Question about Warwick basses!

[SlapLikeTheWind]

Hi everyone,

So I have a question about Warwick basses.
I think they're supposed to be pretty good according to what I read and heard about them.
But I'd like to hear other people's experience with Warwick basses.
And with that I'm especially curious about what you guys think of the necks on Warwick basses.

Because I found messages on this forum, older posts from like 2008 or so.
And back then some people seemed to be complaining about how thick the necks on Warwick basses felt.

BUT, if I watch review videos on more recent Warwick models, people seem to really like the necks and say it feels very comfortable.
The one I'm looking at has a nut width of 38.5 mm (which is 1.5'' I think?)

If you have some knowledge or experience with Warwick basses, please help me out here!
The thing is, if I want to get one I probably have to order it before I can actually try it because the only store that sells it in their physical store is like 4 or 5 hours away!

Also, how do you think they are compared to Spector basses?

I’m on my second Warwick, and here are my thoughts thus far...

Pros:
-For the money, you will not find better craftsmanship, especially with the entry-level models. Attention to detail is honestly remarkable, and the handcrafted skill is truly jarring in this automated manufacturing age in which we live... compared with top-of-the-line Fender, the Warwick is as precision-built as the Germans ever get! From the excellent matching of exotic wood grains to the impeccable finishes, if your bass baby is a Wick, you’ll want to be buried with it. Bringing me to my next pro...
-A Warwick sounds like a Warwick; the tone is 100% original to Warwick, and it will never sound like “any other bass.” I’m not talking about a specific tone (if you want a specific tone, it will definitely deliver), but rather the instrument’s personality— nothing sounds like a German-made Warwick, and nothing ever will. Many similarly-endowed basses I’ve owned/played may sound great, but there’s only one Warwick sound.

Cons:
-Most builds weigh a ton, and your back will hate you. Like, if you don’t have back issues presently, well you should get ready to be sore AF, especially if you were playing anything Fender-y. I’m a skinny dude, and so I feel it hard in the back muscles after playing.
-They’re closer to boutique than to a “working man’s bass”... you will not be able to belt-burn a Warwick to poopie and expect to add value over thirty years, like a road-worn Fender, and they are definitely pretty care-intensive (especially the natural finishes)

Overall, I can say you will be happy with a Warwick, but it doesn’t have to be the “only bass for you.” I love my Wick, but that’s not to say I don’t get all wallet-woozy around certain Rickenbackers, or a Mayones....

Hope that all helps!

 

[BOOG]

Hi everyone,

So I have a question about Warwick basses.
I think they're supposed to be pretty good according to what I read and heard about them.
But I'd like to hear other people's experience with Warwick basses.
And with that I'm especially curious about what you guys think of the necks on Warwick basses.

Because I found messages on this forum, older posts from like 2008 or so.
And back then some people seemed to be complaining about how thick the necks on Warwick basses felt.

BUT, if I watch review videos on more recent Warwick models, people seem to really like the necks and say it feels very comfortable.
The one I'm looking at has a nut width of 38.5 mm (which is 1.5'' I think?)

If you have some knowledge or experience with Warwick basses, please help me out here!
The thing is, if I want to get one I probably have to order it before I can actually try it because the only store that sells it in their physical store is like 4 or 5 hours away!

Also, how do you think they are compared to Spector basses?

I would describe the neck on my German Warwick as “rustic” compared to every other neck I’ve played and that’s what I like about it. There’s texture whereas, others feel more refined and contemporary. There’s a lot of good/great about the instrument but it does have its shortfalls, too.

 

[hbabels]

Warwick necks are fantastic in my opinion and experience. I do tend to prefer fatter necks like P bass over J bass for me. It varies some Warwick necks are quite thick some are more in the middle just not Ibanez skinny so if that’s your preference loon elsewhere.
I’m a HUGE Spector fan. Currently own 2 & have owned 4 others over the years. Highly recommended. Great live and in the studio. Used Euro’s or used Kramer era NS-2a’s are some of the best bang for your buck high quality basses on the market. The USA built ones are even better if your budget allows.

 

[franklindayala]

My Warwick is a FNA from 1999 with ovangkol neck. It has a Baseball neck and I love it.

 

[mcclurer16]

The German semihollowbody Warwick Starbass IIs have excellent manufacturing and the tone from the humbuckers is a classic hollowbody thump. The neck is fairly chunky compared to my Fender Jazz. They aren’t cheap but are my favored hollowbody bass guitar. Good luck!

 

[PhatBottomBass1]

Hi everyone,

So I have a question about Warwick basses.
I think they're supposed to be pretty good according to what I read and heard about them.
But I'd like to hear other people's experience with Warwick basses.
And with that I'm especially curious about what you guys think of the necks on Warwick basses.

Because I found messages on this forum, older posts from like 2008 or so.
And back then some people seemed to be complaining about how thick the necks on Warwick basses felt.

BUT, if I watch review videos on more recent Warwick models, people seem to really like the necks and say it feels very comfortable.
The one I'm looking at has a nut width of 38.5 mm (which is 1.5'' I think?)

If you have some knowledge or experience with Warwick basses, please help me out here!
The thing is, if I want to get one I probably have to order it before I can actually try it because the only store that sells it in their physical store is like 4 or 5 hours away!

Also, how do you think they are compared to Spector basses?

OK...I reviewed some of your replies to input.

My experience with Warwick has been ALL pre-2000 instruments. Stage I-5, Stage II-4, Thumb NT-4/5, Masterman 5. I have also had both Spector 4/5 Basses BUT only Euro's, however, I've played many USA Spector Basses to include original Kramer '80's Basses.

You have a €1K budget in The Netherlands. So that's like $1200 USD.

In my mind, on that budget, I would be looking for the best '93-'96 Warwick Masterman 4/5 you can find, perhaps even spending a few bones on S/H from outside the EU. (I have personally found a few nice Spector Euro's and LX models within the last year, at stupid great prices, right @ $1K.)

I would shop your a$$ off and find the best deal on the Warwick with a Maple Body and Wenge neck/fingerboard, before dropping your money on an entry-level instrument of either brand!

Good luck...

 

[Slappy Daniels]

Warwick necks are fantastic in my opinion and experience. I do tend to prefer fatter necks like P bass over J bass for me. It varies some Warwick necks are quite thick some are more in the middle just not Ibanez skinny so if that’s your preference loon elsewhere.
I’m a HUGE Spector fan. Currently own 2 & have owned 4 others over the years. Highly recommended. Great live and in the studio. Used Euro’s or used Kramer era NS-2a’s are some of the best bang for your buck high quality basses on the market. The USA built ones are even better if your budget allows.

Okay, thanks for your view on this!
The further I look into Warwick and Spector, I'm starting to realize they're both delivering quality basses and that it just kinda comes down to personal preference.
And right now I'm leaning towards a Spector. There's a music store about 1 hour away that has a few different Spectors. And the closest store where I could try a Warwick is over 5 hours away.
Spector seems to suit me better anyway, so I think I'll just try the Spector and after using that I'll just have to see if that's it for me and if it is I'll just buy it!

Warwick basses are really awesome though! I love how many people this question attracted!

 

[Slappy Daniels]

OK...I reviewed some of your replies to input.

My experience with Warwick has been ALL pre-2000 instruments. Stage I-5, Stage II-4, Thumb NT-4/5, Masterman 5. I have also had both Spector 4/5 Basses BUT only Euro's, however, I've played many USA Spector Basses to include original Kramer '80's Basses.

You have a €1K budget in The Netherlands. So that's like $1200 USD.

In my mind, on that budget, I would be looking for the best '93-'96 Warwick Masterman 4/5 you can find, perhaps even spending a few bones on S/H from outside the EU. (I have personally found a few nice Spector Euro's and LX models within the last year, at stupid great prices, right @ $1K.)

I would shop your a$$ off and find the best deal on the Warwick with a Maple Body and Wenge neck/fingerboard, before dropping your money on an entry-level instrument of either brand!

Good luck...

Thanks a lot for taking time to give me this advice!
I think when we're allowed to go again, I'll go to some stores and try something first.
Right now, I'm kinda leaning towards Spector because some of my favourite players have a Spector too.

But I'm not going to make a final decision, that would make no sense at this point.
I'll just try some things and see what I think, and just make a final decision when I'm sure what's best for me.
I love learning about all the basses out there about which I don't know too much!

 

[PhatBottomBass1]

Thanks a lot for taking time to give me this advice!
I think when we're allowed to go again, I'll go to some stores and try something first.
Right now, I'm kinda leaning towards Spector because some of my favourite players have a Spector too.

But I'm not going to make a final decision, that would make no sense at this point.
I'll just try some things and see what I think, and just make a final decision when I'm sure what's best for me.
I love learning about all the basses out there about which I don't know too much!

Here is the last Warwick I did and made someone's day this year for $1449:

It's a bit custom, but it IS a MONSTER!

Have fun...

 

[Slappy Daniels]

Here is the last Warwick I did and made someone's day this year for $1449:
View attachment 4151071
It's a bit custom, but it IS a MONSTER!

Have fun...

Wow, that is a really sexy bass!
What kind of humbucker is on there? It is a humbucker, right?
I have a Sterling by MusicMan Stingray that also has a single humbucker on it.
I absolutely love it for slapping, and I love it's tone!

But like I replied earlier to someone else, I'm trying to get a good bass besides that one for different playing syles and the way I feel now, I'd like to get a PJ setup.
I just think that when I get that besides my stingray, I'll be a very happy dude!

 

[Kubicki Fan]

Wow, that is a really sexy bass!
What kind of humbucker is on there? It is a humbucker, right?
I have a Sterling by MusicMan Stingray that also has a single humbucker on it.
I absolutely love it for slapping, and I love it's tone!

But like I replied earlier to someone else, I'm trying to get a good bass besides that one for different playing syles and the way I feel now, I'd like to get a PJ setup.
I just think that when I get that besides my stingray, I'll be a very happy dude!

Looks like an Aguilar pickup. Maybe a DCB-XX variant (Double Ceramic Bar) or maybe a custom job for Warwick.

 

[PhatBottomBass1]

Wow, that is a really sexy bass!
What kind of humbucker is on there? It is a humbucker, right?
I have a Sterling by MusicMan Stingray that also has a single humbucker on it.
I absolutely love it for slapping, and I love it's tone!

But like I replied earlier to someone else, I'm trying to get a good bass besides that one for different playing syles and the way I feel now, I'd like to get a PJ setup.
I just think that when I get that besides my stingray, I'll be a very happy dude!

The 4 string Warwick like that Masterman is the FORTRESS ONE with P/J pickups. This style is very comfortable to play!

That pickup is an Aguilar DCB in a 3-D printed adjustable adapter used to replace the dual JJ that the Masterman had with two separate preamps. The wiring was replaced with an Aguilar OBP-3 wired 18v. It also has a solid Brass (not steel) custom shop bridge, new tuners with the custom shop Ebony keys. It was tuned DADGC. (Didn't sound like a Music Man!)

 

[Slappy Daniels]

The 4 string Warwick like that Masterman is the FORTRESS ONE with P/J pickups. This style is very comfortable to play!

That pickup is an Aguilar DCB in a 3-D printed adjustable adapter used to replace the dual JJ that the Masterman had with two separate preamps. The wiring was replaced with an Aguilar OBP-3 wired 18v. It also has a solid Brass (not steel) custom shop bridge, new tuners with the custom shop Ebony keys. It was tuned DADGC. (Didn't sound like a Music Man!)

I'm sorry, I probably make the impression of an actual noob that knows almost nothing at all lol!
I'll go check it out, the Masterman I probably wasn't looking at the correct one then!
Thanks again for your input!

 

[Hano Rokpony]

My Rockbass Corvette $$ has an awesome neck. It's very smooth and gives the bass great ease of play.

 

[SCH1SM1C]

Hi everyone,

So I have a question about Warwick basses.
I think they're supposed to be pretty good according to what I read and heard about them.
But I'd like to hear other people's experience with Warwick basses.
And with that I'm especially curious about what you guys think of the necks on Warwick basses.

Because I found messages on this forum, older posts from like 2008 or so.
And back then some people seemed to be complaining about how thick the necks on Warwick basses felt.

BUT, if I watch review videos on more recent Warwick models, people seem to really like the necks and say it feels very comfortable.
The one I'm looking at has a nut width of 38.5 mm (which is 1.5'' I think?)

If you have some knowledge or experience with Warwick basses, please help me out here!
The thing is, if I want to get one I probably have to order it before I can actually try it because the only store that sells it in their physical store is like 4 or 5 hours away!

Also, how do you think they are compared to Spector basses?

Warwick switched neck thickness twice i believe. In the 90's the necks were thinner, then they made thicker necks, and a few years ago they switched back to thin necks again.

I have tried the Warwick Rob Trujillo Masterbuilt one, and it played very well, like most german Warwick's do.

To anwser your question i prefer Spector basses over Warwicks. I owned a Warwick Corvette 5 string, and it had some insane neck dive, while my Spector AW Sig. had no neck dive and felt a little better in my hands, but that could just be me, either way you should try playing one before you buy it.

 

[Taustin Powers]

I have played Warwick basses I liked, and Warwick basses I didn't like, sometimes the same models from the same manufacturing year. They just felt slightly different from one another. When I tried my Streamer Stage 1 (2000), I just clicked with it instantly, it felt and sounded so good to me. This is what you need to look for.

My advice with Warwick basses would be to play it before you buy it. If that is not possible, try to order with a good return policy.

Overall, I am a huge fan and own four Warwick basses.

 

[mmon77]

I have a 5 string Warwick Thumb BO that I absolutely love, but from what I've seen and read on here, Warwicks are really a love it or hate it thing. Alot of people just do not get along with the ergonomics of some models, Thumb especially. Mine tends to want to balance out more horizontally than some people like, but it doesn't bother me, and there really is no other way to get "that" sound. Whether that's good or bad, is again subjective. I would say Warwicks are for sure a "play it before you buy it" bass. Not because of the quality, just because of the ergonomics, and changes they've made over the years.

I see you're in the Netherlands. I don't know what Warwick prices are like over there, but over here the price for a new Warwick is in the *** ( can't believe that got censored, how about OMG instead of another 3 letter shorthand that starts with W) range, if you ask me. I would never buy a new one. I think in Europe their prices may be a little more reasonable.

I've played a few Spectors, and never a bad one, but I don't have that much experience with them. They also have a sound associated with them that is unique. I would love to own one some day. That is about all I can say about them though.

 

[ga_edwards]

I sold my old Yr2000 5 string Bolt-On Warwick Thumb after playing it as my main bass for many years. Fantastic sounding bass and I loved the big, D-shaped, baseball bat-like, chunky neck. However, these Thumb basses were notorious for neck dive due to the tiny body and massive neck. As I got older the neck dive issue got to the stage that it left me in pain for a couple of days after every gig. A real shame, as that was my first expensive bass and I loved it.

I do wonder if the change in neck profile a few years ago was to address this issue.

That said, I still have the 4 string fretless Warwick Corvette Standard from around 2001. This has a more C or U shaped neck profile, and being a 4 string, it narrower but still chunky. Lovely neck. It's a heavy bass, but it balances perfectly.

If you're planning on spending some considerable money on a Warwick, I highly recommend trying it out in person if you're not sure about the neck. Other parts of the bass such as pickups and hardware can be modified to suit your playing style and tone preferences, but you're pretty much stuck with the neck and ergonomics.

 

[SirMjac28]

My 2018 German Thumb was the first bass that made say "Woah" the quality is just everywhere on those basses even the flight case was over-engineered you really can't go wrong with a Warwick.

 

[DeepHz]

I had a few of the thicker neck Warwicks. A German made Thumb, $$, and one anniversary model that had two P bass P/U with a thumb body? All quality instruments (except the preamp on the thumb). I just could not get comfortable with the necks!