Spector
Since 1976
Spector was founded in 1976 by Stuart Spector and Alan Charney at the Brooklyn Woodworkers Co-op. The NS bass—designed by Ned Steinberger (a furniture designer applying 'form follows function' to instrument design)—became one of the most iconic bass shapes ever created. The first NS-1 was built in March 1977, and the NS-2 (1979) with its neck-through construction and ergonomic curved body defined a new standard for professional basses. After acquisition by Kramer (1985) and Korean mass production, Stuart Spector resumed independent operations in 1992 near Woodstock, New York. Today, Spector produces handcrafted USA basses alongside Czech and Korean models, now owned by Korg.
50
Years in Business
300K+
Guitars Sold
$12M+
Annual Revenue
Complete Spector Guitar Guide
Comprehensive buying guide, price analysis, model comparisons, and expert insights to help you understand everything about Spector guitars.
Spector Price Overview
Spector covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$1,050
+5% vs last year
eBay Listings
800
Active listings
Sold This Month
150
+4% vs last month
Price Range
$250-$7,000
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Spector Timeline
Brooklyn Co-op Origins
Stuart Spector and Alan Charney founded the company at the Brooklyn Woodworkers Co-op. Initial products included G-1 guitars and SB-1 basses.
NS-1 Bass Created
Ned Steinberger designed the NS-1 bass—ergonomic curved body, neck-through construction. The 'NS' name honors Ned's contribution.
NS-2 Launch
The two-pickup NS-2 became the definitive Spector bass—EMG pickups, neck-through maple body, and the iconic curved shape.
Kramer Acquisition
Kramer Guitars acquired Spector, expanding production to 100 instruments per month with Korean manufacturing.
Kramer Bankruptcy
Kramer filed for bankruptcy. Spector production temporarily halted.
Stuart Spector Returns
Stuart Spector resumed operations as Stuart Spector Designs Ltd. near Woodstock, New York. Handcrafted USA production restarted.
Czech Republic Production
Established Euro Series production in the Czech Republic—high-quality European-made basses at mid-tier prices.
Legend Series
Introduced the Korean-made Legend Series—affordable NS basses bringing the Spector experience to entry-level players.
Korg Acquisition
Korg Inc. acquired Spector, providing resources for expanded production while maintaining the Woodstock USA shop.
Continued Innovation
Ongoing production across USA, Euro, and Korean tiers with expanded tonewood options and modern electronics.
Complete Spector Product Lineup
Spector: Ned Steinberger's NS design—the bass that defined 'form follows function' since 1977
USA Custom Shop
Handcrafted in Woodstock, New York
Flagship neck-through at ~$4,000-$6,000
Five-string at ~$4,500-$6,500
Bespoke instruments at ~$5,000-$7,000
Euro Series
Czech Republic production—professional quality
Neck-through at ~$2,000-$2,800
Five-string at ~$2,200-$3,000
Bolt-on at ~$1,500-$2,000
Legend/Performer Series
Korean-made affordable instruments
Entry NS at ~$500-$700
Five-string at ~$550-$750
Mid-range at ~$800-$1,100
Vintage Spector (Used)
Pre-Kramer and early production
$3,000-$7,000+
$500-$1,500
$2,000-$4,500
"Spector: Ned Steinberger's NS design—the bass that defined 'form follows function' since 1977"
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
USA NS Bass Guide
The Definitive NS
USA NS-2 at $4,000-$6,000 is the authentic Spector experience—handcrafted in Woodstock, neck-through maple, EMG pickups, and the curved body Ned Steinberger designed. Nothing else feels like this
Brooklyn Premium
Original Brooklyn-era NS basses (1977-1985) are the most collectible. At $3,000-$7,000+, these are the instruments that started the NS revolution. Verify provenance and serial numbers
5-String Option
The NS-5 USA adds a low B string with the same handcrafted quality. At $4,500-$6,500, it's one of the finest 5-string basses available—the NS shape handles extended range beautifully
Euro Series Guide
Best Value Tier
Euro Series at $1,500-$3,000 offers Czech-made quality with genuine Spector construction—neck-through builds, EMG or Bartolini pickups, and professional-grade electronics. The sweet spot of the lineup
Czech Craftsmanship
Czech Republic has a centuries-old instrument-making tradition. Euro Series benefits from skilled European luthiers and quality control that exceeds most Asian production
Bolt-On Alternative
Euro Bolt at $1,500-$2,000 offers the Spector shape with bolt-on construction—snappier attack, slightly brighter tone. A valid choice for slap players and those preferring aggressive midrange
Used Spector Buying Guide
Era Identification
Brooklyn (1976-85): most collectible. Kramer era (1985-90): mass-produced, less valuable. Stuart Spector Designs (1992+): handcrafted. Serial numbers and construction details identify the era
Neck-Through Inspection
Neck-through Spectors should have clean, tight joints with no visible separation. Check the headstock and heel for cracks—maple through-necks can develop stress fractures
EMG Battery Check
Active EMG pickups require 9V battery. Dead batteries cause weak, muddy output. Always test with fresh battery. Check the battery compartment for corrosion