Which Streamer?

[TechJunky]

I currently have a Streamer Stage II 4, which is my dream bass and will never leave! My 5 strings, however, is not a warwick and I'd like that to change. I'm in the process of trying to sell it, and I'm going to replace it with a Warwick five of some sort. I'm almost completely dead set on a streamer as it's my favorite and most comfortable shape (and it's going to be my last bass for a while, so might as well get what I want and do it right). Only problem is, I'm not sure which model to get.

I have a few on my radar, some of which are available now and others which I'd just have to keep looking for. I'm stuck between the Jazzman, LX, LX LTD 2011, and $$ currently. The LX and $$ are a bit cheaper usually, but the LTD just looks so great and the sound clips I've heard sound great. My only concern is that it may not sound "warwick" enough. Same with the $$. I want a bass with some variety in tones, but one that still has that signature warwick tone and growl. So, what are your opinions and picks? What other 5 strong Warwick options are worth considering? Something in the $1500-2000 range, give or take a bit.

[One Bad Monkey]

The LX is a solid choice and would definitely serve you well; my LX is my "go to" bass for this reason. I have a (Corvette) $$ and to me does not seem as varied tonally as others. That's not to say that it doesn't sound bad, because it ROARS. However, the EQ options seem to fine tune that one sound over something completely different.

I'd be curious on a Jazzman, since that would bring a nice balance between the pickups and tonal options.

[Means2nEnd]

Agreed I am too smitten with the Streamer shape I love the contoured top and back as well. I have owned several different versions of the electronic packages you mentioned. Never fear they will all sound like Warwicks just different shades. Your price range you are speaking in terms of used I’m sure if so you can pretty much get anything you want in that range. The Double Buck is in my opinion the most versatile tronic package stock I ever played it can just about do anything but I also think there is a price to pay for that. Like I said it will still sound like a Warwick but I think it departs the furthest from the expected normal open fast punchy clear tone and stereotypical Warwick tonal characteristics. Not in a negative way but when you are a Swiss Army Knife and do many things so well I think you step away from say the farthest other side of that like a Thumb that isn’t as versatile but does a mid-focused punch and low B like no other bass on the planet.

The Jazzman is great because you can set it for so many options and it works so well with effects and amps the passive pickups are amazing in that design. I would go Jazzman if I could have another Streamer still almost as versatile as the $$ but that MM style split able humbucker in the bridge position with a single jazz cops some incredible tones that are round but crystal clear. There are so many great choices they all kick ass I’m a little biased on the Jazzman it was my first Warwick (Corvette Jazzman) but the same tronics. I found it records so well too it’s not as dynamic as in the some of the others with active pickups and electronic that can really show some peaks and valleys volume wise when recording. There are some great pickups aftermarket too that fit in the Jazzman including Bartolini and Nordstrand. Sometimes I like bringing different wines to the table and trying different pickups and preamps out. Also ever consider a 5 string Streamer Stage 2….it’s my favorite bass I own. This is all just my opinion and completely subjective of course...

[TechJunky]

I would love a stage II 5 strings, but they're a bit hard to come by, and I already have a 4 so I do kind of want a little more variety (though I also love the tone more than anything else haha). In an ideal world I'd have a stage II 5er and a different warwick 4 (thumb nt would be great, cause I love the pup placement in the fours)

What about the 2011 LTD, anyone have experience or opinions on that? I find myself fascinated with it, but not 100% on it.

[TechJunky]

So I settled on a Streamer LX5, should be here hopefully end of this week or sometime next week! After going back and forth over several different options and ideas, the LX won out for several reasons. Firstly, it was one of the most affordable models (keeping me within my price range and not stretching my budget too far), and secondly, I've had a LX4 previously and absolutely loved it (only reason I got rid of it was because I wanted a 5 string instead) so I know I'll love the tone. I still love all the other Streamers, and I know this won't be my last (I would love to snag a 2011 LTD model someday...not sure why, it just severely interests me), but for right now, the LX is perfect for my wants and needs. Pics to come upon arrival!

[WarwickOfficial]

Congratulations TechJunky! I love the Streamer LX...its my main bass! Please be sure to keep us posted, and looking forward to seeing some photos!

[Means2nEnd]

Congratulations TechJunky for sure keep us posted!!

[JP Morin]

Congrats man !!!
Sad we can't own all of them !! lol
You should love the LX 5 !!! May I add the LX 5 string version sounds closer to a SSII (which you have and love) than the LX 4 strings model, (may be because of the 2 J's in them instead of the PJ's...) so I guess you should even like it better than your former LX 4 !!!

Can't wait for the pictures !! NBD are so nice days !!

[TechJunky]

It's here! Arrived a day early to my surprise

Here she is, folks. 2011 Streamer LX 5 in natural coloured AAA flame maple. What a beauty! Plays great so far even before doing a setup for my preference (admittedly I'm not a big fan of Warwick strings. I'll get a set of DR Lo-Riders, my string of choice, here soon). I'm even more surprised to find that it has the IFT (invisible fret technology) and luminescent side dots, features I didn't think were started until 2012, but..they're there! I think I'll be very pleased with this. I just recently restrung and waxed my SSII, so I've completely fallen back in love with that, and now with this arriving...yeah, I'm on cloud 9!

Sorry for the rambling, now for pictures!






(I love these shots on basses, but especially Warwick's to show off the curved and contoured body)


And a shot of the IFT and luminescent side dots (thought it's not dark, so you can't see them glowing, but you can see the different color a bit)

[Means2nEnd]

So killer...the flame is awesome!! Sound clips?

[WarwickOfficial]

TechJunky - That is absolutely stunning! What a great looking bass...and yes, although the official date for IFT and illuminated side-dots is 2012, they did begin to appear in mid to late 2011 on some instruments. Thanks for sharing, and enjoy!

[JP Morin]

Wow!! Nice maple on that bass !! It's so nice !!

[dave2]

Warwick builds some beautiful basses. Love your new LX5 TechJunky!

Dave

[ilikebass7]

Man that is the best looking ovangkol I have ever seen. Congrats

[petermca17]

Wow ... that's a real beauty! Hope you enjoy it.