Spector Basses

[CH Design]

The recent arrival of my Euro NS4CR has reminded me of how great these basses play. So much so that in a matter of just a few weeks I've picked up two more to add to my small but growing collection (Euro NS5CR, Euro 5LX-EX). It seems to me that Spectors are a little unique in that they don't often get modded. And when they do, it's usually one of very few mods that everyone seems to do (put in active EMG's if it came with passives and/or replace the preamp with an EMG or Aguilar). I've looked around and I can't find too many threads where people have described anything different. Why is that? Do the design of the basses and the sound of the EMG's just compliment each other that well? Is it that people who have Spectors want a very specific tone so there is not need to try alternate pickups and electronics? I'm just curious more than anything. All three of my Spectors have active EMG's with either an EMG or Tonepump preamp and I don't intend on changing any of them.

 

[NKUSigEp]

They're not the best bass out there, but only because "best" doesn't exist. Everyone likes something different but you're right - people buy Spectors and pretty much keep them as is because they're comfortable, easy to play, and they sound great. They won't appeal to the vintage flavor enthusiasts but they're a tough crowd to please anyways.

 

[prattguy]

The onlything i would change about my Spectors is the Pre-amp on my Euro 4 and the pups on my Legend 5 (they´re EMG-HZ), they´re almost perfect.

 

[CH Design]

They're not the best bass out there, but only because "best" doesn't exist. Everyone likes something different but you're right - people buy Spectors and pretty much keep them as is because they're comfortable, easy to play, and they sound great. They won't appeal to the vintage flavor enthusiasts but they're a tough crowd to please anyways.

You're right. They aren't the best out there. I hope people don't think that I was trying to imply that they are. I just find it odd that everyone who has a Spector basically has EMG's (not that I'm saying that it is good or bad). When you look at Jazz basses and Precisions, people do all kinds of stuff to them. Music Man basses, while not to the same extent as the Fenders, get modded too. Even some of the higher end basses can be purchased with different pickups. Fodera comes to mind as a good example. I've seen them come with EMG, Bartolini, Duncan, Aero, ... I just find it odd that nobody seems to change the pickups and/or electronics in a Spector. Is it maybe that the majority of the replacement pickups and electronics are geared towards the vintage Fender sound and that those aren't the types of tones you want out of a Spector?

 

[Thundar]

There are plenty of options for replacing pickups and preamps for Spector lovers, but other than dumping the Tone-pump preamp, I cant imagine what else you would need to replace or upgrade. Spectors definitely have their "own" sound...if it aint broke, dont fix it.

 

[NKUSigEp]

You're right. They aren't the best out there. I hope people don't think that I was trying to imply that they are...

If you asked me if I could only have just one bass, what would it be...it would be a Spector

...Is it maybe that the majority of the replacement pickups and electronics are geared towards the vintage Fender sound and that those aren't the types of tones you want out of a Spector?

Ehh...if I've learned anything from TB it's that there's NEVER one definitive answer, but I'd say that's the biggest contributor.

There are plenty of options for replacing pickups and preamps for Spector lovers...

Sure there are plenty of options, but how often do you see anything other than EMG and Aguilar in Spectors (Hazlabs excluded)?

 

[KPJ]

I actually went back to the Tone Pump Jr in my Legend Classic 5. Initially I removed the preamp and stock pickups and installed EMG 40P and 40J pickups and a BQC system. I couldn't get it to sound right. The G string in particular was too bright. I removed the BQC and installed the passive tone controls, still not right. In desperation I re-installed the Tone Pump, it sounds GREAT! So there you go...

 

[staindbass]

the reason people dont do alot of stuff/mods to them is that it doesnt need it. the designers already done that. consider them pre-modified. johnny a

 

[vates]

The onlything i would change about my Spectors is the Pre-amp on my Euro 4 and the pups on my Legend 5 (they´re EMG-HZ), they´re almost perfect.

I've just replaced EMG-HZ with EMG actives in my Legend and upgraded to 18V. I've already replaced the stock strap pins with Schallers locking few months back .
And guess what?
No mods for this baby any more! Period.

 

[Calvan]

I saw a Legend 5 on ebay that had the EMG's swapped out for Bartolini's. I believe the preamp was changed as well but i don't remember what was put in.

Personally though, I have a Legend 5 as is and love it.




(shouldn't this just go in the Spector club thread)