SPECTOR® Club - Part 50

[Clearwave]

Hey Patrick,

I glad you're feeling good enough to share your knowledge with us. I've been thinking about your ordeal the last couple of days.

It's comforting to learn Spector stuff instead of watching what's on the news today.

 

[Basstovsky]

Recently got a new Spector item courtesy of the our wonderful Spector brother diechris!

The best thing about this is that now that all 3 of my Spectors have straplocks, I can easily switch this strap onto any of them! Most comfortable strap ever.

(crappy inside picture because I go to work before the sun comes up and get home after it sets at this time of year)

 

[JPSBassist]

not including the carving contour differences between them to minimize costs.

????

The difference in shapes between the USA Bolt-On models and the Legends compared to the standard NS-Body neck-thru models isn't about cost.

It's about balance. By not shaping down the bodies and leaving the extra wood in the shapes it adds mass. The bodies are heavier. This is done to assist with reducing neck-dive issues.

Especially with the 5 and 6-string models.

Spector hasn't really done anything regarding shaping that has to do with cost savings other than choosing the flat-body NS-2000 shape for the semi-hollow SpectorCore models.

And that's because it would cost so much money in hand-applied routing to take large channels out of a fully carved body. It would drive the cost up to point few would justify buying one.

So that's the only time I know that a body design was chosen specifically to save costs.

Not trying to be anything other than informative to make sure there's no misconception about why things are done a certain way.

 

[JPSBassist]

Recently got a new Spector item courtesy of the our wonderful Spector brother diechris!

The best thing about this is that now that all 3 of my Spectors have straplocks, I can easily switch this strap onto any of them! Most comfortable strap ever.

(crappy inside picture because I go to work before the sun comes up and get home after it sets at this time of year)

Very nice NS-2A. Are those DiMarzio pups? I bet it shakes the floor!
And those Abalone neck stickers look REAL. Sweet!

 

[JPSBassist]

Hey Patrick,

I glad you're feeling good enough to share your knowledge with us. I've been thinking about your ordeal the last couple of days.

It's comforting to learn Spector stuff instead of watching what's on the news today.

I'll be honest. I told Sam last night on the phone that keeping my mind busy keeps it off the pain. LOL.

Thanks! I sincerely appreciate the kind words.

As a contractor for Spector... I'm really no different than any of you are... I'm a super-uber-fanboy.

But I'm not an employee and to say I work with them is more appropriate... I do contract design, photography, etc... stuff for them.

But PJ and Stuart and many of the people in NY have become people I consider my good friends.

And so I know a bunch of stuff. I take notes. LOL. I'll go to dinner with Stuart (which I'm sure has to be tiring for him because I ask him a million questions), and I get back to my room after dinner and I write down everything I can remember from what he told me.

My questions are the same ones you all have. Why did you do this this way? When did you get the idea to do this? Why do the bolt-on have a different shape now?

And every time the answer is so simple and logical, but you'd not think about it because... at least with me... I don't build guitars so I don't think like a guitar builder. LOL.

Glad you guys don't mind me spewing all the small, geeky little details I've picked up over the years.

I'll stand by the fact that they are really great people and they really do try to do things that make sense and help the musicians that play their guitars have a better experience.

--------------------

EDIT: Wow. I've been out of it since yesterday morning. What is wrong with people? I just saw the news and saw what you meant by things in the news. Wow. That's just disturbing beyond words.

 

[JPSBassist]

On the topic of the wight of basses... I fell in Love with a Rebop yesterday, I just wish it had a bit more wood on it, as it's tending towards the lighter side of basses.

Yep. Which is why Stuart changed the overall body thickness and shape. He felt it was too light.

And older ReBop 5 models are known for neck-dive issues.

Something Stuart wanted to correct with the new USA and Legend bolt-on shapes.

 

[JPSBassist]

Totally nightmare situation!

Had a stand get knocked over and dinged a nice bass pretty hard, and I decided that I didn't need brand new shiny instruments when chances are good bad things will find them!

I've been really fortunate... LOL. I've dinged my NS-4. But that Water Cured Redwood is VERY SOFT.

I've yet to ding the Black Pearl or the Blue Dream other than both (yep. did this with the Blue Dream a few minutes ago) have had their tuning pegs knocked against my desk, or headboard of my bed... I always have to be careful and think about where their headstocks are in relation to holding them in my lap.

 

[JPSBassist]

You gotta get past that, my friend! Mr. Spector builds these things to be PLAYED!!!

Yep. True. Very nice Forte!!!! Sweet!

 

[Basstovsky]

Very nice NS-2A. Are those DiMarzio pups? I bet it shakes the floor!
And those Abalone neck stickers look REAL. Sweet!

Yes they are, ever since I saw the original NS-2 bass on the new website, I wanted to try a time-period-correct set of dimarzio's with the Korean copy of the 9V Spector Tone Control in the NS-2A, and it is great.
I have been meaning to post clips actually, I should get them up on soundcloud

The abalone stickers came from the previous owner and they do look killer, my only complaint being that the 12th inlay has separate stickers for each dot, rather than the special set creative cuts does now with the larger inlay for the 12th.

 

[JPSBassist]

Seventhframe (Omer) sent me these photos to post for him doing some Spector Representing on Easter Island.

This is cooler than I can find the words for. Omer is a total jet-setting bad-azz dude.

Easter Island. Did you know that the ecological devastation on that island came from the natives cutting down all the trees on the island to make those statues?

Sort of sad... but man those statues are sweet.

 

[JPSBassist]

I believe the Schallers have a 7/16" bushing and the Gotohs are 9/16".

Yep. You'll have to ream the peg-holes out a little.

John Deluca knows how to do this and even has a special tool made for doing such a thing.

You may want to ask him about it.

The Gotohs have a tighter turning ratio, 1:20 instead of the 1:12 of the Schallers. Fine tunind adjustments with the Gotoh are easier in my opinion.

 

[JPSBassist]

Yes they are, ever since I saw the original NS-2 bass on the new website, I wanted to try a time-period-correct set of dimarzio's with the Korean copy of the 9V Spector Tone Control in the NS-2A, and it is great.
I have been meaning to post clips actually, I should get them up on soundcloud

The abalone stickers came from the previous owner and they do look killer, my only complaint being that the 12th inlay has separate stickers for each dot, rather than the special set creative cuts does now with the larger inlay for the 12th.

The guy who makes those stickers is about 20 miles from where I live.

He's made me a special set with two extra 9th fret stickers. I then cut them in such a way that they fit together making a wider 12th fret sticker and they covered the 12th fret markers.

This was on an NS-2JA-R. Which features smaller pearl dot neck markers than the NS-2A. So you may even need to black those 12th fret dots out.

Go to Lowes or Home Depot and look for the little circular wood stickers you can get to hide screws in today's mass produced particle-board furniture... and those little wood colored (most printed with a fake grain on them) stickers fit perfectly over the dots.

Then you can put a normal sized 9th fret vinyl sticker at the 12th.

The guy on Ebay that sells those is really cool and he'll include a couple of extra stickers in your order at no extra cost if you ask him.

 

[Basstovsky]

The guy who makes those stickers is about 20 miles from where I live.

He's made me a special set with two extra 9th fret stickers. I then cut them in such a way that they fit together making a wider 12th fret sticker and they covered the 12th fret markers.

This was on an NS-2JA-R. Which features smaller pearl dot neck markers than the NS-2A. So you may even need to black those 12th fret dots out.

Go to Lowes or Home Depot and look for the little circular wood stickers you can get to hide screws in today's mass produced particle-board furniture... and those little wood colored (most printed with a fake grain on them) stickers fit perfectly over the dots.

Then you can put a normal sized 9th fret vinyl sticker at the 12th.

The guy on Ebay that sells those is really cool and he'll include a couple of extra stickers in your order at no extra cost if you ask him.

I have bought a few sets of inlays from them (maybe more than a few, 4 sets for bass and one for a guitar!), they are awesome with customer service, and the product is stellar. For my Spectors I usually splice together a few inlays to make a sort of custom 12th inlay that covers both dots but still looks Spector.

For my next one I'll have to check out those wood stickers, sounds like a great idea!

 

[JPSBassist]

I've never noticed a huge variance in weight with the Euros, Legends & Rebops I've played. The Rebops have been the lightest, but I've never seen more than 1-2lbs difference in weights. I think my ReBop clocks in at just over 8lbs, being about 1/2 lb heavier than my Fender P-5.
Maybe it's the maple wings used in the USA models that make them so heavy? Do they usually weigh more than Alder/Ash?

I asked my wife to bring me The Blue Dream last evening so I could sit in bed and play her a bit... and she commented as she brought it into the room, "$&*!#! this thing is heavy!"

Yes. I think the solid maple wings are heavier. Both the Pearl and the Dream are heavier than my NS-4-WCR.

They're not lightweight basses but I agree, the balance sort of hides it.

 

[JPSBassist]

Anyways here is the bass I received last night. Early model Euro with Solid Maple wings, old style Brass bridge and EMG pre-amp....I (with help from Sam) have been looking for "This" type Red for some time.......

This is KILLER LOOKING!
How does she sound?
Nice purchase! That looks like a USA SSD NS-4 really. Great wings on it!

 

[JPSBassist]

Omer looked like he needed a bass in those photos.

I started with a Forte. But you know... he's on an island in the summer (since that is south of the equator... it's summer there).

So I decided to hook him up with something more festive.

Link Removed

 

[smadder]

The EMG BQC system is the most flexible one out there, but is a bit on the dry side. Aguilars are warmer and gooey (in a good way) but not as flexible in the midrange or treble. The Tone Pump for me has always been tricky for me, so I forgo them entirely (I have to emphasize that this is just my experience - some guys like Donny and Grendle can make them sound incredible). If I can't have a USA 9v or 18v, I put in an EMG BQC. If you're interested in one, shoot me a OM. It was professionally installed and uninstalled and comes with all of the hardware, quick-connect cables, and knobs. You can download the instructions and specs from the EMG site. They usually go for $120-$130 new, I'm selling mine for $65 shipped USPS priority mail with a tracking #.

Shout if you're interested! Some guys that have used them and liked them are John Deluca, Jamie Florin, and Chris Loe. And of course, Alex Webster

Spectorians come hither and help thee...Ive got an ns20004 that i absolutely love, hardwares been upgraded to gold, pickups are DC's (have also tried a pj set) and mixing the two sets and so forth, when Im holding the bass i feel like ive got a usa in my hands, it feels that good, im just not 100% into the sound, it came with a MM114 preamp and i think that may be what i dont totally care for. My favorite bass sounds typically come from a jazz bass, i love my american standard fender, but i also love some of the agressiveness you guys get from your ns-2's. Whats my best option with my ns20004? Do i need to go with an Aguilar pre 9 or 18 volts or do I need the 18 volt haz? I want a fat thumpy slap sound, burby fingerstyle sound that can be tweeked to get a little overdriven when i dig in.Help me out, thx.

 

[Basstovsky]

Big +1 there.

In my experience the aguilar is very "natural" sounding and really lets the bass and pickup tone shine through, while the BQC allows for THE most tone flexibility out there, the mid frequency sweep is probably the best there is. The US 9V circuit gives you the best growl with some grit, and the 18V is one of the cleanest and most articulate circuits I've ever heard, but those two are very expensive.

For the best bang for your buck, the Aguilar will be more tame and clean, the BQC will get you any tone with plenty of punch.

 

[JPSBassist]

Spectorians come hither and help thee...Ive got an ns20004 that i absolutely love, hardwares been upgraded to gold, pickups are DC's (have also tried a pj set) and mixing the two sets and so forth, when Im holding the bass i feel like ive got a usa in my hands, it feels that good, im just not 100% into the sound, it came with a MM114 preamp and i think that may be what i dont totally care for. My favorite bass sounds typically come from a jazz bass, i love my american standard fender, but i also love some of the agressiveness you guys get from your ns-2's. Whats my best option with my ns20004? Do i need to go with an Aguilar pre 9 or 18 volts or do I need the 18 volt haz? I want a fat thumpy slap sound, burby fingerstyle sound that can be tweeked to get a little overdriven when i dig in.Help me out, thx.

See... here's where I'm not going to agree with Steve. And no offense. Sincerely...

I have tried the EMG BQC in a couple of basses and it seems to not have the growl or bark that I like.

In probably what comes down to a playing or music genre difference between us, I find that the TP when tamed with the volume output trim pot is a very aggressive, yet flexible circuit.

Outside of the OBP-3, which when I spoke with Dave Boonshoft, owner of Aguilar about it, come to find out it's a mixture of the warm, analog tone that you get with OpAmps and it has the clean and articulate JFET circuit, both running inside the same pre-amp.

I really was impressed with how close the OBP-2 @ 18v sounds to the Spector USA 18v circuit.

And of course the USA 9v circuit is that growly, gritty gold standard.

For myself, and honestly you're in a tough place because you're not really going to know what a circuit is going to sound like in your bass until you put it there, the Smadder setup isn't really an option I'd ever go for. Even in the Alex Webster I had, which sincerely I really didn't play because I'm not a 5-string guy, I find it much easier to dial in the tone I'm looking for with the OBP-3. And most of the time I've been playing USA Bolt-Ons and they're setup for 9v.

Run the OBP-3 at 18v and you'll have headroom, warmth, articulation and the ability to overdrive it with clarity.

My $$$ would be on the OBP-3 @ 18v if you don't want to go for the USA 9v or USA 18v Spector circuits.

 

[smadder]

Good to know it went well and that you are back up and moving around some, Patrick. That definitely bodes well for the rest of your recovery and PT.

The second spinal surgery I had after the main one on 10/25/10 was due to an infection I got from not covering the incision sites well enough. They had to go back in and remove more tissue and cauterize everything all over again. It was not a good time. Not a fun 38th b-day either . Of course, the incision went from the base of my spine all the way up to the middle of my back, so there was a lot of room for error. As long as you're meticulous about keeping it clean dry and covered, you'll be able to avoid any of that nastiness.

PT will most likely be the hardest. Oh and if the pain meds make you nauseous at all, ask for Zofran. It's available generic now so it's much more affordable and it doesn't have any side effects like phenergan does. It just kills nausea. That's it. I have to take it twice a day every day because of the gut stuff and it really helps. And yes, I realize with everything you've been through there's a good chance you already know about this, but I'm nothing if not a repository of knowledge on surgery and post-op meds, so I just wanted to see if a tip may be of some use to you. If not, feel free to ignore it, tell me to shut up, etc. But I'm glad that you are feeling better even if it's just a bit. Still keeping you in my thoughts till you're past this and healed.

I had a couple of large-gauge needles stuck into my spine yesterday morning...

And they gave me the same medication that Michael Jackson's in-house doc, Conrad Murray, was giving him for sleep.

Which is sad because that stuff is nothing to play with.

Other than talking to Sam last night for a while and getting a shower (after taping a plastic "window" over my incisions) today... I've pretty much been wasted and don't really recall much of the last 30 or so hours. LOL.

I'm sick of laying down so I'm doing some lightweight surfing and getting caught up here.

Thanks again to everybody who had something nice to say and wished me a safe and speedy recovery.

I do this again next week and then start physical therapy after the New Year. So one day at a time. You know?