Warwick Corvette $$ 5 string...

I have purchased from their shop just west of Richmond VA a couple of times. I have also used them online. Just as reputable as anyone else out there, in my opinion.

 

If you've heard the whole Jazz on Steroids comparison before, well this bass is the Hulk Hogan of Stingrays. It's like a Stingray sound but with extra balls. I say this as a former Stingray owner, too, I have compared them side by side. The neck has lots of meat and a flat backed D profile which I found quite comfortable but a shock the first time you pick it up, make sure you play one first, just to get an idea of whether or not you'd find it comfortable.

 

Specific to your question about ordering from them, I have always had a good experience with Sam Ash. I have ordered a few things online and was treated well, and my local store is definitely one of the most helpful, especially for a chain.

About the $$, I would personally buy used. For the price you are paying new, you can usually find a German made $$ for just a little more, about $1,000 or less. The German made is quite a bit better and more flexible with the switches for each pickup. I had a $$ Corvette Rockbass before I purchased my current Corvette Proline and they are just night and day compared to build quality and sound, IMHO.

 

I have the german built version of this bass. I find the neck on that one to be a little clunky and heavy on the headstock side. Granted, I'm not a wiz with the five string, so I guess it depends on what you're used to. I heard they slimmed down the necks on the newer models (mine's a 2006), so that might not be an issue at all with this one.

I also have a 'vette $$4 from 2009, and that one I absolutely love. Much lighter neck and handles a lot easier to me. The basses sound great, and have a really versatile range of tones (though I can't speak for the electronics in the RockBass versions).

If you're not opposed to buying second hand you should have a look around for a used german Warwick, as they can often be had for a very reasonable price compared to the jump in build quality and specs over the RockBasses.

 

I bought a Warwick Corvette Pro used from my local Sam Ash back in December. Granted I haven't had wide experience with basses but it is a huge step up from my MIM Fender Jazz. The neck is incredible and it sounds wonderful. My experience with Sam Ash was good.

 

I also have done business with the Richmond Va store and got my German made $$ 5er from them. They had it shipped in from Florida and gave me a really great price. There was a small hiccup where they forgot to ship it but corrected it by overnighting it to me to make up for it. The employees at the Richmond store are always very helpful and seem a lot nicer than the music store right next to them.

 

I graduated from an Ibanez to a Warwick several years ago and it's a HUGE step-up. The Warwick is arguably one of the best available and you'll be amazed at how much better it sounds. The Warwick necks are considerably fatter than the Ibanez, but once you get used to it you'll love it. The first few times you pick it up, you'll wonder if you will ever be able to get used to it, but when you do it'll be fantastic.