Warwick tone, low weight

[SoonerMatt]

Hey gang,

As many of you know I love me some Warwick - the midrange growl, the unfinished necks, the solid feel, etc. There's just one teensy little problem....

I've played rugby since I was 15 and my shoulders have suffered quite a bit of abuse as a result. After playing a set on Friday I woke up with an insanely sore shoulder, even with a wide, padded strap. Neither of my Wicks are lightweights (they weigh 10.5 and 11 pounds, respectively) and I really won't be able to use them for much longer

Since then I've been hunting for a new bass. From what I've seen the Warwicks that fit the bill are few and far between and tend to have already been sold, so I'm looking to expand my horizon and possibly leave the Warwick camp. Here's what I'm looking for:

Under $2,500
Under 9 lbs
4 strings, 24 frets, 34" scale
Raw or lightly finished neck
Solid midrange presence
Good for jazz, funk, and rock
Tone Example: Dave Matthews Band - Crush (Live In Central Park) - YouTube,

I'm seriously contemplating ordering from Cliff Bordwell but even after I sell both my Wicks I won't have the coin to cover the cost of a new build. As I'm a very sedulous planner I won't purchase a new bass until all the pieces are in order, but a big one is "which bass?"

[toberoo]

Pretty sure the dude in the video is playing a modulus.

[SoonerMatt]

I know, Stefan plays Warwick, Modulus, Hill Custom, and Ken Smith.

[longfinger]

What about a Warwick that is not made of Bubinga? They make lighter models from Ash wood too.

[mmbongo]

Streamer Jazzman. Mine is just a hair over 8 lbs.

[SoonerMatt]

I've been trying to find a 4-string Streamer Jazzman or SSI for years. I always seem to be a day or so late when I do, too.

[vibhas_2310]

If you're willing to experiment, try Nino Valenti. He builds custom basses and an pretty much give you your desired configuration which in this case is 4 string, 24 frets, etc.

[Zitch]

My Wick $$ corvette is the lightest bass i own, also the most versatile

[JimiLL]

Get an ash bodied bass.

Should be able to find a Jazzman/LX Streamer without too much trouble

[Means2nEnd]

+1 on $$ ash is way lighter than the bubinga also on a side note all my Warwicks I replace the tuners with 3/8 Ultralites A. Because they are way better B. Because it takes just under 8 Oz off the weight and the bass ballances better that's for a five string so you should still loose about 6 Oz with 4 string and thats weight beyond your center of gravity and it can be felt. I ain't giving up my Wics and nothing I found better to help with shoulder pain than a Moody 4" leather strap...Good luck

[brendanbassist]

Originally Posted by longfinger

What about a Warwick that is not made of Bubinga? They make lighter models from Ash wood too.

+1. I have a ash bodied and bubinga bodied Corvette, and the ash is WAY lighter.

[Zooberwerx]

Keep your eyes peeled for a late 90's Pro M 4 or LX 4. They were notably light, most under 9 lbs, and sport the sought-after 3 piece wenge neck, wenge fingerboard, and two piece matched contoured body. Warwick outdid themselves with this midrange series but, after 2000, they switched to ovie necks which pale in comparison.

Riis

[Triad]

Played the Streamer Jazzman5 of a customer yesterday... after 30 minutes my back was in pieces. That bass is an anvil (but sounds worse).
I'm sure many builders could make you a bass that sounds close to a Warwick (or better) without going over 3.5-4kg.

[crustychef]

My streamer jazzman 5 weighs just under 9 pounds. Sounds nothing like an anvil. Never had so many compliments on my tone before I got this bass. It balances perfectly too.

[darkstorm]

Perhaps an upper end basswood bodied bass with the mec pups and electronics. Since the pups contribute a lot to the sound of warwicks and basswood is light wood with good midrange growl.

[lowendfriend]

This is outside the box from what you've said in so many words, but consider it...howzabout a Danelectro Longhorn bass? Verrrry light! I believe around 6 lbs. Have a peek:

Danelectro Longhorn Bass Guitar Demo and Review - YouTube

I don't see ash as your savior....I have a Warwick Corvette$$ that is ash and it still tips the scales at over 10 lbs. Same with a Lakland 55-01...also just below 10 lbs.

I'd really like to get one of these and string it BEAD.

[tycobb73]

Corvetee Proline

[JimiLL]

Originally Posted by lowendfriend

This is outside the box from what you've said in so many words, but consider it...howzabout a Danelectro Longhorn bass? Verrrry light! I believe around 6 lbs. Have a peek:

Danelectro Longhorn Bass Guitar Demo and Review - YouTube

I don't see ash as your savior....I have a Warwick Corvette$$ that is ash and it still tips the scales at over 10 lbs. Same with a Lakland 55-01...also just below 10 lbs.

I'd really like to get one of these and string it BEAD.

They're so light because they make em out of cardboard

[Morning Beer]

Originally Posted by tycobb73

Corvetee Proline

+1
I have a maple bodied proline. Dont know how much it weighs, but it can't be much, lightest bass I've ever owned. I got lucky and actually have a light thumb too. There few and far between but there out there.

[azzyrazzy]

Wenge neck and fingerboard will get your far on the tone imo. Maybe such an Ibanez with the electronics replaced?