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What does a low end Spector get you vs. Low-end Peavey

G

golffoxtrot

Apr 3, 2008
8
0
#1
Hi,

I've been looking at low-end 5 string basses -- I'm pretty new to bass so want to avoid spending lots of money but also want to avoid getting something so crappy that i'm going to want to upgrade in a few years.


I've found the Peavey Millenium BXPs to be pretty decent looking (yes, I care about nice wood tops etc.) but also pretty inexpensive (around 260) and its OK, but I've also looked at the spector legend 5 classic which is more around 600. I really love the look of this thing and i remember a while back, a friend of mine, who reviews basses for one of the bass magazines and used to play a Spector most often (but the more expensive Euro series) despite having a wide selection of basses to choose from.

The music I plan to play is mostly singer songwriter/pop/rock stuff and will likely use it at church as well.

Can anyone tell me if they think I will notice and appreciate the sound or features of the Spector over the peavey and if its worth it for me to spring the extra cash (since its more than double).

thx,
gf
 
#6
I haven't played one of the newer Legends, but I bought a Legend 4 when they first came out. It was a P/J configuration and I believe that all of the Legends now are soapbar pickups. I can tell you that I used it exclusively while recording my band's last album and we got some of the nicest tones out of it going straight into an Avalon U5 direct to the board. Most people that I talk to think of Spector as more of a hard rock type of sound, but that album was far from hard rock and it sounded perfect.

I ended up selling it a year or so ago as I changed up my equipment, but I still think it was worth well more than the $500 I payed for it new.

I would consider it a step up from the import Peaveys.
 
#8
I've had the same dilemma. The Peavey was the only other bass in that price range that tempted me when I was considering the Spector. The neck profile and string spacing on the Peavey Millennium 5 is about right for me and similar to the Spector.

I got the Spector Legend Custom, the one with the set neck. If you can track one down, check it out. The Classic is the one you usually see, it's a bolt-on, different electronics and also very nice, but the Custom neck has a slimmer profile.

Deciding factors were: I like the sound of EMG pickups. That compact Spector body shape. Quality hardware. But mostly it was that comfy neck.

It's a tough choice. Either bass will serve you well.

The 35" scale on the Spector is generally considered to be more desirable in a 5-string for a tighter B. I think that is worth strong consideration and worth the extra money. It may throw you at first but it's easy to get used to.

By the way $600 is too much for a Spector Classic. Shop around you should be able to do better.
 
#9
I had a Legend 5 (bolt) for a few weeks. Loved the B string, but the neck was not very stiff, if you can imagine that combo of conditions. After w while, the floppy neck bothered me enough that I flipped the bass.
 
#10
The Spector would be my clear choice over the peavey...but having said that, I would also look at the Ibanez ATK 5-string...for the money, it's a killer Bass...and probably price comporable to the Spector Legand 5.
 
#13
golffoxtrot said:
if it sounded good, does the not stiff neck affect anything otherwise?
Click to expand...

No, it didn't affect anything else, but it bothered me. I could feel it move when I played. I couldn't get past it, tho I know I probably should have been able to. I don't regret selling it. Not a knock on Spector (I love my NS-2A), just don't love that model.
 
#15
fishtx said:
The Spector would be my clear choice over the peavey...but having said that, I would also look at the Ibanez ATK 5-string...for the money, it's a killer Bass...and probably price comporable to the Spector Legand 5.
Click to expand...

I agree about Ibanez basses. I've got a lower end 5 string (although it is from the 90's and very well made) that sounds awesome! I wouldn't trade it for any. Too many different tonal options to get rid of this bass :D

Gor for an Ibanez! Look for an Ibanez EDB 405 made from Luthite MIJ. Cheap and powerful :D
 
#17
golffoxtrot said:
busterdog,

can you tell me how it is sooo much better? Did you consider any other basses?
Click to expand...

The active Cirrus pickups are awesome. With the pickup blend, bass, mid, and treble controls, I can dial in any sound I want.

Peavey was an easy decision for me. My 1989 Foundation has always been my main bass, & has seen hundreds of gigs with absolutely no problems at all.
Before I bought the Millennium, I did try a lot of basses. I went to a major music center, & played every bass they had, even though most were out of my budget. The Millennium felt every bit as good, in my hands, as basses costing $2,000 more.
Peavey is known for having a fast neck with low action. Couple that with the Cirrus pickups, & you have a great bass.
 
#18
so i ended up springing for the Spector .. orderred a legend in Slate Grey -- only thing was that the store has no idea when it might come in. Said it wasn't something they get often. Spector doesn't seem to be very popular around the Toronto area ...

has anyone else ordered a legend lately and if so, how long did it take?
 
#19
Congrats on your new Spector. I love them (and own one), and the Cirrus models I've seen have been very tempting perhaps for when I get an upgrade on my fretted bass. Enjoy your new instrument, and I hope you don't have to wait too long!
 

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