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Spector/Zon/ESP/Ibanez

C

cnjvh

Nov 13, 2007
19
1
#1
Currently I play a Spector NS-2B which I consider to be the reference instrument for the tone that I love (warm lows, piano-like highs, and subdued mids).

I decided to look into a 5 string and picked up a Spector NS2000/Q5 from a friend and I have to say I really dislike the tone of this bass. The A, D, and G strings are not bad but any note below that takes on mid overtones that I really do not care for.

So...

I have searched around for a bit and found 4 candidates that I like the look and features of but of course can not audition without purchasing and returning. I really don't want to do that any more than is necessary (not cool for me or the dealer).

So I'm hoping to get a bit of input to help me narrow it down to the bass that get me closest to my beloved NS-2B tone:

Spector ReBop DLX:

Link Removed

ESP B-1005:

http://www.espguitars.com/basses_deluxe.html

Ibanez SR785:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Zon Sonus Standard 5:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

What say you all? I really appreciate any input you can provide :cool:
 
#5
cnjvh said:
What is it you like about Zon that you dislike about the others? Tone? Quality? Other?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Umm...quite the opposite there. Zon is in a different league than all the others.

BUT I was thinking about the Graphite necked Zons. I forgot they do overseas stuff now. I obviously have not played one of those, but if you can ever play a real (graphite) Zon, you'll sell every bass you own to get it :)
 
#6
Bottom line is that if you're looking for 'the tone you love', you can not really choose without playing each instrument. Although each might sound diffent depending on its strings installed. It's a difficult one...
 
#10
IMO in that price range out of those basses... the Spector would definitely come out on top... I love their basses over my two ESP basses and all the Ibanez i've owned in the past.. as far as the Zon... It could just be me.. but having a zon without a graphite neck would make me feel somewhat unsatisfied..
 
#11
Ok...I dont know diddly poop about those other basses, but I have several Spectors and I completely understand your love for the NS-2B...Im partial to the NS-2C's which are similiar, but I have other spectors (check the profile). Anyways, if I were in your shoes, I would definitely go for the 5 string ReBop (but I wouldnt buy a new one...ReBops lose their resale quickly...buy used). Take out the stock HZ pickups and preamp..and replace them with EMG 40P5 and 40J pickups...and add an EMG BTS or BQC preamp...and there you have a lightweight bolt-on neck Spector with essentially an EMG P/J setup, and a great EQ/Preamp. I had this same exact setup in a ReBop, and it sounded amazing....and its as close as youre gonna get to the sound of your current bass in a 5 string version....the P/J EMG's are the key!! So find yourself a lightly used ReBop 5 for around $500-$600..add the mods for about $300 or less...and youre rockin Buddy!! Everything you love about the Spector, and nothing you dont need,,,and by the way...the necks on the Rebops are sooooooooooooo sweet and smooth.
PM me if you have any questions that I can help ya with!
T-Dar
 
#12
Do not buy a bass you have not heard, especially if you already have something that has the tone you like! (Unless you can re-sell it for apporximately the same price)

I've made my goal to try all the basses I can. Firstly just to know more about them and furthermore to see if there's something better than my current. I've had several that I have been quite sure they will outperform mine. But - none have so far! And I'm glad I have just tried them all out and not bought some unheard.

BTW the "ESP" you linked to is actually a "LTD" - ESPs more low-budget range. Now if you can get your hands on this bass (probably hard to find it):
Invalid Link Removed
That one is a killer, I considered for a long time to get this for my main bass (by playing a friends one). But it sounds different from my Stingray and I would have ended in need to swap my amp to make the most out of this bass so I have skipped this purchase so far.
 
#15
You guys are great...thanks! :-)

I did talk with Spector and the answer appears to be "you cant get there from here at that price range".

PJ at Spector said the tones I didn't like were do to the fact that the Q5 is a bolt-on neck. He was quite confident that I would have the same problem with the ReBop as it si a bolt-on as well.

He recommended either the Euro5LX (neck-thru) or the Legend 5 (set-neck). Euro is out of my price range and the Legend is Basswood (which he admitted may affect the high tones I like so much).

So having the considered the rest of my list, the only true neck thru is the ESP LTD which also has alot more maple (what the NS is made of) in the construction (5 pc. maple neck-thru, mahogany wings). Also comes w/active EMG's. And it is gorgeous IMO.

Think I'll see if GC can order it for a try out. Not sure what their policy is if they order it and I don't want it though...
 
#18
cnjvh said:
You guys are great...thanks! :-)

I did talk with Spector and the answer appears to be "you cant get there from here at that price range".

PJ at Spector said the tones I didn't like were do to the fact that the Q5 is a bolt-on neck. He was quite confident that I would have the same problem with the ReBop as it si a bolt-on as well.

He recommended either the Euro5LX (neck-thru) or the Legend 5 (set-neck). Euro is out of my price range and the Legend is Basswood (which he admitted may affect the high tones I like so much).

So having the considered the rest of my list, the only true neck thru is the ESP LTD which also has alot more maple (what the NS is made of) in the construction (5 pc. maple neck-thru, mahogany wings). Also comes w/active EMG's. And it is gorgeous IMO.

Think I'll see if GC can order it for a try out. Not sure what their policy is if they order it and I don't want it though...
Click to expand...

Don't give up on the 5 string Euro LX if thats the sound you want. If you watch the used market you absolutely CAN find them at the $1500 price point.
 
#19
Ok fine...don't listen to me then....LOL
I think PJ is the greatest but I dont agree with him at all. My Euro 5 doesnt sound much like my NS-2A or my NS-2C's either (bolt-on neck, passive) ...although they all do retain the "Spector growl", there are variations. So what happens when ya get the LTD and it sounds nothing like your Spector? ;) Modern day Spectors with the 40DC EMG's do sound great, don't get me wrong...but they dont have the same balls that the P/J spectors do, IMO.
I think you could find a EURO 5 easily for that price, just have to do some searching. Remember though, the EURO 5's are fairly heavy and the neck is hefty...took me some getting used to.
Incidentally, I have noticed very little difference between the sound of an NS-2A, NS-2B, and the NS-2C's...unless you stick EMG's in them...I have played/owned all of 'em...and love all 3 of them.
Best of luck on your hunt!
 
#20
Dont worry Thundar, I'm listening :-) Still thinking through this thing...

As you all have pointed out I will need to try them. I'm encouraged by the testimonials that the rebop 5 may still be in play as I love Spector and am quite brand loyal to them (but not to the extent of sacrificing tone!)

Hmmm, Amazon has both the rebop and the LTD and has a great return policy...hmmm...
 

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