Spector Club Part 6

[marchone]

I'm using my NS-2JA-R for '60s British blues-rock material: early Fleetwood Mac, Yardbirds, Jeff Beck Group, Savoy Brown, Stones, etc. But my Spector is not a PJ, it's a J pup setup.

At first I didn't like the growl compared to the round bottom sound of my Telecaster Bass but I soon got used to it while twiddling all the while with an SVT and 810. I wouldn't call it sterile but it's definitely not the fat vintage tone of my Fender. I have DR High Beams on it now but will try Sadowsky Blue Labels next. You may even want to try Blue Label Flats just to see what tone you get.

I'm thinking of getting a Hartke LH1000 and HX cabs. I've seen and heard them used in a number of different settings and have been impressed with the range of tones I've heard.

 

[CharlieC]

Spector folks, I'd like to introduce yet another topic on this thread and hope you can provide your input.

I've got major GAS for a gloss black Spector Euro4LX, but I'm actually considering the Ian Hill Signature model instead for its thinner neck.

Can anyone in the Spector community help steer me one way or the other? I've yet to find either one in-person to compare.

Any experience with either?

Thanks in advance!

 

[peledog]

Hi, I've recently bought Spector 4LX. I like it really very much, it is PJ model.

I've started to play with a new band, we're playing blues, southern rock, Muddy Waters/Clapton/Stones/Berry etc. stuff.

For some reason, I find Spector quite sterile sounding for this kind of music it had great lows and highs, too, but I missed those honey mids I was used to hear from my old Lakland 4-94. I don't want to mimic it, those are absolutely different instruments, of course, but is there any way how to bring it to mellower notes? Does it have something to do with pickup height? May I change preamp to something with mid control?

Next fact is, I've just strung it with new set of Elixirs.

I'm patient and know, that new strings just need to sit and loose their "harsh" soon, but- Is there anyone who's using Spector for this kind of oldschool music? Thanks.

Picture:

To get those warm tones, I push the low mids a bit on my amp - turn down the treble on the preamp and play very close to the neck. I get the 'Lenny Kravtiz - Are you gonna go my way' bass tone.

 

[JPSBassist]

Seeing as we're shooting out questions...here's another one...
Why did Spector fatten their necks slightly on the Czech NS2's (Euro/EuroLX) models? The most comfortable ones always were the classic pre-Kramer/Kramer ones. Wouldn't it make sense to reintroduce that sizing?

That's what the Ian Hill Model is all about. The thinner (meaning thickness not fingerboard width) neck... if you want a narrower fingerboard you go with the Wimbish Model, which has the narrower nut at 1.5", thus narrower string spacing as you move up the neck.

I think that the graphite rods that are added to the neck for support were an innovation of the SSD years. Also when we saw the first Euro models.

I've never spoken to PJ or Stuart about it. Perhaps the slightly thicker neck has to do with rigidity and providing better resistance to warping over the long-haul and the accommodation of the graphite support rods. It's not like you can replace the neck on a thru-neck guitar.

Basses built for a lifetime... Just a thought. I'll ask PJ. Good question.

 

[JPSBassist]

Spector folks, I'd like to introduce yet another topic on this thread and hope you can provide your input.

I've got major GAS for a gloss black Spector Euro4LX, but I'm actually considering the Ian Hill Signature model instead for its thinner neck.

Can anyone in the Spector community help steer me one way or the other? I've yet to find either one in-person to compare.

Any experience with either?

Thanks in advance!

Well, we're sort of on that topic.

I have a Euro4LX Classic. And I have a Kramer Era NS-2A... The neck on my Euro is a little thicker. Meaning front to back. But not so much that I didn't have to go and feel both of them to be sure before writing this.

Originally I'm a guitarist. Thinner necks are faster necks. Lower action means a faster neck... it depends on what you are looking to play and your preferences for how the neck feels.

Honestly you can't go wrong with either. My Euro4LX is gloss trans-black stain... my NS-2A is gloss black. Both are beautiful guitars. Both play incredibily well. Both sound amazing.

If I order another Euro4LX in the future it'd be a tossup between the Wimbish and the Ian Hill. Because both have different neck profiles.

BTW I've owned two Euro4LXs, one a first generation very early model and the other is my current model, a birthday present from my wife this year; brand new courtesy of Beaver and the gang at Bass Central. It was the first NEW Spector I've ever owned and to date is the one I play the most. Although I do love the mid-heavy sound of my NS-2JA-R. It sounds amazing running through a chorus filter.

Anyway... if you want a somewhat faster neck, go with the Ian Hill model. I know that Ian loves his NS-2 and has compared the Euro signature version side-by-side and was very pleased with the result. So it's very true to the Kramer thinner neck profile that Cetera was mentioning. The Euro4LX Classic is also a great bass. I love mine.

Honestly I'm happy if you get either. It's always nice to have more people here "joining the family".

Best of luck. Let us know which one you go with. And post photos. This board needs more SPECTOR-Porn!

 

[JPSBassist]

When will Spector offer maple freatboard

I hope never... no offense but they are a pain. I've owned many Fender Strats over the years, all with the maple fingerboards and they peel, are prone to damage and honestly, I just aesthetically don't care for the lighter wood on the front of the guitar's neck.
Tonally, I prefer rosewood necks. And the pau ferro that Spector currently uses for their USA models is tough, resilliant and is really beautiful.
Not to mention, I'm a HUGE fan of the Spector Crown Inlays. They are, IMHO, that something special about the SPECTOR NS-Body design that adds a touch of class to the look of their basses. It sets them apart. And those inlays would look funky on a maple neck unless you went black. And that's a Fender thing. This is another thing I'd have against the maple neck.
If you ordered a USA model, perhaps it might be something (and it might not) that the NY Workshop would consider doing. But I'm not sure it would ever be a standard option.
And I could also be completely wrong. You never know.

 

[JPSBassist]

Adding to the above question, is it possible that Spector might start generally adding mroe neck options in the future? Such as different nuts, different neck sizes, or even something like the option for graphite necks?

Another mistake found btw: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Legend 6 headstock labelled as a Legend 5.

Callum, Thanks for the heads up on that oversight with the Legend 5/6... It has been fixed.

As far as different options... there are different options available now (jazz nut for 4 strings, wide spacing for some 5-string models, thinner neck profiles with the Ian Hill). And you have scale-length options for BEAD tuning on the Euro4LX and Euro4LX-TW models.

So what other types of options would you like to see?
As far as graphite necks... in a way the necks of the Legend Custom models, the Euro models and USA models are... partially. They are fitted with extruded graphite rods for support and rigidity.

A full-graphite construction neck? I can't speak for PJ and Stuart, but I doubt it. It doesn't really make sense. They've always been about the art of forming beautiful and exotic tone-woods into incredible works of art that you can play.
Ned Steinberger did the whole graphite thing, granted it was a long time ago and the technology's better, but he had major quality control issues with the Pre-Gibson Steinberger basses. And when you look at basses like the Status Bass, which is a cool bass, it's more of a niche product with limited appeal. And SPECTOR is about "having your basses covered". PJ and Stuart are all about the tone and playability, but they are also about innovation. They probably have a very good reason why they've not jumped on that bandwagon. Graphite basses have been around since the early 1980's.

 

[cetera]

That's what the Ian Hill Model is all about. The thinner (meaning thickness not fingerboard width) neck... if you want a narrower fingerboard you go with the Wimbish Model, which has the narrower nut at 1.5", thus narrower string spacing as you move up the neck.

I think that the graphite rods that are added to the neck for support were an innovation of the SSD years. Also when we saw the first Euro models.

I've never spoken to PJ or Stuart about it. Perhaps the slightly thicker neck has to do with rigidity and providing better resistance to warping over the long-haul and the accommodation of the graphite support rods. It's not like you can replace the neck on a thru-neck guitar.

Basses built for a lifetime... Just a thought. I'll ask PJ. Good question.

Cheers JP. I get that about the Ian Hill model, but it seems a shame to only offer the more comfortable neck profile on a ltd edition & more expensive model. Surely having this profile on a standard EuroLX could only be a good thing?

Also, many of the pictures I see of the Ian Hill bass (including on the spector site) have a smaller gap between the back of the bridge and the end of the bass (suggesting a 35" scale) rather than the 34" it's supposed to be...?! If the 35" is a 'custom option' then maybe the picture for the standard model should be changed on the site?

 

[jarrhead]

Trying to set up my bass,

I strung it E-C, got the action &i ntonation perfect and I do believe the truss as well, no buzzing on any frets.

But when I tap on the upper frets I get nothing but buzz. Any ideas?

 

[CharlieC]

Also, many of the pictures I see of the Ian Hill bass (including on the spector site) have a smaller gap between the back of the bridge and the end of the bass (suggesting a 35" scale) rather than the 34" it's supposed to be...?! If the 35" is a 'custom option' then maybe the picture for the standard model should be changed on the site?

Also, from the same picture on the Spector site, I cannot tell if the Ian Hill has the brass nut like the Euro4LXs do... Also, I wonder if Spector can make me an Ian Hill in Gloss White so I get the thinner neck on an otherwise Euro4LX? hmmm...

 

[DGbass70]

The Hand-rubbed natural oil finishes require different care, and I'm not really sure what (I've never owned one before). I'm going to ask so I can add that to the site as well.

Butcher's Wax Clear Bowling Alley Paste
That's what the folks at Spector recommend however is not easy to find,there's similar brands that would do job.

 

[cetera]

Also, from the same picture on the Spector site, I cannot tell if the Ian Hill has the brass nut like the Euro4LXs do... Also, I wonder if Spector can make me an Ian Hill in Gloss White so I get the thinner neck on an otherwise Euro4LX? hmmm...

If they did that I'd buy a black one AND a white one!

 

[crimson_basser]

Im on the same page as most of you with the thinner neck.

Im sure ive said it a good 20 times in these threads, the neck profile and layout on the Legends is way more comfortable to me than on the new Euros and USAs.

I also wish they would put the Legend "wide at the top" headstock on those models as well. I like it a lot more than the other one.

 

[bobunit]

How does one clean their pots?

DeoxIt is a wonderful product for cleaning electronics. They have a pdf which suggests what DeoxIt spray will work best for the application. Just remove the back cover to expose the potentiometer and spray a short burst into the little hole. If the pot is sealed, you can remove the knob and spray some on the base of the pot shaft. Be sure to use a rag around the pot shaft so you don't get overspray on the finish. Rotate the pot back and forth a few times to clean the oxidation and debris. Hope this helps.

 

[crimson_basser]

Craaaaaaaaaaaaaaapppppp

I missed the brown truck today while I was at work
Now Ill have to wait for Monday to get my NS 2000/5

I was hoping I would have it for my show tomorrow.. but alas.

Also, I need someone to explain something to me, UPS always bites me hard with brokerage fees that Ive never experienced with any other company. 168$ for the NS 2000/5 and over 300$ for my Euro 5LX. Even the UPS driver was telling me that the charges were a ripoff and he would never ship with UPS.

How do these charges work, and why are they so much more than with other companies? (Ive also had several packages delivered with no charges at all, all gear related deliveries)

 

[bobunit]

I hope never... no offense but they are a pain. I've owned many Fender Strats over the years, all with the maple fingerboards and they peel, are prone to damage and honestly, I just aesthetically don't care for the lighter wood on the front of the guitar's neck.
Tonally, I prefer rosewood necks. And the pau ferro that Spector currently uses for their USA models is tough, resilliant and is really beautiful.
Not to mention, I'm a HUGE fan of the Spector Crown Inlays. They are, IMHO, that something special about the SPECTOR NS-Body design that adds a touch of class to the look of their basses. It sets them apart. And those inlays would look funky on a maple neck unless you went black. And that's a Fender thing. This is another thing I'd have against the maple neck.
If you ordered a USA model, perhaps it might be something (and it might not) that the NY Workshop would consider doing. But I'm not sure it would ever be a standard option.
And I could also be completely wrong. You never know.

I like maple. With the exception of the fingerboard, my Spectors are maple. In defense of maple, it is just as good as other fingerboard woods. A proper sealer is the key to maintaining their beauty. Aesthetically, there would certainly be a lack of contrast with the crown inlays. However, a stain along with a sealer may be applied to achieve the desired color and durability. Don't like the stain idea? How about roasted or carbonized maple.

 

[PhatBasstard]

Fender (and clones) has certainly done it's share of Maple boards with blocks of MOP/Abalone.
No, they don't stand out as much, but they still look good IMHO.
That vendor on eBay that sells the inlay stickers had a pic of a Maple board with Black Spector style stickers on it. The combo looked quite good, but how good it would look overall would depend on body wood/finish also.

 

[JPSBassist]

I like maple. With the exception of the fingerboard, my Spectors are maple. In defense of maple, it is just as good as other fingerboard woods. A proper sealer is the key to maintaining their beauty. Aesthetically, there would certainly be a lack of contrast with the crown inlays. However, a stain along with a sealer may be applied to achieve the desired color and durability. Don't like the stain idea? How about roasted or carbonized maple.

Sorry. I was referring to the fingerboard only.
All Spector basses have maple necks. The Euro and USA models share the same USA Rock Maple stock. The blanks for the Euro necks are shipped with the graphite rods from the NY Workshop to the Czech shop. There's NOTHING wrong with a maple neck.
I was only speaking about maple fingerboards. Again, not from any "Official" standpoint but from my personal bias from my experiences with Fender.
The ARC6 and RX-GT guitars have mahogany necks or with the ARC6-RW, solid Rosewood necks. I LOVE the mahogany neck on my ARC6. To date it is my favorite SPECTOR neck. Apples to oranges being it's a guitar. But comfortable necks have been an attribute I've always associated with SPECTOR.

 

[JPSBassist]

Craaaaaaaaaaaaaaapppppp

I missed the brown truck today while I was at work
Now Ill have to wait for Monday to get my NS 2000/5

I was hoping I would have it for my show tomorrow.. but alas.

Also, I need someone to explain something to me, UPS always bites me hard with brokerage fees that Ive never experienced with any other company. 168$ for the NS 2000/5 and over 300$ for my Euro 5LX. Even the UPS driver was telling me that the charges were a ripoff and he would never ship with UPS.

How do these charges work, and why are they so much more than with other companies? (Ive also had several packages delivered with no charges at all, all gear related deliveries)

Not to be ugly. But it's a trade off... you're in Canada. You could live here in California where you are taxed to death on everything.

It's probably something to do with Tarrifs that UPS pays to avoid any complications with shipping internationally. Would be my guess. So they offset those fees to you.

And I'd check. I once sold some movie props to a guy in Canada and shipped them USPS and he had to pay nearly $100 in fees due to the stated/insured value of the items. It was because he was in a foreign country.

CETERA... don't you sometimes purchase SPECTOR parts and stuff from people here in the USA? Do you have to pay some sort of tax to pick them up based on the stated value?

 

[JPSBassist]

Fender (and clones) has certainly done it's share of Maple boards with blocks of MOP/Abalone.
No, they don't stand out as much, but they still look good IMHO.
That vendor on eBay that sells the inlay stickers had a pic of a Maple board with Black Spector style stickers on it. The combo looked quite good, but how good it would look overall would depend on body wood/finish also.

Yeah, their Geddy Lee bass is maple with black inlays. Not my favorite look.

And I wouldn't own a Squire. I know a guy here locally that bought one and three months later the fingerboard was peeling. Very cleaply done. My USA is holding up. But I never play it. I only play the ARC6 anymore. I had a vintage Strat that had the peeling issue. But it was... vintage.

Not knocking them. They've been around. But SPECTOR really has a good thing going with the Rosewood and Pau Ferro (Bolivian Rosewood) they use.

An old Southern saying I like, "If it ain't broke... don't fix it."