Spector Club - Part 11

[Christian Waiau]

That's very exciting news JPS of your new bass arriving this coming week! Looking fwd to seeing your professional pics and hearing report of playing!



I tend to favor the P pup more so than the J. But lately with my Ian Hill I've been experimenting with the J pup same as you and love the tone difference. It's not quite as deep and thundering as the P but like you said, it has a nice growl. Depending on the tone that I'm looking for the song that I'm playing at the time.

I've always been a bridge pup guy lol.


But with a p jazz set up I've normally had them both open... Until drop tuning which I started to roll the p back or actually just using the p.

But yeah.. Tons of tone options and has become my new favorite combo

 

[connected2aj]

QUOTE="PhatBasstard"]
Yes. Especially on the set screw side of the bridge on the single screw Euro and Legend bridges. It is all apart of the design flaw/balancing act of dealing with the orignal Spector bridge unfortunately.

Making a super high mass bridge was a great idea at the time. Leaving off possibly the most important element of making a bridge easily workable and stable was not.

PS. That's the first USA bridge I've seen without a set screw on both sides.[/QUOTE]

Thanks Phat, glad to see it wasn't just me. I hated the floating saddles, but love the high mass bridge. When I had asked P.J. about it, he had told me he never heard of that happening before.

As far as the single set screw, my Forte has the newer version of the bridge and it only has 1 set screw as well. Guess that's what they decided to do which, again, I prefer.

My NS-4 has the same bridge you've got here, the offset screws. My new NS-2, due to ship Monday, arrive Wednesday, will have the newer one with the height adjustment screws both at the front.

And the NS-2 I've purchased from Bass Central has the old, non-intonation screw bridge, which I'll replace, but I want to play with it first to have the experience of adjusting a USA bridge without the intonation screws. I may take the older bridge and look at routing my NS-2A's body out to install it. Don't know yet if I will.

I will check and see if when locking the old bridge down I get the shift issue you mentioned. That'll be a fun experiment.

Keep us posted JPS. I'm interested to see if you have trouble too. Also let us know how your NS-2A sounds with the US bridge if you decide to swap it out.

 

[Tracebassplayer]

I'm sure that two more members will pop up soon... When 240 is the next number up, I'll step up to the (insert proper industrial/trade term for that red wheel-shaped number dispenser thing here) and pluck my (insert proper industrial/trade term for the little tabs of paper that have numbers on them that come from that red wheel-shaped number dispenser thing here) #240.

I'll measure the bridge as soon as I get to work Monday. I left my Spector there because I haven't gotten a case for it yet, and I can't bear to risk traveling with it unprotected.

You have it.
I already assigned 240 to you so, Use it and enjoy being the newest member of the Elite Fleet .
Call it "making an appointment" or "Making a Reservation".

 

[Tracebassplayer]

That is not stock. You have a real beast there at 18v. Nice.

JPS,
It IS a beast ... tonally I'm gonna have to rewire my NS-2J for 18 volt after hearing this one!!!!

Is that not the EMG option available on the website? Is it a different EMG?
I looked up the model and revision but no "hits".
I'm not that familiar with all the preamps available...

 

[Tracebassplayer]

Spector alert. If anyone is watching Jimmy Fallon tonight be on the lookout for a USA white Kramer/Spector. My good friend Dave Fowler is playing with Billy Ray Cyrus. This is their 3rd national appearance on tv this week. Dave is a longtime Spector player and the nicest guy you will ever meet. Did I mention he was an incredible player? It probably won't show his skill tonight but he is one of the most in demand players in Nashville.

I missed it by a few minutes..
Did anyone else watch?

 

[Tracebassplayer]

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.

To start off with... I absolutely LOOOOVE the sound of the NS-2J..... That said....
I like the Ian Hill better but since they are not running the same voltage.. It's almost apples and oranges...
I will be rewiring the NS-2J for 18vdc today or tomorrow to see what the difference really is.
Wish I had a way to record it here so I can play it back and listen in realtime speed.

Did you look inside yours an see what it is yet?

 

[iceboxbass]

To start off with... I absolutely LOOOOVE the sound of the NS-2J..... That said....
I like the Ian Hill better but since they are not running the same voltage.. It's almost apples and oranges...
I will be rewiring the NS-2J for 18vdc today or tomorrow to see what the difference really is.
Wish I had a way to record it here so I can play it back and listen in realtime speed.

Did you look inside yours an see what it is yet?

Thanks for reminding me...just opened it and it's the TonePump 9V. Sigh...Looks like you got the lucky pick Trace! I'm going to turn up the TP a little and hear the difference. Well...it's already at 90%. Is it recommended to turn it back to about 60%?

 

[JPSBassist]

JPS,
It IS a beast ... tonally I'm gonna have to rewire my NS-2J for 18 volt after hearing this one!!!!

Is that not the EMG option available on the website? Is it a different EMG?

This 18v EMG circuit is the standard for the Alex Webster signature model. Alex has been adamant that the circuit be wired for 18v. So as far as I know, this will be the exact same with the Alex Bass. I've only seen the prototypes, none of the production models. I have one of the production models on order, but sad to say I'm going to ask Alex to sign it and then It's going into a custom frame and on the wall in my office. I'm not a 5-string player. I am more interested in it because I designed the blood splatter art.

I'm pretty sure that any time there is an option for a non-stock circuit, it would be wired to 9v... unless you are specifically ordering the USA 18v Circuit.

EMG's official paperwork on the BQC states that it is designed to run on 18v or 9v, and they recommend 18v if you "play your instrument hard".

So honestly I'm not sure. I'll ask.

 

[nervous]

To start off with... I absolutely LOOOOVE the sound of the NS-2J..... That said....
I like the Ian Hill better but since they are not running the same voltage.. It's almost apples and oranges...
I will be rewiring the NS-2J for 18vdc today or tomorrow to see what the difference really is.
Wish I had a way to record it here so I can play it back and listen in realtime speed.

Did you look inside yours an see what it is yet?

It's always been my understanding that wiring the EMG preamps as 18v vs. 9v does not increase output or alter the tonal quality in any way but simply allows a bit more 'headroom' before the preamp would distort at 9v. I've had them both ways and noticed very little difference. It's very simple to just wire another 9v battery connector in series with what you already have to get you to the 18v.

(to get 18 volts, just wire in a second battery clip in series with the first one, i.e., red +9v leads from all the pickups to red +9v lead of the first battery clip, black lead of first battery clip to red lead of second battery clip, black lead of second battery clip to ring terminal of output jack.)

Invalid Link Removed

 

[Lammchop93]

This 18v EMG circuit is the standard for the Alex Webster signature model. Alex has been adamant that the circuit be wired for 18v. So as far as I know, this will be the exact same with the Alex Bass. I've only seen the prototypes, none of the production models. I have one of the production models on order, but sad to say I'm going to ask Alex to sign it and then It's going into a custom frame and on the wall in my office. I'm not a 5-string player. I am more interested in it because I designed the blood splatter art.

I'm pretty sure that any time there is an option for a non-stock circuit, it would be wired to 9v... unless you are specifically ordering the USA 18v Circuit.

EMG's official paperwork on the BQC states that it is designed to run on 18v or 9v, and they recommend 18v if you "play your instrument hard".

So honestly I'm not sure. I'll ask.

I love the blood splatter work on the bass. I remember going to the 2011 Winter NAMM show, when I walked into the Spector booth, it was the first thing I saw. The first thing that came to my mind was that must've been an Alex Webster sig. I don't remember who at the booth I talked to, but one of the Spector guys was telling me all about it. He was a cool guy! I can't wait to be part of the Spector club later this week.

 

[mmbongo]

Dumb question:

Does Spector make an NS body bass with a 1.5" nut?

 

[JPSBassist]

Thanks for reminding me...just opened it and it's the TonePump 9V. Sigh...Looks like you got the lucky pick Trace! I'm going to turn up the TP a little and hear the difference. Well...it's already at 90%. Is it recommended to turn it back to about 60%?

Play with it and see what sounds best for you.

I have my Euro4LX-TW-35 at 50-60%
I had my Euro4LX-Classic at 30-40% (currently on its way to metallicafan18)
I have my NS-2A Fretless at 50-60%

That seems to sound best to my ears. But you may like 80-100% better. I know some people who like 20-30%...

It's a subjective thing.

Leave your back cover off (since you have active self-shielding EMGs you pretty much won't get shocked unless you put your tongue inside the guitar while it's plugged in) and adjust the TP while you're plugged in.

I use a set of headphones, really nice high-end JVC studio headphones that I paid $150 for to hear the fine distinctions when adjusting this sort of thing. Depending on the room you're in you might not always hear everything the amp is expressing.

 

[JPSBassist]

Dumb question:

Does Spector make an NS body bass with a 1.5" nut?

Yes. It's commonly referred to as the Doug Wimbish Model.
But you can order this "Jazz Nut" profile on the Euro4LX and the USA NS-2 and NS-4.

 

[mmbongo]

Yes. It's commonly referred to as the Doug Wimbish Model.
But you can order this "Jazz Nut" profile on the Euro4LX and the USA NS-2 and NS-4.

Ahh, very good. Thanks! I'll be on the lookout for one!

 

[JPSBassist]

I love the blood splatter work on the bass. I remember going to the 2011 Winter NAMM show, when I walked into the Spector booth, it was the first thing I saw. The first thing that came to my mind was that must've been an Alex Webster sig. I don't remember who at the booth I talked to, but one of the Spector guys was telling me all about it. He was a cool guy! I can't wait to be part of the Spector club later this week.

Dude it was probably me. I was one of 5 people in that booth this year. Stuart, PJ, Jimmy Eppard, Greg Felise and yours truly worked the booth.

It is was this guy:

Link Removed

Then it was me that you talked to.

 

[JPSBassist]

It's always been my understanding that wiring the EMG preamps as 18v vs. 9v does not increase output or alter the tonal quality in any way but simply allows a bit more 'headroom' before the preamp would distort at 9v.

This is how the 18v USA Spector circuit works. It basically provides a lot more headroom than the 9v... there IS a tonal difference, the 18v being more "clean" and less growly.

For this reason I prefer the 9v USA circuit.

Both the 9v and 18v USA Spector Circuits are made for SPECTOR by Haz... BTW. So they are both (HazLabs circuits). I know it's more common to refer to the USA 9v as a "Haz". But to be correct, both USA Spector circuits are.

 

[LimaGuy]

Thanks for reminding me...just opened it and it's the TonePump 9V. Sigh...Looks like you got the lucky pick Trace! I'm going to turn up the TP a little and hear the difference. Well...it's already at 90%. Is it recommended to turn it back to about 60%?

Like JPS said, It is a subjective thing.

I first had my Euro 4LX down to 20-30% and it was a little too thin for my ears. My sweet spot is at 50-60%.

I also made the final adjustments using a pair of headphones.

 

[JPSBassist]

I spent two hours last night cleaning my NS-4... took the strings and knobs off, took the bridge saddles out...

Gave her a serious neck conditioning, a good cleaning and polish and put her back together. Still haven't put strings on her yet.
I need to get some footage of this for the next "SPECTORCare Video"... I may to that this evening.

Getting pumped about "The Black Pearl" arriving next week.

 

[Tracebassplayer]

Thanks for reminding me...just opened it and it's the TonePump 9V. Sigh...Looks like you got the lucky pick Trace! I'm going to turn up the TP a little and hear the difference. Well...it's already at 90%. Is it recommended to turn it back to about 60%?

That's what I hear if it's "too hot".

This 18v EMG circuit is the standard for the Alex Webster signature model. Alex has been adamant that the circuit be wired for 18v. So as far as I know, this will be the exact same with the Alex Bass. I've only seen the prototypes, none of the production models. I have one of the production models on order, but sad to say I'm going to ask Alex to sign it and then It's going into a custom frame and on the wall in my office. I'm not a 5-string player. Me either.
I am more interested in it because I designed the blood splatter art.

I'm pretty sure that any time there is an option for a non-stock circuit, it would be wired to 9v... unless you are specifically ordering the USA 18v Circuit. I don't think this was ordered that way - looking at the modifications wiring.
No heat shrink on the solder joints for the 2nd battery wires but, not looking like tape, either.

EMG's official paperwork on the BQC states that it is designed to run on 18v or 9v, and they recommend 18v if you "play your instrument hard".
I tend to get fairly aggressive with my fingers so the Headroom will be nice to have..

So honestly I'm not sure. I'll ask.

Thanks, I'll be interested in finding out if it was ordered that way or modified later.

It's always been my understanding that wiring the EMG preamps as 18v vs. 9v does not increase output or alter the tonal quality in any way but simply allows a bit more 'headroom' before the preamp would distort at 9v. That's what I read in the EMG manual, as well. So, I wasn't expecting either to happen but, interpreting "Head Room" is another thing.

I've had them both ways and noticed very little difference. It's very simple to just wire another 9v battery connector in series with what you already have to get you to the 18v.
Yep, wired in series...

(to get 18 volts, just wire in a second battery clip in series with the first one, i.e., red +9v leads from all the pickups to red +9v lead of the first battery clip, black lead of first battery clip to red lead of second battery clip, black lead of second battery clip to ring terminal of output jack.)

Invalid Link Removed

Play with it and see what sounds best for you.
+1 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I have my Euro4LX-TW-35 at 50-60%
I had my Euro4LX-Classic at 30-40% (currently on its way to metallicafan18)
I have my NS-2A Fretless at 50-60%

That seems to sound best to my ears. But you may like 80-100% better. I know some people who like 20-30%...
Pup height will alter this as well.
It's a subjective thing.

Leave your back cover off (since you have active self-shielding EMGs you pretty much won't get shocked unless you put your tongue inside the guitar while it's plugged in) and adjust the TP while you're plugged in.
HMMM, now THERE'S a visual

I use a set of headphones, really nice high-end JVC studio headphones that I paid $150 for to hear the fine distinctions when adjusting this sort of thing. Depending on the room you're in you might not always hear everything the amp is expressing.

What/Who makes good sounding amplified headphones so when I travel I don't have to take an amp? I hear the Audiovox setup is not all that great but, I have not tried one myself yet.

I played the NS-2J and the Ian Hill just now. The neck on my 2J is thinner and skinnier than the Ian Hill and I can definitely tell the difference. That said, both are very very comfortable to me and I can adjust quickly.
I still need a skinnier nut (1.5") as the E string is still too close to the edge and I push it off the fret once in a while.
The Legend nut that Icebox sent me is a taller than the stock brass nut and I'm hesitant to shave the bottom to lower the clearance until I find out what the clearance at the 1st fret should really be.
The Legend is bigger still..

 

[LimaGuy]

I spent two hours last night cleaning my NS-4... took the strings and knobs off, took the bridge saddles out...

Gave her a serious neck conditioning, a good cleaning and polish and put her back together. Still haven't put strings on her yet.
I need to get some footage of this for the next "SPECTORCare Video"... I may to that this evening.

Getting pumped about "The Black Pearl" arriving next week.

Do you use the Dunlop neck conditioner? I need to give my white NS-2A a good cleaning. I will also need to do a good cleaning on another NS-2A that I just ordered from Guitar Center yesterday. It was so weird... I sold my Gene Simmons Axe, and the money just flew out of my pocked to Guitar Center... Yes, this will be Spector #6. I am planning on converting this one to a fretless.