SPECTOR® Club - Part 69

[Relayer71]

Thank you!

Carlton Armstrong contacted me today... concerned that something "bad" had happened. Why would I agree to step away from a company I clearly love?

There are transitions that happen because they are meant to. Originally my agreement with Spector was 6 months. That turned into almost 4 years. And we accomplished so many great things together.

Sometimes to do the right thing that's what must be done. Spector needs a single voice. The message has always been the same. I came along and I worked with Stuart and PJ to tailor it to be more accessible and to shed light on how special Stuart and PJ's journey has been. That's what I do. That's my purpose when I am contracted to consult with a company. I was "the hype man" and my job is done.

In the beginning he wasn't ready to be in the spotlight. As time passed it has caused some confusion as to who was the voice of Spector. And sincerely; it has always been PJ.

I love PJ and Stuart and my friendship with them continues.

I'm sincerely excited because I can start working with artists who aren't Spector artists; helping them hone their message and develop their own brands.

I'm free to work with other companies - although there are several that out of respect for Stuart and PJ and my continuing friendship with them that I will never be interested in working with... But acoustic bass makers and upright bass companies... people who don't compete with Stuart and PJ; I'm excited to have the opportunity to explore helping some of these companies.

I've spent 4 great years working with sincerely awesome people who make the best bass guitars in the world. My feelings and opinions on this are firm and have not changed.

Stuart Spector is an inspiration to me and I have the deepest appreciation and respect for. He's a remarkable man and I feel so fortunate to have been a part of his amazing journey.

So please, don't be worried that there was a bad split or there was anything negative because there wasn't.

I've done what I set out to do... I've helped make a great company stronger and I am going to sincerely enjoy watching everything Stuart, PJ and I started continue to evolve and develop.

I'm not leaving TalkBass or FaceBook and SpectorCentral isn't going away. I'm still going to shoot videos and take photos... but for artists who want me to and in doing so there's no confusion as to what the message is... It's me working with an artist. And Spector isn't part of the equation.

Spector now has a single voice. And that voice is the man who owns half the company and is the heart of the artist program and responsible for making sure dealers have amazing Spectors to sell. And that's the way it should always be.

So everyone let's not look at this as an ending, but a new beginning. And feel free to contact me if you are interested in working with me. I've really come to enjoy helping fellow musicians.

Patrick, good luck to you in whatever you do next!

I haven't been a Spector Club member very long - just got my first Spector 2 months ago - but I've always lurked a bit on and off in the 4 years I've been at TB and your posts have always been very informative and your electric enthusiasm for all things Spector, not to mention your obvious respect for Stuart Spector and PJ Rubal, definitely had some affect on my decision to get a Spector.

Also, a bit over a year ago when Spectors first caught my eye (though they'd caught my ear long before, being a long-time Queensryche and AIC fan), I sent you a PM asking a question about a Spector I'd seen on Craigs List. I was so surprised when you not only replied to me with a very detailed response, but did so promptly. So thanks! Because of you (and the other enthusiastic members of this fine club!), I'm a proud and happy Spector owner and fan (and sufferer of major SAS). And again, good luck.

 

[tomydacat]

Sincerely... I really appreciate the compliment. And simply put, that was the goal. Mission accomplished.

And believe me... I'm still good friends with everyone at Spector. And I'm still a SERIOUSLY HOPELESS SPECTOR FANATIC. LOL. I wouldn't have said and done what I have if it was just fluff. I believe everything I've shared and said. And I stand by that. Really... I mean how could this parting be anything but positive if what I have said time and time again wasn't anything but true?

I just won't be sharing anything about what's going on... that needs to come from PJ. I do wish he had time to visit TB. But trust me... that guy works like a mad-man.

I am honestly very relieved and I've been ready for some time to quietly back away into the shadows. You'll all notice for several months I've not been near as active as I once was.

That was so PJ could become the single source for information.

It's all good. And really I'm very interested in some of the upright companies and acoustic companies. New things for me to learn. New amazing basses to be discovered.

But never doubt... my favorite has always been and always will be Spector. I've got one more electric guitar and one more bass on the way.

And one day I want to shoot Carlton's basses. And if any of you are passing through the LA/Santa Barbara area, shout at me. I'll always have time for my Spector family. Always.

well good luck if you do for the next company what you have done for Spector I am sure they will have as much success..and great pictures of their basses...

 

[jnumme]

Wow take a little time away to get moved in to the new house . And now there's tons of new faces or I guess user names ...lol and one of the most informative Spector player is moving on to new ventures . Wholly crap this club evolves quickly. Well I'm back and its great to see this is still the best club on talkbass. And also to Patrick good luck my friend on your new journey! Jody

 

[iceboxbass]

As you know from some of our...."spirited debates",
I haven't always been on the same page with you or Spector in general sometimes.
But you were the huge shot in the arm Spector needed to look competitive on-line.
I can remember vividly, before you came on the scene, thinking my fave bass company had one of the worst, most out of date, misinformed websites on the net.
While a certain copycat company that rhymes vaguely with "horse$h!t" was taking off because of superior marketing.
You changed the site, for the better, by light years.
I'm very sorry to see you go (from Spector).

A HUGE +1!!!

Sincerely... I really appreciate the compliment. And simply put, that was the goal. Mission accomplished.

And believe me... I'm still good friends with everyone at Spector. And I'm still a SERIOUSLY HOPELESS SPECTOR FANATIC. LOL. I wouldn't have said and done what I have if it was just fluff. I believe everything I've shared and said. And I stand by that. Really... I mean how could this parting be anything but positive if what I have said time and time again wasn't anything but true?

I just won't be sharing anything about what's going on... that needs to come from PJ. I do wish he had time to visit TB. But trust me... that guy works like a mad-man.

I am honestly very relieved and I've been ready for some time to quietly back away into the shadows. You'll all notice for several months I've not been near as active as I once was.

That was so PJ could become the single source for information.

It's all good. And really I'm very interested in some of the upright companies and acoustic companies. New things for me to learn. New amazing basses to be discovered.

But never doubt... my favorite has always been and always will be Spector. I've got one more electric guitar and one more bass on the way.

And one day I want to shoot Carlton's basses. And if any of you are passing through the LA/Santa Barbara area, shout at me. I'll always have time for my Spector family. Always.

Cool! I know you have a love for uprights...and I've been having a fascination with them as well. Some day...
Now if somebody would make a REAL GOOD acoustic bass guitar, with great acoustic sound projection!

 

[Holdsg]

I play in a very casual (like 2-3 times a year) bluegrass project. I would love to find a REAL GOOD acoustic bass guitar, with great acoustic sound projection!. About the best I have found was a F----r Kingman, but the thing was basically unplayable. This is a niche product, for sure, but I would buy one in a heartbeat if I could find the right one.

 

[Clearwave]

Patrick, You helped bring the Spector Company from an aging dinosaur brand to an exciting, world class brand. I'm optimistic the company will find a way to build upon your work continue to improve their brand.

Good luck with the next big thing!

 

[iceboxbass]

I play in a very casual (like 2-3 times a year) bluegrass project. I would love to find a REAL GOOD acoustic bass guitar, with great acoustic sound projection!. About the best I have found was a F----r Kingman, but the thing was basically unplayable. This is a niche product, for sure, but I would buy one in a heartbeat if I could find the right one.

You & me both brother! You're about better off just buying an acoustic big body concert guitar, put bigger strings, and down tune it to BEADGC.
Don't know why every company falls short on greatness on their acoustic basses when unplugged.

 

[Torn Bassist]

Thank you!

Carlton Armstrong contacted me today... concerned that something "bad" had happened. Why would I agree to step away from a company I clearly love?

There are transitions that happen because they are meant to. Originally my agreement with Spector was 6 months. That turned into almost 4 years. And we accomplished so many great things together.

Sometimes to do the right thing that's what must be done. Spector needs a single voice. The message has always been the same. I came along and I worked with Stuart and PJ to tailor it to be more accessible and to shed light on how special Stuart and PJ's journey has been. That's what I do. That's my purpose when I am contracted to consult with a company. I was "the hype man" and my job is done.

In the beginning he wasn't ready to be in the spotlight. As time passed it has caused some confusion as to who was the voice of Spector. And sincerely; it has always been PJ.

I love PJ and Stuart and my friendship with them continues.

I'm sincerely excited because I can start working with artists who aren't Spector artists; helping them hone their message and develop their own brands.

I'm free to work with other companies - although there are several that out of respect for Stuart and PJ and my continuing friendship with them that I will never be interested in working with... But acoustic bass makers and upright bass companies... people who don't compete with Stuart and PJ; I'm excited to have the opportunity to explore helping some of these companies.

I've spent 4 great years working with sincerely awesome people who make the best bass guitars in the world. My feelings and opinions on this are firm and have not changed.

Stuart Spector is an inspiration to me and I have the deepest appreciation and respect for. He's a remarkable man and I feel so fortunate to have been a part of his amazing journey.

So please, don't be worried that there was a bad split or there was anything negative because there wasn't.

I've done what I set out to do... I've helped make a great company stronger and I am going to sincerely enjoy watching everything Stuart, PJ and I started continue to evolve and develop.

I'm not leaving TalkBass or FaceBook and SpectorCentral isn't going away. I'm still going to shoot videos and take photos... but for artists who want me to and in doing so there's no confusion as to what the message is... It's me working with an artist. And Spector isn't part of the equation.

Spector now has a single voice. And that voice is the man who owns half the company and is the heart of the artist program and responsible for making sure dealers have amazing Spectors to sell. And that's the way it should always be.

So everyone let's not look at this as an ending, but a new beginning. And feel free to contact me if you are interested in working with me. I've really come to enjoy helping fellow musicians.

Thank You for making this transition clear Patrick.....

 

[Torn Bassist]

Thanks Carey! I'll check it out!

I hope you like the tone Michael...


OLD??? Lol I'm 55 and started playing bass 6 years ago. Really cool there's 3 of us here starting Scottsbasslessons For myself, I'm starting at the beginning...Lesson #1 Have fun!

I already started with his Fretless tips, some Jaco stuff, scales....but....I think I will join you at the beginning!

UGH! I hate scale work even though it can help...when I was in High School competing in Regional & State solo contests, I would spend HOURS every night up & down Major & Minor scales until committed to memory...but it paid off in the end...I took 1st place every year and was offered a music scholarship to the University of Michigan. Sigh...those were the days.

That is very cool Michael, I found that I once had a better ear for learning new songs...or...could just listen to the radio a pick out the patterns when I was fresh on my scales, now with the 'busy life' it's always about doing the best tablature I can develop missing some of the notes.

 

[yeldarb69 (Brad)]

If anyone in the club is interested,i have a non trim tonepump for sale in the classifieds.PM me for a huge club discount.

 

[superdick2112]

I play in a very casual (like 2-3 times a year) bluegrass project. I would love to find a REAL GOOD acoustic bass guitar, with great acoustic sound projection!. About the best I have found was a F----r Kingman, but the thing was basically unplayable. This is a niche product, for sure, but I would buy one in a heartbeat if I could find the right one.

Because of their low price point, the playability of Kingman basses can vary quite a bit, but there are good ones out there. I scored mine used for about $350, and after I did a thorough setup (new light gauge phosphor bronze strings, truss rod adjustment, sanding & lowering of the bridge saddle, etc.), it plays & sounds as good as the best ABGs that I've tried.

You & me both brother! You're about better off just buying an acoustic big body concert guitar, put bigger strings, and down tune it to BEADGC.
Don't know why every company falls short on greatness on their acoustic basses when unplugged.

Several TB threads regarding this subject, but it boils down to simple physics. To get the same volume & projection as a good Martin D-28 guitar, an acoustic bass would have to be as large or larger than an upright bass.
The same thing applies to bass amplification - we bassists need 10x the power and 6x the speaker cone area to match the volume levels of an electric guitar.
This especially frustrates me... While I can easily fit my 400-watt SWR Headlite amp in my gig bag accessory pocket, I'll forever be burdened with having to haul a hefty sized speaker.

 

[johnsonabq]

I play in a very casual (like 2-3 times a year) bluegrass project. I would love to find a REAL GOOD acoustic bass guitar, with great acoustic sound projection!. About the best I have found was a F----r Kingman, but the thing was basically unplayable. This is a niche product, for sure, but I would buy one in a heartbeat if I could find the right one.

Several TB threads regarding this subject, but it boils down to simple physics. To get the same volume & projection as a good Martin D-28 guitar, an acoustic bass would have to be as large or larger than an upright bass.

Might just as well do the gig with your Spector and a small amp. I have a guy with an acoustic group that calls me regularly to play lounge gigs and I just bring a Spector and a small amp (usually with a 2x10 cab, although I'm thinking of going with a single neo 15) and it all works out quite well.

 

[smperry]

Closed and continued here: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/spector-club-part-70-a-1023897/