Warwick - The Difference

[WarwickOfficial]

I don't know how much of that is on the site, but I agree that many people are unaware of the details of the wood trade - FSC, CITES, etc. Its a very complex topic...and after 30 years of Warwick Hans-Peter is doing everything he can to ensure a conscious sourcing of wood, so that the forests will be healthy for future generations! It may be complex and probably the more difficult road to travel, but at the end of the day - its simply the right thing to do! Thanks!

[WarwickOfficial]

A large number of bass players should be familiar with the following issue: Even well-setup instruments with satisfactory playability and low action will often exhibit fret buzz within the area between the 12th and the 24th fret. Upon closer inspection, the cause is often a bump in the fretboard. The reasons for such neck relief issues are rooted in the considerable tension that the neck of a bass guitar is subjected to, which amounts to 60 to 80 kilograms for a standard 4-string bass.

Due to certain design features most bass guitars share, the area between the 12th and the 24th fret marks the spot which is affected by the highest amount of tension. As a result, the fretboard is often bent towards the player in certain areas – an unpleasant annoyance for bass players who are at home on the entire fretboard. We at Warwick have discovered the solution to this issue. By reinforcing our necks with steel bars at the height of the 12th fret, we are able to counteract the adverse effects of high string tension on both the neck and the fingerboard. As a result, the stiffness of the neck is significantly improved without altering the tone of the instrument.

Due to the added stability, fretboard bumps in the higher registers of the fretboard occurring on instruments with optimally set up neck relief and action are now a thing of the past. Be prepared to soar through the higher registers of your instrument without being slowed down by speed bumps! The perfect solution for low action and amazing playability all across the fingerboard!

See the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=93GX0f3t-P4

[WarwickOfficial]

Here's an image of how strong these necks truly are, and how much we stand behind (and on top of) them:

[oldschoolkyle]

The neck on mine is strong as hell!

[WarwickOfficial]

Our Chrome Tone finish is ideal proof of the fact that extraordinary results make even the highest investments of time and effort worthwhile. It requires no less than 60 individual operational steps, all of which must be performed with surgical precision. Furthermore, we are the only manufacturer in the music industry that not only succeeded in bringing the lacquering technique employed for the Chrome Tone finish to perfection in-house, but is also capable of performing it in its own production facility, while adhering to the highest environmental standards required for a lacquering process of its kind. And as a result, we have every reason to be proud. The highly reflective surface of our Chrome Tone instruments is composed of an ultra-thin layer consisting of pure silver. As a preparatory measure, the wood must first be treated with a perfectly applied base coating. Subsequently, the body is hermetically sealed and isolated in order to keep the finish from seeping into the wood.

Next, a second layer is applied, which forms the gorgeous, glossy undercoating of the Chrome Tone finish and must be applied perfectly even and dust-free, as the ultra-thin surface of the finish highlights even the smallest imperfections. Both the skills of a seasoned lacquering professional and the employment of a cleanroom which allows for an atmosphere with the lowest possible particle content, are prerequisites for this step. After applying the ultra-thin silver layer, we offer a wide variety of color tints to further enhance the stunning one-of-a-kind look. As the final step, a special protective coating is added which prevents oxidation. Without a shadow of doubt, our amazing Chrome Tone lacquer, which is applied to every single Chrome Tone instrument individually, is the most labor-expensive finish we have to offer, and – no questions asked – also the most spectacular!

See the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=QlCQPy7_bvM

[RedMoses]

Very Kool!

[f64]

Your website and the YouTube video's both reflect iron bars installed in the necks. In this post you mention steel which is different in both elasticity and tensile capabilities from iron. Don't get me wrong, either add strength and are acceptable - I'm just curious which it is. Also, when was this started? Is it something new or used all along? I've never heard it mentioned before.
Thanks for making great products,
Tom

[WarwickOfficial]

f64 - It is steel. Iron is a word which is used for all metals of which pure iron is their main consituent. Because iron lacks carbon, it is very soft. Thus, it can be molded easily and even easier once it is heated. On the other hand, steel contains iron and carbon. I asked the head of our Custom Shop, and we indeed use Steel. Thanks!

[rupture]

how tough is it? If you chip it does it flake off?

[Zarathustra3]

Could you get this wood as a body wood?

[Means2nEnd]

Through the custom shop if you dream it they will build it

[f64]

Thanks!

[krkozbassman]

What is the actual tree Warwicks' "tigerstripe ebony" come from? I can't find it on google? Just got a Corvette Fretless (bubinga), I can't wait until it arrives!!!

[WarwickOfficial]

rupture, the Chrome Tone finish is very durable. Its actually metal, which is sealed and cured with our UV lacquer. It does not flake off. Thanks!

[WarwickOfficial]

Originally Posted by krkozbassman

What is the actual tree Warwicks' "tigerstripe ebony" come from? I can't find it on google? Just got a Corvette Fretless (bubinga), I can't wait until it arrives!!!

krkozbassman - This is from the Ebony Tree. Pure black ebony is an anomoly of nature, and is actually quite rare. Most Ebony is streaked, and we've been using this streaked ebony since 2000 - which we call tigerstripe ebony. Please let me know if you've got any questions or if I can assist in any way. Thanks!

[WarwickOfficial]

When it comes to optimum manufacturing consistency, CNC, or Computerized Numerical Control, is the ultimate solution. We at Framus & Warwick utilize CNC processing centers to help our necks and bodies take shape. Our CNC units are equipped with a freely movable, computer-controlled milling arm, which provides our instruments with their complex and intricate shapings. This method allows for a manufacturing tolerance within the range of 1/100 of one percent, which sets new standards in the field of instrument making, and guarantees that every single one of our guitars and basses possesses the same amazing shapings that they are famous for.

The features of different types of CNC systems can vary, however. The most commonly used units in the industry are usually capable of 3 axis movement. As a result, their computer-controlled milling arms are capable of moving forward and backward, left and right, as well as up and down. This may be satisfactory for simple two-dimensional shapings. However, when it comes to more elaborate tasks, the capabilities of 3 axis CNC systems are quickly exceeded. We at Warwick and Framus use 5 axis CNC units, which represent the most modern wood processing technique in the industry. In addition to the X, Y and Z axes, 5 axis CNC processing units are capable of two additional degrees of orientation (represented by the B and C axis), which means that their milling arms can also be rotated in 3D space. This allows for the milling of markedly more complex pockets and structures in free space. The resulting increase in processing flexibility allows us to craft perfect instruments.

The stunning results are not only evident when it comes to our elaborate body shapings, however. Our 5 axis CNC units also allow for our electronics compartments, instrument cable jacks and neck screws to be installed to match the smoothly curved surfaces of our instruments perfectly. Furthermore, the extremely high flexibility of our 5 axis CNC units not only allows for markedly higher build quality, but also leads to the conservation of considerable amounts of energy. Experience intricate shapings down to the smallest detail - thanks to our 5 axis CNC units, the possibilities are endless!

See the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=4BPkfUiaFoY

[WarwickOfficial]

Our manufacturing facility at Framus and Warwick is one of the most advanced world-wide and combines traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge automated solutions. As a result, you will also find one of the most highly advanced work environments which is without equal in the entire industry. What is absent here at Framus and Warwick, however, is sawdust, ear-splitting machine noise and dimly lit, cramped spaces.

A glass roof and large windows on the inside allow for a pleasant work atmosphere in a spacious environment which is also equipped with artificial daylight. Thanks to a cutting-edge extraction system, our sanding department is completely sawdust-free. Our lacquering booth, where our innovative, water-based UV lacquer is applied, is furnished with highly advanced machinery and completely free from harmful evaporations. Furthermore, all workplaces were designed with perfect ergonomics in mind. As a result, we prove the widespread assumption that in the guitar builder profession certain health risks are unavoidable to be a mere myth. Our unparalleled manufacturing facility is definitely worth the trip – come visit us and take our detailed Factory Tour! And one thing is for certain: one-of-a-kind instruments can only be the result of a truly exceptional work environment!

See the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=LjHiXwCHe3E

[bronzet]

Hey WarwickOfficial and other TB's I am interested in knowing how long Warwick has been re-inforcing their bass necks this way. I can see this will help enable lower buzz-free action in the higher frets. I may have to add another Warwick to my collection, especially since wenge is starting to be used for neck woods once again this year....

[WarwickOfficial]

bronzet - It has been used for quite a while. I will get a definitive answer shortly, but its not something that has recently been introduced. Thanks for your patience!

[SRCRS]

So is this Laquer available for purchase?