SPECTOR® Club - Part 68

[Worldeeeter]

Hey, here's an idea..."somebody" that's getting the next Bahamas Blue Spector, name it "Heisenburg"


I had a talk via e-mail with PJ last week. My BB NS-4 that was supposed to come out of gloss in August just came out last week. I was bumped by a 20-bass order for some music store. My build was supposed to take 5-6 months, and I'm now at 7 months, 1 week. I suggested they start giving a 7-8 month lead time on custom builds, but I got a song and dance about how "technically, my build isn't late".
I love Spector basses, but they are doing a lousy job of managing their customers' expectations. The little guy always gets bumped ( I have read similar stories in the past), but it wouldn't be a big deal if they realized that such a small crew + such a big demand = longer mfg time.

I love the Heisenberg idea (great finale, btw). However, my NS-4 will likely be named "it's about f$&*+@!g time". :|

 

[jbravo]

I have one I use for practice. It sounds really good if your not into boomy, thuddy bass sound. I'm using an MB fusion for my main amp. That has pre and post gain, and I drive the tubes a bit to give me some "edge". You can't do that with the MB 200, but it still sounds really good, and if your using it for practice, it has the added plus of having an input for iPods, and such.

If you getting an outstanding buy on it, I can't see how you'ld go wrong...

Steve

Guys, what can you say about GK MB200 micro-head? I know it's only 140 Watt at 8 Ohm but one guy sells one locally at a steal price. I'm looking for a small portable head. My #1 plan was MarkBass F1 but it's a bit pricey even after being discontinued...or GK? What do you amp experts think?

 

[johnsonabq]

I had a talk via e-mail with PJ last week. My BB NS-4 that was supposed to come out of gloss in August just came out last week. I was bumped by a 20-bass order for some music store. My build was supposed to take 5-6 months, and I'm now at 7 months, 1 week. I suggested they start giving a 7-8 month lead time on custom builds, but I got a song and dance about how "technically, my build isn't late".
I love Spector basses, but they are doing a lousy job of managing their customers' expectations. The little guy always gets bumped ( I have read similar stories in the past), but it wouldn't be a big deal if they realized that such a small crew + such a big demand = longer mfg time.

I'm writing this just in the interest of a bigger picture here by adding my experience. When I ordered my NS-5XL on March 14 I was told it would take 8 months, that's November. I got it last week.

I ordered my NS-2 June 13. Last week my ETA was a couple of weeks when I was expecting Xmas time at the soonest.

Maybe I was just lucky but I couldn't be happier. I don't mean to bum you out. I just want everyone else to see it's not all one way or the other. Yes, sometimes a large order, BPL, or NAMM can delay things. It sucks, I get that.

I'm surprised you are going through PJ for this information. I would think your USA dealer would be taking care of this for you.

 

[delucajohn2000]

Hey, here's an idea..."somebody" that's getting the next Bahamas Blue Spector, name it "Heisenburg"


I had a talk via e-mail with PJ last week. My BB NS-4 that was supposed to come out of gloss in August just came out last week. I was bumped by a 20-bass order for some music store. My build was supposed to take 5-6 months, and I'm now at 7 months, 1 week. I suggested they start giving a 7-8 month lead time on custom builds, but I got a song and dance about how "technically, my build isn't late".
I love Spector basses, but they are doing a lousy job of managing their customers' expectations. The little guy always gets bumped ( I have read similar stories in the past), but it wouldn't be a big deal if they realized that such a small crew + such a big demand = longer mfg time.

I love the Heisenberg idea (great finale, btw). However, my NS-4 will likely be named "it's about f$&*+@!g time". :|

Sorry man. Did PJ tell you that you were bumped by a 20 bass order from a store or did your dealer tell you that? It sounds a bit fishy to me since I can't see a dealer ordering 20 USA basses at one time but I could be wrong.

The only time that many basses are produced at once I would think is for the NAMM show but that isn't until January. Obviously, this is just a guess on my part but are you sure your dealer is not feeding you a line?

EDIT: Sorry, I responded a few minutes ago but quoted the wrong post so I re-posted quoting the correct one.

 

[Worldeeeter]

Sorry man. Did PJ tell you that you were bumped by a 20 bass order from a store or did your dealer tell you that? It sounds a bit fishy to me since I can't see a dealer ordering 20 USA basses at one time but I could be wrong.



The only time that many basses are produced at once I would think is for the NAMM show but that isn't until January. Obviously, this is just a guess on my part but are you sure your dealer is not feeding you a line?



EDIT: Sorry, I responded a few minutes ago but quoted the wrong post so I re-posted quoting the correct one.

PJ told me. He echoed what I have heard from others as well; the NY shop is very busy.

I'm writing this just in the interest of a bigger picture here by adding my experience. When I ordered my NS-5XL on March 14 I was told it would take 8 months, that's November. I got it last week.



I ordered my NS-2 June 13. Last week my ETA was a couple of weeks when I was expecting Xmas time at the soonest.



Maybe I was just lucky but I couldn't be happier. I don't mean to bum you out. I just want everyone else to see it's not all one way or the other. Yes, sometimes a large order, BPL, or NAMM can delay things. It sucks, I get that.



I'm surprised you are going through PJ for this information. I would think your USA dealer would be taking care of this for you.

Interesting that you get yours 3 months early, and mine is over a month late, and still not complete. This tells me they have scheduling issues.

My dealer is just going to contact PJ; what's the difference?

 

[Worldeeeter]

It's only fair that I mention that the color (Bahama Blue) is also a factor in the build time. The blues and purples are custom color-mixes, which take longer to make and apply. That's why they are now charging more for those colors.

 

[MikeBass]

I spoke with Pj and he did mention sn overseas dealer placed that order.
And they have another one in the pipeline if I recall.

But he also mentioned that there was a bit of time between them and they were going to get caught up.

So ya never know.

 

[johnsonabq]

My dealer is just going to contact PJ; what's the difference?

I see your point. All I can say is that my dealer, Todd Cooke, has handled all communication regarding my builds and done it quite well. I've exchanged several emails with PJ but never on this matter. I got the impression that they prefer things done this way.

What is my point? I don't know, other than to say I'm sorry your having this trouble. And once you get your bass you'll realize it was still worth it.

 

[Worldeeeter]

I see your point. All I can say is that my dealer, Todd Cooke, has handled all communication regarding my builds and done it quite well. I've exchanged several emails with PJ but never on this matter. I got the impression that they prefer things done this way.



What is my point? I don't know, other than to say I'm sorry your having this trouble. And once you get your bass you'll realize it was still worth it.

I've involved Jim at Atlanta Bass Gallery in the communications. He's a good guy, but no help in expediting my order.

You're totally right; I know the bass will be worth the wait.

 

[djaxup]

I think this amp has a Pre DI (runs a clean direct signal) or a Post DI (runs a signal using the pre-amp which is similar to running a mic out front of the cabinet and changes if anything is adjusted)...sounds like your not using the DI in pre mode and mixing the bass at the board....right?

Yeah, pre-di the master volume has no influence, but post-DI it sadly has. I also think that this is not good design, I can't think of a reason for this tbh. But still, the signal post DI sounds so good, i wouldn't want to miss it just because it's a bit more fiddling. Still a flaw.

but yeah that video showcases the SPector / Mesa synergy quite nice.

 

[5string_phunk]

I can relate to your experience Steve. I ordered my fretless in May of 2012 and received it March of 2013...

...granted I did specifically wait a month or two for the shop to get some new top wood options, but I also got 'bumped' by the BPL and NAMM shows PLUS the finisher was moving shops and...of course, mine was a part of said move...

needless to say I was more than frustrated the few days leading up to the final email from Todd saying it as finished...on the bright side, once I received it....OH MAN was it sweet.

 

[Betrayer_Bass]

Hey guys. So here's an interesting one: I got a call recently to be a session bassist for some guy's country/rock project. We talked terms and he was mainly happy with my experience and skills, but he absolutely insists that I play a Fender P bass, even after I told him I exclusively play Spectors and am in fact a Spector artist. I don't know what to do. Everything else about the project seems fine, one week to myself in July next year to record all the bass parts (After the drum n guitar parts of course), plenty of time to learn the songs then. I just don't know what to do here. I can't very well go and play a Fender, it's just wrong. I could of course get a Coda, slap a Fender decal on it and hope that he doesn't take a closer look. Or do I try to stick to my guns? Help please!

 

[djaxup]

Stick to your guns and deliver a bass line that makes him wonder why he ever thought about a Fender P. Has he told you why he insists on that Fender P? Perhaps there is some kind of reason for it, but i guess it's just that old myth, nothing records as well as a Fender P.. yadda yadda.

This is being sold in Germany atm:
http://kleinanzeigen.ebay.de/anzeig...eck,-spielbereit/146396401-74-3285?ref=search

Maybe the closest thing Spector has to offer in terms of P?

 

[Betrayer_Bass]

Stick to your guns and deliver a bass line that makes him wonder why he ever thought about a Fender P. Has he told you why he insists on that Fender P? Perhaps there is some kind of reason for it, but i guess it's just that old myth, nothing records as well as a Fender P.. yadda yadda.

This is being sold in Germany atm:
link

Maybe the closest thing Spector has to offer in terms of P?

This is closer, which is what I was thinking of getting as part of my cunning plan to fake a Fender yet still play a Spector. I should stick to my guns, but I don't want to lose a project because of some guy's opinion on bass (he's not a bassist either, he just likes the look of the Fender p's a lot. Or so I understand.)

 

[djaxup]

To me it sounded like a recording project, that would make the looks of the bass a complete nonfactor. Otherwise, yeah... Coda time

 

[johnsonabq]

Hey guys. So here's an interesting one: I got a call recently to be a session bassist for some guy's country/rock project. We talked terms and he was mainly happy with my experience and skills, but he absolutely insists that I play a Fender P bass, even after I told him I exclusively play Spectors and am in fact a Spector artist. I don't know what to do. Everything else about the project seems fine, one week to myself in July next year to record all the bass parts (After the drum n guitar parts of course), plenty of time to learn the songs then. I just don't know what to do here. I can't very well go and play a Fender, it's just wrong. I could of course get a Coda, slap a Fender decal on it and hope that he doesn't take a closer look. Or do I try to stick to my guns? Help please!

Strictly IMHO here Kyle. You need to do what your heart tells you, but...

A professional session player goes into the studio and delivers what the customer wants. If not playing a P-bass is a deal breaker then I don't think it would be out of line to tell him that if he provides the bass you'll play it. This insistence on a Fender is a very old school mentality and is not nearly as prevalent in Nashville as it used to be.

That being said. If you could get your hands on any Spector with the P/J pickup combo, you could do a very respectable P-bass imitation. You could cite Dave Fowler as an example. He's a top Nashville player and almost only plays an NS-2. http://youtu.be/K5Z2czsoW3A

I don't know what discussions you've had with this guy, but if this is really about the look of the bass, and this is just a recording session, he really doesn't have a leg to stand on with his insistence and you could continue discussions along that line.

If this is all about the "sound" of a P-bass then I worry about whether a Coda will fill the bill. It's a tribute to the Jazz bass, and the Jazz has a different sound than the Precision bass.

Another approach here would be to involve the producer and engineer. Lay a track with your Euro and let them be the judge (if this guy will go along with that).

As I said, just my two cents and you should handle this as you see fit.

 

[sumgruuvz]

Strictly IMHO here Kyle. You need to do what your heart tells you, but...

A professional session player goes into the studio and delivers what the customer wants. If not playing a P-bass is a deal breaker then I don't think it would be out of line to tell him that if he provides the bass you'll play it. This insistence on a Fender is a very old school mentality and is not nearly as prevalent in Nashville as it used to be.

That being said. If you could get your hands on any Spector with the P/J pickup combo, you could do a very respectable P-bass imitation. You could cite Dave Fowler as an example. He's a top Nashville player and almost only plays an NS-2. http://youtu.be/K5Z2czsoW3A

I don't know what discussions you've had with this guy, but if this is really about the look of the bass, and this is just a recording session, he really doesn't have a leg to stand on with his insistence and you could continue discussions along that line.

If this is all about the "sound" of a P-bass then I worry about whether a Coda will fill the bill. It's a tribute to the Jazz bass, and the Jazz has a different sound than the Precision bass.

Another approach here would be to involve the producer and engineer. Lay a track with your Euro and let them be the judge (if this guy will go along with that).

As I said, just my two cents and you should handle this as you see fit.

Totally agreed. Just turn the treble almost off and the volume down and let it rip on a track and see what they think. Hell, do it in a room where no one knows what you're playing and see if they can guess what it is.

 

[johnsonabq]

Totally agreed. Just turn the treble almost off and the volume down and let it rip on a track and see what they think. Hell, do it in a room where no one knows what you're playing and see if they can guess what it is.

Maybe just use the neck pup too.

 

[tomydacat]

cant the guys in the studio make your bass sound like a P bass with all the buttons and filters and all? I dont know myself but if they can fix crappy voices im sure they can fix a bass

 

[Betrayer_Bass]

Totally agreed. Just turn the treble almost off and the volume down and let it rip on a track and see what they think. Hell, do it in a room where no one knows what you're playing and see if they can guess what it is.

These are exactly the setting I used on the most recent show, sounded like a blues bass to me

Yeah, I should just lay down a couple of demo tracks for them, let them hear it. I won't be playing out live with this guy, nor is he a bassist so he really has no leg to stand on, as was said. I think he just thinks he knows what he wants but has nothing to backup his wishes. I'll send a track and keep you updated. Thanks for the input