Warwick ID?

Octavian · #1 03-29-2011, 01:52 PM

I'm being offered a Warwick Corvette Standard and since I'm more of Fender guy by experience, I'm not sure if this is a German or Korean model.

From what I've been able to tell, the brass frets indicate it's German made.

But the lack of controls (only three knobs) seems to indicate it's Korean made.

I'm having the guy get me the serial number info before I invest any time in running over to look at it.

I've liked the sound and playability of the two Warwicks I've played and wouldn't mind adding one if the price were right.

Any suggestions on worth would be appreciated as well.

dtsamples · #2 03-29-2011, 01:57 PM

The lack of a stacked pot only mean it's a passive model. AFAIK, the German and Korean Warwicks both have brass frets. I'm not sure if the passive model is available anymore, or if it was ever offered out of Korea. The best way to tell is to serial number date it. Have the dude give you the serial number and go to warwick's website. You can enter it there and it will give you the date it was made. I think they moved production to Korea in 2010, so if it was made before then it's German.

EDIT: Warwick is advertising bronze frets now, so Korean models will have bronze frets.

Octavian · #3 03-29-2011, 01:58 PM

Thanks. Any idea on fair market value if Korean or German?

oddgrowth · #4 03-29-2011, 02:02 PM

3 knobs has nothing to do with it.

I have an original '94 proline with 3 knobs.
Judgeing by the nut, it's post '97
the way the body is contoured on the back tells alot.

no contour at all = german made.

All you need is the serial number. first 2 digits = year made.

Need2KnowBasses · #5 03-29-2011, 02:03 PM

Looks German to me. Korean corvettes only started being produced in 2010 and have just recently started showing up on store shelves in the US over the last few months. For some reason ever since the Korean Corvettes were announced everyone thinks German Warwicks are possible scams. Last two digits of serial # are the year of production. 09 or earlier is German.

longfinger · #6 03-29-2011, 02:04 PM

In Montreal, a new Korean one goes for about $1900CAN + taxes in a 'bricks and mortar' store.

Warwick Corvette Standard Bass Guitar - ITALMELODIE

Perhaps used it should be 30% less? This price could vary a lot depending on what city your in.

Octavian · #7 03-29-2011, 02:06 PM

He's asking $500.

dtsamples · #8 03-29-2011, 02:10 PM

Seems reasonable for a passive corvette. Market value on used corvettes (and all warwicks, for that matter) is way down. I just bought and sold an active model for about that. New, they are considerably more expensive.

longfinger · #9 03-29-2011, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Octavian

He's asking $500.

Wow, at that price it's worth putting on the shoes and jacket to go see it in person. It's priced in the "Rockbass" range.

The serial number check is done here...

Warwick Basses Amps & Rock'n Roll

Flaked Beans · #10 03-29-2011, 02:16 PM

That bass is a passive Corvete stanadard bubinga made in germany.

refbassist · #11 03-29-2011, 02:19 PM

yeah that's a passive bubinga standard with JANII or III not sure, as stated above the last 2 digits on the serial number indicates the year of making and warwick moved the warwick std line to korea since 2010, anyway get the serial number and run it here Warwick Basses Amps & Rock'n Roll
have also a search through the forum to find out the resell value, they don't seem to hold much as far as i know it could be anywhere between 400 or 800 at least this's how it goes where iam. a great bass tho,good luck.

Need2KnowBasses · #12 03-29-2011, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by longfinger

In Montreal, a new Korean one goes for about $1900CAN + taxes in a 'bricks and mortar' store.

Warwick Corvette Standard Bass Guitar - ITALMELODIE

Perhaps used it should be 30% less? This price could vary a lot depending on what city your in.

That one in your link is most likely German as well. That price is way too high for the Korean model.

longfinger · #13 03-29-2011, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Need2KnowBasses

That one in your link is most likely German as well. That price is way too high for the Korean model.

It's possible. I only wrote Korean as it's 2011 and I just assumed it would be Korean made. It could be old stock. I have not been there for many months, close to a year. When I did go there about a year ago, they did have German made basses from 2008, and 2009 still for sale. Warwicks are pretty rare in this city. Also, the web list price may be high to allow in store "haggle room".

fory · #14 03-29-2011, 02:46 PM

German warwicks are preferred generally. People tend to avoid koreans since they believe its lower quality.