For Sale: 2017 Spector USA NS-5XL 5-String Bass – Black Quilt | HAZ 9V Preamp | OHSC
Up for sale is a 2017 Spector USA NS-5XL 5-String Bass in Black Quilt, complete with its original Spector hard-shell case.
Handcrafted in the USA, this NS-5XL features a stunning quilted maple top, chambered redwood body, neck-through construction, ebony fingerboard, and 35" scale length. Its original active EMG Jazz Bass pickups and Spector HAZ 9V preamp deliver the powerful, articulate tone that has made American-built Spectors so highly regarded.
This particular example also features Spector's thin neck profile, measuring just .81" at the 1st fret, making it especially comfortable for players who prefer a slimmer neck on a five-string bass.
At 9 lbs 2 oz, it offers a substantial, well-balanced feel without being excessively heavy for a USA NS-5XL.
Condition
Excellent – 9/10
This bass is in excellent condition, showing only:
- Light scratches
- A few small dings
- Minor cosmetic wear consistent with normal use
The bass retains its original EMG pickups, HAZ 9V preamp, and original frets.
There are no cracks, breaks, repairs, or structural issues.
The neck is straight and stable, and the original frets are in excellent condition with no visible wear. It plays cleanly across the entire fingerboard with no buzzing or dead spots.
Professionally inspected and set up by our in-house luthier and ready to play.
Please review all photos carefully for the most accurate representation of condition.
Specifications
- Model: Spector USA NS-5XL
- Year: 2017
- Made In: USA
- Serial Number: 401
- Finish: Black Quilt
- Body: Chambered Redwood
- Top: Figured Quilted Maple
- Body Shape: Spector NS Curved and Carved Body
- Construction: Neck-Through
- Neck: 3-Piece Maple with Graphite Reinforcement Rods
- Neck Profile: Thin
- Fingerboard: Ebony
- Fingerboard Inlays: Spector Abalone
- Fingerboard Radius: 16"
- Scale Length: 35"
- Frets: 24
- Nut Width: 1.84"
- Neck Depth: .81" at 1st Fret / .91" at 12th Fret
- Headstock: Ebony Face Veneer
- Pickups: Original Active EMG Jazz Bass Pickups
- Preamp: Original Spector HAZ 9V
- EQ: Active Bass and Treble, ±15 dB Boost/Cut
- Controls: Master Volume, Pickup Balance, Treble, Bass
- Weight: 9 lbs 2 oz
- Case: Original Spector Hard-Shell Case
Premium USA Construction
The NS-5XL represents Spector's premium American-made approach to bass design, combining its iconic curved body shape with high-end materials and neck-through construction.
This example features a beautifully figured quilted maple top over a chambered redwood body, giving it a distinctive appearance while helping manage the weight of a full-scale five-string instrument.
The three-piece maple neck runs through the body and incorporates graphite reinforcement rods for additional strength and stability. An ebony fingerboard with Spector abalone inlays, 24 frets, and an ebony headstock face veneer complete the premium appointments.
The sculpted NS body shape provides a comfortable playing position, whether standing or seated.
Original EMG Pickups & HAZ 9V Preamp
This bass retains its original active EMG Jazz Bass pickups and Spector HAZ 9V preamp, a combination known for delivering the authoritative low end, punch, and clarity associated with USA-built Spectors.
The HAZ preamp provides ±15 dB of active bass and treble boost/cut, allowing you to shape the sound without sacrificing definition.
Its straightforward control layout includes:
- Master Volume
- Pickup Balance
- Treble
- Bass
From deep, rounded fingerstyle tones to aggressive, articulate pick attack and cutting slap sounds, this electronics package offers plenty of flexibility while retaining the unmistakable Spector character.
Thin Neck & Playability
One of the standout features of this particular NS-5XL is its thin neck profile, which feels especially slim in the lower positions.
The neck measures .81" at the 1st fret and .91" at the 12th, with a measured 1.84" nut width.
The 35" scale length provides excellent tension and definition on the low B string, while the 16" fingerboard radius and 24-fret layout offer a comfortable, modern playing experience.
At 9 lbs 2 oz, this bass has a solid, balanced feel that works equally well for extended playing sessions, studio work, and live performance.
Original Spector Hard-Shell Case
The bass includes its original Spector hard-shell case.
The case shows a little wear on the interior but remains fully functional and provides excellent protection for storage, travel, and shipping.
Transparency & Photos
The photos show the exact instrument you will receive—no stock photos.
Close-up photos taken under direct lighting are included at the end of the photo set to clearly show the light scratches, small dings, and other cosmetic details.
We don't just describe the condition—we show it in detail so there are no surprises.
Many of our customers tell us their guitars and basses arrive in better condition than expected.
Why Buy From Guitar Chimp?
With over 18 years of experience, Guitar Chimp is trusted by players and collectors worldwide.
- Professionally inspected and set up by our in-house luthier
- Honest, accurate condition descriptions
- Real photos of the actual instrument—never stock images
- Thousands of guitars and basses shipped worldwide
- Professionally packed, fully insured, and shipped with signature confirmation
Buy with confidence knowing your instrument will arrive safely and exactly as described.
📞 Call/Text
💬 Message anytime—we're always happy to help!
This 2017 Spector USA NS-5XL in Black Quilt combines a gorgeous quilted maple top, chambered redwood body, comfortable thin neck, and original EMG/HAZ electronics in a premium American-made five-string bass.
With its 35" scale length, ebony fingerboard, and original Spector hard-shell case, it's an exceptional instrument for players looking for the unmistakable feel and sound of a USA Spector.
🎸 Jerald – Guitar Chimp
Providing The Finest Guitars, Basses & Amps Since 2006
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| Listed | a month ago |
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| Condition | Excellent (Used) Excellent items are almost entirely free from blemishes and other visual defects and have been played or used with the utmost care.Learn more |
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