Tat2dHeart
Only two strings away from an attitude problem.
I'll PM ya, Mr. Cat. I can't find a way to type it that doesn't sound obscene and I don't want to offend anyone.
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- Status
- Oct 19, 2010
- 1,751
- 1,949
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Spector Bass / Darkglass Electronics / Tsunami Cables
worshiprocker
Tonepump Junkie
- Aug 12, 2011
- 4,683
- 1,782
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Spector Basses
Tat2dHeart
Only two strings away from an attitude problem.
I have a feeling that the value of both basses increased, eh Tat?
Something about moisture...
worshiprocker
Tonepump Junkie
- Aug 12, 2011
- 4,683
- 1,782
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Spector Basses
Thanks Ice, but no, it's just a regular matte finish Euro LX 5 with figured maple top half. The original 5 I got that even came before the Forte 5 that Jim took off me a while back. This was one of the firsts. I have recently made a decision, due to some very difficult retail purchasing experiences, that I am going to stick with what I have, make sure all my musical needs are covered by Spectors that sound how I want them to, and only buy again new if I can get a USA model (or used USA model for that matter). So I decided to buy two 9v USA "Haz" preamp circuits and two 18v USA "Haz" preamp circuits. They are being divvied up in my collection as follows:
Matte Black Euro LX 5 - EMG DCs, 18v USA pre, kill switch instead of fourth dummy knob. The kill is wired right off the jack, so there is no interference with the preamp circuitry whatsoever. The result is this:
The other 18v is going in a matte black Euro LX 4 TW with EMG DCs as well. Each 9v is going in both the white Euro LX, and one more Euro LX 4 that has yet to be determined but a deal is in the works. Then I have my SSD Czech NS-4 with PJs and a Czech haz copy, so I see no need to touch that one except to get it restored.
One day, I still want a genuine, custom NS-2, but it's a dream that can wait. When all this is wrapped up I will be almost 100% (except for that one-day-American NS-2 thing happens) SAS-less. When I see all the beautiful models lined up for NAMM or BPL or for a photo shoot by Patrick (or supes' blue NS-4.... AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH), I'll now look around and see a bunch of Spectors that can do what mine already do (granted at a much lower price and via much less expensive models and also at only about 90-95% of the genuine tone due to the difference in tone woods used).
Sound-wise, the LX 5 is now IMMENSE. The best way I can describe it as that it has that low-mid signature Spector snarl, but unlike the 9v circuit where when you increase the volume and tone controls, the growl gets more pronounced, the 18v only gets a little more pronounced in growl, but it's huge overhead volume level and power come through immediately. It's like it produces a clearer, louder version of the 9v. Not quite as dirty, but it'll blow you back into your seats, that's for sure. There is no mistaking this tone for anything other than genuine Spector power, punch, a musically aggressive signature in the tone, and that ability to have the tone cut through any and everything. And I believe that's because the EMGs are running on a full 18v load so you are hearing every single part of how the electronics are reacting to your strings, technique, touch, even the kinds of strings you're using. It's a beast and I love it. Plus the design and installation are brilliant. And the kill switch is much better than just a dummy knob. In real world functionality, it's actually quite handy.
More on how the other upgrades turn out as they are accomplished!
Tat2dHeart
Only two strings away from an attitude problem.
I didn't lick them if that's what you're getting at. But they both have a very high WP Factor (and no, that's not what some of you will be thinking).
He might.....or not. They had new furniture though.
Man, that is really sweet Steve. So now here is the ultimate question.....What do you think about the 18V USA circuit vs. the BQC? I have both and love them both but I am just curious of your thoughts.
worshiprocker
Tonepump Junkie
- Aug 12, 2011
- 4,683
- 1,782
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Spector Basses
I didn't lick them if that's what you're getting at. But they both have a very high WP Factor (and no, that's not what some of you will be thinking).
He might.....or not. They had new furniture though.
ok you are killing me now... send me a message lol
and I don't know how you can go play soo many awesome basses and buy more and more.... although you DO have a nice collection
I didn't lick them if that's what you're getting at. But they both have a very high WP Factor (and no, that's not what some of you will be thinking).
He might.....or not. They had new furniture though.
Yup, I was right.
worshiprocker
Tonepump Junkie
- Aug 12, 2011
- 4,683
- 1,782
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Spector Basses
Thanks Ice, but no, it's just a regular matte finish Euro LX 5 with figured maple top half. The original 5 I got that even came before the Forte 5 that Jim took off me a while back. This was one of the firsts. I have recently made a decision, due to some very difficult retail purchasing experiences, that I am going to stick with what I have, make sure all my musical needs are covered by Spectors that sound how I want them to, and only buy again new if I can get a USA model (or used USA model for that matter). So I decided to buy two 9v USA "Haz" preamp circuits and two 18v USA "Haz" preamp circuits. They are being divvied up in my collection as follows:
Matte Black Euro LX 5 - EMG DCs, 18v USA pre, kill switch instead of fourth dummy knob. The kill is wired right off the jack, so there is no interference with the preamp circuitry whatsoever. The result is this:
The other 18v is going in a matte black Euro LX 4 TW with EMG DCs as well. Each 9v is going in both the white Euro LX, and one more Euro LX 4 that has yet to be determined but a deal is in the works. Then I have my SSD Czech NS-4 with PJs and a Czech haz copy, so I see no need to touch that one except to get it restored.
One day, I still want a genuine, custom NS-2, but it's a dream that can wait. I'm not saying that when all this is wrapped up I will be SAS-less, I just won't look around and see a bunch of Spectors that can do what mine already do (granted at a much lower price and via much less expensive models and also at only about 90-95% of the genuine tone due to the difference in tone woods used).
Sound-wise, the LX 5 is now IMMENSE. The best way I can describe it as that it has that signature Spector snarl in the low mids, but unlike the 9v circuit where when you increase the volume and tone controls, the growl gets more pronounced, the 18v only gets a little more pronounced in growl, but it's huge overhead volume level and power come through immediately. It's like it produces a clearer, louder version of the 9v. Not quite as dirty, but it'll blow you back into your seats, that's for sure. There is no mistaking this tone for anything other than genuine Spector power, punch, a musically aggressive signature in the tone, and that ability to have the tone cut through any and everything. And I believe that's because the EMGs are running on a full 18v load so you are hearing every single part of how the electronics are reacting to your strings, technique, touch, even the kinds of strings you're using. It's a beast and I love it. Plus the design and installation are brilliant. And the kill switch is much better than just a dummy knob. In real world functionality, it's actually quite handy.
More on how the other upgrades turn out as they are accomplished!
Very cool. Is that a GK mb500 in on the GB stack? you play it through that?
- Sep 20, 2008
- 3,369
- 38
- Disclosures
- Jim Dunlop USA, King Kong Cases, Golden Eagle Energy Drink
- Sep 20, 2008
- 3,369
- 38
- Disclosures
- Jim Dunlop USA, King Kong Cases, Golden Eagle Energy Drink
Well John....
They are both awesome for different reasons. I feel like I could walk into any rock, metal, funk, or even a neo-soul or hip-hop gig with the 18v because if the rawness and tone signature and power (especially if you play with a pick - I don't regularly, but for those of you who do... be prepared to have your mind blown).
An 18v powered BQC could cop those tones I just described, but not imitate them exactly. But the BQC can also do a heck of a lot more in terms of shaping your tone with the 4-way adjustable treble center point and the fully sweepable mid. The BQC at 18v gets all of the tone out of your EMG humbuckers like the US Spector 18v does, but it's voicing is more neutral and flexible (and no where near as hot or aggressive) and you can end up using your Spector in genres you may not usually think about using them in. And as far as cost goes... EMG is most assuredly the less expensive experiment to try out.
After hearing an NS-2, 4 and 5 in person, I decided that I wanted to get those pres in four of my basses and see if it would turn them into USA Spectors. They don't (duh), but they get awfully damn close. Close enough to where I'm pleased with them.
But I do not discount selling one of them off one day and putting a BQC back into one of my Spectors because of it's almost limitless flexibility.
But for now, I am really relishing how great these 18v pres sound. I can't wait for the 9vs to get here... then the experimentation will be complete!
Tat2dHeart
Only two strings away from an attitude problem.
PM sent. And I go play basses all the time. At lots of places. Doesn't mean I buy every time I walk in the store. Although - I am up to 9 in hand and 1 in build as we speak.
Tat - as you are the only person I know who has played both my blue NS-4 and two of the NS-2s I'm interested in, I would very much appreciate a PM with your first-hand evaulation....
Thanks!
Thanks!
Tat2dHeart
Only two strings away from an attitude problem.
Tat,
Love the holoflash. I sold one to a guy in the area a few years back. How do you like yours?
I am assuming you are referring to NS-2A's not NS-2s.
With NS-2A's, these were the Kramer era Korean production models. (with solid maple wings) The black and white are solid but if you look close at the Red, Sunburst and Teal, they usually are trans and you can see just some plain maple in the wings.
Here is a photo of one I owned last year.
Lima - yes, my bad, I was refering to the NS2A. Your pic helps a lot, I've never seen one with a trans finish. I'll keep I eye's peeled for one.
- Status
