Spector vs music man bass

[Jesuguru]

Echoing others: If at all possible, try before buying. I've owned Spector and played plenty of Stingrays.
Spector - Pros: crisp, articulate, refined modern "hi-fi" tone, great low B if you play 5'ers (partly due to 35"), more stable necks (multi-lam, graphite-reinforced).
Cons: Short upper horn and 35" scale means it doesn't balance quite as well standing up, longer reach to lowest fret(s). Less "aggressive" tone if that's what you're after (see below).

Stingray - Pros: That thick tone that others can approach, but not really duplicate. "One-trick pony", but it's quite a trick. Perfectly balanced IME.
Cons: Flip side of above, sometimes less tonally versatile (though the 2-pickup variants help). D and G strings can sometimes be weaker than lower strings. On 5'ers, the G string nut is cut a little too close, so it can tend to slip off the edge of the fingerboard depending on playing style IME. Less stable one-piece necks.

One wildcard to consider: G&L. The MFD pickup(s) can get more EBMM-like than a Spector, and more Spector-like than an EBMM. You may or may not find it to be a happy medium.

 

[58kites]

Spector is gonna offer more flexible options. You can get a P/J or soapbars and those soapbar pups can be P, J, or dual coil internally. You could mix and match, series/parallel or coil tap them. You can swap pickups and preamp whenever your bands or tastes change. With the MM Stingray you get basically that one Humbuker tone. That tone rules but it's more of a one trick pony. There's not a lot of difference to be had by swapping MM electronics. Even so, I own a 94 MM Stingray b/c it's awesome but it's not my only bass.

I don't agree that a StingRay is a one trick pony.
StingRays have been used to record many different sounding records...starting with tons of Funk, R&B and Disco, then over to Cliff Williams making AC/DC records, Tony Levin recording with King Crimson, Peter Gabriel and Alice Cooper, Queen records with John Deacon, Rage Against The Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pino used to record with one, Tom Hamilton used one with Aerosmith before he moved to G&L, John Taylor in Duran Duran, Ben Orr in the Cars, Gary Tallent in Bruce Springsteen's E-Street Band...the list goes on.

 

[cocovan]

I'm biased, so I would go with the Musicman, I've been playing a 78 translucent green Sabre forever and have played a lot of other basses, but I always come back home to my Sabre......

 

[Thegrandwazoo]

You’re going to get the same advice that everyone gets when asking a similar question.
Play them both if possible and see which one you like.
It’s good advice.

I also understand that it may not be possible for you to do so.
I’m that case you are going to get subjective opinions based on others preferences.
They’re both great instruments.
Try Out one of each if you can

I’m partial to Music Man myself (for what it’s worth)

That, exactly. Look particularly into Sterlings or 2-pickup Stingrays or Bongos if you choose the Music Man route and want a little added versatility. I've personally never played a Spector that felt or played quite how I wanted it to, but they're outstanding instruments just the same.

 

[Gyver]

Problem solved!

Music Man Stingray 4 String Bass 1997 Black | Music Folk | Reverb

Spector NS4 CRFM 2000 | Andrey's Gear Outlet | Reverb

 

[Hevy T]

If it was me I would look for a used Spector Euro and a Sterling Ray 34 or 35...depending if I wanted 4 or 5 string. Then I would take my change and go out for supper with my wife. Let someone else pay the depreciation

BTW OP especially the Sterlings with the roasted maple necks, it is hard to find a better musicman styled bass at any price point

 

[bbh]

I recommend keep the bass and upgrade to Bergantino, Wayne Jones or similar high end cabinets.

 

[sonic 7]

I’ll chime in for used. Scroll around on The classifieds here , or Reverb. $2500 gets some pretty awesome stuff. I kind of like a bass that comes with a little wear and a few dings. I tend to bond with them quicker than with a pristine shiny new one.

 

[BobKos]

Just a thought. Route the Jazz Bass for a set of Nordstrand Big Splits. Drop in a J-East Retro Deluxe or Audere Jazz Pro Plate Preamp. Instant punch for way less than $2500.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Torn on what next bass I should get. Just want some options. I’m gonna drop about 2500 on one. Never spent that kinda $$$ on a bass. I’m currently use a fender jazz squire. The 600 $$$ one I like it but what more punch. I’m using a gallien Kruger 1200 with one 4/10 and 2/10 cabs. Also wondering should I go with 1 /15 cab ?

Not much help here on which bass as either will do just fine. As for the speaker cab situation, well that’s another story.

The main problem with miss matched cabs is balancing the output of each cab to the desired level with a mono amp. There are also issues with max wattage ratings that can cause a lot of unused capacity, and or potential omage issues. Blending cab tuning can be an issue as well.

If it were me, and I’m going to do away with my 4-10, I’d buy 1 or 2 more 2-10 cabs the same as the 2 that I have as opposed to throwing a 1-15 in the mix.

 

[Arthur U. Poon]

I’d go for a Spector, they rule but can be a tad of a reach on the fretting arm reaching to the 1st fret.

+1.
Great point. I came from playing a US made EBMM Sterling when I bought my Spector, and there was a bit of an adjustment getting used to the longer reach to the 1st fret, but over time I got used to it, but it’s something to consider.

I own both, and as many have said, you can’t go wrong with either, and if it all possible, play both to hear and feel which you prefer.

Once I became accustomed to my Spector, it’s one of my favorite basses to play. Their design feels like it becomes a part of you. I have the P/J setup in my Czech-made NS4CRFM, and for me, it’s very versatile.

Soundwise IMO they’re quite different. For a EBMM bass, I personally prefer the US Made Sterling model. Mine is a single pickup model, and I like it better than a StingRay because of the ability to switch the pickup from Parallel to Series winding. I believe the StingRay is wired in parallel, which to me sounds a bit mid-scooped. I know this is the iconic StingRay sound, but I prefer the fatter, more aggressive sound of my Sterling’s pickup in series. And the Sterling’s body is slightly downsized, and they have a really slim feeling neck. Very similar to a Jazz Bass.

So, to the OP: If at all possible, also try out a US made EBMM Sterling, and please don’t confuse it with the offshore made “Sterling” line of basses.

 

[Arthur U. Poon]

Echoing others: If at all possible, try before buying. One wildcard to consider: G&L. The MFD pickup(s) can get more EBMM-like than a Spector, and more Spector-like than an EBMM. You may or may not find it to be a happy medium.

Very solid advice here. Definitely include G&L basses when you’re considering buying an EBMM bass.

 

[LoTone]

Let me throw a wrench in...
Are you really sure the instrument is the issue here?
It could be amp, cab, eq, strings, etc...
If you want to buy a nice bass. That's fine. I am guilty as charged. Been there done that.
But, in the OP, you seem to explain that you want to throw $2.5K at some gear to fix a punch problem.
It sounds vaguely familiar and I fear you might end up disappointed.

 

[andruca]

If I had that $2500 I would just buy used, and get one of each

+1000

 

[scowboy]

I guess you've never seen the dual pickup StingRays? They came in both HH and HS for some years.
And then you have the Sabre that while discontinued, its not hard to find one. And that one bass does HH, HS, and P.

Counterpoint ... I had a new Spector Euro LX some years ago which had neck issues right off the wall in the shop. First thing that happened was to spend $200 to make it right. Seriously beautiful bass though. Over the years I’ve had several of each but I prefer the Stingray because of its Fender like ergonomics and of course I love the Stingray tone.

 

[Bassconbeatz]

Echoing others: If at all possible, try before buying. I've owned Spector and played plenty of Stingrays.
Spector - Pros: crisp, articulate, refined modern "hi-fi" tone, great low B if you play 5'ers (partly due to 35"), more stable necks (multi-lam, graphite-reinforced).
Cons: Short upper horn and 35" scale means it doesn't balance quite as well standing up, longer reach to lowest fret(s). Less "aggressive" tone if that's what you're after (see below).

Stingray - Pros: That thick tone that others can approach, but not really duplicate. "One-trick pony", but it's quite a trick. Perfectly balanced IME.
Cons: Flip side of above, sometimes less tonally versatile (though the 2-pickup variants help). D and G strings can sometimes be weaker than lower strings. On 5'ers, the G string nut is cut a little too close, so it can tend to slip off the edge of the fingerboard depending on playing style IME. Less stable one-piece necks.

One wildcard to consider: G&L. The MFD pickup(s) can get more EBMM-like than a Spector, and more Spector-like than an EBMM. You may or may not find it to be a happy medium.

+1 on G&L, especially the new builds. They also have a custom shop which is in par with Fender's. What also makes them special, it was Leo Fender's last company. They also have a lot of history which involves many of Leo's past companies. Check out some videos on Youtube.

 

[groove pump]

Torn on what next bass I should get. Just want some options. I’m gonna drop about 2500 on one. Never spent that kinda $$$ on a bass. I’m currently use a fender jazz squire. The 600 $$$ one I like it but what more punch. I’m using a gallien Kruger 1200 with one 4/10 and 2/10 cabs. Also wondering should I go with 1 /15 cab ?

Agree with our pals in terms of the dimensions of a lot of Spectors. I'd probably have one of their neck-thru's myself if they fit me better on a strap, but the shorter upper horn (shorter compared with others including traditional Fenders and MM's) does make for a reach to that lower register.

I like both brands, but if your needle gets leaning more toward Spector, try to hang one on your shoulder and play it for 15-20 minutes to see how it works for you like that.

 

[rocknrolo]

I am a stingray/fender player and I find that the stingrays are easier to transition to if you are using the squire. Same style and all with a higher-end touch.

 

[Gizmot]

I played a Spector Euro a few times because a church that I used to play at had it as a spare. I thought it sounded really good and I especially appreciated how solid the neck-through construction felt.
I’m playing a MusicMan right now and I think it plays better and is more comfortable. Sound-wise, I’d give the edge yo the Musicman.
I also own a G&L L2500 and I think it sounds the best of all of these.its MFD pickups are absolutely killer. They have more raw power and the bass has a wide range of sounds.

 

[Rdore2000]

Spector is gonna offer more flexible options. You can get a P/J or soapbars and those soapbar pups can be P, J, or dual coil internally. You could mix and match, series/parallel or coil tap them. You can swap pickups and preamp whenever your bands or tastes change. With the MM Stingray you get basically that one Humbuker tone. That tone rules but it's more of a one trick pony. There's not a lot of difference to be had by swapping MM electronics. Even so, I own a 94 MM Stingray b/c it's awesome but it's not my only bass.

Not necessarily. He could always get a Cutlass or a Caprice, if that's the tone he'd like.