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Spector Vs Warwick

LCAirPasta

LCAirPasta

Apr 12, 2016
119
145
#1
Now, I know this has been done to death by people asking in general between the two brands, but I have two specific basses I am comparing and I just wanted people's opinions. I am thinking about upgrading from a MIA Fender Jazz bass to a Warwick or a Spector. The two I am looking at are a Warwick German Pro Series Corvette and a Spector Euro 4LX. Is the Spector worth the extra ~$500? Any opinions on feel/tone/weight/neck shape? Thanks in advance!
 
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#4
I had a Spector Euro 4LX. It was rather heavy. The sound was good, quality-built as well. The thick neck bothered me. It's also a bit sticky which cannot easily be changed as there is the same paint on the neck and on the body ("neck-through"). Compared to the Corvette you have the curved backside of the body which is really comfortable. Are you looking for a J-Bass pickup configuration on the Warwick? I assume there will be the choice of running it with our without a battery. An option the Spector does not have.
 
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#6
Both have unique tones despite having one model that is similar in appearance. The biggest difference between them in tone is the presentation of the highs, and where the peak of the low mids are. Warwick basses have a glassy quality to the highs that is very unique. Spector basses have a more traditional bite, with a fair amount of rattle.
Warwick basses have the low mids tuned a little higher. This is where they really cut through, which may not work for everyone. Spector basses are very deep and have a lot of low rumble to them.
Price is a major factor. Euro Spector models are a phenomenal value that Warwick simply doesn't have competition for. Even US models are cheaper than some of the German Warwick basses. The full line of Spector basses are easier to find in the US. Despite the company's large size, Warwick has s rather poor supply chain in the US.
If you have the cash, Warwick basses are really the best of the best in the top end. If Spector is a Corvette, Warwick is a Ferrari or Lambo.
 
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#7
Warwick all the way. Swamp ash body means lighter weight than the Spector. No idea what these Spector fanboys are smoking. Just make sure it's a German made Warwick. If it's any of the cheaper models then yes, I'd recommend Spector.
 
#8
Warpeg said:
I've owned many of both models. IMO, the Spector is the better buy. While the Corvette does a great job of nailing the "Warwick growl", I wouldn't say that it is a good all-around instrument. The Spector will be more versatile, perhaps more comfortable, and likely will be lighter weight.
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lol! ok.. Swamp ash Warwick with slimmer neck similar to the Ibanez.. the Spector on the other hand..thicker neck, slight heavier weight.. sterile EMGs. Spector versatile? The Corvette $$ has the option to switch coils AND a active/passive switch.. Spector doesn't give you that option unless you go for the mega expensive signature models.

If you're a stand still jazz/funk player then the Spector sure but if you're into rock and metal. Warwick hands down.
 
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#13
Rnr..........4 said:
Technically they are a little. The bass player does slow, melodic bass playing. I was talking about bands like Motorhead, Venom. Speed metal type stuff I'd rather choose Warwick but then again Ian Hill of Judas Priest plays a Spector Euro.
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Yeah, forgot about Ian Hill.

Also: Alex Webster (Cannibal Corpse), Doug Wimbish (Living Colour), Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree). If anything, Spector is LEAST known for being used in Jazz, Pop or even Rock type stuff. I mean, they also use them in those genres, but the brand is most known for hard rock/metal. I think Jason Newstead (Metallica) may have used one at some point.

But even though Spectors are known for this, they are very versatile instruments - the problem is some players don't know how to use their bass and amp tone and volume controls! Seriously, if you put everything on 10, then sure, you will get a modern, heavy, growling tone on a Spector. But play around with the tone and volume controls a bit and pick up settings and you can get a lot of different tones.
 
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#14
LCAirPasta said:
Now, I know this has been done to death by people asking in general between the two brands, but I have two specific basses I am comparing and I just wanted people's opinions. I am thinking about upgrading from a MIA Fender Jazz bass to a Warwick or a Spector. The two I am looking at are a Warwick German Pro Series Corvette and a Spector Euro 4LX. Is the Spector worth the extra ~$500? Any opinions on feel/tone/weight/neck shape? Thanks in advance!
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Having had both - I still own the Spector. Lighter, better tone, better playability, better made (IMHO).
Edit: My Corvette was passive and sounded anemic. I see that this Warwick is active, so I can't speak to the tone.
 
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#15
Glenn Johnson said:
Having had both - I still own the Spector. Lighter, better tone, better playability, better made (IMHO).
Edit: My Corvette was passive and sounded anemic. I see that this Warwick is active, so I can't speak to the tone.
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Depends what we're talking about. I like Spector P/J basses and Warwick Corvettes use the dual soapbars. Both different in their own way. If you can afford both. Get both. I do prefer the Spector neck to the Warwick jazz type neck.
 
#16
I have owned basses from each brand and although you can play any genre with either brand I have found Spectors voiced more for modern funk/rock and Warwicks more for jazz/gospel/r&b. To me, it’s just in the nature of EMGs vs MECs.

As for Corvettes vs Euros, IME, Euros are several steps above in quality. A Euro vs a SS1 comes down to personal preference. The necks are vastly different as are the “normal” pups found in either bass. The slimmer SS1 neck feels better to me. Neither the MECs or the EMGs with Tone Pumps work for me in the context of a band.
 
#18
jmattbassplaya said:
I have owned basses from each brand and although you can play any genre with either brand I have found Spectors voiced more for modern funk/rock and Warwicks more for jazz/gospel/r&b. To me, it’s just in the nature of EMGs vs MECs.

As for Corvettes vs Euros, IME, Euros are several steps above in quality. A Euro vs a SS1 comes down to personal preference. The necks are vastly different as are the “normal” pups found in either bass. The slimmer SS1 neck feels better to me. Neither the MECs or the EMGs with Tone Pumps work for me in the context of a band.
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Spector Euros now use Bartolini, DiMarzio and Aguilar pickups and some have the Darkglass pre. It's not just EMG and Tonepump. There are probably more options on a US NS.
 
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#19
I still own a Brooklyn Spector after many years on a Warwick Streamer and now also have a fender Ultra Precision. The Spector are faultless in build, super reliable, and sound great though not as versatile in tone as the fender. They are also heavy unlike the Warwicks which don’t feel as alive in your hand as the Spector but are easier to carry to the gig.
 
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