Warwick Corvette $$ Rockbass: Worth it?

[El Raro]

Before I start, I'd just like to clear the waters a little bit. I live in Australia where the re-sale value of a second hand 'wick is not as appealing as it is in the states. German Wicks generally retail here for around $4,000 - $5,000+ AUD. Second hand, you're looking at around $1,500 - $2,000 AUD. Meanwhile, a new Rockbass will set me back no more than $900 AUD. Why am I saying all this? Well because everytime I create a similar thread on other forums, I get flooded with "Just buy a used German 'wick for a hundred bucks more" replies. I don't have a spare $2,000 lying around to spend on a second hand bass...yet. Just throwing it out there early so I don't have to cut through a lot of irrelevant information.

Now that we have that out of the way, I want to know if the new line of Rockbasses from Warwick are worth the dosh from those whove played/owned them, particularly the Corvette Double-buck models. I'm aware that the quality will be nowhere near as good as a German wick, even with the "high end features" advertised but that's something I can expect and live with if I choose to buy one. I just want to know what people think of it without comparing it to obviously better quality Wicks. Basically, how does it fair on its own and against other basses in its price range? My other option is an Ibanez SR505 so how does it compare to the Rockbass Corvette $$?

Thanks in advance for the advice, guys. Appreciate it.

[kjpollo]

I know a lot of people have blasted Warwick over the build qualities of some of the Rock Bass models. That wasnt my experience.
I thought the build quality, fit/finish was just fine. Nothing to make me say "Wow I want one of these in each color they make" but definitely solid and servicable.

My complaint was the lack of tonal variety. I dont know if something was wrong with the electronics of the one I played, but the push/pull pots that supposedly control series/parallel switching seemed to do absolutely nothing for the tone. I have a G&L L2K trib and the series/parallel switch on that bass has a profound effect on the tone so I have an idea of what to look for.

The main tone of the $$ Rock Bass was good. I thought it was balanced, full and when I had the passive tone all the way up it was pretty bright. But it just wasnt versatile enough for me.
If my only choices were the Rock Bass and the Ibanez, I'd probably go with the Ibanez by default.
Not really a hearty endorsement of the Ibanez but more of a thumbs-down to the Corvette $$ Rock Bass.

[Soul Power]

I got a $$ rockbass. For the price, I think it's good-----five piece flamed maple neck that feels thin like a jazz bass (and in my experience, the necks of warwicks feel like tree trunks), and the tone is pretty good too----Of the different tones I could achieve one that sounds like a P bass with the tone knob turned up, (ala Paul Jackson of the headhunters) which is one of my favorite sounds.
It's not that versatile, and sicne I have a spector euro neck-thru and a fodera N.Y.C. I'm selling mine to thin the herd.
I would get it if you need the bass immediately and like the tone, but if it were me to do it all over again I would've saved up for a real double buck, that is, if I even like the one I would be able to try out.
Build quality is excellent, it is more comfortable than the corvette standard I once had.

[Bongolation]

Do a search. There was a long thread on this bass just a couple of days ago.

The majority verdict (including mine after significant experience) was, "Pass."

[ExurKun]

its alright, but theres better, like the ibanez would be a good choice

[baldy McBalders]

Okay, I will give it a crack for you!
I have owned the same two basses (an old Yamaha BB300 that I hardly ever played, and a Carvin LB76 Fretless that saw 99% of my playing) for 10 years until pretty recently, so keep that in mind when I share my opinion of my RB Corvette $$.
I am a lefty, and the options are fairly limited when it comes to basses. I decided that I want a new fretted bass to dork around on (mainly a fretless player still), but wanted something different than a jazz-type, so I got one of these for $425 off of Fleabay new.
First impression of mine was that it seemed pretty well put together. Could set it up as low as I cared to with no buzzes, finish looks good, hardware seems fine etc. The pots/electronics seem okay, not great, but functional.
The bass sounds pretty good to me actually; Sounds similar actually to my (newish) Squier VM jazz, but a bit more "aggressive" due to the HB's. I think the series/parallel switching is pretty useless on the bass, but you do get some control of the sound in a similar fashion to a Jazz based off the V/V/T set up. I use a VT Deluxe, so I don't really care about the lack of active electronics that much. For what I paid, no complaints.
I hope all this helps a little bit; I have never played a German $$, so at least you won't have to worry about that from me! Please let me know if you have any other specific questions that I could try to help you with.
Here are a couple glamor shots for you as well.
B.

[Bongolation]

*HERE*.

You'll get more competent help and less hate if you use the search function instead of generating redundant threads within the same week.