..What is the difference, sound-wise, between the NS2 and the NS4? I've lusted after a USA NS2 for some time now. I have a chance to get an NS4 with quilted maple wings at a great price, so I'm hoping some of you who have experience with both the NS2 and NS4 models can explain to me the sonic differences & pros/cons of each. Thanks!
Not a USA Spector owner, but I do (think) I know the answer. The Ns2 has the pj pickup configuration, and the NS 4 has soap bars. There may be other differences, but I think that's the key one. If I remember right, during the SSD era Spector had to refer to their four strings as NS 4s because Ns2 was still trademarked to kramer. I'm sure someone more knowledgable than I can clarify/correct me.
You're kind of right...I think. NS-2 and NS-4 are identical basses. Same pickups and everything. The name difference is, like you said, during the SSD era Stuart could not use the NS-2 name, so he named them NS-4. Here is my old NS-4. Should have never sold it. Serial #84. Would love to have it back! {}
The NS4 I'm considering has EMG soapbars. I have an idea how the NS2 P/J setup sounds (I have two Spector Euro LX basses), so my main question is; What is the sound difference between the P/J pickups vs. the soapbars?
I think I see where the confusion is coming in... Looks like we're all right! Back when Stuart couldn't use the NS-2 name, he used the name NS-4. So, and SSD era NS-4 is the same as a Spector NS-2. I guess when he got the name back, he kept the NS-4 name and gave it soapbars and 18v electronics. My NS-4 was 9v and had P/J pickups. So..what is the OP asking about? An SSD NS-4, or a Spector NS-4?
Here's more info to confuse you further: Scroll down to the NS-4, you'll see it's the same thing as an NS-2....but you could order it with soapbars and 18v electronics. Stuart Spector Designs, LTD - Makers of fine electric and bass guitars: UNCOMPROMISING QUALITY | UNPARALLELED VERSATILITY | UNBELIEVABLE SOUND
i could be wrong, but i seem to recall one of the spector guys saying that originally, the NS-2 designated it as NS = Ned Steinberger and 2 = two pickups. when the ssd era came around the 4 denoted the number of strings. after Stuart got the rights back to use the NS-2 name, the 4 in the NS-4 designated the amount of coils the bass had (two soapbars - 4 coils)
In terms of tone the Spectors with EMG DCs are fatter sounding while retaining great clarity while the P/J setup is more cutting. The Reverse P pickup adds punch, don't expect P bass fullness down low but it's still pretty fat, dial in the P pickup for more bite. The P/J setup is more the traditional Spector tone. I kind only slightly prefer the P/J setup.
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