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Spector Timbre - Great bass but issues

Oct 26, 2014
3,824
10,234
Beaumont, Texas
Disclosures
Don't create no problem, won't be no problem.
Folks, want to let everyone about a great bass, AEB, the Spector Timbre.
It was built on the same design as a Tacoma Thunderchief. And has great Acoustic sound, nice neck, Fishman Pre and Pickup. And seems to be a great bass.

But..... the Pin bridge has had issues of cracks between the Bridge Pin Holes. It's a piece of ebony, and whether an issue of string installation or string tension, they tend to crack between the holes. Be aware. Doesn't effect sound, but can effect the Pins staying in. (If you have to hammer a pin in to hold, you are doing something wrong)

Could be because that is a common problem with pin bridge Acoustic basses, and people not knowing the proper way to install strings. Many bassists have no idea of how this style bridge system works. Or it could be an inherent design issue with wood grain alignment between the holes.

The bass sounds great, but the string ball end, needs to be properly anchored under the interior sound board. The pin is actually there only to keep the ball under the soundboard. The tension between the tuners and the string ball anchored properly is what is required.

And maybe that is why it even sounds so great even with the crack between each Pin Hole. I now have two, with the same problem, and I never changed strings they were received this way. One was Used and one was "B" Stock from a USA Guitar Shop.

BTW best way to fix is insert glue into the crack then pull the pins and allow it to close the crack in the grain. And clean up the mess.

Here are pics.
thumbnail 1.jpg

crack.jpg


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Cracked Bridge2.jpg
 
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I’m seriously interested in this particular bass as I’ve found one for sale. The reviews seem good but am looking for an opinion from a bass player who owns one as opposed to presenters on utube who make content, thanks in advance
I just noticed they’re on quite a sale! I’m thinking of just going for it from guitar Center I can always return it.
 
Folks, want to let everyone about a great bass, AEB, the Spector Timbre.
It was built on the same design as a Tacoma Thunderchief. And has great Acoustic sound, nice neck, Fishman Pre and Pickup. And seems to be a great bass.

But..... the Pin bridge has had issues of cracks between the Bridge Pin Holes. It's a piece of ebony, and whether an issue of string installation or string tension, they tend to crack between the holes. Be aware. Doesn't effect sound, but can effect the Pins staying in. (If you have to hammer a pin in to hold, you are doing something wrong)

Could be because that is a common problem with pin bridge Acoustic basses, and people not knowing the proper way to install strings. Many bassists have no idea of how this style bridge system works. Or it could be an inherent design issue with wood grain alignment between the holes.

The bass sounds great, but the string ball end, needs to be properly anchored under the interior sound board. The pin is actually there only to keep the ball under the soundboard. The tension between the tuners and the string ball anchored properly is what is required.

And maybe that is why it even sounds so great even with the crack between each Pin Hole. I now have two, with the same problem, and I never changed strings they were received this way. One was Used and one was "B" Stock from a USA Guitar Shop.

BTW best way to fix is insert glue into the crack then pull the pins and allow it to close the crack in the grain. And clean up the mess.

Here are pics.
View attachment 3119756
View attachment 3119758

View attachment 3119760 View attachment 3119761
I love this. I'm looking to buy a rare B stock Timbre Jr.
 
I've had my Timbre Jr about 3 weeks now and have developed two distinct rattles. The low G on the E string just started tonight. And the F on the A string about a week ago that I think is associated with the jack. So back to the Luither and I sure hope he can resolve this. I love this bass. Plays like a dream. :crying: