The Complete Spector Bass Price Guide 2026: Form Follows Function Since 1977

Last updated: February 2026

In 1976, Stuart Spector and Alan Charney started building instruments at the Brooklyn Woodworkers Co-op. They had no idea they were about to change bass guitar design forever. The catalyst was Ned Steinberger—a furniture designer who had never built a guitar. He looked at the Fender Precision and asked: Why does a bass need a headstock? Why does the body need to look like a guitar? What if every curve served a function?

The result was the NS bass. Curved body that fit against the player's torso. Neck-through construction for sustain and access. No headstock—tuning machines at the bridge. The first NS-1 was built in March 1977. By 1979, the NS-2 with its dual pickups and ergonomic design had become the bass that proved "form follows function" could create an icon. Kramer acquired Spector in 1985. Kramer went bankrupt in 1990. Stuart Spector returned in 1992 near Woodstock, New York, and the handcrafted tradition resumed. Today, Spector produces USA Custom Shop basses alongside Czech Euro Series and Korean Legend models—now under Korg ownership, but still building the shape that defined modern bass design.

Spector Bass Market Overview 2026

Spector's three-tier structure—USA, Euro, Legend—spans from $500 entry points to $7,000 custom builds. Vintage Brooklyn-era instruments command premium collector prices.

Key Market Statistics:

• Average Used Spector Price: $1,050 (up 5% from 2025)
• Active Listings: Approximately 800 basses currently for sale
• Monthly Sales Volume: Around 150 basses sold per month
• Price Range: $250 (used Legend) to $7,000+ (Brooklyn-era vintage)

The NS shape remains instantly recognizable. USA Custom Shop instruments hold value exceptionally well. Euro Series represents the sweet spot—Czech craftsmanship at $1,500-$3,000. Brooklyn-era originals (1977-1985) are the most collectible, with prices reflecting their status as the instruments that started it all.

Understanding Spector's Philosophy

Form Follows Function: The Ned Steinberger Design

Ned Steinberger wasn't a luthier. He was a furniture designer who applied industrial design principles to the bass:

NS Design Principles:

1. Ergonomic Curve: Body contours fit against the player—no sharp edges, no awkward balance
2. Neck-Through Construction: Maple through-body for sustain and upper-fret access
3. Headless Option: Tuning at bridge reduces neck dive, improves balance
4. Minimal Aesthetics: Every element serves playability

The NS-1 (1977) introduced the concept. The NS-2 (1979) refined it with two pickups and became the definitive Spector—the bass that session players and rock musicians adopted when they wanted something beyond Fender and Rickenbacker.

The Stuart Spector Story

1976-1985 (Brooklyn): Co-op beginnings, NS development, cult following 1985-1990 (Kramer Era): Acquisition, Korean mass production, 100 instruments/month 1990-1992 (Hiatus): Kramer bankruptcy, production halted 1992-Present (Woodstock): Stuart Spector Designs Ltd., handcrafted USA revival 1998: Euro Series—Czech Republic production 2005: Legend Series—Korean affordable tier 2012: Korg acquisition—resources for growth, Woodstock shop continues

Three-Tier Strategy

• USA Custom Shop: Handcrafted in Woodstock—the authentic NS experience
• Euro Series: Czech Republic—professional quality at mid-tier prices
• Legend/Performer: Korea—NS shape and feel at entry-level

USA Custom Shop Pricing: $4,000-$7,000

Handcrafted in Woodstock, New York—the definitive Spector experience.

NS-2 USA (~$4,000-$6,000)

Specifications:

• Body: Curved maple, neck-through
• Neck: Maple through-body
• Fingerboard: Ebony or rosewood, 24 frets
• Pickups: EMG or Bartolini
• Electronics: Active 2-band or 3-band
• Bridge: Spector 2-piece or similar
• Finish: High-gloss or oil
• Scale: 34"
• Nut Width: 1.5" (4-string) or 1.75" (5-string)

The Authentic NS: Nothing else feels like a USA Spector. The neck-through maple construction, the curved body against your torso, the EMG punch—this is the bass Ned Steinberger designed, built by the people who've been making it since 1977.

NS-5 USA (5-String) (~$4,500-$6,500)

Specifications:

• Same construction as NS-2
• Extended range with low B
• 35" scale optional for tighter B string
• One of the finest 5-string basses available

Custom Builds (~$5,000-$7,000)

Bespoke Options:

• Custom wood combinations
• Unique finishes
• Personalized specifications
• Built to exact player requirements

Used USA Values: $3,000-$5,000 (excellent condition)

Euro Series Pricing: $1,500-$3,000

Czech Republic production—the sweet spot of the Spector lineup.

Euro 4 LX (~$2,000-$2,800)

Specifications:

• Body: Maple, neck-through
• Neck: Maple through-body
• Fingerboard: Rosewood or maple, 24 frets
• Pickups: EMG or Bartolini
• Electronics: Active 2-band or 3-band
• Bridge: Spector
• Finish: High-gloss
• Scale: 34"

Best Value Tier: Czech-made with genuine Spector construction—neck-through, professional electronics, and the NS shape. The Euro Series proves you don't need USA pricing for Spector quality.

Euro 5 LX (~$2,200-$3,000)

Specifications:

• 5-string Euro
• Same Czech craftsmanship
• Extended range

Euro Bolt (~$1,500-$2,000)

Specifications:

• Bolt-on construction (not neck-through)
• Spector body shape
• Snappier attack, brighter tone
• Valid choice for slap and aggressive midrange

Used Euro Values: $1,200-$2,400 (excellent condition)

Legend/Performer Series Pricing: $500-$1,100

Korean-made—bringing the NS experience to entry-level players.

Legend 4 (~$500-$700)

Specifications:

• Body: Basswood or maple
• Neck: Maple, bolt-on or neck-through (model dependent)
• Pickups: Spector-designed or EMG
• Electronics: Active
• Scale: 34"
• NS body shape

Legend 5 (~$550-$750)

Specifications:

• 5-string Legend
• Same entry-level quality
• Extended range access

Performer 4 (~$800-$1,100)

Specifications:

• Mid-range Korean
• Upgraded from Legend
• Better woods and electronics

Used Legend/Performer Values: $350-$850 (excellent condition)

Vintage Spector: The Collector's Market

Brooklyn-Era NS (1977-1985): $3,000-$7,000+

The Originals:

• Built at Brooklyn Woodworkers Co-op
• Pre-Kramer acquisition
• NS-1 and NS-2 models
• Most collectible Spector tier
• Verify serial numbers and provenance

Kramer-Era Spector (1985-1990): $500-$1,500

Mass Production:

• Korean manufacturing
• Higher volume, lower collectibility
• Good players, modest resale
• Entry to vintage Spector ownership

Early Stuart Spector Designs (1992-2000): $2,000-$4,500

The Revival:

• Post-Kramer, Woodstock production
• Handcrafted USA
• Bridge between vintage and modern

Where to Buy Spector Basses: Platform Comparison

Online Marketplace Analysis

Reverb (Average Price: $1,150)

• Best selection across all tiers
• Knowledgeable bass community
• 6.0% price appreciation year-over-year
• Best for: USA Custom, Euro Series, vintage

eBay (Average Price: $900)

• Good for Legend/Performer finds
• Auction format for vintage
• 4.5% price trend
• Best for: Budget tiers, Brooklyn-era auctions

TalkBass / Forums (Average Price: $1,000)

• Bass specialist community
• 5.0% appreciation
• Best for: USA and Euro, informed sellers

Guitar Center (Average Price: $950)

• Physical inspection available
• 3.5% appreciation
• Best for: Try-before-buy, new models

Tips for Buying Used Spector

1. Era Identification: Brooklyn (1976-85) = collectible. Kramer (85-90) = mass-produced. Stuart Spector Designs (92+) = handcrafted. Serial numbers tell the story.
2. Neck-Through Inspection: Check for clean joints, no separation. Maple through-necks can develop stress fractures at headstock and heel.
3. EMG Battery: Active EMG pickups need 9V. Dead battery = weak, muddy output. Always test with fresh battery. Check compartment for corrosion.
4. Euro vs. USA: Euro Series offers 80% of USA experience at 40% of price—exceptional value
5. Brooklyn Authentication: Pre-1985 instruments—verify provenance, serial numbers, construction details

Spector vs. Competitors

How Spector compares to other premium basses:

Spector Advantage: The NS shape—ergonomic, distinctive, instantly recognizable. Neck-through sustain. USA Custom Shop at $4,000-$6,000 when Fodera starts at $6,000+. Euro Series offers Czech quality at $1,500-$3,000. Form-follows-function design that has influenced bass building for 50 years.

When Others Make Sense: Warwick for exotic woods and German precision. Rickenbacker for classic rock tone. Fender for versatility and aftermarket. Fodera for boutique customization.

Famous Spector Players

Artists who have defined the Spector sound:

• Doug Wimbish (Living Colour, Tackhead): Spector endorser, NS-4
• Nikki Sixx (Mötley Crüe): NS-2 in early career
• Mike Starr (Alice in Chains): NS bass
• Greg Smith (Ted Nugent, Rainbow): Spector player
• Evan Brewer (The Faceless): Technical bass, Spector
• David Ellefson (Megadeth): Spector in various projects
• Bakithi Kumalo (Paul Simon): "Graceland" sessions
• Session players worldwide: Studio standard for modern punch

Investment Potential: Which Spectors Hold Value?

Strong Appreciation

Brooklyn-Era NS (1977-1985):

• Finite supply
• Origin of the NS design
• Collector demand growing
• $3,000-$7,000+ and rising

Strong Retention

USA Custom Shop:

• Handcrafted quality
• Consistent demand from professionals
• 75-85% used value retention

Euro Series:

• Czech craftsmanship
• Best value tier
• Good resale

Typical Depreciation

Legend/Performer:

• Entry-level tier
• Good players, expected used depreciation
• $350-$850 used

Kramer-Era:

• Mass-produced
• Modest collector interest
• Player-grade pricing

Note: Spector's value is in the design and the play. Brooklyn originals are investments. USA and Euro are professional tools that hold value. Legend gets you in the door.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Spector

For Beginners ($350-$600)

Recommended Models:

• Used Legend 4: Entry NS at $350-$500 used
• Used Legend 5: 5-string at $400-$550 used
• Used Performer: Step up at $550-$750 used

What to Prioritize:

• Playable setup
• Active electronics (battery check)
• Body comfort (NS shape is ergonomic)

For Intermediate Players ($600-$1,500)

Recommended Models:

• Used Euro 4 LX: Czech quality at $1,200-$1,800 used
• Used Euro Bolt: Bolt-on option at $1,000-$1,500 used
• New Legend 5: 5-string at ~$750 new

What to Prioritize:

• Neck-through vs. bolt-on (sustain vs. snap)
• 4 vs. 5 string
• Electronics (EMG vs. Bartolini)

For Serious Players ($1,500-$3,500)

Recommended Models:

• New Euro 4 LX: $2,000-$2,800—best value tier
• Used USA NS-2: $3,000-$4,500 used
• New Euro 5 LX: 5-string at $2,200-$3,000

What to Prioritize:

• USA vs. Euro (budget vs. ultimate)
• Wood combinations
• Scale length (34" vs. 35" for 5-string)

For Professionals ($3,500+)

Recommended Models:

• USA NS-2 or NS-5: $4,000-$6,000 new
• Custom Build: $5,000-$7,000
• Brooklyn-Era Vintage: $3,000-$7,000+ for collectible

What to Prioritize:

• Handcrafted USA experience
• Custom options
• Vintage if collecting

The Spector Sound: Understanding What You're Buying

NS Character:

• Punchy, articulate attack
• Sustained low end from neck-through
• EMG clarity (when equipped)
• Cuts through mix—studio standard

Neck-Through vs. Bolt-On:

• Neck-through: More sustain, unified tone, upper-fret access
• Bolt-on: Snappier attack, brighter, often preferred for slap

Who Should Consider Spector:

• Players wanting ergonomic design
• Those seeking modern punch and clarity
• Session players and recording musicians
• 5-string players (NS handles extended range well)

Who Might Prefer Others:

• Vintage Fender tone seekers
• Rickenbacker growl enthusiasts
• Players wanting passive-only instruments

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does "NS" stand for? A: Ned Steinberger—the designer who created the NS bass shape and form-follows-function philosophy. The NS-1 (1977) and NS-2 (1979) were his designs, built by Stuart Spector at the Brooklyn Woodworkers Co-op.

Q: What's the difference between USA, Euro, and Legend? A: USA = handcrafted in Woodstock, NY ($4,000-$7,000). Euro = Czech Republic production ($1,500-$3,000)—professional quality, best value. Legend = Korean-made ($500-$1,100)—entry-level with NS shape and feel.

Q: Are Brooklyn-era Spectors worth the premium? A: For collectors—yes. They're the originals, finite supply, and prices have appreciated. For players—Euro or USA offers better playability and reliability. Brooklyn is investment and heritage.

Q: Why do Spector basses use active electronics? A: The NS design was developed in the late 1970s when active electronics were emerging. EMG pickups and onboard preamps became part of the Spector sound—punchy, clear, studio-ready. It's integral to the design philosophy.

Q: How does Spector compare to Warwick? A: Both offer neck-through construction and European quality. Warwick emphasizes exotic woods (bubinga, wenge) and German manufacturing. Spector offers the NS shape, American USA tier, and Czech Euro value. Different aesthetics and tone—both professional grade.

Conclusion

In 1977, a furniture designer and a Brooklyn luthier built a bass that asked: What if form followed function? The NS shape—curved, ergonomic, neck-through—didn't just look different. It played different. It sounded different. And it influenced bass design for the next five decades.

Today, Spector offers three paths: USA Custom Shop for the authentic handcrafted experience, Euro Series for Czech quality at mid-tier prices, and Legend for entry to the NS world. Brooklyn-era originals connect collectors to the instruments that started it all. Korg ownership has provided resources; the Woodstock shop continues the tradition.

From Brooklyn co-op to Woodstock workshop, from Kramer's rise and fall to Stuart Spector's return—the NS bass endures. Form follows function. It has since 1977.

For the most current pricing and availability, check spectorbass.com or authorized Spector dealers. Brooklyn-era vintage prices vary significantly by condition, model, and provenance.

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