Spector Q5 Pro 5 String Bass guitar active preamp EMG quilt maple GORGEOUS quilt maple top

This is a 2000-ish Spector Q5 Pro bolt neck 5 string bass guitar - includes a VERY nice "hard sided" Line 6 gig bag that fits the bass perfectly.

Its in pretty good condition cosmetically, and functionally, its flawless - except for a place where the fret board is separating from the neck on the first fret and a half of the bass side of the neck.  It plays really well as it is, but the first fret is high. The way it is set up, there is no fret buzz or intonation issues. You can feel it the most right beside the nut.  You can fit a fingernail in between the fret board and the neck right beside the nut, beyond that it goes down rapidly.  I didn't notice this when I first got the bass.  And I listed it before I noticed it.  So, I'm dropping the price significantly due to this "issue".  I have also added a detailed closeup photo of that area.

It does show a fair number of dents, scratches and dings. The majority of the cosmetic flaws are on the back of the bass. None of them really show up well in photographs, but they are there. Mostly "impressions", nothing really offensive.

I emailed Spector with pics of the preamp and they confirmed that this is the original EMG BT active circuit. It has two mini switches on the circuit board numbered "1" and "2" for each one, and it says "ADEO2" on the circuit board. The preamp SOUNDS terrific. Clear, articulate highs, and midrange that cuts right through, and a pretty useful boost for the bass. Most preamps muddy up the low end when boosting. This one really adds some low B sub effect without making a muddy mess of things.

Another unusual thing about this bass is the material on the back of the body. Look at all the pics. That sure doesn't look like basswood to me. Basswood is what was supposed to come on these models. But, its highly unusual looking. Very dramatic light and dark streaked wood grain. In addition, the back of the treble side horn has some beautiful figure in it that looks almost like Koa (very tight flame). I have NO idea what wood is on the back of this guitar, but it does look suspiciously like Koa. If it IS basswood, its the most unusual looking woodgrain I've ever seen for that species.

Also, it doesn't show up well in my crappy iPhone pics, but the maple neck has plenty of gorgeous flame.

Bass weighs in a 8lbs 14oz and is very nicely balanced weight with no headstock dip when you take your hand off the fretboard. So, its not a bass you have to fight to play.

All in all, this is a beautiful instrument that plays great. These basses are hands down the best bargain in this price range. NOTHING comes close for under $500.

I like this bass a lot, but I need to sell it to pay some bills. So, here you go.

International Buyers are welcome.

Thanks for looking.