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Spector Legend 6

If you're looking for a 6-string, no. I'd probably tell you to replace the pickups and preamps on all of them as well. :)

Don't get me wrong, the Legend is great (the SSD pickups have more prominent mids than the EMG HZs), but the preamp is definitely lacking (I despise 2-band preamps) and, as many attest to on these forums, the boost-only preamp really cuts down on mid control.
 
Regardless of what you do with the pickups, this is the best six string bass you can buy for under $1500 IMHO.

PS - see disclosure in my profile. I Endorse Spectors because I LIKE THEM. Not because they're cheap!
 
There are other nice basses in the price range (it still amazes me how good "low-midrange" basses have gotten) such as the Ibanez SR-506 and BTB-675 as well as Schecter models, but as a Spector player I'm on your side in saying that the Legend Classic is the best of the bunch. I'm not a six-string player anymore but as I prefer bolt-on basses to neck-throughs and they don't make a ReBop 6-string, if I were to pick up a 6er I might very well go *down* to the Legend rather than *up* to the Euro LX 6-string.
 
I'm always on the lookout for affordable sixers... I've tried two of these and they aren't bad at all. However, I personally disliked the neck quite a bit, but not as much as the preamp. And I'd probably change the pickups too.

Personally, for the same kind of money I'd get a peavey grind, do the frets and nut if needed, pop in a pair of nordstrands and an aguilar pre... Pretty much the same stuff as I'd do for a legend, but the peavey is cheaper to begin with and I like the feel and looks more.
 
I'm always on the lookout for affordable sixers... I've tried two of these and they aren't bad at all. However, I personally disliked the neck quite a bit, but not as much as the preamp. And I'd probably change the pickups too.

Personally, for the same kind of money I'd get a peavey grind, do the frets and nut if needed, pop in a pair of nordstrands and an aguilar pre... Pretty much the same stuff as I'd do for a legend, but the peavey is cheaper to begin with and I like the feel and looks more.

The neck on the Legend is thinner than any Euro or USA I've ever played. Are you not a thin-neck person?

The Peavey Grind is also a great choice, and I've considered getting one. However, for the playability factor, the Spector Legend came in with a decent setup, perfect nut slots, and no needed fretwork.

I threw an Aguilar OBP-3, EMG P, and EMG TW into mine, then slapped on a set of Fodera Heavies. It is by far the most versatile bass I've ever played (except that Ritter Roya at NAMM...). It's seen use in my hard rock/metal band and into my jazz/blues side project.
 
The neck on the Legend is thinner than any Euro or USA I've ever played. Are you not a thin-neck person?

The Peavey Grind is also a great choice, and I've considered getting one. However, for the playability factor, the Spector Legend came in with a decent setup, perfect nut slots, and no needed fretwork.

I threw an Aguilar OBP-3, EMG P, and EMG TW into mine, then slapped on a set of Fodera Heavies. It is by far the most versatile bass I've ever played (except that Ritter Roya at NAMM...). It's seen use in my hard rock/metal band and into my jazz/blues side project.


I love thin and wide necks, that is why I have Ibanez BTB, but I like Spectors growl, I love that low mids and wide bass, but my BTB 405qm lacks there little bit even with midrange pot!!!
 
The neck on the Legend is thinner than any Euro or USA I've ever played. Are you not a thin-neck person?

I actually found the Legend 6 to have a very uncomfortable neck for a six- it was wide at the nut and pretty thick.
 
The neck on the Legend is thinner than any Euro or USA I've ever played. Are you not a thin-neck person?

I don't think I have a real preference when it comes to thickness, I like some thick and some thin necks. The one on the legend just didn't suit me. I felt clumsy and awkward playing it. I get a very similar feeling when I play warwick sixers even though these two aren't that much alike. I really like the legend 4 string neck though. I wouldn't mind owning one of those.

And I agree, if some filing and setting up is a no no, the spector is a much safer choice and the quality control is definately better than with grind basses. But then again, I like doing some fretwork and there is usually some room for improvement on most production basses.
 
I have the 6er, and it sounds fine. Not great, but fine. As others have said, the boost only preamp is pretty lacking, but the bass does have a decent sound. Mine badly needed a setup upon arrival because the nut wasn't filed deep enough, making the C string a mile from the fretboard. Once this was taken care of, it is a very playable, good sounding instrument. Especially considering the price! It's a great bass, but I'm looking to upgrade to something nicer now, so if you're willing to blow an additional few hundred bucks, I would say go for something nicer.
 
Bass Player Magazine December 2008: Pros - Clear and even sound throughout the range with excellent ergonomics. Cons - None. Bottom line - A sweet 6 whose quality belies its low price.

Volume/volume layout, as opposed to a more typical volume/blend approach.
 
I just bought a sixer, a Schecter Stiletto Studio, and I like it quite a bit. IIRC, both the Legend and the Studio have the same pickups, EMG hz passive pickups. There are many different opinions on these pickups but I find them more than fine.

I did compare the Studio and the Legend, but I prefer the NT and the preamp/eq is better on the Studio (besides it's 18v). I also liked the neck profile on the Studio much better.

At this price point, ($700~800 new) there is the Ibanez SR706, SR 506 ($550), and the BTB676. I always wanted a BTB676 since it came out but I was really unsure about buying one sight unseen.

There is also the Schecter Riot 6 string which is on clearance at MF & GC for $600, a steal IMHO.
Here is a pic:
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Well built
Plays Great
Pre-amp is usable if you're careful (Its boost only no cut)
My only complaint is the weight. Hang one off your shoulder for 4hrs on a Saturday night and you'll see what I mean.

If you're a straping young lad with broad shoulders and lots of energy you'll be just fine, but I had to retire mine for the sake of my old bones.
 
I just bought a sixer, a Schecter Stiletto Studio, and I like it quite a bit. IIRC, both the Legend and the Studio have the same pickups, EMG hz passive pickups. There are many different opinions on these pickups but I find them more than fine.

I did compare the Studio and the Legend, but I prefer the NT and the preamp/eq is better on the Studio (besides it's 18v). I also liked the neck profile on the Studio much better.

At this price point, ($700~800 new) there is the Ibanez SR706, SR 506 ($550), and the BTB676. I always wanted a BTB676 since it came out but I was really unsure about buying one sight unseen.

There is also the Schecter Riot 6 string which is on clearance at MF & GC for $600, a steal IMHO.
Here is a pic:
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The Legend has the EMG SSDs. They are passive, but have more prominent midrange than the HZs.
 
There are other nice basses in the price range (it still amazes me how good "low-midrange" basses have gotten) such as the Ibanez SR-506 and BTB-675 as well as Schecter models, but as a Spector player I'm on your side in saying that the Legend Classic is the best of the bunch. I'm not a six-string player anymore but as I prefer bolt-on basses to neck-throughs and they don't make a ReBop 6-string, if I were to pick up a 6er I might very well go *down* to the Legend rather than *up* to the Euro LX 6-string.

I'm not bashing the Legend, but, I dunno about them being the best of the bunch. I'd say they're on par with the SR506/706 and BTB675.

The Legend and Ibanez's are both well constructed but I think you get more tonal flexibility out of the Ibanez's due to the Legends boost only preamp.

To the OP play the Legend, Ibanez's and any other 6er you can afford and let your ears and hands be your guide.