Living Colour bassist Doug Wimbish has partnered with Spector’s USA Custom Shop to release two new bass models: the DW-4 and DW-5. These instruments replicate the iconic basses that have defined Wimbish’s career, featuring signature EMG pickups and an era-specific headstock design.
Wimbish expressed his satisfaction with the new models, stating, “Spector took the time to get every little nuance right, and that to me is dedication and being thoughtful enough to know ‘I want to nail it,’ and they did. I’m able to pick these instruments up for the first time and play them like I’ve already had them for years.”
The basses are crafted from a maple body with a quilted maple top, and they include a three-piece hard rock maple neck with a 24-fret pau ferro fretboard. The two EMG DW Signature pickups are controlled by master volume, pickup blend, bass cut/boost, and treble cut/boost knobs. Additional features include a brass nut and bridge, along with Spector-branded Gotoh tuners.
Recalling his introduction to Spector basses, Wimbish said, “I was with Jeff Beck, we were recording with Mick Jagger for what was to be his ‘Primitive Cool’ record. It just so happens that Kramer [Guitars] was there to show some instruments to Jeff and me, and I was fortunate enough to have my tech Pierre mention that I was interested in checking out Spector basses. Fortunately, I got the bass, recorded the album, and everybody loved the sound.”
The DW-5 model honours Wimbish’s 1987 five-string Spector bass, the ninth of its kind ever made, with a slightly unrefined headstock design. The DW-4 comes in Amber Stain Gloss and Black Stain Gloss finishes, while the DW-5 is available in Dark Blue Stain Gloss and Faded Natural Gloss.
Priced at $6,339.99 for the DW-4 and $6,639.99 for the DW-5, each bass includes a certificate of authenticity signed by Doug Wimbish. For more information, visit Spector’s official website.
