This bass was the best of the best I have ever played, and knew I had to have it the first time I played it. I was not even in the market for a new bass, nor could I afford one. There are several things I would change if I was Stuart Spector. The square edge of the high part of the neck kind of bothered me when popping in front of the neck pickup, so I removed the neck, and relieved some material there. I have never seen this done before, but it enhanced the mechanics of popping. The neck is a tad too round for my taste, I would have preferred it a little flatter. It's MUCH more comfortable than a Warwick, though. On the electronics, I would have preferred one volume and a blend pot. The balance is slightly neck heavy, perhaps because it's a five string. Due to the carved body, the bass's depth is a little greater than other basses, so you need a "Spector brand" hardcase, or you will have a tight fit. Those are my grips, overall though I still give it a 5/5.
Model Year: 2003
Price: $975.00 (new)
Where Obtained: Guitar Center
Beautiful wood, with oiled finish, you use lemon oil on both the body, neck and fretboard. The body is carved, the back is concave, which you have to see and play to appreciate! A very personal and appealing shape. The bass features special active circuitry (Aguilar, or Spector TonePump), that is passive when the two tone knobs are turned down, and active when you turn them up. Two volume knobs control the level of each pickup. I took points off for this in my rating, because I prefer one volume control. I rewired the electronics to my specifications.
The playability is right up there with the best I've played, it would be VERY hard to find a bass that played better. Well set up from the factory. I had to dress the fret edges some.
The sound is what slayed me. It has that "boing" and slight growl that makes it a slap monster. The active high end boost is pristine, and the low end boost is very full. The bass really stands out in the mix, and string to string levels is pleasingly and surprisingly consistant. The bass sounds best through SWR amps.
Overall, I couldnt have asked for more, it is a Spector after all. This is a cut above anything else i own, and a far cry better than the Performer series, the king of the $1000 bass category.
Model Year: 2004
Price: $980.00 (new)
Where Obtained: Musiciansfriend
5 bolt deep pocket neck (like the US models)
5 string 24 fret
2 EMG HZ passive humbuckers with active 2 band 18v active preamp blend and master volume
Red stain over classic NS body in ash
It has a special locking aluminum bridge (very nice)
VERY comfortable neck, my most playable thus far. Action came set up low for me but everybody has a special preference. I can play lightning fast on this neck, and the contoured back of the body fits like a glove. I compaired this to a Musicman SR5, Warwick Corvette STD, Washburn XB925, and a MIA Fender P, hands down beat them all.
I run this through a Boss GT-6B to a Behringer BX1200 combo not the best setup, well with a new amp it will be, but the Spector sounds good through it. After a few hours of toying with the preamp and blend I found the sound I've been looking for, a huge pallete of sound to choose from.
When I got it, it needed a truss rod adjustment from riding in the back of a UPS truck for 4 days in 20 degree weather, not Spector's fault. Upon giving it a heavy inspection everything is very well put together and looks like it will out last me. Nice big strap buttons. The plastic knobs appear flimsy but looking at them closer, I think they will be just fine.
It's light weight looks good plays and sounds good
Model Year: 2004
Price: $979.00 (new)
Where Obtained: musician's friend
Made in Cech. Maple neck. 24 fret 2 active pick ups
Can't get the action the way I want it yet
It better be able reliable for the $
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