So I took my matte black "faux forte" maple topped Euro LX5 and put in DCs and finally, a USA 18v circuit with a kill switch instead of a dummy fourth pot or empty hole. The kill switch is wired to the jack, so it has no play in the tone of the preamp whatsoever. The unit only fits in the cavity one way and it ends up from the player's side as having the kill switch in the lower right, the stacked bass and treble at the very bottom, the volume on the very top, and the balance to the far left. Not completely unconventional, but not typical and certainly not on this model or any standard Spector. It's easy to use, the kill switch can come in handy and the fit in the rear cavity is just right with a bit of foam under one of the batteries. The cavity had been shielded by Spector via paint and it was so well done that there was no need for copper taping or any additional shielding fixes. It's a testament to the detail and thoroughness of the Czech shop.
The tone is absolutely amazing. Flat, it is HUGE. The Spector growl is there, but instead of getting growlier with volume and band gains, it just gets louder and bassier or brighter depending on how you use the eq. So it behaves a bit differently sonically and in terms of how the controls color the tone. It's also important to note that the EMG DC humbuckers are running at a full 18v as they were designed to optimally do and that they themselves have internal preamps that add greatly to the tone of a Spector. It does sound very, very much like a USA NS-5, but it is missing the cut and depth of a fuller heavier maple body (not necessarily in weight, but in tone). However, the tone is so amazing, so rich and thick and cutting and warm and growly that when you add in the light weight, the thinner neck profile, and really, truly, the significantly lower cost.... it's the fastest way to an NS-5 that I could find and it worked out so very, very well. I can't tell you how wonderful it feels to basically own an NS-5 and be able to have this sound at hand. It's really how amazing the full Spector sonic experience is and I'm so glad I can finally share in what so many of you are able to experience regularly. These custom preamp circuits in combination with the EMGs (and of course - the wood) is truly a unique sound and a true revelation for me in bass tone. I just get it now even more than I got it the first time almost a year ago. And as soon as the 9v comes and goes in a very special bass.... I'm gonna be on top of the world with my tone and will have almost completely realized a dream. That's pretty cool. Not a particularly deep dream, but a musical one nonetheless. Gotta throw a tons of thanks to Jaymi for the assistance as well.
I found myself with a Spector coming next week from refinishing. A Spector on order, the MMBop, coming in December and a Spector, early Euro, coming from Massachusetts in the very near future. I had to free up some funds and reluctantly put up one of my favorite basses of all time. My beloved, Cadillac green JA-R. I am really happy to report that it is staying in our Spector family. The new owner will reveal him/herself when they are ready. I just got to thank all you guys for the bumps and the kind words. This is the best place to hang!
