Another who tried to love Warwicks but just can't.
I have played the Streamer Standard, the LX, the Pro M, The Fortress, Corvette, Thumb bolt on, Thumb neck through(talk about anti-ergonomics!), Streamer Stage I and Stage II. Never had the pleasure of a Dolphin.
The only Warwick that I came close to liking was a Streamer Stage I, I played 2 of them, one with MECs and one with EMGs. That was the only Warwick that I ever played that I liked the sound of. It sounded like a Spector! Guess what, it cost dang near what a US Spector does too!
Why not get the real thing? Or if you can't afford it, get a Czech Spector. One of the best values in basses today, IMHO.
Warwicks are beautiful. I wanted to love them. After all, Jack Bruce even plays one. But the tone, and the neck profile(on all I have played except the Streamer Stage I) kept me from loving them.
I mean, I don't mind replacing the electronics in a below $500 bass, that's to be expected.
But there is no way that I would pay $1000 - $2000 for a bass that immediately needs an electronics transplant.
But hey, that's why they make so many basses, right? So we can all find what WE like the sound and feel of.
And for me at least, Warwicks are not on that list.