Quick opinions wanted....

[Sneakypete]

I've come across a 1993 Warwick Fortress One passive four-stringer with just the one careful owner from new. Haven't seen it in the flesh but by the photos it looks in excellent condition for an 18-year-old bass. He's asking £400 (UK pounds Sterling).
Reading other threads there seems to be a view that the Rockbass has made Warwick marque slide somewhat downmarket in recent years - I don't know if that is true but this seems like a chance to get a quality bass for not a lot of money. Your views, especially if you own, or have owned, a Fortress One from the early 90's would be most appreciated.Thanks.

 

[Blankandson]

Just saw this post. I have a 1994 Fortress ONE 5 string. It was pretty dirty when I got it. I joined the Warwick forum and got immediate comments on best way to clean the entire thing. The sound cut off/on so I had the electronics and pots cleaned. Put flatwound tapered strings on. The truss rod was done several ways, so when you post on Warwick forum be sure to put the serial number on it. Seems the truss rod on mine can be removed, flipped over, and reinserted. It's a great sounding bass. It's all clean now, plus I ordered the JAN III from the USA parts distributor (Which means you don't pay the $60 to have it mailed from Germany.) The neck should be wenge so BE SURE to read what the forum tells you about wenge. Do NOT use steel wool to clean it unless you enjoy bloody fingers! Oh yes, if you get it be sure to take it and try it out in a case or gig bag - that horn really makes most bags useless.