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Pricing and availability

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Description

The Spector NS-1 Bass is a distinguished choice for bassists seeking both tradition and innovation in a single instrument. Known for its neck-through construction, this electric bass offers unparalleled sustain and resonance that experienced musicians crave. The NS-1 embodies the craftsmanship and quality that Spector is renowned for, making it a staple in both studio and live performance settings.

Crafted with precision, the NS-1 features a solid maple body that enhances its tonal brightness and clarity. The 24-fret rosewood fingerboard provides a smooth playing experience, while the double cutaway design ensures easy access to higher frets. Equipped with a single EMG humbucker, the NS-1 delivers a powerful and articulate sound, perfect for diverse musical styles ranging from jazz to rock. Its active electronics and 9-volt battery power supply offer a wide range of tonal possibilities, allowing players to sculpt their sound with precision.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or an emerging artist, the Spector NS-1 Bass promises to elevate your playing experience with its exceptional build quality and versatile sound.

Key Features:

  • Neck-through construction for enhanced sustain
  • Solid maple body for tonal brightness
  • 24-fret rosewood fingerboard
  • Double cutaway design for easy fret access
  • Single EMG humbucker for powerful, articulate sound
  • Active electronics with a 9-volt battery power supply
  • Versatile sound suitable for various music genres
Fret Nation

Fret Nation

Spector NS-1 – Metallic Gold – Woodstock Custom Collection

Video thumbnail for Spector NS-1 – Metallic Gold – Woodstock Custom Collection by Fret Nation

Spector NS-1 – Metallic Gold – Woodstock Custom Collection

Fret Nation

Fret Nation

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Spector NS-1 Bass.

Build quality

  • Early Spector NS-1 models lack serial numbers, indicating they may be among the first 100 built.

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  • Some early Brooklyn era NS-1s feature a three-digit serial number, indicating their hand-built origin in the Spector shop by a small team.

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  • The Spector NS Pulse II features a solid, tank-like construction that feels indestructible and plays exceptionally well.

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Features and functionality

  • The NS-1's neck is notably thinner than modern Spector basses, which many players find advantageous.

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  • Brooklyn era NS-1s from the 1979 period are known to overlap production with two-pickup NS-2s, yet they maintain distinct NS-1 characteristics.

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  • The NS Pulse II comes with a TonePump preamp, known for its aggressive sound and high output, which can run hot and clip if not dialed in correctly.

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  • Spector basses exhibit a distinctive "growl," a tonal characteristic that sets them apart from other bass brands like Warwick, which tend to have a more flat response.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Original models may have a DiMarzio P pickup in an unusual epoxy housing; a J pickup is sometimes retrofitted.

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Comparisons

  • The NS-1 is likened to Warwick Streamers due to its shape, but the sound and details like pickups set them apart.

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  • Compared to modified Squire PJs, Spector basses like the NS Pulse II offer a brighter sound with better mix penetration, especially in heavy metal contexts.

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Use cases and applications

  • Owners describe the NS-1's sound as a well-balanced P bass tone, suitable for various styles.

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  • The Spector NS Pulse II is particularly well-suited for heavy music genres, offering a thick sound with enhanced upper mids and lows that cut through dense mixes.

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Value and pricing

  • With a serial number in the 300s, a 1979 NS-1 is considered rare and highly collectible, appealing to a niche group of collectors.

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User experience

  • Owners find the Spector sound more compressed than passive pickups, offering a balanced output between the P and J pickups, beneficial for genres requiring jazz bass tones.

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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how James Hetfield uses Spector NS-1 Bass

James Hetfield

Bassist, Drummer

Metallica

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Verified via Photo

In a user-uploaded photo, James Hetfield is seen holding a 1979-1980 Spector NS-1 Bass in a studio setting. Despite the low quality of the image, both Hetfield and the bass are identifiable.

See how Scott Smith uses Spector NS-1 Bass

Scott Smith

Bassist, Composer

Loverboy

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Verified via YouTube

Scott Smith's main bass during Loverboy's peak years (1980-1985) was a Spector NS-1, this was the bass used to record a lot of the hits on the early records and used for most of the live concerts they did in the era, such as the clip of "Gangs in the Street" from the 1983 "Keep It Up" tour.

See how Ken Sinnaeve uses Spector NS-1 Bass

Ken Sinnaeve

Bassist

Loverboy

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Verified via Kenspidersinnaeve

Spyder got this bass from Loverboy's original bassist Scott Smith whom passed away in 2000.

Album Usage

The Spector NS-1 Bass has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Spector NS-1 Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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