Warwick Thumb: good for jazz?

[squiresuzuki]

I'm considering buying a warwick thumb (neck through, probably). I know that it's famous for the growl, which will be great for my rock playing and such, but does it also posses smoother tones (for jazz/walking bass lines or playing smooth melodies)?

[ugly_bassplayer]

I've had one & played a lot of straight ahead jazz on electric & IMO it did not work well. I prefered G&L JB-2 with really dead flats & that worked like a dream.

The PU placement on the Thumb makes a really punchy tone but does not have the low end to play jazz. I hated that bass, neck dive was insane.

But use whatever bass you think sounds good, any bass can play any style. It's all in the hands buddy.

[bassictraining]

Mmmmm, I would say probly not also. With the bass cranked, the mid and treble rolled off and if you were playing through an amp that has a warm sound...maybe, but to my ears there is still this brightness in the upper registers that will never die. Die, die, die I say because I like a warm tone. Honestly this could be the bass everyone is asking about, you know, the best bass for metal.

[squiresuzuki]

I'm not a master on bass tone...so how would you describe this tone?

YouTube - ‪Warwick Thumb Bass - Testing by Andres Rotmistrovsky‬‏

I would say that tone is good for jazz...it's a warm tone, no?

[eastcoasteddie]

This is all I have to say....

YouTube - ‪Bass and Drum Jam 1‬‏

[bassictraining]

Really, i don't want to offend anyone. Imho I still hear a ton of finger noise and fret noise and again imho the upper registers are too aggressive for what is old fashioned walking jazz lines. It's definitely not because those aren't superb players. They are. If I remember correctly Andres had his thumb up for sale recently. So don't get me wrong it's a great tone and if you like the tone in those videos it is easily attainable with the thumb. It just isn't for me.

[bassictraining]

Hopefully none of that came off as rude....I just wanted to add that I would be willing to sell my 97 thumb 5 NT. PM me if you are interested. =)

[jaywa]

There's a guy in my area that plays a fretless Warwick in small jazz combo settings and it sounds great.

I'm not 100% sure it's a Thumb model though as I'm not real up on the Warwick product line.

[staccatogrowl]

I have two Thumb 5s: one fretted, one fretless. Both are stock. Now, let's assume that I play through excellent amplification gear (I do!), and you will be doing the same. My jazz tone recipes follow:

The fretted is strung with DR Nickel Lo Riders. To achieve a great jazz tone, favor the neck pickup in the blend knob, slightly boost the bass, and roll the treble back 80% (these settings are on the bass). Now, play with the fleshy parts of your thumb and fingers near the neck. Great electric bass jazz tone is yours.

My fretless is strung with GHS flatwounds. Follow all the settings above. A little darker, more percussive, less sustaining jazz tone is achieved due to string difference, with the lovely addition of great mwah and note bloom from the fretless neck.

Of course, more tonal tweaking is available at your amp or soundboard. Tone is in your head, heart, fingers, bass, amp, room, etc.

I would never blame my gear for not being able to achieve a style or tone. There's always a ton of adjustment factors that allow "getting into the ballpark."

Best!

[Tandrew]

what kinda jazz we talking 'bout?

[Bassflute]

Originally Posted by squiresuzuki

I'm considering buying a warwick thumb (neck through, probably). I know that it's famous for the growl, which will be great for my rock playing and such, but does it also posses smoother tones (for jazz/walking bass lines or playing smooth melodies)?

great bass for everything. It's more natural woody sound makes it especially good for jazz, IMHO.

My 2 complaints about Warwicks:

1) frequently HEAVY

2) horn ending at the 16th fret makes for a LONG reach for 1st position - the whole bass is shifted to the left. But really easy access for slap, which may or may NOT be a good thing...




Cheers,
Cameron