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The SB-1, the company’s first-ever production bass guitar, is recreated in the Spector Custom Shop as part of its 50th Anniversary celebration.
Designed by Stuart Spector and Alan Charney in Brooklyn during the mid-1970s, the SB-1 predates the iconic NS series and is the foundation of the Spector legacy. This limited Custom Shop run brings the historic SB-1 design back with only 50 instruments being built by Spector’s New York Custom Shop team.
The Custom Shop SB-1 stays faithful to the original instrument’s defining characteristics, beginning with its distinct flat, wide body shape and neck-thru construction. The bass is offered in four wood options—walnut, maple, curly cherry, and rainbow alder—reflecting both the original materials and newly introduced alternatives for this commemorative release. The body shape, pickup placement, and vintage-style headstock construction, are consistent with the original SB-1 design. The neck-thru construction and 34” scale length is still vital to the instrument’s feel and response, with overall design details staying true to the earliest Spector basses.
Electronics on the SB-1 follow a classic, passive approach, centered around a single DiMarzio Model One pickup. This pickup reflects the original SB-1 configuration and delivers a straightforward, vintage-inspired tone. The simplicity of the electronics underscores the instrument’s historical accuracy and direct connection to Spector’s earliest production era.
Hardware appointments also stay consistent with the SB-1’s original intent, emphasizing functionality and authenticity. Each bass ships in a custom-made G&G hard case, featuring the Spector Custom Shop logo stitched into the interior. Production is strictly limited to 50 instruments total, with 15 walnut and 15 maple basses, along with 10 curly cherry and 10 rainbow alder basses, making each example part of a highly collectible anniversary run.
Spector’s Global Brand Manager John Stippell added, “I’m thrilled to bring this lesser-known part of Spector’s history to the public. The SB-1 is such a unique bass and gives a glimpse into the eventual development of the NS basses!”
Where to buy:
For more information about the Custom Shop SB-1 bass and Spector’s 50th Anniversary offerings, visit NAMM Booth #6802 or online at www.spectorbass.com.
Street Price: $5999.99 USD
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