SPECTOR® Club - Part 66

[johnsonabq]

In my band I play a lot of songs (most even) that don't call for a low B but after 20 years of having one you find lots of places to use it. Especially in a three piece when you're trying like hell to fill things out during the guitar solo. Now I'm going back over the material and seeing what songs really need it. Many of them I'll play the entire song and only use the low B for that final note of the song. Now most of those I'm switching to the four string because that last low note is cool but really not needed.

Now some songs that were originally recorded with a four string, I've incorporated the low B string throughout them and can't/won't play them on a four string because I think the song would be the less for it. A great example is Tool/Sober. During the chorus I play octaves using the low B and A strings and it makes the song really step out and sound BIG!

Sonically I prefer the five string, but physically, I prefer playing the shorter, lighter, thinner necked, four strings. That's why I have both.

 

[MDBass]

Looks like I'll finally be taking a Spector family photo once my new NS-2J SE arrives, should look great alongside my Euro4LX and Coda4 ...hopefully by then I'll have found good homes for my Forte5 and Rex too

 

[cableguy]

not a requirement but for most CCM songs the sub E notes work really well in that setting. The same can be applied to gospel. I have always found it works well with the band that way, especially since modern CCM guitar players and mostly playing chimey delay parts (think U2), those low notes really fill out the band.

This (CCM) is one of the reasons I have it. I think I will try my Circle K's on it. My B string with that set is a .150. My current set has a .135 on it and it just doesn't feel right. Maybe I just need to play my fiver more but my NS2A just seems so right to me it's hard to.

 

[MDBass]

My switch to 4 string exclusively live is primarily an aesthetic thing, a few of my gigs actually demand it, and most prefer it...I'll always have a 5 string in the stable in case studio work calls for it though

In my band I play a lot of songs (most even) that don't call for a low B but after 20 years of having one you find lots of places to use it. Especially in a three piece when you're trying like hell to fill things out during the guitar solo. Now I'm going back over the material and seeing what songs really need it. Many of them I'll play the entire song and only use the low B for that final note of the song. Now most of those I'm switching to the four string because that last low note is cool but really not needed.

Now some songs that were originally recorded with a four string, I've incorporated the low B string throughout them and can't/won't play them on a four string because I think the song would be the less for it. A great example is Tool/Sober. During the chorus I play octaves using the low B and A strings and it makes the song really step out and sound BIG!

Sonically I prefer the five string, but physically, I prefer playing the shorter, lighter, thinner necked, four strings. That's why I have both.

 

[johnsonabq]

My switch to 4 string exclusively live is primarily an aesthetic thing, a few of my gigs actually demand it, and most prefer it...I'll always have a 5 string in the stable in case studio work calls for it though

Curious... Demand it? Musically there's nothing a four string can do that a fiver can't also.

 

[Torn Bassist]

I've been playing 5-string for 20 of my 25 years playing. 4-strings just feel incomplete to me. Which sucks because I love the look of the classic NS-2.

I'm a 4 string player who just added a fretless to learn, I had always tried to simulate a fretless sound on songs that required it but now I get to learn all to cool textures.

 

[MDBass]

Like I said, it's an aesthetic thing, some people just hate the look of a 5 string...the Warner Brother's artist I play for would literally send me home if I was silly enough to show up with one, and she prefers that I play my Coda over my Euro as well...both artists and audiences can be guilty of hearing with their eyes, and there's certainly nothing 'vintage' looking about a flamed top or an extra string

Curious... Demand it? Musically there's nothing a four string can do that a fiver can't also.

 

[bunkaroo]

+1
I'd love to see USA 5ers with NS-2 shape of headstock really. It is so organic and complete.

I actually like the look of the current 5-string headstock. I like the symmetry of the 2 x 2 of the classic 4-string. Something tells me I will own a Woodstock NS-2 in the future....if I can get it in 35" scale.

I seem to be in the minority here. I PREFER 5-string basses and tend to only dabble with my 4 strings, or use them for songs that need an open D (Rage, Tool, APC, etc).

I've gotten by on a lot of drop D stuff fretting the D, but sometimes there is no substitute. I think if I ever played the Queensryche stuff again live, I'd probably just tune my 5-string DEADG.

In my band I play a lot of songs (most even) that don't call for a low B but after 20 years of having one you find lots of places to use it. Especially in a three piece when you're trying like hell to fill things out during the guitar solo. Now I'm going back over the material and seeing what songs really need it. Many of them I'll play the entire song and only use the low B for that final note of the song. Now most of those I'm switching to the four string because that last low note is cool but really not needed.

Now some songs that were originally recorded with a four string, I've incorporated the low B string throughout them and can't/won't play them on a four string because I think the song would be the less for it. A great example is Tool/Sober. During the chorus I play octaves using the low B and A strings and it makes the song really step out and sound BIG!

Sonically I prefer the five string, but physically, I prefer playing the shorter, lighter, thinner necked, four strings. That's why I have both.

When I first transitioned to 5 from 4, we had about 8 originals I had gotten used to playing on 4 strings. The first time I heard some of the B and C# parts with the lower note, I was hooked. I don't play those notes exclusively to backup those chords for example, but more often than not it sounds better to me.

I'm a 4 string player who just added a fretless to learn, I had always tried to simulate a fretless sound on songs that required it but now I get to learn all to cool textures.

I used to play some songs that required fretless, and I was able to get pretty close by exaggerating my slides on a fretted bass, but it's so cool to have the real thing.

Like I said, it's an aesthetic thing, some people just hate the look of a 5 string...the Warner Brother's artist I play for would literally send me home if I was silly enough to show up with one, and she prefers that I play my Coda over my Euro as well...both artists and audiences can be guilty of hearing with their eyes, and there's certainly nothing 'vintage' looking about a flamed top or an extra string

Sounds like a real diva! I'd be surprised how many audience members even look at the bassist let alone count their strings!

 

[cjmodulus]

I seem to be in the minority here. I PREFER 5-string basses and tend to only dabble with my 4 strings, or use them for songs that need an open D (Rage, Tool, APC, etc).

Yep, I'm in this boat as well.

 

[johnsonabq]

Like I said, it's an aesthetic thing, some people just hate the look of a 5 string...the Warner Brother's artist I play for would literally send me home if I was silly enough to show up with one, and she prefers that I play my Coda over my Euro as well...both artists and audiences can be guilty of hearing with their eyes, and there's certainly nothing 'vintage' looking about a flamed top or an extra string

Hmm... I see. I've never been a "hired gun". Therefore never subject to the whims of an "artist". But hey, they sign the check. I'm surprised they don't tell you to go get a Fender Jazz. At least they accept some form of Spector.

An audience does hear with their eyes. Learned this in the 80's. That's why my bands have a good light show and try not to wear the same clothes as the audience on stage. (mostly) Even in a small club you can still put on a show.

 

[MDBass]

Sounds like a real diva! I'd be surprised how many audience members even look at the bassist let alone count their strings!

Not at all, she just has a very clear idea of what she wants and I definitely respect that...that's why the Coda was created after all, so players who needed a more traditional looking bass could still have Spector tone and build quality...

I certainly can't complain about playing amazing gear in front of huge crowds while being paid handsomely to boot

 

[MDBass]

Hmm... I see. I've never been a "hired gun". Therefore never subject to the whims of an "artist". But hey, they sign the check. I'm surprised they don't tell you to go get a Fender Jazz. At least they accept some form of Spector.

An audience does hear with their eyes. Learned this in the 80's. That's why my bands have a good light show and try not to wear the same clothes as the audience on stage. (mostly) Even in a small club you can still put on a show.

Absolutely. Music is entertainment to most, art to a few.

 

[johnsonabq]

I certainly can't complain about playing amazing gear in front of huge crowds while being paid handsomely to boot

HA! 'Nuff said.

 

[5string_phunk]

1. if I'm a founding and/or creative member of group, 99.9% of the time I'm playing what bass I want.

2. if I'm a bassist-for-hire for an artist/group, I playing whatever style bass the person paying me wants me to play! ...same for attire and other requirements!

If you're out to make a living with your instrument, especially in a town full of 'tradition' like Nashville, you need to be flexible to stay financially above water! ...just my 2 cents

 

[johnsonabq]

Speaking of five string basses...

Is there a microphone out there that will capture the low end well enough so that you don't have to run a direct line in order for the PA to reproduce those frequencies?

 

[johnsonabq]

1. if I'm a founding and/or creative member of group, 99.9% of the time I'm playing what bass I want.

2. if I'm a bassist-for-hire for an artist/group, I playing whatever style bass the person paying me wants me to play! ...same for attire and other requirements!

If you're out to make a living with your instrument, especially in a town full of 'tradition' like Nashville, you need to be flexible to stay financially above water! ...just my 2 cents

Well said Brad.

 

[bunkaroo]

Not at all, she just has a very clear idea of what she wants and I definitely respect that...that's why the Coda was created after all, so players who needed a more traditional looking bass could still have Spector tone and build quality...

I certainly can't complain about playing amazing gear in front of huge crowds while being paid handsomely to boot

I guess I'm just a dumb metalz dood then, since I can't wrap my head around why that would make a difference. Personally, I wouldn't be able to work with someone like that. But I'm glad I gave you an opportunity to mention the gig size and pay.

 

[dukeisdog]

I seem to be in the minority here. I PREFER 5-string basses and tend to only dabble with my 4 strings, or use them for songs that need an open D (Rage, Tool, APC, etc).

+1

I have two Spector 5ers and a few 4 strings that don't really get played but I'm keeping because they're not worth much more then sentimental value. I really only play my 4 string Fender for the punkier stuff I play at home, but even now I'm finding myself picking up my 5's and just muting my low A. The Spector's have a much more 'full' sound to my ears then the Fender and I can't EQ it to sound anything close to the Spector.

Maybe I'd play 4 strings more if I had a Spector or two with only 4 strings, but in all honesty I'd rather save the money and put it towards another 5 I can play on stage.

 

[dukeisdog]

On another note, the Rex played it's first show with me on Tuesday and all I have to say about this bass are good things! My Euro didn't make it back from the shop in time so I only had one bass with me which was kind of sketchy but all went well, and I thought I had my tone dialled in pretty well for the room we were playing. They didn't have any instruments through the monitors other then the kick and an overhead which was a little different for us as we've gotten pretty used to full PA support, but we ended up playing a good show and got lots of compliments from the other bands and kids that came out.

I was a little disappointed I didn't get to send my pedalboard to the FOH at this show as I just got these things and have been dying to hear how my rig really sounds out front but we're working on getting some shows together so I'm hoping I'll get that chance pretty soon. I threw some gold dome knobs on the Rex and think the bass will look great with all gold hardware.

If anyone's looking to get rid of gold hardware from a 5 string Legend please PM me, I'd love to take them off your hands.

 

[ynot12]

And a hundred extra for jamming to Ghost.

Ghost is my guilty pleasure. Totally polarizing band, I know, but I love their music. The bass playing is not flashy, just solid and fun for a guy like me to jam along with. It's fun to add the Spector growl to the P Bass.

Looks like I'll finally be taking a Spector family photo once my new NS-2J SE arrives, should look great alongside my Euro4LX and Coda4 ...hopefully by then I'll have found good homes for my Forte5 and Rex too

That's a beauty. I love the looks of Spector Bolt-ons and after owning one bawl I can't wait to get my hands on one again some day.