SPECTOR® Club - Part 37

[5string_phunk]

Wow!!! That Coda headstock in the pic of the new Spector artist Derrick Ray looks ridiculously awesome!

At first I didn't really like the logo on the Coda, but now I am REALLY diggin' it!!

 

[iceboxbass]

I'd been talking to PJ about a white rebop with MM and J, but wow, this is just AWESOME!!! Love the maple fretboard!

IMO, the maple fretboard really sets the ReBop off. Almost rather have that on my Coda rather than BEM. The maple neck looks classic, aged.

 

[iceboxbass]

I love the yellowish of the maple board, vs. the white on BEM. It just goes better with the black hardware and matte blue.

+1...that's what I was trying to say! Thank you!

 

[iceboxbass]

GangstaBean,
I think this is your bass being played by Graham Maby on the Letterman show.

Lima, how'd you come up with this??? Lol Amazing.

 

[iceboxbass]

That's how my Performer was, it's never needed to be adjusted. The Rex, on the other hand, was bought used from a Guitar Center in California, and the Southern California climate is pretty different from the Colorado climate, so it needed some set-up. This is the only bass I've ever really done my own set-up on, so I've been trying to learn as I go. I'm not really sure how low is considered "low" though, so I don't know if I can get it lower without buzz or if I should just keep working on finger strength for tapping. Here's a picture of my action for reference:

Wow...that looks high compared to my Forte 5.

 

[iceboxbass]

That's how my Performer was, it's never needed to be adjusted. The Rex, on the other hand, was bought used from a Guitar Center in California, and the Southern California climate is pretty different from the Colorado climate, so it needed some set-up. This is the only bass I've ever really done my own set-up on, so I've been trying to learn as I go. I'm not really sure how low is considered "low" though, so I don't know if I can get it lower without buzz or if I should just keep working on finger strength for tapping. Here's a picture of my action for reference:

Here's a picture of my Forte 5 in comparison.

 

[bunkaroo]

Wow...that looks high compared to my Forte 5.

Agreed. I used to be lousy at setups but I've gotten pretty comfortable with them. Basically getting the steps in order has helped.

First thing is set where the neck bow is at. I finally got myself a feeler gauge for this instead of looking for business cards all the time LOL.

After that I just make sure I have the right radius set for the string height and adjust uniformly from there. I believe the Spector site has numbers for the suggested string height off of the 12th fret. Once I have the string height where it feels good I set the intonation.

Some of you may remember showing pics of my way too high nut on my new Euro 435. I was able to get that bass feeling really good using the steps above after I filed the nut down.

 

[bunkaroo]

Here's a picture of my Forte 5 in comparison.

That's-a nice.

That might be almost too low for me as I tend to pick a little harder.

 

[Nate Plays Bass]

Lima, how'd you come up with this??? Lol Amazing.

Ha! That's exactly what I was thinking!!

 

[5string_phunk]

Icebox, That setup is PERFECT!!!! I love extremely low action!

 

[iceboxbass]

Agreed. I used to be lousy at setups but I've gotten pretty comfortable with them. Basically getting the steps in order has helped.

First thing is set where the neck bow is at. I finally got myself a feeler gauge for this instead of looking for business cards all the time LOL.

After that I just make sure I have the right radius set for the string height and adjust uniformly from there. I believe the Spector site has numbers for the suggested string height off of the 12th fret. Once I have the string height where it feels good I set the intonation.

Some of you may remember showing pics of my way too high nut on my new Euro 435. I was able to get that bass feeling really good using the steps above after I filed the nut down.

I start out by using a 2ft. straight edge laying across the top of the frets to have a positive reference which way and how much the neck is bowing. Once the neck is adjusted then I make the bridge saddle heights adjustment for string heights. Then intonation.

That's-a nice.

That might be almost too low for me as I tend to pick a little harder.

Thank you! I finger play and I've learn to play with a lighter touch. Amazingly though...when I do get a bit carried away and start digging harder on the strings, still comes out great. Except the soundboard tech usually has to turn me down...sometimes completely. Lol He says the
Forte 5 still comes thru plenty with just the Ampeg BA-112 on stage.

 

[iceboxbass]

Icebox, That setup is PERFECT!!!! I love extremely low action!

Thanks man! Me too. It gives me faster fretboard action for sure.

 

[5string_phunk]

btw, Happy belated Birthday Icebox! Hope is was a good one!

 

[smadder]

Hey guys - Steve here.

I need your help and to see what you guys think:

Someone finally emailed me about the MTD. They're offering $3000 plus covering shipping (about $125 - hard case so it's a heavy b&^ch). It's lowball by a few hundred, but really - in this used market is anyone going to come up with $3400? If they come through and I take it, I could also return the Forte 5 to GC and get my $1499 back from them, and just keep the incoming no-drip Alex Webster as my 5 string. This way, I have can save a ton of money, get a lot of money back, and still come out with a great 5 string Spector to go along with the JAR and the incoming white Wimbish/1.5" LX (whatever the hell it turns out to be).

I know I will NEVER get a Forte 5 for $1499 new ever again (or the chances are at least quite slim), but if I am honest, the bass is a bit heavy for me (that is the ONLY downside to this instrument as icebox will attest) and though it sounds heavenly, I may be able to emulate a lot of that tone in the Webster (same pickups, even better preamp) which will be a bit lighter on the shoulder. Plus the Webster is free/I worked for it so there is no expenditure there.

So it will leave me with the Amazon LX4 and 5 to sell, but I will be able to get a bunch of money back on the MTD and Forte 5 that I need for bills. And in the end, I'll still have my line up of two different Spector 4s and a great Spector 5 to enjoy, which was the goal at the beginning anyway.

Advice, opinions and ideas from my Spector family are welcome and needed, so please... what do you guys think?

BTW as a total aside: - the JAR with EMG X series J's and the smadder set up is just about as close to heaven as a modern jazz bass can get (IMO). Still sounds Spectory, but definitely has it's own thing too. Couldn't be happier and it's a very unique instrument to own.

 

[5string_phunk]

I could also return the Forte 5 to GC and get my $1499 back from them

What is the weight on your Forte 5??

 

[brotherbassj]

Hey guys - Steve here.

I need your help and to see what you guys think:

Someone finally emailed me about the MTD. They're offering $3000 plus covering shipping (about $125 - hard case so it's a heavy b&^ch). It's lowball by a few hundred, but really - in this used market is anyone going to come up with $3400? If they come through and I take it, I could also return the Forte 5 to GC and get my $1499 back from them, and just keep the incoming no-drip Alex Webster as my 5 string. This way, I have can save a ton of money, get a lot of money back, and still come out with a great 5 string Spector to go along with the JAR and the incoming white Wimbish/1.5" LX (whatever the hell it turns out to be).

I know I will NEVER get a Forte 5 for $1499 new ever again (or the chances are at least quite slim), but if I am honest, the bass is a bit heavy for me (that is the ONLY downside to this instrument as icebox will attest) and though it sounds heavenly, I may be able to emulate a lot of that tone in the Webster (same pickups, even better preamp) which will be a bit lighter on the shoulder. Plus the Webster is free/I worked for it so there is no expenditure there.

So it will leave me with the Amazon LX4 and 5 to sell, but I will be able to get a bunch of money back on the MTD and Forte 5 that I need for bills. And in the end, I'll still have my line up of two different Spector 4s and a great Spector 5 to enjoy, which was the goal at the beginning anyway.

Advice, opinions and ideas from my Spector family are welcome and needed, so please... what do you guys think?

BTW as a total aside: - the JAR with EMG X series J's and the smadder set up is just about as close to heaven as a modern jazz bass can get (IMO). Still sounds Spectory, but definitely has it's own thing too. Couldn't be happier and it's a very unique instrument to own.

I think based on bills, the economy and the fact that you will still have a few spectors left to sell to generate funds, your plan is very solid. I am dealing with the same issues trying to sell my custom shop Warwick that will cost almost 5k to have built today and have been offered 1300 for it. I have run into the brick wall of what people are willing to spend themselves. Steve as you know I have been trying to get a Spector for months now......I say sell the mtd....go with the above plan and never look back. You will still have some really awesome Spectors!

 

[worshiprocker]

Hey guys - Steve here.

I need your help and to see what you guys think:

Someone finally emailed me about the MTD. They're offering $3000 plus covering shipping (about $125 - hard case so it's a heavy b&^ch). It's lowball by a few hundred, but really - in this used market is anyone going to come up with $3400? If they come through and I take it, I could also return the Forte 5 to GC and get my $1499 back from them, and just keep the incoming no-drip Alex Webster as my 5 string. This way, I have can save a ton of money, get a lot of money back, and still come out with a great 5 string Spector to go along with the JAR and the incoming white Wimbish/1.5" LX (whatever the hell it turns out to be).

I know I will NEVER get a Forte 5 for $1499 new ever again (or the chances are at least quite slim), but if I am honest, the bass is a bit heavy for me (that is the ONLY downside to this instrument as icebox will attest) and though it sounds heavenly, I may be able to emulate a lot of that tone in the Webster (same pickups, even better preamp) which will be a bit lighter on the shoulder. Plus the Webster is free/I worked for it so there is no expenditure there.

So it will leave me with the Amazon LX4 and 5 to sell, but I will be able to get a bunch of money back on the MTD and Forte 5 that I need for bills. And in the end, I'll still have my line up of two different Spector 4s and a great Spector 5 to enjoy, which was the goal at the beginning anyway.

Advice, opinions and ideas from my Spector family are welcome and needed, so please... what do you guys think?

BTW as a total aside: - the JAR with EMG X series J's and the smadder set up is just about as close to heaven as a modern jazz bass can get (IMO). Still sounds Spectory, but definitely has it's own thing too. Couldn't be happier and it's a very unique instrument to own.

In all honesty that sounds like a great plan... pay off those bills. The AW bass is killer and comes from the factory basically how you set up all your basses. It should be a tad lighter than the forte, although I'm not sure about that. You have some great basses and they will keep you happy and you can pay off/down your bills. Sounds like a win/win

 

[cableguy]

Hey guys - Steve here.

I need your help and to see what you guys think:

Someone finally emailed me about the MTD. They're offering $3000 plus covering shipping (about $125 - hard case so it's a heavy b&^ch). It's lowball by a few hundred, but really - in this used market is anyone going to come up with $3400? If they come through and I take it, I could also return the Forte 5 to GC and get my $1499 back from them, and just keep the incoming no-drip Alex Webster as my 5 string. This way, I have can save a ton of money, get a lot of money back, and still come out with a great 5 string Spector to go along with the JAR and the incoming white Wimbish/1.5" LX (whatever the hell it turns out to be).

I know I will NEVER get a Forte 5 for $1499 new ever again (or the chances are at least quite slim), but if I am honest, the bass is a bit heavy for me (that is the ONLY downside to this instrument as icebox will attest) and though it sounds heavenly, I may be able to emulate a lot of that tone in the Webster (same pickups, even better preamp) which will be a bit lighter on the shoulder. Plus the Webster is free/I worked for it so there is no expenditure there.

So it will leave me with the Amazon LX4 and 5 to sell, but I will be able to get a bunch of money back on the MTD and Forte 5 that I need for bills. And in the end, I'll still have my line up of two different Spector 4s and a great Spector 5 to enjoy, which was the goal at the beginning anyway.

Advice, opinions and ideas from my Spector family are welcome and needed, so please... what do you guys think?

BTW as a total aside: - the JAR with EMG X series J's and the smadder set up is just about as close to heaven as a modern jazz bass can get (IMO). Still sounds Spectory, but definitely has it's own thing too. Couldn't be happier and it's a very unique instrument to own.

Sounds like a win-win however you slice it. All of these basses are out of my income and talent level, so take what I say with a grain of salt. It doesn't sound like you're playing the MTD so losing a few hundred on it to move it probably isn't too bad. And if the Forte's to heavy then take it back. Ypu'll get to pay some bills and still have 3 kick-ass basses.

 

[evanatch]

Here's a picture of my Forte 5 in comparison.

Wow, that's crazy low. It looks like you have flats on there, I would think it be impossible to get that low with rounds - Although it is a USA Spector, so I don't know. I played a Warrior at a Guitar center in California recently that was set up like that; crazy low action with flats. It played amazing and sounded great too, and made me consider putting some Chromes on the Rex. I just don't know if they would sound clear or bright enough for slapping/tapping/solo stuff I like doing.

Thanks for the set-up tips as well, I think I may need to tighten the truss rod a little bit, I'm just worried that it will buzz at the low frets if I tighten it.

 

[Gabriel51]

Hey guys - Steve here.

I need your help and to see what you guys think:

Someone finally emailed me about the MTD. They're offering $3000 plus covering shipping (about $125 - hard case so it's a heavy b&^ch). It's lowball by a few hundred, but really - in this used market is anyone going to come up with $3400? If they come through and I take it, I could also return the Forte 5 to GC and get my $1499 back from them, and just keep the incoming no-drip Alex Webster as my 5 string. This way, I have can save a ton of money, get a lot of money back, and still come out with a great 5 string Spector to go along with the JAR and the incoming white Wimbish/1.5" LX (whatever the hell it turns out to be).

I know I will NEVER get a Forte 5 for $1499 new ever again (or the chances are at least quite slim), but if I am honest, the bass is a bit heavy for me (that is the ONLY downside to this instrument as icebox will attest) and though it sounds heavenly, I may be able to emulate a lot of that tone in the Webster (same pickups, even better preamp) which will be a bit lighter on the shoulder. Plus the Webster is free/I worked for it so there is no expenditure there.

So it will leave me with the Amazon LX4 and 5 to sell, but I will be able to get a bunch of money back on the MTD and Forte 5 that I need for bills. And in the end, I'll still have my line up of two different Spector 4s and a great Spector 5 to enjoy, which was the goal at the beginning anyway.

Advice, opinions and ideas from my Spector family are welcome and needed, so please... what do you guys think?

BTW as a total aside: - the JAR with EMG X series J's and the smadder set up is just about as close to heaven as a modern jazz bass can get (IMO). Still sounds Spectory, but definitely has it's own thing too. Couldn't be happier and it's a very unique instrument to own.

Wow! where are you shipping that to?
The most expensive bass I ever shipped (this year) was 38 Lbs, 1500 miles and cost 42.00, I used a U-haul box I bought new and re-did for 5 bucks.
And here is a picture, thing was so heavy I made a handle for it. (there is glue under the handle and this is why the weights are there until it dries)