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Westone Spectrum DX Bass??

gjbassist

gjbassist

Sep 7, 2005
6,039
3,131
60
Kansas City, MO
#1
While browsing a local music store I came across a Westone Spectrum DX four string bass. It has "made in Japan" stamped on the neck plate. A quick search found a single P pickup model and a humbucker model, however the one I found has a P and J pickup. Both pickups appear to be original as there are separate tone controls for both pickups along with a LP style three way selector switch. I was in overall good condition and appeared to be all original. The only turnoff to it was that the output seemed weak compared to other basses I played through the same amp. They were asking $179 for it. What do you think? Sorry but I didn't get any pics of it!
 
#2
I have an LX model, with the humbucker and P pickups. Killer bass for the price. Really aggressive... A friend described it as having the King Kong's bollocks... I dig it. I paid more than $179 for mine, but it's in REALLY nice shape. If it's in playable condition and not too beat up, that's a good price IMO.
 
#5
Spectrum GT owner here as well. Westone are fantastic basses and when you think of all the clones being built at the time they
were a bold step. Matsu were building for Washburn and Aria then yet went for an original design for their own brand.

Your $179 will get you a first class bass built by fellas who knew what they were doing,it won't stay valued so low for long. If you
do decide to buy it there's the Electra/Westone club on TB will welcome you.
 
#6
I know this is an old thread.....but just in case anyone still uses or is looking for a Westone......

I bought one way back in 1989 in the U.S for $189 as a 'throw away' practice instrument......in the interim, I have had a Fender Jazz; a Yamaha TRBX605; and latterly a Sadowsky Metro.

None of them can match the cheap little Westone.....not even close. I had the Westone professionally set up and have Ernie Ball Cobalt strings on it; but other than that it is absolutely standard, as bought nearly 30 years ago.

It sounds fantastic through my Markbass combo but even better straight through the Z inputs on my Behringer digital mixer into the P.A

As for playability, it is as smooth as silk - a little neck heavy, as all these basses were, but clean, neat and crisp.

Even my guitar tech agrees. It might be a 'one off' maybe? But I have sold all the others as this is the only instrument I need.

Good things in cheap packages.
 

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