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The Official Warwick Club (Part 6)

'05 Corvette Ash Active. Nothing special by the standards of some of you guys, but my first proper bass, and a veteran of several hundred gigs. On its third barrel jack (aren't they all?) but otherwise stock and as good as the day she left the shop. Sold to me by Simone Butler in the old Bass Cellar on Denmark Street, before she became a rock star and joined Primal Scream.

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WOW, you lucky thing, you!
 
G'day fellow Warwick fans!

I don't own a Warwick, yet, but I am in the process of nagging the Mrs to let me hit the savings to finance my first Warwick purchase; Corvette Std 4. She's now talking to me again, which is a sign she's cracking, so I shall own very soon!

I've never played a Warwick, so what can I expect? Whats your favourite thing about owning a Warwick vs other basses? What are the downsides?

Sorry for the questions, just really excited, and this will be my bass purchase for quite some time, so wanna make sure that it's gonna be worth it.

I know that you can't go into major specifics, as everyone has their own kinks, but general information would be much appreciated.


Cheers,

TT

Get yourself a used Corvette Standard with the Bubinga body and passive pickups. They are one of the best values ever in bass guitars. What do I like about Warwicks? First of all the gorgeous designs, woods, and construction quality. Second, although they may have an unconventional (read: Not a Leo Fender Design) look, when you pick them up they *feel* right. Third, the lovely sound. Fourth, they fact that Warwick has a Custom Shop that will make you just about anything you like, and still produces standard line instruments that any professional would be proud to be seen playing.

My favourite styles are the Corvette, the Fortress, and the Streamer LX.
 
Get yourself a used Corvette Standard with the Bubinga body and passive pickups. They are one of the best values ever in bass guitars. What do I like about Warwicks? First of all the gorgeous designs, woods, and construction quality. Second, although they may have an unconventional (read: Not a Leo Fender Design) look, when you pick them up they *feel* right. Third, the lovely sound. Fourth, they fact that Warwick has a Custom Shop that will make you just about anything you like, and still produces standard line instruments that any professional would be proud to be seen playing.

My favourite styles are the Corvette, the Fortress, and the Streamer LX.
I second that motion! I almost bought a 1990's Fretless Corvette back in 2005 but was a bit torn on spending nearly $1000 on a Fretless that I wouldn't use that often. The next day I decided to bite the bullet and buy it. Went to the store and it was gone. I still kick myself for letting that one get away, it sounded and felt so perfect! I now own three Warwicks (yes, they're addictive) but I'm still looking for the perfect Corvette to add to the collection.
 
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So, the subject of six-string basses came up for me last night, and I have always thought I'd like to have a six-string. Looking at what's out there and how much they cost, it seems like Warwick is a good option for me, since I already own a Custom Shop Corvette Proline and love it. There are multiple Warwick models I like, but something like this Pro Series Corvette Standard Ash would be very nice, at only ~$1600 USD on Reverb right now.

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But, here's a question...is the ash body heavy enough to balance the additional weight of a six-string neck? I know I also like the bubinga body Corvettes, but they are *very, very* heavy. And how is the balance of something like the Streamer LX 6 BN? I'm not crazy about the idea of buying from a guy in Moscow, but I've always loved the Streamer LX. Does the maple balance well with a broad neck 6?

It's been a very long time since I've had the opportunity to visit a bass shop well-stocked enough with Warwicks to test models like these. I bought my Custom Shop Corvette Proline through the Music Museum in Pitman, NJ, back in 2002, but I live in Vermont, now, where I'd have to drive over an hour just to get to a Guitar Center, and forget any independent dealers, because there just aren't any that would carry any $2000+ basses in stock.

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FWIW, the latest shot of mine:

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Hi amper. Just wanted to throw out some suggestions.

I also wouldn't be super confident ordering from that Russian seller on Reverb, though he's been on there a while and no doubt he's an honest seller. The main worry would be if anything goes wrong. Either damage in shipping...or issues with customs etc. Having to return it to Russia could be a royal pain. And there are those new wood restrictions that may trip things up....even if the bass has no woods on the banned list.

Also wanted to make sure you knew about a German 6'er Vette at a Guitar Center in San Fran. Fair price. $899. They'll email ya more pics if you ask.
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Lastly, though just a 5 string, Something to seriously consider if your thinking about spending more on a Pro Series Vette. Here's one of those sweet 2010 Streamer LX Redwood Burl Special Editions, at a Guitar Center in Sacramento. Bart pups, Ash back, Ovangkol neck, Ebony board. These are really sweet Wicks. And what I would consider a fair price. Especially if it's in excellent condition as they claim. $1500

Warwick Streamer LX 5 String Electric Bass Guitar

Though I like to support private sellers and small shops most of the time...the one nice thing about buying from Guitar Center, is they have a 45 day return policy on used guitars...and you won't find that anywhere else by a long shot. At least they did they last time I bought a Thumb NT through em. Luckily, I didn't have to use the return window.

Good luck with whatever you decide on :)
 
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Sisters

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they are all over now, aren't they?
germany: masterbuilt, custom shop, teambuilt (aka pro)
s. korea: pro series (now made in germany)
china: rockbass (aka standard - initially german made, i believe)

there are some time periods where some were made in a diff location, but i think this is how it is now.