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No love for the GWB1005?

Ricky Caboverde

Ricky Caboverde

Supporting Member
Feb 26, 2004
2,756
2,701
Miami, FL
www.youtube.com
#1
Quick question to the gear heads here....

Why did the GWB1005 never catch on? The GWB-1 has TONS of love, but no one ever mentions the 1005 except to say how expensive it is. Considering that Sugi guitars made it and not Fujigen...and considering that there are already (and have been for a while) some imports that go for top dollar (i.e., Sadowsky Metro), why no love?
 
#3
Played one today.Playability is top notch.
Even unplugged it literally sings, and when you turn the cable on, the sound is just the same you've heard before.
This Barrolini pickup is completely transparent. It's like magic.
Should I mention that with lined board anyone can sound as pro from the first minute. At least, at slower tempos :)
Beatiful, vivid, responsible musical instrument.
I fall in love.
 
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#5
For those of us who don't know what that is...

gwb1005.jpg
 
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#6
I have had one for a couple of months now. It is an absolutely wonderful instrument. I'm sure people are scared off by the lofty price (thankfully, I bought mine used),and to some extent by its understated look.At first blush ,it does not look "high end". But once you spend some time with it, it is clear how well- made it is.
I love its simplicity, and fellow bassists who play it are knocked out by its playability and tone. That said,it is probably not for everyone.It requires a very light touch. Challenging and amazing.
 
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#7
Do you find that the neck stays put or do you have to continually fine tune the action? Which fretboard does it have (rosewood vs ebony)?

NG51 said:
I have had one for a couple of months now. It is an absolutely wonderful instrument. I'm sure people are scared off by the lofty price (thankfully, I bought mine used),and to some extent by its understated look.At first blush ,it does not look "high end". But once you spend some time with it, it is clear how well- made it is.
I love its simplicity, and fellow bassists who play it are knocked out by its playability and tone. That said,it is probably not for everyone.It requires a very light touch. Challenging and amazing.
Click to expand...
 
#13
Ricky Caboverde said:
Quick question to the gear heads here....

Why did the GWB1005 never catch on? The GWB-1 has TONS of love, but no one ever mentions the 1005 except to say how expensive it is. Considering that Sugi guitars made it and not Fujigen...and considering that there are already (and have been for a while) some imports that go for top dollar (i.e., Sadowsky Metro), why no love?
Click to expand...
A little late but just saw the thread.
In Europe there is a whole bunch of handmade bass brands of the highest quality that are between 2700€ to maximum 4000€ for 5 string fretless bass. Right now GWB1005 in EU has ridiculous price of up to 4700€. Got the picture?
 
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#14
I can tell you exactly what's wrong with it ... $4500 new. I'm an Ibanez fanboi, and have owned 12 of their basses. When I went looking for a fretless 5er this was on my radar. But $4500? I don't think so.
 
#15
jake bassist said:
A little late but just saw the thread.
In Europe there is a whole bunch of handmade bass brands of the highest quality that are between 2700€ to maximum 4000€ for 5 string fretless bass. Right now GWB1005 in EU has ridiculous price of up to 4700€. Got the picture?
Click to expand...

Yeah, that list price is definitely something to balk at :blackeye:
 
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#17
Ricky Caboverde said:
Yeah, that list price is definitely something to balk at :blackeye:
Click to expand...
You can find one for 4000 but still.......
For example Marleaux and Human fretless's max out at 4000 and they are huge names in EU.
GWB 1005 is knocking on Furlaneto door price wise. Let's assume they all are of equal quality, and they maybe are but visualy...........
If you pay so much for a bass it would be at least nice to like look of it. I think that is a main problem for most people. Even 205 looks better ;-)
 
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#18
jake bassist said:
You can find one for 4000 but still.......
For example Marleaux and Human fretless's max out at 4000 and they are huge names in EU.
GWB 1005 is knocking on Furlaneto door price wise. Let's assume they all are of equal quality, and they maybe are but visualy...........
If you pay so much for a bass it would be at least nice to enjoy looking at it too. I think that is a main problem for most people. Even 205 looks better ;-)
Click to expand...

Sugi, who makes the GWB1005, is on par with the likes of Furlanetto, Fodera, etc. But you hit the issue on the head—it’s a very minimalistic bass: ash body, maple neck, ebony(or RW), 1 pickup, Bartolini electronics. That’s a lot of dough for very little features. I’m a huge fan of the aesthetics though :D
 
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#20
Ricky Caboverde said:
Sugi, who makes the GWB1005, is on par with the likes of Furlanetto, Fodera, etc. But you hit the issue on the head—it’s a very minimalistic bass: ash body, maple neck, ebony(or RW), 1 pickup, Bartolini electronics. That’s a lot of dough for very little features. I’m a huge fan of the aesthetics though :D
Click to expand...
I know that Sugi is quality wise on par with them. And I also like the minimalistic aproach in construction and pu's.
But i realy dont find Ash in natural finish appealing. Not unless it has huge grain which I don't see being the case.
If they just used Graphite ash to enhance the grain structure I would buy one tommorow!!
Mr.Willis can go on the stage with broom in his hand and everybody would look at his fingers. BUT and that is a big BUT......the rest of us has to pay a lot for that broom. So put at least some friggin graphite on it :)
 

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