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SPECTOR® Club - Part 37

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#321
I installed a "Blend" control, so now it's one volume and a pup blend and of course the stock tone controls.
I just replaced one volume with a blend pot, it looks exactly the same on the front as before.
Only issue was the odd sized shaft which was about 1.5 mm larger than the available shafts, I machined (by hand) a brass bushing that presses (by hand) on the replacement pot shaft for an exact fit in the bass body, no big deal.
The entire effort took about 1.5 hours, it works great and all basses should come this way.
So if you are ever inclined to replace one of the volume pots with a pan/blend snag these pictures for reference.
First picture is blend and the second with stock.
Probably should have shortened that white wire a little?

DSCN0727.gif

DSCN0724.gif
 
#322
My 88 NS-2A has the HAZ but the bass pot has been replaced and the treble pot seems to be working kinda funky too. I would like to keep the HAZ and exchange the Spector Pups for some EMG PJX's. Does this seem doable and where might I get to OEM replacement pots for a 1988 MIK HAZ pre?
 
#323
XBASSX said:
That's a fantastic job. It looks so much better than before.
Click to expand...

cableguy said:
That looks awesome Gansta. What grit sandaper did you use? That has me thinking about doing it to my Legend 5. I really like to satin as opposed to the gloss.
Click to expand...

Thanks! I used 1200 grit wet sand and just roughed up the surface(if you put water on it, it looks gloss again). And then I sprayed it and sanded it again a few times, but not as much sanding. It honestly turned out better than expected. ;)
 
#324
Hey army,

I have been using the PJ-Xs in all of the 4s I've been selling and the one I'm going to keep for myself. I have only been using them with EMG pres though, so I'm not sure about hooking them to the Haz.

I can tell you that when I called EMG tech support, they told me that X series pickups don't need 18volts, and they actually recommend NOT using 18volts unless the preamp manufacturer specifically requires it., The preamp built into the X series is so powerful and broad ranged in terms of frequency that 18v is too much and can adversely affect the tone. They said that their goal in creating the X series was to make an EMG that added some of the qualities of passive pickups to regular EMGs and so they completely redesigned the preamp in the pickups. That's why they run hotter and also sound bigger.

They also gave me specs on what you need on the preamp end if you're going to use them with non-EMG electronics, but I can't find where I wrote it down.

The number for EMG support is 707.525.9941. They're on PST. I've contacted them several times for help and they've been really great on the phone, but incredibly slow over email. After you get requirements from them, you may need to call Spector and find out what the specs are on the Haz you've got and see if everything will coexist. I know regular EMGs will work perfectly, but you'll want to give everyone a call tomorrow about the X series, but call EMG first so you now what to ask Spector for.

They are really great pickups - they retain the sound of EMGs but are a little more like passives in that they have more of everything - just a broader frequency response and everything sounds little more natural... it's almost like you can hear the wood a bit more. In a Spector, especially an NS-2A with all that maple, that's a good thing. I put them in the NS-2A I reconditioned and they were amazing. I've put them in the Euro LXs I've sold and the people have really liked them. Now they pretty much go in everything!

But please give them a call, and don't forget the tips I gave you about contacting Max at Best Bass Gear in the PM I sent you last week. He's a great help.

If there's anything else I can do to help, please let me know.

armybass said:
My 88 NS-2A has the HAZ but the bass pot has been replaced and the treble pot seems to be working kinda funky too. I would like to keep the HAZ and exchange the Spector Pups for some EMG PJX's. Does this seem doable and where might I get to OEM replacement pots for a 1988 MIK HAZ pre?
Click to expand...
 
#325
GangstaBean said:
Thanks! I used 1200 grit wet sand and just roughed up the surface(if you put water on it, it looks gloss again). And then I sprayed it and sanded it again a few times, but not as much sanding. It honestly turned out better than expected. ;)
Click to expand...

I'm a gloss finish guy, but I have to say that your satin finish really did turn out nicely.
There's something about a satin black-stain finish that just looks mean.
:bassist:
 
#326
armybass said:
My 88 NS-2A has the HAZ but the bass pot has been replaced and the treble pot seems to be working kinda funky too. I would like to keep the HAZ and exchange the Spector Pups for some EMG PJX's. Does this seem doable and where might I get to OEM replacement pots for a 1988 MIK HAZ pre?
Click to expand...
On the pickups, many here have paired active emgs wither the has copy and love the result. Sam has some great pictures that can help. It's pretty easy if you are half eat decent with an iron.

On the pots... I'm no help. Grendle is pretty knowledgable about such things
 
#328
Anyone know if it is possible to install a blend pot in the korean haz-copy? I do a lot of soldering so thats no issue for me.

The one I put in my NS20004 has a blend pot but it is a WEIRD haz-copy, as the knob order is rather unusual. :confused:
Looking at the bass sitting upright on a stand, the knobs form a diamond shape, the bottom knob is treble, the right side knob is bass, the top knob is blend and the left knob is master volume.

As far as I know, typically the right side knob is treble and the bottom is bass, the top knob is neck pickup volume, and left knob is bridge pickup volume, like on my Euro.
 
#329
superdick2112 said:
I'm a gloss finish guy, but I have to say that your satin finish really did turn out nicely.
There's something about a satin black-stain finish that just looks mean.
:bassist:
Click to expand...
Yeah! I forgot to mention, there's actually some brown that I noticed in the control cavity and throughout the bass, so it's actually more a a deep purplish-black. But it looks black/grey in artificial light.
worshiprocker said:
Ya I liked the gloss better, but you did a great job and it looks cool. Have you noticed any difference in tone.
Click to expand...

It's hard to say because I adjusted the treble on the BT Circuit (2.1K Hz) and switched to elixir's (which are sweet by the way), but if anything, the treble is less harsh (more attack) and it's more smooth sounding, maybe a little less punch, but not in a bad way, it still has better attack, but it's probably from the treble change. I actually boost the treble now (which I never did) to about 1/8-1/6 of a turn and boost the bass 1/4.
 
#330
worshiprocker said:
On the pickups, many here have paired active emgs wither the has copy and love the result. Sam has some great pictures that can help. It's pretty easy if you are half eat decent with an iron.

On the pots... I'm no help. Grendle is pretty knowledgable about such things
Click to expand...


Thanks...that is what I was wanting to know. I like what I am getting out of the pre but want to see if the EMG's will improve it as much as folks say.
 
#331
Has anybody here installed a battery box on their non-battery box Spector?

I just can't stand an active bass that requires a screwdriver and removal of the control cavity cover to change the battery. I'm always on the lookout for a 4 string Spector to go with my USA NS-5, and my budget loves ReBop's and Euro's but every time I start to get serious I remember that lack of a battery box.

Routing the body is out of the question for me, so...what about just installing the box in the cavity cover? Anybody done that? It would probably have to be one of the 'flat' ones like Lakland uses, I'm sure because of the depth.
 
#332
mmbongo said:
Has anybody here installed a battery box on their non-battery box Spector?

I just can't stand an active bass that requires a screwdriver and removal of the control cavity cover to change the battery. I'm always on the lookout for a 4 string Spector to go with my USA NS-5, and my budget loves ReBop's and Euro's but every time I start to get serious I remember that lack of a battery box.

Routing the body is out of the question for me, so...what about just installing the box in the cavity cover? Anybody done that? It would probably have to be one of the 'flat' ones like Lakland uses, I'm sure because of the depth.
Click to expand...

Yes I have done it on two ns2a's and a legend custom . The flat kind if positioned correctly will work perfectly .
 
#333
smadder said:
Hey army,

I have been using the PJ-Xs in all of the 4s I've been selling and the one I'm going to keep for myself. I have only been using them with EMG pres though, so I'm not sure about hooking them to the Haz.

I can tell you that when I called EMG tech support, they told me that X series pickups don't need 18volts, and they actually recommend NOT using 18volts unless the preamp manufacturer specifically requires it., The preamp built into the X series is so powerful and broad ranged in terms of frequency that 18v is too much and can adversely affect the tone. They said that their goal in creating the X series was to make an EMG that added some of the qualities of passive pickups to regular EMGs and so they completely redesigned the preamp in the pickups. That's why they run hotter and also sound bigger.

They also gave me specs on what you need on the preamp end if you're going to use them with non-EMG electronics, but I can't find where I wrote it down.

The number for EMG support is 707.525.9941. They're on PST. I've contacted them several times for help and they've been really great on the phone, but incredibly slow over email. After you get requirements from them, you may need to call Spector and find out what the specs are on the Haz you've got and see if everything will coexist. I know regular EMGs will work perfectly, but you'll want to give everyone a call tomorrow about the X series, but call EMG first so you now what to ask Spector for.

They are really great pickups - they retain the sound of EMGs but are a little more like passives in that they have more of everything - just a broader frequency response and everything sounds little more natural... it's almost like you can hear the wood a bit more. In a Spector, especially an NS-2A with all that maple, that's a good thing. I put them in the NS-2A I reconditioned and they were amazing. I've put them in the Euro LXs I've sold and the people have really liked them. Now they pretty much go in everything!

But please give them a call, and don't forget the tips I gave you about contacting Max at Best Bass Gear in the PM I sent you last week. He's a great help.

If there's anything else I can do to help, please let me know.
Click to expand...

Thanks Steve! If the regular EMG's would work better with the HAZ. I want to retain the original pre if I can.
 
#334
mmbongo said:
Has anybody here installed a battery box on their non-battery box Spector?

I just can't stand an active bass that requires a screwdriver and removal of the control cavity cover to change the battery. I'm always on the lookout for a 4 string Spector to go with my USA NS-5, and my budget loves ReBop's and Euro's but every time I start to get serious I remember that lack of a battery box.

Routing the body is out of the question for me, so...what about just installing the box in the cavity cover? Anybody done that? It would probably have to be one of the 'flat' ones like Lakland uses, I'm sure because of the depth.
Click to expand...
Ya that's the only thing I don't like about my basses
jarrod cunningham said:
Yes I have done it on two ns2a's and a legend custom . The flat kind if positioned correctly will work perfectly .
Click to expand...

Pics?
 
#338
Cool battery cover - I only change mine every 6 months, but it sure would make things easier, especially with 7 active basses.
I like the battery cover on my Stingray - no tools, no internal clip, and the whole housing pops out at a 45 degree angle.
Literally a 10-second battery swap out with that one. It may even be the same model shown on your bass.
 
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