My Spector NS dimension is worse than yours. The nut is also too high, and the frets need to be re-leveled otherwise there will be a lot of buzz. And the circuit was soldered in a mess. The wires were burnt in many places, and the output jack was even completely rusty. Because I loved the sound of the bass, I ended up keeping it and spending more money and time setting it up. To be honest, I am very disappointed with Spector's quality management.

I've returned probably 7 or more basses this past year from prices of $850 up to $1800. The retailers hate me. But these companies keep pushing out stuff with horrendous fretwork and finishing work. So it is what it is. I eventually settled on a Sire M5 which ALSO needs fretwork and a new bridge saddle. Luckily, the retailer is working with me and Sire is sending me a new bridge. So sometimes a return is best, but sometimes communicating with the dealer and manufacturer can play to your benefit as a consumer. Either way, don't let the companies pumping out poor products get away with it on your dime.

Appreciate the honest review!

I really like my Dimension HP 5. It was setup fairly high, BUT if you’re not setting up your instruments once you have your preferred strings on, then you’re missing out on a better bass you already have, IMHO of course. I did adjust the truss rod I did lower the bridge I did intonate it Any bass made overseas, you can’t honestly expect perfection after such a long journey.

That Streamer Stage II in the background...

Definitely send it back

I feel like this wasn’t a bad review. It seemed to have minor set up issues. Yes I would be disappointed. But, It sounds killer and it sounds like a keeper.

I just got one and mine was setup perfectly

i've had one standard spector (cheapest active model) and it was great out of the box. it's weird but possible that the issues you have with this model in particular are real and a pity for the price and the brand (there should be no excuses if you feel the need to change the bass). I hope you could have made the change and feel happy with that. I've had only two basses I REALLY miss: a heavily modified squier and the spector. both had to be sold because of dues to pay, but I really miss them both. cheers from argentina!!!!

Hi Dave. Yes my Spector was exactly the same. Shocking for an instrument at this price. The cavity was also a mess, filler on the neck, scratches on the back in the lacquer.

I have one of the previous models with the Fishman Fluence set up. Mine came set up near perfect. That DG w/ EMG's sound great though. I can only imagine what a setup would do for you on that one. But I agree, if it came shipped with the nut that high, I'd consider returning. Probably just a bad apple, though, I've heard others with similar issues.

I have an Ethos 5, Dimension 5, and an Ethos hp4. The Ethos 5 had a great set-up, but the truss rod nut was basically glued in place by the gloss spray. The only issue the Dimension had was a really high second fret, so I had it re-leveled. Only cost me $25. The Ethos hp so far hasn't had any issues. But I also got it from sweetwater, any neck issues would've been caught during the inspection if it had any. I have heard a lot of stories about the Korean models having fret and nut issues though.

I was considering buying one, the green moss version. But after seeing the flaws u presented, I'm probably gonna go for a dingwall ng3. Ugly plastic cap on the back... did u return the bass?

I have a 4 string NS dimension multi scale. The overall quality is top notch and my nut was filed perfectly. The neck is true and the frets feel good. I was able to lower the bridge saddles to get the action I wanted. I’ll let you know if the NS HP 4 I’m getting soon is good or not. The one I have is great, though.

It doesn't seem like a good example and returning for another should be good?

I had the same nut issue. Also the neck moves all the time. I had to adjust my truss rod almost weekly. Sold it.

Wow that’s really discouraging to see. I plan on getting a new bass in the $800-850 range and I was actually looking at the legend 5 from Spector because they have amazing low end( and it’s $600) but seeing this on their high end stuff has made me consider my other few options

Your bass's issues must be a fluke. I have an Ethos HP and it is an amazing instrument. I have nothing negative to say about it. It makes me want another

Did you return it? And did you get another one ? If you did how is the second one?

For 2 grand I'd return it

Send it back... I bought a legend bass a few years ago and it was making SO much noise I sent it back for a replacement one and guess what... that one was noise as hell and I sent it back for a full refund. Some Spectors are amazing and some of there lower end models seem to have quality control and some attention to detail issues.

I don't have the Dimension but my Pulse II 5 was/is exactly the same. The action makes it almost unplayable and I've had it professionally set up twice now and neither of the pros can get the action any lower. I was actually planning on buying a new bass this coming weekend and instead of another Spector I think I'll get an LTD instead of the Ethos.

i appreciate the honesty. i love spector and a fanned fret five string was what i’ve been wanting but ill pass on this one

If it was only the nut, keep it. With the cosmetic issues, I would send it back for the price.

I'm with you on the cover plate. Only Ernie Ball gets away with that.

I bought a Euro 5lt and love it. And then I bought a Dimension 5..... For this price range, it is garbage. The biggest struggle now is whether or not to burn the damn thing and send the ashes back to Spector. Nut carve is amateur at best. Every part of the bridge feels cheap and the "locking mechanism" on each saddle is a nightmare when trying to tighten it back after making any intonation adjustment. The neck is mostly straight, but the frets are nowhere near being level. Out of the box I had 4mm on the B and 3.5mm on the G......... It is plainly obvious that this entire line from Spector is a money grab. I could understand these issues for a $500 bass. But for $2k??? Get bent. They build a $500 instrument and sell it for a premium because of the multiscale aspect. Not cool whatsoever. I really hope that anyone trying to decide on a multiscale bass reads this and takes it to heart. Buy a Dingwall, Ibanez or Kiesel. You will be much happier for it.

I actually hurt myself playing this unplayable bass. Carpal tunnel. I sent it back immediately. My first & last spector/multi scale/5 string. Kept neck diving & action was high

For 2 grand it should be correct. I'd send it back.

Send it back and get a dingwall. I’m playing my Doug wimpish Spector a whole lot less. Both are great. Just remember buy twice, cry twice. Get good from the start.

Return it. That is unacceptable

Korea doesn't care.