Spector Club - Part 7

[JPSBassist]

Wow! Awesome! Any chance of hearing a track soon? Please!

If I could get one... LOL. They sell as fast as they are made. The Candy Tangerine Coda-5 and the Blue Coda-5 at NAMM were both sold and the black 4-string Coda is going to JMJ. So... as soon as I can get one in my studio I'll do a review of one and get some good recordings on my multi-track.

It's in the works.

 

[AdamR]

They had a production run of 7,000 basses. So they're not that rare... but they seem to show up on Ebay in groups. There were none for months then a dozen in a short time... then a few and now back to none again.

And the classified here on TB are great. But those basses never last long.

There was a bolt on neck Krammer specter on ebay last week but the $500s seem a little high. Theres a blue/purple one in the classifieds right now that Im interested in and Ive been speaking with the owner but it needs a bit of wiring and its been refinish poorly so it would be a project though thats not really a deal killer for me.

 

[lakedmb]

Sorry if this post belongs somewhere else, but is there a way to find out more on a Spector bass if I have the serial number?

I found one locally, but the seller knows nothing about it.

Thanks.

 

[jarrhead]

You basically answered your own question at the end there. The main difference is that our Korean-made instruments are production-line instruments. Whereas our Czech factory has an enormous amount of custom-hand work involved.

The Legend Customs, which have been discontinued, BTW... are set neck design. Which allows for a lot of sustain, but the NS5CRFM is neck-thru. And really that's the ultimate when talking about sustain.

Both are great instruments, don't get me wrong. And I'd put either up against any other manufacturer's product in the same price range. But the comparison against each other, I think the quality of materials and the hand-built aspects of the Czech models will always make them superior to the Korean production models.

Sonically, the difference in materials, the fact that the Legends are passive pup/active tone control whereas the Euro models are active/active... and the type of tone system, EMG (made for us) in the Legend Custom or depending on which year your NS5CRFM was made it might have one or another tone control (Phat is the acknowledged expert on those models in these here parts).

All SPECTOR® are designed to have a tone close to that "classic" SPECTOR® NS-2 sound. But some are closer than others.

My thing is that I've rarely heard a SPECTOR® that didn't sound good. The variable usually are the amp and the player. Our new Performer by SPECTOR® models which are passive/passive sound fat and have a nice tone (when running though several thousand dollars worth of top-of-the-line Aguilar equipment).

Sorry to run in circles. But I think the quality of the construction and the materials used should be the main source of any tonal differences you hear in the two models discussed here.

I see. So it won't be as hot. Are there any currently produced Spectors that are made to be newer versions of the Classic Customs? Much like NS5CRFM/Euro

What I'm getting is that if I have good gear and can work an EQ I can get a very similar sound, just lesser construction quality and different interface? I'm literally listening to one right now singled out and playing mine.

 

[Gus Borden]

So I am thinking of picking up a Spector for my 4-string needs, but I am on a tight budget.

I am contemplating a Spector Performer DLX. Can anybody tell me what to expect? Is this a solid bass? Pros and cons?

Tx, Gus

 

[AdamR]

Im looking at the Performers as well, I also found a rebop for $500 but I really want neck through P/J for that old Spector sound.

 

[crimson_basser]

Cant speak for the Performers as Ive never played one, and they just re introduced the line..

BUT, I own a Legend Classic 4 and used to own a Legend Custom 5 (sold it for an NS 2000/5, which was basically it's predecessor).

In my opinion, you arent loosing anything by getting one of these Korean made basses. They sound, feel and play great. They have a huge variety of tones available to you via the components, materials and on board pre's.

They sound punchy, clear and thick and they always cut through the mix. I still use my Classic as my main 4 string. It was my first Spector and has been with me for 5 or 6 years now.

I realize the performers are slightly "lower" on the scale than the Classic's, differing mainly on the pickups and pre amp (being passive/passive against the passive/active in the Legends) and the materials are slightly different, but I doubt you'll be disappointed in any way.

My only warning: be careful, they are addictive! Once you feel the neck and the playability you wont want to stop


Also, if youre willing to go this route, keep in mind that there are used models for sale at really good prices all the time.
You can find older Euro models, which come incredibly close to the USAs in terms of feel and overall sound in many cases (so close that many cant tell the difference) used on all the popular sites. Amazing deals come along quite often for what youre getting.

Honestly, if you ask me, any non Korean Euro that is available for under 1000$ feels like a deal to me, a steal even! Were talking high quality instruments and craftsmanship with years of development with the highest care. Top notch stuff.

 

[Gus Borden]

I had both a Legend Classic and a Legend Custom in the past, good basses, sold them for GAS. Now I am down to my MTD Heir 5 and I am looking for a 4-string as a second bass. I am seriously considering the Sterling by Ernie Ball Ray34 which I love, but then I saw a Performer DLX for $275 and I thought - "Hmmmm..." - so now it's decision time. More money and the bass I was initially eying or a cheap Spector. Problem is I've yet to play a Performer, but I have played the Ray34. I do not know!!

 

[crimson_basser]

I had both a Legend Classic and a Legend Custom in the past, good basses, sold them for GAS. Now I am down to my MTD Heir 5 and I am looking for a 4-string as a second bass. I am seriously considering the Sterling by Ernie Ball Ray34 which I love, but then I saw a Performer DLX for $275 and I thought - "Hmmmm..." - so now it's decision time. More money and the bass I was initially eying or a cheap Spector. Problem is I've yet to play a Performer, but I have played the Ray34. I do not know!!

To me, Spector necks are the most comfortable out there and are really a selling point.

 

[AdamR]

Legand is what I was looking at, Not the performer series. I would love a used Euro, one because they have the P/J set up and 2 because Im part Czech. However my price range is gonna be around $500

 

[jay440]

Gus: If you have the chance to try the Performer, definitely check it out and if you like it, get it!

 

[Mr.Bassie720]

Legand is what I was looking at, Not the performer series. I would love a used Euro, one because they have the P/J set up and 2 because Im part Czech. However my price range is gonna be around $500

I picked up, on Craigslist, a mint condition NS4CRFM for $600.00. It features maple wings, the original solid brass bridge, EMG P/J active pickups, EMG BTS preamp, Schaller tuning machines and straplocks. It is a Spector not a SSD. Yet it has dot inlays not crowns. It's a transition model. Which to me makes it more interesting. It sounds and plays phenomenal. Very good deals are out there. And you will get a superior insrument. It is a buyers market right now.

 

[Gus Borden]

Gus: If you have the chance to try the Performer, definitely check it out and if you like it, get it!

THanks Jay, but there in lies my problem, not being able to play it before hand. And I'm on a strict diet of play before I pay after a few too many bought and didn't lol after I did

 

[RickeyC]

Sorry if this post belongs somewhere else, but is there a way to find out more on a Spector bass if I have the serial number?

I found one locally, but the seller knows nothing about it.

Thanks.

Email Spector Directly, thats what i did

 

[Gus Borden]

+1, Stuart was great when I emailed in the past about a Spector I used to have!

 

[JPSBassist]

Sorry if this post belongs somewhere else, but is there a way to find out more on a Spector bass if I have the serial number?

I found one locally, but the seller knows nothing about it.

Thanks.

Typically we can tell you some general stuff like an approximate year. But really serial numbers are used for warranty registration. We cross reference each registrered serial against our production manifests.

If you want more info on a particular instrument, the best thing to do is see if they can provide you a photo and post it here. People on these boards know their stuff and can probably tell you more than you'd want to know. LOL.

 

[JPSBassist]

There was a bolt on neck Krammer specter on ebay last week but the $500s seem a little high. Theres a blue/purple one in the classifieds right now that Im interested in and Ive been speaking with the owner but it needs a bit of wiring and its been refinish poorly so it would be a project though thats not really a deal killer for me.

The bolt-on NS-2B and NS-2C models by Kramer are actually much more rare than the NS-2A neck-thru. And in the past few years these instruments has seen a resurgence as collector basses... due to the unique nature of their design. They are unlike any other Spector bolt on in the company's history.

They are, in fact, solid instruments and very well made... So I expect the prices on these to get higher as time goes by.
If you stop and think that a NEW USA NS-2 in the Kramer era was $1999 list. Those guitars now go for $2200 to $2600 depending. So these guitars are actually increasing in value as time goes by.

The list on the NS-2B and C was between $500 and $600. So to see them hit that... doesn't surprise me. Despite being "production" basses, they were still made with great materials and a fair amount of hand-fitting was needed back in those days.

I've seen a steady and solid jump in price for good condition NS-2A models this past year. As time goes on and the demand for NS-2A models which are still playable remains, these basses will jump in price too. They were originally $800 list.

I paid $450 for my NS-2A. I had another $500 worth of restoration work done (converted to fretless, new active EMG PJ's, new TonePump, custom brass nut). So I have around $1000 in mine and honestly, I wouldn't consider selling it. It's very unique and I love that it's now a fretless.

It really depends on why you want the bass. If you want it to play, enjoy and keep. Then $500 isn't unreasonable if it is in good to very good shape.

If you plan on turning it around and selling it... that's up to you then as to what makes sense.

 

[JPSBassist]

I see. So it won't be as hot. Are there any currently produced Spectors that are made to be newer versions of the Classic Customs? Much like NS5CRFM/Euro

What I'm getting is that if I have good gear and can work an EQ I can get a very similar sound, just lesser construction quality and different interface? I'm literally listening to one right now singled out and playing mine.

The custom was just discontinued. So right now, the Legend Classic is the most current Legend model. And I'm sure there are plenty of dealers with deals on brand new Legend Customs out there.

What's next for the Legend line? I see us moving forward with the very solid, well made and in-demand Legend Classic for some time. And the main difference between the Legend Custom and Classic was the set-neck design.

The Professional Series REX models (which at heart are legend models) are neck-thru design... so there's a Korean-Made Spector Neck-thru option if you want that extra sustain.

Honestly, personally... and this has nothing to do with my position at SPECTOR... I love the NS-Body basses. The Rex and SPECTOR-Bird models aren't my thing. But I'll admit if push came to shove... I'd take the quasi-single-cutaway REX model over the Bird models. The 21st through 24th frets are very difficult to reach with the Bird models. Whereas the brilliant aspect to the REX is that cutaway bottom.

Now the truth is that the bird and REX models are designed for players who want to shake the floor. So those types of players will rarely venture further up the neck than the 12th fret anyway. But still... I like having that option.

One Last Option....

I've seen the NS-2JA-R models show up used now and run from $500 to $800... These are superior models to the Legends IMHO... And again. Not beating up the Legends. My first SPECTOR was a Q4, which eventually became the Legend... etc... and it was an awesome bass.

I own an NS-2JA-R and again I like it for three reasons...

1) It has the true curved-body, deep pocket neck design of the very first SPECTOR bolt-on bass. Tons of sustain and that rounded, fit your body pefectly design.

2) Active EMG pups/active EMG 9v Tone and a surprisingly wide tonal range. It's a great sounding bass. Not too hot and yet can hit deep notes if you need or be bright.

3) It has my favorite neck profile of any SPECTOR I've ever played, including my top-of-the-line USA NS-4. There's something about that neck... the shape is really perfection to me. And the jazz nut size is great. The neck is WIDER at the 24th fret than my NS-4 and narrower at the nut. It's a wonderful neck.

And a used ReBop would be nearly the same except instead of dual J's it'd have dual passive humbuckers.

 

[lakedmb]

Thanks! I have the serial number written down at home, started with 101_ _ _, but I remember a few things about it.

It was a bolt-on neck with dot inlays. The pickups I think said something like EMG-SSD(?). It was a 4 string.

Any ideas?

 

[rockstarbassist]

Yeah I'll second all day NS-2JA-R >>> anything Legend (and I've had two) all day long. I actually wish now I'd held onto mine. :cry: It was a slick bass and very much had it's own sound.