Looking for a Short Scale - Warwick / Chowny

[Aigre-Doux]

Hello there, first things first, sorry for the messy english im a frog legs boi. So sometimes i got that "omelette du fromage" grammar.

I'm searching for an active shortscale (30') with 24 frets and a versatile sound. I got a 700 - 800 euros / 800 - 900 usd Budget.
I mess a lot with slap and strumming "like" Stanley Clarke and Les Claypool.
But i want to have a large range of sounds.

I've been looking for some models online and there's two i've been able to set aside.

The Chowny SWB-1 Active - Scott Withley Signature :
SWB-1 Scott Whitley Signature | Chowny Bass

The Warwick Corvette Basic 4 :
Warwick | Corvette Basic act. short scale

My heart actually goes for the Chowny cause i heard that the pickups on the warwick were not really good for slap and funk. And for the individuals saddles that seem better for chords and strumming. Maybe it's all BS so that's why i'm here right now.

all advices are welcome.

 

[Nunovsky]

If it was me, I'd choose the Chowny SWB. I haven't tried any one but I really like the videos that I've seen online and I think that Scott Whitley is an amazing player that could play with any bass but chose this one and is actually playing it live.
But the main reason is that I've tried some of the Rock Bass line models by Warwick and honestly I always felt something lacking. I loved every single GPS Warwick that I tried but these RB sound and fell like cheaper versions of those, not "almost as good as".

 

[Aigre-Doux]

i heard that some of the corvette where manufactured in China, Chowny is making his basses in indian.
Not really if this actually affects the quality.

Thanks for your opinion.
I'm actually open to suggestions on equivalent models from other brands too

 

[Nunovsky]

 

[Aigre-Doux]

Yeah sounds a lot funkier than the Warwick.
The sound of the Warwick seem more plain to me, it does the job for most of styles but for Slap and Strum it's seems a bit dull.

The main problem i found with the SWB-1 is the lack of reviews and possibilities of trying them x')
The only real videos out there are sponsored by Chowny or made by Scott.

I was even considering buying the pro model for the EMG pickups and the neck, but for me it's quite a lot of money.

 

[chowny]

The main problem i found with the SWB-1 is the lack of reviews and possibilities of trying them x')
The only real videos out there are sponsored by Chowny or made by Scott.

Chowny SWB-1 Scott Whitley Signature review | MusicRadar

Plus - if you're in Europe or the UK and you don't get on with the bass, we'll refund you in full and take it back. No quibbles.

 

[Aigre-Doux]

But the main thing i like with Chowny is that there always there to talk directly to you x')
Thanks.

 

[fretlessguy]

I like the Chowny's pickup arrangement better. Better looking instrument and the sound is excellent.

 

[mongo2]

Personally, I'd rather build a Warmoth short scale J with EMG or Bartolini pickups and matching pre-amp if I wanted an active short scale bass specifically for slap.

 

[CapnSev]

Chowny all day and twice on Sundays.

 

[LoTone]

I bought that bass model from Chowny: Retrovibe Vantage | Chowny Bass
My bass was manufactured in India too and, in terms of craftsmanship, I am quite pleased. I have no complaints of any kind. Mine is sky blue.

 

[Sub-hoo-fer]

Chowny SWB-1 Scott Whitley Signature review | MusicRadar

Plus - if you're in Europe or the UK and you don't get on with the bass, we'll refund you in full and take it back. No quibbles.

Post #6 just over 12 hours in. Respect!

 

[sikamikanico]

Never tried a Chowny, so cannot comment, but they sure look good! Kind of an Alembic wibe (minus the hippy sandwich aspect).

I've tried Warwicks (though not that particular model), and they're just fine, imo. Electronics are just about the easiest to replace if you want.

If you cannot try before you buy, make sure they have a good return policy, because you cannot really generalize (especially not in this price range)... Chowny seems to have that covered

 

[blue4]

I'd go for the Chowney myself. It looks like a very well designed bass. Almost like they took some things from the Fender J, some things from the Gibson SG, and made a best of both worlds bass. Even gave it a small bit of a Rick vibe for the head. It just looks like a really fun bass, and every video I've ever seen shows me it's versatile.

The Warwick, no offense to any owners as they make a fine product, just seems bland by comparison.

 

[Morrighan]

Completely pleased with my Chowny.

Why am I not playing it at this very moment? Because right now I'm eating as I browse TB.

 

[BazzaBass]

Hello there, first things first, sorry for the messy english im a frog legs boi. So sometimes i got that "omelette du fromage" grammar.

I'm searching for an active shortscale (30') with 24 frets and a versatile sound. I got a 700 - 800 euros / 800 - 900 usd Budget.
I mess a lot with slap and strumming "like" Stanley Clarke and Les Claypool.
But i want to have a large range of sounds.

I've been looking for some models online and there's two i've been able to set aside.

The Chowny SWB-1 Active - Scott Withley Signature :
SWB-1 Scott Whitley Signature | Chowny Bass

The Warwick Corvette Basic 4 :
Warwick | Corvette Basic act. short scale

My heart actually goes for the Chowny cause i heard that the pickups on the warwick were not really good for slap and funk. And for the individuals saddles that seem better for chords and strumming. Maybe it's all BS so that's why i'm here right now.

all advices are welcome.

I have a black Warwick SS passive. For some reason it’s more uncomfortable to play then my MIA P bass. I’ve just bought a SS Reverend Wattplower to replace the Warwick.

 

[Aigre-Doux]

Thanks for all your responses.

I'll go for the SWB-1 for sure.
Now i'm wondering if the pro model is really worth the money.
It would be cheaper to put EMG pickups on the normal version than going for the pro model.

 

[Morrighan]

The finishes on the pro are sure to be pretty sharp in person if my CHB-1 is any indication.

(but this from one with mind GAS for an SWB-1 Pro)

 

[40Hz]

I’ve got a passive SWB-1 that gets an amazing (to my ears) JB vibe. I found mine good for virtually any kind of music. I’m not personally big on slap. But it responds to slap technique very nicely. I’m guessing the active models can do it even better.

How well does it get a good slap tone? Check out Scott himself taking on Mark King’s Mr. Pink with two SWB-1s, one strung with regular gauge strings and the other set up with piccolo gauge strings. (Note: I tried piccolo strings on mine and can confidently say the Chowney SWB-1 makes an excellent platform for piccolo bass if you’re looking for something different to add to your arsenal.)

 

[Nephilymbass]

Cant say anything about Chowny. They just don’t sell them here so I’ve never even seen one in person and pretty much all the videos online of them are someone playing them solo and not in a mix.

Warwick actually makes a couple short scale basses. The short scale corvette is the more modern sounding one, the 4 star bass is the more vintage sounding one, it’s 32” I believe not to be confused with the 5 string star bass which is 34” scale. If you’re wanting a bright Stanley Clark type of vibe the vette would probably be better, if you want a fat flatwounds type of sound the star bass would probably be the better option.

Imo the Supro short scales are the most interesting me. You can choose 1,2, or 3 magnetic pickups and a piezo.