Spector

Stuart Spector

In 1977 Stuart Spector introduced the Spector NS bass to the world, and the world was never the same.

It’s hard to sum up Stuart’s influence on bass and guitar design in a just a few words. He’s one of the most important, arguably the most important member of his generation of luthiers. He brought us bass designs that continue to be played by some of the most important musicians in the world. He introduced both Ned Steinberger and Vinny Fodera to instrument design. His Spector NS bass shape is one of the most copied bass designs, second only to the Fender Jazz and P Basses.

He also succeeded in running businesses that for over 40 years that successfully navigated the incredibly complex and challenging music business.

But all that is not what we’re talking about on this podcast.

In 2019, Stuart sold Spector Musical Instruments to Korg USA. Korg has done a great job honouring the history of craftsmanship and innovation that Stuart fostered for so many years.

But, what is one to do when they retire from a lifetime of making musical instruments? Well, continue making instruments, of course.

From his home workshop in the Catskill mountains, right beside the Esopus river, since handing the Spector reigns over to Korg, Stuart has been hand crafting acoustic guitars.

It’s the perfect retirement setup: continue doing what you love, keep learning and growing, and have more than enough time to do some fishing by basically walking out your front door.

Building guitars and basses has always been a labour of love for Stuart. That love continues and is obvious as he talks about his new guitars and the brand new Tailwater acoustic bass that is long-time business partner PJ Rubal shared at the 2024 NAMM show.

Here’s our conversation – I hope you enjoy.

Here are a few links for more details:
Esopus Guitars.
PJ Rubal's Spector History site.
Spector basses today.

Here’s our conversation – I hope you enjoy.