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The Spector model for me?

N

NordLead

Sep 17, 2009
53
0
#1
I ran a search and came up with over 50 pages worth of stuff, but I was on the 7th page and couldn't find exactly what I was looking for. Sorry if this is a repost.


I need a bass for studio recording and I've chosen Spector. I'm a guitarist and have little experience with bass gear so I thought I'd ask you guys which Spector would be a good start.

I'm torn between a 4 and 5 string due to myself using different tunings. I'd prefer to have a 4 string, but a 5 string would take care of both my standard guitar tuning, and downtuning I imagine. Another way I could go would be just slap on some 5-string bass strings on the 4 string and ignore the high one.


What's a good model Spector in either 4 or 5 string that won't affect my future kids' college education too much? I'd want it to sound good, clean and warm. I'll use it for studio use only so I honestly don't care if it has holes in it as long as it sounds good.
 
#3
I was thinking a Euro...

They've got so many makes/models of Spectors that I'm not sure what to get. I basically want the cheapest, best bass that I can get for around $1000 or so. I wouldn't mind going over just a bit if it were worth it though.
 
#4
Spector has one model, and then just different grades of that same model. I bought a Spector Legend for about $500 and then threw $500 worth of electronics and parts into it. It's actually, hate to say, my new favorite bass.

A step up from that is the Spector Rebop. It's a bolt-on and has the same electronics as the Legend, but is made from woods more similar to the Euro model. They run about $1200 new, but you can find them used for $700-$800.

A step up from that is the Euro. Upgraded electronics, neck-thru, and probably their best bang-for-the-buck. They always pop up here on TB and on eBay for right around $1000 used, or $1500 new.

Either a Euro or a Rebop, but I'd be prepared to, at the very least, replace the boost-only preamp in either of them.
 
#6
I'm thinking of getting a NS-2JA-R in white privately. A new one is $899 after looking around, but that's in black.

If that's $899 new, I think I'd rather bump up the price just a tad and get something used. I'd like to pay no more than $1200 for a used bass. I think for that price I'll get a killer bass. I'll do a little more research and see what people think on this forum about the NS models...
 
#7
A Euro 5 would be killer. Or an NS5CRFM, which were the precursor "Euro" models to the ones being made now.

EMG preamp and full maple wings instead of caps like they have now.

The ReBops are nice, but for how much more the Euros are, I'd wait and get one of those instead.

I also have an NS-2J-A-R arriving tomorrow. The last one this store had it stock. They have a black and natural available but that's all! I'm glad I found it when I did as these are becoming more and more rare.

Also have an '85 NS2, which is "the" Spector bass. Plays and records like an absolute dream, but a little above what your price range is, IF you could find one! ;)
 
#8
A US-made NS-2 is the creme de la creme of Spectors. You should be able to find an older one, maybe Kramer-era, in your budget. I'd watch out for electronics mods done. Replacing a preamp will bump up that price significantly.
 
#9
marchone said:
A US-made NS-2 is the creme de la creme of Spectors. You should be able to find an older one, maybe Kramer-era, in your budget. I'd watch out for electronics mods done. Replacing a preamp will bump up that price significantly.
Click to expand...

Pre Kramer Brooklyn NS2's are in the $2500-3k range, depending on condition. I think I've only seen 1 Kramer go for under $2k also.
 

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