Do you mean that you don't like the body shape? Because to me, Spectors have one of the most distinct and recognizable forms in all of bass-ness.
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Why is Spector so popular on TB?
- Thread starter Just Wrong
- Start date
Do you mean that you don't like the body shape? Because to me, Spectors have one of the most distinct and recognizable forms in all of bass-ness.
Agree, and they are consistent… it’s not like each one is uniquely different, other than the amazing finishes and woods that are usedDo you mean that you don't like the body shape? Because to me, Spectors have one of the most distinct and recognizable forms in all of bass-ness.
In the early 2010s, the price to quality ratio on used Spector was absurd. You could pick up used euros all day for $1,000 - $1,200. At that price point they were unbeatable. Their execs were always really accessible, they had great customer service, and overall they were a brand that you kinda just wanted to support.
Then Korg bought them, and started shilling the hell out of the brand. Which elevated it to the masses.
Thats pretty much it.
Then Korg bought them, and started shilling the hell out of the brand. Which elevated it to the masses.
Thats pretty much it.
They are great basses. The radiused body is very comfortable (thanks, Ned) as is the neck profile.
I played my first one, an NS-1 (one DiMarzio model P) back in 1978 as I recall and I was blown away with the feel and sound. They were passive, the preamp and pickup changes came later. Notice the obligatory Badass bridge.
I never owned one because by the time I could afford one, it was the Kramer era. By the time Stuart got the rights to his name back, the prices were pretty high and I had plenty of other basses to play.
BTW, I saw Jack Bruce playing a fretless NS-2 in 1980 alongside his fretted Aria “bloody good axe” SB-1000.
For me, it was Nick Seymour’s tone on the early Crowded House records - he had an NS2J and a regular NS2, though he plays Jazzes nowadays.
Bloblike.
Yes, same goes for this one, although moreso.Do you mean that you don't like the body shape? Because to me, Spectors have one of the most distinct and recognizable forms in all of bass-ness.
I've seen several nice Spector basses, of course...the metallic silver model, for instance, but it still reminds me of blobs of mercury.
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I get that…personally, I think the smooth contours and shape are cool, but can understand why some wouldn’t.
Not to disparage other basses people like, but for me, I have some kind of visual/mental association of the Warwick headstock with Shrek’s ears, the way the tuners are angled down.
My 2001 Spector Euro 4 (not LX) has solid maple body wings. The weight of the body counters the weight of the neck, and it does not have neck dive. I had a 2008 Euro 4 LX that had the maple top / walnut strip / alder body wings and it was lighter weight and did have somewhat of a neck dive.
So, in other words, best bass for metal...?
Actually... yes!
Warwick doesn't do it for me, either...strange.I get that…personally, I think the smooth contours and shape are cool, but can understand why some wouldn’t.
Not to disparage other basses people like, but for me, I have some kind of visual/mental association of the Warwick headstock with Shrek’s ears, the way the tuners are angled down.
Not that I don't have a few basses some consider atypical.
Because they are beautiful looking, playing, and sounding pieces of art. Just my humble opinion. Different strokes for different folks. My 2 favorite basses are definitely the Fender P and the Spector NS. So different but also so perfect for me in any band setting. My 63 P and USA Spector.
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I don't know that they're "so popular" on TB. Seems about as popular as they've always been on here. Maybe a bit more interest lately since Korg bought them and gave them more visibility, especially on social media, and widened distribution (Sweetwater, back at GC after some time, other retailers). They've also released new, (relatively) lower-cost import options that seem to be doing well.
Spector produce fantastic basses and their NS has become iconic. Their unique small, fully curved, arched body design influenced other manufacturers: Warwick's Streamer, of course, was initially a copy of the NS; Ibanez' Soundgear, no doubt took some influence with its sleek body, completely rounded edges and P/J configuration; and Yamaha (forget the model) also released a bass with similar design language.
They're well-made, have great finishes, a petite, curved body, distinctive modern sound. And while it can be argued they only make one shape with small variations, they cover a good amount of ground in terms of materials, finishes/colors, pickups/electronics, naturally through their U.S. custom shop, but also in stock offerings throughout their line.
I'm always blown away by their incredibly stunning glossy finishes and color creations. But being less flashy and preferring matte finishes, these are my boring, low-key Spectors, and they're all keepers:
Spector produce fantastic basses and their NS has become iconic. Their unique small, fully curved, arched body design influenced other manufacturers: Warwick's Streamer, of course, was initially a copy of the NS; Ibanez' Soundgear, no doubt took some influence with its sleek body, completely rounded edges and P/J configuration; and Yamaha (forget the model) also released a bass with similar design language.
They're well-made, have great finishes, a petite, curved body, distinctive modern sound. And while it can be argued they only make one shape with small variations, they cover a good amount of ground in terms of materials, finishes/colors, pickups/electronics, naturally through their U.S. custom shop, but also in stock offerings throughout their line.
I'm always blown away by their incredibly stunning glossy finishes and color creations. But being less flashy and preferring matte finishes, these are my boring, low-key Spectors
, and they're all keepers:
I’ve recently discovered Spector and love them now. I got a Euro4 last winter and it’s fantastic. Just has a unique sound that none of my other basses have.
I had always loved the tones of early AiC, Queensryche, newer Pink Floyd with GP, Rex Brown, Newsted on EnterSandman etc. and never really knew those were all Spector basses until Ian M. Allison did a video on this topic.
Once he connected the dots for me I had to have one.
I had always loved the tones of early AiC, Queensryche, newer Pink Floyd with GP, Rex Brown, Newsted on EnterSandman etc. and never really knew those were all Spector basses until Ian M. Allison did a video on this topic.
Once he connected the dots for me I had to have one.
You have to be careful watching his Spector videos, if you check out the two on the Woodstock collections, those can be dangerous
to your bank account
I’ve never considered one mainly because I play drums at church and one bassist uses one and it always gets lost in the mix…it has a very soft, woofy sound and no mids. That’s my only experience with them and it is obviously a tiny sliver. Our sound guys are amazing (multiple Grammy’s for one and the other went to Berkeley) and the other bassist plays Fender and Lakland and they always sound amazing so it could just be his OBP settings.
all that said, I’d love to try one!
all that said, I’d love to try one!
Never been able to afford a Spector but they peaked my interest ever since I started playing bass. For me, Sting using one on the Synchronicity tour for starters was my first eyebrow raiser. Then came the tone I heard Doug Wimbish, Eddie Jackson, Mike Starr, Rachel Bolan, Rex Brown, Jason Newsted, ect ect late 80's/early 90's rock band staples I used to listen to back then. Spector's just have that presence and tone in the mix that really fit well for all that type of music. As far as aesthetics, I've always loved the crown inlays and something about the headstock with the Spector logo was always really cool to me.
As plenty of responses have indicated:
They have a following because they are beautifully-built basses with a distinctive tone.
The only reason I've never owned one is because the ergonomics don't work for me.
But just because I don't like it doesn't mean it isn't fantastic...
They have a following because they are beautifully-built basses with a distinctive tone.
The only reason I've never owned one is because the ergonomics don't work for me.
But just because I don't like it doesn't mean it isn't fantastic...
