I am thing of dropping a dime (or more) on a MIG Warwick bass but am confused at all the models and differing price ranges. I'm looking at a Corvette $$ Bubinga neck-Thru 4 string and a Thumb Bolt on 5 string. The Thumb is local and I have played it a really like the sound but most Of my basses are neck thru and I am a bit leery of a bolt on, but they are both close to the same price (around 2k). Can anyone give me any info on these basses?
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Warwick Basses
- Thread starter Charliewayne
- Start date
Both great, but imo the $$ will be more versatile and fit in more genres. Still, the thumb is iconic for what it does. Play both and see.
I’d be more leery of a NT than a BO. My issue with the BO Thumbs I’ve played is that they were from the “baseball bat neck” era, and I hated the feel of those necks and the neck-dive. But they sounded great. If you are interested in the Thumb I’d make sure to try it on a strap while standing.
Hello folks. I have had this 1987 ss1 for about 5 years. I was wondering about WHO built it. I know Warwick had their shop in west Germany where this was made.
I'm looking for info about who would have worked there, how it operated, ect. Was Hans a builder? This bass is date 11/87.
I appreciate whatever information you have to offer.
I'm looking for info about who would have worked there, how it operated, ect. Was Hans a builder? This bass is date 11/87.
I appreciate whatever information you have to offer.
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I will add another recommendation (plea?) to try the Thumb on the strap before settling on anything. I have a Corvette 4 and the 14th-fret position of the strap pin makes it hang on the edge of neck dive. The Thumb strap pin is somewhere between the 15th and 16th frets - add in the additional neck weight for the 5-string and it is almost certain to dive unless the body is really heavy (which is another thing to think about). The thing I really don't like about the Corvette body shape is the limited upper access which is severely hindered by the lower horn. The Thumb looks a little better in that regard, even with the Bolt-On neck.
On the plus side, the Warwick necks feel great once you get used to the very shallow fingerboard radius and relatively large frets. My Corvette is fretless but I have another bass with 2.9mm x 1.3mm frets and they feel great!
I owned a Corvette $$ and it is VERY versatile, playable and greatly built!
Amazing piece of gear, and she will last you a lifetime!
I own several Thumb basses. Nothing else sounds like them, so if you want that sound, get the Thumb. But as others have said, they do have some specific ergonomic properties that are not for everyone.
I own a 1997 Streamer Pro-M and a 1995 Fortress Masterman made in Germany. Both well balanced, great wenge necks and superb sound! Both have bolt on necks with no issues. I've never tried a Thumb 5'er, but if you love the thumb, I recommend grabbing it if it feels and sounds good to you!
I’d get the Thumb, simply because I like the body shape better. I have a BO Thumb (as well as a couple of NT Warwicks). I got it mostly because the price was good, but it turned out to be a fantastic instrument. Everything about it is high quality and the sound is awesome. I got an old Thumb NT5 later and I have no balance issues with either of them.
I like the sound of the Corvette, love the sound of the Thumb.
Both are not great ergonomically for gigs for skinny & bony me, but perfectly fine while sitting in a chair or couch and just jamming solo.
eta- this be but a baby zombie thread. @Charliewayne did you snag yourself a MIG yet?
Both are not great ergonomically for gigs for skinny & bony me, but perfectly fine while sitting in a chair or couch and just jamming solo.
eta- this be but a baby zombie thread. @Charliewayne did you snag yourself a MIG yet?
I’m considering getting a used Corvette Standard fretless 4. How heavy are these guys usually? And are the side dots aligned to where the ‘frets’ would be? I won’t be able to play before I buy since the sale isn’t local and the bass would be shipped to me. Asking price for the bass and Warwick gig bag is $700. I used to have a Thumb BO fretted 4 I liked a lot. I’d prefer a Thumb or Streamer fretless but those would be a pretty penny.
In terms of weight that largely depends on the body wood. The older Bubinga bodies with Wenge/Ebony necks can be real boat anchors whereas my Ash body with Ovankol/Ebony neck is 7.25lbs, so easily the lightest of my solid-bodies by about 25%. The side dots are set where the fret would be, with the octave falling nominally between the double-dot. As an added bonus you also get a 1st-fret marker. Only potential gotcha with the light Ash bodies might be neck dive - the strap button is at 14 not 12 and it is the main reason I now only play the Corvette seated and never live. But if you've had a Thumb (strap button at 16) you should know what to expect.
