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New Warwick Rockbass Fortress

El Raro

El Raro

Feb 6, 2009
1,071
298
Sydney, Australia
#1
So it looks like Warwick have added a new model to their revamped Rockbass line - The Rockbass Fortress. Pretty similar to the older Rockbass Fortress in design but with the obligatory German Warwick parts the same as the other new Rockbasses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6p97jswqtes&feature=related

Actually doesn't sound too shabby. Still can't compare it to a German Wick but for the money it actually sounds pretty rad. I was considering picking up an MIM Fender P-bass Deluxe in the next couple months but now I think I might wait for this model to hit my shores to give it a good spin.

So thoughts on the new Rockbass Fortress?
 
#2
Not sure how much help I can be but I have a streamer std 5 string rockbass from 07 i think and I've really enjoyed it. Even though it has passive electronics it has way more punch and low-end than my Ibanez SR300 and that has active electronics. I've heard that the rockbasses have continued to improve tremendously since then so I wouldn't have any qualms about considering one as a purchase. Although I'm considering a thumb bass pro series next to add to my arsenal ;).
 
#3
The entire Rockbass line has seen a total overhaul. All bodies are 2-piece, using quality Ash. The necks are multi-piece maple with ekanga stringers. Pickups and hardware are the same as what is used on the German made Warwick basses, and quality control is at an all-time high. Please let me know if you've got any questions. Thanks!
 
#4
WarwickOfficial said:
The entire Rockbass line has seen a total overhaul. All bodies are 2-piece, using quality Ash. The necks are multi-piece maple with ekanga stringers. Pickups and hardware are the same as what is used on the German made Warwick basses, and quality control is at an all-time high. Please let me know if you've got any questions. Thanks!
Click to expand...


I have been waiting a lot of time for a lefty short scale decent bass and now my favourite brand has released one.
I am very happy.
I was at first thinking about buying the active Corvette Short Scale, but I will not be available for leftys until september.
My local shop says there is one passive lefty available.

My doubt here is:
Are the passive MEC pick-ups as good as the active ones?
If I buy the active model I would surely be changing the electronics, as I have read that the pick-ups are the real thing, but the preamp is not the same as the one in German models.

My concern is that maybe the passive pups are not as good as the active ones.

If somebody proves me wrong I think I would not wait until September and buy the pasive.

Please chime in
 
#6
xantometapon said:
I have been waiting a lot of time for a lefty short scale decent bass and now my favourite brand has released one.
I am very happy.
I was at first thinking about buying the active Corvette Short Scale, but I will not be available for leftys until september.
My local shop says there is one passive lefty available.

My doubt here is:
Are the passive MEC pick-ups as good as the active ones?
If I buy the active model I would surely be changing the electronics, as I have read that the pick-ups are the real thing, but the preamp is not the same as the one in German models.

My concern is that maybe the passive pups are not as good as the active ones.

If somebody proves me wrong I think I would not wait until September and buy the pasive.

Please chime in
Click to expand...

You are correct -the pickups in the RockBass (along with the hardware) are exactly the same as in the German-made models. The preamp is different, but give it a chance...they are really great playing/sounding basses! Please let me know if I can assist you in any way!
 
#10
WarwickOfficial said:
The fretless models are unlined, with a Tigerstripe Ebony fingerboard. Please let me know if you've got any other questions. Thanks!
Click to expand...

Hello, WO.

I'd like to know where can I find these basses in Alberta, Canada. I only saw them up to a year ago at Mother's Music; ever since this chain was bought by Long and McQuade, I couldn't find them anymore.

Thanks!
 
#12
Ivan R said:
Hello, WO.

I'd like to know where can I find these basses in Alberta, Canada. I only saw them up to a year ago at Mother's Music; ever since this chain was bought by Long and McQuade, I couldn't find them anymore.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Hello Ivan R! Our distributor in Canada is Korg Canada - here is the contact info:

Korg Canada a division of Jam Industries
21000 TransCanada Hwy
Baie d'Urfe, Quebec
H9X 4B7
Steve Knowles
514-457-2555 x2236
[email protected]

Steve should be able to help you out. FWIW, Korg and some other dealers/distributors were recently at the factory in Markneukirchen. Here is a short video of their visit:
Enjoy! And, please let me know if there is any way I can assist you.
 
#15
My current Warwicks are both active.

Should I stick with active in the Short Scale Rockbass (I would have to wait til september to get one) or do I give the passive model a try?

Are passive MECs as good as active Mecs?
 
#16
xantometapon said:
My current Warwicks are both active.

Should I stick with active in the Short Scale Rockbass (I would have to wait til september to get one) or do I give the passive model a try?

Are passive MECs as good as active Mecs?
Click to expand...

xantometapon: This is such a personal preference I don't think I can give you an answer! If you're questioning it...it might be worth the wait to see what really suits you best. Wish I could be of more help, but it would only be an opinion, and we all see/hear/feel things differently. Thanks!
 
#20
Woodchuck, you can call or email our US distributor directly, and he can give you a much more specific answer...with details of which store, where, etc.

U.S. Music Corp.
444 E. Courtland St.
Mundelein, IL 60060
Jay Marino
Phone : (847)949-0444 ext. 5288
Mail : [email protected]

Hope that helps...please let me know if there is anything else I can assist you with!
 

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