Spector Club - Part 7

[rockstarbassist]

Funny, your RXT was the talk of the show really. Everyone, myself and Todd Cooke (if I can speak for you here) said the same thing... photos just don't do it justice. It looks larger in photos and it's actually a really nice weight. It also looks a little bulge heavy, as in the upper horn in those photos, but in person it's a really, really smart-looking bass. And the neck is really nice. It has a great profile (as Rex himself commented on).
I think it's the angle it's been shot at. I'm going to try and get photos that really show off how nice looking this bass is.

That's awesome to hear. I don't recall if it was you or PJ or Beaver who said that the bass wasn't going to last the weekend and I'm glad I listened to whomever told me that!

And yeah even that straight-forward angle you have from the office makes it look a lot more tame than say a side-shot. I forwarded the pics to my band and they're totally pumped to hear it. My drummer likes the Alex Webster 5'er of course haha. I said ok maybe in 6 months we'll go for that one!

 

[JPSBassist]

JPS, is the bass third from the right one of the limited editions with a burl walnut top? Those are sweet looking basses! How would you say it compares to a standard NS2 (feel and tone)?

Yes. It's one of the SE NS-2J models (#9).
They are totally different animals.
I've played both. The SE model is a bolt on... and as such as a slightly different body style than the NS-2 (all USA bolt-ons do have slightly less rounded bodies now) and its neck profile is wider (meaning the fingerboard is wider).
String spacing at the bridge on these two basses is:
NS-2 - 17mm
NS-2J SE - 19mm

The necks at the 24th fret are (meaning from edge to edge of the fret)

NS-2 - 60.5mm
NS-2J SE - 65.5mm

So they are a totally different playing experience to me. And the sound is VERY different.

The NS-2 has your P/J - USA 9v Circuit (classic NS-2) combo and the NS-2J SE is dual J's and the Aguilar OBP-2.

They are both fine, fine instruments... but depending on what you are looking for, I'd recommend one or the other. They are really two totally different sound/playing experiences.

 

[JPSBassist]

Btw Patrick- Beav alerted me to the dealio on the RXT, and that's cool wit me!

Yeah. I hate to say it. But Rex was not feeling well and it showed. He hung out for about 30 minutes and left. He's recovering from more surgery. He's had a really rough time.

Did you decide on if you want his signature under a couple of coats of clear or not? Stuart said he'd be glad to recoat the back to protect Rex's signature.

 

[rockstarbassist]

Yeah. I hate to say it. But Rex was not feeling well and it showed. He hung out for about 30 minutes and left. He's recovering from more surgery. He's had a really rough time.

Did you decide on if you want his signature under a couple of coats of clear or not? Stuart said he'd be glad to recoat the back to protect Rex's signature.

Yeah Beaver explained that to me also and that's more than fine.

We discussed it and got with PJ and yeah, they're going to ship it back to the NY shop and have a few coats of clear sprayed over it to keep the signature intact.

Initially I'd wanted it on the headstock simply b/c I didn't want it to rub/wear off and that's as safe a place as any, but if they can actually make it permanent into the bass that way, it's even better actually.

 

[JPSBassist]

That's awesome to hear. I don't recall if it was you or PJ or Beaver who said that the bass wasn't going to last the weekend and I'm glad I listened to whomever told me that!

It must have been Beaver... and based on the overall attention and reaction to it... I'd agree. We sold almost all of the USA models by the end of the first day. Pretty much everything we brought, has a new home. It was a good show.

The Alex is a trip. Of course I designed the blood splatter over 6 months ago but couldn't say anything. It was cool to see it and now I have it here for photos.

It's the first design I'd ever done for an instrument paint job. And won't be the last I'm sure. It was a fun project.

 

[rockstarbassist]

I guess I'd missed the part about the Webster Sig w/ the red dot inlays. That makes it so much more . Just awesome.

 

[JPSBassist]

Yeah Beaver explained that to me also and that's more than fine.

We discussed it and got with PJ and yeah, they're going to ship it back to the NY shop and have a few coats of clear sprayed over it to keep the signature intact.

Initially I'd wanted it on the headstock simply b/c I didn't want it to rub/wear off and that's as safe a place as any, but if they can actually make it permanent into the bass that way, it's even better actually.

Yeah. PJ just told me he wants me to ship it back to the NY Workshop. No worries.

Like I said, Rex wasn't feeling good. We'd actually thought he'd taken off and not signed it, but then we found the signature on the back. So that's really cool. It was chaotic. Tons of people wanting his autograph and to get photos with him. Plus we had 20 other SPECTOR artists there like Robbie Merrill, Rachel Bolan, PJ Farley... and the Black Veil Brides... that was a circus in itself... they had a crowd of goth teens in tow. So I'm glad you're OK with where Rex signed it.
I'll post a photo for you in a few.

 

[Murphys Law]

Yeah... I've acquired some movie props over the last few years of working in Hollywood.

That is Connor MacLeod's sword.
And a screen-used Obi-Wan (Episode II) and an all-original Obi-Wan/Luke (Episode 4 - A New Hope).
There's also a nice view of my Last Cruisade Holy Grail (shelf above the AKIRA book... in the center) and the dagger from "The Shadow".
You can't see my Raiders of the Lost Ark "Idol"... you know... "Throw me the Idol I'll throw you the whip"...
That sort of thing.
The really cool thing here is the vase in the glass case... it's 2000 years old. There's a 65% chance it was made while Jesus Christ was alive.
Cool huh?

You, Sir, are my hero! Nice collection.

On another hand:

REALLY nice job with the blood splatter motive! It's so easy to make it look bad, and you made it look really good.

Kinda like his fingers started bleeding from playing to fast and the blood just ran down the body .

All in all it looks even better than I thought. Alex can be proud of this thing! Can't wait to see him rock it.

 

[JPSBassist]

I guess I'd missed the part about the Webster Sig w/ the red dot inlays. That makes it so much more . Just awesome.

Stats on the Alex Webster Signature Spector:

Euro5 body.
Special thin neck design (think Ian Hill).
Ebony Fingerboard.
Dual EMG DC pups *not TW
All Black Hardware
EMG BTQ Circuit (not TonePump)
Red Inlays
Blood paint job optional.

 

[jarrhead]

It seems my post was against the rules. Aha.

 

[PhatBasstard]

String spacing at the bridge on these two basses is:
NS-2 - 17mm
NS-2J SE - 19mm

An NS2 with 17mm bridge spacing?!
Was this a misstatement?
That would be like the spacing of the NS5 or NS6's.

I get the slightly wider fingerboard thing as Spector has always pushed the envelope as far as how close the fingerboard edge is to the outer strings, but I would imaging any NS 4 string is still 19mm at the bridge.

Did I miss something?

 

[JPSBassist]

An NS2 with 17mm bridge spacing?!
Was this a misstatement?
That would be like the spacing of the NS5 or NS6's.

I get the slightly wider fingerboard thing as Spector has always pushed the envelope as far as how close the fingerboard edge is to the outer strings, but I would imaging any NS 4 string is still 19mm at the bridge.

Did I miss something?

It depends. String center to string center. Probably you are right. But String edge to string edge... the calibrated ruler doesn't lie.

That doesn't really take into effect the tapered strings. Which both basses have so I ruled that out as a variable.

And regardless the number... as you can see from the second photo... whatever it is... the NS-2 has less space between the strings than the bolt-on.

And to me, this changes the feel of the neck. Not a bad thing. Just something I happened to make a mental note of when playing them... like "I need to check that... it feels wider" and sure enough. The measurements proved my "feel" for the neck right.

Looking at them side-by-side you can clearly see the spacing difference... it's visible with the eye... no ruler needed really.

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Side by Side Comparison

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This image shows the string spacing of the NS-2 as compared to the NS-2J SE bolt-on... the calipers are set to the measurement of the NS-2 at the same location. Clearly the NS-2's string placement is "tighter" or "closer"

 

[JPSBassist]

Here you go!
Signed by the man himself. Big as life.


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[PhatBasstard]

It depends. String center to string center. Probably you are right. But String edge to string edge... the calibrated ruler doesn't lie.

That doesn't really take into effect the tapered strings. Which both basses have so I ruled that out as a variable.

And regardless the number... as you can see from the second photo... whatever it is... the NS-2 has less space between the strings than the bolt-on.

And to me, this changes the feel of the neck. Not a bad thing. Just something I happened to make a mental note of when playing them... like "I need to check that... it feels wider" and sure enough. The measurements proved my "feel" for the neck right.

Looking at them side-by-side you can clearly see the spacing difference... it's visible with the eye... no ruler needed really.

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Side by Side Comparison

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This image shows the string spacing of the NS-2 as compared to the NS-2J SE bolt-on... the calipers are set to the measurement of the NS-2 at the same location. Clearly the NS-2's string placement is "tighter" or "closer"

1. String spacing, when side to side/edge to edge, is never measured at the tapered (if so equiped) area of the string.

2. You clearly have two different bridges there.

3. Spector's site clearly lists the NS2 as .75" spacing at the bridge. This roughly translates to 19mm, which is standard 4 string spacing (and many 5 and 6's) on most manufacturer's basses. 17mm is what many (if not most, including Spector) manufacturers set for spacing on their 5 and 6 string basses.

4. Visually the E (where you measured) on that NS2 is clearly not dead center on that saddle and is set inwards, unlike the other 3 strings. In fact, it visually looks like the E & A are closer than the others because of this.
Actually, if you had measured the bolt-on between the G & D or D & A you'd be waaay off as the D string is spaced way inside compared to the other 3 (Look at the saddle. Wasn't set up properly).

Now what may be going on on this new NS2, bolt on variation with the different neck and bridge I can't speak to.
But unless something has unknowingly changed, NS2's are still considered .75"/19mm spacing as they have always been.

EDIT: FWIW, I'm not sure if this NS2H is using the same Hipshot bridge, but the NS4H's Hipshot bridge (4 string) is also listed at .75" (19mm). It would seem visually that the whole discrepency is due to that NS2's E saddle being grooved improperly.
This isn't surprising as I've had to re-groove or flip around 180 degrees several of the Spector saddles (both US and Euro) over the years to make the string spacing properly equal.

 

[crimson_basser]

+1^^

The D string looks way off center in that picture and I would imagine the E is quite off as well. It almost looks like the D string is touching the edge of the saddle...

In fact, the spacing between each string seems completely different...
Doesnt look like the saddles were set properly at all..?

Unless its just the angle of the shot..?

 

[NKUSigEp]

I recently rescued a Euro 4LX from a somewhat horrific and intriguing past. I'll post pics when I get a chance but it's black and blue and seen better days. I got it for a song but it needed some serious help!

 

[JPSBassist]

1. String spacing, when side to side/edge to edge, is never measured at the tapered (if so equiped) area of the string.

Yeah... which would make the distance even less...

You clearly have two different bridges there.

Yes. The NEW USA Locking Solid Brass SPECTOR bridge and a Hipshot Type A.

Spector's site clearly lists the NS2 as .75" spacing at the bridge. This roughly translates to 19mm, which is standard 4 string spacing (and many 5 and 6's) on most manufacturer's basses. 17mm is what many (if not most, including Spector) manufacturers set for spacing on their 5 and 6 string basses.

Which is probably an "Ideal" measurement between the strings - Center to Center - or between the saddles dead center to dead center.

Visually the E (where you measured) on that NS2 is clearly not dead center on that saddle and is set inwards, unlike the other 3 strings. In fact, it visually looks like the E & A are closer than the others because of this.

Which is an issue with saddles of this type. But also tappered strings can be hard to setup initially as well.

Actually, if you had measured the bolt-on between the G & D or D & A you'd be waaay off as the D string is spaced way inside compared to the other 3 (Look at the saddle. Wasn't set up properly).

I agree, the bolt-on's bridge needs a setup. That Hipshot bridge has "floating" saddles. The little indented saddle rest can be adjusted side to side with the release of an allen screw on the top of the saddle. Then you can adjust the little metal rod back and forth until the measurement is correct, then lock it into place. In the rush to get everything to NAMM this might have been overlooked or it could be loose and/or have come loose. I haven't had time to check.

Now what may be going on on this new NS2, bolt on variation with the different neck and bridge I can't speak to.
But unless something has unknowingly changed, NS2's are still considered .75"/19mm spacing as they have always been.

All of the USA Bolt-On 4-strings I've seen lately seem to have slightly wider necks. Don't know why.

EDIT: FWIW, I'm not sure if this NS2H is using the same Hipshot bridge, but the NS4H's Hipshot bridge (4 string) is also listed at .75" (19mm). It would seem visually that the whole discrepency is due to that NS2's E saddle being grooved improperly.

It's the same Hipshot Type A. And yes that is listed at .75. But again, it can be adjusted so that's what is off there.

This isn't surprising as I've had to re-groove or flip around 180 degrees several of the Spector saddles (both US and Euro) over the years to make the string spacing properly equal.

I can see this. It's not an issue I've ever experience with my own personal SPECTORs but I can see that it could be an issue. Obviously.

 

[JPSBassist]

+1^^

The D string looks way off center in that picture and I would imagine the E is quite off as well. It almost looks like the D string is touching the edge of the saddle...

In fact, the spacing between each string seems completely different...
Doesnt look like the saddles were set properly at all..?

Unless its just the angle of the shot..?

Just what I thought.
Yes. The D String on the bolt on was touching the upper side of the saddle. That screw I mentioned was loose and that string could be moved side to side in the saddle. So that's what was going on there.

Regardless. Saddle center to saddle center... the Hipshot bridge appears to have a slightly larger distance between the saddles, center to center than the USA SPECTOR bridge. But I'll make exact measurements tomorrow when I get some time to be sure.

 

[crimson_basser]

Im anxiously looking forward to all the neck/fret/bridge/nut measurements ahaha Especially on the bolt on euros and USAs

 

[PhatBasstard]

Which is an issue with saddles of this type. But also tappered strings can be hard to setup initially as well.

Initially yes, but not side to side (the issue here) as the tapered/exposed core sits in the groove even firmer than a fully wound string would. That E on the NS2 is either not in it's groove, or that groove was cut too far inward, causing the string spacing issue.

All of the USA Bolt-On 4-strings I've seen lately seem to have slightly wider necks. Don't know why.

I would see this as a good thing as I've always felt they cut it a little too close to the outer strings compared to most other manufacturers. I can't count how many times I've gone off the edge due to a strong side to side vibrato. Something that normally wouldn't be an issue. A couple extra millimeters of width would do wonders and would be hardly noticable feelwise.