SPECTOR® Club - Part 25

[stix_clgi]

If you don't like the volume drop of the TW pickups in single mode, you may be disappointed with the J pickups as they have significantly less output than the DC or CS pickups.

Really? Okay, I wasn't sure what the output of the J's was. I've been listening to some videos on youtube of basses with EMG 45Dc's in them. Most of them are paired with an Aguilar OBP-3, not a TonePump, so I don't have the most accurate representation in my head, but I'm liking the tone I heard...I may just switch out the TW's entirely and go with an all DC setup, like PHatBAsstard (I'm thinking we may have a similar affinity for brigher setups...). Honestly I like the tone a lot, especially playing through my Shuttle and Wayne Jones cab, I just want something a little brighter, and I think the DC's are the ticket!

Does anyone remember the link that illustrated the EMG Dc's with the Tonepump. I'm going to try to find it....there's just like, ya know...25 different Spector Club threads lol.

 

[bunkaroo]

This was taken from the current 2012 price list on the Spector web site:


SPECIAL ORDER OPTIONS
• 35" extended scale: all Four String Models with standard tuning No Charge
• Custom tuning / special set up. Includes BEAD Low Tuning .065 -.130 $150.00

That is list price just so you know.

OK I didn't see it first on the some of the Euro specific product pages.

I see now the pages for the Euro 4LX and 4LX-TW show an option of "35" Scale (BEAD Tuning)". This seems to imply that ordering a 35" scale 4LX would automatically result in a BEAD setup from the factory, but it doesn't sound like that's the case. Kind of confusing but I suppose anyone ordering is going to wind up talking to someone who knows what's what anyway so it would be cleared up then.

Personally knowing what the BEAD option costs it would probably be cheaper to have the setup changes done locally.

 

[locisbrelm]

I have no problem switching between Drop C, and Drop C#. and thats using .45-.105 on a 34 inch scale. but i would love to get a 35" for lower tunings or even lighter strings.

I find that there is a volume drop in the TWs in single coil mode. but its is a totally different animal. and i like that about it. makes the bass a chameleon. its almost like it tames down the wild beast.

 

[bunkaroo]

So has there ever been any discussion of making a USA NS-2, NS-4 or Forte 4 in 35"? Seems like the 35" is only an option on the Euro 4-strings.

 

[rockstarbassist]

What .105 set strings are you guys using for drop C? I've always had to at least use .110's to make it useful dropping 2 full steps down.

 

[stix_clgi]

I have no problem switching between Drop C, and Drop C#. and thats using .45-.105 on a 34 inch scale. but i would love to get a 35" for lower tunings or even lighter strings.

I find that there is a volume drop in the TWs in single coil mode. but its is a totally different animal. and i like that about it. makes the bass a chameleon. its almost like it tames down the wild beast.

I agree, and I like the tone, it's just while playing live at church it becomes more of a hassle to switch to single coil mode, then find a way to increase the volume to normal levels all while playing.

 

[worshiprocker]

INCOMING: Spector Kramer era NS2A bought from the classifieds here. This will be my FIRST Spector. I'm very excited. I'm a diehard EBMM fans and currently my number 1 is a Sterling HH. I love aggressive, growly basses. I've really been digging the Spector tone lately and hoping this one can get me there.

Congrats! if it has the haz copy you should be fine in the growl department

On the front page of the website is a link that says: "CURRENT PRICE LIST"
It links to this page: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
On this page is a link: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
On this page (a PDF file) is the option John mentioned above.

And actually, just trying to offer a different perspective, a 35" 4-string in EADG is a great bass for Drop D and Drop C tuning. Being a big NIN fan (and knowing most of TR's NIN catalog) a majority of the songs are Drop D and a few are Drop C... which when you start getting into Drop C territory it's nice to have that extra scale.

So I think it can go both ways honestly. A lot of bassists would want their typical EADG and then want to do alternate drop tuning... and then I had one as a replacement for a 5-string with BEAD.

But I think either application is common and the drop tuning one even more so which is why it's the default option.

I've actually debated getting a 35" 4 string for our down tuning. We only play drop Db but I could see us going lowing sooner than later.....

Really? Okay, I wasn't sure what the output of the J's was. I've been listening to some videos on youtube of basses with EMG 45Dc's in them. Most of them are paired with an Aguilar OBP-3, not a TonePump, so I don't have the most accurate representation in my head, but I'm liking the tone I heard...I may just switch out the TW's entirely and go with an all DC setup, like PHatBAsstard (I'm thinking we may have a similar affinity for brigher setups...). Honestly I like the tone a lot, especially playing through my Shuttle and Wayne Jones cab, I just want something a little brighter, and I think the DC's are the ticket!

Does anyone remember the link that illustrated the EMG Dc's with the Tonepump. I'm going to try to find it....there's just like, ya know...25 different Spector Club threads lol.

From the spector site

Invalid Link Removed

 

[grendle]

What .105 set strings are you guys using for drop C? I've always had to at least use .110's to make it useful dropping 2 full steps down.

DR Hi beams

 

[locisbrelm]

What .105 set strings are you guys using for drop C? I've always had to at least use .110's to make it useful dropping 2 full steps down.

I'm using Rotosound 66 at the moment. It is floppy feeling but ive been dropping to that area for years. my hands are used to it. .110s work well also. they just arent popular, and hard as crap to find in my area. so i just got used to .105s. they work amazing!

 

[rockstarbassist]

I'm using Rotosound 66 at the moment. It is floppy feeling but ive been dropping to that area for years. my hands are used to it. .110s work well also. they just arent popular, and hard as crap to find in my area. so i just got used to .105s. they work amazing!

that's my problem as well... i really like fresh strings. like, every month or two fresh. so i'm doing what i can to get away from custom stuff i can't just nab from GC or something...
i usually can find the EB .110 Power Slinkies somewhat regularly, BUT, i much prefer the feel of DR's... maybe i'll give the Hi Beams another run.
am thinking about trying Blue Steels again as well.

 

[worshiprocker]

I agree, and I like the tone, it's just while playing live at church it becomes more of a hassle to switch to single coil mode, then find a way to increase the volume to normal levels all while playing.

maybe you can use a DI or a clean boost and just step on the pedal when you switch to single coil.

the behringer BDI21 or MXR m80 or sansamp bass driver bass DI


The behringer is cheap and works pretty well... the XLR is a bit noisy but the 1/4" out is quiet... its only $30 which is nice.

I used one for a while until i got my MXR M80

 

[locisbrelm]

I agree, and I like the tone, it's just while playing live at church it becomes more of a hassle to switch to single coil mode, then find a way to increase the volume to normal levels all while playing.

ive had that issue on a couple gigs, i did a couple thing to fix that. 1. set the volumes down lower than you normally would, like around 75% or pointing the dots straight down, then when kicking into SC mode bump it up. 2. pick a one or the other and stick with it, only messing with the tone knobs. you can do ALOT with the tone pump. try different combos. Im loving the HB neck + SC Bridge right now.

I find #1 being the most musical, yes a little more work than just pulling the volume knobs, but very effective.

 

[PhatBasstard]

Hey fam!

So I've had about 5 days of playing Legend with the new upgrades and I have to say that I'm still a little on the fence about them. The EMG 45TW's with the TonePump Sr. sound way better than the stock SSD's and TP Jr., and I like having the option to go single coil, but the volume drop is so drastic, going to single coil mode becomes more than just pulling up on the volume knobs. I have to dime the volume knobs, and then possibly turn up the main volume on my amp. In dual coil mode, the tone gets really beefy and punchy, and retains a nice high end. With my rig I only have to turn the treble up to about 30% to add a little sparkle to my sound. The sound is pretty dark though, and I'm thinking I may like the EMG DC's better. Since I was still able to retain most of EMG's Quick-Connect system swapping out the pups won't require any resoldering, so I may look into purchasing a DC for the Bridge position. I actually like the single coil sound though, and was also considering trying the 45J's.

I also realized with these upgrades that I prefer a 4x10 +2x10 setup versus my current 1x15+2x10 setup. What's crazy is my local music store has a STUPID sale on Mesa Boogie stuff. Stupid like marking the powerhouse 4x10 to $499! I may get it this weekend. I played my Legend through a Shuttle 9.0 on Friday, and I was blown away by the sound!

Anyways, I'm going to get some soundclips up soon....

Sorry I'm taking so long with the sound clips, but I had to move all of my equipment for a super bowl party.

If you don't like the volume drop of the TW pickups in single mode, you may be disappointed with the J pickups as they have significantly less output than the DC or CS pickups.

Really? Okay, I wasn't sure what the output of the J's was. I've been listening to some videos on youtube of basses with EMG 45Dc's in them. Most of them are paired with an Aguilar OBP-3, not a TonePump, so I don't have the most accurate representation in my head, but I'm liking the tone I heard...I may just switch out the TW's entirely and go with an all DC setup, like PHatBAsstard (I'm thinking we may have a similar affinity for brigher setups...). Honestly I like the tone a lot, especially playing through my Shuttle and Wayne Jones cab, I just want something a little brighter, and I think the DC's are the ticket!

Does anyone remember the link that illustrated the EMG Dc's with the Tonepump. I'm going to try to find it....there's just like, ya know...25 different Spector Club threads lol.

I tried to warn you............

Keep in mind, the TW's in humbucking mode are tonally CS's. So if you think the TW's are dark, don't get CS's. You'll be happiest with DC's.

Now for the (possible) bad news: I haven't been to the EMG site recently, but I think due to the push/pulls and extra coil wiring for the TW's you're going to have to switch the volumes and quick connects. Seems last time I looked the configurations were different. I think the DC's, soapbox P's, soapbox J's and CS's were interchangable with the same quick connects. I think the regular P's, J's and TW's are different.
Check the EMG site to be sure.

 

[stix_clgi]

Congrats! if it has the haz copy you should be fine in the growl department

I've actually debated getting a 35" 4 string for our down tuning. We only play drop Db but I could see us going lowing sooner than later.....

From the spector site

Oh sorry I should have been more clear. I meant the link that had the soundclips of the emg dc's with the TonePump

 

[Dave W]

that's my problem as well... i really like fresh strings. like, every month or two fresh. so i'm doing what i can to get away from custom stuff i can't just nab from GC or something...
i usually can find the EB .110 Power Slinkies somewhat regularly, BUT, i much prefer the feel of DR's... maybe i'll give the Hi Beams another run.
am thinking about trying Blue Steels again as well.

I actually just tried out Rotosound again for the first time in years. The Billy Sheehan set comes with a .110 and is usually pretty easy to find at stores.

Anyways, I am pretty happy with them so far. But they've only been on for a few days. I always remember Rotos going dead within like 2 weeks, so we'll see. They are kinda rough too, my fingers are a little torn up. I've been using DR's forever, but they are pretty smooth as far as SS strings go.

Have you ever tried lo riders? They are a little stiffer than hi beams, so they may be useful for you.

 

[rockstarbassist]

I actually just tried out Rotosound again for the first time in years. The Billy Sheehan set comes with a .110 and is usually pretty easy to find at stores.

Anyways, I am pretty happy with them so far. But they've only been on for a few days. I always remember Rotos going dead within like 2 weeks, so we'll see. They are kinda rough too, my fingers are a little torn up. I've been using DR's forever, but they are pretty smooth as far as SS strings go.

Have you ever tried lo riders? They are a little stiffer than hi beams, so they may be useful for you.

Those look rad but only avail in a 4 string set.

See I always felt LR's were more "loose" than HB's but that could just be me getting it wrong, haha. I'd try DDT's again but they were way too dark from what I remember last time.

 

[stix_clgi]

I tried to warn you............

Keep in mind, the TW's in humbucking mode are tonally CS's. So if you think the TW's are dark, don't get CS's. You'll be happiest with DC's.

Now for the (possible) bad news: I haven't been to the EMG site recently, but I think due to the push/pulls and extra coil wiring for the TW's you're going to have to switch the volumes and quick connects. Seems last time I looked the configurations were different. I think the DC's, soapbox P's, soapbox J's and CS's were interchangable with the same quick connects. I think the regular P's, J's and TW's are different.
Check the EMG site to be sure.

Lol you did, and I should have listened....

I'll check, but i was under the impression that I would only need to change the quick connect cable, as the DC's have a three prong connector and the TW's have a five prong connector. I hope it's an easy swap, soldering the TonePump to the volume pcb sucked!

Honestly, after hearing the DC's with an Aggie, I was thinking about going that route lol.... The grind is great, but the Aggie rocks!

 

[worshiprocker]

Stix, I don't know if this is what you were looking for but it might help....

I have one Rebop with dual EMG DC's in it. I recently acquired a second with EMG Hz's which I'm replacing. So, I decided to try to help a commonly asked question here and provide sound clips of some different EMG 40 soap bar pickups combinations in the same bass, same strings, same settings, same system.

I currently have here, on in en route: 40 DC's, J's, CS's, P5's and will be working my way through all the 2-pickup combinations of these, and at least solo neck of each.

- Bass is 2003 Rebop with stock Tonepump preamp (bass in my Avatar)
- Strings are brand new Ernie Ball Coated Slinkies which are the strings I'll be keeping on the bass for gigging.
- Tonepump is set relatively flat (recently it has been made known by the designer of the Tonepump that the preamp 'does' cut both bass and treble)
- I specifically tried to play just on the verge of getting clicking from my attack. So it's not super soft playing, and not aggressive playing. It's right around how I normally play. Fingerstyle plucking is right in between the two pickups on my Rebop. (I even provide a tad of lackluster slap sound at the end of each)
- EMG pickup heights are set close to the strings as EMG suggests. (3/16" to 1/4")

(This gets confusing quick as the differences are sometimes subtle... the playing was done primarily for my reference to choose pickups for my second Rebop, and each set of similar setups uses the same general song snippets)


DC neck and DC bridge

DC neck and DC bridge - passive tone

DC neck and P5 bridge

DC neck and J bridge

DC neck only



P5 neck and P5 bridge

P5 neck and J bridge

P5 neck and DC bridge - passive

P5 neck only



CS neck and CS bridge

CS neck and P5 bridge

CS neck and J bridge

CS neck only



J neck and J bridge

J neck and P5 bridge

J neck only



So enjoy trying to determine for yourself which is 'better'. I'll reply in a next post with my thoughts for my needs.

 

[stix_clgi]

maybe you can use a DI or a clean boost and just step on the pedal when you switch to single coil.

the behringer BDI21 or MXR m80 or sansamp bass driver bass DI

The behringer is cheap and works pretty well... the XLR is a bit noisy but the 1/4" out is quiet... its only $30 which is nice.

I used one for a while until i got my MXR M80

That's a good idea, i just don't think I'm going to keep the TW's in there....

 

[Tracebassplayer]

OK, So far this year... these are the people who have PM'ed me for and have been added to the Club Roster...

294. Airskank 01-05-2011
295. johnsonabq 01-18-2012
296. stixi _clg 01-30-2012
297. gyppo 01-30-2012 <-- pending pics of his NS-2J
298. Jaymi 02-03-2012
299. bclark812008 02-03-2012

I want in the Spector club please! I play an all-original 1985 NS-2JA. Original owner. Purchased at the old K&K music on Columbus St. in SF in 1986. Original EMGs. There is a small wear groove from my thumb nail above the bridge pickup and buckle rash on the back from when I foolishly let a friend wearing a jean jacket play with it 20 years ago. But besides that, it is still pretty cherry. S/N 212B, imprinted on the back plate.

Now that thew pics are up.., you're in....


Here is my NS-2J (on the left)