SPECTOR® Club - Part 64

[bunkaroo]

Got some outdoors pics today but the light wasn't great. Still I think the basses look pretty decent.

I don't want to bombard the thread with 2 dozen pics so I'll just post a few for now and save the rest for each subsequent "In!" post in each new thread.

US NS Family pic:

A couple more of the UV 5XL:

Blue NS-5XL:

Coda 5XL:

 

[JPSBassist]

well it seems like around here, if you dont have the higher end spectors, no one cares what you have. just seems like an observation ive noticed around here as of the past few threads. im contemplating disappearing from here.

Wow. I'm really sorry you feel this way. I can tell you first-hand from my own perspective that this isn't how I feel about things.

A Spector is a Spector. And seeing how Stuart and PJ go over each detail of each model, from the Performer models to the USA models, there's no doubt that even the lower-end models like the Performers, Legends, etc... are 100% pure Spector.

And the older more obscure import models are way awesome to me.

I know I've said more than once that dollar for dollar, Korean models like the NS-2A and the NS-94/95, NS-20004/20005 are the best "bang for the buck" when looking at used Spectors.

And there's no shame or "snobbery" in regards to anyone who owns ANY Spector.

Two things I want to say about this subject...

First - I see every prototype that's built. They're sent to me for photos and for me to play and evaluate. I was the first person (besides Chris Kael) outside of the company to see Chris's new signature bass. I have one of the prototypes here in my office, RIGHT NOW.

It's a Korean Spector... and TOTALLY WICKED/COOL/BAD-BOOTAY. No if-and-or-buts... this is an awesome bass and anyone who gets one will have a thoroughbred Spector. I'd personally own one of these in a heartbeat. And actually I suggested to Sam that he might really like one of these last week after it was announced.

I know the design and development process for EVERY bass Spector makes. And it ISN'T made and put into production without Stuart and PJ sweating over EVERY little detail. In the case of a new model that involves an artist like Chris Kael, it's been sweat over by the artist as well. Chris was VERY involved in the entire process. Ironically, so was Rex Brown. This is a modified Rex Brown model after all. And the Chris Kael bass wouldn't have happened without Rex's blessing. Which he thought the idea was killer and he was honored that Chris loved his bass so much as to want to personalize one for himself. Rex was way cool about the whole thing. But honestly, in getting to know Rex personally, he's really a super cool guy. A sincerely nice dude to be sure.

Bottom Line: It doesn't matter where the bass was made, if there's a Double-S or SSD on the headstock, it's a Spector and something to be proud of.

Second - Your bass is a tool. It's a tool you use to make music, or more importantly "PLAY" music. The ONLY thing that matters is that YOU love the way it sounds and plays.

Let's face it, Spectors are not cheap. NONE of them are. When you can get other import brands for less or hit up your local pawn shop for a pawn-shop special... paying several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars for a bass guitar is a serious commitment. And in this day and time, with the economy the way it is... when one of the largest cities in the country files for bankruptcy... you've GOT to take your personal finances seriously and be very strategic with your money.

You only need to justify what makes sense for yourself. When I was 17 and could afford my first car, I got a 4 year-old Chevy Chevette. By all accounts the furthest thing from a Corvette you could get. The ONLY thing one had in common with the other was the "vette" in the name. But I was thrilled to not have to ride the bus anymore. And it was MY car. It reliably got me from point A to point B for a couple of years and then I got something I was better able to afford.

I can tell you that the import Spectors and the USA models have so much more in common than then that Chevette had to the Corvette... LOL. The better analogy would be the second car I owned, the Camero to the Corvette.

Never feel like you don't get any respect because you don't own one of the high-end USA Spectors. I can tell you that I get paid for my consulting work with Spectors... that's the ONLY reason I can justify owning what I own. I'm not a professional bassist and NEVER will be. I have no desire to be in a band or gig. I play for the sake of my own sanity. When the world is running me down, plugging in and playing makes everything feel better.

And if I wasn't lucky enough to have the consulting deal with Spector that I do, I'd own nothing but Korean Spectors... probably just one... because that would be all I could JUSTIFY spending money on. Since I don't do anything with the bass to earn me money such as gig with local bands on the weekends or anything like that.

I'm sorry you feel a little neglected. And I get it.

But I think the excitement over the USA stuff is just like what I imagine happens on the Chevy fan forums... you've got all the guys with Z-28s and Malibu and Impalas, all VERY respectable cars... and then the guy with the 1959 Vette drops some photos onto the board and everyone drools. You know?

It's not to take anything away from anyone. It's to share our love of them all.

Link Removed
I sent this photo to PJ Rubal after getting the Kael prototype to let him know I approved. LOL.

 

[JPSBassist]

In with some Spector and DT swag! Group photo in progress

THIS IS TOTALLY WICKED!!!!

 

[JPSBassist]

Oh you think YOURS dont get any love? try being the only NS-2C man on the board! Its all good...they're Spectors baby!
I still havent gotten the black one in the pic yet though...

[/URL]

DUDE!!!
YOU KNOW I LOVE YOUR COLLECTION!

You've got some of the ONLY NS-2C models I know of in existence. And there were several hundred to perhaps two thousand made (no one really knows). But they are SUPER rare and very cool!

And a PERFECT example of how cool the Korean-made models are.

I sincerely want the opportunity to shoot your collection one day. Those basses are so sweet!

 

[worshiprocker]

Absolutely. I readily admit I did NOT give the TP enough time the first go around. This white Euro LX I have is the bomb. Played it again yesterday for The Shallowz practice and it killed. It's up again today for the cover band. Lately I'm picking the Euro up more than the USA's.

That is testament that every bass is different, its all about the wood, the electronics are never exactly the same. Man now I need a white bass, lol

Meantime I'll "Rock out with my Czech Spectors out" , to paraphrase Donny. And that's a good thing.

yes!

I still haven't ruled out a BEAD NS-2 in the future since I love the classic headstock. But I need my G-string!

much respect to 5 string players who use all 5 strings

 

[JPSBassist]

hang in here man, I understand your frustration. I felt the same way about the us 9v haz circuit. But GAS calms down, players like Lee, for instance, have discovered that Euro LX with a TP can really slay. I favor my Czech made bass but my #2 is a korean made NS2A and I love it, my 5er is a 2000/5 (korean) and I own a LegendX (korean). I don't think I will ever buy a US built Spector, I don't see the need to spend that kind of money when the "level" of bass I own all kill it live and in the studio.

4 Years ago when I started with this forum (on version #5), the general thought on the TonePump was so negative... it was often called "The ToneDump" and it really irritated me.

My first Spector was a Korean-Made Q4-Pro. Then I got my NS-2A (which I still own to this day and it's sitting right next to the Blue Dream in my rack). I finally got a Euro4LX and once I dialed the TonePump down to about 60% I was hooked.

I've long been a lover of the TonePump. I have one in my NS-2A. Although I converted it to a fretless, which I have never regretted doing... it's a SICK fretless with that circuit.

I hear you about the USA 9v. And it's true. That 9v USA circuit has a solid-state OpAmp growl and warmth to it you will be hard-pressed to find anywhere else, I find that the TP can really get you there with the right tweaking.

PJ Rubal, Stuart and the guy who designed it for Spector (the TP) used PJ's NS-2 #603 as the sound platform for that circuit's development. And number 603 is one of the best sounding Spector's I've ever heard (or played).

I did that TonePump video to put the negative stuff about that circuit to rest. I was tired of hearing it.

And I'm really glad that more and more people are appreciating just how good sounding that circuit is.

Thank you for saying so.

And lastly, you've said EXACTLY what I was talking about in my post a few minutes ago addressing the "justification" of purchasing a really expensive bass.

Honestly, if I WAS going to do any gigging, I'd do EXACTLY what Sam has recently done and invest in some Euro models (or some Korean models). I would NEVER take The Pearl or Dream out to a gig where they could be damaged or dented/dinged. LOL. Which in a way is sad. I find that these basses are really more like works of art. And I'd sometimes rather look at them then play them.

This really makes Stuart a little irritated. Because they were made to be played. And built to last.

I think Donny is a wise man, for sure. Listen to him. He's straight-up.

I have the guitar version

WHICH I TOTALLY NEED SOME GOOD PHOTOS OF FOR THE WEBSITE PLEASE!!! Just some good body shots, front and back. I don't care about the condition of the guitar. Those are so hard to come by.

 

[bunkaroo]

much respect to 5 string players who use all 5 strings

My dirty little secret is, I don't believe I used the G-string once on the album. The parts are evolving more now, but back then I coulddo it on BEAD if necessary. I plan to use all 6 strings on the next record.

 

[bunkaroo]

4 Years ago when I started with this forum (on version #5), the general thought on the TonePump was so negative... it was often called "The ToneDump" and it really irritated me.

My first Spector was a Korean-Made Q4-Pro. Then I got my NS-2A (which I still own to this day and it's sitting right next to the Blue Dream in my rack). I finally got a Euro4LX and once I dialed the TonePump down to about 60% I was hooked.

I've long been a lover of the TonePump. I have one in my NS-2A. Although I converted it to a fretless, which I have never regretted doing... it's a SICK fretless with that circuit.

I hear you about the USA 9v. And it's true. That 9v USA circuit has a solid-state OpAmp growl and warmth to it you will be hard-pressed to find anywhere else, I find that the TP can really get you there with the right tweaking.

PJ Rubal, Stuart and the guy who designed it for Spector (the TP) used PJ's NS-2 #603 as the sound platform for that circuit's development. And number 603 is one of the best sounding Spector's I've ever heard (or played).

I did that TonePump video to put the negative stuff about that circuit to rest. I was tired of hearing it.

And I'm really glad that more and more people are appreciating just how good sounding that circuit is.

Thank you for saying so.

And lastly, you've said EXACTLY what I was talking about in my post a few minutes ago addressing the "justification" of purchasing a really expensive bass.

Honestly, if I WAS going to do any gigging, I'd do EXACTLY what Sam has recently done and invest in some Euro models (or some Korean models). I would NEVER take The Pearl or Dream out to a gig where they could be damaged or dented/dinged. LOL. Which in a way is sad. I find that these basses are really more like works of art. And I'd sometimes rather look at them then play them.

This really makes Stuart a little irritated. Because they were made to be played. And built to last.

.

I've actually considered putting a TonePump in the Webster. I love it on the other Euros I have and have had. I like the US 9v and 18v just a hair more.

I've also decided I am taking the UV 5XL to ProgPower. I gotta play one of the US basses at a gig that size. I need to make sure I convert a lot of the other bassists.

 

[Basstovsky]

I will admit there are times when it feels like noone cares about the lower end models, or that it seems like other posts get 'ignored' or lost in the thread when someone posts a pic of a new USA model.

However I don't believe anyone has negative intentions here, and that more often than not it just happens to actually get lost in the sea of other posts, not actively ignored or shunned. Most of the guys in here are standup guys (I don't know every single member of TB so I can't say all ) and while it is unfortunate, I don't think it is intentional.

All my Spectors are Korean (NS20004, NS20005, NS-2A, Legend Classic 6) except for a beat-to-hell NS-X that looks like it went through a wood-chipper, so I have definitely experienced this, but again with the amount of eye candy that gets posted, I can understand that from time to time my posts will be missed because everyone is busy going WOWOWOW over some of the builds the guys have in here.

 

[worshiprocker]

4 Years ago when I started with this forum (on version #5), the general thought on the TonePump was so negative... it was often called "The ToneDump" and it really irritated me.

I remember seeing threads on that when I started playing Spectors. When I swapped in a non trim TP ( i got from a member here) to my Spector DLX I was dumbfounded as to all the hate. The TP is a great preamp, the trim version is a great improvement, the US 9V is a great preamp, the czech and korean 9v copies are great preamps.... Spector just knows what they are doing. I reallyhave just come to the realization that Stuart/PJ/Jimmy (he has to have some say right?) know what they are doing, and it shows.

I think Donny is a wise man, for sure. Listen to him. He's straight-up.

I think wise may be an overstatement lol

WHICH I TOTALLY NEED SOME GOOD PHOTOS OF FOR THE WEBSITE PLEASE!!! Just some good body shots, front and back. I don't care about the condition of the guitar. Those are so hard to come by.

I will sync up with one of my photographer friends and get you some pics.

 

[worshiprocker]

My dirty little secret is, I don't believe I used the G-string once on the album. The parts are evolving more now, but back then I coulddo it on BEAD if necessary. I plan to use all 6 strings on the next record.

lol, no worries most guys don't even use all 4 strings. I'm thinking about writing a solo album, maybe just instrumentals. I have a 5er now (and love it) so I might venture in to some unknown realms of chords and such with that bass. I use to play a 5er, but this NS 2000/5 kills it.

 

[j.kernodle]

I know a spewed some tone pump hate back in the day, but it was directed at the non-trim version which I still think to this day was a flawed design. thankfully Stuart and company saw it that way too and introduced the internal trim pot. the tone pump today (with the gain trim) is a respectable preamp and all things considered does seem to give a better facsimile of the 9v circuit than other preamps.

 

[JPSBassist]

But I need my G-string!

I'm always afraid that wearing a G-string will make my butt look fat...

 

[husky123]

I also forgot to mention, and not to pile on, that I just purchased a Spectorcore a few weeks ago. Let me tell you, it flat rocks. Build quality is VERY nice and there are soooo many cool tones in that bad boy. I play it all the time. Being a lover of the USA models (I mean, who's not?) I still find the Korean and Czech stuff to be incredible.

 

[JPSBassist]

I remember seeing threads on that when I started playing Spectors. When I swapped in a non trim TP ( i got from a member here) to my Spector DLX I was dumbfounded as to all the hate. The TP is a great preamp, the trim version is a great improvement, the US 9V is a great preamp, the czech and korean 9v copies are great preamps....

And ironically with the older non-trim pot models, some were way hotter than others. So yeah... I understand some of the hate that the TP originally got. Once the trim-pot was added, it really elevated that circuit.

Spector just knows what they are doing. I reallyhave just come to the realization that Stuart/PJ/Jimmy (he has to have some say right?) know what they are doing, and it shows.

The circuits are pretty much a done-deal... meaning Stuart designed the original ones back in 1979, working with Henry at Haz Laboratories to develop the original USA 9v circuits.

And PJ Rubal was the one who really took lead on the development of the TP. He was the one who insisted that the Trim Pot model be designed and he'll tell you it took 3 years for the engineer to finally do it.

Jimmy is one of the most talented guitarists you'll meet. Jimmy has been instrumental in helping Stuart refine the ARC6 and the newer Webcaster/Podcaster and RX-GT guitars. But the bass tone... especially things like new pickups (there are new pickup options for the Coda including a set of custom-made, hand-wound pups unique to Spector) is usually PJ messing around with the basses and then discussing things with Stuart. Stuart will tell you, "Ask the bassist"... meaning ask PJ.

Stuart's gift is that he can hear in his head certain tones and he knows what will sound good with other instruments in this or that setting. It's a natural thing for him.

But PJ is the true bassist of the group. Trained, road-tested and with over 35 years of experience... he's got an ear for what the Spector tone is... and should be. It was his purchase of Spector NS-2 #603 in the mid-1980's that set him on his path to seeking Stuart out to learn more about the amazing bass he'd just purchased (and had changed the way he looked at bass tone). Which led him to eventually becoming Stuart's business partner.

You look at all of the uber-fans of Spector on this forum. Myself, Todd Cooke, Carlton Armstrong, Sam, Omer, etc... and PJ Rubal was the original uber-fan. Which is why it's so cool to get to work with him.

Every "ah-ha!" moment I've had, he's just sitting back smiling. Because he knows. He's been there.

I think wise may be an overstatement lol.

Nah. Take it.

I will sync up with one of my photographer friends and get you some pics.

THANK YOU! I really do appreciate it! I need good NS-6C (and NS-6A and NS-6B) photos (for anyone out there that may know where an NS-6A or NS-6B is).

 

[delucajohn2000]

I think the reason it seems like some posts get ignored is due to the fact that there are times when there are so many posts, it gets tough to even keep up with them. I am all for conversation but if people are using a post to respond to only one thing and then doing another response for another, it gets to be way too many. Multi-quote is your friend people

I did have the reverse situation one time though I have to say. When I got my green bass, someone actually sent me a PM telling me I was showing off and was pretty nasty about it. I ignored them and they aren't someone I see around here anymore but I will admit that I don't post pictures often because of that. I know it shouldn't matter but the thought comes to me every time a new thread starts so I only post pictures every now and then

 

[Zitch]

Bunk, that Blue NS-5 is killer! great finish on that one!

 

[Torn Bassist]

Fact is the bass is going to Todd and I'm going to drive out there and pick it up. Like you, I want him to check out my playing style and adjust the set up to suit me. Also to take some glamor shots in his photo booth. Not to mention the chance to drool over some of his collection.

That would be a great idea, Todd helped me out a lot! When you get that planned out let me know and maybe I might be able to make a trip over to meet you if it's not going to be a bother for your day with Todd and your new bass....

 

[Torn Bassist]

You know... I'd love to get better photos of this bass for the Spector photo archives.

Is there any way we might be able to work this out.

I'd be glad to give you some tips/pointers on how to take the photos I need.

Many of the import SSD models, Korean models especially, are difficult to get ahold of for photos.

Now that would be so cool, I want to see this up close if I can ask for that (Patrick has helped me when I sent him a PM on how to best take a picture of a Spector bass...even if I'm still learning).

 

[Torn Bassist]

LOL. I know. I look at all the sexy 5 string models and say, "Give them to me as 4-strings".

I guess we're even.

I'm with that, 4 string all the way but I would like to add a 5 for the extra color....