Spector Club - Part 10

[TimWilson]

Brethren,

I have a chance to buy this old Spector from the soundman at our church, to whom it was given almost 10 years ago by a friend who he helped through a rough time. But before I can make him an offer, I need to know what I'm holding...

First, it's one of the curved body designs, not the slabs. P/J pups, black with a hint of metallic sparkle (my friend says that he was told this was a refin job, but I don't think so: The many chips and dings show through to primer or wood, and the control cavity and every hidden recess is expertly painted, so unless this bass was natural at first, and then very professionally painted, it's the stock color.

My friend was also told that this preamp was an upgrade. It looks the same age as the bass to me, and it's obviously a Spector pre —it fits too perfectly into the bass and is a board design. There's a number on the biggest component of the pre: CM44807 (and under that) 625-8505.

I can't find a serial number yet. There's a number stamped into the CC cover (that can't be it, can it?) NS1119.

The body shows a lot of mileage, and the original owner did some creative sculpting to the P pup to make a bigger thumb rest, but it plays great, feels great, sounds great. The fella who gave it to my friend told him it was worth about 2k. I'd pay that, if I found a wad of $50's stashed in the cc. To my uninformed eyes, it feels more like about $600 worth of bass... give or take.

So I'd appreciate any help you guys can give me to date and appraise this old gal. Thanks in advance. More pics available.

I should have mentioned, too, that it has a brass nut, if that helps...

 

[5 String Rich]

YAY # 230! That NS looks to be the real deal, but I'm no Mikey Vernon, I'd say it's an original paint. And with that brass nut, probably an early one..Or US made.
I could be wrong..

 

[iceboxbass]

Brethren,

I have a chance to buy this old Spector from the soundman at our church, to whom it was given almost 10 years ago by a friend who he helped through a rough time. But before I can make him an offer, I need to know what I'm holding...

First, it's one of the curved body designs, not the slabs. P/J pups, black with a hint of metallic sparkle (my friend says that he was told this was a refin job, but I don't think so: The many chips and dings show through to primer or wood, and the control cavity and every hidden recess is expertly painted, so unless this bass was natural at first, and then very professionally painted, it's the stock color.

My friend was also told that this preamp was an upgrade. It looks the same age as the bass to me, and it's obviously a Spector pre --it fits too perfectly into the bass and is a board design. There's a number on the biggest component of the pre: CM44807 (and under that) 625-8505.

I can't find a serial number yet. There's a number stamped into the CC cover (that can't be it, can it?) NS1119.

The body shows a lot of mileage, and the original owner did some creative sculpting to the P pup to make a bigger thumb rest, but it plays great, feels great, sounds great. The fella who gave it to my friend told him it was worth about 2k. I'd pay that, if I found a wad of $50's stashed in the cc. To my uninformed eyes, it feels more like about $600 worth of bass... give or take.

So I'd appreciate any help you guys can give me to date and appraise this old gal. Thanks in advance. More pics available.

This my friend is a NS-2 made 1985-1990 during the Kramer era,
MODEL DETAILS YEARS
PRODUCED TOTAL
PRODUCTION ORIGINAL
LIST
NS-2(TM)
The NS-2(TM) remains unchanged during the Spector by Kramer period.

Neck-thru construction
MOP Crown neck inlays
SPECTOR® USA locking brass bridge
Schaller gold hardware
SPECTOR® USA® 9v Tone Controls(TM)
1985-1990 1525 Total Production between
NS-2(TM) and NS-2O(TM) $1999.00
to
$3000.00
This is a great find my friend!

 

[5 String Rich]

I should have mentioned, too, that it has a brass nut, if that helps...

Have you tried Spectorbass.com?
They have an Identity service that can tell you really quick what you've got, that SN looks like a US Bass!

 

[iceboxbass]

Yessir, I was Shania Twains Bassist for a few years..

That's awesome! I have a couple of her CDs. Did you record with any of her CDs?

 

[TimWilson]

This my friend is a NS-2 made 1985-1990 during the Kramer era,
MODEL DETAILS YEARS
PRODUCED TOTAL
PRODUCTION ORIGINAL
LIST
NS-2(TM)
The NS-2(TM) remains unchanged during the Spector by Kramer period.

Neck-thru construction
MOP Crown neck inlays
SPECTOR® USA locking brass bridge
Schaller gold hardware
SPECTOR® USA® 9v Tone Controls(TM)
1985-1990 1525 Total Production between
NS-2(TM) and NS-2O(TM) $1999.00
to
$3000.00
This is a great find my friend!

YOWSA! Really? $3,000??? In THIS condition? I mean, I have to be honest, here: this old girl has been rode hard and put up wet. Sure, it's all cosmetic, but I was seriously underestimating this! Now I'm scared to hold it!

Thank you guys very much. I really appreciate the help. TB comes through again!

 

[iceboxbass]

YAY # 230! That NS looks to be the real deal, but I'm no Mikey Vernon, I'd say it's an original paint. And with that brass nut, probably an early one..Or US made.
I could be wrong..

I had a NS-2A until a week ago and they came with a nylon nut and the serial # started with NB.....they had dot fretboard inlays, Spector branded pups unless changed. You have a NS-2 from Kramer era.

 

[iceboxbass]

YOWSA! Really? $3,000??? In THIS condition? I mean, I have to be honest, here: this old girl has been rode hard and put up wet. Sure, it's all cosmetic, but I was seriously underestimating this! Now I'm scared to hold it!

Thank you guys very much. I really appreciate the help. TB comes through again!

I pulled that info off the Spector History site Tim. That was new price. It's only worth as much as the condition you think it's in. But $600-1200.00 wouldn't be a bad offer in that condition if it was the factory paint. If it has been refin, I'd offer less...

 

[5 String Rich]

I had a NS-2A until a week ago and they came with a nylon nut and the serial # started with NB.....they had dot fretboard inlays, Spector branded pups unless changed. You have a NS-2 from Kramer era.

Yea a friend of mine just received a new Euro 4 LX
Came with a nylon nut too..PJ tells me only the 5s' come with the brass unless you custom order. Funny too is the less expensive ones Legends' etc, come with metal knobs, and the $2,000 Euros' come with plastic knobs! LOL
And no other metal (Allparts) knobs will NOT fit Spector pots..
Arrrgh..I live with it.

 

[iceboxbass]

Yea a friend of mine just received a new Euro 4 LX
Came with a nylon nut too..PJ tells me only the 5s' come with the brass unless you custom order. Funny too is the less expensive ones Legends' etc, come with metal knobs, and the $2,000 Euros' come with plastic knobs! LOL
And no other metal (Allparts) knobs will NOT fit Spector pots..
Arrrgh..I live with it.

I order a custom made brass nut from a luthier to replace the NS-2A and my Legend 4. Wow! What a difference it made in the tone and sustainability.
I'm surprised Spector hadn't come out with a metal knob replacement for those Euros??? I didn't realize they're plastic! Man...

 

[crimson_basser]

Yessir, I was Shania Twains Bassist for a few years..

You are a lucky man. Would.

 

[TimWilson]

Thanks again, guys. I'll offer him $600 and see if my Spector club membership certificate (did someone say I'm #230?) can be printed & framed!

 

[iceboxbass]

Thanks again, guys. I'll offer him $600 and see if my Spector club membership certificate (did someone say I'm #230?) can be printed & framed!

Good price. Best of luck! And you know we will be expecting pictures.

 

[loend68]

Brethren,

I have a chance to buy this old Spector from the soundman at our church, to whom it was given almost 10 years ago by a friend who he helped through a rough time. But before I can make him an offer, I need to know what I'm holding...

First, it's one of the curved body designs, not the slabs. P/J pups, black with a hint of metallic sparkle (my friend says that he was told this was a refin job, but I don't think so: The many chips and dings show through to primer or wood, and the control cavity and every hidden recess is expertly painted, so unless this bass was natural at first, and then very professionally painted, it's the stock color.

My friend was also told that this preamp was an upgrade. It looks the same age as the bass to me, and it's obviously a Spector pre —it fits too perfectly into the bass and is a board design. There's a number on the biggest component of the pre: CM44807 (and under that) 625-8505.

I can't find a serial number yet. There's a number stamped into the CC cover (that can't be it, can it?) NS1119.

The body shows a lot of mileage, and the original owner did some creative sculpting to the P pup to make a bigger thumb rest, but it plays great, feels great, sounds great. The fella who gave it to my friend told him it was worth about 2k. I'd pay that, if I found a wad of $50's stashed in the cc. To my uninformed eyes, it feels more like about $600 worth of bass... give or take.

So I'd appreciate any help you guys can give me to date and appraise this old gal. Thanks in advance. More pics available.

Sorry...the pics didn't load....US NS-2 all the way!

GET IT!! (as cheap as possible...)

 

[TimWilson]

Good price. Best of luck! And you know we will be expecting pictures.

You bet. I actually have the bass with me, and I COULD take a bunch of better photos, but first, I need to get these rusty, filthy old strings off it, clean and polish all the brass, and do a general cleaning.

Lucky that I have an extra case, stand, & strap lying around, too! Kismet!

 

[FunkySpoo]

Yessir, I was Shania Twains Bassist for a few years..

Wow. I've always envied people that made a career out of music. I wound making a career out of photography. But people don't cheer when I make a file that looks just like the original artwork

 

[LimaGuy]

Thanks again, guys. I'll offer him $600 and see if my Spector club membership certificate (did someone say I'm #230?) can be printed & framed!

Welcome, I think you will be #231, Trace asigned #230 to 5 String Rich. You guys are lucky...before Trace took over the numbers it took me like 2 months to get mine.

Can't wait to see your pics of the NS-2.

 

[bassgiant15]

Question for everyone who has had inlay stickers.

Are they pretty durable? I was thinking of getting some. If you had them and took them off, what was the reason for taking them off?

 

[TimWilson]

Hey Guys,

Just heard back from PJ Rubal at Spector. I was surprised at how fast he was able to get me a VERY detailed and informative answer!

hello -

thanks for the email and pics. I am glad you are interested
in our basses.

this appears to be a Korean made NS-2A from the late 1980s
that has been modified with gold hardware, USA style inlays,
diff knobs, EMG pickups, etc.

yes that appears to be an upgraded circuit in there, our USA 9v circuit.

NS 1119, yes that would be the serial number for that model.
this bass was made in approx. late 1987/early 1988 when new.

when new these basses had a list price of 899.00. I am not sure
what they are selling for used these days, you can Google and also
check ebay completed listings. then factor in the upgrades and the
wear on the bass....

I hope this info helps.

PJ Rubal
Vice President
Director of Sales & Artist Relations
SPECTOR
800.825.8810 National Sales Office
703.279.8075 PJ Direct
845.246.0833 Fax
[email protected]
spectorbass.com
myspace.com/spector_instruments
facebook.com/spector.bass

 

[CH Design]

Anyone looking for an NS2a? Looks like Guitar Center (Jacksonville, FL) has one listed for $349.99.