SPECTOR® Club - Part 22

[guy n. cognito]

I asked one dealer and he said he hasn't seen a catalog from spector for years.....???????? I personally thought they stopped making catalogs.....but I'm just a joe shmoe that throws my hard earned back breaking money to them....

I'm looking at one as we speak. Got it from Spector a few weeks ago with my Tone Pump. It's not much, more of a flier. I'm sure they'd send you one.........if you asked.

There's no drama here, no sticking it to the shmoes. You just didn't ask the right person.

 

[madbassplaya]

I asked one dealer and he said he hasn't seen a catalog from spector for years.....???????? I personally thought they stopped making catalogs.....but I'm just a joe shmoe that throws my hard earned back breaking money to them....

That's odd. Before I moved my local guy had a ton of Spector Catalogs.

Sadly though he only carried the lower end Legends. Which are great, but it would have been cool to have some Euro's or Rebops to try.

 

[Kitsapbass]

My dealer has plenty of the 2011 ones...

 

[beatdatthang]

I asked one dealer and he said he hasn't seen a catalog from spector for years.....???????? I personally thought they stopped making catalogs.....but I'm just a joe shmoe that throws my hard earned back breaking money to them....

I bought a Spector ball cap from the online store a couple of weeks ago and I got a catalog with it. They still have them. The digital catalog idea is a good one, especially if you can hear/show the instruments being played. The Spector tone sells itself!

 

[Clearwave]

I think the website is where most folks get information from spector. The current website has an enormous amount of information about spector and its better than most. The only complaints are the pictures for the Forte bass don't work and its hard to navigate with a iPhone. All in all, its a top notch website. A dvd? seems kind of 1999 to me. My DVD is in the attic, my computer still has one. If its a video they can stick on youtube and could imbed on the website/facebook that would be a good thing.
The website needs be iPad/Iphone/mobile device friendly. That would be the interactive digital catalog with videos, photos, sound clips, dealer and so on.

The thing is, you have to give the dealers SOMETHING. I don't see why they would stop the 1 page flyer thing they use now. I know they're not cheap to make but it has to be cheaper than a dvd. 95% of what you give a dealer is gonna be stuffed in a drawer and thrown away 9 years later.

 

[JeffplaysBass]

I bought a Spector ball cap from the online store a couple of weeks ago and I got a catalog with it. They still have them. The digital catalog idea is a good one, especially if you can hear/show the instruments being played. The Spector tone sells itself!

I agree hearing will be a plus!

 

[cjmodulus]

OK... To make sure I've covered my basses... I mean bases...
SPECTOR will present the 2012 Model Lineup on interactive DVD this year. A first for the company. No more paper.
And any SPECTOR owner can submit a track if they want to be considered for use as part of the soundtrack for the disk.

The only rules are:


[*]It must be ORIGINAL.
[*]It must be royalty free. So if you've published it and there's a recording agreement in place and someone is going to expect a royalty... don't send it to me.
[*]It can be a solo bass track, a bass/drum track or can include electric guitar (as long as the guitar is a SPECTOR). So in other words we are promoting SPECTOR basses and guitars. So please use them and nothing else.
[*]You'll need to agree to letting us use the track free of charge on the disk.


In return you will be identified as the composer and performer of the track on the DVD (as the song comes up, so will your name and the model of bass/guitar you play).

So if you are interested, send me a 48,000kHz 128kb MP3, list your name the way you want it displayed, the name of your track and the SPECTOR Bass(es) and/or Guitar(s) you used (model names).

Email it to [email protected]

Awesome. Time to get to work crankin' out something funky!
It would be really cool if you guys got some well known endorsers to contribute too, so it'll be us average joes and some well known pros side by side.

 

[delucajohn2000]

Alright guys, question for you: How does the Performer series bass stack up?

I'm looking to add another bass to the fold and am wanting something that's completely passive (I'd prefer a split coil pickup but alas this isn't an option with the Performers), and had been considering the Squire Classic Vibe P-Bass, but something keeps me from pulling the trigger. I have a fear that the thing won't set up to my satisfaction (I pretty well gauge everything by my NS-95 now and it sets up great, so I'm kinda spoiled I guess).

Anyhoo, today I noticed that the Performers are passive, have a 5 bolt neck (which I really dig), and just look really sharp for just a few bucks more than the Squire. So, those of you who have experience... how do they sound, how well do they set up, and how versatile are they?

You can also check out the Mike Kroeger Professional bass since it is all passive as well. I know you mentioned bolt-on and I am not sure if that is your preference but I think this one has a set neck if I am not mistaken. You can find them used for really cheap so that is another option for you.

 

[evanatch]

I think the website is where most folks get information from spector. The current website has an enormous amount of information about spector and its better than most. The only complaints are the pictures for the Forte bass don't work and its hard to navigate with a iPhone. All in all, its a top notch website. A dvd? seems kind of 1999 to me. My DVD is in the attic, my computer still has one. If its a video they can stick on youtube and could imbed on the website/facebook that would be a good thing.
The website needs be iPad/Iphone/mobile device friendly. That would be the interactive digital catalog with videos, photos, sound clips, dealer and so on.

The thing is, you have to give the dealers SOMETHING. I don't see why they would stop the 1 page flyer thing they use now. I know they're not cheap to make but it has to be cheaper than a dvd. 95% of what you give a dealer is gonna be stuffed in a drawer and thrown away 9 years later.

One thing I think would be pretty cool is to have the virtual catalog that's on the DVD be downloadable from the website, so it's easy to access for everyone, including those of us who don't really have a Spector dealer nearby.

 

[delucajohn2000]

I think the website is where most folks get information from spector. The current website has an enormous amount of information about spector and its better than most. The only complaints are the pictures for the Forte bass don't work and its hard to navigate with a iPhone. All in all, its a top notch website. A dvd? seems kind of 1999 to me. My DVD is in the attic, my computer still has one. If its a video they can stick on youtube and could imbed on the website/facebook that would be a good thing.
The website needs be iPad/Iphone/mobile device friendly. That would be the interactive digital catalog with videos, photos, sound clips, dealer and so on.

The thing is, you have to give the dealers SOMETHING. I don't see why they would stop the 1 page flyer thing they use now. I know they're not cheap to make but it has to be cheaper than a dvd. 95% of what you give a dealer is gonna be stuffed in a drawer and thrown away 9 years later.

I agree with you. I use the Spector web site for all of my information and cannot remember the last time I played an actual DVD. But there are still a huge amount of people that do so it can only help doing this DVD. Look at Redbox. I would have never thought a rental kiosk like that would make money but every time i pass one, there are always multiple people standing there.

I got a catalog when I ordered strings from Spector and to be honest, it is in my bathroom Hey, I won't bring my laptop in there so it's nice to look at some high quality pictures to pass the time, LOL. But I think they should stick with the catalogs, and do the DVD as well. The web site is the other place where people like us would go and that has definitely come a long way since JPS took it over and I am sure he is still working on it.

Just don't go overboard like a certain German bass maker did and include a DVD with every issue of Bass Player magazine If I could have only snapped a picture when my dog had one in his mouth, it would have been priceless. Their idea was cool though because you got to see some great players.

 

[Kitsapbass]

I agree with you. I use the Spector web site for all of my information and cannot remember the last time I played an actual DVD. But there are still a huge amount of people that do so it can only help doing this DVD. Look at Redbox. I would have never thought a rental kiosk like that would make money but every time i pass one, there are always multiple people standing there.

I got a catalog when I ordered strings from Spector and to be honest, it is in my bathroom Hey, I won't bring my laptop in there so it's nice to look at some high quality pictures to pass the time, LOL. But I think they should stick with the catalogs, and do the DVD as well. The web site is the other place where people like us would go and that has definitely come a long way since JPS took it over and I am sure he is still working on it.

Just don't go overboard like a certain German bass maker did and include a DVD with every issue of Bass Player magazine If I could have only snapped a picture when my dog had one in his mouth, it would have been priceless. Their idea was cool though because you got to see some great players.

I didn't mind that dvd that came with BP...

 

[worshiprocker]

Alright guys, question for you: How does the Performer series bass stack up?

I'm looking to add another bass to the fold and am wanting something that's completely passive (I'd prefer a split coil pickup but alas this isn't an option with the Performers), and had been considering the Squire Classic Vibe P-Bass, but something keeps me from pulling the trigger. I have a fear that the thing won't set up to my satisfaction (I pretty well gauge everything by my NS-95 now and it sets up great, so I'm kinda spoiled I guess).

Anyhoo, today I noticed that the Performers are passive, have a 5 bolt neck (which I really dig), and just look really sharp for just a few bucks more than the Squire. So, those of you who have experience... how do they sound, how well do they set up, and how versatile are they?

I preferred my Performer over my squire all day. I had an older 5 string jazz, but the tone and playability from the performer was far superior, and you can find them used under $300 or even $250.

I own both an Ibanez SR and a Spector Rebop and I tell ya, I LOVE the tone of the Spector, but I also LOVE the neck on the Ibby. If I could have a Spector with an Ibby neck profile it would be a match made in heaven for me. (I just don't have the scratch to try to beg Stuart and the boys to build me one - if they even would...)

I've been considering an SRT for some time now for that very reason. EMG PUPs, countoured/scooped body, and a thin neck to boot? Very tempting for a guy like me who can't afford the higher-end Spectors or a custom job (although the black Euro you're selling is giving me serious GAS right now, I just can't afford it).

It sucks to play my Spector and get such magnificent tone and body comfort and then to pick up the Ibby and be able to play so much faster and more precise only to get jipped by weak, thin tone... I want both!

Seems like an Ian Hill or Doug Wimbish model would be perfect for you. Or a Kramer era ns-2 lol, my ns2a is just a bit thicker than an ibanez neck

You can also check out the Mike Kroeger Professional bass since it is all passive as well. I know you mentioned bolt-on and I am not sure if that is your preference but I think this one has a set neck if I am not mistaken. You can find them used for really cheap so that is another option for you.

That is a great suggestion

 

[PhatBasstard]

That's why solo bass or bass and drums is better. I've already gotten a bunch of tracks with SPECTOR electrics. Including a member or two from here.

The problem with this is, if you're doing it to promote Spector basses, who would know or care about the guitar? Save it for the tracks promoting Spector guitars. I know on many of the things I could have used, I don't even know what kind of guitar may be on it because we weren't in the studio at the same time. We never even met.

This is going to probably eliminate a lot of potentially great tracks that could have been used promoting a Spector bass.

Sorry. I'm just a big picture guy.

 

[Trailight]

OK... To make sure I've covered my basses... I mean bases...
SPECTOR will present the 2012 Model Lineup on interactive DVD this year. A first for the company. No more paper.
And any SPECTOR owner can submit a track if they want to be considered for use as part of the soundtrack for the disk.

The only rules are:

• It must be ORIGINAL.
• It must be royalty free. So if you've published it and there's a recording agreement in place and someone is going to expect a royalty... don't send it to me.
• It can be a solo bass track, a bass/drum track or can include electric guitar (as long as the guitar is a SPECTOR). So in other words we are promoting SPECTOR basses and guitars. So please use them and nothing else.
• You'll need to agree to letting us use the track free of charge on the disk.

In return you will be identified as the composer and performer of the track on the DVD (as the song comes up, so will your name and the model of bass/guitar you play).

So if you are interested, send me a 48,000kHz 128kb MP3, list your name the way you want it displayed, the name of your track and the SPECTOR Bass(es) and/or Guitar(s) you used (model names).

Email it to [email protected]

COOL!!!
Damn, I wish I had a better way to record my bass

 

[JPSBassist]

Thats why I love the regular Joe shmoes..the ones that 5% or less of their income comes from music...seriously I spend $5k on one dealer for Spector(S) basses and they say sorry we don't have a catalog......seriously dude????....another thing you have the regular joe shmoe who spends more of his disposable income on music instruments then mr. big shot who goes to namm, which probably gets paid to go and spends less on musical instruments. Hell he probably goes for free or gets a tax right off....God Bless the regular Joe Some who can't even get a catalog,...Come'on man!!!

Who didn't have a catalog for you? I designed last year's catalog and we had 5,000 printed for the NAMM Show.

I still have several hundred here at my office. If you want one, let me know and I'll send you one.

As for the DVD's, I'm going to suggest we include one with each guitar purchase, that's a given. And the dealers will get them to hand out.

The content will also be available online on the website.

And SPECTOR has never paid anyone to play their guitars or represent them. And SPECTOR has never given guitars away. Everyone has to pay for them. Even Rex Brown and Doug Wimbish pay for their basses.

So everyone gets treated fairly. And for the record I'm a Joe Schmoe by your definition. Actually, I make NOTHING from performing music. So really, I get what you're saying.

 

[JPSBassist]

Alright guys, question for you: How does the Performer series bass stack up?

I'm looking to add another bass to the fold and am wanting something that's completely passive (I'd prefer a split coil pickup but alas this isn't an option with the Performers), and had been considering the Squire Classic Vibe P-Bass, but something keeps me from pulling the trigger. I have a fear that the thing won't set up to my satisfaction (I pretty well gauge everything by my NS-95 now and it sets up great, so I'm kinda spoiled I guess).

Anyhoo, today I noticed that the Performers are passive, have a 5 bolt neck (which I really dig), and just look really sharp for just a few bucks more than the Squire. So, those of you who have experience... how do they sound, how well do they set up, and how versatile are they?

Some changes to the Performer are going to be announced at NAMM. That's all I can say. But it's good stuff. I'll be reporting on it at the Show. And I'll be posting photos and info to Facebook and Twitter.

 

[JPSBassist]

Really cool intro JPS! I like the music track! The one problem I see in all is at one point the SPECTOR word goes completely dark...I love the idea of the SPECTOR artists playing in the background! Awesome job JPS!!!!

Yeah it was a demo. It's easier for Stuart and PJ to see a concept to be able to approve the creative direction than to explain it. So this is the first version and it was done quickly and a little sloppily to get the idea across.

The final stuff is much better, cleaner, etc...

There's a bunch of companies that start gearing up for the show and they start putting a bunch of releases... basically about nothing... out there to build hype.

What my plan for SPECTOR has been is a very slow burn and starting this coming week... one week before the show, start sharing previews and things to come that have substance.

I don't like to build hype because to be hype is just hot air. I like to build excitement and get people interested in what's coming so there's something real. Credibility is important. And to the guys to are putting FB announcements up every hour talking about how they represent the company with the best quality, best builds, etc... period... it just comes across like something a used car salesman would say.

And so I've told Stuart and PJ we're going to do something that has a little more substance. And they totally agreed.

 

[JPSBassist]

I used my Forte the other day while subbing for a wannabe country star playing a "showcase" at one of the downtown honky tonks. When I took it out of the bag, the sound man took a look, looked at the "artist" and said "What kinda music ya'll planning on playing in my bar?" (The guitars was playing a Parker, so we did look a bit out of place.) At the end of the gig, his attitude had changed 100% and he was quite complementary of my tone. I showed him what I did to my eq to get the required tone. Hopefully, I made another convert.

This sounds like a perfect "My SPECTOR Story"... this is the sort of thing that really hits home with people.

And I love hearing stuff like this. Funny, but I'm from Nashville and I know exactly what you're talking about. If it's not some old road worn looking J or P bass, they don't think it's going to sound right. Which is total bull.

Awesome story! Thanks for sharing that.

 

[JPSBassist]

It's only logical to give them to dealers that will be selling the instruments. It's also somewhat logical that a dealer may be out of catalogs near the end of the year. Spector had 2011 catalog as of about 3 weeks ago. You might contact them directly and see if they'll send you one.

Anyone who wants one... instead of mailing you a fold out (single fold) printed brochure... I'l email you the original high-def source files.

Just email me at webadmin@spectorbass and tell me if you want a PDF (300dpi CMYK - Full resolution) or 300 dpi high resolution JPG.

This saves me on postage. And I took all the photos, did the layout (designed it) and so I can promise you you're getting the authentic catalog. Just in electronic instead of printed format.

 

[JPSBassist]

I asked one dealer and he said he hasn't seen a catalog from spector for years.....???????? I personally thought they stopped making catalogs.....but I'm just a joe shmoe that throws my hard earned back breaking money to them....

Before I came along... it had been a few years since they'd done anything like that. Printing is really expensive. And with the economy in the dump SPECTOR was trying to find ways to save money so they didn't have to raise the prices of their guitars.

BTW... there hasn't been a price increase in the retail cost of the guitars for like 4 years. There's been a slight increase this year. But we're talking something $50 on most models and that's to give the dealers more room for how the economy is killing their cash registers. Spector hasn't raised their cost to the dealers. The music industry is hurting. And dozens of small music stores that carried Spector have gone out of business this year. I see it because the one thing that is ALWAYS current on the website is the dealer list. Those changes are made the same day I get them.

So I suggested they print a simple single fold high-quality flyer (not really a catalog) last year to put some stuff out there for people to have.

I'm not sure why the dealer you went do didn't know about them. PJ handles all the dealer relationships and he's just one guy. And there are some 300 dealers in North America alone.

So there's some room for things to not be communicated. And it happens sometimes. But there were flyers for any dealer who asked.