Spector release new 'Icon' series of basses

[cetera]

I'm guessing that these will replace the Pulse II basses, which appear to have ceased production....

 

 

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[cetera]

https://bassmagazine.com/spector-introduces-the-ns-icon-bolt-on-series/

[RussFM]

With the NS name and inlays I thought they were US made at first, and wondered why they didn't have the usual deep neck pocket. Makes sense now, they're more like the old Legend construction (I never played a Pulse). They look great and no need for inlay stickers! I'll have to try one out.

 

The Frank Bello had Icon in the name too, is that how they're identifying the 'budget' range now?

[Cosmo Valdemar]

Hooray! They look like Spectors!

[Jonesy]

Those are really cool. I really like the inlays and gloss finish on the entry level model. 

 

I wonder how the aguilar pre amp and pups compare to the EMGs in the Pulse.

 

Fingers crossed they'll be a raft of 2nd hand Pulse sales for me to choose from soon 😄 

[JohnDaBass]

It would be great to include a short scale version of the new Icon bolt on range.

[NancyJohnson]

I've loved the Spectors I've owned (four) and I still own a EuroX, but my fear for Spector is that their business model is fast aping Fender and it's diluting its position in the marketplace ('Coming May 2027, the Fender Vintera III range, exactly the same as the Vintera I, but now it's III, innit?').  While I appreciate over the years there's been the occasional movement away from the NS body line, the market just seems to be saturated with variations on (more or less) the same design with models suffixed with LT/LX/LE, offered in different colours, pickup and preamp configurations.  

 

Obviously I realise that (like Fender) the company needs to continually mix things up to keep the range fresh and to stay in business, but as Gary says these new models are possibly just replacements for a discounted line...how different are they from these and ultimately does it make any difference?