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Spector or Warwick

R

reverb508

Jan 6, 2008
95
1
#1
I know this topic has been done before but when I searched, I didn't get a definitive answer. I'm looking to get a new bass and have narrowed it down to a spector euro dlx ex (w/ the zebrawood top), or a Warwick Corvette in either bubinga or a maple proline.
I've heard good things about both sides and am unsure about which to get. I've only had the chance to play the warwick and I thought it sounded great but I don't want to jump on it before getting an idea of what the spector offers. I have some questions that may help me decide.

-How does the build quality differ between the two?
-How does the spector play versus the warwick (which was poorly set up when I played it).
-What are the tonal differences?
-How do the MEC pickups compare to the EMG HZ's?
-I've heard about neck dive in the warwick thumbs, how do these models fair?
-Which would better suit the style of my band? (the link's in my sig)

Thanks for the help
Brian
 
#2
reverb508 said:
I know this topic has been done before but when I searched, I didn't get a definitive answer. I'm looking to get a new bass and have narrowed it down to a spector euro dlx ex (w/ the zebrawood top), or a Warwick Corvette in either bubinga or a maple proline.
I've heard good things about both sides and am unsure about which to get. I've only had the chance to play the warwick and I thought it sounded great but I don't want to jump on it before getting an idea of what the spector offers. I have some questions that may help me decide.

-How does the build quality differ between the two?
-How does the spector play versus the warwick (which was poorly set up when I played it).
-What are the tonal differences?
-How do the MEC pickups compare to the EMG HZ's?
-I've heard about neck dive in the warwick thumbs, how do these models fair?
-Which would better suit the style of my band? (the link's in my sig)

Thanks for the help
Brian
Click to expand...

I can only be specific about neck dive on Corvettes(I have an FNA)vs Thumbs(had a BO-4); the 'Vette balances nicely & the Thumbs definitely dive, IME.
Additionally, I like Warwick better for tone(strong mids)vs Spector(had a fretless Rebop 5, but that's different enough to not really apply here, IMO).
 
#3
Hmm, you mentioned Zebrawood and EMG-hzs. You mean a Rebop probably? Cos i have the exact one and i preferred it from a corvette, because i was in the same dillema.

I love the spector sound. Warwick sound is different though. Narrower string spacing in the vette too as far as i remember, but a bit chunkier neck.
Both have exceptional build quality.
Tonal differences is that the spector has more mid-ranged growl but the warwick more low-ranged growl. (that's how it sounded to me though)
I liked the emg-hz more than the mecs. I read that the mecs are producing a little bit of noise, but i haven't heard it myself to be able to confirm.
Spectors have some neck-dive, but with a good strap there's no prob. I only tried the corvette while sitting, so i don't know about neck-dive issue.
As for which one suits your band better, i think that they both are quite versatile to fit in perfectly ;)
 
#4
Link Removed

I have one of those very basses you're talking about. IMO, it trounces anything Warwick are putting out.

Both companies produce well made basses, though I have never found any Spector Euro to have any issues with fit and finish, I've played a couple of Warwicks that were less than brilliant in this department.

I find the Spector to be a beautiful player though. The neck is just wonderful, and the satin finish is great. The Spector is much brighter and burpier than Warwicks loaded with MEC's, due to it's EMG pickups. The tonepump is a HOT preamp, but I like that. It's perhaps the first bass I've had where the preamp is voiced just how I want it to be! I find Warwick (apart from Hellborg's) to be quite dark and often a bit muddier sounding-but this is just me, I crave articulation and a bright of brightness!

And yes, Thumbs are pretty heavy and can suffer some serious neck dive, which I don't dig. I quite like Thumbs when I'm sitting down though, but the Spector suits me best.
 
#5
Chris2112 said:
Link Removed

I have one of those very basses you're talking about. IMO, it trounces anything Warwick are putting out.

Both companies produce well made basses, though I have never found any Spector Euro to have any issues with fit and finish, I've played a couple of Warwicks that were less than brilliant in this department.

I find the Spector to be a beautiful player though. The neck is just wonderful, and the satin finish is great. The Spector is much brighter and burpier than Warwicks loaded with MEC's, due to it's EMG pickups. The tonepump is a HOT preamp, but I like that. It's perhaps the first bass I've had where the preamp is voiced just how I want it to be! I find Warwick (apart from Hellborg's) to be quite dark and often a bit muddier sounding-but this is just me, I crave articulation and a bright of brightness!

And yes, Thumbs are pretty heavy and can suffer some serious neck dive, which I don't dig. I quite like Thumbs when I'm sitting down though, but the Spector suits me best.
Click to expand...

That's the one! Only with 5 strings instead of 4. Beautiful bass.

One question, I notice the strap button is located in an odd position (towards the top rather than dead center). Does this cause any problems with the strap coming off while playing? Am I going to need strap locks?

So what I gather from the responses is that Warwick= big bottom and Spector= mid range and snap. I want something that cuts through the mix so it sounds like the Spector would do the trick. I recorded my bands cd with a p-bass and notice that the lower notes are not very audible in the mix. Maybe a rebop will give me some punch.
 
#7
Yeah, the Spector cuts through mixes even more than my Kubicki and Status basses did...and thats saying something! It does have a nice midrange growl which makes fingerstyle very rewarding.

Yeah, the strap button takes some getting used to...about 5 minutes until you get comfy with it (I was use to having a strap button on the opposite side of the body). However, it won't require a special strap, and the bass hangs great. Very light and comfortable, whereas Warwicks are rather heavy!
 
#11
I've owned both and like both. Really, the two are apples and oranges. Yes, Warwicks are quite heavy. However, the tone is absolutely amazing if you're looking for that exact tone. Yes, Spectors cut through the mix great and are lighter weight. But they seem to have a more well-rounded tone than their own tone. It all just comes down to what you are looking for; they're both equal instruments IMO.
 
#12
Both have not so good resale values.

I've seen Std Vettes go for $500 to $600 and Rebops for maybe $100 more.

Perhaps you could go used and get both? :D

I like both these basses. They have an aggressive vibe like my Music Men. I just got a Warwick $$. It is a very versatile monster of a bass for the $$ (pun intended)
 
#15
Another vote for Spector. 'Wicks are nice, but way too much muddiness in the lows for me. Spectors are nice and clear all the way down to low B. Quality on European Spectors is second-to-none in the price range. They are very ergnomic too. Both basses have tight string spacing and a beefy neck, but the Wick is both tighter and beefier than the Spector. I think you'll be happier with the Spector.
 
#16
Do you have full sleeve tats?
Do you have a beard that you braid?
Do you wear shorts that reach half way between your knee and ankle?
Do you rarely shower?
Do you have a tough nickname, like "Meat", or "Fang"?
Does your singer sound like the Cookie Monster?
Do you overuse the word "growl"?


If you can answer no to any of these, then you want the Spector, not the Warwick. If you answer yes to all questions, then get the Warwick.
 
#17
cheezewiz said:
Do you have full sleeve tats?
Do you have a beard that you braid?
Do you wear shorts that reach half way between your knee and ankle?
Do you rarely shower?
Do you have a tough nickname, like "Meat", or "Fang"?
Does your singer sound like the Cookie Monster?
Do you overuse the word "growl"?


If you can answer no to any of these, then you want the Spector, not the Warwick. If you answer yes to all questions, then get the Warwick.
Click to expand...

Rolf@post.

Yeah, if you're into Nu metal maybe the Warwick would be a better choice.
 
#18
cheezewiz said:
Do you have full sleeve tats?
Do you have a beard that you braid?
Do you wear shorts that reach half way between your knee and ankle?
Do you rarely shower?
Do you have a tough nickname, like "Meat", or "Fang"?
Does your singer sound like the Cookie Monster?
Do you overuse the word "growl"?


If you can answer no to any of these, then you want the Spector, not the Warwick. If you answer yes to all questions, then get the Warwick.
Click to expand...

haha, I guess I'm a Spector guy. But seriously, I think I'm going to get the Spector solely because it seems as though it cuts better. I also like the fact that its not nearly as recognizable as a Warwick. I don't want to get mugged in downtown Providence after a gig. Then again, that depends on how discriminating the thief is.
 
#20
I have owned both the 4 string Euro Spector with EMG PJ pick ups. and the Warwick Infinity SN. The Spector plays faster because it is a shorter scale and it is lighter. The Warwick Infinity sounds absolutly Increadible. It's got huge balls, and it is very versital for recording.

I would pick the Spector over the Corvette, but would take the Infinity over the Spector.

Perhaps the apple to apple choices would be the Spector VS. the Streamer.
 

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