SPECTOR® Club - Part 72

[grendle]

I tried some new strings recently that I liked. Their dean marlkey Nikki sixx signature strings. Their like a smoother blue steel with a less harsh high end. A little more even sounding.
Their steels on a round steel core but their compression wound for more wraps. The interesting part is they come in Nikki's gauge. 45-110 instead of your std 45-105.
So far for 2 practices I'm liking them. Good tone, brings out the Spector tone very well. Did a good fret dress on the old man and their much easier on the frets than blue steels or rotos. Black wraps look cool also. Their not as aggro as the steels or rotos tone wise but still have good bite, clank and pick scrape. I'm digging the 110 over the 105 for what we do in dropped C# with a pick. I'd recomend them so far. We'll see about longevity. I paid $22 at Sam crash.

 

[worshiprocker]

I tried some new strings recently that I liked. Their dean marlkey Nikki sixx signature strings. Their like a smoother blue steel with a less harsh high end. A little more even sounding.
Their steels on a round steel core but their compression wound for more wraps. The interesting part is they come in Nikki's gauge. 45-110 instead of your std 45-105.
So far for 2 practices I'm liking them. Good tone, brings out the Spector tone very well. Did a good fret dress on the old man and their much easier on the frets than blue steels or rotos. Black wraps look cool also. Their not as aggro as the steels or rotos tone wise but still have good bite, clank and pick scrape. I'm digging the 110 over the 105 for what we do in dropped C# with a pick. I'd recomend them so far. We'll see about longevity. I paid $22 at Sam crash.

nice, I might try a set…. I'm in a "very unhappy with my rig and strings" mood. I just went down to the studio jammed for a couple hours by myself. I just can't dial in the tone I hear when I play at home through either my keyboard amp or PA.

as far as strings, I will continue using the D'addario balance tension on Jade (its magical) but I'm not too happy with the nickel blue steels on my JAR after a show and 2 practices.

 

[Betrayer_Bass]

OK... Ultimate screw up...

I'm off in the crowd doing the wireless thing and it's time to get back on stage to sing. I run toward the stage and the two guitarists just happen at that moment to step into the only two sections of the stage without monitors. Crap!

I make a last minute adjustment to jump over my monitor and catch my feet on it. Down on my face I went, but had the presence of mind to cradle my bass in my outstretched arms. Clang! OMG! :scowl:

I just gather myself, get up, ignore the shocked look on my singers face and keep on playing (in a lot of pain!). After that a few wrong notes just don't bother me that much. LOL

Moral of the story Kyle... It could be worse! Just smile and act like nothing happened.

That is one awesome story, I wish I could have seen it. Sounds equal parts funny as it does brutal on behalf of the pain you felt. Hope it went well after!

I do just smile and act like everythng's fine. Only I know what I've done

 

[Torn Bassist]

nice, I might try a set…. I'm in a "very unhappy with my rig and strings" mood. I just went down to the studio jammed for a couple hours by myself. I just can't dial in the tone I hear when I play at home through either my keyboard amp or PA.

as far as strings, I will continue using the D'addario balance tension on Jade (its magical) but I'm not too happy with the nickel blue steels on my JAR after a show and 2 practices.

Is it a difference in strings (I have been liking the difference between the DR Lo-Riders, Ernie Ball Cobalts, and D'addario flats), bass (you do have different pick-ups on each bass but what about the pre), or amps (are you wanting to match the EQ of one amp to another)???

 

[johnsonabq]

That is one awesome story, I wish I could have seen it. Sounds equal parts funny as it does brutal on behalf of the pain you felt. Hope it went well after!

I do just smile and act like everythng's fine. Only I know what I've done

It smoothed out after that and the pain faded after a while (no damage done thankfully... except to my pride).

I know what you mean though. We can be our own worst critics.

And I feel that's as it should be.

 

[iceboxbass]

I screwed up a couple of songs real well, it was pretty awesome actually. I faked the hell out of playing them I did not know what happened, the notes just went straight out of my head. I would have been embarrassed more if the sound didn't suck so much! I swear, soundguys don't know what to do with Spectors.

Other than that, the rest of the songs went really well and I had a great time. It was the first time playing with this band, they do covers. They said that they enjoyed playing with me though, so I guess they had no idea Fun times!

Happens to all of us...before I got the nerve to play bass on stage one of the guitarist said to me, don't worry about it if you play a wrong note or 2 chances are you're the only one that'll know. So true...I've mentioned to my wife who's out in the audience about the wrong notes I've played and she'll tell me that she didn't hear them and everything sounded great. And she's a musician as well.

Most people don't notice little screw-ups that we might. As long is you keep the groove going, a few off notes aren't going to matter to anyone but a few if that. Glad you had a good show.

+1

Well I posted my crfm up for trade as a head up to anybody who is looking but I'm starting to get more custom to the neck so I honestly might pull it if nothing comes along soon.Any body put to flats in their Spector?

Someone say FLATS I use GHS Precision Flats. I recommend the lights. They sound outstanding on ALL my Spectors that I've owned, including the NS-2A. You can still get that sweet Spector growl with them and they last a very very long time. I've had them on my Coda 5XL for a year so far. Give them a try!

Thanks dude!



I screw up more than I want to... Nervousness being the first and foremost factor, then just plain dumb concentration issues. I find my thoughts drifting too much and I am not 100% focused on the notes I am playing.
I really hate that. I know it's OK and that everyone screws up here and there, but it just drives me mad when I do. Especially because I find myself asking "What note is coming up next?" Then I dwell on it, and screw up.
I need to be more focused and immersed 100% in the whole thing.... I don't know.

Awesome that you had fun with the new band!

Every time I take my concentration off to thinking about something else or the upcoming notes I make a mistake. I've learn to just stay in the moment and enjoy to its fullest.

Being truly in the moment like that definitely brings a sense of clarity and even enlightenment; you're profoundly aware of your senses and everything is operating in perfect harmony and balance.

There's this incredible energy that feels like everyone in the room is one being, sharing the exact same moment of perfection in time.

I'll always be chasing that feeling; those kinds of shared experiences between the band, as well as their audience, are THE reason I love playing live music.

This^! Is the feeling that I love and chase, but seems to happen only when the band finally melds together. I call it the "Magic Moment"...time ceases to exist and the moments runs into eternity...until the song stops that is. But that amazing feeling lingers with your band for the rest of the night.

OK... Ultimate screw up...

I'm off in the crowd doing the wireless thing and it's time to get back on stage to sing. I run toward the stage and the two guitarists just happen at that moment to step into the only two sections of the stage without monitors. Crap!

I make a last minute adjustment to jump over my monitor and catch my feet on it. Down on my face I went, but had the presence of mind to cradle my bass in my outstretched arms. Clang! OMG! :scowl:

I just gather myself, get up, ignore the shocked look on my singers face and keep on playing (in a lot of pain!). After that a few wrong notes just don't bother me that much. LOL

Moral of the story Kyle... It could be worse! Just smile and act like nothing happened.

Lol I felt your pain Jeff! Sounded horrifying...

it beats the time I did a kick ass karate kick on stage and kicked with so much power that my other foot slid out from under me as if on a banana peel. I landed flat on my back (I was playing my white Spector at the time and it didn't get a scratch. the other guys looked over in horror while I just layed on my back and finished the Hootie ballad we were playing.

(Though I can't imagine any Hootie song making me want to do a karate kick which song was it?)

For the fretless guys......
Recently put this together:

Mwaahhh for days...everywhere on the fingerboard!

Anyway, lovin' this fretless.....and I didn't spend $3000+

Oh man Phat! That is one SaWeet looking fretless Spector!!! LOVE it! Line less is always best looking IMHO. GREAT job Phat!

 

[iceboxbass]

So...after spending what seemed like HOURS at the Art Vans furniture store laying on mattresses shopping for a new one, and finally picking one, my wife says to me..." I guess I could've let you buy a new Spector bass for that price huh?" I say to her, it's not too late to cancel the purchase! But...our current mattress is 14 years old, I get horrible sleep and my back kills me in the morning, soooo that next Spector will have to wait a little bit longer. :scowl: You can't put a price on a great nights sleep...even though it comes to the price of a new Coda 5XL P Bass. (I even told her that I'd sleep on the couch...she laughs.)

 

[johnsonabq]

So...after spending what seemed like HOURS at the Art Vans furniture store laying on mattresses shopping for a new one, and finally picking one, my wife says to me..." I guess I could've let you buy a new Spector bass for that price huh?" I say to her, it's not too late to cancel the purchase! But...our current mattress is 14 years old, I get horrible sleep and my back kills me in the morning, soooo that next Spector will have to wait a little bit longer. :scowl: You can't put a price on a great nights sleep...even though it comes to the price of a new Coda 5XL P Bass.

At least it'll be easier to dream about that new Coda though!

 

[sumgruuvz]

nice, I might try a set…. I'm in a "very unhappy with my rig and strings" mood. I just went down to the studio jammed for a couple hours by myself. I just can't dial in the tone I hear when I play at home through either my keyboard amp or PA.

as far as strings, I will continue using the D'addario balance tension on Jade (its magical) but I'm not too happy with the nickel blue steels on my JAR after a show and 2 practices.

Im really digging the dr's lo-riders, I got. Super awesome!

 

[sumgruuvz]

Thank you.


How did you record that. I'd like to do something like that me thinks. Maybe some rush with a Spector ?

I purchased an apogee jam. Works like a charm, but only with an ipod touch, ipad, or imac. If you have any of those, you're set. They're about $100.

 

[sumgruuvz]

For the fretless guys......
Recently put this together:

Body from yeldarb69's ReBop MM.
Neck from ebradfordrich..
Gold hardware from various places including an older full brass/matte Euro bridge. All hardware on this bass was originally black.
The body looks black in the pix. It looks more like an extremely deep blue in person.

Here is the original neck with brass nut installed by me:

I was able to use my Schaller tuners (normally too small for ReBops) through an old trick I use, but found out something curious (the hard way).
FYI: Real GB7 tuners don't work on these either (slightly too big). It seems the GB7 "looking" tuners Spector is puting on these are the same ones as the Legend series....and are slightly smaller than real GB7's.

After my brass nut installation and setup, the ReBop MM was playing so well I was reluctant to do the fretless switch. But that single MM pickup just lends itself so well to the fretless growl. But after the switch and installing/filing a regular graphite nut (a brass nut, while great for a fretted bass, makes absolutely no sense on a fretless ) I'm happy to say this may be the best sounding and playing fretless I've ever laid my hands on.
Mwaahhh for days...everywhere on the fingerboard!

The reason I was considering leaving the ReBop MM as is was that I had also aquired this:

I at first thought, due to the JJ route and fully rounded contours, that this was originally suposed to be an NS-2-JAR reissue. But the dimensions of the bridge route fit only one bridge in the Spector history: The Hipshot B 5 hole Fender version. Plus, since the body is solid Maple, the only thing that fits all the parameters is the discontinued USA NS-2J-EX.

The neck pocket is slightly different than the Rebops (a hair wider and slightly deeper front to back)(not sure about the US bolts), but nothing a slight shim couldn't make work well. This may be a project for a later date.

Anyway, lovin' this fretless.....and I didn't spend $3000+

Note:
I'm not nuts about the EMG BQC (Volume, stacked treble/bass, stacked parametric mid) control pre that came in the ReBop MM.
I may change to a Tone Pump trim to match my other Spectors.
If someone wants to trade, it would have to be with the harness as I need one volume and the two tones. All split shaft.

Coolness!

 

[iceboxbass]

Fun with Jody on Friday in his new music studio at his new Beautiful Home!

 

[worshiprocker]

Is it a difference in strings (I have been liking the difference between the DR Lo-Riders, Ernie Ball Cobalts, and D'addario flats), bass (you do have different pick-ups on each bass but what about the pre), or amps (are you wanting to match the EQ of one amp to another)???

Well I accept the different tone between the 2 basses. I've been gigging my Jade bass for 2 years and I know what she sounds like. I have the new dunlop heavy core strings on it now and hate them lol. So that is part of my problem with that bass. and I'm still looking for the right strings for the Jar (need light gauge or tapered) for down tuning.

Both has tonepumps. But beyond that when I play either bass at home through 1.)Roland keyboard amp or 2.) 80 watt PA head into a 2x10 cab the tone of either bass is a lot less dark, more even and just "better"

It may just be that I'm Over Ampeg cabs right now. I actually am trading my 810 classic for a 610 Fender Pro cab today. So tonight I'll be comparing my 2 basses through my ampeg 810 heritage and the Fender Pro 610 with both amps my ampeg SVT 6 pro and GK 1001rb. I'm fairly excited for experiment lol.

So...after spending what seemed like HOURS at the Art Vans furniture store laying on mattresses shopping for a new one, and finally picking one, my wife says to me..." I guess I could've let you buy a new Spector bass for that price huh?" I say to her, it's not too late to cancel the purchase! But...our current mattress is 14 years old, I get horrible sleep and my back kills me in the morning, soooo that next Spector will have to wait a little bit longer. :scowl: You can't put a price on a great nights sleep...even though it comes to the price of a new Coda 5XL P Bass. (I even told her that I'd sleep on the couch...she laughs.)

I love this.

Im really digging the dr's lo-riders, I got. Super awesome!

what tuning and what gauge are you running

 

[Torn Bassist]

Fun with Jody on Friday in his new music studio at his new Beautiful Home!

Looks like you guys had some fun ICE!

Well I accept the different tone between the 2 basses. I've been gigging my Jade bass for 2 years and I know what she sounds like. I have the new dunlop heavy core strings on it now and hate them lol. So that is part of my problem with that bass. and I'm still looking for the right strings for the Jar (need light gauge or tapered) for down tuning.

Both has tonepumps. But beyond that when I play either bass at home through 1.)Roland keyboard amp or 2.) 80 watt PA head into a 2x10 cab the tone of either bass is a lot less dark, more even and just "better"

It may just be that I'm Over Ampeg cabs right now. I actually am trading my 810 classic for a 610 Fender Pro cab today. So tonight I'll be comparing my 2 basses through my ampeg 810 heritage and the Fender Pro 610 with both amps my ampeg SVT 6 pro and GK 1001rb. I'm fairly excited for experiment lol.


I love this.

what tuning and what gauge are you running

Sounds like the Dunlops need removed quickly!

I'm using the medium DR Lo-Riders (45,65,85,105) and they have a great punch, I think you told me that you ran these strings before so I'll end it with the one word! lol

You will have to let us know your review of the Heritage 810 versus the Fender 610 cabinets.

 

[awilkie84]

The reason I was considering leaving the ReBop MM as is was that I had also aquired this:

I at first thought, due to the JJ route and fully rounded contours, that this was originally suposed to be an NS-2-JAR reissue. But the dimensions of the bridge route fit only one bridge in the Spector history: The Hipshot B 5 hole Fender version. Plus, since the body is solid Maple, the only thing that fits all the parameters is the discontinued USA NS-2J-EX.

The neck pocket is slightly different than the Rebops (a hair wider and slightly deeper front to back)(not sure about the US bolts), but nothing a slight shim couldn't make work well. This may be a project for a later date.

Anyway, lovin' this fretless.....and I didn't spend $3000+

Note:
I'm not nuts about the EMG BQC (Volume, stacked treble/bass, stacked parametric mid) control pre that came in the ReBop MM.
I may change to a Tone Pump trim to match my other Spectors.
If someone wants to trade, it would have to be with the harness as I need one volume and the two tones. All split shaft.

Where did you get this body? I'd love to get a J/J route body I could put a ReBop neck on!!

 

[delucajohn2000]

Well I accept the different tone between the 2 basses. I've been gigging my Jade bass for 2 years and I know what she sounds like. I have the new dunlop heavy core strings on it now and hate them lol. So that is part of my problem with that bass. and I'm still looking for the right strings for the Jar (need light gauge or tapered) for down tuning.

Both has tonepumps. But beyond that when I play either bass at home through 1.)Roland keyboard amp or 2.) 80 watt PA head into a 2x10 cab the tone of either bass is a lot less dark, more even and just "better"

It may just be that I'm Over Ampeg cabs right now. I actually am trading my 810 classic for a 610 Fender Pro cab today. So tonight I'll be comparing my 2 basses through my ampeg 810 heritage and the Fender Pro 610 with both amps my ampeg SVT 6 pro and GK 1001rb. I'm fairly excited for experiment lol.

Sounds like the Dunlops need removed quickly!

I'm using the medium DR Lo-Riders (45,65,85,105) and they have a great punch, I think you told me that you ran these strings before so I'll end it with the one word! lol

An option you can try Donny is build your own set of Lo Riders since they offer a .115 that should work great for the tuning you use. I tried Dunlops and didn't even get a week out of them before the E string was completely dead so I have not used them since.

I have been using Lo Riders on my Forte and those sound amazing so you might want to give them a shot and see what you think. They have lasted the longest of any string for me which is pretty good considering the life I normally get. The others I like are the D'Addarrio balanced tension sets which I use on the NS-4 and I picked up a few more sets since Bass Strings Online has them on sale for $11 as their Black Friday/Cyber Monday deal so I couldn't pass it up.

 

[worshiprocker]

Looks like you guys had some fun ICE!


Sounds like the Dunlops need removed quickly!

I'm using the medium DR Lo-Riders (45,65,85,105) and they have a great punch, I think you told me that you ran these strings before so I'll end it with the one word! lol

You will have to let us know your review of the Heritage 810 versus the Fender 610 cabinets.

ya I ran DR Lo-Riders pre down tune Defy Tolerance lol I don't know why I fight what I already know hah

 

[worshiprocker]

An option you can try Donny is build your own set of Lo Riders since they offer a .115 that should work great for the tuning you use. I tried Dunlops and didn't even get a week out of them before the E string was completely dead so I have not used them since.

I have been using Lo Riders on my Forte and those sound amazing so you might want to give them a shot and see what you think. They have lasted the longest of any string for me which is pretty good considering the life I normally get. The others I like are the D'Addarrio balanced tension sets which I use on the NS-4 and I picked up a few more sets since Bass Strings Online has them on sale for $11 as their Black Friday/Cyber Monday deal so I couldn't pass it up.

Thanks John! ya the D'addario balanced tension sets are awesome, I just can't fit them through the badass bridge :/

Torn and John are you using steel Lo Riders?

 

[delucajohn2000]

Thanks John! ya the D'addario balanced tension sets are awesome, I just can't fit them through the badass bridge :/

Torn and John are you using steel Lo Riders?

Oh, that stinks. I thought you were a fan of those strings but didn't realize they didn't fit through the badass bridge.

Yes, I am using the steel ones. I just did a quick check on Bass Strings Online and it looks like the .115 is only available in steel and not in the nickel sets which is a bit lame.

 

[cableguy]

Donny, I may get flamed for this but if you're liking the sound of your basses through pa type cab I have one word for you.........fEARful! I love mine with any amp/pre I use. Clear dispersion,tons of low end, and they also take effects/distortion well. I think a 66 would do you well. I think there' an authorized builder in Phoenix as well. I built my own because I'm like that. OK, flame on........