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Why is Spector so popular on TB?
- Thread starter Just Wrong
- Start date
Spector basses are fascinating and seminal instruments. They are one of the original forward-thinking redesigns of the electric bass. Bernard Edwards liked them so that’s good enough for me…although I don’t actually play Spector.
Here’s a fun read PJ Rubal's Vintage Spector Collection
Here’s a fun read PJ Rubal's Vintage Spector Collection
Smooth_bass88
vaxx!
- Oct 31, 2006
- 12,122
- 16,796
- Disclosures
- have been on nationally released albums, charting on the Billboard 200
methinks this isn't 1981, but Lee Iacocca made some good, albeit questionable business decisions
Wow, great info in that link!
I’ve learned so much more about these basses today from some of the amazing links provided by members like you, thanks for sharing.
This is around the era that I became familiar with Spector. I was about 16 when I discovered the Dixie Dregs/Steve Morse Band and Dave LaRue. I almost ended up with a Kramer-era NS-2A in the mid-90's. I forget why I didn't at the time, but it was as close to the real thing as I thought I'd ever get. I later had a Euro 5 that I bought for really cheap, and it was a great bass, but I wanted to try other things and let that one go for a nice profit. Maybe I'll venture back to the real deal with a USA NS one of these days.
And since we're tangenting a little bit, I will say this.
I think every bassist should try a Spector at least once. A curved-body one like a EuroBolt. They are iconic basses for a reason. You may like it, you may not like it, but bass is a journey and it's good to experience as much as possible. In many ways, Spector's design philosophy runs counter to the traditional Fender bass designs, which is why I think every bassist should try one, just to see.
I used to own a mid-2000s Spector Rebop 5-string. Lightweight, absolute tone monster, low B was an earthquake, and the curved body felt pretty nice. However, its ergonomics weren't for me. With the compact body, short upper horn, and bridge so far forward, it balanced too horizontally for my liking and first position was an uncomfortably long reach that felt miles away, whether I wore it up high or slung it low. The 35" scale didn't help either. I had similar issues with a 34" scale German-made Warwick Corvette Standard 4-string I used to own. Too horizontal, first position was a stretch.
With both my Spector and Warwick, it was one of those things where everyone else liked them more than I did. For them, they were the most comfortable, un-put-down-able basses they ever played. My favorite bass for ergonomics is the Ibanez Soundgear (never played a Soundgear I didn't like), and my main two (an LTD by ESP HTB-600 and a Schecter Stiletto Stealth 4) are what feel like home.
I think every bassist should try a Spector at least once. A curved-body one like a EuroBolt. They are iconic basses for a reason. You may like it, you may not like it, but bass is a journey and it's good to experience as much as possible. In many ways, Spector's design philosophy runs counter to the traditional Fender bass designs, which is why I think every bassist should try one, just to see.
I used to own a mid-2000s Spector Rebop 5-string. Lightweight, absolute tone monster, low B was an earthquake, and the curved body felt pretty nice. However, its ergonomics weren't for me. With the compact body, short upper horn, and bridge so far forward, it balanced too horizontally for my liking and first position was an uncomfortably long reach that felt miles away, whether I wore it up high or slung it low. The 35" scale didn't help either. I had similar issues with a 34" scale German-made Warwick Corvette Standard 4-string I used to own. Too horizontal, first position was a stretch.
With both my Spector and Warwick, it was one of those things where everyone else liked them more than I did. For them, they were the most comfortable, un-put-down-able basses they ever played. My favorite bass for ergonomics is the Ibanez Soundgear (never played a Soundgear I didn't like), and my main two (an LTD by ESP HTB-600 and a Schecter Stiletto Stealth 4) are what feel like home.
True true. It’s not 1981. methinks I should buy a Fender bass so I can finally see the light and give up this silly notion I have about old designs.
Maybe it was the American Std Jazz I played once that had dead spots all over the neck even after new strings.
Maybe it’s similar to my disdain for (only some) music that some people listen to constantly that has been playing for like 40 years as if there are not newer better things out there.
It’s my ADHD for sure.
Mostly I’m an a-hole and that is most likely it.
I owned a Euro 5LX and it was glorious. I just need a more vintage tone at the time, also wasn't ready for a 5 at the time. Build and quality control was sublime.
My first high dollar bass was a black Spector NS-2 in 1991 with rosewood fretboard and dot inlays. It was a P/J. Sold it in 1996 and I regret it. The latest EURO 4 Classic is almost exactly like the NS-2 I had, except it has block inlays, gold hardware and a price tag of $2,900.... 3 times what I paid in '91.
Nothing to be baffled about. What's right for you (Spector) won't be right for everyone. Likewise, what's right for me (FSO) won't be right for everyone. It's as simple as that.
Reminds me of when Sterling Ball said MM won't make a 19mm spaced five string because they and they're customers believe that 17.5mm (or whatever) is the most comfortable. That choice is OK with me, it just means I won't buy a Stingray five. I stick with the many builders who offer fivers with 19-20mm spacing.
maybe...but I don't agree with that statement. Most people who say they aren't comfortable have a clear FSO bias. Get off my lawn types. I also think people they say its a reach to the low frets aren't wearing them properly. They wear them how they wear their FSO or whatever else they are coming from.
I will still be baffled. to each their own.
Exactly. So again, no need to be baffled.
It's sad that some people attack Brand Y just because Brand X is better for them. Just ignore those imbeciles. Most of us are mature enough to say "Brand Y is a great instrument, but I play Brand X because it works better for me".
To bring this back on topic: Spector is popular everywhere (certainly not just TB) because they make nice basses. Same is true for many other brands.
I'll be honest, I was not a fan until I saw mine in a pawn shop. I couldn't pass it up and totally had plans to flip it after upgrading the electronics, which I did. That thing played nice and sounded beastly. Later, the person I sold it to fell on hard times and asked if I'd buy it back...which I did. Glad I did. It would take a pretty big offer for me to give it up again.
