Spector Club - Part 9

[JPSBassist]

The Spector case that came with my NS5CRFM is made by TKL. The interior completely form fits the body. It's been really durable the couple years that I've had it. I'm assuming the current cases are of the same manufacture(?).

Yes. All of the Spector cases I have are SPECTOR® branded TKL cases.

It's notable that the hard case for my ARC6-B isn't branded with the SPECTOR® logo. It says TKL on it.

Mine have been very durable. And I've carried basses back and forth, to and from BPL and NAMM in these cases. They're rock solid.

 

[JPSBassist]

I haven't been on Ebay lately.
Wow. I wish I had some extra cash laying around.

An original SB-1... this was the base-design that Ned took and modified into the NS-Body design.

These are pretty rare and don't come up for sale often.

Spector SB-1 Bass Brooklyn NY Late 70's VG | eBay

----------------------

And this beauty... a early 1980's NS-1 with the USA 9v circuit. I bet this thing sounds wicked.


Rare 1982 Vintage Spector NS-1 Neck Thru Bass USA NS1 | eBay

 

[Basstovsky]

daaaaaaang if i had that kind of scratch I would be all over that '82....

 

[rockstarbassist]

That NS-1 is incredible. That's a killer price too, IMO!

 

[PhatBasstard]

The Spector case that came with my NS5CRFM is made by TKL. The interior completely form fits the body. It's been really durable the couple years that I've had it. I'm assuming the current cases are of the same manufacture(?).

Be very carefull when buying these that you're getting the right size. The 4 string case is smaller overall. The 5 and 6 string cases have the same outer size, but the space for the bodies is different.

I almost ended up with the wrong size case for my new Euro 6 LX because when getting the Legend 6 ready to ship I got the cases confused at first. Because the Legend 6 has a one piece body it is about the same width as 4 string Spectors and will actually fit in the 4 string case. What I did not realize is the Euro and US bodies, because they are uniform wings (being about the same size for all neck throughs) glued on to the wider neck strip of my Euro 6, are much wider. My Euro 6 wouldn't fit in either the 4 or 5 string case.

I'm going to assume, from the looks of them in photos, that this is going to be the situation with all bolt on vs neck thru, 5 and 6 string Spectors.
Luckily I realized this before anything got shipped.

 

[loend68]

I haven't been on Ebay lately.
Wow. I wish I had some extra cash laying around.

An original SB-1... this was the base-design that Ned took and modified into the NS-Body design.

These are pretty rare and don't come up for sale often.

Spector SB-1 Bass Brooklyn NY Late 70's VG | eBay

----------------------

And this beauty... a early 1980's NS-1 with the USA 9v circuit. I bet this thing sounds wicked.


Rare 1982 Vintage Spector NS-1 Neck Thru Bass USA NS1 | eBay

I'd love one of these....talk about rockin' P-bass tone, Spector style!!

...but that money might just be the downpayment for a new one

 

[Tracebassplayer]

EGADS!
What did they use on the face of the headstock? Black Plastic something? SOB
it does NOT wanna come off, even with wood shaping rasp!!!!!!
probably black laquer but it's like hard plastic now. Shaving it off with a blade seems to be working... kinda.


On a lighter note... The neck seems to be OK, Sanded all the burnt and unburnt finish off. Will probably finish it in dark walnut stain and hand rubbed oil. WDYT?

 

[abstractart06]

EGADS!
What did they use on the face of the headstock? Black Plastic something? SOB
it does NOT wanna come off, even with wood shaping rasp!!!!!!
probably black laquer but it's like hard plastic now. Shaving it off with a blade seems to be working... kinda.


On a lighter note... The neck seems to be OK, Sanded all the burnt and unburnt finish off. Will probably finish it in dark walnut stain and hand rubbed oil. WDYT?

Good luck with the refinish. I considered buying that one since I refinish furniture as a hobby. I hope it turns out well. A hand sander might do the trick. You can control how much you take off. and it will be level and smooth. Tongue oil is a great product for instruments since you can apply a little at a time and add as many coats as you have patience for.

 

[Tracebassplayer]

Good luck with the refinish. I considered buying that one since I refinish furniture as a hobby. I hope it turns out well. A hand sander might do the trick. You can control how much you take off. and it will be level and smooth. Tongue oil is a great product for instruments since you can apply a little at a time and add as many coats as you have patience for.

Cool. I was thinking tongue oil for later...
The neck is coming along. Will probably have it down to an Ibanez SR series size by the time I'm done...

I should probably move this to the Luthier section... Unless the Spector Family wants to see how it's coming along as I go, here.
Poll?

 

[Tracebassplayer]

If anyone of you Spector HEADS is interested ...Gearhead17 is selling his USA water cured REDWOOD top NS5Xl

Absolutely STUUUUNNNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wish it were a 4 string....I'd snatch it up!
Then from my wife.....

 

[JPSBassist]

EGADS!
What did they use on the face of the headstock? Black Plastic something? SOB
it does NOT wanna come off, even with wood shaping rasp!!!!!!
probably black laquer but it's like hard plastic now. Shaving it off with a blade seems to be working... kinda.


On a lighter note... The neck seems to be OK, Sanded all the burnt and unburnt finish off. Will probably finish it in dark walnut stain and hand rubbed oil. WDYT?

I don't know about then... but my USA and every USA I've seen in the past two years has a layer of Ebony for the black/dark face on the headstock.

 

[Tracebassplayer]

I don't know about then... but my USA and every USA I've seen in the past two years has a layer of Ebony for the black/dark face on the headstock.

Ebony what?... whatever WAS on mine melted away is spots for the most part. Pretty thick 1/8th inch or so.. Is it a pre-assembled face with the Spector logo on it? If so, I'll need one. This one melted like an aluminum can in a camp fire.
Maybe later I can get a new neck but, for right now I'm gonna repair this one. Maybe have a "natural" headstock.

I started a thread for this job in Luthier's Corner, btw.

 

[JPSBassist]

Ebony what?... whatever WAS on mine melted away is spots for the most part. Pretty thick 1/8th inch or so.. Is it a pre-assembled face with the Spector logo on it? If so, I'll need one. This one melted like an aluminum can in a camp fire.
Maybe later I can get a new neck but, for right now I'm gonna repair this one. Maybe have a "natural" headstock.

I started a thread for this job in Luthier's Corner, btw.

Ebony wood.
The Euro and Professional models have a plastic slice that's glued to the wood. But for the past couple of years Stuart actually cuts, stains and glues a slice of Ebony wood (like they use in pianos or for fingerboards) onto the headstocks of the USA Series models.

 

[Versatek6]

Ebony what?... whatever WAS on mine melted away is spots for the most part. Pretty thick 1/8th inch or so.. Is it a pre-assembled face with the Spector logo on it? If so, I'll need one. This one melted like an aluminum can in a camp fire.
Maybe later I can get a new neck but, for right now I'm gonna repair this one. Maybe have a "natural" headstock.

I started a thread for this job in Luthier's Corner, btw.

If it is a glued-on piece, a heat gun may be able to soften the adhesive to help get it off.

Not like any more heat is going to damage it...

Seriously, though: judicial application of heat at an edge and a very thin scraper may be the way to get things moving. I'll be interested in following your progress. Good Luck!

 

[Tracebassplayer]

Ebony wood.
The Euro and Professional models have a plastic slice that's glued to the wood. But for the past couple of years Stuart actually cuts, stains and glues a slice of Ebony wood (like they use in pianos or for fingerboards) onto the head-stocks of the USA Series models.

Ah, OK. Well, I got it off by basically "shaving" or whittling it with my Benchmade combat knife - cause that's what I have at 2300 hrs that works.
It looks like this now.
Had to save the signature area but the clear coat IS discolored...

 

[bassgiant15]

Can anyone here that has an NS-2000/4 recommend a case that will fit it?

I recently acquired one, and ask PJ if they had any cases that would fit the bass, but they don't. I tried my Euro 4LX case, but it doesn't fit that either.

I'm going to go to my local music store to look for one, but if anyone has any advice on one that will fit the bass i would be most greatful!

 

[Tracebassplayer]

My Ibanez case is a tad of loose fit for my Legend. What's the difference in size of the NS2000 and the Legend?
I have not tried the fit on for my NS-2J but I think that's even a bit smaller than the Legend...
Where are you at (state) I saw a Spector by Kramer HSC on the C list in ... NC, TN area? 30 bucks...

 

[bassgiant15]

I'll have to check the difference in size tonight. The main problem with the 2000/4 is the upper horn. In my euro case that is the only part that is too small. PJ suggested to maybe try to use a hammer or something to lengthen it some. I'm in Florida. Do you have the link to the CL for 30 bucks?

 

[iceboxbass]

Be very carefull when buying these that you're getting the right size. The 4 string case is smaller overall. The 5 and 6 string cases have the same outer size, but the space for the bodies is different.

I almost ended up with the wrong size case for my new Euro 6 LX because when getting the Legend 6 ready to ship I got the cases confused at first. Because the Legend 6 has a one piece body it is about the same width as 4 string Spectors and will actually fit in the 4 string case. What I did not realize is the Euro and US bodies, because they are uniform wings (being about the same size for all neck throughs) glued on to the wider neck strip of my Euro 6, are much wider. My Euro 6 wouldn't fit in either the 4 or 5 string case.

Luckily I realized this before anything got shipped.

Yeah ya know what...I found out last night my NS-95 won't fit in the case that I used for my former Rebop 5! But my Legend 4 was an excellent fit so it has a new home now. Good thing I had a gig bag to take to band practice.

Cool. I was thinking tongue oil for later...
The neck is coming along. Will probably have it down to an Ibanez SR series size by the time I'm done...

I should probably move this to the Luthier section... Unless the Spector Family wants to see how it's coming along as I go, here.
Poll?

Please! I'm enjoying your refurbish!

Can anyone here that has an NS-2000/4 recommend a case that will fit it?

I recently acquired one, and ask PJ if they had any cases that would fit the bass, but they don't. I tried my Euro 4LX case, but it doesn't fit that either.

I'm going to go to my local music store to look for one, but if anyone has any advice on one that will fit the bass i would be most greatful!

Yeah I wonder if Spector has a case that my NS-95 will fit in? I didn't realize the body is so much bigger! /:

I'll have to check the difference in size tonight. The main problem with the 2000/4 is the upper horn. In my euro case that is the only part that is too small. PJ suggested to maybe try to use a hammer or something to lengthen it some. I'm in Florida. Do you have the link to the CL for 30 bucks?

I looked at modifying my Rebop 5 case but the NS-95 body goes all the way to case edge to case edge. Yikes! Might have to search for older case myself. I'll call PJ...

 

[Tracebassplayer]

. Do you have the link to the CL for 30 bucks?

PM sent