Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $1,810
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Spector NS Ethos 5". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unleash your musical potential with the Spector NS Ethos 5, a bass guitar that merges classic design with modern innovation. Known for its sleek NS body shape, this 5-string electric bass has been crafted for superior comfort and playability, making it a favorite among seasoned musicians. Its neck-through construction ensures unparalleled sustain and tonal clarity, allowing every note to resonate with precision.
Equipped with Aguilar DCB G4 humbuckers and the OBP-2 preamp, the NS Ethos 5 offers a vibrant sonic palette, delivering clear highs, robust mids, and deep, growling lows. These electronics are a testament to Spector’s commitment to quality, offering headroom that lets your tone breathe with authenticity. The rosewood fingerboard, with its 16-inch radius and 24 frets, facilitates effortless playability, whether you're laying down the groove or shredding a solo.
The bass also boasts a striking burled poplar top, catching the light and the attention of anyone nearby. Its brass nut enhances sustain and note definition, while die-cast tuners and a locking bridge provide rock-solid tuning stability. Inspired by the USA Series, the NS Ethos 5's finishes and custom inlays add a touch of elegance to its robust functionality.
Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the Spector NS Ethos 5 is a versatile partner in your musical journey, embodying decades of design excellence and innovation.
Key Features:
- Original NS body style for comfort and sleek aesthetics
- Neck-through construction for enhanced sustain
- Burled poplar top with USA Series-inspired finish
- 3-piece maple neck with a 16-inch-radius rosewood fingerboard
- Aguilar DCB G4 humbuckers and OBP-2 preamp for dynamic tone
- Brass nut and locking bridge for improved sustain and tuning stability
- Custom 12th fret inlay for added style and uniqueness
Product specs
| Brand | Spector |
| Model | NS Ethos 5 |
| Year | 2020 |
| Made In | Korea, Republic of |
| Categories | 5- and 6-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars |
| Active / Passive Pickups | Active Pickups |
| Active Preamp | Active Preamp |
| Body Material | Maple |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Color Family | Black, Blue, Red |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Fretboard Radius | 16" |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 24 |
| Number of Strings | 5-String |
| Offset Body | Non-Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Top Material | Maple |
| Wood Top Style | Quilted |
FAQs
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What kind of pickups does the Spector NS Ethos 5 feature?
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The Spector NS Ethos 5 is equipped with EMG 40DC active pickups, which provide a powerful and clear tone suitable for a wide range of music styles.
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Is the Spector NS Ethos 5 suitable for advanced bass players?
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Yes, the Spector NS Ethos 5 is designed with high-quality materials and features such as a 3-piece maple neck and Darkglass tone capsule, making it well-suited for advanced players seeking professional sound and performance.
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What is the scale length of the Spector NS Ethos 5 bass guitar?
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The Spector NS Ethos 5 has a 35" scale length, which offers improved string tension and clarity, especially beneficial for the low B string on a five-string bass.
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How does the Darkglass tone capsule affect the sound of the Spector NS Ethos 5?
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The Darkglass tone capsule in the Spector NS Ethos 5 enhances the tonal flexibility, allowing players to achieve a wide range of sounds from modern aggressive tones to classic warm bass sounds.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Spector NS Ethos 5?
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The Spector NS Ethos 5 features solid alder body wings, a 3-piece maple neck, and an ebony fingerboard, providing a robust build and rich tonal character.
Videos
Bass Musician Magazine
Bass Musician Magazine Reviews Spector Basses 2021
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Spector NS Ethos 5.
Build quality
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Owners reported issues with the NS Ethos, including finish chips, poorly stained fretboards, and improperly installed nuts causing damage to tuning machines.
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Features and functionality
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The Spector NS Ethos is equipped with Aguilar pickups, which provide a more traditional tone compared to the modern, high-output sound of EMGs.
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The Tone Capsule preamp provides enhanced control over low and high mids, beneficial for cutting through metal mixes and achieving a distinctive tonal presence.
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User experience
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Some players experienced clicking and popping sounds due to the hot preamp when touching metal parts, even after attempts to resolve with professional re-shielding and re-grounding.
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Comparisons
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The NS Pulse II, a cheaper Spector model, features EMG pickups and a bolt-on neck, offering punchy tones with treble growl, contrasting with the Ethos' Aguilars.
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The Spector NS Ethos is heavier by almost 3 pounds in shipping weight compared to the Euro 5LX, potentially affecting comfort during extended play.
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Korean-made Spector necks are reportedly more comfortable for smaller hands, while Euro models feature chunkier necks akin to an older P-bass.
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Setup and maintenance
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The NS Pulse II's Tonepump Jr preamp is divisive; while some appreciate it, others suggest researching its tonal characteristics before purchasing.
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Mods and upgrades
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The Sheldon Crane SNC Haz clone preamp is praised as a top-notch alternative to the more expensive USA Haz Lab, offering a similar tonal range.
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