Spector Bantam 4 '“ Short Scale Bass

In the studio, there’s a big clear sound defying what you may think about a short scale bass. This was a pleasant surprise, but of course, this will be in part due to the nice hefty Spector bridge, which is actually a really nice piece of hardware. There are no sharp edges and the ability to slide strings out for super-fast string changes is most welcome.

Dan Veall

 PROS

It’s a pro Spector

Excellent electronics

Great hardware

Comfortable and balanced to play

Cons

Limited model options

Premium price bracket

SPECS

3pc Maple Neck With Graphite Rods for additional strength

Rosewood Fingerboard

USA Figured Maple over European Alder Body

EMG 35DC dual coil active pickups

Guitar Interactive star rating:  4.5 stars

Spector Bantam 4 — Short Scale Bass

MSRP £1660 (UK)  $TBC (US)

At Gi, we have a lot of respect for Stuart Spector and his work. His bass designs are iconic and are used the world over by some of the very best in bass guitar including, Doug Wimbish, who has a pair of great instruments that have notched up an incredible amount of recording, touring and clinic hours. Dan Veall takes a long look at this short scale bass with the Spector Bantam 4.

Much like the Trace Elliot Elf head and matching cabinet we have also reviewed in this issue, the Spector Bantam also makes me look like a character from ‘The BFG’. It is, much like the duck breed of the same name, the smaller to it’s larger cousin. Yes indeed, I haven’t suddenly piled on the pounds (well maybe a few) but what you’re seeing is a shorter scaled, downsized, but no less than full-fat Spector bass. This isn’t an entry-level instrument either, this machine is in the same price bracket as it’s Euro model family members.

The Bantam 4 features pro-specifications that you’d expect to find on any of the more premium models from the Spector line. The Maple neck is sturdy and positive in hand without feeling overtly chunky. It’s quite a smooth and unhindered profile around the back and on the front we are graced with an Indian Rosewood board, which is free from markers; naked save for those perfectly installed 22 frets that are smooth all the way along its length. The 30'