Warwick Corvette Standard fretless

wafu_vasco · #1 10-16-2010, 03:44 PM

Hi there - in a moment of absolute randomness, I just bought a Warwick Corvette on ebay, a standard fretless. It's not in pristine condition and went for a really good price (I hope!) but, and I've done this before, I've bought completely blind. I've never played one but love the look of them and really love Jack Bruce's tone and style with Warwicks. Has anybody got any opinions on Warwick fretlesses, particularly the corvette? It's bass number eight in 16 years of collecting and playing, but it's my first ever fretless so it's something new and excting!

RandyMolson · #2 10-16-2010, 04:54 PM

I have one. I love it. It is not light, but it has great tone and feel.

Mike Nunez · #3 10-16-2010, 05:07 PM

I recently got one used. Absolutely love it. It was also my first experience with a fretless. I've had it for 2 months and was surprised at how natural it felt to play a fretless. It opens up a whole new world of tone. I use round wound strings . Don't worry about scratching the neck. You can rock with it no problem.
Plus, they don't make this model in Germany anymore so it will keep good value.
Great addition to your collection.

wafu_vasco · #4 10-16-2010, 05:07 PM

The one I've won/ordered is a 2005 model - was that before Warwick moved production of the Standard Corvette to Korea? Thanks for posting your photo, Randy, that looks like an awesome bass! What strings would you recommend for the fretless mwah sound? Thanks, Mike we posted at the same time! Is it easy to move onto? I always figured that if I went for a fretless I'd at least get one with fret markers, so I'm not sure how easily I'll take to it with not much to gauge off.

Mike Nunez · #5 10-16-2010, 05:20 PM

That's certainly German. I was always worried about getting one with fret markers also, but, since it has the dots on the side, that's enough for me. It takes discipline and a little change in technique, but the one thing it does is it forces you to listen to the notes you're playing, so you actually become better. I still gig with a fretted bass. Still feel I need more time to play everything accurately with the fretless. I have read about players saying it takes them at least a year to feel completely at ease. It's a great experience. Go to the Warwick forum. You will get tons of valuable info there.

popstarrobot · #6 10-16-2010, 05:24 PM

i own one too! I love it, its got some great tone and even sounds awesome unplugged! youll have fun, my only issue is that youll have to exclusively use flats or itll eat up the neck.

**crustychef** · #7 10-16-2010, 05:29 PM

I love mine to death. Had it for a little over a year. I'll never sell it. Recorded with it last March. I don't think I can play a fretless with lines anymore. The play tricks on my eyes and I stop listening.
http://www.facebook.com/thisisjiffy
It's the Kindergarten rough mix track. Still mixing everything.
I playing with flats on this recording. I switched to DR Sunbeam nickle rounds and am never looking back. So much more expressive.

**crustychef** · #8 10-16-2010, 05:34 PM

Heck I'll replace the fingerboard when needed. I'm not going to let that stop me from playing with rounds, strumming and slapping.

RandyMolson · #9 10-16-2010, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by popstarrobot

i own one too! I love it, its got some great tone and even sounds awesome unplugged! youll have fun, my only issue is that youll have to exclusively use flats or itll eat up the neck.

Yeah, I noticed that it is pretty lively unplugged too!

I have it set up with LaBelle stainless flats from the Carvin site.

StereoPlayer · #10 10-16-2010, 08:46 PM

I bought mine from bEay too recently. Almost new condition.
I have just finished wiring it STEREO tonight! Played for a couple of hours...changed strings flats to roundwound.

I like the flatwound strings very much at home....but with the rock band....I needed roundwounds....screw the wear...I bought it to play! Rehersal tomorrow.

StereoPlayer · #11 12-24-2010, 10:45 AM

Bump for more Holiday weekend action....

Photobassist · #12 12-24-2010, 03:28 PM

I've had mine since 2007... It's the only bass I own and I use it for everything from metal to hip-hop. I would definitely be heart broken if anything ever happen to my wooden baby!

RCCollins · #13 12-24-2010, 03:30 PM

i don't even dig jazz pickups, fretless or the corvette body shape, but if i see another wenge neck fretless corvette sell for under 600 bucks, as they often do, i will simply HAVE to pick one up

LilloEsquilo · #14 12-24-2010, 03:46 PM

It would have been funny to send the seller a PM asking "how's the fret wear on it".

Yeah I know I'm sick!

StereoPlayer · #15 12-24-2010, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RCCollins

i don't even dig jazz pickups, fretless or the corvette body shape, but if i see another wenge neck fretless corvette sell for under 600 bucks, as they often do, i will simply HAVE to pick one up

I LOVE mine...bought on bEay.....$500.00.....just like new.

Headless Llama · #16 12-24-2010, 08:04 PM

How did I miss this? Well, here is my first bass I ever bought... I am still gigging with it! I absolutely love this bass. Here is a shot at practice with it... note the Carvin is on the stand

StereoPlayer · #17 12-25-2010, 05:16 AM

This should be a Warwick Fretless Corvette Stanard Club!

I like the way it "punches" and "cuts" through the mix.

And now I now about the Warwick growl!

I really don't care for active instruments, I love the fretless, the ergonomics are wonderful, the weight is no prob(wide strap), It has somehow changed my playing style???(hand postions) for the better.

I've never really cared for gig bags in general, but I do like the "wicks" and it seems easier because you still have both hands free to carry other gear.

It's a great bass....only thing I did to mine was wire it stereo.

StereoPlayer · #18 12-25-2010, 05:22 AM

BTW, I could use a new machine head. One of them is loose(nut is striped).
No big problem, but would like to change it someday.

Does any know of a source for the correct replacement...or anbodt have a wick parts?

it's a "left" tuner("A" string)

Duplo42 · #19 12-25-2010, 05:56 AM

IIRC, my luthier said Schaller made everything for warwick (i bought replacement warwick 4string bridge from Schaller, but that was 10yrs ago)

StereoPlayer · #20 12-25-2010, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duplo42

IIRC, my luthier said Schaller made everything for warwick (i bought replacement warwick 4string bridge from Schaller, but that was 10yrs ago)

Thanks, I'll look into that. Have a great Christmas!