Rex Brown’s New Signature Bass: A Tribute to Pantera’s​ Iconic Sound

While​ Rex Brown didn’t utilize Spector basses during the‌ creation of Pantera’s legendary albums Cowboys from Hell and Vulgar ​Display of Power, that narrative ‍has since⁣ evolved.

In the quest for a distinct tonal identity amidst the thunderous sounds of Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell, Brown discovered a new sonic home with ⁤Spector. this shift allowed him to carve out a unique⁣ mid-range presence, contributing to the groundbreaking sound featured on Far‌ Beyond Driven, The ⁣Great Southern Trendkill, and Reinventing the Steel.

“I ‌became ⁣enamored with Spector,” Brown reflects, noting his loyalty to the brand despite brief stints with gibson. “For me,‍ Spector represents the gold standard. Their sound is ‌unparalleled. ⁢Aside from an old P-Bass, which ⁢inspired my new signature model,‍ Spector‌ has a character all its own.”

Rediscovering the Sound

Discussing the Euro 4 Rex ​Brown model, he shares, “In the studio, we played some tracks from Far​ Beyond ‍Driven, and it felt just like those days. This project has been a labor of love, ensuring every detail is perfect.”

What Initially ​Attracted​ You ‍to Spector Basses?

As pantera’s musical direction shifted, Brown sought a bass that emphasized mid-range frequencies. After ​touring with Skid Row, he ​formed a‌ friendship with band members Dave ‘Snake’ Sabo‌ and Rachel Bolan, who⁢ generously lent him several​ basses ‌during the recording of Far Beyond Driven in Nashville.”We discovered exactly what‌ we were missing,” he recalls.

Can You Elaborate on⁣ That Discovery?

“Vinnie‌ had an enormous kick drum,and Dime’s guitar ​tone⁣ was⁢ colossal,but there was ample space in the ⁤mids for‌ the bass to shine. We realized that‍ Spector basses could cut through the‌ mix far better than⁣ our previous choices.”

Exploring Other Brands

Brown briefly ⁢explored Gibson’s​ offerings, stating, “When Gibson ‍approached ‍me about creating my own Thunderbird, how could I resist? ⁢I’ve ⁤always been a Thunderbird⁤ enthusiast.”

Designing Your latest Spector Signature ‌Model

“We began this journey about a year and a half⁣ ago, focusing on the tonewoods, pickups, ‌and preamps. As a collector,I own a‌ ’63 Fender P-Bass,which I adore for its playability,” he explains.

What Tonewoods Did You Choose?

“We experimented with various darker woods, aiming for a balance between weight and sound quality. ⁢Ultimately, we settled on empress wood for the back, complemented by a maple top and a solid maple core.”

Finding the ‍Right‌ Electronics

“I have a bass that has undergone ‍multiple ​paint ⁤jobs ⁣- my ​favorite being the ⁢black and gold version. even though it’s time for retirement, its sound is irreplaceable. ​I handed it over‌ to ​Spector and said, ‘Let’s replicate that tone.’ There’s something about that‌ bass that cuts⁢ through any mix.”

“We opted for the classic tone pump, which allows for gain adjustments directly on the unit, enabling ​players to customize their‌ sound.”

“We⁣ also included a colour-matched backplate with​ a small⁣ access hole ‌for adjusting the ⁤preamp, catering to different playing styles. After all these years, I still play aggressively, and we wanted to give⁣ players the flexibility⁤ to tweak their gain settings.Plus, it ‌looks fantastic!”

Highlighting‌ Your Signature Sound

For ⁤those unfamiliar with Pantera, Brown suggests ​listening to I’m ⁤Broken as a prime ⁢example of ⁣his signature mid-range sound. “The empress wood on the back lightens the weight while enhancing the mid-range character without sacrificing tone,” he notes.

Fit and Finish Philosophy

“They’re producing some vibrant colors these days, but that’s not ⁢my style. I wanted⁤ something that resonated with my sound.”

“I didn’t want a glossy finish. Many Spector models are⁢ oversprayed, which can lead to excessive high-end frequencies.I suggested​ a semi-gloss finish to let the bass breathe.”

“The​ color, which I named ‘Desert Glow,’ reflects the stunning sunsets here⁢ in⁤ the⁤ West. I wanted something unique, rather than the typical black or blue.”

“You won’t catch me with​ a pink or blue ⁤bass – that’s just not my vibe!”

Is This Your ‌Ultimate Bass?

“You never know what‍ the future holds. This is where I am now, ​and it sounds ​incredible. Spector consistently produces outstanding instruments. This model is the culmination ‍of our⁣ hard work over the past year and a half.”

“It embodies the essence of Spector and my musical journey. I’m ‌genuinely proud of it. When played with fingers, it captures the essence of an old P-Bass. Getting the first model right was‍ crucial, and I believe we achieved that.”

• The Spector ‍Euro 4 Rex Brown Signature⁣ bass is‍ now available for $3,599.99. For more details, visit Spector.