Spector Club - Part 11

[Tracebassplayer]

Out of curiosity, where did this info come from? Is it on the Spector site? Haven't seen it (but havent looked either).

C/P from Stuart Spector Designs, LTD - Makers of fine electric and bass guitars: UNCOMPROMISING QUALITY | UNPARALLELED VERSATILITY | UNBELIEVABLE SOUND...

"SPECTOR® TONEPUMP JR.™
This is our famous TonePump Jr.™ active tone controls! We use these in our very popular Legend Classic™ basses ([Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. They can be used with active or passive pickups. Special boost-only gain structure, +14db of gain when turned all the way up. This is a lower output version of our original TonePump™ circuit, both are made by our same circuit guy. Includes the TonePump Jr.™ with boost-only tone pots already wired to it, and wiring diagram."

 

[Tracebassplayer]

Trace...you are smitten BAD my bro! Lol
I got the SPECTOR bug when I saw/heard Alexis Sklarevski playing one for "The Slap Bass Program" he put out... Been hooked ever since but with each "new" SPECTOR I get.. it gets worse (better)!
Doesn't that bass feel like it actually plays it's self?
It really seems to, doesn't it?
Man... it's a toss up between my 2J and the Ian hill on smoothness of play and speed.
They do sound different though when set flat on the onboard preamp...
2J has the BTS @ 9vdc
Ian Hill has BQC @ 18vdc

When my son was visiting us he couldn't put it down all the time he was here. I know the feeling!

That's pretty cool being able to play thru your aux on your truck stereo! Congrats Trace! Try to get some sleep. Hehehe
It's not as loud as it is when you have music but the neighbors can hear it!
Thanks for telling Trace that bc I could see him strumming down the highway. Lol
If I was a lefty... maybe LOL

Looks like the standard 12th fret inlay to me.

Huh, funny... the things you notice when actually buy one and really LOOK at it. I never noticed the 2 vertical Abalone stripes before... and I have played a few at BASS NW before.

Oh, and... The Ian Hill fits a little better than my Legend in the Ibby HSC. So, I'm thinking there is a slight difference in the dimensions of the body and horns...

Thanks! And that ian hill looks incredible. Glad to hear it got to you safely and that you're loving it.

Thank you!
Yes, safe and sound.
Absolutely loving the Ian Hill SPECTOR!
I couldn't believe the sound and playability of this bass!
As for FedEx.... you cost my 2 missed days of joy with my new family member!

Just thought I'd share a family pic. Got the TC Electronic RH450 today - been playing all three basses since I got home from work! LOL!

Very nice!
Thanks for sharing the family pic
and fueling the "I gotta get another SPECTOR" fire!!!!

 

[Tracebassplayer]

Check out this sample of different techniques by Alexis on one of his SPECTOR basses...
Invalid Link Removed

video at the bottom of the page...

 

[PhatBasstard]

C/P from Stuart Spector Designs, LTD - Makers of fine electric and bass guitars: UNCOMPROMISING QUALITY | UNPARALLELED VERSATILITY | UNBELIEVABLE SOUND...

"SPECTOR® TONEPUMP JR.™
This is our famous TonePump Jr.™ active tone controls! We use these in our very popular Legend Classic™ basses ([Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. They can be used with active or passive pickups. Special boost-only gain structure, +14db of gain when turned all the way up. This is a lower output version of our original TonePump™ circuit, both are made by our same circuit guy. Includes the TonePump Jr.™ with boost-only tone pots already wired to it, and wiring diagram."

Hmmm...
Unfortunately they used to say about the same thing about the Tone Pump until the manufacturer chimed in about a year ago with the revelation of it being both boost and cut.
I wonder if the "Jr" version's blurb has been updated if the "Jr." is boost/cut as well.

 

[delucajohn2000]

So...
My Ian Hill evidently has the EMG BQC preamp in it.
It's an option but not sure if it's an upgrade from the Tone Pump that comes as Standard Equipment according to Spectorbass.com -
Thoughts anyone ??? Is it an upgrade/better preamp or ???

AND.... it's already been rewired for 18 VDC !!!

Now, My NS-2J has the EMG BTS at 9 VDC and there is a huge difference in the sound...
Anyone know what the difference is between the BQC and the BTS ?

I don't know much about the BQC system except I want one!! After seeing this video of Alex Webster, I really want one since he gets the 18v BQC installed in his Spectors.

Invalid Link Removed

Just listen to the sound of his bass when he starts playing at about 25 seconds. His band is not for everyone (I love them) but he is just an amazing bass player.

 

[basstones]

Anyone know what the difference is between the BQC and the BTS ?

EMG BTS System
Controls: Volume, Blend, Treble, Bass

EMG BQC System
Controls: Volume, Blend, Treble/Bass Stack, Stacked Mid Control

putting in a BQC into my NS2A after much debate with the Haz copy.

 

[delucajohn2000]

EMG BTS System
Controls: Volume, Blend, Treble, Bass

EMG BQC System
Controls: Volume, Blend, Treble/Bass Stack, Stacked Mid Control

putting in a BQC into my NS2A after much debate with the Haz copy.

See, now that makes me want to BQC system even more. I prefer the blend knob over the 2 separate volume knobs but I think that comes down to personal preference. The addition of a mid control is really cool too.

 

[basstones]

I prefer the blend knob over the 2 separate volume knobs but I think that comes down to personal preference. The addition of a mid control is really cool too.

I am with you on that!

 

[KsPiNeSh]

I prefer the blend knob over the 2 separate volume knobs but I think that comes down to personal preference. The addition of a mid control is really cool too.

Also agree. I strongly prefer 3-band (or more ) EQs, and that goes for everything with any kind of EQ; basses, amps, car stereos, home stereos, A/V receivers, etc.

 

[lowfreqgeek]

So, uh... what styles of music are you Spectorholics using your Spectors for, anyway?

As you might recall from a few pages back, I recently picked up a Euro5LX for $600. I do play a wide variety of styles - from jazz to country to hard rock - but most of the videos and demos I see for Spector basses (as well as most of the Spector Artists) are all pretty heavy/aggressive. I've seen some smooth jazz and gospel performed on a Spector, to great effect, but not a lot.

So what are you guys using your Spectors for? IMO, a great bass in the right hands will fit into just about every style of music, but it seems that Spector is marketing to a certain segment of the musical population - and it's not exactly the softer, smoother side.

 

[FunkySpoo]

So, uh... what styles of music are you Spectorholics using your Spectors for, anyway?

As you might recall from a few pages back, I recently picked up a Euro5LX for $600. I do play a wide variety of styles - from jazz to country to hard rock - but most of the videos and demos I see for Spector basses (as well as most of the Spector Artists) are all pretty heavy/aggressive. I've seen some smooth jazz and gospel performed on a Spector, to great effect, but not a lot.

So what are you guys using your Spectors for? IMO, a great bass in the right hands will fit into just about every style of music, but it seems that Spector is marketing to a certain segment of the musical population - and it's not exactly the softer, smoother side.

I use mine for a variety of stuff in my rock, soul and blues cover band. I noticed what you also noticed about a lot of the Spector players being metal players but the Euro5LX is really versatile. We can go from: Get Ready to Born Under a Bad Sign to Superstition to Feelin' Alright to I shot the Sheriff and Ain't No Mountain High Enough and the 5LX knocks them all out beautifully.

 

[bobunit]

So...
My Ian Hill evidently has the EMG BQC preamp in it.
It's an option but not sure if it's an upgrade from the Tone Pump that comes as Standard Equipment according to Spectorbass.com -
Thoughts anyone ??? Is it an upgrade/better preamp or ???

Having never used a Spector with the Tonepump I cannot say one is better/worse. I will say the BQC is a pretty flexible preamp. I had one replace the Aguilar OBP1 in a NS5JH fretless. I prefer boost/cut and blend controls. I find the midrange adjustment to be very smooth (perhaps the bandwidth EMG sets the mid control at). FWIW, if I didn't have the Hazlab 18v pre in my fivers, they would have EMG bqc pres in them.

 

[nervous]

So, uh... what styles of music are you Spectorholics using your Spectors for, anyway?
So what are you guys using your Spectors for? IMO, a great bass in the right hands will fit into just about every style of music, but it seems that Spector is marketing to a certain segment of the musical population - and it's not exactly the softer, smoother side.

Everything (except jazz but only because i don't play any). I have owned 3 different generation Spectors, both 4 and 5's and have never bought into the idea that these basses are pigeon-holed somehow. There may be more used in a specific genre but that is no reflection on the versatility of the brand. These are unbelievably well made (and supported) high quality instruments. The variety of sounds is fantastic. Interestingly, since acquiring the 'Maby Bass' I have gone back and very closely listened to the live recording that I know this bass was used on and I am telling you that before I knew what bass it was there were parts I would have SWORN were played on a fretless. Sure, pickups and preamps will flavor things but these are just solid and wide ranging basses. Play 'em!

 

[nervous]

I will say the BQC is a pretty flexible preamp.

EMG pickups and pre amps have been my standard, go to choice for years and the BT and BQC systems have always brought real life to everything I have installed them in. They just sound right to me.

 

[nervous]

How are you liking the RH450? I had one for a short time.

Also, what model is the middle natural 5er? Is that a contoured/curved body as well?

 

[Tracebassplayer]

So, uh... what styles of music are you Spectorholics using your Spectors for, anyway?

As you might recall from a few pages back, I recently picked up a Euro5LX for $600. I do play a wide variety of styles - from jazz to country to hard rock - but most of the videos and demos I see for Spector basses (as well as most of the Spector Artists) are all pretty heavy/aggressive. I've seen some smooth jazz and gospel performed on a Spector, to great effect, but not a lot.

So what are you guys using your Spectors for? IMO, a great bass in the right hands will fit into just about every style of music, but it seems that Spector is marketing to a certain segment of the musical population - and it's not exactly the softer, smoother side.

I use mine for EVRYTHING. ..rock, metal, country, Gospel, jazz, funk...
You can play bass...or you can play SPECTOR.

 

[cjmodulus]

Hmmm...
Unfortunately they used to say about the same thing about the Tone Pump until the manufacturer chimed in about a year ago with the revelation of it being both boost and cut.
I wonder if the "Jr" version's blurb has been updated if the "Jr." is boost/cut as well.

Yeah. I'm kind of hoping JPS or someone else can chime in on this.

 

[iceboxbass]

Hey Rockstarbassist, when I went to put the new bridge in my '87 NS-2 it did not fit. It was a hair larger. My repair guy told me he would shave a little off the bridge because if he tried to take some of the wood out, it would most likely mess up the finish. I didn't mind at all though because It's my workhorse. I love the new bridge.

I heard from here, that a little Dremel shaving on the body in the bridge area doesn't hurt. :Eyebrow:

Pics of new bridge please!

YES! PLZ! +1

So...
My Ian Hill evidently has the EMG BQC preamp in it.
It's an option but not sure if it's an upgrade from the Tone Pump that comes as Standard Equipment according to Spectorbass.com -
Thoughts anyone ??? Is it an upgrade/better preamp or ???

AND.... it's already been rewired for 18 VDC !!!

Now, My NS-2J has the EMG BTS at 9 VDC and there is a huge difference in the sound...
Anyone know what the difference is between the BQC and the BTS ?

which pre-amp do you like the sound of better? Guess I'm going to open my Ian Hill today and check out the circuit. I've been too busy playing to slow down.

Just thought I'd share a family pic. Got the TC Electronic RH450 today - been playing all three basses since I got home from work! LOL!

Very nice Spector family!!!

 

[TimWilson]

After a week of intense internal debate, financial wrangling, and cleaning, setup & testing, I've made up my tortured mind: Natalie stays. Can I git me a number please? I don't know what number is next, but if it's not a number with a square root of eight, can I have the next one that is? (Eight is my lucky number/mystical center/ground control. Don't make me explain it — it just is)

As a recap/re-introduction: This bass has been languishing in a closet for eight long years (you heard me), given to the new FOH guy at our church by a thankful friend whom he helped through a bad time. He showed it to me and told me what little he knew of it's history: That it was upgraded (with new hardware and electronics) and refinished. The owner told him it was worth a couple g's.

After many detailed photos, Emails to Spector, and queries to you fine gentlemens here at the Spector Club, I have the full story: This is an NS-2A — one of the very few that features true crown inlays on the board — not stickers. The pickups were upped to EMGs, the circuit board replaced with an American preamp, all black hardware replaced with gold, a brass nut replacing the original plastic, and the strap pins replaced with Dunlop locks.

In fact, the only part of this bass that retains its Korean lineage is the wood, and it appears that wood was a remnant of the American builds anyway, so for all intents and purposes, this really is an NS-2. And a great one, at that!

As I wrote earlier, I've always been more of a StingRay guy (I mentioned that I wasn't leaving Pam Anderson, but that Natalie Portman keeps flirting with me). Pam's still my best girl — she's loud, scandalous, and nasty. But Natalie fills a space here, and I'm encouraging the two of them to get to know each other.

Glad to be in the club.

 

[PhatBasstard]

After a week of intense internal debate, financial wrangling, and cleaning, setup & testing, I've made up my tortured mind: Natalie stays. Can I git me a number please? I don't know what number is next, but if it's not a number with a square root of eight, can I have the next one that is? (Eight is my lucky number/mystical center/ground control. Don't make me explain it — it just is)

As a recap/re-introduction: This bass has been languishing in a closet for eight long years (you heard me), given to the new FOH guy at our church by a thankful friend whom he helped through a bad time. He showed it to me and told me what little he knew of it's history: That it was upgraded (with new hardware and electronics) and refinished. The owner told him it was worth a couple g's.

After many detailed photos, Emails to Spector, and queries to you fine gentlemens here at the Spector Club, I have the full story: This is an NS-2A — one of the very few that features true crown inlays on the board — not stickers. The pickups were upped to EMGs, the circuit board replaced with an American preamp, all black hardware replaced with gold, a brass nut replacing the original plastic, and the strap pins replaced with Dunlop locks.

In fact, the only part of this bass that retains its Korean lineage is the wood, and it appears that wood was a remnant of the American builds anyway, so for all intents and purposes, this really is an NS-2. And a great one, at that!

As I wrote earlier, I've always been more of a StingRay guy (I mentioned that I wasn't leaving Pam Anderson, but that Natalie Portman keeps flirting with me). Pam's still my best girl — she's loud, scandalous, and nasty. But Natalie fills a space here, and I'm encouraging the two of them to get to know each other.

Glad to be in the club.

Hmmm.....
Is that a USA bridge? I can't tell from the photo.