Introducing | Spector Basses
Now CME’s BASSment — Add Spector’s EMG-Powered, Supremely Sustaining Basses to Your Instrument Arsenal!
Boasting unparalleled playability, powerful pickups, and 45 years of experience, Spector Basses has established itself as an authority on modern electric bass design. While Spector first made its name on the pop music scene in the 1980s with the introduction of the NS-2—as seen played by Sting during The Police’s 1983 Synchronicity tour—it was this model’s EMG active low-impedance noiseless pickups and onboard electronic preamps that powered its snarling aggressive bass tones, which have become synonymous with the brand’s sound ever since!
So, what is it that makes Spector so special? One look at the list of prominent Spector Bass enthusiasts (including Pantera’s Rex Brown, Judas Priest’s Ian Hill, and The Warning’s Alejandra Villareal) might lead a bassist to believe that the neck-thru construction, ergonomic contours, and EMG-powered sonic signature all make Spector veritable “metal machine.”
But, if you watch any of the
If the Spector sound is the one you prefer, then you can, of course, make Spector basses the centerpiece of your recordings and performances, as your own go-to signature sound. But, even if you prefer to use your typical P-bass (or J-bass or Violin bass, or whatever you choose) as your standard sonic go-to, we here at CME recommend you add a Spector bass to your lineup to have on hand whenever a song calls for that powerful, undeniably Spector bass sound.
The History of Spector Basses
Founded in New York, in 1976, Spector Guitars began when two members of the Brooklyn Woodworkers Co-op—Stuart Spector and Alan Charney, who shared a space in an old factory building—sold the first Spector G-1 electric guitars and SB-1 basses to a local music shop.
Not long after, another member of the woodworkers’ co-op, Ned Steinberger, became interested in Spector’s work and offered to design a bass. Having trained in furniture design at Cooper Hewitt Museum, Steinberger applied the “form follows function” philosophy he’d learned to design the Spector NS bass guitar, with an elegant, ergonomically-curved design and the neck-thru-body construction that Spector was already utilizing.
Guided by Stuart’s conviction to build instruments that emphasized craftsmanship, playability, and heirloom-level quality throughout the various eras of the company over nearly a half-century since, with iconic design and elegantly curved body, the Spector NS has become and remains one of the most recognizable electric basses in history.
"Being that I gig and have recording sessions with different styles of artists (sometimes all within the same day!), I need an instrument that can 'do it all' without sacrificing sound, playability, or quality. Spector basses have been a no-brainer for getting a more modern sound, but they can also dial in a more traditional tone. Either way, I know I'm covered when throwing either of my Spector basses in my gig bag.
"My Euro5 LX is an absolute powerhouse with EMG pickups that can cover even the most aggressive styles of music, but I'm constantly being asked about my NS Dimension 4 with its multi-scale and mesmerizing haunted moss finish. With Fishman fluence pickups and controls that make it super easy to get a sound that fits any style of music, this bass has easily become one of my favorite instruments!"
CONTACT US TODAY!
Help us, help you! Call us at (773) 525-7773 or chat us on our website and we can help find the right Spector Bass to add to your own collection!
Spector Basses Available in the BASSment at CME!
NS ETHOS SERIES
Neck-thru construction is central to the Spector NS Ethos design, providing players with a striking mid-range presence and the unrivaled playability Spector is known for. Offering a fresh take on this now classic design the Spector NS Ethos Series features updated finishes and premium electronics.
NS PULSE II SERIES
The NS Pulse II features Spector’s iconic curved body design and a selection of impressive features—including a Quilted Maple Top with a Swamp Ash body, a Roasted Maple neck with a Macassar Ebony fingerboard, active EMG pickups and Spector’s TonePump Jr. pre-amp. To top it off, the deep stain colors and matte finish options on NS Pulse II basses boast a durable, yet refined look.
EURO SERIES
Spector’s Euro Series basses are individually crafted by hand in the Czech Republic using only the finest source materials, including hand-selected tone woods from the most fertile regions of the United States and Europe. A true production version of the coveted Spector NS bass, Euro basses feature the same elegantly carved bodies as their USA-made, Custom Shop counterparts, with features including premium pickups from Bartolini & EMG, proprietary electronics, and professional-grade hardware.
NS DIMENSION SERIES
In keeping its 45-year heritage, Spector continues to push the electric bass into new sonic and aesthetic territories with the NS Dimension Series: Spector’s first-ever multi-scale instruments. Based on the iconic NS design, this multi-scale bass lets bassists reach greater heights of musical expression!
Whether you’re looking to add any of the NS Pulse II or NS Ethos series basses, or you’d prefer the Euro series basses handcrafted in the Czech Republic, you can choose from among our entire Spector selection available now in the BASSment at CME! Call today, chat with us online, or come into CME today to learn more!
SHOP SPECTOR BASSES
Related Posts
PRS Guitars | Fall 2025 PRS SE New Models
Experience world-class playability at an accessible price point with the newest PRS Guitars SE models, now available at Chicago Music Exchange! For over 25 years, the PRS SE line has redefined value, offering legendary design, tone, and craftsmanship to players of all levels. This Fall, PRS expands the SE family with exciting new additions—from the high-octane SE Chleo, developed with Dragonforce’s Herman Li, to the expressive SE Hollowbody II Piezo, blending acoustic and electric tones with PRS precision. Shop the latest PRS SE arrivals and experience why PRS continues to set the standard in playability, versatility, and style. Call, chat, or visit our showroom to get your hands on these brand-new arrivals today!
Read more
Boutique Guitar Showcase | enTour 2025
Boutique Guitar Showcase enTour 2025 at Chicago Music Exchange! Join us Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, to experience over 50 hand-curated boutique instruments from world-class builders around the globe. Shop the full collection online or join us in-store for the Boutique Guitar Showcase enTour in The Vault at Chicago Music Exchange!
Read more
Orangewood | Clementine Double Cutaway Chambered Electric Guitar
Orangewood Guitars unveiled their first electric guitar design with the Del Sol Baritone earlier this year, striking out on a bold new addition to their lineup of player-friendly, value-packed acoustic guitars! Now, players everywhere can experience a semi-hollow design that was designed for supreme comfort with the new Orangewood Clementine! Pairing a traditional double–cutaway design with a contoured belly cut and a reduced body profile, Clementine is made for players of all stripes to harness the supreme tonal versatility that the semi-hollow body design is known for!
Read more