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I can't decide...

A

Acotey

May 3, 2007
10
0
#1
Hi guys,

I'm in the process of buying a (what I refer to as High End) bass and I've pretty much narrowed it down to two different ones that I'm interested in. I was hoping you guys could shed some opinions (or light) onto my choices and help me sway my decision. I am deciding between the Warwick Corvette $$ Double Buck 4-String and the Fender US Vintage 62 Jazz Bass.

My concern with the Warwick is that from what I've been reading they need a really good amp to get their full potential out, which I can't afford a really good one at this time, right now I have a Behringer Ultrabass 300w one. Also the Warwick doesn't look as flashy, so to speak, as the Fender, but that is just a minor thing but still something I put into consideration. However, the electronics on the Double Buck are very nice and offer many controls on the tone as well as switching the pick up style.

My only concern with the Jazz bass is that it might have been money better spent on the Warwick. I also kind of liked the 20 frets.

I appreciate you reading this and any responses you might have. Thanks.
 
#2
What style do you play? do you like a modern or a vintage sound? Do you like thin or fat necks?
The warwick has a fatter/chunkier neck and maybe you don't like it. It probably neck dives if you don't use it with a fat enough strap. It also can become difficult to dial a very vintage, warm and smooth sound, but is much more versatile than the jazz IMO.
I'd choose the $$ for versatility, sound and construction but I think both are good basses.
The warwick must be good for metal, funk and heavier styles while the jazz will have a more vintage, warm sound
 
#6
If you buy a jazzer make sure it's a light one. I'm use to playing Spectors and have owned a Corvette FNA and the Geddy Lee Jazz I bought feels like a battleship compared to the others in size and weight. But it freakin looks cool!
 
#8
Ever try to sell a used Carvin? If you buy one you better like it because you are married to it. Dont get me wrong they are well built, electronics are iffy and the nearest Carvin dealer to try one out is in one shop in one city on one end of the country.
 
#9
Is there a bass store nearby where you can try these instruments out? They are very different animals which makes it difficult to make a recomendation.

What style do you play? do you like a modern or a vintage sound? Do you like thin or fat necks?
The warwick has a fatter/chunkier neck and maybe you don't like it. It probably neck dives if you don't use it with a fat enough strap. It also can become difficult to dial a very vintage, warm and smooth sound, but is much more versatile than the jazz IMO.
I'd choose the $$ for versatility, sound and construction but I think both are good basses.
The warwick must be good for metal, funk and heavier styles while the jazz will have a more vintage, warm sound
Click to expand...

+1
 
#10
Around here there is a place to try the Fender out, which I am going to do when I get a chance, but they don't have the reissue one that I want to get so I will just have to try a regular one and hope they aren't much different. As for the Warwick there is no where close, and Carvin is the same way. However, I was looking into a Stingray and they seem pretty versatile, a tad bit more cash though..
 
#11
I totally agree with mohawk on the carvin issue...Id try to get a musicman in your case. You can try between a sterling or stingray...get a $$ or HS..its totally up to you. Good tone, versatile and rugged. besides the price beeing very decent for what your getting:ninja:
 
#13
Best advice is to hop off your butt & try all three or four mentioned here! Mite be a day trip but at least you know what will feel & sound the best for your style of playing. Warwicks sound cool thru most amps, 300W is more than enough for medium gigs, Jazz's also sound sweet and have that vintage tone, MM have a great rock & slap tone also. Horses for courses! Try em all & go with your gut! Dont get into the re-sale aspcet, if you buy the bass you like the best, you will keep it! Cheers & Best of luck. Let us all know what you decide!
Rusty
 
#14
This may or may not help you, but I have a Corvette Std Ash Active, and an MIA Jazz. The corvette has a thicker neck and a more modern tone, and is very versatile as long as you don't want to cop a vintage vibe. The jazz has a typically slim neck, balances better, is able to get much closer to thet vintage tone (although I don't have stock pups or pots in mine) and has a 20 fret neck as opposed to the Warwicks 34" 24 fret neck. I find the Warwick much easier to set up with a playable low action if slapping is your thing, and I have the Jazz strung with flats with a medium low action. Both play really well. If I HAD to choose betwween them I couldn't. If I was FORCED to choose between them I would keep the Jazz for no other reason than it's easier to get a gig if you pull a Fender out of your case than almost any other brand. G%$^*r players, who for some reason are also usually self appointed band leaders, are by and large very blinkered when it comes to basses.

All IMHO of course.

Peace
 
#16
I have a $$, and I love it to bits. As mentioned before it has very wide range of tonal capabilities, and I even managed to get a warm vintage tone with the right settings on the bass and amp.
The neck is thick, but that is how I like it, it feels well built and substantial - it makes you feel like a man :P
Also, I have to note my $$ has a small neck dive issue, but not one that is worth worrying about, I manage to play strapless on my knee, comfortably.
It is, however, a heavy bass, so if you are not particularly well built, it may become a little uncomfortable, although I have had zero issues on that front.
 
#19
Disco_Gee said:
I don't think I'd want to play with the kind of people who care more about what bass I play, than how well I play.
Click to expand...

I totally agree BUT first impressions count for a lot whether it's with the hottie at your local club or auditioning for a band. If they've already made up their minds before you plug in, what chance do you have? Bear in mind the OP can only have one bass, I'm fortunate enough to be able to have 2. Of course it's only my opinion, some will agree, some will disagree. That's what makes this an interesting place.

Peace
 

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