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Ibanez or Warwick?

J

JJT247

Jan 24, 2009
79
0
#1
#2
I'm a huge Warwick fan and I have one of their German-made limited edition basses. The Rockbass models are not made in Germany, but they appear to be a good deal for the money. The Bartolini pickups on the Ibanez may be a tad fatter sounding than those on the Warwick. However, I would still give the nod to the Warwick because of the way they look and feel - those thick necks feel really good one you get used to them.
 
#3
I would personally go for the Ibanez. It's made from what I would call 'tone woods', Bartolini electrics, thinner neck if that matters to you, and it's cheaper.

The Rockbass line has had quality issues in the past, I don't know about now. I do know that you'll be paying a premium to have that little W on the headstock. The maple necks on the new Rockbass line are slimmer, but if these are older models, it's a baseball bat cut in half.

To put it in perspective, you're comparing a higher level Ibanez to Warwick's entry level. Basically, the Ibanez beats the Rockbass on everything including price.
 
#7
Yep, if it were a German-made 'wick, then the decision is a no-brainer, but since it is a Rockbass, then I 'd also commit sacrilege, and recommend the Ibby.

BUT....and it's a big one that Sir Mixalot could be proud of, the 'wick has adjustable string spacing, and that might be the critical difference for you, as it is for me.
 
#9
As an Ibanez guy, I personally would say go with Ibanez. I've tried warwick basses before. they sound great, but they're too heavy and their too expensive. I like Ibanez better because they're light-weighted and they provide awesome sounds. speaking of Ibanez, I'm planning on purchasing Ibanez soundgear basses real soon. I've always enjoyed playing those basses.
 
#11
I owned that 505..it was awesome (dont ask why I got rid of it..it was not because of the bass)

Ive..played the rockbass..(own actual warwick)..and it was ..good.

Its gonna come down to a "feel "thing for you.
I know you've never heard that here before.
But in this case its true.
That ibby is light...+1...
close string spacing +1 (for me anyway)
MAJOR difference in the necks.
so..its a personal feel thing.

Carry on.
 
#13
I love the Ibanez necks (you'll either love or hate them), and their 5-strings are the most comfortable 5s I've ever played. You really should try to play them both, and I bet you'll know instantly which one is for you.
 
#14
I would take the Rockbass. Warwick necks play great, I have been playing one for a long time without problems. (4 string though)

The Rockbass quality issues were from pre 2006, the new 2010 models are amazing and sound great.

You could order both and send the one you don't like back for the 45 day money back guarantee.
 
#15
very different feeling basses
if you like one, you probably won't like the other
quality wise, they both have OK reputation
just that neither are made in their flagship factory
but rather produced "off shore"

have you try any Ibanez and Rockbass before?
 
#17
I own both, and the Warwick definitely has a more defined tone throughout. The Ibby seems to be a bit muddy in the low mids, but that is subjective.

The Ibanez is great quality, but so is my Rockbass, plus the necks actually do not differ that much, both are super slim and fast. (my Rockbass is a 2010 model). The only reason I use the Rockbass more is that I like the narrow string spacing and the more defined sound.. You actually need to go and try out both, as it will come down to personal preference rather than quality.

The Rockbass is assembled and checked in Germany, so the quality is not lacking.

Now, I just need to save up for a German made Corvette $$ (only it has a lot more tonal variations on it's pre-amp)

Having said almost nothing of value....I would actually buy the Ibby, it was what I started on, and it has never ever given me a day's hassle. The Rockbass has only been mine for three months....
 

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