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Spector NS-2-JA-R or Euro 4 LX?

N

NordLead

Sep 17, 2009
53
0
#1
The USA models are out of my price range, and besides, I'm hearing that with just a little work, the Euros are just as good as the USAs. I've also read that even stock, the USA's quality still can't justify the price. So I'm thinking about getting a Euro instead.

I'm torn between the '83 reissue and the standard Euro 4 LX. I can get a brand new NS-2-JA-R '83 reissue for around $800 or so, but I can also get a used Euro for the same price. After looking at the similar prices, it's either the NS-2-JA-R is just a complete steal, or the Euro 4 LX is a lot better.

I want to opt for getting the better bass here, so I'd rather go with a Euro if it's going to give me a jump in quality.

What do you guys think?
 
#2
Get the Euro. $800 seems to be about the fixed price for a used one, so if you don't like it you can pretty much sell it for what you paid for it. I've had several spector euros, and they are great. I can't comment too much on the US models in that while I've played one, I've never owned one. The only problem with euro spectors is the BIG drop in resale value if you buy new- at least by ebay standards (I've been watching the prices for almost a year, and $800-$1000 is about all they sell for). I can only imagine a new reissue will suffer the same fate.

It's a pity, and I don't know why- spectors are just great!
 
#3
There's not too much information on Spector's website about the NS-2-JA-R - [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

But there seems to be a bit about the Euro 4LX. I tried looking for some reviews here on the forum of the NS-2-JA-R but haven't found much. My best bet is probably to just get a Euro, but I wanted to make 100% certain that I'm not gonna pass on a bass that's just as good new.
 
#5
The thing that's confusing me though is that both of these are European-made. I'd much rather get a Euro over the USA, but this NS-2-JA-R has me wondering what it's like. I haven't found too much info on it and any comparisons to a normal Euro.
 
#6
From being in the market for a year and a half and playing dozens of spectors, I can tell you the Euro models (XXFM, XXQM, LX..) are all amazing. The only NS I found much better was an NS2000/5, which is USA. :p

I have played eight EuroLXs and they've all been awesome.
 
#12
I think you need to look at the actual differences in the two basses you are looking at.

The NS2JAR is a J/J PUP config, while the Euro CLassic is P/J config.

Build quality is probably on par, as both are made by the same elves in the Czech forest. Other differences are the bridges (Quan Badass on the reissue, the locking Spector bridge on the other).

I tested both (two examples of the reissue, and three examples of the Euro) and I went with the reissue...I just liked how it sounded.

I will say that the fretboard is WAY cooler looking on the Euro, but that wasn't quite enough to sway my choice of the tone the NS2JAR produced.

Lastly, the NS2JAR didn't seem to sell very well, and they can be found new for WAAAAY less than you will see them advertised. I purchased mine for less than $700 new, with warranty and all.

So far, I am beyond pleased with my decision.
 
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#14
Also note that the Euros (not the ReBops) are through-necks and the NS-2-JA-R is a bolt-on neck. That alone makes a difference. The through-neck will give a piano-like, long sustain tone, the bolt-on will give a punchy tone. You can't go wrong with either bass. It's all a matter of your preference.
 
#15
I play a fender Jazz and Im thinking about getting a Spector. I was looking at the Legend custom bass 4 or 5 string.......Is there anything I need to know about these bad boys? I wanna go with the passive but I wanted to know whats the differencer between the legend classic and custom. Both have passive humbuckers......I'm trying to figure out where that extra $300 is going if I upgrade and go with the pro series custom.
 
#16
For what it's worth, the NS European model is made in Czechoslovakia where there's a history of making instuments. My impression is that they are not the mass produced non-US made instruments that are not as well made. My NS is a fine piece of work...I would say it's as nice as the US version of the same thing that I played. My ear could not hear much of a difference between the two...but I could hear a difference between the NS and the foreign (Korean, I think) made version...although the Korean version was still a fine instrument for the price...
 
#18
I had an NS-2JA-R. Great bass. Differences between that model and the Euro are delineated above. J/J vs P/J and bolt-on vs neck-thru. So, apples and oranges.

The only reason I moved it on was because I ordered a US Spector NS-2. Similarly, I had a German Sadowsky Metroline Will Lee RW4. I now own a custom NYC Sadowsky Will Lee.

I have no regrets.
 

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