Warwick Thumb vs Jack Bruce Warwick Thumb??

Noseferatu · #1 08-08-2010, 11:41 AM

Ok, so I've created a few different threads on different amps and basses I'm considering buying and now I'm thinking of buying a THumb because of the natural look, vibe, feel, etc, and because I love Jack Bruce.....

My question is whether I should pay the extra $1500+ for the extras that are on the Jack Bruce model. To me, the Jack Bruce Thumb is much better looking than the standard thumb, however, I think the signature kind of detracts from the overall appearance.

Do you think there would be any way to have the bass made without the signature or is that no????

nato101010 · #2 08-08-2010, 11:43 AM

Custom shop, maybe?

Sand it off? I dunno. I personally wouldn't pay 1500$ for a better appearance.

Noseferatu · #3 08-08-2010, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nato101010

Custom shop, maybe?

Sand it off? I dunno. I personally wouldn't pay 1500$ for a better appearance.

Well, there's other stuff too, like the LED fret markers, plus it's Jack Bruce's model...

Could someone who has either a Jack Bruce model or a regular 4 string THumb post pics??

bass12 · #4 08-08-2010, 01:02 PM

You mention liking the "natural" look of the Thumb but are considering paying significantly more for a bass with LED position markers? That seems strange to me.

Noseferatu · #5 08-08-2010, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bass12

You mention liking the "natural" look of the Thumb but are considering paying significantly more for a bass with LED position markers? That seems strange to me.

That a pretty miniscule cosmetic factor, as far as contemporary cosmetics goes, but is a very big factor at the same time. It would be pretty beneficial to have LED position markers for darker gigs, IMO.

onomatopoeia · #6 08-08-2010, 01:25 PM

Fretted? Fretless? I think Jack was using a "standard" WW fretless for a while before getting his own model.

bass12 · #7 08-08-2010, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noseferatu

That a pretty miniscule cosmetic factor, as far as contemporary cosmetics goes, but is a very big factor at the same time. It would be pretty beneficial to have LED position markers for darker gigs, IMO.

Yes, I know what you mean. Have you tried a Jack Bruce model? Something that just occurred to me is that LEDs will probably add a bit of weight to the neck - not necessarily a desirable thing on a bass that is already notorious for having neck dive.

Righteous Thunderer · #8 08-08-2010, 01:44 PM

I haven't ever played the Jack Bruce sig model, but from looking at the specs it's just a NT Thumb with a Mother of Pearl sig on the body (which I could certainly do without, screw that) and red LED's. I'd just customize a regular NT myself, screw the extra price tag, and that is *quite* the large extra price tag.

darkstorm · #9 08-08-2010, 07:54 PM

I dont think its worth the extra cost for the sig model. Thumbs are diff a try it before buy it bass though due to the extreme neck dive etc. They can be nice but they also be a love it and hate it relationship imo.

canshaker · #10 08-08-2010, 08:21 PM

I have both the regular NT Thumb (2, actually), and a Jack Bruce sig. (#023, of 090).
Initially, I just wanted a fretless Thumb, but the JB was the only one Warwick had in stock.
While I am not really a fan of the sig. on the body, it doesn't offend me. At first, when I saw the LED's on the neck, I thought it looked ridiculous, UNTIL I played it on stage the first time. It was SO NICE to see my neck, even when the stage was dark. That ended up being a HUGE plus.
As far as the feel, it feels JUST LIKE my regular NT Thumbs (minus the fret wires, of course.)
I was a Warwick artist, so the price difference for me at the time wasn't a factor. If I had to pay a $1500 difference, I would have just gone with a regular one. If you are just looking for a fretless bass, and don't care about the signature and LED's, save your $$, and just get the standard issue NT Thumb.
Hope this helps.

BTW, I just picked mine up yesterday, and DAMN, are they smoooooth!

Noseferatu · #11 08-08-2010, 09:44 PM

Should I maybe just get a standard Thumb but with the LED fret markers as a custom shop option??

BTW, Cash, do you have pics of your Jack Bruce Thumb??

canshaker · #12 08-08-2010, 10:06 PM

I don't have one, and the bass is in my studio.
But this is it:

Mine just has a plaque at about the 24th fret area that says something like: "Jack Bruce Signiture 023 of 090"

Noseferatu · #13 08-08-2010, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canshaker

I don't have one, and the bass is in my studio.
But this is it:

Mine just has a plaque at about the 24th fret area that says something like: "Jack Bruce Signiture 023 of 090"

Well, I knew what it looked like, but that is a much better picture than what Warwick has on their site.

Thank You.

Tegzsa · #14 08-08-2010, 11:18 PM

I like me some Jack Bruce, but I wouldn't want his name written quite so prominantly on my bass. Especially not for such a big price markup.