Stingray 5 VS. Spector NSCR 5 VS. Peavey Cirrus 5

I've been playing for over 25 years and have owned many different kinds of basses and have played many different styles of music.

The band I'm in now is a cover band and we do quite a bit of different types of music with each requiring a different "sound" from my bass. I've never come across a bass that can cover the spectrum in tone better than my Peavey Cirrus 5 string.

Mine has the Bubinga/Walnut combination and the Cirrus has a three band EQ, with 100% silent bridge and neck pickups, with a pickup blend control knob (instead of a switch). That, together with altering my technique gives me alot of different tones that cover just about every other bass I've owned put together.

I can literally get almost a fretless sound out of it, a P-bass sound, a Rick sound and plenty more. By altering my technique and all the adjustments on the Cirrus, I've got every sound I need covered. It's also the best bass I've ever taken to a studio. I go direct and attain whatever sound I want with the bass.

 

I personally would say go with the cirrus, because I love cirruses. I to have the bubinga walnut (mines a 6). The other two are also good choices though. If you like punk, or slap, I'd probably say go with the string ray, but it is probably the least versatile. The spector is just an allround good bass, when I was looking for a new bass I considered between the cirrus and spector. In the end I decided "I" thought that the peavey was more playable, and had a more versatile tone. The cirrus is also excelent for Stu hamm style tapping if that interests you.
I would say try out the cirrus, and spector and see which one you like best for your style of music. I would go with the cirrus, but YOU may like something else better.
Good luck!

 

Deep booming voice on:
There is only one bass and he shall be named SPECTOR. Voice off

Really they are all great basses I preferr the spector and you will be truly happy with it. Having played all I can say ther is not a wrong way to go but the spectors are well......Spectors. My rank

1)Spector
2)Cirrus (only above MM because of versatility)
3)MM

 

This is a real tough question. All 3 are great basses.

The MM is, well, an MM. You know exactly what you can do with it, fairly versatile, good B. Can approximate the Stingray tone well. Fairly big neck.

Spector is an awesome bass. EMG's, good bridge and tuners, well made, very nice IMO. Neck is a bit fat, but I like fat necks(P versus J, P wins for me). Versatile as anything.

Cirrus, are very underrated. You just need go to talk to embellisher about a Cirrus to hear good things about them. I've never played one, but from what I've heard it still wouldn't sway me froma Spector. I'm not a fan of 'Ray 5's, (don't like the electronics or pickguard), so out of the three my choice would be the Spector.

But, know this: Whatever you buy, you will have a great bass. Have fun choosing!

 

My vote definitely goes to the Spector. I own both a Stingray 5 (could be up for sale soon) and a Czech Spector 5, and I would take the Spector over the 'Ray in any situation. I just love the sound of it for heavier music and funky stuff (both the Stingray's claim to fame). The Spector just has the right sound and feel to me.

To be fair, I have only played Cirrus 4 and 6 strings, and that was unplugged. I would have to say the feel is definitely as good or better than the Spector, but I don't think the tone would be what I'm looking for. The Spector is probably not as versatile as the Cirrus, but it's no one-trick-pony either. My suggestion is to A/B the Spector and Cirrus and see which one fits your musical situation the best....

Or just save up and buy a Sadowsky.

 

try out both and see what you like (get the cirrus). only you can decide what you like (what you like is the cirrus, get the cirrus). and after you've tried out all of the basses you're considering, get the cirrus.

 

If you don't get the 'Ray 5 now, you'll be buying it later...

 

Nice advice, Voodoo!

You are in the very fortunate situation of choosing between three very good basses. If this is your biggest gear quandry, then consider yourself lucky.

That said, I would opt for the Cirrus. My reasons why:
1. Value - new or used, they offer fantastic feel, sound, design, reliability, and build quality for basses costing $1,000 more.
2. Flexibility - like Sundogue said, you can get an incredible range of tones by adjusting the (incredibly quiet and sensitive) controls and varying your technique. I would opt for the "Pro" option with the variable midrange control, personally.
3. Feel - incredible balance, extremely comfortable neck, and a very light body.
4. B string - awesome.

The Stingray isn't as flexible, but it is phenomenal at it's strong points. The Spector is great, but it just doesn't fire me up as much as the Cirrus.

Disclaimer - I own a walnut/wenge fretless 6. However, I have played both the MM and Spector enough to form solid opinions.

As always, your results may vary, but have fun figuring it all out!

 

Well, I just got a Spector NS5CR this afternoon. I bought it mostly because it was very reasonably-priced, and the whole Sting connection. EMG's are a little bright for me, but I have to say that the Spector is a pretty darned versatile bass. It certainly can cut well with its punchy bridge pickup, but I think using pickup blend and the onboard EQ, you can get some nice thick tones out of it as well.

 

You are in the position of having to decide between 3 really good basses.

Stingray, I love the 4 string, the 5 just doesn't quite nail the Stingray tone, although it's closer than anything else. Ernie Ball has great quality control, their fit & finish will compare with anything in their price range, except for Czech Spectors and Peavey Cirruses(how the heck do you pluralize Cirrus??)

Czech Spectors have awesome fit & finish, and have great electronics and construction. The ones with the transparent colors over flame maple are very beautiful too. They have that EMG tone though, and while a lot of people like it, it is pretty hard to EQ it out if you don't. They are also very heavy, make sure that you play one standing up with a strap before you buy it.

Peavey Cirrus. Aww yeah. The fit & finish on the Cirrus is right up there with the Spector, although I think that the Spector may have a slight edge. The Cirrus line is well made, and you have your choice of several wood combinations if you don't mind waiting for them to build it. The electronics are the best factory electronics I have ever heard, IMHO on par with the big aftermarket brands like Bartolini and Basslines/Duncan. I have a Zon with Bart soapbars and preamp, and my Cirrus Custom sounds every bit as good, and better than my Pedulla with Bart J pickups. The Cirrus is also lighter than the Stingray, and much lighter than the Czech Spector. Like Danny said, the Custom with the sweepable midrange is even more versatile than the regular Cirrus line. I have the Cirrus Custom 6, and it is one of the best basses I have ever played. The only ones that I have played that I like more are my Zon Sonus Custom fretless 5, and Jeff Rader's Sadowsky 5.

But play all 3, and decide for yourself. Your taste may be different than mine.

 

Cirrus is a Old Latin word. the language of ancient Rome. and if you want to pluralize Cirrus in the correct latin way you have to write Cirri

 

and i'm want more and more a couploe of Cirri...
buy can you believe that in italy the only bass made by peavey that is imported is the Fury?

 

actually it would be Cirri with a long i, but that key does not seem to be on my keyboard.

 

If you're interested in the Cirrus you should check the Peavey Millennium also. Great bass!

 

I must say you should elaborate on your style a bit.. the chezh spector is a cool bass, sounds great... but it doesn't reach out and bite me like the Stingray and the Cirrus. I was going to buy a cirrus a few months ago... hands down didn't want anything else.... but then I picked up the stingray 5 and I knew I had to have it... I still want a Cirrus but for what I do right now, I can't beat the stingray. Being in a band that Is piano, bass, and drums, i need something that will have such distinction in its tone that you can hear it through the mix.. I think all three of these basses will do that, but the stingray just adds something special... for me anyway... That said... Get whichever bass makes you happy.. I can't tell you what you are going to fall in love.. whatever bass is most comfortable to you and sounds best to you..

Peace

 

I own 3 NSCR Spectors (two 5's and a 4) and they're the cream of the crop. They're all I need. I've reviewed many basses for a now defunct (not due to wonderful reviews) Phoenix area musicians mag. I tested quite a few very high end basses but none that would sway me away from Spector!

Here is my personal opinion on the order I'd place these basses:

1. Spector NS-CR Spector
2. Peavey Cirrus
3. Music Man

A few more very honorable mentions that are of high quality and a bit more affordable are:
1. Dean Edge Improv
2. Brian Moore i-series

Links:
www.spectorbass.com
www.peavey.com
www.bmcguitars.com
www.deanguitars.com
www.ernieball.com