Pricing and availability

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

Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$1,899.99
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$1,899.99 New
$1,500.00 Used
Thomann
5.0 (1)
$1,939.00

Average Price: $1,810

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

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

What kind of pickups does the Spector NS Ethos 5 feature?

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.

Is the Spector NS Ethos 5 suitable for advanced bass players?

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.

What is the scale length of the Spector NS Ethos 5 bass guitar?

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.

How does the Darkglass tone capsule affect the sound of the Spector NS Ethos 5?

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.

What materials are used in the construction of the Spector NS Ethos 5?

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.

Bass Musician Magazine

Bass Musician Magazine

Bass Musician Magazine Reviews Spector Basses 2021

Video thumbnail for Bass Musician Magazine Reviews Spector Basses 2021 by Bass Musician Magazine

Bass Musician Magazine Reviews Spector Basses 2021

Bass Musician Magazine

Bass Musician Magazine

Video thumbnail for Spector NS Ethos 5 - Sound Demo (no talking) by Bass Bonedo

Spector NS Ethos 5 - Sound Demo (no talking)

Bass Bonedo

Bass Bonedo

Video thumbnail for Spector NS Ethos 5 - Killer Tone LIVE! by Deadbeat Studios

Spector NS Ethos 5 - Killer Tone LIVE!

Deadbeat Studios

Deadbeat Studios

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

  • Owners reported issues with the NS Ethos, including finish chips, poorly stained fretboards, and improperly installed nuts causing damage to tuning machines.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Spector NS Ethos is equipped with Aguilar pickups, which provide a more traditional tone compared to the modern, high-output sound of EMGs.

    Source
  • The Tone Capsule preamp provides enhanced control over low and high mids, beneficial for cutting through metal mixes and achieving a distinctive tonal presence.

    Source

User experience

  • 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.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 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.

    Source
  • The Spector NS Ethos is heavier by almost 3 pounds in shipping weight compared to the Euro 5LX, potentially affecting comfort during extended play.

    Source
  • Korean-made Spector necks are reportedly more comfortable for smaller hands, while Euro models feature chunkier necks akin to an older P-bass.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The NS Pulse II's Tonepump Jr preamp is divisive; while some appreciate it, others suggest researching its tonal characteristics before purchasing.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • 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.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners running stainless DR High Beams strings find the TonePump preamp particularly lively, enhancing the bass's high-end presence.

    Source

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