Spector Club - Part 17

[evanatch]

Hey Spector Club, new Spector owner here and I think I need a little advice...

I was looking for my first 5 string and after playing quite a few, I found a Spector that felt amazing and sounded great too (although I was playing through an amp that was a lot nicer than the one I have at home). The guy that was working at the local shop told me it was a Legend series, and I bought it for $400 new, thinking I was getting a great deal because he said it had been sitting in their store for a while and they had marked it down (I also got a Spector gig bag that seemed really nice).

After I got home though, I did some research on the bass and it's actually a Spector Performer Deluxe 5. It's made in China, has basswood body, flame maple top with an amberburst (I think that's what it's called) finish, 1-piece maple neck, and is passive with EMG SSD pickups. $400 definitely isn't a bad price for one of these, it seems like that was fairly standard for what they went for new. I don't think the store owners intentionally deceived me, I've dealt with them before and they're really nice people and they told sometimes these Spectors don't have identification with them and can be hard to identify...

However, I can't help but wonder if I could actually get something better for the money. The bass sounds pretty good with a little EQ, and still feels great. But part of me thinks I could return it and I've found things like a used Rebop or a Legend with active EMGs in the same general price range.

On the other hand, I don't know if those will feel the same as the Performer Deluxe, and I'm not sure I could get used to the 35" scale (The Performer is 34" and the low frets are a bit of a reach, though not really uncomfortable). Part of me wants to try to get something a bit nicer, and part of me thinks I should stick with what I've got and have played and not take a risk... Opinions?

 

[iceboxbass]

pretty sure its this one:

Spector Forte 5 - SOUNDLAND GMBH STUTTGART - YouTube[/]
he must be posting from a phone or tablet... it was pointing to the mobile youtube site.... the video code at the end of the URL is the same for either version of the youtube site

I even checked it after I posted it. must've been a mobile link. Thanks for finding it and posting!

Might have to sack up! Lol. The protection is worth it though. Any one got tips on cutting the foam? Will they do it for you?

Back in the day when I cut a ton of foam for tool boxes I used a single edge razor blade after outlining the bass.

I hope our bass playing family on the east coast is ok, such a massive storm for this early. I hope Woodstock is ok as well. My new NS-2 is supposed to ship this next week after a highly anticipated wait!

I feel your anxiety bro! The same with my new Forte 4.

True, but with a 3-5k bass, its the way to go. I really don't think there's much you can do to a pelican short of running it over with a dump truck or maybe throwing it out of a plane that will do anything to what's inside them. For the same $ as a std case, its worth it imo. Has anyone seen the rock case from warwick? Basically a full ata style flight case. That can be had for around $120. And we all know what body style they fit

And what's the problem with the SPECTOR case? Other than shipping on a jet, mine travels very well.

Bros-

SR5 is up for sale/trade. Another gig with this thing and it's not even close. Singer was asking for Brownie after the gig but it was out of town and I didn't bring her for backup so it'll have to wait til this weekend.

Will be getting (hopefully) a Euro or Czech 4 for that P/J tone in addition to the thunder of Brownie for when I don't need something that is just totally and overwhelmingly crushing. I think of myself as a "musician" as well and a team player so I understand that you don't need that tone all the time, every time... sorta.

Hooray!!!!!

It bothers me that Spector doesn't give you a hardshell case when you buy a Euro bass. I know it isn't their top of the line product but it is still a high end product. What am I supposed to carry it around in? a sack? Even fender gives you a case when you buy one of their middle line basses. When you buy a high end trumpet, I bet it comes in a case.

I guess I'll buy a USA one just for the case in protest. That will show 'em.

Yep! That'll teach them! Lol Heck why not?! Some of the Euros are pricing close to USAs. My former Ian Hill came with a new SPECTOR case.

House fire...
Temp loss of sanity...
Seemed like Good Idea at the time..
It's all funny till someone loses a tuner LOL

LMAO!!!! :O

completely agree about the case issue. If I had one gripe, that would be it. Oh, and a related gripe, or part b of my one gripe, is that the case is $150-165.

Especially when you can go to MF and buy the same TDK case for $58.00!!! :scowl: But no pre-form padding.

Let me introduce you to my bass case....the Reunion Blues Continental...


[url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mprZzSqFhuk&feature=related]Reunion Blues Continental - Extreme Field Test Video - YouTube

That's pretty crazy!

Got my Rebop back from the shop today. The good news is that the DCs are in. The bad news: despite my request to the contrary, they removed the Tone Pump and put in passive tone controls. The Tone Pump is essentially ruined, as the wires are cut so close that I don't think they can be reattached.

I actually like the tone of it passive, but obviously they're going to have to buy me a new preamp.

Oooooo! that would light my fire soooo very bad!!!! Makes me angry hearing about so called luthier doing that especially to a SPECTOR! :scowl:

 

[LimaGuy]

Hey Spector Club, new Spector owner here and I think I need a little advice...

I was looking for my first 5 string and after playing quite a few, I found a Spector that felt amazing and sounded great too (although I was playing through an amp that was a lot nicer than the one I have at home). The guy that was working at the local shop told me it was a Legend series, and I bought it for $400 new, thinking I was getting a great deal because he said it had been sitting in their store for a while and they had marked it down (I also got a Spector gig bag that seemed really nice).

After I got home though, I did some research on the bass and it's actually a Spector Performer Deluxe 5. It's made in China, has basswood body, flame maple top with an amberburst (I think that's what it's called) finish, 1-piece maple neck, and is passive with EMG SSD pickups. $400 definitely isn't a bad price for one of these, it seems like that was fairly standard for what they went for new. I don't think the store owners intentionally deceived me, I've dealt with them before and they're really nice people and they told sometimes these Spectors don't have identification with them and can be hard to identify...

However, I can't help but wonder if I could actually get something better for the money. The bass sounds pretty good with a little EQ, and still feels great. But part of me thinks I could return it and I've found things like a used Rebop or a Legend with active EMGs in the same general price range.

On the other hand, I don't know if those will feel the same as the Performer Deluxe, and I'm not sure I could get used to the 35" scale (The Performer is 34" and the low frets are a bit of a reach, though not really uncomfortable). Part of me wants to try to get something a bit nicer, and part of me thinks I should stick with what I've got and have played and not take a risk... Opinions?

I have never played a Performer Deluxe model, but there are a couple of guys in this forum that love theirs.

You could get a used Legend for the same price or a Used ReBop for about $100-$150 more.
Was this bass considered a "new" floor model or was it considered used?

I think if you like the way it looks, sounds and feels, keep it and maybe see if the store would give you some money off since they ID'd it wrong. Possibly just enough off to pick yourself up a set of EMG HZ's or EMG DC's to put in there.

 

[iceboxbass]

Hey Spector Club, new Spector owner here and I think I need a little advice...

I was looking for my first 5 string and after playing quite a few, I found a Spector that felt amazing and sounded great too (although I was playing through an amp that was a lot nicer than the one I have at home). The guy that was working at the local shop told me it was a Legend series, and I bought it for $400 new, thinking I was getting a great deal because he said it had been sitting in their store for a while and they had marked it down (I also got a Spector gig bag that seemed really nice).

After I got home though, I did some research on the bass and it's actually a Spector Performer Deluxe 5. It's made in China, has basswood body, flame maple top with an amberburst (I think that's what it's called) finish, 1-piece maple neck, and is passive with EMG SSD pickups. $400 definitely isn't a bad price for one of these, it seems like that was fairly standard for what they went for new. I don't think the store owners intentionally deceived me, I've dealt with them before and they're really nice people and they told sometimes these Spectors don't have identification with them and can be hard to identify...

However, I can't help but wonder if I could actually get something better for the money. The bass sounds pretty good with a little EQ, and still feels great. But part of me thinks I could return it and I've found things like a used Rebop or a Legend with active EMGs in the same general price range.

On the other hand, I don't know if those will feel the same as the Performer Deluxe, and I'm not sure I could get used to the 35" scale (The Performer is 34" and the low frets are a bit of a reach, though not really uncomfortable). Part of me wants to try to get something a bit nicer, and part of me thinks I should stick with what I've got and have played and not take a risk... Opinions?

For the $$ you can get a higher SPECTOR, even though the Performer is nice. I've had both a Performer and still have my Legend 4 and I can tell you with certainty the Legend is that much more quality. If you don't mind used GC always has great quality used SPECTOR Legend Customs for less than what you paid for that Performer. I would take it back to that music store and explain to them your feelings and ask for a refund. I know it's uncomfortable but you didn't get the product they advertised. Even though you played it there and you were happy with it...you can get more for your $$ though.

 

[worshiprocker]

Hey Spector Club, new Spector owner here and I think I need a little advice...

I was looking for my first 5 string and after playing quite a few, I found a Spector that felt amazing and sounded great too (although I was playing through an amp that was a lot nicer than the one I have at home). The guy that was working at the local shop told me it was a Legend series, and I bought it for $400 new, thinking I was getting a great deal because he said it had been sitting in their store for a while and they had marked it down (I also got a Spector gig bag that seemed really nice).

After I got home though, I did some research on the bass and it's actually a Spector Performer Deluxe 5. It's made in China, has basswood body, flame maple top with an amberburst (I think that's what it's called) finish, 1-piece maple neck, and is passive with EMG SSD pickups. $400 definitely isn't a bad price for one of these, it seems like that was fairly standard for what they went for new. I don't think the store owners intentionally deceived me, I've dealt with them before and they're really nice people and they told sometimes these Spectors don't have identification with them and can be hard to identify...

However, I can't help but wonder if I could actually get something better for the money. The bass sounds pretty good with a little EQ, and still feels great. But part of me thinks I could return it and I've found things like a used Rebop or a Legend with active EMGs in the same general price range.

On the other hand, I don't know if those will feel the same as the Performer Deluxe, and I'm not sure I could get used to the 35" scale (The Performer is 34" and the low frets are a bit of a reach, though not really uncomfortable). Part of me wants to try to get something a bit nicer, and part of me thinks I should stick with what I've got and have played and not take a risk... Opinions?

I have a performer DLX 4 string and I love it, but I only paid $200 for it.... the guy I bought it from thought it was a legend also ... go figure..... IMHO I would do what LimaGuy suggests.... either return it and save up and buy a nicer model or get some money discounted.. and put in a set of EMG HZ or a tinepump (or both!!)

On GC for $300

thats basically a legend, its the Legend's predecessor

 

[5StringFool]

Here's a "brother" to the one I bought from icebox. Good deal on it too.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[worshiprocker]

and a pic of my performer DLX

 

[worshiprocker]

Here's a "brother" to the one I bought from icebox. Good deal on it too.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Me likey... one more 4 string for me then maybe a 5er....

 

[iceboxbass]

Hey Spector Club, new Spector owner here and I think I need a little advice...

I was looking for my first 5 string and after playing quite a few, I found a Spector that felt amazing and sounded great too (although I was playing through an amp that was a lot nicer than the one I have at home). The guy that was working at the local shop told me it was a Legend series, and I bought it for $400 new, thinking I was getting a great deal because he said it had been sitting in their store for a while and they had marked it down (I also got a Spector gig bag that seemed really nice).

After I got home though, I did some research on the bass and it's actually a Spector Performer Deluxe 5. It's made in China, has basswood body, flame maple top with an amberburst (I think that's what it's called) finish, 1-piece maple neck, and is passive with EMG SSD pickups. $400 definitely isn't a bad price for one of these, it seems like that was fairly standard for what they went for new. I don't think the store owners intentionally deceived me, I've dealt with them before and they're really nice people and they told sometimes these Spectors don't have identification with them and can be hard to identify...

However, I can't help but wonder if I could actually get something better for the money. The bass sounds pretty good with a little EQ, and still feels great. But part of me thinks I could return it and I've found things like a used Rebop or a Legend with active EMGs in the same general price range.

On the other hand, I don't know if those will feel the same as the Performer Deluxe, and I'm not sure I could get used to the 35" scale (The Performer is 34" and the low frets are a bit of a reach, though not really uncomfortable). Part of me wants to try to get something a bit nicer, and part of me thinks I should stick with what I've got and have played and not take a risk... Opinions?

Here's a great buy from GC! I'd buy it if I had the dough. Gorgeous Maple flaming!

106913196 SOLID BODY ELECTRIC
USED SPECTOR LEGEND 5 5 STRING BASS BLK CHERRY W/C

Details »
Bass
Guitar Center Buffalo
Tonawanda, New York 14150
716-833-8200
View Store's Used Inventory
Contact Store
Now Only
$399.99
BASSES | SOLID BODY ELECTRIC
Available In: Buffalo Telephone: 716-833-8200 Manager: Chip Richardson
USED SPECTOR LEGEND 5 5 STRING BASS BLK CHERRY W/C

All sales subject to sales tax where applicable. Shipping charges available upon request.
Disclaimer

 

[iceboxbass]

Here's a "brother" to the one I bought from icebox. Good deal on it too.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

No kidding?!?! I go to that store every time we are down for the last several years and there's never been a SPECTOR in that store! That's an awesome price too!!! If I wasn't GASing for a Forte 5 I'd buy it!

 

[guy n. cognito]

Hey guys I just posted this one up and wanted to give you guys first crack at her!

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f126/fs-only-ns2a-cherryburst-late-80s-perfect-condition-821788/

Late 80's Cherryburst NS2A in EXCELLENT CONDITION! Would love to keep her but don't have the room for her to just sit and not get played. I am also selling my 1994 SSD Brooklyn Era Natural NS5-P that is in awesome shape as well and this is the original ad I bought her from:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f126/fs-ft-usa-spector-ns-5p-752472/

And here is the For Sale Thread I just put up for her:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f126/fs-only-brooklyn-era-ssd-1994-spector-ns5-p-821790/#post11690801

Thanks and Peace,

T

Good timing. That Cherryburst is coming my way.

 

[evanatch]

Thanks for all the advice, guys! It's been really helpful, I guess I'm starting to lean toward returning the performer although that's tough sitting here playing it... I would not be comfortable asking for some money back, because this was a new floor model and $400 is a pretty fair price I think. I've been looking around Guitar Center's used site... What do you all think about these deals?

Rebop 5, $450:
Invalid Link Removed

Legend 5 with Active EMG upgrade, $450:
Invalid Link Removed

That NS-95 on Music Go Round is pretty tempting too. Are those neck-thru? And what pick ups/preamp do they have?

 

[iceboxbass]

Good timing. That Cherryburst is coming my way.

Congrats!!!!

Thanks for all the advice, guys! It's been really helpful, I guess I'm starting to lean toward returning the performer although that's tough sitting here playing it... I would not be comfortable asking for some money back, because this was a new floor model and $400 is a pretty fair price I think. I've been looking around Guitar Center's used site... What do you all think about these deals?

Rebop 5, $450:
Invalid Link Removed

Legend 5 with Active EMG upgrade, $450:
Invalid Link Removed

That NS-95 on Music Go Round is pretty tempting too. Are those neck-thru? And what pick ups/preamp do they have?

Those are all great deals...the ReBop has a sound all it's own. Geared toward Metal.

The NS-95 is NT, EMG HZ pickups, pre is active BTC. A great sounding and playing bass as 5Stringfool will attest to for ya also! At $250.00 you won't go wrong. I paid 2 1/2 times more for my former NS-95.

 

[tommixx]

Good timing. That Cherryburst is coming my way.

Indeed she is! Enjoy her!!

Peace,

T

 

[delucajohn2000]

Rebop 5, $450:
Invalid Link Removed

That is definitely not a Rebop 5 so be forewarned. Guitar Center is known for labeling Spector's incorrectly so just be careful with them and ask in the group. Some people have had some great deals because of that but I am not sure which model that is. I am sure someone else can identify it since it has been brought up before but it's not a Rebop.

 

[guy n. cognito]

That is definitely not a Rebop 5 so be forewarned. Guitar Center is known for labeling Spector's incorrectly so just be careful with them and ask in the group. Some people have had some great deals because of that but I am not sure which model that is. I am sure someone else can identify it since it has been brought up before but it's not a Rebop.

Agreed. That is not a Rebop. Headstock looks like a legend or something older.

 

[Unclejackrock]

OK Spector guys, here goes. I have been "on the fence" about spectors for a long time due to a bad experience with an active Dean bass 15 or so years ago. I went with a US Fender Jazz and never looked back....until now. I have ALWAYS wanted that Alice in Chains, Queensryche, etc growl/grind, and for years have used EQ to get as close as I could. Last week I bought a Euro 4 from a fellow TB'er and it is supposed to be here tomorrow.... I am nervous as all get out. It is pre LX, which according to PHAT is good, and JPS is not so good. It has an Aguilar OBP-1, which according to some...etc.....etc...You get the point. I want to know a few things...Will the OBP give me the growl?? Will the NS body profile be as comfortable as the beloved Jazz??? Where can I get an affordable hard case for her?? I can already tell that I will love the looks....I always have, but will the sound/feel meet my expectations??? ROCK ON!!!

 

[beatdatthang]

OK Spector guys, here goes. I have been "on the fence" about spectors for a long time due to a bad experience with an active Dean bass 15 or so years ago. I went with a US Fender Jazz and never looked back....until now. I have ALWAYS wanted that Alice in Chains, Queensryche, etc growl/grind, and for years have used EQ to get as close as I could. Last week I bought a Euro 4 from a fellow TB'er and it is supposed to be here tomorrow.... I am nervous as all get out. It is pre LX, which according to PHAT is good, and JPS is not so good. It has an Aguilar OBP-1, which according to some...etc.....etc...You get the point. I want to know a few things...Will the OBP give me the growl?? Will the NS body profile be as comfortable as the beloved Jazz??? Where can I get an affordable hard case for her?? I can already tell that I will love the looks....I always have, but will the sound/feel meet my expectations??? ROCK ON!!!

The SPECTOR tone is pretty universal. I have no doubt you'll easily get the sound you are looking for. As for comfort, I've never played a more comfortable bass, period. After playing your SPECTOR, your Jazz will probably just feel like a heavy piece of wood hanging around your neck.

I'll warn you now, once you catch the SPECTOR GAS, it's almost impossible to get rid of it. In my opinion, nothing out there comes close.

 

[guy n. cognito]

OK Spector guys, here goes. I have been "on the fence" about spectors for a long time due to a bad experience with an active Dean bass 15 or so years ago. I went with a US Fender Jazz and never looked back....until now. I have ALWAYS wanted that Alice in Chains, Queensryche, etc growl/grind, and for years have used EQ to get as close as I could. Last week I bought a Euro 4 from a fellow TB'er and it is supposed to be here tomorrow.... I am nervous as all get out. It is pre LX, which according to PHAT is good, and JPS is not so good. It has an Aguilar OBP-1, which according to some...etc.....etc...You get the point. I want to know a few things...Will the OBP give me the growl?? Will the NS body profile be as comfortable as the beloved Jazz??? Where can I get an affordable hard case for her?? I can already tell that I will love the looks....I always have, but will the sound/feel meet my expectations??? ROCK ON!!!

I have a "pre LX" Euro. It has plenty of the trademark Spector growl, even with the Aggie pre. I think you'll be pleased.

 

[LimaGuy]

OK Spector guys, here goes. I have been "on the fence" about spectors for a long time due to a bad experience with an active Dean bass 15 or so years ago. I went with a US Fender Jazz and never looked back....until now. I have ALWAYS wanted that Alice in Chains, Queensryche, etc growl/grind, and for years have used EQ to get as close as I could. Last week I bought a Euro 4 from a fellow TB'er and it is supposed to be here tomorrow.... I am nervous as all get out. It is pre LX, which according to PHAT is good, and JPS is not so good. It has an Aguilar OBP-1, which according to some...etc.....etc...You get the point. I want to know a few things...Will the OBP give me the growl?? Will the NS body profile be as comfortable as the beloved Jazz??? Where can I get an affordable hard case for her?? I can already tell that I will love the looks....I always have, but will the sound/feel meet my expectations??? ROCK ON!!!

I owned a Pre LX Euro4 that had a OBP-1 and it certainly had growl. I just recently sold it and the new owner has contacted me multiple times after, and is "in love" with its tone.
Also, when you say JPS said "not so good" this must have been taken "out of context" I honestly don't think I ever heard JPS say anything negative about any Spector.
You will love it. I am going to PM you some clips of my old Euro 4.