Key differences between a Spyder 4 versus Exploiter

[ericlegrand]

I am a new member of this club and was wondering what are some of the key differences between an Exploiter and a Spyder 4.  I love the shape of these bass guitars and trying to decide... Thanks -Eric

[keith_h]

Electronically the typical Expoilter has the Spoiler electronics which is a volume, filter (i.e tone control), Q-switch and pickup selector. The Spyder has Anniversary electronics which is a volume for each pick up, a filter for each pickup, a Q-switch for each pickup, a pickup selector switch and a stereo mono switch. The Anniversary are about as close to a Series 1 as you can get with hum canceling pickups.  
 
As far as the bodies go the Spider has the spider webs like John Entwhistle had. I also think there are some minor differences in the body dimensions but am not certain. Others here can speak with more authority on the body shapes.  
 
Keith

[senmen]

Hi Eric, Keith has already given you some good info on the electronics of the Spyders. Bodyshape and dimensionwise the Spyders are very different in woods and shape to Johns famous conehead Spyders.  The limited Spyders are bodywise closer to Johns V-head Spyder but woodwise a completely different thing. Johns Spyders had walnut core with Birds Eye maple top and back while the limited Spyder reissues had flamed maple top and back. See below pictures: Johns Conehead Spyder, Johns V-head Spyder, Spyder Reissue, my custom Dragon Wing with all specs of Johns old Spyders (woodwise)  



 



 Oliver (Spyderman)  (Message edited by davehouck on January 21, 2008)

[aquaman]

Eric,
 
One key difference is price, to be sure.  I was lucky to purchase an '84 Spoiler Exploiter recently--mint condition (zebrawood top, mahogany body, ebony fretboard, medium scale) for $2,000.  Beautiful tone, wonderful to jam, and very well balanced.  I love the body shape, too.
 
The Spyder will run you considerably more in terms of price.  Either way, you won't want to put it down once you get one.  Good luck!
 
Rich

[811952]

Interestingly, the only Exploiters I've ever seen in the wild all had Distillate electronics!  One was a 4-string and the other was an 8-string with a peghead that looked like a sculpted cone (the edges weren't straight lines) ending in a point (not rounded) and very organic-looking.  Both basses were at Vic Zinn Music in Noblesville, Indiana, back in the early '80s...
 
John

[hieronymous]

Aren't there subtle differences in the Exploiter shape, depending on when and for whom they were made? This isn't an Exploiter/Spyder difference, more of a general difference in shape over the years.
 
My biggest problem with the shape is that I kept bumping the point into doorjambs!
 
Here's my Spoiler/Exploiter:
 

[David Houck]

I believe it is accurate to say that the Exploiter has always been an optional body style.  Most of the Exploiter body styles I've seen pictures of have been Spoilers, but there's been a number of Distillates and some Series basses as well.  If you look on the custom quote generator, the Exploiter is still listed as an optional body style.  The Spyder is shown on the price list as a specific model, the Spyder Limited Edition.
 
So if you were looking to order a new instrument, you could order for instance an Essence with an Exploiter body shape.  If you wanted to order a Spyder, you would order a Spyder.  If you're looking for a used instrument, a used Spyder would be very rare, but used Spoiler Exploiters show up fairly often, and used Distillate Exploiters show up from time to time, and occasionally we'll see a Series Exploiter for sale.
 
If you haven't run across it already, Spyders are described here.

[ajdover]

I've owned a Spyder, a Spoiler-Exploiter, and will in the future (hopefully soon!) own a custom Series II replica of John Entwistle's Spyder/Exploiter currently under construction.  Oliver's done a great job (as always) of laying out the differences, but I will say I've noticed variations in the body styles.  They're all of the same angular, pointy design, but cutaways, lower horn lengths, etc. can vary some.
 
The Spyders are wider at the waist, if you will, than John's cone-head Spyders.  Also, the Spyders have individual tailpieces for the strings; the Exploiters have bird tailpieces.  The electronics package differences have already been covered.
 
Playability wise, the Spyder is a big instrument, and not for the faint of back.  The case is the size of a keyboard case in height and length, and you really have to stretch your arm to reach 1st position.  The Spoiler Exploiters, with a 32 scale, are a bit easier to get around on.  The V-head Spyder headstocks are huge - damn near a foot long.  You really have to plan your movements ahead of time.
 
I've sold my Spyder to Dean J. of South Carolina and am eagerly awaiting my Series II.  When I get it I'll post a report.
 
Alan

[garyhead]

Another difference: You can always order an explorer-bodied bass.  But Spyders are limited production.  Does anyone know where the count is on the Spyder 4 & Spyder 8?

[pauldo]

Aquaman/ Rich,
Does your Exploiter have a small chip on one of its pick ups?
 
I used to have a zebrawood one (not sure what year) but had to get rid of it before the divorce :-( Now when ever I hear someone speak of a zebrawood exploiter I am always curious if it is the one that was once mine.....

[aquaman]

Pauldo,
 
I checked and my Exploiter does not have any chips on the pickups.  It is an '84 model.  I have seen several Zebrawood-top Exploiters from '83 and '84.  Must have been a popular wood choice.  Good luck in tracking her down.