• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Question about a New Bass (Warwick Corvette Bubinga 6 String)

dsky7

dsky7

Apr 1, 2019
48
75
#1
So I just got my first 6 string bass... a Warwick German Pro Series Corvette Bubinga Active, 6 string. It plays wonderfully but I am still getting used to the wider neck.

Something that surprised me is it's insanely well balanced... no neck dive whatsoever!

The thing that stood out to me the most is the weight... It said 12 lbs when shipped but seriously feels like 15! It's insanely heavy... is this something that I'll get used to over time, or something that's gonna bother me more and more as time goes on? I'm young (early 20's) but I do have some mild back pain from a herniated disc.

I'm thinking about maybe switching to a Corvette $$ as those have Ash bodies... but I'd only be able to get it in a 5 string. Should I exchange the 6 String Bubinga?
 
#4
dsky7 said:
So I just got my first 6 string bass... a Warwick German Pro Series Corvette Bubinga Active, 6 string. It plays wonderfully but I am still getting used to the wider neck.

Something that surprised me is it's insanely well balanced... no neck dive whatsoever!

The thing that stood out to me the most is the weight... It said 12 lbs when shipped but seriously feels like 15! It's insanely heavy... is this something that I'll get used to over time, or something that's gonna bother me more and more as time goes on? I'm young (early 20's) but I do have some mild back pain from a herniated disc.

I'm thinking about maybe switching to a Corvette $$ as those have Ash bodies... but I'd only be able to get it in a 5 string. Should I exchange the 6 String Bubinga?
Click to expand...

Most of that weight is on the body. It is pretty hard for a neck to dive against so much weight. 12 pounds is a very heavy bass.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Helix, Matthew_84 and Reedt2000
#7
I had a Spector 6 string that played fantastic but weighed almost 13lbs. I don't have any major back issues but it just got uncomfortable after playing for a short while. I eventually sold it. My Warwick corvette FNA jazzman 5-string (ash/maple body) is really light (8lbs-ish) and it plays and sounds awesome. I can play it all night, no problems.
 
#9
I bought a bubinga Corvette in 1999. I sold it a few years later because of the weight, and heavy basses didn't even bother me at the time. I just jumped around a lot back then and felt more comfortable with a lighter bass.

20 years later, there's not a chance in the world I'd touch that bass. I used to tell people who couldn't handle a 10 lb. bass to start exercising and man up. A few lbs doesn't make that much of a difference. Trust me on this one, if your lower back starts acting up on you - a few pounds can make all the difference in the world.

I'm in pretty good physical shape, still run about 15 miles a week and hit the gym around 3 times... but my lower back gives me hell. I'm playing short scale basses only, and the heaviest of them is probably around 7 lbs.

Iffin I were you --- I'd put it up for a price that was more than you paid, and play it until someone buys it. If your back is already giving you problems, that bass isn't going to help. I'd also find ways of strengthening your core now, while you can probably still save your back. Mine didn't start bugging me till I was in my 50s.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SirMjac28
#10
dsky7 said:
@DiabolusInMusic Will I ever get used to the weight? Or is it something that's gonna bother me more and more as time goes on?
Click to expand...

Depends. Some people adapt better than others. Just bear in mind that the risk of injury from a too heavy bass is real. Get yourself a wide padded strap for starters, pay close attention to any warnings your body is sending you, and initially hope for the best.

If you start to feel acute discomfort that lasts more than a short time after you put it down, or feel chronic pains in your shoulder or back, or start feeling any numbness, then it’s best you move on to a different bass.

Luck! :thumbsup:
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: textures0543
#11
@Joe Nerve I appreciate your detailed post. I should clarify, I have back issues, but so far the biggest negative on my body is just a sore shoulder. I definitely have knots there and the strap I have (2 inch planet waves... I'm gonna buy a 3 inch strap soon) presses right on the knots in the muscle there. I'm still in the return window (bought new) so I'm still able to get my money back if need be.

@Reedt2000 You think I should place the order for the Corvette $$ with the Ash body? Any neck dive on your lighter bodied Corvette? I think I'd rather have a heavy bass than neck dive... the Schecter Stiletto Session 5 in my icon picture dives horribly.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Joe Nerve
#12
dsky7 said:
@DiabolusInMusic Will I ever get used to the weight? Or is it something that's gonna bother me more and more as time goes on?
Click to expand...

That is a personal question that only you can answer. My six-string is 10.5lbs and it gets heavy after an evening. I much prefer basses in the 8-9 lb range. I'll echo the suggestions for a wide bass strap to distribute the weight.
 
#13
@Trouztrouz
IMG_2260.jpeg
IMG_2261.jpeg
IMG_2258.jpeg
IMG_2228.jpeg
 

Attachments

  • IMG_2260.jpg
    IMG_2260.jpg
    656.7 KB · Views: 94
  • Like
Reactions: lowfreqman, Shaggai, SirMjac28 and 7 others
#14
dsky7 said:
You think I should place the order for the Corvette $$ with the Ash body? Any neck dive on your lighter bodied Corvette?
Click to expand...

I can't tell you to order a bass you've never played and expect it to be comfortable to you. My vette doesn't dive at all. If you're serious about it, either find a way to test drive one, or make sure you get a good return option.
 
  • Like
Reactions: textures0543
#17
dsky7 said:
@DiabolusInMusic Will I ever get used to the weight? Or is it something that's gonna bother me more and more as time goes on?
Click to expand...
Everybody's different as far as this goes. When I was your age it wouldn't have bothered me. I'm now 54 and have 'issues' with the nerves that pass through my shoulder on their way to my hand. Weight training and physical therapy mostly keep things working fine but I absolutely cannot use a bass that weighs more than about 8lbs anymore. But that's me. We're not you, so I would say if you like it, play it. You'll know soon enough if the weight is too much.
 
  • Like
Reactions: textures0543 and bongostealth
#18
I am 50 and have been playing heavy instruments (6 string thumb, and my monstrous 12 string warr guitar) for many years. I wear both relatively high and pay attention to my posture. I am not the “muscular type”, I am 5’10 and weight 140-145 pounds.

As long as your strap is proportionally wide to the weight of your instrument, you stay fit and watch your posture, I think you will not see any kind of “wear and tear” in your back. Enjoy the Warwick!!
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back