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Spector vs. Warwick for first "modern" bass?

fu22ba55

fu22ba55

Apr 16, 2009
2,564
2,990
#1
I'm 38, and I've never played a bass made after 1977. (except for a G&L for a while)

I was in Sam Ash the other day and plugged in a cheapo spector just to test out an amp, and I was confused and mystified by it's non fender/gibson-ness.

I'm kind of GASsing now for a "modern" bass, to see what it's all about. Not a Lakland or Mike Lull where they put modern electronics in a vintage form, but a true "modern" bass... and I think I've narrowed it down to Warwick and Spector (the nice ones) based on cost, availability, and looks, etc...

Should I consider other makers, or are there pros / cons to warwicks and spectors. Or is it just a YMMV, fender vs. gibson style argument?
 
#6
which spector and which warwick? there is a LAAAAAAAAAAAAARGE difference between Legend and Euro and USA.

both basses have modern sound... I was playng on Warwick Streamer 4lx and Spector euro 4dlx-35 (both PJ) i think that spector is more bright and agressive.

and i think Spector is prettiest than Warwick :P

i would choose Spector. but i have GAS to Spector 5LX so dont listen to me ;)
 
#9
Well, I tend to prefer Spector but I think that it's personal preference as well. Even though I have a preference for Spectors, I've been look for a 4-string and have been considering 2-3 Warwick models in addition to a Spector Euro, and I don't think a Warwick would be a step down in terms of quality or sound. They are just different, but both good and you won't really go wrong either way. Also, don't overlook EBMM for a good modern tone.

That said, a 4-string Spector neck-through Euro with the EMG P/J setup produces an AMAZING tone with enormous amounts of growl. My favorite bass tone for hard rock, metal, slap, really the best modern tone I've come across yet.
 
#12
Both Warwick and Spector can be pretty heavy. I owned a SSD maple top five string that was an incredible bass. If I can ever get up another $3,000-$5,000 again, I would happily get another. That said, the Warwick Streamer is essentially a Spector in all but name, and it is a great bass too. If you can handle the balancing issues, a Thumb is a wonderful bass.

Finally, if you really love a Semi-Fender feel, a HH Stingray is an awesome take on the modern bass tone.
 
#14
geeza said:
I'd go with the Warwick there, Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer.
Click to expand...

I literally laughed out loud when I read this.

---

Thanks for all the useful and insightful commentary here.

I think part of my confusion was the fact that streamer and spector have a similar body shape. I always saw those basses and just assumed "modern bass". I didn't realize they both made that shape body.

All your comments help, and I'll definitely try EBMM as well.

I'm think I'm kind of leaning towards Warwick, mainly because of more choices for body shape and the Entwhistle provenance, but the Euro spectors look pretty sweet too.

Thanks for the input.
 
#16
chump stain said:
I think the only similarities are the body shape. I've never heard a Spector sound like a Streamer Stage II.

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Click to expand...

You do realise that you're comparing a top of the line ($4000) HH Warwick with a mid grade ($2000) PJ Spector, right? Have you tried a comparable Spector?

My NS-5H2 has no problem with the active, modern tone that you're talking about- And then some.
 
#17
I have a Spector Euro 4lx, growl and sustain for days, i´ll never sell that sucker, but i want a Streamer Stage II, they are very different animals so if you have the chance, try them out, and if you can...GET BOTH! :)
 
#19
Do the Spector or Streamer (both 6-strings) have balancing issues?

TS, I'd say go with the Spector. Granted, I've never tried a USA NT/BO, but from the Euro series, I'd say you'd have a winner.

Plus, the neck is much more like that of the old-school basses you're used to. The new Warwicks are supposably reverting back to the old neck profile that I'm unfamiliar with, but as it stands, the '08 models that you find in stores will have the old tree-for-a-neck profile.
 

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