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I could drop a set of active EMGs and an EMG preamp in a block of cheese and love the sound 
The Legends are great basses (I have owned 2 of the older Legends with electronics replaced with EMG)... but all Spectors are not created equal.
The Legends are great basses (I have owned 2 of the older Legends with electronics replaced with EMG)... but all Spectors are not created equal.
Spectors and Warwicks are definite "try before you buy" basses. I've owned a German-made Warwick Corvette and a Czech-made Spector ReBop in the past. Two of the sturdiest and best sounding basses that have ever come through my hands.
However, their ergonomics didn't suit me at all. Both basses had compact bodies with short upper horns, making the basses balance too horizontally for me while standing. This made first position (the money notes) feel like a massive reach. This was especially worse on the 35" scale Spector 5-string, whose bridge position far away from the body's edge made the neck stick out too far to the left.
I will never dismiss Spector or Warwick, as they're both good basses, but their ergonomics aren't for everyone so best try before you buy.
(EDIT: As for my Warwick and Spector, both were sold).
However, their ergonomics didn't suit me at all. Both basses had compact bodies with short upper horns, making the basses balance too horizontally for me while standing. This made first position (the money notes) feel like a massive reach. This was especially worse on the 35" scale Spector 5-string, whose bridge position far away from the body's edge made the neck stick out too far to the left.
I will never dismiss Spector or Warwick, as they're both good basses, but their ergonomics aren't for everyone so best try before you buy.
(EDIT: As for my Warwick and Spector, both were sold).
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The answer to any "Should I..." question is always; "Probably not, but you probably will."
not exactly! Spectors are the most comfortable basses I have ever played, so much so I have 4 now. I dont know how anyone says that don't balance well. Its the best balancing bass I've ever played. Sits at the perfect 45 degree angle.
Baffling
When I was in high school I yearned for a European Rebop, then in the middle of college I bought a Legend which I owned from roughly 2007-2012. This past summer the idea returned and I bought a Euro RST 5.
Nicest bass I've owned in twenty years of playing.
Nicest bass I've owned in twenty years of playing.
Except they're not.
It's simple geometry, almost all builders know this, hence the location of the upper horn at the 12th fret. Not a coincidence.
If it works for you, great, I'm not arguing that. It is a try before you buy bass because it has atypical ergos as mentioned.
I prefer Fenderesque ergo's, MOST manufacturers build to that design no matter the aesthetics, upper horn location, bridge position ect. There is a reason for that.
I also have had a Thumb that I loved the tone and neck of, but let it go because it was so uncomfortable.
I'm glad it works for you, wish it did for me.
I own a Spector. I’m very happy with it although it’s one of their more premium models. I haven’t played a Legend but I’ve heard very good things about them. If you can’t demo one locally zZounds and Sweetwater both carry the Legend series and offer a guaranteed return policy so you wouldn’t be risking anything by ordering one. If it doesn’t work out it you can always send it back.
I had a beautiful Euro, and it was one of the most comfortable basses Ive every played (imo of course). I didnt bond with the tones though. It wasnt bad in any way, just not my flavor and Ive found out im not a big PJ guy. YMMV.
All bodies are different. Not every bass sits on every body the same way. Some people love Spector ergonomics, I do not. Spectors and my body do not mix well.
Even with my Warwick Corvette... everyone else who played it loved it more than I did. It seemed to fit everyone else better than it fit me. It fits the jazz student I sold it to like a glove.
And go figure, the bass that's most snuggly against me is my ESP/LTD F-205 (a rare 34" scale F-205). It's "metal" shape looks like it should be really uncomfortable, but it's not. I can reach the money notes easily and can pretty much play it with my eyes closed. I find it more comfortable than my traditionally curvy D-5 which is also a fantastic bass. And both have solid low Bs.
I still stand by my assessment of Spector being a try before you buy bass. Some people adore their ergonomics, others abhor them. There is little middle ground. Ergo, Spector is not a bass one should buy sight unseen.
Even with my Warwick Corvette... everyone else who played it loved it more than I did. It seemed to fit everyone else better than it fit me. It fits the jazz student I sold it to like a glove.
And go figure, the bass that's most snuggly against me is my ESP/LTD F-205 (a rare 34" scale F-205). It's "metal" shape looks like it should be really uncomfortable, but it's not. I can reach the money notes easily and can pretty much play it with my eyes closed. I find it more comfortable than my traditionally curvy D-5 which is also a fantastic bass. And both have solid low Bs.
I still stand by my assessment of Spector being a try before you buy bass. Some people adore their ergonomics, others abhor them. There is little middle ground. Ergo, Spector is not a bass one should buy sight unseen.
Interesting instruments, but I'd rate them at the top of the "try before you buy" list.
i've always regretted getting rid of my 5-string Spector ~15 years ago. Super solid bass with alot of clarity. It was pretty heavy, but worth it.
The answer is almost always “yes”, but
You have to get into at least a Euro (or one of the higher end Asian) before you’ll have something close to the build quality and ergonomic finish that built the name into something desirable.
The good news is if you look use Euros can be had for 1500 or less, and that is fantastic value. It’s worth the search and/or drive.
Performer is Spector in name only. Legend is hit or miss, mostly miss. I had a Kroeger sig 14 years ago that fooled me for thinking I had something in the ballpark. Pulse, same, mostly miss. If you LOVE Spector ergos it may be worthwhile. Ethos is prob closest to the idea of what the NS-2A was.
I had a NS-2A circa 1991 that was in the ballpark of a Euro too…I’d take a NS-2A over a Legend any day.
You have to get into at least a Euro (or one of the higher end Asian) before you’ll have something close to the build quality and ergonomic finish that built the name into something desirable.
The good news is if you look use Euros can be had for 1500 or less, and that is fantastic value. It’s worth the search and/or drive.
Performer is Spector in name only. Legend is hit or miss, mostly miss. I had a Kroeger sig 14 years ago that fooled me for thinking I had something in the ballpark. Pulse, same, mostly miss. If you LOVE Spector ergos it may be worthwhile. Ethos is prob closest to the idea of what the NS-2A was.
I had a NS-2A circa 1991 that was in the ballpark of a Euro too…I’d take a NS-2A over a Legend any day.
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except they are, the ergonomics and sound are what they are known for. I've owned a fender, it was the most non descript boring bass I've ever owned.
Whatever floats your boat, bud. I'll take a nice J or P ANY day over a Spector as far as playing comfort goes, no contest.
I'm not the only one who does not care for short horned basses.
Rock on...
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I would say yes as well!
I have a Euro 4LX and although the neck is a bit chunky (so am I? ) it plays and sounds fantastic!Hope this helps,
Brent