Warwick Streamer LX vs. Spector Euro LX Comparison

[@garrydhintz8017]

Something to note is that Spector will usually have a wider string spacing. And electronics wise he's absolutely right in how Warwick is more full range and easier to have a mid heavy tone. Spector it basically starts out scooped and will get only more scooped unless you have a preamp pedal or counter it in your amps eq. I've always preferred Warwick but like Spector too.

[@gsimongear]

I agree with you on both points, Garryd. Once I get my pedal EQ + TonePump settings dialed in, the Spector absolutely sings! The only challenge comes in when I play a new genre requiring a wildly different tone or using a different rig.

[@garrydhintz8017]

@@gsimongear I feel like mec is just better than emg and it's crazy how many people say the exact opposite. Maybe for certain thumb basses they want to change the character of it could work but I really like the way they voice thier electronics. Interesting side note, I have a customized fretless bass that is using Spector custom soapbars and I find that it's actually very mid present. I think Spector knows how scooped the preamp gets so it was an attempt to counter that. If you get tired of EMG's I would suggest looking for a set of Spector customs. They are the same size as EMG's by the way. Even more interesting it would be cool to hear mec soapbars in that Spector and see what that does.

[@gsimongear]

@@garrydhintz8017 that's awesome! I didn't know Spector customized their pickups. I can't say I've tried very many, but it seems like Spectors have more pickup variety versus Warwick, which seems to have MEC the majority of the time (which I'm absolutely fine with!)

[@garrydhintz8017]

@@gsimongear Spector had some custom wound stuff as well as SSD which are also an offshoot of that. Basically it's Spector's take on emg. They used them in a lot of the early 2000's Spectors. People seemed to prefer EMG so I'm not sure if they still make anything with SSD but they are definitely out there used.

[@adamrushka8096]

The Spector is 17mm string spacing

[@oliverjohn2633]

They both have an amazing sound. I have owned my euro 5xl for nearly 11 years now and spectors are some of my all time favs but there is just something about that woody earthy sound from a warwick that not many other basses could replicate.

[@gsimongear]

"Woody" and "earthy" are great words to describe the Warwick tone! Thanks for watching.

[@jackpaulin6488]

The streamer has more growl and character to me. It seems to have a better place in the mix !! Great video

[@GobBordon]

only cos thats how he has it and his output device dialed

[@alexdeleon7135]

The Streamer's open low B (5th) has a defined fundamental, as well as maintaining the overall tone of the other strings. I find this uncharacteristically tight for a 34" scale. It is a tremendous, impressive, tonal instrument more so than the Euro's 35" scale. The fact that the Warwick possesses clarity, with ample punch on tap which just makes the Spector sound anemic. Incredible, but not surprising.

[@gsimongear]

My thoughts as well! Warwick has made me rethink how low you can tune on a standard 34" scale. It makes me wonder how much scale length really matters, or at what length it begins to make a noticeable improvement in string tension and sonic punch.

[@lf170]

I own a few Spectors, both US and Euro and not sure why but that Euro sounded a bit lifeless which is not the case in my experience. The Euro sounded a bit more mid-scooped than I'm used to hearing, but also just dull sounding in general - the high end sounds really subdued. Did it have old strings on it? Was it recorded through the same amp or interface as the Streamer?

[@gsimongear]

Yep, the recording setup was the exact same! Ran direct into a Scarlett and applied the same Neural DSP cab sim (no additional EQ or effects). I had the Euro treble up to about 60% and the bass to 30%, while leaving the Streamer totally flat. I actually installed a fresh set of D'Addario NYXL's two days before on both basses, so I figured it'd be an ideal time for a comparison!

[@michaelbosi8104]

I've a Warwick Stage 1 6-string and a Spector NS6XL. They body shape looks similar but they are two distinctive beasts. I can't say which i like "more". They're both fantastic in their own right. But really cool review/comparison! Well done.

[@gsimongear]

Thanks so much Michael! For sure - they're both unique. I think the reason I like these brands is that they've both got a distinct sound. You know when you're hearing a Warwick, and you know when you're hearing a Spector.

[@tonyhensonart5232]

Playing bass almost 3 years now. Sold my Spector Legend and kept my Warwick Corvette. Maybe, depends on style being played but I absolutely love my Warwick. Mostly play AIC & hard rock. Warwick just sounded better overall. Thank you for the video!

[@gsimongear]

Thank you so much Tony! Mike Inez has some solid bass tones!

[@tonyhensonart5232]

@@gsimongear my favorite bass player & band. I know a lot of AIC.

[@bradsaville7790]

i just bought the exact Spector, same everything! its such a superb instrument i couldnt be more happy with it .good review mate

[@gsimongear]

@@bradsaville7790 thank you! Hope you have fun with it!

[@mikekashouty516]

There is a very close relationship between the two basses. They in a way were born one in the same. Check the history on the relationship between Stewart Spector and Warwick. It’s some interesting history to read for sure! Excellent video as always!

[@gsimongear]

Thanks Mike! I've heard of that before, that there were some common players in the design of both basses, but I haven't looked into it beyond that. Appreciate the info!

[@mikekashouty516]

@@gsimongear yeah there were law suits over it as well. Cheers!

[@bassyboii]

Love both and owned both. Can’t go wrong with either bass. It would have been helpful to hear the same piece played on both basses. It kinda jumps all over the place from tap on the Spector to slap on the streamer so it’s not really a side by side comparison tonally for most pieces. The euro series spectors are among the best built instruments on the planet, and the new pro series warwicks with bell bronze frets are great too. I prefer the masterbuilt or older warwicks. And I agree they are polar opposites from each other tonally and feel wise. They just happen to share the ns shape. It’s definitely a good move to have both in the stable

[@gsimongear]

Thanks for the feedback Nakoa! Yeah, I could organized those noodling clips a little better, instead of having the initial jam track be the only side-by-side comparison.

[@bassyboii]

@@gsimongear you did great tho. These videos are a lot of work to put together which is why I never do em. Keep up the good work bro!

[@lf170]

Exactly! We know technique and type of music/playing can change the sound drastically, so playing the exact same thing back to back is the best way to compare.

[@wessmusic4501]

A very thorough and detailed comparison between these two wonderful instruments. Great video.

[@gsimongear]

Thank you so much!

[@neongravestxnes1949]

i love warwicks so much, ill never stop getting more of them

[@ugurylmaz144]

Regardless of being 34" scale, streamer has more bottom end and more growl. is it just me or spector seems a little thin compared to warwick?

[@Desecrator6]

They both sound incredible dont get me wrong... but not only does your Warwick look amazing and beautiful... it still second note compared to how JUICY it sounds!

[@gsimongear]

Thank you so much! Juicy describes it quite well!

[@thewaldfe9763]

The Streamer has changed a lot from being a plain Spector copy to a very different thing. But yes, for comparison, a Spector Euro classic and a Warwick Streamer Stage 1 or a EuroBolt and a Streamer LX might have made more sense. Still very interesting though! I tend to prefer the Warwick solo and the Spector in the mix... Just a hint regarding the editing: the beginning is perfect, the later sound samples are kind of mixed up, which makes a comparison difficult. Great video nonetheless!

[@gsimongear]

Thank you! Appreciate the feedback. I definitely could've organized that better.

[@blahblahsen1142]

That warwick just cuts through the mix and sounds more distinct. it;s not the at the other bass sounds bad, it;s just not quite a warwick. something about the warwick just slices through the full band so you can clearly hear it on it;s own, but without overpowering the rest of the instruments, which is important. the Spector bass kinda just becomes the low end extention of the guitar so you cant isolate it as it;s own thing, it just sounds like the guitar is better without realizing that's the bassline. slightly more rounded and blurry, rather than the growly bite that's like "THAT is the bassline."

[@gsimongear]

Good point, I hadn't thought of it that way before. A good example of that is Alex Webster's signature Spector tone in Cannibal Corpse. It may not immediately stick out in the final mix but when he stops playing, or if you hear the isolated guitar tracks, then it sounds like something is missing.

[@bryanwalsh999]

I haven't read through the responses but I would be shocked if no one else has mentioned the fact that comparing a bass with humbucker soapbars to jazz single coils will always be drastically different. That and the difference in woods used on these 2 bass making them totally different sonically.

[@gsimongear]

Yep, in retrospect, I made a pretty glaring omission regarding the pickups. I'm a little less sold on the impact of tonewoods, however. Thanks for watching!

[@DavidMckinney-mn5se]

Warwick kicks butt every time!!!👁️♥️✌️😁

[@sigmundsound]

Spector is a little more scooped in the mids. Both awesome. 👌 35" + neck through is nice for the low B on the Spector.

[@gsimongear]

Yeah, that's the thing about the Tone Pump. If you use it at all, you get a bit of a scooped sound. But hey, no big deal - just crank the mids a bit on the amp! Thanks for watching!

[@thewaldfe9763]

That's a problem with the Spector marketing: until recently, they said the TonePump was boost only (like the HAZ), but it is in fact boosting AND cutting without a centre notch... so if you dial it back completely it's actually a -4dB bass cut and a -12dB treble cut.

[@Adam666...]

I have a spector, nash, fender american p bass and my 04 wawrick german corvette out shines them all. Craftsmanship and overall feel and sound is top notch...imo

[@gsimongear]

It's cool hearing how old Warwicks still hold up to this day in build quality and sound. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@okrham]

The difference is the price. I wish was rich, I want the Spector, R n' R!

[@kstannard56]

I got the Euro 5LX in 2016 with the Bartolini pickups and it’s a game changer. I also have a Warwick streamer stage 1 and a stage 2 and both have mec pickups and neck throughs. I love the stage 1 and the 5 LX. My problem with the Spector is getting the adjustment correct on the B string as it is daunting at times.

[@gsimongear]

For what it's worth, I find the intonation and playability of both bass B strings is a lot better with tapered strings. Thanks for watching!

[@IgnisIban]

Great demo, it’s truly captured the character of each bass, I notice always the scoop sound of the spector, more compressed and that honky upper mids of the maple, very solid and authoritative but softer attack, and while the streamer have that classic mid forward mids and open wider sound of a bolt on less compressed and less mid scooped character of the wenge and way more snap due to bolt on too, I prefer the streamer, is like a improved spector

[@gsimongear]

Thanks for watching! Yeah, The mids are really where you hear the big differences between the two, although they're hardly similar in most other aspects besides the body as well haha!

[@elpelotero]

they call it the "sound of wood" for a reason!!! Warwick for the win!

[@paulandrewpimentel2005]

Great video, man... Spector was always my 'Dream Bass' ever since I saw Queensryche open up for Metallica... In your video the Spector really sounded 'Strong'... And I was so glad to hear how 'Light' it was... Great Video

[@gsimongear]

Thanks Paul! "Strong" is a great way to describe the Spector tone!

[@sheldonnicholl3599]

Thanks for the Ibanez/Spector comment. I love Ibanez and ESP basses. I want to get a Spector. The Euro 5 seemed like the way to go. Now I might consider the Ethos instead. Gotta be neck-thru whatever way I go.

[@gsimongear]

Glad it was helpful for you! The Ethos is definitely a great deal, especially when it comes to the price for those features.

[@HandOfDoom9349]

The tonepump isn't boost only, but it's hard to tell as there's no detent. I think Spector still advertise it erroneously as being boost-only, but I've spoken to thd designer Petr Michalik who has confirmed otherwise many times 😊

[@gsimongear]

Cool, I didn't know that! Frankly, I'm still not sure how the thing works. It sounds pretty good posted, but it was a little hard for me to control.

[@HandOfDoom9349]

@@gsimongear I've had a few Euros and the tonepump was always the weak point for me. I like a detent so I at least have a starting point when shaping my tone. I would have replaced them with a Hazlab but they're very expensive, and I never held on to them for very long either as the necks never felt great to me. I've recently bought a '96 Thumb 5 and it is an astounding instrument - I shouls point out, your videos are partly to blame 🤣

[@Mr.Goldbar]

I personally prefer the Spector a bit, but the Warwick also sounds good!

[@noahbecker1082]

Imo the warwick sounds a lot better when soloed, but the low strings tend to be drowned out a little bit more in the mix than the spector. Great video!

[@jasontrujillo2859]

Man I want that Warwick

[@mrpositronia]

I only have the cheap Performer/Legend (it seems like a cross between the two) series Spector (5-sting) with a flat body (boo!). It was fitted with a really cheap and noisy preamp, so I never played it. I recently fitted a set of Fishman Fluance in it though, and it has totally changed the way I see it. Now it has many different sounds, and is actually really fun to play. I can't put it down.

[@gsimongear]

Nothing wrong with cheap! The Fishman Fluence seem pretty neat. How do you think they compare to the "classic" EMG Humbucker Spector tone?

[@mrpositronia]

@@gsimongear I think the FIshmans do give a good approximation of that tone, but if you're specific about that sound, just stick with that. However, the Fishmans switch between humbucker and single coil, plus it has a 3-way tone selector toggle switch that changes between scooped, modern flat and classic mid-range bite. Not to mention the treble and bass tones to adjust however you like, so it is a far more versatile setup and is noiseless, even in single coil. As a comparison, I have a Schector SLS, also with Fishmans, but in that, they sound smoother. In the Spector, they sound more 'growly' and turning the bass and treble to just below middle brings out even more. I've never fitted any electronics before, so this was my first time and I have to say, it wasn't too difficult.

[@SJW82]

100% agree on them not being the same. I had a fellow bassist say “They are exactly the same”

[@gsimongear]

Lol - I can understand the initial confusion, but after hearing them just once, and especially after playing them, you can absolutely tell a difference!

[@SJW82]

@@gsimongear Amen to that mate! Totally different characteristics to them

[@funfanacyland1172]

Thank you so much we did not know that.

[@D20band]

Both basses are awesome and sound phenomenal!!! I’m a Spector guy myself and have an NS-2, NS-4, and a solid maple Euro 5. I’d love to check out a Thumb 5 sometime soon though!!! Great comparison!!! I’d be curious to see the WW against a Spector classic 5!

[@gsimongear]

Thank you! How do the NS series compare to the Euro? I've always been interested in playing those, as I've heard the necks are slimmer than the Euro.

[@D20band]

@@gsimongear the 2 USA basses I have are very similar to the Euro as far as the neck goes. The main difference is the preamps. The NS-4 I have has an 18 volt pre and the the NS-2 has the HAZ 9 volt pre. Both amazing in their own right! The euro I have has a tonepump pre and I love it as well. Great basses all around!

[@zenzenzen4741]

That was cool thanks for a much needed video

[@gsimongear]

Thanks!

[@dalstar925]

I have two euro spectors (4lx, eurobolt5) and I love them both, but that Wick…holy moly it’s nastyyyy!! Great sounding bass I feel like maybe the HAZ preamp would give a little more character to the tone over the tone pump in the euro and probably been a more fair comparison, but whatever it was still an awesome vid! Looking forward to seeing more.

[@gsimongear]

Good point! I'm not a Spector expert, but I believe the HAZ is standard for NS2's (?), which would probably be a more "true" comparison to a Masterbuilt Warwick. Regardless, I'd sure be interested to hear that as well! Thanks for watching.

[@Denn-yo3qn]

Spector balanced multi or deep bass capability reproduction, versatility and longer sustain because their ONE PIECE construction giving compact strengh and stability.😊🎉 Also...CUSTOM SHOP AVAILABLE AT YOUR CHOICE.

[@lemmenkainen]

Is it wrong to really enjoy both? They both sound so good.

[@gsimongear]

Nope! While I'm partial to Warwick, I can't deny I've got a soft spot for Spector too! Thank you for watching!

[@thomascoolberth2648]

The blue one with the EMG humbuckers .. seems to get lost in the middle of a metal mix. whereas the one with the single P-Bass style pickups. Been trying to figure out bass .. dumb guitarist here.

[@dannyaustin84]

Great video. Thanks. Love the J J setup.

[@gsimongear]

Thanks Danny! It's becoming my favorite pickup configuration as well.

[@rhythmpt3903]

Great video man. I just got a Spector euro 5, i had a Warwick rock bass corvette ( not a fair comparison, but thats all i have to go on haha). To me the Spector is a super modern sounding bass, the Warwick was more warm and vintage feeling. The Spector i find that its really well balanced in terms of the frequency of each string, while the Warwick i had got a little muddy at times and u noticed some strings cut through more than others. The Warwick neck is much thinner and comfortable i think. The neck on the spector is chunky( i think the usa models have thinner necks), not unplayable by any means, i actually like it, still getting used to it. But all in all i really love the spector.

[@gsimongear]

Pumped to hear you've got a Euro! They're awesome basses. Yeah, you don't get quite the same Warwick experience with a Rockbass as you a Pro Series or Masterbuilt, unfortunately.

[@bro-im-just-walking-here]

i like just about every aspect of the warwick better. accept for the weight, which is pretty hard to get around

[@gsimongear]

I'm a little partial to the Warwick too! I do have a Pro Series Thumb, with an ovangkol body, and that one certainly feels much lighter. That bubinga is dense!

[@deangomes6280]

To me it’s the 35” scale that makes the difference in sound. It makes the higher notes sound very different. It’s the closest you can get to a thumb’s tone without a Warwick thumb. That might be an interesting comparison. Fun side note, a USA Spector has the same body curve as the streamer. Not as deep. From what I understand it’s because the Czech factory still does the curve by hand by placing the whole bass on top of a sanding wheel. Great video. 🙏🏼

[@gsimongear]

Wow, thanks for sharing that, Dean - I had always thought the USA & Czech instruments were the exact same body shape. I really appreciate the feedback and thanks for checking out the video!

[@bassyboii]

It’s more so the dual coil emg setup gs the single coil jazz pickups and placement on the Warwick.

[@deangomes6280]

@@bassyboii wait did he have them in single coil mode or humbucker? I don’t think it was mentioned, unless I missed it.

[@bassyboii]

@@deangomes6280 sounded like humbucker mode. Owned the same bass for a bit.

[@Muppio]

Sweet beginning riff.

[@gsimongear]

Thank you! Glad you liked it!

[@danielirvine7468]

I’ll take a fender 😂 But this was fun to watch

[@gsimongear]

Thanks Daniel! I won't lie; I enjoy the thick, classic Jazz bass tone! The ergonomics of Fender basses don't really match my preferences, but hey, that's why there's so many different basses out there to try!!

[@Loki_Morningstar666]

I like the Streamer LX better of the two. I have a Euro 5 LX. I hate Spector's tone pump preamp so I swapped it for a 3 band EMG preamp and EMP pickups. The neck on the Streamer is way more comfortable too. The neck on my Euro 5 feels like a 2x4 compared to my Warwick Corvette. I love the Warwick neck profiles but I wish they would do a 35" scale on their 5 and 6 strings like Spector but with the nice thin Warwick neck shape.

[@gsimongear]

Thanks for watching Tim! Good point on the neck profiles. Given the choice, I prefer the thinner neck of the Warwicks as well. The Spector's not bad, but like you said, when switching from a Warwick one minute to Spector the next, the Spector neck feels chunky. I'd be curious to try an extended-scale Warwick - I'd argue that they already have one of the punchiest & tightest low B's with just a 34'' scale!

[@valeryt4977]

Neck of my Warw STD 5 corvette 1994 is fat. But I like it. Newest warw have many slim curve.

[@tonynecas4825]

Pickup configuration, neck construction, string spacing all make significant differences between the two. Anyone who pays half attention to the bass can hear both instruments distinct characteristics.

[@gsimongear]

Yep! Definitely different. Only a slightly similar body shape.

[@masteroutlier]

Humbuckers defeat the purpose. There's no point in cleanliness if you lose character. Having a Spector Euro LX 5 myself, I would have preferred the warwick from this video's line-up. Maybe changing the pickup type would do it for me, spectorwise, but I prefer the natural sound

[@cd0u50c9]

Both instruments are absolute weapons, it just depends which works for you best. The might look very similar (we all know the history there) but with different pickups and electronics they will do very different things.

[@gsimongear]

For sure! Before owning either bass, I saw some pretty impassioned owners calling one or the other copycats, but after owning them, that can't be further from the truth.

[@cd0u50c9]

@@gsimongear Agreed. I have both a Warwick and a Spector neck through and they're worlds apart in every way.

[@AlexofKtulu]

Warwick for sure!

[@Belman5]

The Warwick seems to have more mids, helping it cut through a bit better. Nice playing.

[@gsimongear]

I've noticed that as well. Thanks for watching the video; I appreciate it!

[@cyril_jq]

5:11 this lick fits spector's sound quite well

[@gsimongear]

Thanks! The Spector does have a unique punch when doing faster slaps like that.

[@chrisAclaes]

Both sound great. I tend to favor the Warwick sound overall, definitely cuts through the mix better, but the Spector has its own benefits. Props to really allowing these instruments to shine and bringing their tonal capabilities to the forefront. Thanks!

[@gsimongear]

Thanks Chris! I'm partial to Warwick as well, but that's just me - Spector makes phenomenal instruments in its own right!

[@reches1029]

Me quedo con spector y warwick buen bass

[@andreikraemer6910]

Warwick Streamer LX all the way!!!

[@valeriooriente2578]

Warwick stable for me

[@OrestesTheOrpheo]

singles vs humbuckers 🤔

[@Zakkunie]

Well to be fair he said they were the EMG 40 TW so they do have the coil split, but he doesn't say which mode he had it in lol. Both basses sound great though

[@jorgschmidt4001]

For Sure the Streamer Sounds better to me. Only Bass Sounds better ist the thumb

[@gsimongear]

Big Thumb fan here as well! Thanks for watching.

[@davidg9927]

And Warwick makes lots of left hand ones too! Spector not so much

[@chriscornell8810]

1:23 1:34 0:03 0:20

[@GobBordon]

I rate Spector leagues above Warwick when it comes to comparing oranges to oranges, $ for $ the Spectors last longer, stay in tune better, hold their own better. Warwick make some lovely instruments but you are in the $3000+aud range before you see Warwicks that can outperform a $2500 spector. both shit all over Ibanez, but thats no challenge. Ive owned many of both and can happily 100% say unless you are spending 30% more for the warwick you arent getting anything close to the spector

[@dr_pavlic]

Single vs Humbacker

[@creedereinecker4542]

Spector will sound just like the Warwick with a Brass Nut…

[@valeryt4977]

Warwick - one love. I'm owner of W corvette std5 f/a bubinga/wenge and it is perfect. Dominator in any mix. Always enought.

[@gsimongear]

Nice! Yeah, that's my favorite part about Warwicks - the tone seems to work in nearly any mix with minimal EQ.

[@chriscuthbertson]

The Spector sounds a little too 'ordinary ' compared to the Warwick for my taste.

[@gsimongear]

I definitely understand that! As much as I love the distinctive Warwick sound, I can't deny that there are times where a more subtle bass tone can come in handy though. Different tools for different situations, I guess. Thanks for watching!

[@gazfunk]

Warwick for the win. 👍

[@gabrielesquaratti5709]

single coils, soapbars. no wonder they are not the same

[@metalavenger23]

Even then MEC soap bars sound very different from EMGs and Warwick places them in a different position closer to the bridge giving them a harder bite.

[@javiersalinas-hb8ki]

One thing noone has mentioned is that the Warwick sounds fat and pronounced, and articulate, the Spector is just thin and weak, doesn't have the balls

[@TenFalconsMusic]

Perhaps playing the same bass line (back to back) would've lended a more accurate comparison. P.S. Please stop with the numerous cut-scene editing flips. That trick is massively out dated & makes you look like you have a verbal tick. Otherwise, nice video.

[@TrojanSalesmen1]

.. I have even thought they be the same ofc they are different oO both are BADASS!

[@gsimongear]

They're definitely both beasts in their own right! Thanks for watching!