NBD: Spector Rebop 4

[dystrust]

Isn't Music Go Round great?

I've been hooked on Spectors since longcat got her first Euro in 2013, and came across this one for $399 at Music Go Round in Greenfield, WI. I could tell from their pics that it's a really early Rebop 4, and I was hopeful that it may even have an Aguilar OBP-1. The latest serial I'd seen with an OBP-1 was NB0749, while this one is NB0956 and longcat's first Euro was NB18XX. No dice, it has a non-trim tone pump which dates it to 2002. It plays great and sounds wonderful unplugged, though it's a little muddy when plugged in. I just so happen to have an EMG-TW, 35JCS, & BT circuit in my parts bin, so this one will be getting the 'tone dump' and full rewire soon. I've also be swapping the mystery tuners with Gotoh GB-7s and possibly installing a Hipshot Extender Key.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: NBD: Spector Rebop 4

A big +1 for the Hipshot Extender machinehead.

I thought that the Rebop model only came with a single MM style pickup. I was considering buying a pre-owned example until I plumped for the Sterling By Musicman Ray 34 CA.

I regret to say that I have never found the EMG interpretation of the Stingray sound entirely convincing. I would install the EMG-35TW with the push-pull pot selecting J mode in the down position and DC mode in the up position.

John Jolly is pretty keen on EMG HZ and Spector own brand pickups. Perhaps, he would be interested in yours?

 

[dystrust]

Re: NBD: Spector Rebop 4

A big +1 for the Hipshot Extender machinehead.

I thought that the Rebop model only came with a single MM style pickup. I was considering buying a pre-owned example until I plumped for the Sterling By Musicman Ray 34 CA.

I regret to say that I have never found the EMG interpretation of the Stingray sound entirely convincing. I would install the EMG-35TW with the push-pull pot selecting J mode in the down position and DC mode in the up position.

John Jolly is pretty keen on EMG HZ and Spector own brand pickups. Perhaps, he would be interested in yours?

This particular Rebop is from the first year of production, while the MM models came out in 2014 if I remember correctly. They made a small pre-production run in late 2001 with Aguilar preamps, and I was hoping that this was one of them. It isn't, but it's a great bass at a good price.

As far as the electronics, here is what I've been planning. The bass is currently wired Vol / Vol / Bass / Treble, while I prefer a master volume and blend control. My 35JCS is going in the neck position while the 35TW is going in the bridge; I'll wire the 'J' output active when the master volume pot is down and the 'CS' will be active when pulled. I'm also a huge fan of the EMG BT circuit with its tunable treble band.

Jolly if you're interested I'm sure we can work out some sort of sale / trade for the stock electronics since I won't have a use for them.

I'm almost definitely going with the Extender key; longcat has one on her Spector CRFM and really likes it. We were seriously considering putting one on her Ibanez as well.

 

[d1dsj]

Re: NBD: Spector Rebop 4

That looks pretty sweet.