Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $6,100

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Spector NS-5XL". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Spector NS-5XL is a 5-string bass guitar that seamlessly combines elegance with performance. This heirloom-quality instrument boasts a lightweight redwood body crowned with a mesmerizing buckeye burl top, offering not only an eye-catching appearance but also a rich, resonant sound. The contoured NS body, a pioneering design by Spector, ensures unparalleled comfort and balance, making it a favorite among iconic bassists.

At the heart of the NS-5XL’s tone are the EMG 40DCX active humbuckers. These pickups deliver a wide tonal palette, with clear highs, pronounced mids, and growling lows, making it perfect for any musical style. The bass is further enhanced by Spector's proprietary HAZ preamp, equipped with a 2-band EQ that allows players to sculpt their sound with precision and versatility.

The NS-5XL features a silky-smooth 3-piece maple neck, topped with a premium ebony fingerboard and 24 frets. The neck-through construction not only adds to the instrument's aesthetic appeal but also facilitates easy access to the upper frets, ensuring a comfortable playing experience throughout long gigs and studio sessions. With the Spector Custom bridge and brass nut, sustain and note definition are exemplary, solidifying the NS-5XL as a powerhouse on any stage.

Key Features:

  • Original NS body style for unparalleled comfort and balance
  • Lightweight redwood body with a striking buckeye burl top
  • 3-piece maple neck with a 24-fret ebony fingerboard
  • Neck-through construction for enhanced playability
  • EMG 40DCX active humbuckers for a dynamic range of tones
  • Spector Custom bridge and brass nut for superior sustain and clarity

Product specs

Number of Strings 5
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape USA NS-5XL
Body Material Redwood with Buckeye Burl top
Body Finish Gloss
Neck Material 3-Piece Maple
Neck Shape C
Neck Joint Neck-through
Radius 16"
Fingerboard Inlay Synthetic Spector Crowns
Number of Frets 24, Medium Jumbo
Scale Length 35"
Nut Width 1.81"
Nut Material Brass
Bridge/Tailpiece Spector Locking Aluminum
Tuners Spector GB7
Neck Pickup EMG 40 DC X Humbucker
Bridge Pickup EMG 40 DC X Humbucker
Controls 1 x master volume, 1 x blend, 2-band Active EQ
Strings Spector Nickel, .045-.130
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the Spector NS-5XL and how does it affect the sound?

The Spector NS-5XL features a redwood body with a Buckeye Burl top, which provides a warm, resonant tone with a rich low-end and detailed midrange, ideal for both studio recording and live performances.

What kind of pickups are installed in the Spector NS-5XL, and what tones can they produce?

The Spector NS-5XL is equipped with EMG 40 DC X humbuckers, which deliver a clear, powerful sound with a wide tonal range, suitable for genres ranging from rock and metal to jazz and funk.

Is the Spector NS-5XL suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Spector NS-5XL is designed with professional-grade features like a neck-through design and active EQ, making it ideal for advanced players seeking superior playability and tonal versatility.

What is the neck profile of the Spector NS-5XL?

The Spector NS-5XL features a C-shaped neck profile, providing a comfortable grip and smooth playability, especially beneficial for fast playing styles and complex finger techniques.

How does the 35" scale length of the Spector NS-5XL affect playability?

The 35" scale length of the Spector NS-5XL offers increased string tension and clarity, especially on the low B string, providing a tighter, more articulate sound that's beneficial for extended range bass playing.

Bass Run Baan

Bass Run Baan

SPECTOR NS-5XL GREEN MATTE 2011

Video thumbnail for SPECTOR NS-5XL GREEN MATTE 2011 by Bass Run Baan

SPECTOR NS-5XL GREEN MATTE 2011

Bass Run Baan

Bass Run Baan

Video thumbnail for Spector NS-5XL – Myrtle Burl & Maple – Woodstock Custom Collection by Fret Nation

Spector NS-5XL – Myrtle Burl & Maple – Woodstock Custom Collection

Fret Nation

Fret Nation

Video thumbnail for Spector NS-5XL 35" Buckeye Burl Walnut by session

Spector NS-5XL 35" Buckeye Burl Walnut

session

session

Video thumbnail for Spector NS 5XL Pros and Cons #Spector #DRstrings by Simon Farmery's Bass Club

Spector NS 5XL Pros and Cons #Spector #DRstrings

Simon Farmery's Bass Club

Simon Farmery's Bass Club

Video thumbnail for Spector USA NS-5XL + Genzler MG-800 | QuickTake | Barnett Music Exchange by Barnett Music Exchange

Spector USA NS-5XL + Genzler MG-800 | QuickTake | Barnett Music Exchange

Barnett Music Exchange

Barnett Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for 🔥Spector NS-5XL Bass Funk🔥 by Siyong Lee Bass

🔥Spector NS-5XL Bass Funk🔥

Siyong Lee Bass

Siyong Lee Bass

Video thumbnail for Spector NS5XL vs Spector Coda DLX 5 by Edgar Solorzano Bass

Spector NS5XL vs Spector Coda DLX 5

Edgar Solorzano Bass

Edgar Solorzano Bass

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Spector NS-5XL.

Setup and maintenance

  • For a 35" scale Spector NS-5XL, DR DDT strings are recommended for achieving a balanced warm tone with thicker high strings and a low B below 135.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Spector NS-5XL's inherent bottom-heavy sound can be balanced with string choices like DR DDTs, which help achieve a thicker and warmer tonal quality for studio sessions.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Alejandra Villarreal uses Spector NS-5XL

Alejandra Villarreal

Singer, Bassist

The Warning

...
Verified via Photo

In these lives photos from The Warning’s performance at the Rockville Festival in November 2021, you can see Ale playing her natural wood color Spector NS-5XL (USA model). This is her backup 5-string bass.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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