Spector Club - Part 9

[crimson_basser]

Im considering parting ways with my 5LX and going back to a Legend 5 Custom/Classic.

I have a few reasons for this:

1. The weight does a number on my shoulder and back for one and the bulkier neck profile isnt quite as comfortable as the Legend neck profile (although it still beats most other necks by a long shot). The body is also quite a bit larger than Legends and kinda takes my body over (im a pretty small guy).

2. As beautiful as my top is (spalted maple for those who dont know/haven't seen it) I find it to be a bit too flashy for my liking. I feel like the bass brings too much attention to itself. Im starting to lean towards finishes than are less flashy, but still classy.. But I still like natural wood finishes over solid colours.

3. Sonically, as nice as the sustain is I tend to prefer the punchy-ness and added character of a bolt on or set neck. Not that it doesnt have growl, it definitely does, but theres something about my bolt on Spectors (Legend 4 Classic and NS 2JA-R) that just pop more. They just have more attitude I find.

What I think Im looking for is the earlier era Legend Customs or Classics with a top on Basswood. As far as pickups go, lately Ive really started to like the jazz pup tone on 4 strings. However, historically speaking Ive never really liked it on a 5, but Ive never had the chance to try a Spector 5 with jazz pups. If I do end up liking that, then I would consider grabbing on of those Legends that came with a soapbar at the bridge and jazz at the neck.
I have an NS 2000/5 which could cover my dual soapbar needs, I do however prefer my basses being incredibly versatile, so being stuck with a jazz at the neck isnt ideal..

Actually, as I write this I remember that I have TWs in my 5LX, but I disconnected the coil tap because of them volume drop, Ill have to reconnect it to get an idea of what that would sound like...

The idea thats been floating around in my head is to grab one of those Legends with a soapbar at the bridge and jazz at the neck (assuming of course I like the tone) but possibly enlarge the pickup cavity at the bridge to squeeze in a Musicman pup, a sound Im also coming to like a lot.

Bare with me as I try and make sense of my idea and bring it into words..

I would hook the musicman pup up to a three way toggle which would allow me to choose each coil, or both (in the middle position) which would then be controlled by its own volume pot. The neck pickup would be controlled by its own volume pot as well. Each pup would have its own EQ, probably a stacked bass and treble control. I would then put a 3 way toggle switch to select either pickup alone, or both (a la guitar treble/rhythm switching for clean and distorted tones). If I can manage it, having each volume pot be stacked on a mid control of some kind of mid/tone control would be ideal.

I realize this setup, especially the EQ would be quite custom and would take some time and tinkering. If I can get a hold of the appropriate stacked pots, I could fashion the volume/mid controls myself by choosing the cap value which would give me the ideal mid frequency control.

If my idea has got some of you lost along the way, I apologize. I think big and there are always quite a few steps.


Now, one more thing, as if this wasnt confusing enough. If I can get a hold of one and try it out, I am considering a natural finish Rebop 5 (before the DLX with the inlays). I will consider it if the neck profile, overall size and weight are anything like that of a Legend. If so, I would possibly do something similar to what I just described, obviously adapted accordingly.

What say you, if any have managed to follow me this far?
To sum up my idea quickly:

1. 3 way toggle for pickup selecting, guitar style
2. Separate volume controls for each pickup as well as the semi custom EQ
3. Toggle switch controlling which coil(s) are active on a musicman pickup (if I choose to have one installed)
4. All of this put into a Legend Custom/Classic 5 or a Rebop 5 if I like the neck/size/weight.

 

[Tracebassplayer]

Ah... strings again...

As far as everything fretted in my world... I put the SPECTOR® nickel mediums on everything except the NS-2JA-R... I put the light-weights on that.

How do they sound comparatively to Black Diamond black coated Nickel Wound Light(40-100) strings?
I am playing with different strings....

 

[iceboxbass]

Cool Euro 4LX on eBay, if I hadn't just ordered one I'd have made an offer.

Why I'm posting this here is the "Product Information" - it reads like it was written by Trade Tang!

Spector Euro4LX Electric Bass Guitar - Gloss White - eBay (item 190523944628 end time Apr-23-11 18:19:34 PDT)

Pretty! 1st Euro that I've seen in White.

Im considering parting ways with my 5LX and going back to a Legend 5 Custom/Classic.

I have a few reasons for this:

1. The weight does a number on my shoulder and back for one and the bulkier neck profile isnt quite as comfortable as the Legend neck profile (although it still beats most other necks by a long shot). The body is also quite a bit larger than Legends and kinda takes my body over (im a pretty small guy).

2. As beautiful as my top is (spalted maple for those who dont know/haven't seen it) I find it to be a bit too flashy for my liking. I feel like the bass brings too much attention to itself. Im starting to lean towards finishes than are less flashy, but still classy.. But I still like natural wood finishes over solid colours.

3. Sonically, as nice as the sustain is I tend to prefer the punchy-ness and added character of a bolt on or set neck. Not that it doesnt have growl, it definitely does, but theres something about my bolt on Spectors (Legend 4 Classic and NS 2JA-R) that just pop more. They just have more attitude I find.

What I think Im looking for is the earlier era Legend Customs or Classics with a top on Basswood. As far as pickups go, lately Ive really started to like the jazz pup tone on 4 strings. However, historically speaking Ive never really liked it on a 5, but Ive never had the chance to try a Spector 5 with jazz pups. If I do end up liking that, then I would consider grabbing on of those Legends that came with a soapbar at the bridge and jazz at the neck.
I have an NS 2000/5 which could cover my dual soapbar needs, I do however prefer my basses being incredibly versatile, so being stuck with a jazz at the neck isnt ideal..

Actually, as I write this I remember that I have TWs in my 5LX, but I disconnected the coil tap because of them volume drop, Ill have to reconnect it to get an idea of what that would sound like...

The idea thats been floating around in my head is to grab one of those Legends with a soapbar at the bridge and jazz at the neck (assuming of course I like the tone) but possibly enlarge the pickup cavity at the bridge to squeeze in a Musicman pup, a sound Im also coming to like a lot.

Bare with me as I try and make sense of my idea and bring it into words..

I would hook the musicman pup up to a three way toggle which would allow me to choose each coil, or both (in the middle position) which would then be controlled by its own volume pot. The neck pickup would be controlled by its own volume pot as well. Each pup would have its own EQ, probably a stacked bass and treble control. I would then put a 3 way toggle switch to select either pickup alone, or both (a la guitar treble/rhythm switching for clean and distorted tones). If I can manage it, having each volume pot be stacked on a mid control of some kind of mid/tone control would be ideal.

I realize this setup, especially the EQ would be quite custom and would take some time and tinkering. If I can get a hold of the appropriate stacked pots, I could fashion the volume/mid controls myself by choosing the cap value which would give me the ideal mid frequency control.

If my idea has got some of you lost along the way, I apologize. I think big and there are always quite a few steps.


Now, one more thing, as if this wasnt confusing enough. If I can get a hold of one and try it out, I am considering a natural finish Rebop 5 (before the DLX with the inlays). I will consider it if the neck profile, overall size and weight are anything like that of a Legend. If so, I would possibly do something similar to what I just described, obviously adapted accordingly.

What say you, if any have managed to follow me this far?
To sum up my idea quickly:

1. 3 way toggle for pickup selecting, guitar style
2. Separate volume controls for each pickup as well as the semi custom EQ
3. Toggle switch controlling which coil(s) are active on a musicman pickup (if I choose to have one installed)
4. All of this put into a Legend Custom/Classic 5 or a Rebop 5 if I like the neck/size/weight.

Wow... really suprised that you'd prefer a Legend over the Euro 5 LX. There's that much weight difference huh? Some do prefer the bolt-on sound vs. the neck-thru. I have both...the bolt-on being a Legend 4 classic.
I pull it out once in a great while...play it for about 20 mins and I'm reminded why I prefer neck-thru's sound.
That does sound like quite the project with the multi-layer knobs. Good luck! Let us know how it goes! I'd love to hear the results!

 

[crimson_basser]

Wow... really suprised that you'd prefer a Legend over the Euro 5 LX. There's that much weight difference huh? Some do prefer the bolt-on sound vs. the neck-thru. I have both...the bolt-on being a Legend 4 classic.
I pull it out once in a great while...play it for about 20 mins and I'm reminded why I prefer neck-thru's sound.
That does sound like quite the project with the multi-layer knobs. Good luck! Let us know how it goes! I'd love to hear the results!

Its the overall size of the bass and the weight that are a big issue. The body itself is rather large, although the curvature makes it much more comfortable than it would be otherwise.

I get that the woods are better tonally than the Legend, but that's why I kept the option open for the Rebop 5. There's definitely a difference when you A/B then, but comfort while I play is more important.

The Legend is smaller and lighter and I much prefer the neck shape, string spacing and fret spacing. If the Rebop 5 can compare, again thats an option Ill consider.

But right now, the 5LX is much too large and heavy for me to justify the tone. And, I prefer the character of a bolt on or set neck over the neck through.

 

[CH Design]

From what I remember (playing one of each in Steve's a few years ago), the Legend 5 and a Rebop 5 have similarly sized bodies. The Rebop is more contoured though. Just going by the woods, they should be about the same weight. It really depends on which legend you get. If it's one of the older ones with a basswood body, it should be lighter than a Rebop. If it's one of the newer maple body ones, it might be a little heavier. I found the neck on the Rebop to be less chunky than a Euro 5LX, but not quite as thin as the Legend. In looking at the specs on the website, they both have the same string spacing at the bridge and scale length. The Euro 5LX neck is a little wider at the nut though.

 

[crimson_basser]

From what I remember (playing one of each in Steve's a few years ago), the Legend 5 and a Rebop 5 have similarly sized bodies. The Rebop is more contoured though. Just going by the woods, they should be about the same weight. It really depends on which legend you get. If it's one of the older ones with a basswood body, it should be lighter than a Rebop. If it's one of the newer maple body ones, it might be a little heavier. I found the neck on the Rebop to be less chunky than a Euro 5LX, but not quite as thin as the Legend. In looking at the specs on the website, they both have the same string spacing at the bridge and scale length. The Euro 5LX neck is a little wider at the nut though.

Unfortunately, the Steves in Montreal doesnt really carry them anymore. They only carry, and I quote: "brands everyone uses, cause that's all the matter". I was quite upset when I heard that, cause at any given time they had 4-5 basses on the shelf and more in stock. I bought my two first Spectors from them.

Now when I go in, im lucky if i even see one. Last time I went on I saw a lonely 4LX and that was it.

Id really like to get my hands on an old Rebop 5 and compare them.

 

[CH Design]

Unfortunately, the Steves in Montreal doesnt really carry them anymore. They only carry, and I quote: "brands everyone uses, cause that's all the matter". I was quite upset when I heard that, cause at any given time they had 4-5 basses on the shelf and more in stock. I bought my two first Spectors from them.

Now when I go in, im lucky if i even see one. Last time I went on I saw a lonely 4LX and that was it.

Id really like to get my hands on an old Rebop 5 and compare them.

I know what you mean. I don't even know if they carry the brand any more. The Ottawa store didn't have any Spectors the last time I was in there.

Not sure where you are in QC, but I think this is what you are after.
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I kind of like that last one myself. It looks like it's already been upgraded with EMG 40XX pickups too.

 

[BassIsFun17]

at my gig last thursday with my NS-JH6 #18. Got it used on ebay back in january. love it!

 

[JPSBassist]

How do they sound comparatively to Black Diamond black coated Nickel Wound Light(40-100) strings?
I am playing with different strings....

I wish I could tell you.

The only nylon coated strings I've ever used were Rotosound 88's (flat nylon wound) on my old Steinberger 5-string fretless. And they were thumpy. Very fat, not at all bright in any stretch of the word.

I prefer chrome flats on my NS-2A fretless. And like I said, love the ones I'm using currently.

I say try as many out as you can and hopefully you'll find the right fit for you.

I will say, however, that if you are trying to bring out the "growly" side of your SPECTOR, going with tape-wounds, flat-wounds, or even half-wound/ground-wounds probably wouldn't be the way to go. In my experience those types of strings are much better suited for getting low-thumpy sound.

Round-wound nickel and steel are brighter and tend to sound more aggressive on my SPECTORs.

 

[JPSBassist]

at my gig last thursday with my NS-JH6 #18. Got it used on ebay back in january. love it!

That's one serious BEAST of a SPECTOR. It's awesome!

 

[JPSBassist]

WOW. This is one of the longest, most free-form thought-to-keyboard run-ons ever! But I love it!

Im considering parting ways with my 5LX and going back to a Legend 5 Custom/Classic.

OK. No issues here.

1. The weight does a number on my shoulder and back for one and the bulkier neck profile isnt quite as comfortable as the Legend neck profile (although it still beats most other necks by a long shot). The body is also quite a bit larger than Legends and kinda takes my body over (im a pretty small guy).

I'm not sure why you think the body is larger on the Euro. In my experience the curved/carved bodies are thinner and smaller by a fraction than their less-curved/carved Korean cousins.

You'll need to find an older Legend. The newer ones are pretty much the same size (just not as curved/carved) and they are made out of solid maple with a quilt-maple top slice. They are just as heavy as the Euro models.

2. As beautiful as my top is (spalted maple for those who dont know/haven't seen it) I find it to be a bit too flashy for my liking. I feel like the bass brings too much attention to itself. Im starting to lean towards finishes than are less flashy, but still classy.. But I still like natural wood finishes over solid colours.

I'm with you here. The Spalts and Buckeyes are too ornate for me. I like a nice quilt or even a solid paint job. I love my solid gloss black NS-2A.

3. Sonically, as nice as the sustain is I tend to prefer the punchy-ness and added character of a bolt on or set neck. Not that it doesnt have growl, it definitely does, but theres something about my bolt on Spectors (Legend 4 Classic and NS 2JA-R) that just pop more. They just have more attitude I find.

I have had to work out a gentle/slight palm mute for a lot of the songs I play because the sustain on the neck-thru models is so powerful/long. Sting used to take a roll of black electrical tape (his tech Danny would make a roll) and it was taped under the strings just on front of the bridge. That sounded fine (listen to any of the tracks from the Synchronicity Concert, that NS-2 was "taped" for the entire set).

What I think Im looking for is the earlier era Legend Customs or Classics with a top on Basswood. As far as pickups go, lately Ive really started to like the jazz pup tone on 4 strings. However, historically speaking Ive never really liked it on a 5, but Ive never had the chance to try a Spector 5 with jazz pups. If I do end up liking that, then I would consider grabbing on of those Legends that came with a soapbar at the bridge and jazz at the neck.

You'll have to go with the earlier models to get the basswood body. And they are considerably lighter than the current Legends. I had a Legend 6 here after BPL... heavy as all-get-out. Massive guitar. But the new Legends are made SO well.

I have an NS 2000/5 which could cover my dual soapbar needs, I do however prefer my basses being incredibly versatile, so being stuck with a jazz at the neck isnt ideal.

You never know til you try one of those Legend5 models with the J out. I've seen them but never played or heard one.

Actually, as I write this I remember that I have TWs in my 5LX, but I disconnected the coil tap because of them volume drop, Ill have to reconnect it to get an idea of what that would sound like...

I keep my TWs in single coil mode all the time. I like the sound better.

The idea thats been floating around in my head is to grab one of those Legends with a soapbar at the bridge and jazz at the neck (assuming of course I like the tone) but possibly enlarge the pickup cavity at the bridge to squeeze in a Musicman pup, a sound Im also coming to like a lot.

You'd better be good with machining that sort of stuff or have a friend who is a good wood-worker. Easy to do with the right skills and equipment. Being basswood with a quilt-top, you can total one of these basses quickly if you get it wrong.

Plus you have to be careful not to crack or damage the basswood... the structural integrity of your bass will be gone.

I would hook the musicman pup up to a three way toggle which would allow me to choose each coil, or both (in the middle position) which would then be controlled by its own volume pot. The neck pickup would be controlled by its own volume pot as well. Each pup would have its own EQ, probably a stacked bass and treble control. I would then put a 3 way toggle switch to select either pickup alone, or both (a la guitar treble/rhythm switching for clean and distorted tones). If I can manage it, having each volume pot be stacked on a mid control of some kind of mid/tone control would be ideal.

Sure. Sounds logical to me. I know people who have put toggles on their SPECTORs and the first NS-2 models had toggles. Stuart used to use them before he came up with the USA 9v circuit we all know and love today.

I realize this setup, especially the EQ would be quite custom and would take some time and tinkering. If I can get a hold of the appropriate stacked pots, I could fashion the volume/mid controls myself by choosing the cap value which would give me the ideal mid frequency control.

It just depends on your tone circuit. If you have a tone circuit that will support the sort of custom eq you're talking about.

Now, one more thing, as if this wasnt confusing enough. If I can get a hold of one and try it out, I am considering a natural finish Rebop 5 (before the DLX with the inlays). I will consider it if the neck profile, overall size and weight are anything like that of a Legend. If so, I would possibly do something similar to what I just described, obviously adapted accordingly.

These were made of Alder. They are known for the neck-dive issue but are much lighter.

1. 3 way toggle for pickup selecting, guitar style.

I've seen it done before.

2. Separate volume controls for each pickup as well as the semi custom EQ.

I've seen this done. You may have to route more holes. But that's been done before too. And think about this, the USA models with Piezo bridges have 5 knobs. So the space is there.

3. Toggle switch controlling which coil(s) are active on a musicman pickup (if I choose to have one installed).

Your bass is gonna look like a Fender Jaguar Bass with all the switches and knobs... which is fine. I love Jaguars.

4. All of this put into a Legend Custom/Classic 5 or a Rebop 5 if I like the neck/size/weight.

I think the Legend might be a better fit. But I'd personally love to see a custom tricked out ReBop done like this. I happen to love the ReBop... it's a personal bias for the true to the orginal curved/carved shape of the body.

 

[Tracebassplayer]

I wish I could tell you.

The only nylon coated strings I've ever used were Rotosound 88's (flat nylon wound) on my old Steinberger 5-string fretless. And they were thumpy. Very fat, not at all bright in any stretch of the word.

I prefer chrome flats on my NS-2A fretless. And like I said, love the ones I'm using currently.

I say try as many out as you can and hopefully you'll find the right fit for you.

I will say, however, that if you are trying to bring out the "growly" side of your SPECTOR, going with tape-wounds, flat-wounds, or even half-wound/ground-wounds probably wouldn't be the way to go. In my experience those types of strings are much better suited for getting low-thumpy sound.

Round-wound nickel and steel are brighter and tend to sound more aggressive on my SPECTORs.

And therein lies my problem....
I like both growly and low end thumpy, not always at the same time, though, and swappin strings on a whim is not really an option...

I figured 12 bucks to try out the Black Diamonds wasn't gonna break me and I wanna see how they look on the 2J's newly ebony stained fretboard. I'm really not that into "flashy" so the SS or shiny strings can go buh bye with no argument from me!

I also have a set of EB super slinky round wound custom gauge NIB I have not tried and honestly it's been a long long time since I had a set.
I used to use Spector strings as well as a few sets of Trace Elliot strings and I thought they were kinda bright, myself.

 

[PhatBasstard]

I'm not sure why you think the body is larger on the Euro. In my experience the curved/carved bodies are thinner and smaller by a fraction than their less-curved/carved Korean cousins.

He's talking width.
All the Legend have roughly the same sized bodies routed for the apropriate neck, bridge, pickups, etc..

The neck throughs (Euro or US) get wider as the number of strings increase because they have roughly the same sized body wings on all, but fitted on increasingly wider neck planks.

My Euro 6 is much wider than my Euro 4. My NS5CRFM was a little wider than my Euro or US 4 strings and the 6 is a little wider still. It's because they all have relatively the same sized wings on different sized neck planks.

Conversely, my Legend 6 body was about the same width as my 4 strings and would fit nicely in my Spector 4 string case.
My Euro 5 and 6's could not, nor could my Euro 6 fit in the Euro 5's case.

You should really put a note on the website: If you're looking to buy a Spector case for your Legend and you want it to fit snuggly, only buy the 4 string case regardless of the number of strings. My Legend 6 flopped around terribly in the 6 string case.

Not sure if this is the same body/case situation with the US bolts or ReBops.

 

[Kano2864212]

I used to have an original legend 5 with the J neck pickup and it was considerably heavier than the rebop i have now.

 

[CH Design]

Not sure if this is the same body/case situation with the US bolts or ReBops.

Based on looking at the nice high quality pics (mostly on Bass Central), I would have to say that the ReBops look closer in size (body width) to the Legends, not the US Bolt-Ons.

 

[crimson_basser]

WOW. This is one of the longest, most free-form thought-to-keyboard run-ons ever! But I love it!

You'll have to go with the earlier models to get the basswood body. And they are considerably lighter than the current Legends. I had a Legend 6 here after BPL... heavy as all-get-out. Massive guitar. But the new Legends are made SO well.

I keep my TWs in single coil mode all the time. I like the sound better.

You'd better be good with machining that sort of stuff or have a friend who is a good wood-worker. Easy to do with the right skills and equipment. Being basswood with a quilt-top, you can total one of these basses quickly if you get it wrong.

Plus you have to be careful not to crack or damage the basswood... the structural integrity of your bass will be gone.

These were made of Alder. They are known for the neck-dive issue but are much lighter.

Your bass is gonna look like a Fender Jaguar Bass with all the switches and knobs... which is fine. I love Jaguars.

I think the Legend might be a better fit. But I'd personally love to see a custom tricked out ReBop done like this. I happen to love the ReBop... it's a personal bias for the true to the orginal curved/carved shape of the body.

Sorry for the run on post hahahaha. It was the first time I put my ideas into words, I went through and edited that thing a bunch of times before I posted, but Im sure its not all that clear still. I also wrote it right before bed ahaha.

Im thinking a Legend with basswood because I know for a fact they are quite light. I have a basswood Legend 4 Classic (my first Spector) and it's quite light. I used to have the Legend Custom 5 which was basswood as well, but I sold that to get my NS 2000/5 which I kind of regret now.

I dont know if I would rout for bigger pickups myself, I would probably take that to a pro, but Im comfortable enough drilling for toggles. And as for looking like a Jaguar, i'm only gonna have two toggles , so it would probably end up looking something like Phat's old Legend 6 (which I was considering buying).

Im open to the early Rebop 5 (pre DLX) if the body size/weight compares to the Legends. I also havent decided on active or passive pickups yet...

Three questions on the Rebop 5s (aimed at Phat): Are they 34 or 35 inch scale? And is this the model prone to neck dive? Does the neck compare at all to a Legend neck size wise, shape wise, spacing wise?

PhatBasstard

He's talking width.
All the Legend have roughly the same sized bodies routed for the apropriate neck, bridge, pickups, etc..

The neck throughs (Euro or US) get wider as the number of strings increase because they have roughly the same sized body wings on all, but fitted on increasingly wider neck planks.

fretless_guy

I know what you mean. I don't even know if they carry the brand any more. The Ottawa store didn't have any Spectors the last time I was in there.

Not sure where you are in QC, but I think this is what you are after.

The one for sale in Trois Rivieres is of particular interest, thanks for the hits! I hadnt even tried looking yet. Im in Montreal by the way.

 

[JPSBassist]

He's talking width.
All the Legend have roughly the same sized bodies routed for the apropriate neck, bridge, pickups, etc..

The neck throughs (Euro or US) get wider as the number of strings increase because they have roughly the same sized body wings on all, but fitted on increasingly wider neck planks.

My Euro 6 is much wider than my Euro 4. My NS5CRFM was a little wider than my Euro or US 4 strings and the 6 is a little wider still. It's because they all have relatively the same sized wings on different sized neck planks.

Conversely, my Legend 6 body was about the same width as my 4 strings and would fit nicely in my Spector 4 string case.
My Euro 5 and 6's could not, nor could my Euro 6 fit in the Euro 5's case.

You should really put a note on the website: If you're looking to buy a Spector case for your Legend and you want it to fit snuggly, only buy the 4 string case regardless of the number of strings. My Legend 6 flopped around terribly in the 6 string case.

Not sure if this is the same body/case situation with the US bolts or ReBops.

I get what he was saying now. Yes. The neck thru models do get wider... I wasn't thinking about that.
The wings are all the same size on the neck thrus.
I can't share it with you, because it is dealer only, but there is a password protected section of our intranet that allows dealers to see the available wings/bodies and order them for customers. And all neck-thru wings are the same size. Once selected (for NS-2, NS-4, NS-5XL or NS-6XL), they are routed appropriately and married/bonded to the appropriate neck.

So I guess you can say that the bodies do get wider on the models as you add strings.

 

[iceboxbass]

Its the overall size of the bass and the weight that are a big issue. The body itself is rather large, although the curvature makes it much more comfortable than it would be otherwise.

I get that the woods are better tonally than the Legend, but that's why I kept the option open for the Rebop 5. There's definitely a difference when you A/B then, but comfort while I play is more important.

The Legend is smaller and lighter and I much prefer the neck shape, string spacing and fret spacing. If the Rebop 5 can compare, again thats an option Ill consider.

But right now, the 5LX is much too large and heavy for me to justify the tone. And, I prefer the character of a bolt on or set neck over the neck through.

The Rebop5 DLX I had was a 2007 model with Alder-wood, nice NS-2 body curvature, the weight was lighter than my NS-2A and legend 4. The Rebop 5 had a raw growl to it and very adjustable for different tones. It has a 35" neck with a very slight but hardly noticeable neck dive. A couple of things that didn't satisfy me with the Rebop 5 in what I was looking for in a 5r; I really didn't care for the natural wood look, I prefer either solid colors and maple quilt tops. The second thing was the tone and this was I think due to the Alder-wood vs. maple.

at my gig last thursday with my NS-JH6 #18. Got it used on ebay back in january. love it!

Sweeeet 6r!!!! What a monster!!

And therein lies my problem....
I like both growly and low end thumpy, not always at the same time, though, and swappin strings on a whim is not really an option...

I figured 12 bucks to try out the Black Diamonds wasn't gonna break me and I wanna see how they look on the 2J's newly ebony stained fretboard. I'm really not that into "flashy" so the SS or shiny strings can go buh bye with no argument from me!

I also have a set of EB super slinky round wound custom gauge NIB I have not tried and honestly it's been a long long time since I had a set.
I used to use Spector strings as well as a few sets of Trace Elliot strings and I thought they were kinda bright, myself.

Thus is why a lot of bass players have multiple basses on stage. It's pretty hard to get every tone you're looking for out of one bass. ill often take multi basses to a gig.

He's talking width.
All the Legend have roughly the same sized bodies routed for the apropriate neck, bridge, pickups, etc..

The neck throughs (Euro or US) get wider as the number of strings increase because they have roughly the same sized body wings on all, but fitted on increasingly wider neck planks.

My Euro 6 is much wider than my Euro 4. My NS5CRFM was a little wider than my Euro or US 4 strings and the 6 is a little wider still. It's because they all have relatively the same sized wings on different sized neck planks.

Conversely, my Legend 6 body was about the same width as my 4 strings and would fit nicely in my Spector 4 string case.
My Euro 5 and 6's could not, nor could my Euro 6 fit in the Euro 5's case.

You should really put a note on the website: If you're looking to buy a Spector case for your Legend and you want it to fit snuggly, only buy the 4 string case regardless of the number of strings. My Legend 6 flopped around terribly in the 6 string case.

Not sure if this is the same body/case situation with the US bolts or ReBops.

My legend 4 fit snuggly into my Rebop 5 case. Couldn't believe it!
Last week I talked with PJ about finding a case for my "new" NS-95. He told me about one year ago Spector started making case widths the same but adjust the padding to form fit individual basses. So(Sigh ) I bought an after market case from MF. MF Deluxe Tweed 5 ply plywood plush red padding $69.00! Coming today!

 

[JPSBassist]

And therein lies my problem....
I like both growly and low end thumpy, not always at the same time, though, and swappin strings on a whim is not really an option...

I figured 12 bucks to try out the Black Diamonds wasn't gonna break me and I wanna see how they look on the 2J's newly ebony stained fretboard. I'm really not that into "flashy" so the SS or shiny strings can go buh bye with no argument from me!

I also have a set of EB super slinky round wound custom gauge NIB I have not tried and honestly it's been a long long time since I had a set.
I used to use Spector strings as well as a few sets of Trace Elliot strings and I thought they were kinda bright, myself.

HA! It's the I want the best of both worlds thing...

In regards to how strings look... metal is metal is metal to me. I'm not a fan of the new coated stuff... just because the only set I tried (a free-demo from NAMM) the strings sounded a little muted or flat. Cool if you want your bass strings to glow in the dark or under a black light or whatever.

For me that's as far as I go concerning how they look... for me it's about the sound. So I agree with you about flashy being something to consider.

As far as SP strings being bright... they're honestly no brighter than any other nickel or stainless strings I've tried (D'Addario, SIT, Dunlop).

I prefer nickel. Stainless is too bright for my tastes. And it's so rough on your fingers and on your fingerboard. Like a buzz saw depending on how hard you press down.

The main thing for me is how much difference I've heard in the various chrome flat sets I've purchased in the past. And of course I liked the black nylon flats that RotoSound makes. The 88 series. They were really nice strings. I don't care for that "thumpy" a sound at this point. But if I wanted to go that way I know they'd do the job well.

Post what you think after you try them out. That's one of the things about Bass Player Live and NAMM I love. I come home with a dozen sets of "demo" strings to try out.

And just extranious info... nothing other than a personal experience... Eddie Speedy, the CEO of SIT Strings is an awesome/cool guy. It's a family owned business here in the USA and he's the third generation in his family to run it. A sincerely cool guy. I use SITs on my ARC6 and if in a pinch I'd use SITs on my basses.

 

[rockstarbassist]

So just been jamming the latest BTB&M EP, and I was wondering does anyone know what Spectors Dan is currently using or what he recorded with? His tone is at least IMO pretty different than earlier recordings (and more fitting to their overall sound also) so just curious if he was still jamming Legends or what.