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Here we go again...

What to do?

  • Yo crazy boi! Keep the Warwick

    Votes: 8 18.6%

  • Get the lightweight Ibanez

    Votes: 35 81.4%
  • Total voters
    43
Evil Undead

Evil Undead

Oct 31, 2009
3,844
587
#1
After much humming and hawing, I think it's time that my trusty Warwick and I parted ways. I guess I'm looking for justification from you guys, but my mind is (almost) made up.

I haven't got very good physical health these days, although I'm still only young. I've got quite bad spinal issues and problems in both wrists and knees.

As much as I absolutely adore my Warwick, and I've owned it for almost as long as I've been playing bass, the weight, neck size, balance and string spacing aren't doing me many favours :(

I've found the bass I think is most suited for me, and you folks are gonna think I'm crazy to be selling a Warwick and buying an Ibanez! But the SR505M so so comfortable. The wider neck helps me position my hand for better technique, the string spacing is tighter so less stretching, can play further up the neck, and it's so light! Balance is awesome.

So. Am I crazy? Should I hang on to a bass that is hurting me physically just because of my silly sentimental attachments to it, or sell it and buy one that will allow me to play in comfort?

I know that the quality, tone and versatility of the Warwick are going to beat the Ibanez any day, but this is about my ability to continue playing without too much pain.

EDIT - I forgot to mention that I can only have one due to finances. If I buy the Ibby, the Warwick has to go to pay for it. I've spent what little money I had buying a lightweight rig.
 
#4
steamthief said:
I'd say your health is the number one priority - who cares about the brand on the headstock if the bass works better for you?

One thing not mentioned - how does the tone compare to the Warwick?
Click to expand...

You know... no one will believe me on this. I used to own the exact same Ibanez (stupidly sold it) and that was the only bass where people have complimented me on my tone - I played it one one gig!

Not one person has ever made a comment about the tone of the Warwick in countless gigs.
 
#7
From what you've said it seems like not going with the Ibanez would be the harder thing to justify.

The bass I played in my younger days is not the one I prefer now either. And the rig - oh man, that's changed from multiple folded horn 18 cabinets to a single 12". I sold an Acoustic 370 that I'd played for over 30 years because of weight issues. It took some research but now I'm finding that I can get great tone in a modern amp for 1/3rd the weight and many new features that they just didn't have back then. Times change.
 
#11
My own personal experience: I had a beautiful Warwick SSII-5 and decided to go back to being a full time four stringer. Got several lowball offers and finally had a guy offer to trade me a mint SR 1000 EFM and $1100 cash for my bass. I did it and have regretted it ever since. Kept the Ibanez a total of two weeks and sold it as fast as I could, just didn't compare to the Warwick (or any other decent instrument in it's price range IMO) tonally or in terms of feel, in fact, I thought it felt like a cheap toy in comparison (especially for something that was supposed to be their high end bass). Never been an Ibanez guy, gave them a shot and it was perhaps the biggest mistake I've ever made as a player. Will never purchase another Ibanez bass, period.

I get that it's a personal preference thing, and your health should come first and foremost. I'd play what's comfortable and will allow you to keep playing - I just tend to think there's other options available besides just your Warwick or an Ibanez.

Just my two cents. Your mileage may vary.
 
#15
Hey man - I'd say go with the Ibby. Try a few of their models. They are well made and sound great, especially the models these days with Barts. The 5ers for me aren't my cup of tea but only really because of string spacing, which you say suits you.
I've also gone from owning expensive Warwicks, Spectors and for years now find my ideal basses to be MIM Fenders. My point being if you like the bass, brand name be damned!
My only advice is trying and play the actual bass you want to buy. Buying online is a bit hit/miss with quality in my experience.
Go for it man - your body will say thanks and Ibby basses sound and play great if you ask me.
 
#18
jcburn said:
Hey man - I'd say go with the Ibby. Try a few of their models. They are well made and sound great, especially the models these days with Barts. The 5ers for me aren't my cup of tea but only really because of string spacing, which you say suits you.
I've also gone from owning expensive Warwicks, Spectors and for years now find my ideal basses to be MIM Fenders. My point being if you like the bass, brand name be damned!
My only advice is trying and play the actual bass you want to buy. Buying online is a bit hit/miss with quality in my experience.
Go for it man - your body will say thanks and Ibby basses sound and play great if you ask me.
Click to expand...

I do like Barts, they always sound so great.

I agree with you totally about trying some basses and buying the actual one I like best, but there aren't many music shops round here and the ones we do have are poorly stocked and the basses aren't set up well.

I'm nervous about buying online as I've had bad experiences with quality control (I bought a Squier online recently, brand new, and it had a warped neck... sent it back the next day)
 
#20
It's always hard to part with a bass you love but when medical conditions play a part it's a different story.
I voted go for the Ibanez simply because it's not going to cause you pain like the Warwick does. Plus you would be going from one good bass to another good bass IMO.
I thought I'd really regret selling my Warwicks but I don't.
 

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