SPECTOR® Club - Part 40

[JPSBassist]

I'm itching to purchase either the Ian Hill or Doug Wimbish Euro Signature but have not had an opportunity to play either. I'm curious as to how the necks compare on the two. I understand that the Ian Hill is 1.64" at the nut and the Wimbish is 1.5" at the nut. Both basses, however, are described by Spector as having a "thin" neck. Is Spector referring to the neck profile/depth? That is, do they both share a shallow soft C shape (compared to the standard Euro) with the only difference being the nut width? Or is Spector referring to the neck width of both basses vs. a standard Euro? I figured the Club would be able to clarify. I'm interested in the overall-smaller neck.

Sorry for any confusion here.

Some vocabulary definitions: When developing Spector's website I came across the same sort of confusing terminology and so I worked with Stuart and PJ to develop the following:

Neck Width: refers to the fingerboard width at the nut. Typical Spector 4-string Neck Width is 1.63-1.65... there are some variations because everything Euro/USA is set by hand. There should be less variation on the Asian import guitars.

Neck Thickness: refers to the front-to-back thickness of the neck. Originally I'd measure the necks in the center of the space between two frets, on the 2nd and 12th fret. Recently I've gone to measuring the entire neck, fret-by-fret.

THE DOUG WIMBISH SIGNATURE MODEL: Doug's original "Honey" bass (as he calls it) is a 1.5" narrow-width (or jazz width) neck which is ALSO thinner front-to-back than the typical Spector.

The Doug Wimbish Signature Model does have a thicker neck (front-to-back) than Doug's original because of the addition of carbon-fiber support rods. Doug's original doesn't have these.

You might notice that in most photos you see of Doug and his "Honey", there's no truss rod cover. That's because the neck on Doug's bass moves. A lot. Doug is fine with that. It's no different than any other vintage jazz bass so he's used to it.

But because the average Spector owner isn't going to want to adjust their truss rod every time they play it, the Doug Wimbish Signature Model has a thicker neck neck with the support rods for this reason.

*You can order a USA NS-2 Doug Wimbish without the support rods, but you'll be highly discouraged not to. Stuart is about stability and playability with his instruments.

THE IAN HILL SIGNATURE BASS: Is actually a slightly thinner than standard Kramer neck. It's thin front-to-back. In all of the measuring I've done of Spectors, time and time again the Kramer necks come up the thinnest front-to-back. This is why the Kramer NS-2 models and NS-2A models are so popular with many bassists.

They have the standard width of 1.63-1.65" at the nut, but because they were made for a lot of hard-rock and metal players (which was Kramer's focus) the necks were designed to be faster.

The Ian Hill model was a way for Spector to offer this popular, thinner neck profile in a classic gloss black (the most popular Kramer finish) finish.
___________________________

If you want to see how your bass compares with a current/typical NS-2 neck I've attached the measurements for The Black Pearl's neck.

 

[JPSBassist]

Jessica Pimentel, besides being articulate, passionate and a very engaging conversationalist, is a real shock to the system when you scratch the surface of her music talent and find a classically trained violinist, a guitarist, a bassist and vocalist... let's just call her a multi-instrumentalist with serious chops because there's also clarinet, piano, drums and more in that list of abilities...

Then add that she can talk on a wide number of music related topics from theory to tech, history to what's currently going on with ability and expertise that is again, a breath of fresh air.

She could easily teach music theory. And her technical chops are way beyond impressive. This is a beautiful woman who can play down-and-dirty metal with the best of them and not need to promote herself by being "cutesy" or "sexy".

Stereotype breaking, trend-setting, professional and genuine, this is a young musician with experience that dates back to her early childhood training when she started on violin at age 2. Yes. You read that right... and her story is just beginning. This is a bassist/vocalist/writer to watch.

Check her out.

And when I get her My Spector Story posted... it will be one to watch.

Link Removed

 

[BrentSimons]

Hey Guys,
I just sold my GK Neo210(Dang Rush Tickets) which honestly I wasn't really impressed with.With that cab gone I just have my old Ampeg B-15T solid state combo. I have the amp head stored in the cab and I'm using my GK 400RBIV. With just a little tweaking it sounds great with my Euro. I thought I liked the tone of the Neo cabs but after this I'm not sure. They are definitely easier to move I'll give them that but for right now I'm pretty happy.
Brent

 

[Basstovsky]

I've tried a few different Neo cabs, by both GK and Genz Benz and while they sounded good all-around, they were missing some of that warmth, that....I dunno...NATURAL sound to them. Maybe I'm a snob but as much as I loved the idea of such lightweight cabinets they never quite FELT right when compared to a cab that didn't use neos. IMO, YMMV, etc.

I'm highly debating using the money I get from selling my Euro to buy two Ampeg SVT210AV cabinets and stacking them like having half an 8x10, since my back would never be able to handle moving a fridge and we are always moving gear up and down tiny stairwells.

 

[iceboxbass]

Here is a cool way to search the classifieds... this was put together by a TBer, but I forget who

Invalid Link Removed

Nice search tool! Thank you Donny!

 

[Jaymi]

Sorry for any confusion here.

Some vocabulary definitions: When developing Spector's website I came across the same sort of confusing terminology and so I worked with Stuart and PJ to develop the following:

Neck Width: refers to the fingerboard width at the nut. Typical Spector 4-string Neck Width is 1.63-1.65... there are some variations because everything Euro/USA is set by hand. There should be less variation on the Asian import guitars.

Neck Thickness: refers to the front-to-back thickness of the neck. Originally I'd measure the necks in the center of the space between two frets, on the 2nd and 12th fret. Recently I've gone to measuring the entire neck, fret-by-fret.

THE DOUG WIMBISH SIGNATURE MODEL: Doug's original "Honey" bass (as he calls it) is a 1.5" narrow-width (or jazz width) neck which is ALSO thinner front-to-back than the typical Spector.

The Doug Wimbish Signature Model does have a thicker neck (front-to-back) than Doug's original because of the addition of carbon-fiber support rods. Doug's original doesn't have these.

You might notice that in most photos you see of Doug and his "Honey", there's no truss rod cover. That's because the neck on Doug's bass moves. A lot. Doug is fine with that. It's no different than any other vintage jazz bass so he's used to it.

But because the average Spector owner isn't going to want to adjust their truss rod every time they play it, the Doug Wimbish Signature Model has a thicker neck neck with the support rods for this reason.

*You can order a USA NS-2 Doug Wimbish without the support rods, but you'll be highly discouraged not to. Stuart is about stability and playability with his instruments.

THE IAN HILL SIGNATURE BASS: Is actually a slightly thinner than standard Kramer neck. It's thin front-to-back. In all of the measuring I've done of Spectors, time and time again the Kramer necks come up the thinnest front-to-back. This is why the Kramer NS-2 models and NS-2A models are so popular with many bassists.

They have the standard width of 1.63-1.65" at the nut, but because they were made for a lot of hard-rock and metal players (which was Kramer's focus) the necks were designed to be faster.

The Ian Hill model was a way for Spector to offer this popular, thinner neck profile in a classic gloss black (the most popular Kramer finish) finish.
___________________________

If you want to see how your bass compares with a current/typical NS-2 neck I've attached the measurements for The Black Pearl's neck.

I have found the Wimbish to be the most comfortable neck to play...small, fast, sleek....sounds like a car ad....LOL....I am surprised more people don't have them. #2 is coming....

 

[iceboxbass]

You don't think 85% of the sound is close enough?? I am more than happy. I have a $5k Woodstock Ns2 that I will be getting in the next couple of months and IT wont sound exactly the same as the Kramers...but they will all sound Great!,.....Be happy with 85%, I know I am.

+1 Jeff! . You're getting quite the nice collection of legendary USA NS-2's! Very nice!

 

[Jaymi]

The Kramers I have tried are varied...the one I currently have is not bad but I still go to the Wimbish first...

 

[iceboxbass]

I have a blue one if you want to see it.....Kramer style LOL

Sure! I never get tired of great Spector porn!

 

[Jaymi]

It will probably be up for sale pretty soon...pics shortly..

 

[iceboxbass]

The 2 Wimbishes (3 including the US ns2) I had had the same thickness front to back as regular Euros. Only difference was at the nut. Actually when I placed my order for the US Wimbish I asked about getting a thinner profile and they said they wouldnt do it. I had to choice between at the nut or the profile....I guess it would be beyond thin at the nut area. It does make sense I guess.

Jeff, I didn't know you ordered the USA Wimbish! That should be a very awesome bass! I have not heard of anyone here owning one yet. I have thought that if I was to buy a Wimbish it'd be the USA model. I'll be very interested in how it'll compare to the Euro model and USA NS-2's.

 

[jarrod cunningham]

Newbie to the world of Spector.....I need a bridge and tuners for a 4 string project...any sources.

Hey , the Spector online store has all the bridges . Tuners can be found on eBay or here from time to time .

 

[iceboxbass]

Getting ready to head to the state capital of Richmond and see Jamie's band "Layne's Chains" dominate a show at The National. I'll try to post of few pics tonight.

See ya in a few Jamie. Hope 95's not a parking lot....white NS 2A packed and ready.

That'll be an awesome time! Anyway that you could take a video so we can hear Jamie?

 

[smadder]

Does anyone here have extra EMG BQC knobs laying around they want to sell?

Do you mean just the EMG knobs or the circuit or preamp system itself?

 

[bassgiant15]

Show us some pics !!!

Will do!
Right after work....er!!!!!!!!

 

[iceboxbass]

Hey Guys,
I just sold my GK Neo210(Dang Rush Tickets) which honestly I wasn't really impressed with.With that cab gone I just have my old Ampeg B-15T solid state combo. I have the amp head stored in the cab and I'm using my GK 400RBIV. With just a little tweaking it sounds great with my Euro. I thought I liked the tone of the Neo cabs but after this I'm not sure. They are definitely easier to move I'll give them that but for right now I'm pretty happy.
Brent

I have that same rig! Love it and will not sell it! I've played med-large up to 500 ppl. with that rig. Such a versatile rig! It's my practice rig for home also. Weighs only 73#...not bad to move.

 

[iceboxbass]

I've tried a few different Neo cabs, by both GK and Genz Benz and while they sounded good all-around, they were missing some of that warmth, that....I dunno...NATURAL sound to them. Maybe I'm a snob but as much as I loved the idea of such lightweight cabinets they never quite FELT right when compared to a cab that didn't use neos. IMO, YMMV, etc.

I'm highly debating using the money I get from selling my Euro to buy two Ampeg SVT210AV cabinets and stacking them like having half an 8x10, since my back would never be able to handle moving a fridge and we are always moving gear up and down tiny stairwells.

I've been contemplating the very same thing...plus it gives you options of not taking a 410/810 to small gigs.

 

[iceboxbass]

The Kramers I have tried are varied...the one I currently have is not bad but I still go to the Wimbish first...

Your Wimbish is a Euro right?

 

[JPSBassist]

Jeff, I didn't know you ordered the USA Wimbish! That should be a very awesome bass! I have not heard of anyone here owning one yet. I have thought that if I was to buy a Wimbish it'd be the USA model. I'll be very interested in how it'll compare to the Euro model and USA NS-2's.

My USA Wimbish NS-2 is about 1/2 way through the construction process. Several people have ordered USA Wimbish models lately.

So I suppose Stuart's made the decision that he won't build them without the carbon-fiber rods now. It's been a while since I've seen one. So that makes sense.

My NS-2-DW will have the J/J pups installed instead of P/J, and it'll have the USA 9v circuit.

 

[Gabriel51]

My USA Wimbish NS-2 is about 1/2 way through the construction process. Several people have ordered USA Wimbish models lately.

So I suppose Stuart's made the decision that he won't build them without the carbon-fiber rods now. It's been a while since I've seen one. So that makes sense.

My NS-2-DW will have the J/J pups installed instead of P/J, and it'll have the USA 9v circuit.

That reinforcement is worthwhile.