SPECTOR® Owners Club

[Max Ue]

Greetings. Need your advice. Recently, I`ve got Spector Legend 5 Standard as a backup instrument, and I kinda like it in general for its price. I am thinking of changing its preamp or pickups (both are in-house on this model) to make it sound more Spector-ish. Yes, I am absolutely aware that it wouldn't sound like a proper Spector, but maybe you can recommend some budget upgrade to make the sound more interesting. I know about LHZ preamps, however, as far as I understand, it makes sense only with other pickups because of some technical aspects (at least ChatGPT is pretty sure about this ). I am not really into mods, so I would like to hear your thoughts. Thanks!

What do you guys think about Fishman Fluence? As far as I understand, it is a good set, but it's more 'modern' sounding stuff. However, to my ear, on some demos, I can hear a really close scooped 'Spector-ish' sound. Bear in mind that I've never tried Fishman in real life, so I would like to hear your thoughts on this as well. Thanks!
PS: I watched this video, however, I want to check more opinions

 

[Haji]

I really like the Fishman Fluence electronics in my Dimension. As noted, it's a modern sound, but I prefer that. For me, flats are of Satan's butthole. I detest that thumpy flats sound, and that's not what the Fishmans do. For reference, my other favorite electronics are the EMG X/LHZ combo in my Ethos.

 

[Haji]

I love seeing these green Spectors. My dream bass is a New York made NS2, with an emerald green gloss finish over a quilt maple top, with an EMG X set in it...and somehow it's magically in the six pound range.

 

[TonyP-]

flats are of Satan's butthole.

Wait what, did you say

Oh yeah, I don't like flats either…but there are exceptions.

I keep a dimarzio loaded J with dead rounds and 250K pots for that sound, if someone needs that. Otherwise that bass lives in a gig bag.

 

[Haji]

Wait what, did you say
View attachment 7481824

Oh yeah, I don't like flats either…but there are exceptions

Nuh uhhh!!!!

 

[songwriter21]

View attachment 7401380

So, here's my most recent acquisition for First Friday 2026 edition, along with another rare bird, a Euro 5 prototype with Aguilar DCB pickups and Ash body wings and ebony fretboard.
This is a prototype Euro LX 5 Bolt On in transparent Blue. This was a one off that was never produced as a production finish option, and I was fortunate enough to know someone who was able to get me this somewhat rare bird.
It's got dual 40DC pickups and the Spector Legacy preamp, and weighs around 9 pounds.
It sounds great, and the bolt on actually adds a little brightness to the typically darker sounding Legacy preamp.
I've recorded with it and it sounds great, I need to restring it with my Dunlop Nickels but I am very impressed.
I have a Euro 5 prototype with Aguilar DCB pickups and a Darkglass Tone Capsule and I'm more and more convinced that the body, bridge, and construction are more of a critical part of the "Spector sound" than the pickups might be.View attachment 7401396

Yes, wholeheartedly agree about the bridge and construction contributing to the Spector sound (not so much the body, imo). I had a Eurobolt with an alder body, with Aguilar DCBs, that I'd use in passive mode. Anyway, I recorded this in said passive mode:

 

[scuzzy]

I've learned to start slowly introducing my insanity early in the process with my lovely wife. I mentioned in passing, discussing retirement and music, that it was my intention to purchase a USA custom shop Spector upon retirement. I still have 20+ years, so I'll start saving. I didn't get shot down, so the plan proceeds.

 

[bassgiant15]

@bassgiant15

Here's a quick example of the Classic 5 with the LHZ preamp dimed. Use if you can. Link is from Facebook Spector Fan Group

Classic 5 video

Sounds amazing ! Thx for the clip!!!

 

[bassgiant15]

I'll try tonight. Heading out tomorrow for a string of shows in Florida. The Classic 5 is flying with me!!

Where are you playing in Florida? Im in the Pensacola area.

 

[Joeykun]

Where are you playing in Florida? Im in the Pensacola area.

I was in Ft. Myers, The Villages & Boca Raton. Flying out Monday. Great time!!

 

[TonyP-]

Hi Folks
So instead of flipping a coin...I'm letting TB decide my next LX.
I thought it would be a little more fun that way.

Here is the link

Thread 'Spector LX 5 - you pick the color'

Apr 29, 2026

I already have the Black Stain Matte, this is my backup/alt tuning bass.

• TonyP-
• Replies: 36
• Forum: Basses [BG]

• 

 

[VeryTallBassist]

Hi Folks
So instead of flipping a coin...I'm letting TB decide my next LX.
I thought it would be a little more fun that way.

Here is the link

Thread 'Spector LX 5 - you pick the color'

Apr 29, 2026

I already have the Black Stain Matte, this is my backup/alt tuning bass.

• TonyP-
• Replies: 36
• Forum: Basses [BG]

• 

Normally I'm a purple kinda guy, but I love that haunted moss. If only it was a gloss finish.

 

[Reedt2000]

Hi Folks
So instead of flipping a coin...I'm letting TB decide my next LX.
I thought it would be a little more fun that way.

Here is the link

Thread 'Spector LX 5 - you pick the color'

Apr 29, 2026

I already have the Black Stain Matte, this is my backup/alt tuning bass.

• TonyP-
• Replies: 36
• Forum: Basses [BG]

• 

Of those 2 pictured, I'd go haunted moss just cause the maple has more defined figuring

 

[Moving Pictures]

Hi Folks
So instead of flipping a coin...I'm letting TB decide my next LX.
I thought it would be a little more fun that way.

Here is the link

Thread 'Spector LX 5 - you pick the color'

Apr 29, 2026

I already have the Black Stain Matte, this is my backup/alt tuning bass.

• TonyP-
• Replies: 36
• Forum: Basses [BG]

• 

Always purple…

 

[TK4261]

Hi Folks
So instead of flipping a coin...I'm letting TB decide my next LX.
I thought it would be a little more fun that way.

Here is the link

Thread 'Spector LX 5 - you pick the color'

Apr 29, 2026

I already have the Black Stain Matte, this is my backup/alt tuning bass.

• TonyP-
• Replies: 36
• Forum: Basses [BG]

• 

+1 for Night Shade

 

[AK3000]

Night shade. Also, I prefer gloss over matte. But I would take a matte over not having a Spector at all.

 

[_Some Dude]

of those two I prefer the green. The purple is a little washed out for my tastes.

I'd be curious how both look under stage lighting. I still think the green would pop more.

 

[humbuckaroo]

None of those. Get this instead:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Euro5RSTZWN--spector-euro-5-rst-5-string-bass-guitar-zebrawood-natural-matte

 

[TonyP-]

None of those. Get this instead:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Euro5RSTZWN--spector-euro-5-rst-5-string-bass-guitar-zebrawood-natural-matte

For religious reasons, I'm not allowed to be in contact with zebrawood

 

[humbuckaroo]

Ah, fair enough.

That's the one I want to buy.