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Spector NS2-A

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by Minimalist, Nov 8, 2001.

  1. Nov 8, 2001 #1
    Minimalist

    Minimalist

    Nov 8, 2001
    Stone Mountain, GA
    I just saw in a Pawn shop a Spector NS2-A. It was not in very good condition. Kind of filthy and the screws for the pickups were rusty. The pots were sratching and the finish had several nicks. Also the neck was to straight. But actually I couldn't find anything that I couldn't fix with a setup. They were asking $230.00. I have no idea if this is reasonable? Any help is appreciated. :rolleyes:
     
  2. Nov 8, 2001 #2
    liran

    liran

    Dec 18, 2000
    San Antonio, Texas
    Where is this pawn shop at again?
     
  3. Nov 8, 2001 #3
    RAM

    RAM

    May 10, 2000
    Chicago, IL
    NS2-A? Any way to tell how old it is? I'm assuming it's a neck-through, is this correct?

    Think this could be an old US model? If so, it's probably worth over $1,000, assuming no structural issues...too hard to tell, though, without knowing more about it...
     
  4. Nov 8, 2001 #4
    Minimalist

    Minimalist

    Nov 8, 2001
    Stone Mountain, GA
    The NS2-A was made (according to the Spector homepage) between 86-90 in Korea. From what I read, it is similar to the NS2 that was made in the USA but has some significant differences (plastic nut, pickups etc.). I just couldn't find any of these for sale, so I need an idea if this is a really good deal (have to convince the boss at home). BTW a case included.
     
  5. Nov 8, 2001 #5
    Nino Valenti

    Nino Valenti Supporting Member Commercial User

    Feb 2, 2001
    Staten Island NYC
    Builder: Valenti Basses
    It's a great deal & I would jump on it. I've seen them on eBay in the $350-500 range. I've been looking for one for a while w/no luck....


    ...I wanna pay as little as possibe. :p
     
  6. Nov 9, 2001 #6
    Mike

    Mike

    Sep 7, 2000
    Cali
    The NS2A is a neck thru made in Korea just like the web page says. It had the same quality hardware of the NS2 but different PU's, less exotic rosewood and inlays. I owned one about 10 years ago and it was a great bass. I would be all over one for $230. See if they'll take $200 out the door. It is comparable to the NS 2000/4 today (not the Q4 just 4.)
     
  7. Nov 9, 2001 #7
    Minimalist

    Minimalist

    Nov 8, 2001
    Stone Mountain, GA
    I am actually positiv that I can get them down. Does anybody have an idea what wood the body is (I guess the neck is maple/rosewood)?

    Another questioin may sound dump but I just need verification. Will it sound really different from my MIM Precision with EMG P/J combination? That's what I am after. I guess it will because the construction is just so different but I don't know for sure.

    And how close will it come with EMG's to the original?
     
  8. Nov 9, 2001 #8
    Mike

    Mike

    Sep 7, 2000
    Cali
     
  9. Nov 9, 2001 #9
    Mr. Dead

    Mr. Dead

    Jul 11, 2000
    Phoenix, Arizona area
    The stock hardware of the NS-2A is not of the same quality of the US made NS-2. The NS-2A featured a die cast bridge, generic tuners (in a Gotoh like design) and a plastic nut. The NS-2 features a brass bridge, Gotoh tuners and a brass nut.
     
  10. Nov 9, 2001 #10
    Mike

    Mike

    Sep 7, 2000
    Cali


    I stand corrected. Still had great tone though.;)
     
  11. Nov 9, 2001 #11
    Minimalist

    Minimalist

    Nov 8, 2001
    Stone Mountain, GA

    As long as the tuners are tuning I don't care. The bridge may have an influence, but AFAIK the Schaller bridge on the Sadowsky's is allso a die cast bridge. Maybe different, but not a quality issue. I probably will change the nut though. I am sure that will make a difference. Espacially for open strings.

    Thanks for all the infos from all of you.

    :)
     
  12. Nov 9, 2001 #12
    Mr. Dead

    Mr. Dead

    Jul 11, 2000
    Phoenix, Arizona area
    The tuners should turn, not a problem. it's just that the higher quality tuners will turn more smoothly. As far as the bridge goes, the Schaller die cast bridge on the Sadowsky is much better than on the NS-2A. But, for $200 and change, you can't expect the world. Besides, these basses sold for about $700-$800 the last time they were available new in the early '90's.
    What I would suggest most if you buy this bass is to eventually change the stock pickups to EMG's (if they haven't been already), change the preamp to an EMG or Aguilar and you already mentioned the nut, graphite or brass should do it.
    Lastly, the body is made of standard maple FYI.

    Good luck!
     
  13. Nov 9, 2001 #13
    Minimalist

    Minimalist

    Nov 8, 2001
    Stone Mountain, GA
    FYI

    According to Spector (PJ Rubal;National Product Manager) most of the NS2-A where made in Japan and the tuners were Schallers. The circuit was made in Japan and a copy of the one Made in USA.
     
  14. Nov 9, 2001 #14
    Mr. Dead

    Mr. Dead

    Jul 11, 2000
    Phoenix, Arizona area
    Although it is possible that some portions of the bass may have been made outside Korea,it is hard to believe that most of the bass was built in Japan because of the "Made in Korea" stamp on the back of the headstock. It doesn't really matter where it's made, as long as you enjoy it. Just trying to make a point here.
    I knew a few folks that have/ may still own an NS-2A and the concensus is to change out the electronics because that was its' weakest link. If you buy it, take it to a store that has a newer more pricey Spector (Europe or USA line) and compare for yourself if you feel the need to upgrade the electronics.
     
  15. Nov 9, 2001 #15
    Minimalist

    Minimalist

    Nov 8, 2001
    Stone Mountain, GA
    I didn't mean to be a smarta**. I was just surprised myself when I got that mail. I even mailed back and asked, because their webpage says that the NS2-A was made in Korea. Anyway, like you said it pretty much doesn't matter. IMHO there are two mayor issues when it comes to good sounding instruments:
    1) Supplies
    2) Quality control
    If the right parts are put together right it doesn't matter where they were put together.

    But you are right. The pickups and electronics really suck. The dry sound is great and I can't imagine how good this bass will sound after an upgrade. That is my first non Fender-like instrument that I own and I think I am going to like it. Isn't it strange. I play for about 20 years now and always played some kind of a P or a J-Bass. I won's stop using them though.

    Thanks again for all your input.
     
  16. Nov 10, 2001 #16
    Mr. Dead

    Mr. Dead

    Jul 11, 2000
    Phoenix, Arizona area
    That's alright, I didn't fell you were being a smart @$$. You were just relaying the info you were given. I own 3 Spector basses so I kinda know a little bit about them.

    The suggested preamp replacements for your NS-2A are the EMG BTS system or the Aguilar OPB-1.
    Either should cost around $75.

    The EMG p/j pickup replacements should cost you about $125. So, only $200 more for a good sounding bass. Best of luck and keep us up to date on the progress!