SPECTOR® Club - Part 71

[Clearwave]

Commentary:

There was a lot of talk at one time that arose from the question: "Why would any professional musician play a Legend or a Performer when they could afford a Euro or US Spector?"
Most folks mentioned that even the "lower-end" Spectors have a great sound and feel, and it is much less heartburn if it gets banged around on the road, playing shows, etc.
I totally see what they were talking about now. Being onstage with a US Spector, I was very aware of my surroundings. The stage was tiny, and I had to be extremely careful of where I moved or turned: our drummer's main crash cymbal was right behind my right elbow, there were mic stands on either side in front of me, and our lead guitarist was two feet to my left. He is a big boy and he plays Gibson Explorers (huge guitars). There were 800 opportunities for me to bang my headstock into something or someone.
Of course, pros usually play on bigger stages, but between transport and running around onstage, I definitely see why they don't sport a new $5000 bass at every show.

That and the fact that 99.9% of professional musicians can barely afford a $5000 car.

When you see a pro with a nice bass, it was usually given to them.

 

[johnsonabq]

Commentary:

There was a lot of talk at one time that arose from the question: "Why would any professional musician play a Legend or a Performer when they could afford a Euro or US Spector?"
Most folks mentioned that even the "lower-end" Spectors have a great sound and feel, and it is much less heartburn if it gets banged around on the road, playing shows, etc.
I totally see what they were talking about now. Being onstage with a US Spector, I was very aware of my surroundings. The stage was tiny, and I had to be extremely careful of where I moved or turned: our drummer's main crash cymbal was right behind my right elbow, there were mic stands on either side in front of me, and our lead guitarist was two feet to my left. He is a big boy and he plays Gibson Explorers (huge guitars). There were 800 opportunities for me to bang my headstock into something or someone.
Of course, pros usually play on bigger stages, but between transport and running around onstage, I definitely see why they don't sport a new $5000 bass at every show.

I hear ya, and now I have two on stage with me. But each gig I do the paranoia fades a bit; though not the situational awareness.

That and the fact that 99.9% of professional musicians can barely afford a $5000 car.

When you see a pro with a nice bass, it was usually given to them.

+1... Like I've said, when I was at the height of my musical career touring the country in support of our Invalid Link Removed (1988 - 1993) I could never have afforded one of these USA basses. Not even one of the Kramer NS2's of the day. I played every night with a pair of $450 Ibanez Roadstars until I could take out a $1K loan to buy my Steinberger XM2. That was the best I could do. (miss that XM2)

 

[Basstovsky]

Speaking of Steinberger, I stumbled across this on ebay today (no affiliation, just like to inform people when I find rare stuff)

It's an NS-X with a replacement neck that looks to be correct from Spector, the body has been refinished as well. Yeah its kind of a messy project, but considering there were only 107 or so of these made figured I'd share in case anyone was looking for a rare Spector such as this one.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Spector-ste...988?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item417931efa4

I love mine, its extremely light and ergonomic like you'd expect from a headless (which it isnt) but the neck takes some getting used to (nut is something like 1-3/8" wide or less)

 

[worshiprocker]

Speaking of Steinberger, I stumbled across this on ebay today (no affiliation, just like to inform people when I find rare stuff)

It's an NS-X with a replacement neck that looks to be correct from Spector, the body has been refinished as well. Yeah its kind of a messy project, but considering there were only 107 or so of these made figured I'd share in case anyone was looking for a rare Spector such as this one.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Spector-ste...988?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item417931efa4

I love mine, its extremely light and ergonomic like you'd expect from a headless (which it isnt) but the neck takes some getting used to (nut is something like 1-3/8" wide or less)

does that use a legend/pro series bridge?

 

[cableguy]

That and the fact that 99.9% of professional musicians can barely afford a $5000 car.

When you see a pro with a nice bass, it was usually given to them.

I remember (barely) in my early 20's when I made my living playing music. My 1st real professional grade bass was a Gibson Explorer bass (it was the 80's) that I bought new for $1200. All my non-musician friends and family thought I was insane considering I only spend $200 on my car......Just goes to show you were your priorities are.

And yes I wish I still had it......

 

[Trailight]

Great picture, Omer!!! There's some certain vibe in these old Spectors. It seems that you use Brooklyn more often than your Woodstock NS-2 and Forte4, correct me if I'm wrong.

Great shot! I sure would like to see you guys perform your music live.

That Brooklyn is sweet!

Thank you
Yes, he Brooklyn is getting a lot more love. Especially for when I do the Trailight stuff. Not only due to the Mojo factor... but also because I installed a Schaller Detuner so it's easy and fast to go from E to D between the songs.
Although, most of the album is in D

 

[Torn Bassist]

View attachment 376374View attachment 376375

Couple-a pics from the show last night. My NS-4 was a ton of fun to play live. I used my Alex Webster on three songs, but no one took any pics of it.

I like the Spector shirt, I want to get one!

Commentary:

There was a lot of talk at one time that arose from the question: "Why would any professional musician play a Legend or a Performer when they could afford a Euro or US Spector?"
Most folks mentioned that even the "lower-end" Spectors have a great sound and feel, and it is much less heartburn if it gets banged around on the road, playing shows, etc.
I totally see what they were talking about now. Being onstage with a US Spector, I was very aware of my surroundings. The stage was tiny, and I had to be extremely careful of where I moved or turned: our drummer's main crash cymbal was right behind my right elbow, there were mic stands on either side in front of me, and our lead guitarist was two feet to my left. He is a big boy and he plays Gibson Explorers (huge guitars). There were 800 opportunities for me to bang my headstock into something or someone.
Of course, pros usually play on bigger stages, but between transport and running around onstage, I definitely see why they don't sport a new $5000 bass at every show.

You do become aware of your surroundings, especially when others want to jump on the stage or even when they ask to play with the band and you know that they are drunk! I freak out when I have both of my NS2 basses at the show but so far out of the 12 shows I have played with the new Spectors the only problem was when my vocalist swung his arm out while he bent over and he crashed his Fender into my bass....didn't find any marks so I lucked out!

 

[Torn Bassist]

Thanks again everyone for the kind words here, on FB and those who emailed me.

I'm super busy working on the live show / Album release party which is coming up this Wednesday. We've only had 2 rehearsals and we have 2 more to go. Things are sounding pretty nice I must say. Derek (guitarist) and Ash (drummer) are fantastic.
I've been working on visuals for the show as well. Something pretty cool for the entire setlist.

Photo of our 2nd rehearsal. Rocking the Brooklyn NS-2 throughout the entire set:

I'll post some more photos and videos soon!

Another cool Spector shirt flying with the NS2, checked out all the songs last night and requested it as my Christmas gift...now you can let me know once my girlfriend has it ordered! lol

 

[iceboxbass]

Just a reminder that for ALL your Spector needs; Todd Cooke at Guitar House is your man.

If not for him, I'd never have this primo NS-2...

COOL pic Jeff and drop gorgeous NS-2!!!

I tells ya, the setup Jimmy did after leveling the high frets is even better than the original. I feel like I'm playing buttered ice!

EXACTLY this feeling with all 3 USA Spectors I've owned.

Well I don't have access to any of those tools aside from a drill and some hardened steel drill bits, one or two are pretty thin so I'll try to drill a tiny hole and.. see where I go from there.

I have noticed the neck dive on this bass, and from a "scientific" point of view, I can imagine that having the center point location would not help, aside from the body hugging variable. I will give it a go with extracting this first, if it doesn't work out I'll just move it a bit towards the center. Thanks everyone for the advice and list of tools I do not have

In a pinch I've done this before...since you have a hardened drill bit, drill a real good hole, find a grade 8 left hand thread machine screw with a bolt head, and carefully use a ratchet with 6 point socket and slowly screw it into the broken screw, this should extract the broken screw.

View attachment 376374View attachment 376375

Couple-a pics from the show last night. My NS-4 was a ton of fun to play live. I used my Alex Webster on three songs, but no one took any pics of it.

Awesome! How'd you feel being back?

Commentary:

There was a lot of talk at one time that arose from the question: "Why would any professional musician play a Legend or a Performer when they could afford a Euro or US Spector?"
Most folks mentioned that even the "lower-end" Spectors have a great sound and feel, and it is much less heartburn if it gets banged around on the road, playing shows, etc.
I totally see what they were talking about now. Being onstage with a US Spector, I was very aware of my surroundings. The stage was tiny, and I had to be extremely careful of where I moved or turned: our drummer's main crash cymbal was right behind my right elbow, there were mic stands on either side in front of me, and our lead guitarist was two feet to my left. He is a big boy and he plays Gibson Explorers (huge guitars). There were 800 opportunities for me to bang my headstock into something or someone.
Of course, pros usually play on bigger stages, but between transport and running around onstage, I definitely see why they don't sport a new $5000 bass at every show.

First time I brought any of my new USA Spectors to a gig I was like a cat in the middle of a dog pound Very nervous & very careful...I'm still very careful. Look before you turn. I'm on a big stage with nobody close to me now.

That and the fact that 99.9% of professional musicians can barely afford a $5000 car.

When you see a pro with a nice bass, it was usually given to them.

So what you're saying is that Pro bassist like Doug Wimbish, is in the .1%???

Thank you
Yes, he Brooklyn is getting a lot more love. Especially for when I do the Trailight stuff. Not only due to the Mojo factor... but also because I installed a Schaller Detuner so it's easy and fast to go from E to D between the songs.
Although, most of the album is in D

If I wasn't such a 5 string player I'd love to buy a Brooklyn NS-2 and feel/hear the mojo.

I like the Spector shirt, I want to get one!


You do become aware of your surroundings, especially when others want to jump on the stage or even when they ask to play with the band and you know that they are drunk! I freak out when I have both of my NS2 basses at the show but so far out of the 12 shows I have played with the new Spectors the only problem was when my vocalist swung his arm out while he bent over and he crashed his Fender into my bass....didn't find any marks so I lucked out!

Whew! I bet you had a word or two for your guitardist? :scowl: Glad to hear there wasn't any damage!

 

[Torn Bassist]

Whew! I bet you had a word or two for your guitardist? :scowl: Glad to hear there wasn't any damage! [/QUOTE]

To be honest he knew what happened when it happened and was very excited when we found no damage...kept telling me that he was sorry and all I could say was that we need to watch out when we are on a small stage...and...to keep out of my radius! lol

 

[puremetal33]

Jeff, that's a sweet picture brutha! Your dog is sitting off stage left waiting for his chance to shine

 

[worshiprocker]

Guys like doug for one came from a different era of musician. Also Doug as well as many other musicians play in muktiple bands,sessions and do studio work... that is how they make the coin. Pro players that only are in one medium size band are usually struggling. Still pro, just a different level.

 

[Torn Bassist]

Guys like doug for one came from a different era of musician. Also Doug as well as many other musicians play in muktiple bands,sessions and do studio work... that is how they make the coin. Pro players that only are in one medium size band are usually struggling. Still pro, just a different level.

Isn't he still running a lot of his older basses?

 

[peledog]

Ampeg Portaflex PF800 for $365 new

http://www.ebay.com/itm/400612029850?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT


13 hours left

Should I get one???? I mean, I have tons of bills, but sheesh - these are usually $599

 

[tomydacat]

OH DANGIT that looks NICE too

 

[NOLA Bass]

View attachment 376374View attachment 376375

Couple-a pics from the show last night. My NS-4 was a ton of fun to play live. I used my Alex Webster on three songs, but no one took any pics of it.

Awesome!

 

[worshiprocker]

Isn't he still running a lot of his older basses?

ya I think you are right, but I wouldn't be surprised if he has newer ones too

Ampeg Portaflex PF800 for $365 new

http://www.ebay.com/itm/400612029850?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT


13 hours left

Should I get one???? I mean, I have tons of bills, but sheesh - these are usually $599

DO NOT ASK ME… lol man, I would almost jump on that….

 

[Betrayer_Bass]

So I couldn't get the screw out, nothing I had was small enough to drill a hole and I really didn't want to route out around it. Soooo I just drilled a nice pilot hole about 1/4 inch away from the original (towards the center) and stuck it there. It works, and the bass hangs fine so. Yeah, thanks for all the help

 

[Torn Bassist]

ya I think you are right, but I wouldn't be surprised if he has newer ones too


DO NOT ASK ME… lol man, I would almost jump on that….

I would be interested in what basses he has collected over the years, I know that he also likes to search for old pedals to add to his collection....

 

[johnsonabq]

Jeff, that's a sweet picture brutha! Your dog is sitting off stage left waiting for his chance to shine

Thanks Jeremy. That's Bo. She's never too far from the action.