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Need Advice From Warwick Owners

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by KayXero, Jun 15, 2019.

  1. Jun 15, 2019 #1
    KayXero

    KayXero

    Apr 3, 2007
    I've love the sound of Warwicks. One of my favorite bass tones is Ryan Martinie's playing. Whether its his metal work with Mudvayne or the jazz-fusion rock he does with Soften The Glare...I love what he gets out of his instrument.

    He mainly plays a Warwick Thumb 5, both fretted and fretless. Im a 4 string player and am very much desiring a Thumb with the bubinga body. However I've heard they have some neck dive due to the size of the body....so I've considered the Corvette (bubinga) as well. I dig its tone and I've read it's a better balanced bass.

    So here's my problem. Warwicks are hard to find in-store where I live. I've been to the two local music stores, then drove an hour to Guitar Center...and then checked out the Sam Ash down the road from GC. I only found a Warwick Thumb in 5 string...but as a 4 string player...that doesn't help me much.

    I'd hate to buy an instrument without playing it...but I may have to. What would you do? Warwicks Thumbs and the bubinga version of the Corvette cost a decent penny. I'd hate to buy it...love the tone...but then dislike the feel of the neck or the weight/balance of the instrument.

    But the GAS is strong right now.
     
  2. Jun 16, 2019 #2
    TolerancEJ

    TolerancEJ

    May 27, 2010
    Vancouver, BC Canada
    I own a Thumb BO 6 and it’s a fantastic instrument. I will advise you they are heavy.

    Due to the nature/position of my playing, I’ve never had a neckdive issue with the Thumb that is reported by others. I usually play my basses a little high, as opposed to letting the bass/strap hang low. Also, I have a nice wide strap with a suede back that sort of grips my shirt to stay in place.
     
  3. Jun 16, 2019 #3
    TubeDood

    TubeDood Inactive

    May 31, 2019
    If you cant try before you buy , just make sure there is a return policy .
    There ya go.
     
    Goatrope, Floppystrings and TolerancEJ like this.
  4. Jun 16, 2019 #4
    Bad_tattoo

    Bad_tattoo

    Jan 23, 2019
    Denmark
    +1
    I had a bubinga corvette and I can tell you, it doesn't sound like a thumb (though it was still very, very good :p ) given that you want a 4 string, it might not dive as much.
     

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  5. Jun 16, 2019 #5
    Epitaph04

    Epitaph04 Always overcompensating Supporting Member

    Jul 5, 2010
    SoCal
    If its the sound you want and you’re into it you will learn to live with whatever ergonomic issues the instrument may have. In a way its simply inherent to their design. Part of the experience of owning a thumb bass.
     
  6. Jun 16, 2019 #6
    Trunganh1131

    Trunganh1131

    May 8, 2019
    I also think that if you can't try it before you buy it, make sure you can finish it
     
  7. Jun 16, 2019 #7
    Sid the Kid

    Sid the Kid

    Jun 7, 2013
    Illinois
    I too am a big fan of Ryan’s playing and tone. The 4 string Corvette and thumb will get you close.

    Obviously the thumb 5 has a very unique pickup location. Without Ryan’s hands this is what will get you closer to that tone. The thumb 4 bridge pickup will get you most of the way there.

    The Dolphin and the Infinity 4 will both get you closer to the thumb 5 tone than a Corvette or thumb 4.

    I also had good results with just a J bass on the bridge pickup, though the Warwick sound always has more click and growl.
     
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  8. Jun 17, 2019 #8
    PaulCISSA

    PaulCISSA Unsweetened, highly-caffeinated Gold Supporting Member

    Jul 10, 2014
    Northest New Jersey
    I’ve owned two Corvettes, both fivers in swamp ash. One FNA Jazzman from 2001 and my current Corvette Master $$ from 2016. No neck dive on either but the point of my comment is two-fold: Bubinga is somewhat heavier than ash and both of mine are “big girls” as far as weight. Thumbs are even heavier by design. They are also voiced very differently than Corvettes as noted by @Sid the Kid. Two different target markets.

    Both are great instruments and while I’ve never owned a Thumb, I’ve played several and I don’t find them at all similar to my Corvettes (other than the Gumby head stock). Good luck!
     
  9. Jun 17, 2019 #9
    Goatrope

    Goatrope

    Nov 18, 2011
    Sarasota Florida
    Where are you located? Maybe one us owners lives nearby.

    Otherwise, a return policy that allows a trial period, should be the number one consideration.
     
  10. Jun 17, 2019 #10
    KayXero

    KayXero

    Apr 3, 2007
    Thanks for the input so far guys. I did happen to see online that a Guitar Center about an hour away has a used Corvette double-bucker model. Im personally looking to buy a Corvette with double J pickups (favoring bubinga), but at least I can go to the store and get an idea of the feel of the Corvette.

    Now I just gotta get my hands on a Thumb 4, and I could feel sure about a purchasing decision.

    Thats the thing, Id have to order online and I worry about MusiciansFriend or other online retailers giving me trouble if I try to return/exchange such an expensive instrument.
     
  11. Jun 17, 2019 #11
    DiabolusInMusic

    DiabolusInMusic Functionless Art is Merely Tolerated Vandalism

    Dec 22, 2010
    Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
    Get a used one. Warwicks are a heck of a deal used. Because of that, I wouldn't consider buying a new one if I had any kind of hesitation.
     
  12. Jun 17, 2019 #12
    TubeDood

    TubeDood Inactive

    May 31, 2019
    Nah , just order from Sweetwater , or musician friend , both are great about returns.

    Especially if you are a newer customer.

    Heck many of times I've ordered gear just to try it and then sent it back , then looked for a cheaper used one lol .

    All you have to pay is return shipping .
    ..... totally worth it in most cases