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Spector NS-5CRFM pickup problem

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by 2099, Jul 18, 2003.

  1. Jul 18, 2003 #1
    2099

    2099

    Jul 4, 2003
    Hello,
    I'm not sure if this is the correct place to put this, but here goes. I bought a brand new Spector NS-5CRFM from samash.com and received it yesterday.
    I enjoy this bass very much, but it is broken. When I first plugged it into my amp, which is a Crate BX-15(piece of junk), it cracks and distorts when I hit the strings.
    I suspect it is a problem the pickups, but I don't know. What's bad here is that it's the last one they had, so I was wondering if I should try to get it fixed, I thought perhaps it was something trivial, Or if I should send it back. If I send it back I have to wait about a month and a half to get another.
    Does anyone have any suggestions as to what is wrong and perhaps if there is an easy way to fix it?

    P.S. I know it is not the amp, because my Squier P-Bass and Akai MPC2000XL play through it perfectly.
     
  2. Jul 18, 2003 #2
    5stringDNA

    5stringDNA

    Oct 10, 2002
    Englewood, CO
    Does either of your other basses have as high of output as your spector? I have the exact same bass and the toen is really clean, but if I plug it inot my tiny practice amp it pops, farts, and crackles because the aggie pre-amp overpowers it. Open teh control cavity and if there aren't any loose wires or connections, then your bass is either defective, or your amp can't handle it. Try it on another amp, like at a guitar store, and if it still does it, just send tehthing back. Messing with it yourself can void the warranty, but probably won't since Stu is such a cool guy and spector is a great company.
     
  3. Jul 18, 2003 #3
    2099

    2099

    Jul 4, 2003
    I just took it to a friend's house and plugged it into their bass amp, which is a Peavey with a 15" in it. It still made the noise, but it was nearly as bad. In a moment I'm going to check if there are any loose wires.
     
  4. Jul 18, 2003 #4
    2099

    2099

    Jul 4, 2003
    I just opened it up and the battery had acid all over it. So, I changed it and now it's perfect, thanks for your help.
     
  5. Jul 19, 2003 #5
    2099

    2099

    Jul 4, 2003
    I have 2 more questions I'd like to ask and I figured I'd utilize my already existing thread. First, would it be possible to change the plastic volume/tone knobs for this? If so, what size? I don't really like the plastic and I thought gold knobs would go with the rest of the guitar. Second, since this guitar is a neck through, someone once told me to lay it strings down or it will bow the neck. Is this true? I have a cheap $10 stand and a case that was clearly made for a P or J bass, is it alright to keep it in the case? Thanks for any help in advance.
     
  6. Jul 19, 2003 #6
    20db pad

    20db pad

    Feb 11, 2003
    I been everywhere, man...
    None. At all.
    You can get 'em at:
    www.warmoth.com
    www.stewmac.com
    www.allparts.com

    To quote Hank Hill, "What a load".:) The only neck-through I own now is a Spector built in 1986. It's lived in a gig bag, leaned against the wall, or in a stand for nearly two decades with no problems. It's the same for any other brand.

    It's best to use a gig bag or a Spector case with your bass for long term use due to the different design, but another case will work in a pinch.
     
  7. Jul 19, 2003 #7
    2099

    2099

    Jul 4, 2003
    Yeah, I found the knobs that I like on ebay. They come in 2 different sizes, 6 mm and 1/4", and I figured someone here knew what size this bass is. As for the case, now I have an SKB, but I plan on getting a Spector case.
     
  8. Jul 19, 2003 #8
    Frank Martin

    Frank Martin Bitten by the luthiery bug...

    Oct 8, 2001
    Budapest, Hungary, EU
    Most probably you can change the knobs - the usual size for them is the size of the potentiometer or "pot", on which the knob is put.

    That second sounds quite a strange thing to me (and the knobs, they can be damaged or the axle broken with so much weight, huh?) - but I've got bolt-ons, never heard about that. Shouldnt be a problem if you dont - just loosen the strings when you are not using it for a time (like going to vacation or playing an other bass for a time), that should do

    Third, its a bass - we are not in TalkBassGuitar, just simly TalkBass :D :cool:
    :bassist:

    Oh and one more thing: clean the electronics cavity with a dry cloth, that acid can be corrosive and cause lots of trouble and damage