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SPECTOR® Club - Part 46

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#681
JPSBassist said:
I can double check. The one I looked at... I was pretty sure the owner told me it had EMG DC's in it... which was about the time they were new. The DC is 30 years old now. And that bass is 27 years old. So perhaps.

It didn't sound Steinberger-ish. It would have been cool if it did. But part of Ned's sound was the graphite body and neck. And the Haz-made circuit which was very similar to the Spector 9v Circuit.

Ned worked side-by-side with Stuart as he was developing his headless bass and Stuart was refining the NS-2.

There's a lot of cross-pollination between Ned's path and Stuart's. Ned wouldn't have gotten into designing instruments if he hadn't become friend with Stuart.

I will say this, the neck on that bass is insanely narrow and skinny. If you're used to a Jazz bass... regarding finger-memory when you play... even this neck is thinner than that.

Cool concept. And cool little basses really. But I always will probably GAS for a Newburgh Steinberger. I just love the sound of the L-Series basses.
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Cool, I'm a bit of a Steinberger nut so I've read/heard a little about Ned and Stuart's history and their influences on each other. I like most instruments Ned has either designed or had a hand in, so there's even another reason why I find myself drawn to Spectors.

Don't get me wrong, I'm over the moon with my Spectors (fingers crossed for a third before the end of the academic year). But I will always remember the day I first tried a Steinberger, a modified L1, as the day the skies opened up and I heard the tone.
 
#682
Tostitos said:
Cool, I'm a bit of a Steinberger nut so I've read/heard a little about Ned and Stuart's history and their influences on each other. I like most instruments Ned has either designed or had a hand in, so there's even another reason why I find myself drawn to Spectors.

Don't get me wrong, I'm over the moon with my Spectors (fingers crossed for a third before the end of the academic year). But I will always remember the day I first tried a Steinberger, a modified L1, as the day the skies opened up and I heard the tone.
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This one has your name on it....
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f126/fs-steinberger-spector-apollo-peavey-reverend-fender-924955/
 
#683
I played at a church yesterday and the bassist was using a carvin b1500..... my impression, good amp, punchy, but not enough to make me want one over my GKs... I'm sure it would sound better with a Spector. I was playing guitar, but probably the best bassist I have played with in my entire career. It was a lot of fun for me, I hadn't jammed with him in 5 years...
 
#684
tgouh said:
hi, im planning to buy a legend 6 in next few weeks, but i need to be sure that it is a fine instrument with great sound and playability. may i have your short review on your legend 6? Did you make any modification on it? since i've read some TB'ers changed the stock pickup into EMG 45 TW and the preamp into OBP-3, it has killer sound.
any input or reviews for this bass will be appreciated... thanks a lot...;)
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Happy to give a quick review.
Mine's all stock, except for some strap locks that one of the previous owners put on (I'm at least the third). The build quality is excellent- really really nicely put together for a Korean import (Spector's QC on the legend line is superb, IMO). Plus, on the really rare chance that you get a lemon, Spector's customer support is top notch, as PJ usually responds to emails extremely fast and does what it takes to keep the customers happy.
The bass itself- the playability is awesome. The 6 string models have a dual trussrod, and once you have it set up it plays like buttah. Mine's a legend 6 classic with a bubinga top and maple back, made between 04-08 according to my email with pj. I really like the sound of it, as I said before its a little smoother sounding than my 2010 legend 5. It's currently strung with elixers. I can record some quick clips for you if you want.
The bottom line is that I would really recommend it. I love the neck profile, sound, etc. I'd look for a used one if you can, they're a great value. Also, if possible play before you buy, just because the feel of the bass works for me doesn't mean it'll work for you, but maybe it will. I got mine off the classifieds sight unseen and wasn't disappointed one bit.
 
#687
Tostitos said:
I saw that, had I the cash I'd be all over it. I'm sure someone will snatch that beauty up. There was a late 80's XL at BassNW a couple days ago too but it didn't last long.
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Yeah a quality used L-Series is not a cheap endeavor.

I'd look to get one, but every time I get the extra cash I find a Spector I'm in love with. LOL.

For me, the tone of those L-Series basses is great. But I don't gig and most of the time, 90% of the time I play I'm sitting, either in a studio or in my office. So the small body of the Steinberger just kills me. I need a full body bass to sit comfortably... to have the string in the right position for how I like to play.

Now. The new NS-Design headless basses Ned showed me at this past NAMM Show look KILLER. But he told me he wasn't sure of the price point yet. But somewhere in the $7,000K range.

So as wicked as they are... and yes, they have curved bodies... they are a bit too pricy for me to consider getting a new one.

I do love that their fingerboard radius is more like a classical instrument than a modern bass. So you could theoretically "bow" one of these.

I just need a black jumpsuit with a killer sequin Chinese Dragon on it now. :D

Link Removed
 
#688
Link Removed

SPECTOR® OF THE DAY!

SSD ERA
NS-420™
Serial #002
12/14/95

Production Run: 1995-1998
Total Production: 15

Original List Price: $11,000.00

Body Type: NS-Body™ Fully Carved.
Body Material: AAAA Tube Quilt Maple
Body Finish: Natural: Hand Rubbed Oil

Neck Type: Neck-Thru
Neck Material: Rock Maple (3-Piece)
Neck Finish: Natural, Hand Rubbed Oil
Fingerboard Material: Ebony
Neck Markers: N/A - Custom Neck Inlays of Trout

Pickups: EMG™ P/J - Active
Circuit: Spector USA 9v Circuit™

Bridge Type: SSD USA Solid Brass
Intonation: Fully adjustable
Tuning Machines: Gotoh™

Sting Spacing at Bridge: 0.75"
Nut Width: 1.65"
Scale Length: 34"
Frets: 24

The 20th Anniversary NS-Bass™, also known as "The Trout Bass" for the museum-quality hand-set inlays of Trout which run the entire lenght of the fingerboard.

The inlays were done by famous inlay artist Larry Robinson (author of "Art of the Inlay" and designer of the inlays for the 1,000,000th Martin Guitar).

The first of these basses were completed in late 1995 and offered through 1997. The last three were completed between late 1997 and early 1998.

TRIVIA: Larry Robinson did the inlays for all 15 necks. Shortly after he'd decide that he only wanted to design and do the first of any production run he was involved with. 10 years later when the NS-230™ was introduced, Larry would again design the neck inlays (this time of various Bass sport fish species) and he completed the first neck, #001, but the additional 14 NS-230™ necks were completed by Bryan England of England's Custom Inlay in Caneyville, KY.

Started in 1995 before the courts awarded the original "Spector" trademarks back to Stuart, the first 12 of these basses were produced with the "SSD" headstocks and markings. In late 2007 Stuart had been notified that he was going to get the original Spector® trademarks back including the Double-S headstock logo and the model name NS-2™. The final three NS-420™ models were developed with the original Spector™ Double-S headstock markings in late 1997 and early 1998.

The name "NS-420™" has confused people who didn't understand the naming convention and reasoning behind changing the 4-string NS-Body™ Spector's name to the NS-4™. The name is basically the combination of the model, NS-4™ and the 20 from the 20th Anniversary date. Dispite some conspiracy theorists claims, the name NS-420™ does not relate in any way shape or form to the "420 Cannabis Culture" or their attempts at legalizing Cannabis in the United States.
 
#691
JPSBassist said:
Yeah a quality used L-Series is not a cheap endeavor.

I'd look to get one, but every time I get the extra cash I find a Spector I'm in love with. LOL.

For me, the tone of those L-Series basses is great. But I don't gig and most of the time, 90% of the time I play I'm sitting, either in a studio or in my office. So the small body of the Steinberger just kills me. I need a full body bass to sit comfortably... to have the string in the right position for how I like to play.

Now. The new NS-Design headless basses Ned showed me at this past NAMM Show look KILLER. But he told me he wasn't sure of the price point yet. But somewhere in the $7,000K range.

So as wicked as they are... and yes, they have curved bodies... they are a bit too pricy for me to consider getting a new one.

I do love that their fingerboard radius is more like a classical instrument than a modern bass. So you could theoretically "bow" one of these.

I just need a black jumpsuit with a killer sequin Chinese Dragon on it now. :D
Click to expand...
The new NS basses do look pretty great, I thought I heard someone say something about the possibility of a Czech version?
 
#692
Tostitos said:
The new NS basses do look pretty great, I thought I heard someone say something about the possibility of a Czech version?
Click to expand...

Unless I'm mistaken, these were Czech versions. To the best of my knowledge, NS-Design doesn't make anything here in the States.

All of NS Design's instruments are made in the Czech Republic... and want to guess where? LOL.

It's no secret that the Spector Czech factory is shared by Spector and NS Design. The same people who make Spector Europe Series Basses make all of NS Design's instruments.

Like I said, Stuart and Ned's relationship is really strong. They are still the best of friends. Without each other who knows where they would have ended up. Ned was a furniture designer and Stuart was making more traditional styled guitars.

And besides getting Ned into instrument design, Stuart also gave Vinny Fodera his first job. Stuart and Vinny built the first 30 or so Ken Smith basses at the Spector Brooklyn shop (after Stuart and Alan moved out of the Co-Op because they needed more space). This was done while Ken was setting up his shop.

Stuart has influenced numerous luthiers... not for the designs he's made but for the way he's made them. Stuart has a gift at figuring out the most efficient way to go about producing something as complex as a guitar. Step-by-Step. And there are many shops set up around the country who have set up their shops after Stuart's shop model.

I've been working on collecting... well... it's turning into a book-load of data as opposed to my original idea, a documentary-load... LOL.

I've interviewed so many amazing "legends" in the luthier community, famous musicians, and of course been very fortunate that Stuart and PJ have been very open and accommodating in sharing their story with me.

It's a cool story. The working title for my Documentary, which may end up being a book, is, "An American Dream Called Spector." For when you learn about Stuart's childhood living in the projects in the Bronx, NY... he really has been living the American Dream. And unlike so many who find success and let it change who they are, Stuart has remained the same down-to-earth person he's always been.

He's a person I admire tremendously.
 
#693
anton72 said:
So what do you guys think about this? It's not mine but I can buy it for $2500. 1994 Spector NS-4 fretless SSD era. Haz) The only mod made is original shaller tuners replaced with hipshot tuners...
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Too pricey...$2300 tops.

Jaymi said:
This is the video for my NS4 with the 35 P/J's in it...I like this tone MUCH better!!
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I like the PJs!
NOLA Bass said:
Finally snapped a few pics of my Euro 435LX with the camera finally. Thinking seriously about getting black hardware for it.

DSC_5779.jpg


DSC_5780.jpg


DSC_5783.jpg


DSC_5788.jpg
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Beautiful!!!

JPSBassist said:
Link Removed

BROOKLYN ERA
NS-X™
Serial #066X
1985

Production Run: 1984-1985
Total Production: 107

Original List Price: $1,100.00

Body Type: Single Cutaway
Body Material: Wood
Body Finish: Solid Gloss Color

Neck Type: Bolt-On
Neck Material: Wood
Neck Finish: Matte black
Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
Neck Markers: Pearl Dot

Pickups: EMG DC™
Circuit: EMG BT™

Bridge Type: Modified Spector Locking, Solid Brass with black enamel coat
Intonation: Fully adjustable
Tuning Machines: Schaller™

Sting Spacing at Bridge: 0.66"
Nut Width: 1.3"
Scale Length: 34"
Frets: 24

Designed by Ned Steinberger for Stuart Spector, this "minimalist" concept was inspired by Ned's famous headless bass.

It was a strange bass, being that it was small and had a very narrow, thin neck, but it had a big sound thanks to the dual EMG humbucking pickups and active circuit. It was very lightweight and relatively well balanced. Due to the small body and the closeness of the strap buttons, this bass could be slung in numerous different positions with ease.

Ideally this bass would be perfect for the young student or anyone with small hands.

It was discontinued when Spector was sold to Kramer Guitars in Neptune, NJ. It was not a model that appealed to the Kramer design sensibility.

Trivia: Unlike every other bass built by Stuart to date, this bass had a truss rod at the body-end of the neck. The most common color was gloss white.
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Very cool bass!

cjmodulus said:
Brought out the legend 6 for one tune tonight (mercy, mercy, mercy, by joe zawinul) and it killed! I wasn't sure on the elixir strings I've got on it, but after tonight I think theyre staying on this bass. It's smoother than the 5 with D'addario nickels, which is perfect since its mostly going to be used on jazz (when i dont feel like lugging the upright) and funk gigs (when I can get them) :bassist:
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since you play upright bass also I'm suprised that you don't used Tapewounds on the 6? Closer to the upright tone.

bigsnack said:
This is a noticeable improvement in tone to my ears. That's definitely a great result on that swap!
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+1!
cjmodulus said:
Happy to give a quick review.
Mine's all stock, except for some strap locks that one of the previous owners put on (I'm at least the third). The build quality is excellent- really really nicely put together for a Korean import (Spector's QC on the legend line is superb, IMO). Plus, on the really rare chance that you get a lemon, Spector's customer support is top notch, as PJ usually responds to emails extremely fast and does what it takes to keep the customers happy.
The bass itself- the playability is awesome. The 6 string models have a dual trussrod, and once you have it set up it plays like buttah. Mine's a legend 6 classic with a bubinga top and maple back, made between 04-08 according to my email with pj. I really like the sound of it, as I said before its a little smoother sounding than my 2010 legend 5. It's currently strung with elixers. I can record some quick clips for you if you want.
The bottom line is that I would really recommend it. I love the neck profile, sound, etc. I'd look for a used one if you can, they're a great value. Also, if possible play before you buy, just because the feel of the bass works for me doesn't mean it'll work for you, but maybe it will. I got mine off the classifieds sight unseen and wasn't disappointed one bit.
Click to expand...
+1! I've always bought sight unseen and have never been disappointed. You won't go wrong buying a Legend!

JPSBassist said:
Yeah a quality used L-Series is not a cheap endeavor.

I'd look to get one, but every time I get the extra cash I find a Spector I'm in love with. LOL.

For me, the tone of those L-Series basses is great. But I don't gig and most of the time, 90% of the time I play I'm sitting, either in a studio or in my office. So the small body of the Steinberger just kills me. I need a full body bass to sit comfortably... to have the string in the right position for how I like to play.

Now. The new NS-Design headless basses Ned showed me at this past NAMM Show look KILLER. But he told me he wasn't sure of the price point yet. But somewhere in the $7,000K range.

So as wicked as they are... and yes, they have curved bodies... they are a bit too pricy for me to consider getting a new one.

I do love that their fingerboard radius is more like a classical instrument than a modern bass. So you could theoretically "bow" one of these.

I just need a black jumpsuit with a killer sequin Chinese Dragon on it now. :D

Link Removed
Click to expand...

Very nice photos!
 
#694
JPSBassist said:
Unless I'm mistaken, these were Czech versions. To the best of my knowledge, NS-Design doesn't make anything here in the States.
Click to expand...
IIRC those two were made in the USA by Jonathan Kelsey. The ones you can order from Headless USA are all made in the US.

JPSBassist said:
It's a cool story. The working title for my Documentary, which may end up being a book, is, "An American Dream Called Spector."
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I'd buy that book. :)
 
#696
cjmodulus said:
Happy to give a quick review.
Mine's all stock, except for some strap locks that one of the previous owners put on (I'm at least the third). The build quality is excellent- really really nicely put together for a Korean import (Spector's QC on the legend line is superb, IMO). Plus, on the really rare chance that you get a lemon, Spector's customer support is top notch, as PJ usually responds to emails extremely fast and does what it takes to keep the customers happy.
The bass itself- the playability is awesome. The 6 string models have a dual trussrod, and once you have it set up it plays like buttah. Mine's a legend 6 classic with a bubinga top and maple back, made between 04-08 according to my email with pj. I really like the sound of it, as I said before its a little smoother sounding than my 2010 legend 5. It's currently strung with elixers. I can record some quick clips for you if you want.
The bottom line is that I would really recommend it. I love the neck profile, sound, etc. I'd look for a used one if you can, they're a great value. Also, if possible play before you buy, just because the feel of the bass works for me doesn't mean it'll work for you, but maybe it will. I got mine off the classifieds sight unseen and wasn't disappointed one bit.
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wooow thanks a lot for your short review. btw another question, is it true that legend series including legend 6 are now build in Indonesia?
I reaaallly want to hear your sound clip if it is okay with you ... hahahaha.. thanks a lot!! ;)
 
#698
tgouh said:
wooow thanks a lot for your short review. btw another question, is it true that legend series including legend 6 are now build in Indonesia?
I reaaallly want to hear your sound clip if it is okay with you ... hahahaha.. thanks a lot!! ;)
Click to expand...

Nope, still Korean made. I'll try to get those clips up tomorrow when I get a chance.

And Ice- ill have to look into those tape wounds. But for now I'm good with the elixers. They've got that nice balance between warmth and punch/ clarity (though it leans a bit to the warmer side IMO) that I like- good for a bunch of different sounds.
 
#699
JeffplaysBass said:
I heard the L2 is not as good as the XL2's.
Click to expand...

There are Steinberger afficianados who prefer the original L-series basses, but I have always preferred the XL2. I have owned both, and couldn't discern any major tonal differences between the two.
I did, however, prefer the refinements introduced with the XL2 - mainly the flip out leg rest & the engraved (rather than a sticker) logo. IMHO, the only advantage the original L-series had was it's headpiece, which allowed for either single or double ball end string use.
 
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