Which website would that be... Spector.com or Todd Cooke's Spector World?
I agree with my esteemed colleague PB in that there are far too many one-offs and small-batch custom runs to have a statement like the above be "official word", IMO.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
- Status
Which website would that be... Spector.com or Todd Cooke's Spector World?
I agree with my esteemed colleague PB in that there are far too many one-offs and small-batch custom runs to have a statement like the above be "official word", IMO.
Which website would that be... Spector.com or Todd Cooke's Spector World?
No you're absolutely right. It's what I get for typing out answers when I'm tired and have been up late.
You're right about the small runs and prototypes.
Perhaps what I should say is the site has the recognized main model lines.
So the question about the NS-1000 thing. It's nothing I've ever heard of, it's not in any of the info that was provided to me for the site. So if it was something that was done, it was done through someone like OLP, which when you think about it, should have an OLP headstock, not a Spector. So in a sense, it's not a Spector... it's an OLP.
And yes, we have come across a couple of odd OLP models with the Spector headstocks. But think about this, those models are all bolt-on necks. So the bolt patterns for these models should match the patterns for the Performer line of basses made in the same time-frame. It isn't unthinkable that someone replaced necks on a few and they've eventually made their way out into the marketplace.
Which website would that be... Spector.com or Todd Cooke's Spector World?
And of course Todd's site is totally legit. He's a great friend of Spector's (meaning PJ's and Stuarts... and of the company as a whole). And he owns a mind-blowing collection of rare Spectors. But they are all, for the most part, models from known model lines. The SB to the NS. Most of the rare modified models Todd or PJ have in their collections are experiments inside one of the lines. The exceptions would be things like the Tele-Guitar that Kramer made.
I spoke with PJ about it and it was actually made by another one of Kramer's subsidiaries and then finished off with the Spector neck and headstock. So it's collectable, odd and an interesting footnote in the Kramer Era of things... but it wasn't built by Stuart, wasn't part of any model line and therefore isn't on the Spector site.
Which is why I'm very grateful for Todd's site. Because things like this guitar are interesting. And they should be shared.
So again, my comments wasn't regarding anything other than the recognized model lines. The odd prototype and one-off is going to pop up. And if appropriate we'll mention something about it, usually in the about us section or history section, but unless more than one person can own one, it probably won't make it to the "previous models" section. If that makes any sense.
My best guess would be that it's an OLP bass that got a Spector neck and headstock bolted on it at some point or another.
It was a model similar to this that I saw that prompted my very short converstation with PJ about Spectors that are not listed on the site... And at that time his response was that the OLP stuff didn't need to be on the SPECTOR site.
So perhaps this is the answer.
The OLP "Spectors" that I saw in a couple stores or pawn shops looked almost exactly like the performer series (NS, flattened bodies, not the NS94/95 type shape the ns2000's are based on), with the exception of the OLP instead of Spector logo on the still Spector shaped headstock.
The NS1000 thing I seem to remember being much before the OLP series stuff (and OLP didn't seem to start producing "Spectors" until near the end of their existance, which was only a few years back), if it exists at all.
Mystery Solved.
The photo on the website is wrong. I'll correct it.
The NS-2000B has a single pup, TWO knobs. Just like the CG photo shows. I ran the photo by PJ.
It is not an OLP. It's a Spector NS-2000B.
The photo on the website is my fault. We didn't have any photos of the NS-2000B single pup, now that I recall. So the image is of a double pup model with a pup removed and the single put in the correct position. I didn't think to remove the knobs because I didn't have any photos to go from, just a decription.
Yes, there are a few photoshop fakes which have been created. But they are mainly in this section.
We didn't have a Newsted bass we could photograph. And we didn't have an NS-2000B.
The only other fake in this entire site is in the Brooklyn section... two pickup SB-2 model. PJ himself has never seen one of these. They are that rare. But SB-1 models are not as rare. So we created the SB-2 photo using an SB-1.
Just keeping it real. Which is why we spend the time now to photo document every model with high resolution, professional photos.
We felt it was better to have a doctored photo that was accurate for identification than non-at-all... And I messed that up with the NS-2000B. Sorry guys.
The more this rattles around in my head, the more it comes back.
The NS2000 came first, followed a while later by the NS2002 (don't ask me how NS1000 got in my head).
Yeah, the 4 knobs on the single pickup, totally passive settup made no sense at all. I'm surprised no one else asked about that previously.
The NS2000 came first, followed a while later by the NS2002 (don't ask me how NS1000 got in my head).
Yeah, the 4 knobs on the single pickup, totally passive settup made no sense at all. I'm surprised no one else asked about that previously.
loend68
Supporting Member
- Jan 14, 2008
- 1,384
- 126
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Spector Basses, T.C. Electronics
Hey JPS,
Another mystery:
The quote above made me take another look at the SD's.
Back in the mid '90's I was working in and out of south Florida. Someone tipped me that a local store had a Spector 6 string bass on consignment.
I'm thinking NS-6, only to get there and find out it's an SD-6. I was slightly dissappointed as I didn't care for this new Spector shape, but I checked it out anyway.
They were asking $3000. I made them an offer of about half that because the fingerboard had some real issues (3 bad humps making it almost unplayable as is). The Florida humidity can do weird things to basses, but my other Spectors survived just fine, even with extended periods at sea on Cruise Ships, so I don't know why the issue with the fingerboard. Anyway, I didn't buy it.
Here's the mystery:
The Spector site says total production of "2" SD-6 basses.
I remember distinctly being somewhat impressed that the one I looked at was labelled....#3. This was one of the things that made me consider fixing it up (fingerboard) and having it.
A reject (due to fingerboard) that slipped out the door?
We need a separate thread: Spector Mysteries
Yeah... PJ and Todd Cooke have probably spent more time (individually) hunting down old-rare Spectors than anyone else on Earth... and neither of them have ever seen one of these.
I should correct that, I know PJ hasn't... we had to design the photoshop version together.
I can't speak for Todd, but knowing PJ as well as I do, had Todd seen one, PJ would have mentioned it.
THAT bass, the SB-2 and the Newsted basses are the rarest Spectors.
Hey JPS,
Another mystery:
The quote above made me take another look at the SD's.
Back in the mid '90's I was working in and out of south Florida. Someone tipped me that a local store had a Spector 6 string bass on consignment.
I'm thinking NS-6, only to get there and find out it's an SD-6. I was slightly dissappointed as I didn't care for this new Spector shape, but I checked it out anyway.
They were asking $3000. I made them an offer of about half that because the fingerboard had some real issues (3 bad humps making it almost unplayable as is). The Florida humidity can do weird things to basses, but my other Spectors survived just fine, even with extended periods at sea on Cruise Ships, so I don't know why the issue with the fingerboard. Anyway, I didn't buy it.
Here's the mystery:
The Spector site says total production of "2" SD-6 basses.
I remember distinctly being somewhat impressed that the one I looked at was labelled....#3. This was one of the things that made me consider fixing it up (fingerboard) and having it.
A reject (due to fingerboard) that slipped out the door?
We need a separate thread: Spector Mysteries
I agree about the Mystery Spector Thread.
I can't comment on that SD-6.
I have no idea. The numbers on the site, PJ gave those to me.
In the workshop in NY, in file cabnets, are journals. All hand written. Back in the early days, Stuart would write down the serial #, finish, model number and date completed. Then they'd go out the door.
So the number of basses made that he had direct access to, i.e. the overseas stuff can be a mystery because apparently some of the shops, especially the Chinese ones, didn't keep such good track of things, anyway, he knows what has come out of his workshop... that's legit.
I do know of a B.O.B. bass that is unlike any other because it was pieced together from spare parts at the shop by one of the guys that worked there 20 years ago. The neck is actually off a NS-2J and therefore it has crown inlays. No other B.O.B. does. It's also not signed that I am aware of. The main parts are 100% Spector... it was just put together and finished outside of the shop. Something that is not permitted now. But back then if something was laying around and was either flawed or not usable, Stuart would say, "do whatever you want with it."
So a few Spectors have some to exist that are "parts" guitars. But Stuart knows about them, he approved them being made. And these instruments won't ever be on the market.
PJ warned me when I started this job that it's impossible to account to every model made. Because of things like this.
And Stuart is a genuinely open and giving person. Very generous. So it wasn't anything for him to tell a trusted employee, ah... that's junk if you want it, take it.
And really stuff like that is what makes the history of Spector so interesting at times.
Oh! I just thought about it... I know of a NS-X Bass, from Brooklyn that was built much later from parts, and the employee in question wanted to try their hand at doing the inlays... so this NS-X has MOP crown inlays and a modern USA Spector Bridge. It also has the Haz tone circuit. Talk about a weird bass.
I know of a handful of these stories.
So the one you saw in Florida. Who knows?
I lived in Savannah, Georgia for 25 years. And yes, the humidity and dampness will mess a bass/guitar up... especially with the extremes in the heat (110 degree summer days) and winter (20 degree winter nights). So I don't doubt the damage to the neck.
If all else fails, ask the true guru... my Jedi... I am his Padawan (sorry, suffered through a bunch of Star Wars this past weekend)... Ask PJ.
Suffered through Star Wars?????
That's blasphemy
Not when you're talking about Episode 1 and Jar Jar Binks it's not.
I'm a big fan, actually. A good friend of mine was a prop-builder for Lucas at Skywalker ranch. And I have some really cool props.
Episode 2 Obi Wan Lightsaber (screen used)... a copy of the Holy Grail ("That's the cup of a carpenter"), cast from the original mold and hand-painted side-by-side with the original.
Some cool stuff. So I was being a little sarcastic. Please excuse the blasphemy.
Don't know if this guy is just real ignorant (he's been told several times and this is a re-list with no change) or just trying to pass it off:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320621103016&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:VRI
Listing it as a "Euro5" with price to match.
It's obviously a "Rebop5 DLX".
He copied the info verbatim from the Spector site, but doesn't even realize several traits in his (well done, BTW) pictures don't match the description.
Feel free to pile on and inform him of his error.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320621103016&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:VRI
Listing it as a "Euro5" with price to match.
It's obviously a "Rebop5 DLX".
He copied the info verbatim from the Spector site, but doesn't even realize several traits in his (well done, BTW) pictures don't match the description.
Feel free to pile on and inform him of his error.
As an eBay Associate, TalkBass may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Not when you're talking about Episode 1 and Jar Jar Binks it's not.
I'm a big fan, actually. A good friend of mine was a prop-builder for Lucas at Skywalker ranch. And I have some really cool props.
Episode 2 Obi Wan Lightsaber (screen used)... a copy of the Holy Grail ("That's the cup of a carpenter"), cast from the original mold and hand-painted side-by-side with the original.
Some cool stuff. So I was being a little sarcastic. Please excuse the blasphemy.
Oh, Im totally on board with you there. I heard rumours that Lucas is going to do another trilogy. I hope to god that isnt true.
And as far as being the owner of any Star Wars movie related anything...
to you sir. Im incredibly jealous. If I didnt have papers to write for school I would be reading my Star Wars encyclopedias.
Regardless, I love the finish. If I had a million dollars.... If only
I have to stop looking at it. Im getting upset. My GAS is really boiling up.
EDIT:
He lists the pups as being the TW when they are clearly HZs. (That also makes it
way more appealing to me)
Use your eyes buddy.
Also, whats the deal with the truss rod cover?
No Spector logo?
As an eBay Associate, TalkBass may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Yeah. That's a Rebop. A nice one too.
I think the most I would pay for a used Rebop would be $750 (FM or EX)
And since I'm still looking for a Rebop 5, I might have to sell my recently acquired NS-2A.
I also messaged the eBay seller - gave him a link to the Rebop 5 page on the Spector site.
I think the most I would pay for a used Rebop would be $750 (FM or EX)
And since I'm still looking for a Rebop 5, I might have to sell my recently acquired NS-2A.
I also messaged the eBay seller - gave him a link to the Rebop 5 page on the Spector site.
Don't know if this guy is just real ignorant (he's been told several times and this is a re-list with no change) or just trying to pass it off:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320621103016&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:VRI
Listing it as a "Euro5" with price to match.
It's obviously a "Rebop5 DLX".
He copied the info verbatim from the Spector site, but doesn't even realize several traits in his (well done, BTW) pictures don't match the description.
Feel free to pile on and inform him of his error.
I took issue with him listing it as new. He can't do that. I can actually have the auction shut down. I've given him 24 hours to correct that. Only Authorized Spector Dealers can sell "New" Spectors.
I corrected him on the other issues which all related to the incorrect use of the Euro5 stats.
I didn't say anything about HIS pricing. I can't. That's not something we engage in as a company. But I did clarify that this was a $1599.00 bass new in the day and the average street value was typically in the $1200-$1300 range.
We'll see if he fixes it.
If not. I'll shut him down. I've done it plenty of times before. I have an official Spector Ebay account.
So Phat, thanks. There was a few things about this listing that were bothersome. The "New" thing is definately a problem. And we do have several dealers on Ebay. And they are listing NEW basses. And we know about it and it's fine. But not a 4-6 year old used bass from a non authorized dealer. It could have been frozen in Carbonite (ha!) and "in perfect hybernation" but it's anything but "new".
Later guys. Got to work tomorrow... lots of stuff to do for Stuart and PJ before the holiday. I'll check in tomorrow.
As an eBay Associate, TalkBass may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Yeah... it has something strange going on with the headstock. Nothing major. Looks like the "SPECTOR" was sanded off. Perhaps the person who owned it didn't like that there.
Look closely at the nut. It's been replaced. That nut looks to be bone. It doesn't affect anything really... but these came with graphite (black) nuts. Not brass. And certainly not bone.
So again, hardly like new. And this bass has seen some moisture. There is oxidation on the bridge. So it's been in a humid and warm climate.
Just FYI.
Yeah, I sent him the links and everything the first time he ran the auction. His response was that "We will have one of our Spector experts look at it. We are sure there were a few bolt on Euros".
He got no bites the first time around at the $799 start or $1000 B.I.N., so no one has been taken so far.
I saw this immediately as my former Rebop5 DLX was exactly the model he has there. Down to the finish.
I sold it without the case and had trouble getting $500.
I would consider $750 on a used EX or FM as I've heard the neck dive issue (5 string) has been adressed with heavier body wood, but not another DLX.
He got no bites the first time around at the $799 start or $1000 B.I.N., so no one has been taken so far.
I saw this immediately as my former Rebop5 DLX was exactly the model he has there. Down to the finish.
FWIW, I got mine (2 years ago) with a new Spector case for $600 shipped (eBay, B.I.N.).
I sold it without the case and had trouble getting $500.
I would consider $750 on a used EX or FM as I've heard the neck dive issue (5 string) has been adressed with heavier body wood, but not another DLX.
- Status
