Two Spectors or Spector and StingRay

[TrevorOfDoom]

Get the second Spector.
You can even get the exact same model as you have now, because you know you like it.
Having “tonal options” is only a positive if you’ll actually use those tones.
Years ago when i bought my first Pbass, i owned 4 or 5 other basses.
The Pbass took over my stable, getting all the playing time.
I flipped a couple of the other basses, trying to find something that could hang and would get used, but i never found it.
I actually pared the stable down to just that one Pbass, and couldn’t have been happier.
And i was playing ~150 gigs a year at that point.
The first bass i bought post-Pbass that stuck around was another Pbass, this one with flats.

 

[Michael Jewels]

Since you're asking, I'll give my opinion.

Why have two of the same brand of bass?

Keep the Stingray; if you find yourself not playing the Stingray that much, then get rid of it.

I never understood why people have multiples of the exact same instrument.

If you have a Ric, make your second bass an EB-3.

If you have a P-bass, get a Thunderbird.

Diversity!

Everyone has their own opinion, but if you had tuna fish for lunch today, have pizza tomorrow.

I rarely give my opinion, but you asked.

Mike

 

[Norm Nelson]

My current #1 and #2 are a Spector (5) and a Sterling (4). Wouldn't change a thing. Maybe swap your Stingray for a 4 and see if that works better than the 5 for you?

 

[VeryTallBassist]

I have a bunch of Spectors and a Stingray. They're both great basses. However, i like your idea of getting an RST and swapping the electronics. I have one with EMG E5Ws and the LHZ preamp and it's spectacular. 7 lbs for a 5 string. I have two USA neck thrus and the RST's biggest weakness against the USAs is the factory electronics. Swap those out and it's 90% of the USA feel and 100% of the tone.

 

[TrevorOfDoom]

Let me take this a step further:
Are you doing any recording, particularly freelance, where you have a variety of clients that want a variety of tones?
If not, then why does it matter how many tones you have available?

When you go see Rush, Geddy uses the Jazz all show, regardless of what bass was used on the original recording.

Granted, i’ve matched basses to gigs but more often it was because the one i brought wasn’t sitting in the mix where i wanted it to.
So there’s a case to be made for options, but the only gigs i’ve been on where the Pbass wasn’t the right tool were the ones that needed a 5string.
And again, i did/do this for a living.
If i were just doing my own thing i could die happy with just that Pbass.

Don’t feel like you have to have a full tonal spectrum in your gear if that’s not what you need/want.

 

[libekgz]

Let me take this a step further:
Are you doing any recording, particularly freelance, where you have a variety of clients that want a variety of tones?
If not, then why does it matter how many tones you have available?

When you go see Rush, Geddy uses the Jazz all show, regardless of what bass was used on the original recording.

Granted, i’ve matched basses to gigs but more often it was because the one i brought wasn’t sitting in the mix where i wanted it to.
So there’s a case to be made for options, but the only gigs i’ve been on where the Pbass wasn’t the right tool were the ones that needed a 5string.
And again, i did/do this for a living.
If i were just doing my own thing i could die happy with just that Pbass.

Don’t feel like you have to have a full tonal spectrum in your gear if that’s not what you need/want.

I do play with a band playing hard rock with progressive twist. I am not doing nor planning session work. I do not need tonal spectrum all over the place. I believe Spector gives me enough flexibility to match my and bands need.

Very much appreciate this response as it puts me in a better perspective how to approach the decision.

 

[Wood and Wire]

Last year I have paired my StingRay 5 with Spector Euro CST 5. To my surprise I enjoy playing Spector way more than StingRay. I play it 90% of the time.
Tone wise it is just pure bliss to my ears. Don't get me wrong I love my StingRay but... I wondered if it would not be better idea to get another Spector instead!

How many Spectors can you play at once?

If the answer is just one, keep the StingRay so that you have another great instrument, with a different flavour, for the occasions when you want something a bit different / need a reminder if you're becoming complacent about the Spector, that will stop you doing something you'll later regret.

 

[TonyP-]

Hey All!

I just wanted to run my thoughts through this great forum of people and hear your feedback.
Last year I have paired my StingRay 5 with Spector Euro CST 5. To my surprise I enjoy playing Spector way more than StingRay. I play it 90% of the time.
Tone wise it is just pure bliss to my ears. Don't get me wrong I love my StingRay but... I wondered if it would not be better idea to get another Spector instead!
I won't keep StingRay if I get another Spector. Two electric basses, acoustic bass and ukulele bass is enough for a hobby playing.
I thought of getting used Euro RST 5 as I can get it traded for my StingRay. In some time I might replace pickups to EMGs and preamp lo LHZ.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks in advance for all the feedback!

Without a doubt get another Spector

 

[MrAB4003]

I never understood why people have multiples of the exact same instrument.

1. One with rounds, one with flats.
2. Different pickups, electronics, and specs even though they're the same model
3. One is fretted the other is fretless.
4. One might have 4 strings, the other might have 5 or more strings.
5. Different characteristics despite the same model.

 

[Dasgre0g]

If you love Spectors, then get another! And I say that as a Stingray lover.

If you miss the Stingray sound, you could always get a Sterling Stingray for cheap after you add the 2nd Spector.

That's great advice.

 

[libekgz]

I did not expect such a great discussion! So many valid point and contrasting point of views! Based on all your valuable feedback I will give myself a month too give it a try and think through it. Appreciate you guys!

 

[jay440]

Keep an eye out for a Rebop MM model: They were made in 4 & 5-String versions for a short time starting in 2012.

If you can find one, it may solve your predicament perfectly!

 

[libekgz]

Keep an eye out for a Rebop MM model: They were made in 4 & 5-String versions for a short time starting in 2012.
View attachment 7476486
If you can find one, it may solve your predicament perfectly!

I was actually looking for those. Only time I have seen one for sale was few years back and never again!