SPECTOR® Club - Part 55

[worshiprocker]

ok, opinion time. here is my issue im having.
i have fallen in love with the white maple body LE euro.
that being said, i realize for that money i could go a few different ways.
i could buy two used euro lx
or even an older ns2 if i can hold out long enough to find one in the same price range.
i know it comes down to my decision in the end but i do value everyone heres opinion very much also. keep in mind im new to spector and right now my only one is a performer.
since ive been sick and on disability money is tight. this is the one time a year i can do something like this anymore. what do you all feel on this matter?

What do you like about the LE? the maple body? the chrome hardware? What are you using the bass for? Do you LOVE the neck on your performer? how many basses do you want?

The reason I ask is this... The most common answer is going to be save for the NS 2, most will say Kramer era. The modern EuroLX is modeled after the Kramer Era NS2... sure, different woods and preamp... but that is the key. Also they are lighter and have the same neck profile as the thinner Kramer Era NS2s... I would say if you are looking for just one bass, get a CRFM/Euro4/Euro4LX. Most CRFMs and Euro4s have the same juju that the NS2s have for a third the price. If you have your hear set on a US 9v circuit then get the NS2.

That is my opinion.

 

[Worldeeeter]

Hey I think I've seen the answer to this here before and have probably asked before myself , but has anyone installed a Hipshot Detuner on a Euro 5LX? I'm curious if it can fit with the tight spacing of the tuners. I'm assuming the M4 Schaller one is the way to go. Might be looking to be one on the Webster.

Someone had asked about this a couple dozen threads back; the general consensus is that it shouldn't be a problem. There's a great instructional video on Hipshot's website (or YouTube?) on installation as well.
I briefly thought about doing the same thing with my Webster, as I was drop-tuning to A for a few songs with my previous band. However, I have an Eventide Pitchfactor, which allows me to "artificially" tune down (or up) to whatever interval I tell it. So cool!
No peg-turning.
Speaking on the topic, how great does the AW sound tuned down to A, right? It's like nirvana (the concept, not the band)!

 

[bunkaroo]

Someone had asked about this a couple dozen threads back; the general consensus is that it shouldn't be a problem. There's a great instructional video on Hipshot's website (or YouTube?) on installation as well.
I briefly thought about doing the same thing with my Webster, as I was drop-tuning to A for a few songs with my previous band. However, I have an Eventide Pitchfactor, which allows me to "artificially" tune down (or up) to whatever interval I tell it. So cool!
No peg-turning.
Speaking on the topic, how great does the AW sound tuned down to A, right? It's like nirvana (the concept, not the band)!

Indeed! I have my Euro 5LX setup ADCGF but I want to avoid having to switch basses during a show. We have our set pretty streamlined so the less time between tunes the better.

 

[LimaGuy]

ok, opinion time. here is my issue im having.
i have fallen in love with the white maple body LE euro.
that being said, i realize for that money i could go a few different ways.
i could buy two used euro lx
or even an older ns2 if i can hold out long enough to find one in the same price range.
i know it comes down to my decision in the end but i do value everyone heres opinion very much also. keep in mind im new to spector and right now my only one is a performer.
since ive been sick and on disability money is tight. this is the one time a year i can do something like this anymore. what do you all feel on this matter?

Based on every thing I know........and have read here.......hold out and find a used ns-2, maybe a kramer era. The reason I say this is because it seems 97% off all roads lead to that as a final destination in Spectorville. I actually do believe alot of people will agree with me on this!

Agree, either Used Ns2 or used euro or used crfm....($2000-$2500),($800-$1400)/($700-$950)....I have realized that new you take a killing if reselling but not much if used...

What do you like about the LE? the maple body? the chrome hardware? What are you using the bass for? Do you LOVE the neck on your performer? how many basses do you want?

The reason I ask is this... The most common answer is going to be save for the NS 2, most will say Kramer era. The modern EuroLX is modeled after the Kramer Era NS2... sure, different woods and preamp... but that is the key. Also they are lighter and have the same neck profile as the thinner Kramer Era NS2s... I would say if you are looking for just one bass, get a CRFM/Euro4/Euro4LX. Most CRFMs and Euro4s have the same juju that the NS2s have for a third the price. If you have your hear set on a US 9v circuit then get the NS2.

That is my opinion.

I will add in my opinion on this since now I have owned/played just about every bass mentioned above.

First, I will say. I owned 2 Kramer NS-2s. They have certain MoJo to to them from the older 9V Preamp which has a certain punch and growl and the pau ferro baord with the crown inlays. When you play them you just kinda say "wow" I think Bunkaroo kinda referred to that in his recent post.

I now own 3 Woodstock USA models, these have a different MoJo to them and are my favorite, but I do miss the Kramer MoJo, I also know a few guys who prefer Kramers over the newer Woodstock models.

Based on what you said above, I am assuming your price range is $2,000-$2,3000.

I recently received a 1999 NS4CRFM for a fellow club member and I have to say it plays and feels very close to the Kramer NS-2s that I owned. Doesn't have the exact 9V USA Circuit Tone but it will do you just fine at being $1,300+ cheaper then a Kramer NS-2. It gives you a really close representation of the Kramer without going broke.

Since money is tight. You want to get the best bang for the buck.
Your best bet may be to go with used older Euro or CRFM and a used EuroLX. Then if a Kramer NS-2 comes around at a decent price you can decide to sell them for that or you may just be perfectly happy with what you have.

Also don't forget a good shape NS-2A with upgraded active EMGs which you can sometimes get for around $500-$600

Feel free to PM me with any additional questions.

 

[iceboxbass]

How do you find the 18V compares to the 9V on a passive pickup bass? Going by what others have said, there's really no benefit unless the pickups are draining load off the battery, too.

With the Aguilar OBP 2&3, converting from 9V to 18V made quite a noticeable difference in sound.

 

[superdick2112]

I'm with LimaGuy as far as the Woodstock being my favorite of the NS-2s. I recommend saving up for a nice used model.
Sam (LimaGuy) has a vast knowledge of Spectors, has helped countless Spector lovers find just the right bass for their needs & budget, and he doesn't ever give bad advice. A PM to him is the best thing I think you could do.

 

[superdick2112]

With the Aguilar OBP 2&3, converting from 9V to 18V made quite a noticeable difference in sound.

Ice - how was your day off/trip to GC? Hope you had a good day - did you find anything cool?

 

[Tracebassplayer]

Hi everyone,
Anyone in the NW (Oregon/Washington area) interested in performing with Same Ol' Situation (a Motely Crue Tribute Band) lemme know. Tom has moved to Los Angeles leaving them without a bassist. They are popular and busy in the Portland area.
I see a lot of new basses and new faces, That's a good thing.

Sorry I haven't been as active as I used to be. I hope everyone is doing Okay.
I am sorry to hear about Chris. That was a sad sad day for us all.

On a happier note...
Here is the last batch of new members.... We're almost to 400 members!!!!

383. RebobBass 01-30-2013
384. cyclopsbookworm 02-05-2013
385. Project7Bass 02-05-2013
386. BoomBoomOGTL 02-05-2013
387. Torn Bassist 02-08-2013
388. bampilot06 02-18-2013
389. DerrickSmalls 02-18-2013
390. whitemosquito 02-18-2013

 

[Geezer Brown]

Hi,

I don't own any spectors, and I probably won't be able to afford one until I'm in my late 20's

Just wondering, what do y'all think of the Spector Rex 4 and 5 (the USA model, not that Korean holoflash crap)

I have yet to meet someone who has used/played one of these

Thoughts?

 

[worshiprocker]

Hi,

I don't own any spectors, and I probably won't be able to afford one until I'm in my late 20's

Just wondering, what do y'all think of the Spector Rex 4 and 5 (the USA model, not that Korean holoflash crap)

I have yet to meet someone who has used/played one of these

Thoughts?

we have a member on our Facebook group that has 2 of the usa rex basses and he loves them. https://www.facebook.com/JohneeDSheaEntertainment?fref=ts

 

[Tracebassplayer]

How many members do we have around Portland, Or?

 

[Christian Waiau]

Warwick parts on a Spector?!? Sacrilege!!!

They should fit perfect... Almost like they were made for them....




Jk.. I'm really not sure but I don't see why not and/or why one would.

 

[Christian Waiau]

Hi,

I don't own any spectors, and I probably won't be able to afford one until I'm in my late 20's

Just wondering, what do y'all think of the Spector Rex 4 and 5 (the USA model, not that Korean holoflash crap)

I have yet to meet someone who has used/played one of these

Thoughts?

What's wrong with holoflash.....


And they also have USA basses with that finish....

 

[keeperofthelows]

Based on every thing I know........and have read here.......hold out and find a used ns-2, maybe a kramer era. The reason I say this is because it seems 97% off all roads lead to that as a final destination in Spectorville. I actually do believe alot of people will agree with me on this!

Agree, either Used Ns2 or used euro or used crfm....($2000-$2500),($800-$1400)/($700-$950)....I have realized that new you take a killing if reselling but not much if used...

Just to add to this - I used the Kramer NS-2 I got from Jeff yesterday at rehearsal for the first time through my amp. Wow. I mean I love the way all my Euros sound through the amp, but there is something more there with the NS-2. I would definitely call it my #1 bass right now if it wasn't a 4-string. I am used to the 35" scale now and while the 34" feels very easy to play, I don't want to get too used to it yet since my US builds I have in progress will both be 35". Plus BEAD currently works for me on the existing material but I am sure I will want the G and possibly C string available for future songs.

What I am hoping is my NS-5XL with the US 9v and 40P5 and 40J build will sound close enough that I will be happy with that as my main. I still love the 18v/DC combo in my current 5XL and I haven't heard that through my amp yet so who knows.

But if you're a 4-string guy, yeah I think the Kramer NS-2 is one of the best ones you could get. That said, if I never had anything else but my Euros, I'd be more than happy with them. It's really just degrees of awesome now.

What do you like about the LE? the maple body? the chrome hardware? What are you using the bass for? Do you LOVE the neck on your performer? how many basses do you want?

The reason I ask is this... The most common answer is going to be save for the NS 2, most will say Kramer era. The modern EuroLX is modeled after the Kramer Era NS2... sure, different woods and preamp... but that is the key. Also they are lighter and have the same neck profile as the thinner Kramer Era NS2s... I would say if you are looking for just one bass, get a CRFM/Euro4/Euro4LX. Most CRFMs and Euro4s have the same juju that the NS2s have for a third the price. If you have your hear set on a US 9v circuit then get the NS2.

That is my opinion.

my first bass was a white bass (bently series 10) and was stolen from me. that was in 1983/84. i picked up the thing because of a bass i saw sting play and that was the closest i could come to stings bass at the age 12. so to answer, i love the white and the fact of the maple body. i do love the chrome hardware and i prefer neckthrough. i dont have any experience with the tone pump or the USA 9 volt except what i hear from others. i love to listen to the sound clips you all post.
i would love to own at least 2 Spectors or 3 or 4... someday.

I will add in my opinion on this since now I have owned/played just about every bass mentioned above.

First, I will say. I owned 2 Kramer NS-2s. They have certain MoJo to to them from the older 9V Preamp which has a certain punch and growl and the pau ferro baord with the crown inlays. When you play them you just kinda say "wow" I think Bunkaroo kinda referred to that in his recent post.

I now own 3 Woodstock USA models, these have a different MoJo to them and are my favorite, but I do miss the Kramer MoJo, I also know a few guys who prefer Kramers over the newer Woodstock models.

Based on what you said above, I am assuming your price range is $2,000-$2,3000.

I recently received a 1999 NS4CRFM for a fellow club member and I have to say it plays and feels very close to the Kramer NS-2s that I owned. Doesn't have the exact 9V USA Circuit Tone but it will do you just fine at being $1,300+ cheaper then a Kramer NS-2. It gives you a really close representation of the Kramer without going broke.

Since money is tight. You want to get the best bang for the buck.
Your best bet may be to go with used older Euro or CRFM and a used EuroLX. Then if a Kramer NS-2 comes around at a decent price you can decide to sell them for that or you may just be perfectly happy with what you have.

Also don't forget a good shape NS-2A with upgraded active EMGs which you can sometimes get for around $500-$600

Feel free to PM me with any additional questions.

thanks Limaguy. i will sure get ahold of you with ANY spector questions.

I'm with LimaGuy as far as the Woodstock being my favorite of the NS-2s. I recommend saving up for a nice used model.
Sam (LimaGuy) has a vast knowledge of Spectors, has helped countless Spector lovers find just the right bass for their needs & budget, and he doesn't ever give bad advice. A PM to him is the best thing I think you could do.

thank you all so much for the quick response. i had a feeling the ns2 would win out with you.
i must say with everything going on in my life this is a WONDERFUL problem to have!!!!
HMMM what Spector do i want... all i know is i will soon have one.

so... now what are your feelings on the said euro LE? not in comparison with the ns2? not price, just for what it is?

ive been known to hold on to my equipment for years. i realize that this club can and may change that but i usually try to buy with a plan of keeping for awhile.
and again thank you all for your advice and offer of future help.

 

[Geezer Brown]

What's wrong with holoflash.....


And they also have USA basses with that finish....

Holoflash is ugly. Besides, why spend thousands of dollars to get Solid AAAA maple just to spray that ugly mcflurry paint job on it?

 

[superdick2112]

so... now what are your feelings on the said euro LE? not in comparison with the ns2? not price, just for what it is?

My first Spector was a Euro LX, and in addition to my 2 USA Spectors, I still own a Euro LX and a CRFM. The Euros are fantastic basses and genuine bargains. The Tonepump sounds great, and delivers about 94% of the USA tone IMHO. Playability is about 96% of the USA basses, and like the USAs, they can be found used for good prices.

To answer your question - they are great basses. Even though I have my 2 dream USA Spectors, my Euro and CRFM are keepers. They get played on a regular basis, and they never fail to deliver the goods when played live.

Here is the latest family photo...

 

[awilkie84]

Holoflash is ugly. Besides, why spend thousands of dollars to get Solid AAAA maple just to spray that ugly mcflurry paint job on it?

Personally, I kind of like the holoflash.
Secondly, the AAA maple basses don't have holoflash...and the Korean Spectors are NOT crap. Don't knock 'em until you try 'em. They can hold their own quit well.

 

[superdick2112]

Personally, I kind of like the holoflash.
Secondly, the AAA maple basses don't have holoflash...and the Korean Spectors are NOT crap. Don't knock 'em until you try 'em. They can hold their own quite well.

+1

I had a Korean Rex-4, and it played & sounded great. I only sold it because I bought it used, & recieved an offer to buy it for quite a bit more than I paid for it.
It sounded & played as good as my EBMM Stingray, and at 1/4 the price. They definitely are not crap.

 

[keeperofthelows]

My first Spector was a Euro LX, and in addition to my 2 USA Spectors, I still own a Euro LX and a CRFM. The Euros are fantastic basses and genuine bargains. The Tonepump sounds great, and delivers about 94% of the USA tone IMHO. Playability is about 96% of the USA basses, and like the USAs, they can be found used for good prices.

To answer your question - they are great basses. Even though I have my 2 dream USA Spectors, my Euro and CRFM are keepers. They get played on a regular basis, and they never fail to deliver the goods when played live.

Here is the latest family photo...

beautiful. i think 4 is a nice number. i believe that will be my eventual goal
very nice family! and thank you for your input.

 

[JeffplaysBass]

What do you like about the LE? the maple body? the chrome hardware? What are you using the bass for? Do you LOVE the neck on your performer? how many basses do you want?

The reason I ask is this... The most common answer is going to be save for the NS 2, most will say Kramer era. The modern EuroLX is modeled after the Kramer Era NS2... sure, different woods and preamp... but that is the key. Also they are lighter and have the same neck profile as the thinner Kramer Era NS2s... I would say if you are looking for just one bass, get a CRFM/Euro4/Euro4LX. Most CRFMs and Euro4s have the same juju that the NS2s have for a third the price. If you have your hear set on a US 9v circuit then get the NS2.

That is my opinion.

I will add in my opinion on this since now I have owned/played just about every bass mentioned above.

First, I will say. I owned 2 Kramer NS-2s. They have certain MoJo to to them from the older 9V Preamp which has a certain punch and growl and the pau ferro baord with the crown inlays. When you play them you just kinda say "wow" I think Bunkaroo kinda referred to that in his recent post.

I now own 3 Woodstock USA models, these have a different MoJo to them and are my favorite, but I do miss the Kramer MoJo, I also know a few guys who prefer Kramers over the newer Woodstock models.

Based on what you said above, I am assuming your price range is $2,000-$2,3000.

I recently received a 1999 NS4CRFM for a fellow club member and I have to say it plays and feels very close to the Kramer NS-2s that I owned. Doesn't have the exact 9V USA Circuit Tone but it will do you just fine at being $1,300+ cheaper then a Kramer NS-2. It gives you a really close representation of the Kramer without going broke.

Since money is tight. You want to get the best bang for the buck.
Your best bet may be to go with used older Euro or CRFM and a used EuroLX. Then if a Kramer NS-2 comes around at a decent price you can decide to sell them for that or you may just be perfectly happy with what you have.

Also don't forget a good shape NS-2A with upgraded active EMGs which you can sometimes get for around $500-$600

Feel free to PM me with any additional questions.

These guys passed the (answering) test with flying colors(or whatever the saying goes).....anyways if that guy wants to sell that NS4CRFM let me know....