Introducing | Spector Basses
Now CME’s BASSment — Add Spector’s EMG-Powered, Supremely Sustaining Basses to Your Instrument Arsenal!
Boasting unparalleled playability, powerful pickups, and 45 years of experience, Spector Basses has established itself as an authority on modern electric bass design. While Spector first made its name on the pop music scene in the 1980s with the introduction of the NS-2—as seen played by Sting during The Police’s 1983 Synchronicity tour—it was this model’s EMG active low-impedance noiseless pickups and onboard electronic preamps that powered its snarling aggressive bass tones, which have become synonymous with the brand’s sound ever since!
So, what is it that makes Spector so special? One look at the list of prominent Spector Bass enthusiasts (including Pantera’s Rex Brown, Judas Priest’s Ian Hill, and The Warning’s Alejandra Villareal) might lead a bassist to believe that the neck-thru construction, ergonomic contours, and EMG-powered sonic signature all make Spector veritable “metal machine.”
But, if you watch any of the
If the Spector sound is the one you prefer, then you can, of course, make Spector basses the centerpiece of your recordings and performances, as your own go-to signature sound. But, even if you prefer to use your typical P-bass (or J-bass or Violin bass, or whatever you choose) as your standard sonic go-to, we here at CME recommend you add a Spector bass to your lineup to have on hand whenever a song calls for that powerful, undeniably Spector bass sound.
The History of Spector Basses
Founded in New York, in 1976, Spector Guitars began when two members of the Brooklyn Woodworkers Co-op—Stuart Spector and Alan Charney, who shared a space in an old factory building—sold the first Spector G-1 electric guitars and SB-1 basses to a local music shop.
Not long after, another member of the woodworkers’ co-op, Ned Steinberger, became interested in Spector’s work and offered to design a bass. Having trained in furniture design at Cooper Hewitt Museum, Steinberger applied the “form follows function” philosophy he’d learned to design the Spector NS bass guitar, with an elegant, ergonomically-curved design and the neck-thru-body construction that Spector was already utilizing.
Guided by Stuart’s conviction to build instruments that emphasized craftsmanship, playability, and heirloom-level quality throughout the various eras of the company over nearly a half-century since, with iconic design and elegantly curved body, the Spector NS has become and remains one of the most recognizable electric basses in history.
"Being that I gig and have recording sessions with different styles of artists (sometimes all within the same day!), I need an instrument that can 'do it all' without sacrificing sound, playability, or quality. Spector basses have been a no-brainer for getting a more modern sound, but they can also dial in a more traditional tone. Either way, I know I'm covered when throwing either of my Spector basses in my gig bag.
"My Euro5 LX is an absolute powerhouse with EMG pickups that can cover even the most aggressive styles of music, but I'm constantly being asked about my NS Dimension 4 with its multi-scale and mesmerizing haunted moss finish. With Fishman fluence pickups and controls that make it super easy to get a sound that fits any style of music, this bass has easily become one of my favorite instruments!"
CONTACT US TODAY!
Help us, help you! Call us at (773) 525-7773 or chat us on our website and we can help find the right Spector Bass to add to your own collection!
Spector Basses Available in the BASSment at CME!
NS ETHOS SERIES
Neck-thru construction is central to the Spector NS Ethos design, providing players with a striking mid-range presence and the unrivaled playability Spector is known for. Offering a fresh take on this now classic design the Spector NS Ethos Series features updated finishes and premium electronics.
NS PULSE II SERIES
The NS Pulse II features Spector’s iconic curved body design and a selection of impressive features—including a Quilted Maple Top with a Swamp Ash body, a Roasted Maple neck with a Macassar Ebony fingerboard, active EMG pickups and Spector’s TonePump Jr. pre-amp. To top it off, the deep stain colors and matte finish options on NS Pulse II basses boast a durable, yet refined look.
EURO SERIES
Spector’s Euro Series basses are individually crafted by hand in the Czech Republic using only the finest source materials, including hand-selected tone woods from the most fertile regions of the United States and Europe. A true production version of the coveted Spector NS bass, Euro basses feature the same elegantly carved bodies as their USA-made, Custom Shop counterparts, with features including premium pickups from Bartolini & EMG, proprietary electronics, and professional-grade hardware.
NS DIMENSION SERIES
In keeping its 45-year heritage, Spector continues to push the electric bass into new sonic and aesthetic territories with the NS Dimension Series: Spector’s first-ever multi-scale instruments. Based on the iconic NS design, this multi-scale bass lets bassists reach greater heights of musical expression!
Whether you’re looking to add any of the NS Pulse II or NS Ethos series basses, or you’d prefer the Euro series basses handcrafted in the Czech Republic, you can choose from among our entire Spector selection available now in the BASSment at CME! Call today, chat with us online, or come into CME today to learn more!
SHOP SPECTOR BASSES
Related Posts
Moog | Muse Analog Polyphonic Synth
Conjure classic Moog Synthesizers analog synth voices, yourself, using the Muse’s comprehensive, intuitive digital controls at Chicago Synth Exchange! Come into the showroom today to hear it for yourself! Call CME, or chat with us online (or in the Chicago Music Exchange App) to order yours today!
Read moreIntroducing | Spector Basses
Founded in New York in 1976, Spector began in a Brooklyn Woodworkers Co-op. Guided by Stuart Spector’s design ethos, the Spector NS has become one of the most recognizable electric basses in history! Learn more about Spector Basses on the Soundboard Blog or visit us in the BASSment at Chicago Music Exchange today!
Read moreGibson Custom Shop | "CME Spec" Models
Chicago Music Exchange’s relationship with Gibson Custom Shop reflects a shared philosophy—individually crafted guitars, built by hand. Before each new “CME Spec” Custom Shop batch goes into production, our guitar gurus join forces with Gibson to select new top woods, finishes, fingerboard materials, neck profiles, pickups, hardware—you name it—everything that goes into each “CME Spec” guitar.
Read more