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Spector NS Dimension HP 5 Bass Review
A review of the Spector NS Dimension HP 5 Bass…
First off, I love doing reviews, but this one in particular is going to be difficult! Why you ask? Well, it’s really hard to put a great bass down long enough to talk about it, especially the Spector NS Dimension HP 5 Bass. Spector, as far as I know, has always been known as the ultimate bass for rock, progressive, and metal bassists, and I am here to tell you, that it’s not just for that. I know this for a fact, because I used it at a few church gigs, on a classic country gig, and even at a fall festival playing non-other than, wait for it… polkas!!! The Spector NS Dimension HP 5 Bass is well rounded for any type of musical genre and the compliments were many. Matter of fact, I was told that I have to play the Spector NS Dimension HP 5 Bass at another gig for an event in December. Why? They heard it and I was told that is the bass they want for their performances.
I want to mention, that many bassists have strings that they like to use and prefer, and while it is quite uncommon for me to do this, only for my most recent church gig, I did change the strings to a lighter gauge, which I prefer. There were no needed changes that had to be made, either with intonation or neck adjustment. The strings that do come with the bass are nickel extra long scale, so if you are going to change strings, make sure you get the extra long scale.
Getting into the nitty-gritty of this review, first off is that it is a multi-scale bass. At first, I was a little concerned, but that went away immediately as soon as I started playing it. For myself, the multi-scale neck was instantaneous in getting used to, not even really noticing that it was multi-scale. Secondly, I set the EQ on my preamp and bass amp flat as it does the work for you. It has an exquisite preamp that is going to be hard to beat. Tones are abundant and I think you will find the many tones, even deep dark rich tones that you can get with the Spector NS Dimension HP 5 Bass to your liking. Gigging and recording with it has made it one of my top go-to basses.
Getting into the specifications of the Spector NS Dimension HP 5 Bass, it is a 3-piece maple neck-through construction with solid alder wings. The fretboard is ebony along with 24 frets, offset dots and the 12th fret Spector logo inlay with a scale of 34-37” and a graphite nut. The electronics consist of EMG 45DC Humbucker pickups, a Darkglass Tone Capsule preamp which consists of +-12dB @70Hz for Bass, +-12dB @500Hz for Mids, and +-12dB @2.8kHz for Hi Mids. Controls consist of Master Volume, Blend, Bass, Mid, and Hi Mid controls. The bridge is individual brass saddles and the tuners are Sealed Die-Cast. All of the hardware is black. It is available in 4 different finishes, White Sparkle Gloss, Gunmetal Gloss, Plum Crazy Gloss & Black Gloss. The bass also comes with a very nice and well-padded gig bag.
Check out the Spector NS Dimension HP 5 Bass at a Spector Music Retailer today near you or online at spectorbass.com/product/ns-dimension-hp-5/
Back in May 2021, I had the pleasure of speaking with a talented nine-year-old bassist named Ellen Alaverdyan, who was just beginning to make waves in the music world (View Interview). Even then, her passion, dedication, and remarkable talent hinted at a bright future ahead.
Today, I’m excited to welcome Ellen back, along with her father, professional guitarist Hovak Alaverdyan, following the release of Take Off, the debut album from Ellen’s band, Jaminai.
Join me as we discuss the making of this exciting new project, explore how Ellen developed her now-signature bass tone and style, and learn what lies ahead for this young musician whose career continues to soar.
Please welcome Ellen and Hovak Alaverdyan!
Album cover artwork, Ellen Alaverdyan
Header Photo, Hovak Alaverdyan
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Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) announces the James Jamerson 1962 Precision Bass®, an era-correct tribute to the bass that was nearly as iconic as the Motown monolith who used it to redefine what the low end was capable of.
“From R&B, to Rock, to Jazz, Country, and Reggae music… everyone owes a debt to James Jamerson. What he did on the 1962 P Bass has never been done. I am so honored to acknowledge that Fender changed everything with the 1962 Precision Bass,” said Raphael Saadiq.
James Jamerson was a phenom in the studio and the stage all throughout the 60s and 70s but more importantly, he drew the blueprint for how a bass part should feel, groove and swagger in order to turn a song into a hit and thereby inspired generations of players to come. Such an indelible impact is impossible without the proper tools, and as far as Jamerson was concerned, none did the job quite like his trusty P Bass®. Its effortless playability, sleek design and undeniable low-end response was and is the path of least resistance between a killer idea and a polished, pitch-perfect bassline that can tie an entire song together. This signature instrument harnesses the magic of the Jamerson’s own Precision Bass and offers it to players everywhere, giving them the opportunity to develop a style and tone that is entirely their own.
Born in 1936, Jamerson was introduced to live music through his grandmother and aunt, both church performers. Captivated by the energy of gospel and jazz, he taught himself piano and trombone before moving to Detroit at 18, where the downtown club scene pulled him toward the upright bass. After graduating high school, he began touring with local groups and by 1959 had become a fixture at Hitsville U.S.A., the recording studio that birthed Motown. It was there that Jamerson truly came into his own, laying down bass tracks for Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, John Lee Hooker and countless others, recordings now regarded as the foundation of modern electric bass playing. As a As a cornerstone of the Funk Brothers and throughout this storied catalog, one thing remains constant – the warm, polished sound of the Fender P Bass that would come to inspire greats like Geddy Lee, Pino Palladino, John Entwistle, Raphael Saadiq, Bootsy Collins, Leland Sklar, Nate Mendel, Geezer Butler, Tal Wilkenfeld, Freddie Washington, Bob Glaub, Matt Freeman, and countless musicians across the globe to pick up a bass and embark on their own journey towards greatness.
“I recalled saying to James as a teenager that he would be great one day! I am excited and happy those words have become a reality. James has received many awards, but the “P-Bass” is a tangible one. I hope you feel the funk and let the music play on!” said Annie Jamerson. “Thank you Fender, from my family and I, You Rock!”
The James Jamerson 1962 Precision Bass offers players all of the dynamic response, low-end presence and stylish looks that helped elevate Jamerson to the top of his craft. This era-accurate instrument comes equipped with a custom split single-coil pickup that provides enough lush, low-end for any band but offers enough definition and punch so that fills, runs and embellishments won’t go unnoticed. The Heirloom sunburst nitro cellulose lacquer finish oozes with classic elegance and will patina gorgeously over time just like the real thing. A classic “C” shape neck, slab rosewood fingerboard, and chrome bridge and pickup cover all ensure that this bass plays, feels and looks like something that you would find in the live room at Hitsville circa 1963. This signature instrument gives players the unique opportunity to hold an integral piece of bass history in their hands and find the sound that speaks to them, just as Jamerson himself did nearly seventy years ago.
“Jamerson is the reason the bass is what it is today. His 1962 Precision Bass wasn’t just an instrument; it was the heartbeat of an era,” said Justin Norvell, Chief Product Officer, Fender Guitars. “As we continue celebrating 75 years of the P Bass, we wanted every player, from bedroom musicians to touring professionals, to be able to hold a piece of that legacy in their hands. From the Heirloom Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish to the custom James Jamerson ’62 Precision Bass pickup, every detail was obsessed over to put that same magic in your hands. This recreation is our love letter to the man who made the groove non-negotiable.”
For more information, visit fender.com/products/james-jamerson-1962-precision-bass
For more than six decades, the sound of the upright bass in modern jazz has carried the unmistakable authority, elegance, and intelligence of Ron Carter.
Recognized as the most recorded jazz bassist in history, Maestro Carter’s tone has become part of the very architecture of the genre.
From shaping the harmonic foundation behind countless landmark sessions to collaborating with many of the greatest jazz artists of our time, his artistry has both defined and expanded what the bass can be.
But beyond the staggering discography lies something even more enduring: dedication.
Maestro Carter has never stopped learning, never stopped refining, and never stopped listening. His commitment to excellence extends well beyond the stage and studio. As an educator and mentor, he has invested deeply in the next generation of bassists, setting a living example of discipline, curiosity, and musical integrity.
Now, in yet another inspired chapter of his extraordinary career, Maestro Carter joins forces with renowned choirmaster Ricky Dillard for a powerful gospel–jazz collaboration, Sweet Sweet Spirit, released February 6, 2026.
This project beautifully bridges sanctified soul and sophisticated swing, blending Carter’s masterful touch with Dillard’s uplifting choral brilliance.
The result is music that feels both reverent and rhythmically alive, deeply rooted, yet refreshingly expansive.
It is truly an honor to share this conversation with a living legend whose work continues to inspire musicians across genres and generations.
Here is Maestro Ron Carter.
Photo, Paul Rivera
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This month, we discuss right-hand techniques to minimize injury while playing bass.
Dr. Randall Kertz is the author of The Bassist’s Complete Guide to Injury Management, Prevention and Better Health. Click here to get your copy today!
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Adam Russell, bassist for Story of the Year, hasn’t slowed down for a second.
With the band’s latest album A.R.S.O.N. dropping on February 13, 2026, they’ve not only delivered new music but also pushed their creativity further through a series of visually striking videos, several of which Adam himself co-directed and edited.
In this interview, we dive into the making of the new record, explore how Adam shapes his signature bass sound, and get the inside scoop on the band’s upcoming Camp Screamo Tour with Silverstein and Origami Angel.
Here’s Adam Russell.
Photo: Ryan Stephens
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Interview With Bassist Ellen Alaverdyan and Guitarist Hovak Alaverdyan
Gear News: Fender Honors James Jamerson with a 1962 Precision Bass
Artist Update With The Revivalists’ Bassist George Gekas
Maestro Ron Carter, Sharing the Spirit – June/July 2026 Issue
New Music: Danielle Nicole, Tug Of War
Right Hand Technique Strategies with Dr. Randy Kertz
May 4 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
May 11 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
May 18 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram