SPECTOR® Club - Part 45

[worshiprocker]

I've got my flame suit on. Although, I'm not trying to start anything, I'm just trying to gain understanding.

I'm seeing a lot of Kramer hype in the thread over the past bit. Seems that Kramer's are THE Spector to obtain right now. It's kind of weird for me and that's why I'm asking you guys. Why are the Kramers such a big deal? This is the part of Spector's history that is much like that of Leo Fender's (the CBS buyout) and Mike Tobias (The Gibson buyout). The Kramer's are basses that aren't made by Stuart, correct? So, why are the Kramer era's so highly coveted when other small builders (I know, Leo wasn't small) were bought out by a large Corporation (and still made in America) and shunned. You just about can't give away a Gibson era Tobias, even though Mike did stay on with the company for a while. But his current MTD's and his Pre-Gibson Tobias' fetch major money.

It always seems that the magic leaves when a small builder sells to a large guitar company but for some reason Kramer was able to maintain the magic?

So again, not trying to get flamed, just trying to gain some understanding into the Kramer era Spectors.

I think Stuart was still building them even for Kramer... could be wrong on that..... I know the Kramer Era US 9v has A LOT to do with it and the aged wood and slimmer necks suit a lot of people's taste here. that's my theory anyways, nothing like vintage wood, that I can vouch for.

I'm happy with my non kramer era basses

 

[madbassplaya]

DOH! Now youve gone and done it!

This should get us to part 50 in no time!

Again, really not trying to start anything. Just thought it'd be a fun discussion and fun to find out more about why people dig the Kramer era Spector's so much.

Also, Thundar, don't you have like 29 Spectors? Isn't it time for a family photo in the new thread. You slackin dawg!

 

[Thundar]

Long live the NS2C!
Thats all I got for now

 

[JeffplaysBass]

I've got my flame suit on. Although, I'm not trying to start anything, I'm just trying to gain understanding.

I'm seeing a lot of Kramer hype in the thread over the past bit. Seems that Kramer's are THE Spector to obtain right now. It's kind of weird for me and that's why I'm asking you guys. Why are the Kramers such a big deal? This is the part of Spector's history that is much like that of Leo Fender's (the CBS buyout) and Mike Tobias (The Gibson buyout). The Kramer's are basses that aren't made by Stuart, correct? So, why are the Kramer era's so highly coveted when other small builders (I know, Leo wasn't small) were bought out by a large Corporation (and still made in America) and shunned. You just about can't give away a Gibson era Tobias, even though Mike did stay on with the company for a while. But his current MTD's and his Pre-Gibson Tobias' fetch major money.

It always seems that the magic leaves when a small builder sells to a large guitar company but for some reason Kramer was able to maintain the magic?

So again, not trying to get flamed, just trying to gain some understanding into the Kramer era Spectors.

Hands down their the Best!!!

 

[iceboxbass]

Actually this is my first use of the Elixers nanos. I had a set of Cobalts on and hated them. Everybody raved about the Cobalts so I tried them (and really tried to like them) on my new Euro 4LX. The finger and fret noise was way to pronounced on the top end and kinda muddy in the bottom with way too much mid focus for me. I just assumed it was the non-trim tone pump and was set to purchase a hazlab upgrade when a buddy threw an extra set of elixers my way (he converted to 5 string basses and had a 4 string set of Elixers left over). I put them on and adjusted my pup height and OMG. I don't think I need a hazlab or even a trimpot tonepump, it just sounds perfect now. These are rounds but they're quiet and relatively smooth and exceptionally fast rounds. Not too expensive and worth a try if you want too speed up your fretwork.

As for flats, I haven't tried the GHS, but I've always been a LaBella DTF fan. If you've tried those, I'd be interested to hear how they compare to the GHS nickels. I'll be looking for a new string set for my Rex5 and thought I'd experiment a bit. GHS Precision Flats, Low Beams and La Bella tape wounds are all on the short list (yep, nothing in common, just experimenting to see what happens).

I haven't tried LBs...almost ordered them but ordered the RSs instead. RS were cheaper at the time. I'm considering going back to GHS Precision SS FW. there's just something about the silky smoothness, tones, stay In tune Forever and last for a very long time. I've sold the bass before having to replace the strings. I had a set on for 3 years when selling the bass.

 

[chrisloe]

Nice bass Chris! Congrats!

NIIIIIIIICE Chris!
Man, I need to go get mine!!

Congratulations on a beautiful bass Chris!

Great looking bass, congrats!

I just buy the xtra heavy dunlop steel set...

Congrats Chris!! looks great!

On the note of enjoying what you have.... I am very happy with my 2 basses. i don't even have SAS right now. I would always add another Spector if I could afford it, but no need to in reality

I keep telling myself that too. I'm holding out for that, ahem, club bass.

That's is a beaut you have there Chris! I never cease to be amazed by the masterful creations concocted by Stuart et al.

Congrats on the new bass Chris.

Sweet basses! I am always a sucker for buckeye burl.

It's gorgeous, Chris! I'm so excited for you. Talk about a real closet classic!

Whoa!!! that NS-2 is so clean and really hardly looks played! Congratulations Chris!

WOW, that is super sweet. Nice!!! Good for you, Chris!

Chris! Congrats, bro! You now understand what I felt like when I first put hand on my Kramer NS-2 I got from Todd Great feel multiplied by great tone and awesome look. Yours is cleaner than mine(not complaining, I absolutely love my 1986 rock machine), this is true "mint" condition. I didn't realize that you were speaking about Kramer era NS-2 coming soon to you, I thought it'd be Woodstock. So, what a nice surprise!!! My congrats with the bass that has "that very sound"

Chris - nice!!

I can't think of a cooler guy, nor anyone more deserving of such a killer bass.

Congrats!!

Beautiful!!!

Beautiful! I've been wanting to pick up one of those for a while. Unfortunately, it'll be a while before I can justify any more spectors... Looks like yours is really clean. Enjoy her in good health!

Same to Chris with that gorgeous Kramer!

Thanks everybody, enjoying putting it through it's paces today. I cleaned it up, put my rotosounds, conditioned the fretboard, she is looking pretty good. It's probably ridiculous I bought it, I might have to sell it when the transplant gets closer, but I am going to play it and enjoy it until then....

Nice Chris. Now that you've played an NS 2 how does it compare to your old NS 4?

It's about what I expected. really awesome, and not as clean as the NS-4, and my fingers are more comfortable on the PJ pickups and I like the dirtier sound better for my taste. Maybe the NS-4 was just to "Polite" for me compaired to the NS-2, but I really dig them both. Like I said, if I could, I would have both.

I've got my flame suit on. Although, I'm not trying to start anything, I'm just trying to gain understanding.

I'm seeing a lot of Kramer hype in the thread over the past bit. Seems that Kramer's are THE Spector to obtain right now. It's kind of weird for me and that's why I'm asking you guys. Why are the Kramers such a big deal? This is the part of Spector's history that is much like that of Leo Fender's (the CBS buyout) and Mike Tobias (The Gibson buyout). The Kramer's are basses that aren't made by Stuart, correct? So, why are the Kramer era's so highly coveted when other small builders (I know, Leo wasn't small) were bought out by a large Corporation (and still made in America) and shunned. You just about can't give away a Gibson era Tobias, even though Mike did stay on with the company for a while. But his current MTD's and his Pre-Gibson Tobias' fetch major money.

It always seems that the magic leaves when a small builder sells to a large guitar company but for some reason Kramer was able to maintain the magic?

So again, not trying to get flamed, just trying to gain some understanding into the Kramer era Spectors.

For me I listened to so much music where the bass player had a Kramer Spector that I always wanted one, plain and simple. I had no idea about Stuart back then, all I know is I wanted one of those awesome Kramer Spectors some of my favorite bass players were playing.

Having said that, I love this new NS-2 so far, but I will say I am expecting my Woodstock NS-2 to be even better.

 

[iceboxbass]

Eveyone sure is picking up some nice Spectors, and rolling thru the pages.

I am a pretty hard plunker so I sink the pickup in the wood as far as I can.

Getting ready to record some for a friend so should have some recordings of my NS-2 up soon.

Awesome! Can't wait!

 

[iceboxbass]

Still might be worth experimenting with height. You can change the tone quite a bit. Worst case, you hit the pickup covers. They don't make that popping noises like when you hit the pickup on a jazz. My old NS-2 had string marks on the pickups YMMV

Yeah, when I received my former Kramer NS-2A the pups looked like someone was carving on them with a knife! They were the Spector brand pups and you could hardly read the name. Lol

 

[Zitch]

Showing some more love for my Euro Wimbish, Cant get enough of it, plays and sounds so good! I know why everyone here is crazy about Spector now! Best of all, GAS is gone!!

GAS maybe, but now the SAS starts! and its way worse!

 

[iceboxbass]

I bought this last week and it arrived yesterday. Clean up, new strings, tweak the rod and cut the nut because it had never been cut?
It sounds real good, I made it through about three songs and my practice amp committed Seppuku, it's still under warranty.

Whoa! That looks shiny new! Congrats!

 

[Fat240]

Here's a pretty cool 8 for sale. http://www.ebay.com/itm/KRAMER-ERA-...S-/320990134891?pt=Guitar&hash=item4abc80c26b

 

[iceboxbass]

Showing some more love for my Euro Wimbish, Cant get enough of it, plays and sounds so good! I know why everyone here is crazy about Spector now! Best of all, GAS is gone!!

Another beauty! Congrats! This has been one big day for beautiful new Spectors!

 

[iceboxbass]

I've got my flame suit on. Although, I'm not trying to start anything, I'm just trying to gain understanding.

I'm seeing a lot of Kramer hype in the thread over the past bit. Seems that Kramer's are THE Spector to obtain right now. It's kind of weird for me and that's why I'm asking you guys. Why are the Kramers such a big deal? This is the part of Spector's history that is much like that of Leo Fender's (the CBS buyout) and Mike Tobias (The Gibson buyout). The Kramer's are basses that aren't made by Stuart, correct? So, why are the Kramer era's so highly coveted when other small builders (I know, Leo wasn't small) were bought out by a large Corporation (and still made in America) and shunned. You just about can't give away a Gibson era Tobias, even though Mike did stay on with the company for a while. But his current MTD's and his Pre-Gibson Tobias' fetch major money.

It always seems that the magic leaves when a small builder sells to a large guitar company but for some reason Kramer was able to maintain the magic?

So again, not trying to get flamed, just trying to gain some understanding into the Kramer era Spectors.

For the most part...Stuart was still in the shop with eyes and hands on into the Kramer years. Kramer was known to use the best of the best wood and parts in the basses and that was a big part of his business going under financially. Like worshipbass mentioned, these AAAA woods just get better with age and the electronics were the top design. Stick around, I'm sure you'll hear the full non-condensed version from JPS. As he's the expert historian on Spectors next to PJ Rubal V.P. of Spector sales and of course Stuart Spector himself. JPS has spent a lot of time with Stuart & PJ picking their brains on Spector history. He does a awesome job keeping us informed!

 

[ubnomnar]

Here's a pretty cool 8 for sale. http://www.ebay.com/itm/KRAMER-ERA-...S-/320990134891?pt=Guitar&hash=item4abc80c26b

Talk about major cajones to list this as a "KRAMER ERA (1975 - 1985) ***VINTAGE 4 OR 8 STRING*** NS1 SPECTOR BASS"

Looks like an NS-2A that has been modded to accept 8 strings.

I see an NS-2A bridge, NS-2A knobs, NA-2A tuners, NS-2A truss rod cover, and it even has an NS-2A serial number.

 

[worshiprocker]

Just got a couple spector comfort straps in... my initial reaction is , I don't like them. I have practice tomorrow night and will put them through their paces. Also my bass sits about an inch higher than I usually wear it and the "comfort" section just barely comes over my shoulder.... maybe I need the XXL version...

 

[Fat240]

Looks like an NS-2A that has been modded to accept 8 strings.

I see an NS-2A bridge, NS-2A knobs, NA-2A tuners, NS-2A truss rod cover, and it even has an NS-2A serial number.

Yep, that's what I thought.

 

[Gabriel51]

Whoa! That looks shiny new! Congrats!

The plastic was still on the backs of the tuners and it's 11 years old.

 

[Mr.Bassie720]

Just got a couple spector comfort straps in... my initial reaction is , I don't like them. I have practice tomorrow night and will put them through their paces. Also my bass sits about an inch higher than I usually wear it and the "comfort" section just barely comes over my shoulder.... maybe I need the XXL version...

Send Joe one!

 

[peledog]

Alright! My NS-2 is here.

So here is the story:
Sam and I were talking (and talking, and talking and talking....) and I told him about selling my NS-4 and how excited I was to get my NS-2 ordered last spring. I then was kind of joking around about having a little "extra" money from selling the NS-4 and things getting pushed back with my transplant and buying his Kramer NS-2. We talked and I told him if I could choose for another NS-2 I would like a Kramer, cherry burst, but it would have to be in good shape....

The next day, PJ contacted Sam with a guy from Seattle who had a NS-2 that had sat in his closet for years and years. The guy is a great guy, but friends with Mike Lull and has 16 Lull basses and the Spector has just been sitting....

So, here is my new NS-2. (I have now officially played a NS-2 and )
Exact color Sam and I talked about, Cherry Burst, Kramer, serial number 2687, born 8/8/1990.

I got it late last night, freaked out a bit because I plugged it in and got nothing out of it, opened it up and the battery came loose during shipping. Plugged the battery in and it just roars. Has just an incredible tone (it has the original USA 9 Volt "Haz" pre), plays incredible, and looks just sick. I can't believe it has been taken care of so well.....

Borrowed pics, better ones coming after I clean it up and get new strings and stuff on it....

This with the Ian Hill = 2 Kick Booty Spectors in the arsenal, one more one the way

Congrats Chris!! Woooo hoooooo!

I got her off of a fellow TB'er a little while ago.
I've been busy playing her, but now it's time to show her off.

Here she is with her new sister.

My family is complete. Until the need for a sixer arises.

Oh man, what a nice pair!

I bought this last week and it arrived yesterday. Clean up, new strings, tweak the rod and cut the nut because it had never been cut?
It sounds real good, I made it through about three songs and my practice amp committed Seppuku, it's still under warranty.

That looks practically brand new! Congrats!

 

[worshiprocker]

Send Joe one!

If they don't pan out you get one and Christian gets one... I waited about a month or so for these... i want them to work, lol