments very close to Euros for a lot cheaper. I have no experience with the Performers but the slab body is kind of a deal breaker for me.
I have a Legend 5 Classic and I like it, but I have never seen, let alone held, another Spector to compare it to.
But a note, the Performer series lacks the curved body shape that Spector is known for. So if that's something you're after, you'll have to spend a little more to get it.
But a note, the Performer series lacks the curved body shape that Spector is known for. So if that's something you're after, you'll have to spend a little more to get it.
i love the EMGs on my Schecter Stiletto PRO EX....what pickups do you prefer?
Well, you could make payments on a brand new Made in Europe Spector. The Euro and US spectors are considered their "standard" and "custom shop" lines, respectively. There are plenty of fine imported Spectors from elsewhere but they don't compete in terms of quality in my experience.
Bantam 4 might be a good one... on the affordable side, light (important if you have back pain like me), 30" scale length, quality electronics (EMG) and original materials.
My Spector Euro 4 is my main instrument.
Bantam 4 might be a good one... on the affordable side, light (important if you have back pain like me), 30" scale length, quality electronics (EMG) and original materials.
My Spector Euro 4 is my main instrument.
They're great basses hampered by cheap pickups and tuners. My Rebop 5 is the lightest bass I own at 8.3 lbs. You can pick them up cheap and upgrade and you have a bolt-on Euro 5 LX.
What this guy said!
I never got along with the passive EMG HX pickups that came standard on those, but the good thing is you have some great EMG soapbar options and can still go P/J if you want. I don't know about the newer Euro LX bolt ons or the more recent Eurobolt, but the original Rebops were very well made basses and super light.
I started playing at age 12, and put in 10 years on a mid-70s studio model P-bass that must have weighed 15lb and had a 44mm nut. Fantastic tone, but not an easy bass to play.
When I graduated from college I found the black NS-2A ('86-89) in my profile, and from the second I picked it up I knew it was The One. Spectacular tone from the KHAZ preamp, and I find the ergonomics to be perfect for me. Paid $600 for it back in 1990 and it's been my only bass up until this year, when I picked up a used Sterling Ray34 to play while it went to the luthier for an upgrade to active pickups. The Ray is a nice little bass, but by now anything that's not a Spector (except maybe a Warwick) just feels like a neck bolted to a plank.
If you can find one it's incredible bang/buck.
