SPECTOR® Owners Club

[newspectorguy]

Hey newspectorguy... I'd try the EURO4LE 40th anniversary '77 RI, (Whew, that's a big title, lol)
It's just pure Rock n Roll. No bridge pup and it doesn't need it. Plenty of grunt and some growl with a keen sense of perfected mids blended in with extremely glassy highs, (no need to mention the bass tone).
It has much better P-Bass tone than my EURO4LX solo'ed.
It's sharper and punchier than a Fender P or ANY P copy I've owned or played.
The tone pump feels like it was made just for this model. I know a lot of you guys don't like the TP on a P/J or Dual Soap but it just fits perfectly with the DiMarzio and pickup placement. I'm sure the Walnut is a big help too!.
Try one, you just might love it! I took a gamble and it paid off big time! I love my EURO-4LE 77

Interesting angle. I haven't even thought of that model. Thanks.

 

[jack7265]

Jeff, thank you for the response. I completely understand where you are coming from, but I think the train is off the tracks a bit. I have played/owned multiple Spectors and I am not a huge fan of the the super clean obp preamps. My question was based more around the natural differences between the pickups, not the fact that one player compared to another player playing the same instrument. I know you are a wealth of knowledge concerning all things Spector, and I take your input on any bass related topic as such. Having said all of that, if you were to pick up a PJ and a JJ that were the same model what would say the tonal differences are? I know each instrument will carry some individual qualities if ones made from the same materials by the luthier. I was trying to get a general idea of the tonal differences between the 2 types of pickup configuration.

Jeff, I don't know if someone will beat me to it, or not, but this weekend I'll have time to make a sound clip that will answer your question, possibly, of the difference between the PJ and JJ. I've got two NS-2 DW basses, one with PJ and the other with JJ. Both have the same strings. And, both have the TC in them. Both have their individual sound, and both are great in their own rights.

This might not be the exact comparison that you're looking for, because for the PJ setup the Lindy Fralin P pickup is +5% overwound, and the Lindy Fralin J pickup is +10% overwound. For the Lindy Fralin JJ setup, the Bridge pickup is +10% overwound, and the neck pickup is +5% overwound.

 

[Torn Bassist]

Jeff, thank you for the response. I completely understand where you are coming from, but I think the train is off the tracks a bit. I have played/owned multiple Spectors and I am not a huge fan of the the super clean obp preamps. My question was based more around the natural differences between the pickups, not the fact that one player compared to another player playing the same instrument. I know you are a wealth of knowledge concerning all things Spector, and I take your input on any bass related topic as such. Having said all of that, if you were to pick up a PJ and a JJ that were the same model what would say the tonal differences are? I know each instrument will carry some individual qualities if ones made from the same materials by the luthier. I was trying to get a general idea of the tonal differences between the 2 types of pickup configuration.

I'm going to say this, we all talked about that twin J bass we got to play at Spector Hang2 and your question was about if there was anything lacking between the JJ's versus the P/J set-up....you have the P/J set-up currently and your interest seems similar to mine as you have the thought of wanting the twin J tone, go back to what you experienced and then look at the picture and build your instrument similar except not the same as the body wood will be different! Good luck with this and I know your just wanting the best instrument with all of these tones running through your head plus Jeff is right, when it comes down to it you will be the one playing your instrument but it also has to motivate you...and...if you want the twin J's then get them and rock the heck out of that bass dude!

 

[newspectorguy]

Jeff, I don't know if someone will beat me to it, or not, but this weekend I'll have time to make a sound clip that will answer your question, possibly, of the difference between the PJ and JJ. I've got two NS-2 DW basses, one with PJ and the other with JJ. Both have the same strings. And, both have the TC in them. Both have their individual sound, and both are great in their own rights.

This might not be the exact comparison that you're looking for, because for the PJ setup the Lindy Fralin P pickup is +5% overwound, and the Lindy Fralin J pickup is +10% overwound. For the Lindy Fralin JJ setup, the Bridge pickup is +10% overwound, and the neck pickup is +5% overwound.

Thanks Jack that would be awesome. I appreciate it!!

 

[newspectorguy]

Thanks Carey! That JJ from the hang just blew me away. I know whatever I order I will love it. Leaning towards the JJ I already have 2 PJ euros probably time I expand my horizons!

 

[jack7265]

Thanks Carey! That JJ from the hang just blew me away. I know whatever I order I will love it. Leaning towards the JJ I already have 2 PJ euros probably time I expand my horizons!

Just me, but if you already have PJ setups, it's a no brainer. Go with the JJ setup. My main bass before Spector was the Fender American Jazz Bass, and I had them loaded with Lindy Fralin single coil replacement J pickups. I'm hoping Saturday morning I'll be able to but together a sound clip of the PJ and JJ basses. Bottom line, though, it depends on what sound works for you.

 

[Wolf Tower 5]

Pretty sure that's s ware the name comes from even though they can also be ordered with super doubles now as well, either way the pick-up placement gives them a very unique sound very different from your average NS bass but still Spector..., my SS in super triple form
View attachment 1155447

I like the idea of a SD with a SS.

On a side note, does anyone know which wires hook up to a Haz pre with the Aguilar SS/SD pickups??? Can the negative and the ground be wired together?? Not very proficient with hooking up passive pickups. EMG actives are pretty straight forward..... positive, negative and battery power.

 

[gpx1200]

I like the idea of a SD with a SS.

On a side note, does anyone know which wires hook up to a Haz pre with the Aguilar SS/SD pickups??? Can the negative and the ground be wired together?? Not very proficient with hooking up passive pickups. EMG actives are pretty straight forward..... positive, negative and battery power.

I think they might need to be grounded to the bridge

 

[gpx1200]

I like the idea of a SD with a SS.

On a side note, does anyone know which wires hook up to a Haz pre with the Aguilar SS/SD pickups??? Can the negative and the ground be wired together?? Not very proficient with hooking up passive pickups. EMG actives are pretty straight forward..... positive, negative and battery power.

This came with my super doubles

 

[johnsonabq]

Jeff, thank you for the response. I completely understand where you are coming from, but I think the train is off the tracks a bit. I have played/owned multiple Spectors and I am not a huge fan of the the super clean obp preamps. My question was based more around the natural differences between the pickups, not the fact that one player compared to another player playing the same instrument. I know you are a wealth of knowledge concerning all things Spector, and I take your input on any bass related topic as such. Having said all of that, if you were to pick up a PJ and a JJ that were the same model what would say the tonal differences are? I know each instrument will carry some individual qualities if ones made from the same materials by the luthier. I was trying to get a general idea of the tonal differences between the 2 types of pickup configuration.

I understand. And I wish I could give you what you are asking.

I think my only input here would be that from a predominantly finger-style playing perspective, I have found the J/J config, in general, to sound better. Meaning, a more mid forward tone that cuts through the mix. But with that said, I had a P/J spalted maple that Glenn now owns, and I found that with this bass, if I took the blend just a notch toward the bridge pup, it had an even better fingerstyle tone than my other J/J basses (and they were all NS2 basses). My point being that as much as we'd like to be able to pigeon hole a bass's sound from it's pickup config, you will always find a bass that deviates from the norm. Plus, if you were to compare the active P/j with a passive J/J, well, you have just stepped into another ball park.

I'm happy to give my thoughts on any pickup combination, but they are just generalities. Any bass that uses a pickup config I have spoken to, may not sound anything like what I described. That's why I say that you have to play the bass yourself in order to truly know how it will sound for you. I really feel that these basses are so individual, that is I say that a J/J bass sounds like such and such. There's every possibility that as soon as you get to play a J/J bass, it may not sound like anything I described.

 

[FingerDub]

Anyone have a Spector they wanna trade for a MIA P bass?

I'm Jonesing for another. I believe Spector has become my "brand".

 

[japhy4529]

I'm going to say this, we all talked about that twin J bass we got to play at Spector Hang2 and your question was about if there was anything lacking between the JJ's versus the P/J set-up....you have the P/J set-up currently and your interest seems similar to mine as you have the thought of wanting the twin J tone, go back to what you experienced and then look at the picture and build your instrument similar except not the same as the body wood will be different! Good luck with this and I know your just wanting the best instrument with all of these tones running through your head plus Jeff is right, when it comes down to it you will be the one playing your instrument but it also has to motivate you...and...if you want the twin J's then get them and rock the heck out of that bass dude!

IMO, the best option for someone who is on the fence regarding pick-up configuration (or for those of use who like variety) is to get an NS-4. The EMG soapbars w/ quick connects allow one to easily swap out one pickup connection for another, or even try unconventional configurations.

 

[grimmchaos]

IMO, the best option for someone who is on the fence regarding pick-up configuration (or for those of use who like variety) is to get an NS-4. The EMG soapbars w/ quick connects allow one to easily swap out one pickup connection for another, or even try unconventional configurations.

I agree with this.... how I found out I REALLY liked the dual P configuration. I would love to try dual 35Js in mine as well, but I think I'd have to order them directly from EMG because no one seems to have them in stock (and I'm a stickler for having matching logos).

 

[e.rich]

Anyone have a Spector they wanna trade for a MIA P bass?

I'm Jonesing for another. I believe Spector has become my "brand".

Welcome to the sickness.

 

[grimmchaos]

Anyone have a Spector they wanna trade for a MIA P bass?

I'm Jonesing for another. I believe Spector has become my "brand".

They are like Pringles, you can't have just one!

 

[Dugdale]

Hey guys, how are you all.

Hopefully in a months time I'll be the proud owner of a spector bass. It's the first bass I've got brand new and I need some advice. I'm left handed and had to order one through the local shop, and he's asking me loads of questions about what colour I want, pups, and other bits and bobs. Being New to this, is this how it works when you get a new one? Are they all custom or do they have stock ones about? Sorry for long message and if I've posted in the wrong thread. I'm also at work so might not be in touch for a little while.

Thanks in advance!

 

[anton72]

As you know I had a ForteSS, and now have an NS-5XLSS, and I have had no issues with any hum from the pickups. Just an observation my friend. These things are so hard to pin down.

Jeff I know you also have basses with SS, when I speak about the single coil hum I mean it mostly happens with certain lighting on in some places, but you never know. Again, the bass is dead quiet when both pickups are 50/50, but as soon as you roll the balance towards any of them it MAY (may not!) generate some hum. The reason I wanted to try SD is that they are dual coils hum-free, but iMO SDs lack definition and bite that SS have in spades.

 

[ampegfuzz]

Took the Spector to its first practice last night, It did ok. Haven't changed the stings yet as they won't be in till Monday. The neck is slightly more round then I would like, but comfy. Finding it hard to balance the EQ with not enough or too much with the highs and lows. Also really glad the tone pump had a trim pot so I could adjust it to my setup. Hopefully a string swap will help with some of the issues. Haven't decided if she is a keeper yet and (if she is) if I bother with upgrades.

 

[gpx1200]

Took the Spector to its first practice last night, It did ok. Haven't changed the stings yet as they won't be in till Monday. The neck is slightly more round then I would like, but comfy. Finding it hard to balance the EQ with not enough or too much with the highs and lows. Also really glad the tone pump had a trim pot so I could adjust it to my setup. Hopefully a string swap will help with some of the issues. Haven't decided if she is a keeper yet and (if she is) if I bother with upgrades.

some times when you cant get a good high/low balance its because the mids need some tweeking

 

[gpx1200]

Jeff I know you also have basses with SS, when I speak about the single coil hum I mean it mostly happens with certain lighting on in some places, but you never know. Again, the bass is dead quiet when both pickups are 50/50, but as soon as you roll the balance towards any of them it MAY (may not!) generate some hum. The reason I wanted to try SD is that they are dual coils hum-free, but iMO SDs lack definition and bite that SS have in spades.

sounds like some of the places you play just have "dirty" power, I wonder if some kind of power conditioner on your amp/equipment would help.
I agree %100 the SD's lack the definition of the SS that's why im going back to the S3 combination, its to bad aguilar only sells them in pairs $200 to use one pickup