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WARWICK BASSES

#81
To my eyes, Warwicks make more of a visual statement than is fashionable right now. Garish designs, the wood-wood-wood look that @Paulabass mentioned earlier, the deliberately hi-fi tone, it all says "Arsenio Hall Show" to me. Not saying a given person should avoid owning a Warwick if they like them, just saying that it is sort of a "look at me" choice.

I did notice Stu Hamm playing a green one in the Zoom B3n video below. Apart from being, well, green, it sounds great and is a bit more understated.

 
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#83
inthevelvet said:
I had a corvette $$ German made bolt on. About $800 used. The sound still haunts me to this day how perfect it was. In addition, the thing had super low action and played like butter. Ultimately the corvette body shape just kills it for me. But something about the pickups in the $$ and the woods Warwick uses is a really great combination.
I agree with buying used. Awesome as they are, buying a new one, unless you are 100% sure you’re gonna keep it a looonnggg Time, might not be the wisest use of funds.
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I’ve had one for a long time and have toyed with the idea of selling it but definitely won’t make much on it. Hence, I’m keeping it... for now
 
#86
InhumanResource said:
Did you purchase it a long time ago? I'm shopping for Warwick now and if I saw a BO5 for a grand it'd be on its way to my home. I've been seeing them closer to 2k lately while the 4s are more like a thousand for whatever reason. Would love to score one at the prices I'm hearing in this thread, but as I shop it's looking like a Corvette will be the one.
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I actually traded it here on tb for a fender, that had a trade value of about 1000 bucks. I would look on reverb, eBay. I’ve only played a few Corvettes at music stores, but the overall sound and feel was not like the thumb for me
 
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#87
Mr.Ace said:
I actually traded it here on tb for a fender, that had a trade value of about 1000 bucks. I would look on reverb, eBay. I’ve only played a few Corvettes at music stores, but the overall sound and feel was not like the thumb for me
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Agree that they are different. I like both and for 700 bucks or so against 2k for a thumb, I like the Corvette better.

Been scoping out eBay mainly but I'll try Reverb. Most of the Thumbs I see are pushing 2k unless snagged and repaired (that one was 1400!). Korean ones are less but I hate how they look.

Thanks for replying!
 
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#88
InhumanResource said:
Did you purchase it a long time ago? I'm shopping for Warwick now and if I saw a BO5 for a grand it'd be on its way to my home. I've been seeing them closer to 2k lately while the 4s are more like a thousand for whatever reason. Would love to score one at the prices I'm hearing in this thread, but as I shop it's looking like a Corvette will be the one.
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Couple used thumb 5’s on reverb around 1400. Might be able to get the price lower.
 
#91
Warpeg said:
Have you considered purchasing a used Warwick? It's my observation that Warwicks do not tend to hold their value nearly as well a lot of other brands. You should be able to score a previously-owned, good condition, neck-through Warwick for less than $2k if you search the usual secondhand places (i.e. Here on TB, Reverb, eBay, etc.).
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This. I have owned about 15 Warwicks and the best value were used in great to excellent condition. Preferably excellent condition. However, please be aware that Warwick necks are so stable that once they do need adjustment, it may run out the truss rod entirely. Furthermore, if the neck begins bowing forward, and you keep the strings fully tuned, then the constant pull from the string tension may result in a permanent forward bow which no amount of truss rod tightening will fix. I'm constantly amazed at how many bass players neglect this fact.

Make sure you ask plenty of questions regarding the straightness of the neck, any warping/twisting, and remaining life of the truss rod. Warwicks are phenomenal basses, but their #1 issue seems to be with their necks. I speak from personal experience. Nothing is more frustrating than finding that one dream Warwick only to end up with neck issues. Getting a neck fixed on a Warwick may cost quite a bit. I'm not trying to steer you away from Warwick by any means, but rather trying to help you be a wise, knowledgeable, and informed buyer.
 
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#95
4ED0CE2A-6266-4567-98F6-2DDBBBBCF922.jpeg
I dreamed of owning a Thumb bass for years before I got mine. They were never very prevalent in my area. I jumped on a BO5 at my local GC. Used but still cost 1500 it was a 93 golden era in fantastic condition. The neck profile was thick but comfortable and very easy to play. What finally did it was the horrible balance and neckdive issues. It was putting pressure on something in my shoulder and making m fingers fall asleep. Even with a wide strap and suede backing. It had a tone like nothing else but eventually ergonomics won out.

Buy used so if it isn’t a good fit you won’t lose a lot if you decide to flip it.
 

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