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For sale 1988 Warwick Thumb NT5 - Excellent Cond.

Sold
$2,750.00
Strings
5
Status
This item has been sold and is no longer available!

Details

Handmade in Germany during the iconic Golden Age of Warwick, this is truly musical masterpiece. As someone who has owned and played numerous Warwicks over the past 25 years, I can confidently say that this instrument stands above the rest. The exquisitely hand-routed headstock, (featuring the superior recessed and angled machine heads that are no longer seen), beautifully complements the 7-ply Wenge/Bubinga neck and original German-engineered hardware. This visually stunning instrument not only emanates musical energy but provides the means to harness and shape that raw power with precision.

The Good:

Equipped with a Nordstrand 3-band preamp, it currently houses two Nordy Big Blades pickups (Warm and Wooly), with the original MEC pickups included. It operates on 18 volts, with one 9-volt battery in the battery compartment above the control cavity and another in the main control cavity.
The CTS pots are configured for independent volume control for each pickup, mid cut/boost with a push/pull mid-frequency selection, and treble/bass boost/cut. The low/high frequencies are set at 50Hz and 2kHz, and the current mid frequencies are 300Hz (push position) and 700Hz (pull position). These settings can be easily changed with a simple capacitor swap.
Personally, I find this layout works incredibly well, delivering clear resonance in any environment or mix. Whether playing crisp jazz cleans or unleashing powerful sonic fire, this bass guitar always cuts through the mix with precision. Its versatile controls, including the bass boost/cut and mid selections, make it ideal for achieving polished grunge/metal tones while maintaining versatility across various genres.
Original Schaller M4 tuners
Brass Just-a-Nut with individual string height control

The Bad:

Weighing a substantial 11lbs 8oz, this masterpiece may be better suited for studio use unless you have a sturdy build.
The original MEC preamp is not included.
The frets have approximately 65-70% life remaining, which is impressive for a bass that is 35 years old. However, it's worth noting that refretting a Warwick can be a labor-intensive process.

Why Sell(?):

I'm moving to North Carolina with only a truck bed full of camping gear, prompting the need to part with possessions. Despite my efforts to avoid selling this bass guitar and attempts to find a foster home, circumstances have led me to this point. As I type this listing in an empty house, a few days away from finalizing the sale, I find solace in knowing that this instrument will find a loving home with someone who will cherish and care for it. Perhaps, one day, I'll have the opportunity to hold it again.


I believe this to be the pinnacle of Warwick basses. Am I biased? Most definitely, but rest assured you would be too if she were yours. This bass not only showcases the renowned "Warwick Growl" but compliments the iconic tone with rich distinction and primal depth.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. Thank you for your interest, and cheers!

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Comments

Feb 8, 2019
334
382
Err whut?
The Good:
...it currently houses two Big Blades pickups (Warm and Wooly), with the original MEC pickups included.

The Bad:
....The original MEC pickups are not included.
 

Classified ad information

Posted by
joel vedros
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Category
For Sale: Bass Guitars
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833