Spector Club - Part 14

[chrisloe]

So I have a question, it might be a dumb question but today while I was playing my NS-4 I started wondering, Why is this a NS-4, and not a NS-3?

The first NS basses were NS-1's, then the famous NS-2, Was there a NS-3, or did Stewart just go with NS-4 for the next name?

I Imagine it is because it is a 4 string, then the NS-5 and NS-6 are 5 and 6 string basses, or something to do with the different pick-ups than the NS-2, but it would be interesting to know if there was ever a NS-3 or why the NS-4 is named the way it is.

JPS? anyone?

 

[iceboxbass]

Bass Central gave me an ETA of November for my new Forte 4 delivery. My carpet will have been worn down to the wood by then...:nono:
I really don't mind waiting for made in the good ole USA high quality! It'll be that much Saweeeeter!

 

[Ripley]

Hey, everyone! Loving my Legend, so far, but looking for some advice from longtime Spector players.

I'm playing DR Sunbeams, which I love, and I've set the bass up so it's comfortable and playable, but there's some fret noise that's bugging me. There was a fairly severe relief in the neck, so I adjusted it a bit and it's very easy to play but I keep hearing a 'zzzz' - so I don't get bum bum bum bumbidy bum, it's a kind of bum-zz bum-zz bumidy-zerp bumzz.. The strings are not particularly low and I'm not hitting the pickups. I could deal with a little fret clack, but this is more of a whispery buzz that fades in after I hit a string. I use a pick but even with my fingers it's bumzzz. Intonation is good (though I'd kill for a screw-type adjustment on the bridge.)

I'm curious about the set up. Have I set the neck too flat? Or too flat for low tension strings? I haven't had this problem with my other basses, so I guess my question is do Spectors need a specific relief shape? Am I missing something in the set up?

Second topic: I'm considering an amp upgrade on a limited budget. Any thoughts on Genz Shuttle 6 or Markbass LMIII or GK MB500? I have a GK MB200, which is fine with PA, but we often practice in a club and I just can't hear myself with the MB200 and a 2x10. I don't want to blow anyone's hair back, but it would be nice to hear myself through the drums when we're running limited sound. Any amps that show the Spector love? Basic happy-sexy-fun-time bar band classic rock and pop.

Third topic: How was your day, man? I hope it was awesome!

 

[CH Design]

Bass Central gave me an ETA of November for my new Forte 4 delivery. My carpet will have been worn down to the wood by then...:nono:
I really don't mind waiting for made in the good ole USA high quality! It'll be that much Saweeeeter!

Why so long? They show at least two in stock on their website.

 

[cjmodulus]

Hey, everyone! Loving my Legend, so far, but looking for some advice from longtime Spector players.

I'm playing DR Sunbeams, which I love, and I've set the bass up so it's comfortable and playable, but there's some fret noise that's bugging me. There was a fairly severe relief in the neck, so I adjusted it a bit and it's very easy to play but I keep hearing a 'zzzz' - so I don't get bum bum bum bumbidy bum, it's a kind of bum-zz bum-zz bumidy-zerp bumzz.. The strings are not particularly low and I'm not hitting the pickups. I could deal with a little fret clack, but this is more of a whispery buzz that fades in after I hit a string. I use a pick but even with my fingers it's bumzzz. Intonation is good (though I'd kill for a screw-type adjustment on the bridge.)

I'm curious about the set up. Have I set the neck too flat? Or too flat for low tension strings? I haven't had this problem with my other basses, so I guess my question is do Spectors need a specific relief shape? Am I missing something in the set up?

Second topic: I'm considering an amp upgrade on a limited budget. Any thoughts on Genz Shuttle 6 or Markbass LMIII or GK MB500? I have a GK MB200, which is fine with PA, but we often practice in a club and I just can't hear myself with the MB200 and a 2x10. I don't want to blow anyone's hair back, but it would be nice to hear myself through the drums when we're running limited sound. Any amps that show the Spector love? Basic happy-sexy-fun-time bar band classic rock and pop.

Third topic: How was your day, man? I hope it was awesome!

I use an MB500 paired with a GK MBX 4x10. It's an eight ohm cab, so im really only getting 350 watts max, but it's plenty for the majority of shows I play. The sound is great, especially with my legend. I can get a great mid-ranged growl, and low end to spare. I'd definitely recommend it.

 

[iceboxbass]

Checkout this AWESOME NS-95 that's for sale on TB classified!

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f126/fs-spector-ns-95-ssd-neck-thru-809921/

 

[PhatBasstard]

So I have a question, it might be a dumb question but today while I was playing my NS-4 I started wondering, Why is this a NS-4, and not a NS-3?

The first NS basses were NS-1's, then the famous NS-2, Was there a NS-3, or did Stewart just go with NS-4 for the next name?

I Imagine it is because it is a 4 string, then the NS-5 and NS-6 are 5 and 6 string basses, or something to do with the different pick-ups than the NS-2, but it would be interesting to know if there was ever a NS-3 or why the NS-4 is named the way it is.

JPS? anyone?

I'll take a stab.....
The NS1 had one single coil pickup.
The NS2 had two (PJ).
I'm assuming the NS4 was for four coils (2 humbuckers).
Of course, this line of reasoning doesn't work anymore when they hit the 5 and 6's so they had no other logical direction other than NS5 and NS6.

I guess they could have been in line with NS4-5 and NS4-6, but what a jumble it would be with all the pickup configurations they have now.
Plus the original NS5's had a JJ configuration.

 

[PhatBasstard]

Just arrived on GC...Invalid Link Removed

Almost forgot...
Talked to them. This is a refin and they're not sure what CR series as any serial (unless stamped in the cavity) has been painted over.

 

[JPSBassist]

So I have a question, it might be a dumb question but today while I was playing my NS-4 I started wondering, Why is this a NS-4, and not a NS-3?

The first NS basses were NS-1's, then the famous NS-2, Was there a NS-3, or did Stewart just go with NS-4 for the next name?

I Imagine it is because it is a 4 string, then the NS-5 and NS-6 are 5 and 6 string basses, or something to do with the different pick-ups than the NS-2, but it would be interesting to know if there was ever a NS-3 or why the NS-4 is named the way it is.

JPS? anyone?

Wow. I know I covered this in a post a few forum editions ago.

Originally the NS-1 was named that because the bass had a single (thus one) pickup.

The NS-2 had two pickups.

When Stuart started making the 5-string versions the problem with this naming convention became apparent. So the new NS-5 (back in Brooklyn) was named so because the bass had 5 strings.

The NS-6 was the six-string electric guitar (started in Brooklyn and carried over to Kramer).

After Kramer's failure and the problem with the SPECTOR® trademarks being tied up in their bankruptcy, Stuart had a chance to correct this conflicting naming convention issue when he signed a new agreement with Ned Steinberger to make the NS-Bass. Because the only model that was trademarked by Kramer was the "NS-2™", as long as Stuart stayed away from that name, all was OK with the courts.

So the NS-2 became the NS-4. Four-strings... NS-4. The NS-5 was the five-string version and the new NS-6 was a six-string bass and the only guitar made during this time was the Blackhawk, which was actually a collaboration with Chris Hofschneider, a former Kramer guitar builder who worked with Stuart for a few years and now is Mike Tobias' assistant.

Because Kramer had spent so much money branding the NS-2, it was still the name that everyone recognized. Under the SSD moniker, the NS-4 (NS-2) evolved to include dual humbuckers or dual J pups in addition to the traditional P/J setup.

When Stuart regained the SPECTOR trademarks, out of a sense of history and nostalgia, he reintroduced the P/J version of the NS-4 as the widely recognized NS-2 model... keeping the dual humbucker version as the NS-4.

In 1998 with the extension of the five and six string models to the extra-long 35" scale, the NS-5 and NS-6 where changed to the NS-5XL and NS-6XL... The NS-4 was the 18v dual humbucker version of the NS-2 and the NS-2 went back to being the P/J 9v model that had become famous before and during the Kramer years.

 

[chrisloe]

Wow. I know I covered this in a post a few forum editions ago.

Originally the NS-1 was named that because the bass had a single (thus one) pickup.

The NS-2 had two pickups.

When Stuart started making the 5-string versions the problem with this naming convention became apparent. So the new NS-5 (back in Brooklyn) was named so because the bass had 5 strings.

The NS-6 was the six-string electric guitar (started in Brooklyn and carried over to Kramer).

After Kramer's failure and the problem with the SPECTOR® trademarks being tied up in their bankruptcy, Stuart had a chance to correct this conflicting naming convention issue when he signed a new agreement with Ned Steinberger to make the NS-Bass. Because the only model that was trademarked by Kramer was the "NS-2™", as long as Stuart stayed away from that name, all was OK with the courts.

So the NS-2 became the NS-4. Four-strings... NS-4. The NS-5 was the five-string version and the new NS-6 was a six-string bass and the only guitar made during this time was the Blackhawk, which was actually a collaboration with Chris Hofschneider, a former Kramer guitar builder who worked with Stuart for a few years and now is Mike Tobias' assistant.

Because Kramer had spent so much money branding the NS-2, it was still the name that everyone recognized. Under the SSD moniker, the NS-4 (NS-2) evolved to include dual humbuckers or dual J pups in addition to the traditional P/J setup.

When Stuart regained the SPECTOR trademarks, out of a sense of history and nostalgia, he reintroduced the P/J version of the NS-4 as the widely recognized NS-2 model... keeping the dual humbucker version as the NS-4.

In 1998 with the extension of the five and six string models to the extra-long 35" scale, the NS-5 and NS-6 where changed to the NS-5XL and NS-6XL... The NS-4 was the 18v dual humbucker version of the NS-2 and the NS-2 went back to being the P/J 9v model that had become famous before and during the Kramer years.

Sorry if you covered this before JPS, I was just too lazy to go look it up That is very interesting to me, thank you so much for the answer. So if I have this right somewhere in the world there are SSD NS-4's with the PJ set up?

Such an interesting history, thanks again - Chris.

 

[PhatBasstard]

So if I have this right somewhere in the world there are SSD NS-4's with the PJ set up?

There are actually quite a lot of them.
Whenever you see a Spector NS bodied 4 string with a SSD on the headstock it's either an NS4 or an early NS4CR.

 

[Evil Undead]

The spector body shape - am I correct in saying this is referred to as the NS shape? Is this the one with the contoured/concave body (like the Warwick thumb)?

 

[bassgiant15]

The spector body shape - am I correct in saying this is referred to as the NS shape? Is this the one with the contoured/concave body (like the Warwick thumb)?

I think it's the streamer that copied the NS shape.

 

[Evil Undead]

I think it's the streamer that copied the NS shape.

I know I was merely referring to the curve of the body there

 

[JPSBassist]

... I've set the bass up so it's comfortable and playable, but there's some fret noise that's bugging me. There was a fairly severe relief in the neck, so I adjusted it a bit and it's very easy to play but I keep hearing a 'zzzz' - so I don't get bum bum bum bumbidy bum, it's a kind of bum-zz bum-zz bumidy-zerp bumzz.. The strings are not particularly low and I'm not hitting the pickups. I could deal with a little fret clack, but this is more of a whispery buzz that fades in after I hit a string. I use a pick but even with my fingers it's bumzzz. Intonation is good (though I'd kill for a screw-type adjustment on the bridge.)

I'd start with the string height at the bridge. Make sure the saddles aren't too low. If they're really low, then the neck has to have a bunch of relief to avoid the buzzing.

I'm curious about the set up. Have I set the neck too flat? Or too flat for low tension strings? I haven't had this problem with my other basses, so I guess my question is do Spectors need a specific relief shape? Am I missing something in the set up?

Since the string height is basically affected by three variables, the height of the bridge saddles, the neck's amount of relief or backbow and the height of the nut (make sure your nut hasn't broken loose or hasn't been filed down so the strings are sitting lower than they should)... I always start with the easiest thing to adjust... the bridge saddles.

Adjusting the truss rod can take time because you should NEVER adjust the truss with strings under tension. You can strip the threads on your truss out and ruin your neck. So you have to detune, adjust, tune, etc...

Try raising the height of your bridge saddles a little and see if that works. The saddles on my Euro4LX-TW-35 are really high, but I have the neck relief set pretty flat and the strings pretty low. And I get no buzzing on that neck.

There's a great article by Jimmy Eppard, the SPECTOR Shop Master (Stuart's right arm at the shop) about setting your SPECTOR bass up. Check it out:

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Second topic: I'm considering an amp upgrade on a limited budget. Any thoughts on Genz Shuttle 6 or Markbass LMIII or GK MB500? I have a GK MB200, which is fine with PA, but we often practice in a club and I just can't hear myself with the MB200 and a 2x10.

I have the Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0 with 210 cab and it's a very, very nice sounding rig. I love it. And if you want you can add the STL - 12T Shuttle 1x12" Bass Extension Cabinet which will really shake the ground. Tube pre-amp, nice tone shaping, small, light-weight and easy to use. It's a good amp. And Bass Central made me a killer deal on mine. You know you get a discount with them for being a member of TB...

Third topic: How was your day, man? I hope it was awesome!

It's been good. Productive. A bunch of new content will hit the Official SPECTOR website and SPECTORCentral really soon.

 

[delucajohn2000]

Checkout this AWESOME NS-95 that's for sale on TB classified!

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f126/fs-spector-ns-95-ssd-neck-thru-809921/

So you are selling yours also? Clearing out the inventory for the new Forte?

 

[PhatBasstard]

I know I was merely referring to the curve of the body there

The Spector NS (designed by Ned Steinberger) was the first to utilize this concept. The Streamer is a direct rip of this body shape/design. Most other Warwicks are derivative of this design concept.

 

[iceboxbass]

So you are selling yours also? Clearing out the inventory for the new Forte?

Lol...ya caught me John! Clearing out my inventory for my next USA SPECTOR 5 string. Which one that might be???

 

[JPSBassist]

The spector body shape - am I correct in saying this is referred to as the NS shape? Is this the one with the contoured/concave body (like the Warwick thumb)?

The NS-Body is the curved body design that SPECTOR is best known for. In 1976 Ned Steinberger, a furniture and cabinet maker who shared space with Stuart Spector in the Brooklyn Woodworkers Cooperative, became interested in designing a bass guitar for Stuart.

Ned had been working to build curved furniture, using wood's naturally organic shapes to create furniture that was rounded and not squared. When Stuart damaged the neck on a SPECTOR SB-1 bass, the first commercial bass made by Spector Guitars, Ned asked if he could have the ruined body to "build you a new bass design". Stuart handed it to him and said, "Be my guest".

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Ned, who is not a musician, looked at the instrument from a purely functional viewpoint. He shaved down the bulbous SB-1 Body and contoured it. Using blocks of wood like what is used in a butcher's block, he kept the SB-1's horn shape and little else.

A week later he returned to Stuart with the NS-Body prototype.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

The NS-1 (NS standing for Ned Steinberger) went into production in 1977 and made history.

It was Ned's first instrument design. Not being a musician or having played bass guitar before, it was like someone who had never seen or played baseball before walking into Yankee Stadium and hitting a home-run out of the park with their very first time at bat.

Ned would go on to deconstruct the modern electric bass and guitar and give us the headless Steinberger bass a couple of years later. All of this because of his friendship with Stuart. The two remain close friends to this day... as a matter of fact all of NS-Design's classical/electric instruments are made at the SPECTOR Czech factory... they share the factory together.

All of this happened before Hans Peter Wilfer started Warwick in 1982.

Funny, but Hans has always had a love of Ned Steinberger's work. The very first Warwick was a copy of Ned's famous headless bass...

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From there he moved to his most commercially successful design... a complete, identical copy of the SPECTOR NS-Body bass... Warwick called this bass the "Streamer".

It was such a complete knock-off/clone of the SPECTOR NS-Bass that the original Streamers even had the EXACT same headstock shape:

And BTW: I discovered where that funky Hipshot bridge came from that's on that "NS-2" that's on Ebay (that we all know isn't an NS-2)... It's the Leo Quan copy that Warwick used on their NS-2 knock-offs back in the 1980's. That answers that.

So to answer your question... Yes. The SPECTOR NS-Body, NS-Shape, NS-Bass, refers to the FIRST bass guitar in history with a fully carved, curved body.

Anything Warwick has done is simply a copy of.

 

[grendle]

I would say that's a schaller roller bridge. Just saying. It's a great bridge actually. Used to be the bad ass upgrade back in the day. Came on guild pilots too I think. Dosent get much love though. Awesome spector history! !!