Why is Spector so popular on TB?

[Just Wrong]

First, this is a legitimate question and not meant to be trolling.

Some will disagree, but it seems to me that we like the gear we like in part because we heard it on the records we love: Jamerson’s Precision; McCartney’s Rickenbacker; Jaco’s Jazz; Johnson’s Stingray; the 1176 and LA-2A compressors; the SVT, etc.

Of course it’s not the sole reason. But I think it’s a major one. I love McCartney, but I hate the Rickenbacker. So I don’t play one.


That brings me to Spector. I’ve seen pictures of people using Spectors here and there (Flea? Sting? Some Floyd shows in the 80s and/or 90s?). But it doesn’t seem — to me, unless I’m missing something (I’ll admit I’m not huge on 80s bass players) — that it doesn’t have the appeal of the gear listed above.

So why’s Spector so popular on TB? What I am I missing?

 

[Minimalist]

Is it that popular? I never noticed.

I have two main basses. A P and a stingray. I play them because I like the sound when I play them. That's the sole reason.

When I started I didn't care what any famous recording artists played. I didn't even know who Jamerson was. I was a kid and looked up to the local celebrities. Till I realized I sounded like shite through a Warwick streamer I wanted one because one of my local idols played one.

 

[MattZilla]

The only recordings that make me Spector-curious are by Alice In Chains.

They’re definitely well built instruments.

Interested to see what others post.

 

[Just Wrong]

Is it that popular? I never noticed.

I have two main basses. A P and a stingray. I play them because I like the sound when I play them. That's the sole reason.

When I started I didn't care what any famous recording artists played. I didn't even know who Jamerson was. I was a kid and looked up to the local celebrities. Till I realized I sounded like poopiee through a Warwick streamer I wanted one because one of my local idols played one.

But why do you like their sound? Is it because you grew up listening to Motown and associate bass with the sound of a Precision?

I don’t know that it’s a conscious thing we do.

For example, my main basses have been Jazzes for the past 15 or so years. The album that probably influenced me most as a teenager was the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Stadium Arcadium. Flea played a Jazz on it, but he always had those Moduluses live.

I didn’t pick a Jazz because Flea played one, but I think, I did because when I played a Jazz in a store it had that sound even though I didn’t know it at the time?

 

[bobba66]

Because the guy from Judas Priest plays one?

 

[Minimalist]

But why do you like their sound? Is it because you grew up listening to Motown and associate bass with the sound of a Precision?

I just do. For years, I only had one bass, a precision. My roommate had a Stingray and I liked it a lot but never owned one till maybe 2-3 years ago.

 

[-Stingray]

My Spector is the best sounding bass I own. Plain and simple.

 

[DWBass]

Curved back, small body, EMG loaded (mine)............what's not to like?

 

[Reedt2000]

I've got two, a Czech made and a Korean model. Both play great and are really light (though the latter is not true of all spectors). They are highly customizable so I put the electronics that come in the really expensive versions in mine. They sound great and really cut a full band mix. Deep and full but with clear articulation that has presence with other instruments. I love mine, gig em both regularly.

 

[wvbass]

That brings me to Spector. I’ve seen pictures of people using Spectors here and there (Flea? Sting? Some Floyd shows in the 80s and/or 90s?). But it doesn’t seem — to me, unless I’m missing something (I’ll admit I’m not huge on 80s bass players) — that it doesn’t have the appeal of the gear listed above.

For me, this is a big part of it. You aren’t really”huge on” some of the players that got me interested in Spectors.

Once I got my first Czech Spector, I found another reason - they are just really good basses in all the ways that matter to me - looks, sound, playability.

I own and play a lot of different basses, but I almost always have a Spector with me on stage.

 

[Dincrest]

Simply put, Spectors are popular because they are freakin' awesome!

Many people love Spectors because their curved back bodies nestle comfortably against them. People who love Spector are all in on Spector ergonomics. Their ergonomics aren't for everyone, but I think every bassist should try a Spector at least once.

Spector basses are also absolute tone monsters.

And tons of pros in several genres use Spectors. They're one of the most visually and sonically identifiable basses out there. PJ Farley's tone with every band he's been in (Trixter, Ra, Fozzy, Kuarantine) absolutely crushes. Dude's been using Spectors pretty much his whole career. Jason Newsted used a Spector on Metallica's black album. Look at this artist roster. Amazing players in so many genres are represented: Featured Artists Archive - Spector Bass

What's also cool is that Spector is first and foremost a bass company. They're not a guitar company that has a line of basses. They're a bass-centric company. That kind of thing gives Spector and Warwick a mystique in the bass world.

When it comes to basses, I never played/used a piece of gear because one of my heroes used it. I was always more interested in finding my own sound. I simply play basses that speak to me.

 

[Rdore2000]

The early Queensryche albums featured Eddie Jackson playing some of the best sounding basslines on his Spectors. Ian Hill from Judas Priest is another famous metal player and among the death metal players, Alex Webster from Cannibal Corpse plays Spectors.

 

[rickwebb]

My main basses right now are a quartet of Korean Spectors. Inexpensive, great playability, great sounding EMG and/or Bartolini pickups- and they're very comfortable for me.
Before i played Jazz Basses, Jazz Bass Specials, ESP Ltd Series basses, Epiphone T-Birds, Korean Dean Edge Series basses, Rickenbackers, etc. It all comes down to i just like these Spectors best.

 

[winston]

Curved back, small body, EMG loaded (mine)............what's not to like?

I dig all those traits, but couldn't handle the longer reach to the lower frets on a strap.
Spectors are certainly some of the loveliest and best-built basses around.

 

[got_the_bug]

Aside from the fact that they have been used by some pretty iconic players…Sting, Ian Hill, Eddie Jackson, Doug Wimbish, Guy Pratt, etc…if you play one, I think you’ll be impressed with the build quality and clarity of tone…at least, that’s why I like them. The fact that I think many have beautiful finishes only adds to the allure…

 

[got_the_bug]

I dig all those traits, but couldn't handle the longer reach to the lower frets on a strap.
Spectors are certainly some of the loveliest and best-built basses around.

A tip that may or may not work for you…I started wearing my Spectors — well, actually, ALL of my basses — higher on my body. I always thought it looked kind of dorky to wear the bass high, but for me, it made a big difference in fretting comfort and perceived reach to the lower frets, especially. I don’t think the reach is really much different, but the angle of the wrist on my fretting hand feels much more natural with the bass worn higher.

 

[socialleper]

They aren't really, but the people that like them love them. I have two Euro 5 strings. The 35 scale is perfect for a 5 string, the bodies are ergonomic and modern looking, their QC and build quality is top notch, and they have the perfect sound for me. The neck profile is also perfect for me; not too slim and not too chunky.

They are a unique bass with a unique sound. Growl and punch. They are perfect for fast, aggressive, music where the bass needs to be heard.

 

[Just Wrong]

Simply put, Spectors are popular because they are freakin' awesome!

Many people love Spectors because their curved back bodies nestle comfortably against them. People who love Spector are all in on Spector ergonomics. Their ergonomics aren't for everyone, but I think every bassist should try a Spector at least once.

Spector basses are also absolute tone monsters.

And tons of pros in several genres use Spectors. They're one of the most visually and sonically identifiable basses out there. PJ Farley's tone with "Do You Call My Name" with Ra absolutely crushes. Dude's been using Spectors pretty much his whole career. Jason Newsted used a Spector on Metallica's black album. Look at this artist roster. Amazing players in so many genres are represented: Featured Artists Archive - Spector Bass

What's also cool is that Spector is first and foremost a bass company. They're not a guitar company that has a line of basses. They're a bass-centric company. That kind of thing gives Spector and Warwick a mystique in the bass world.

When it comes to basses, I never played/used a piece of gear because one of my heroes used it. I was always more interested in finding my own sound. I simply play basses that speak to me.

So there is plenty of people using them on recordings. Just not people I've heard of. Thanks for the link!

 

[Snert]

Curved back, small body, EMG loaded (mine)............what's not to like?

The top strap button should be at the 12th fret, so they hang a bit odd on me. Otherwise I love them especially with EMGs.

 

[socialleper]

The early Queensryche albums featured Eddie Jackson playing some of the best sounding basslines on his Spectors. Ian Hill from Judas Priest is another famous metal player and among the death metal players, Alex Webster from Cannibal Corpse plays Spectors.

I love Eddie Jackson's tone on Operation Mindcrime. So in your face.

Cannibal, Cattle Decap, Nile, and Rivers of Nihil all use Spector. That's gotta tell you something.