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Warwick Fortress Footmen, unite!

#62
fortress.jpg
 
#63
Wow the club has been quiet for a while. I owe you guys some pics- I recently picked up a vintage Fortress One, a Flashback 4 string, and a Fretless Masterman, thus cementing my place in TB history as Fortress Footman #11. Here is the F1 . I have been toying with a sale/trade and it is on the TB classifieds, though i have really grown to love and and am not sure I can part. Pics of the others coming soon.

Picture021.jpg
 
#64
Here's my '93 Fortress I purchased a couple of months ago from MadAnthony. I had just purchased a Thumb NT a couple of weeks earlier but I think I would've skipped it if I'd bought the Fortress first.
It has the extra carvings on the body where the neck meets (front and back). Seems to only be on '93 models. Stock Seymour Duncan pickups.

What's my number?
 

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#65
The EH Man said:
Here's my '93 Fortress I purchased a couple of months ago from MadAnthony. I had just purchased a Thumb NT a couple of weeks earlier but I think I would've skipped it if I'd bought the Fortress first.
It has the extra carvings on the body where the neck meets (front and back). Seems to only be on '93 models. Stock Seymour Duncan pickups.

What's my number?
Click to expand...

Yeah cool bass. Mine is also a '93 and has the neck sans volute but no extra carvings.
 
#68
It's been too quiet. I love that red '93 with the seymour duncans! I once had a BLACK GLOSS '93 fortress one p/j that had the same carved embellishments. wish I still had it!


anyway, it's time for some updates. I believe this should bring us up to speed (since Rich L has since parted with that purple beaut!)

1. me
2 dgelting
3 justabass
4. jimmyjames77
5. bro222
6. VTbassplayer
7. nuno.ka
8. alnino10
9. MaddAnthony_59
10. kascollet
11. rogerbmiller
12. papy-c
13. slaps76
14. The EH Man
15. m.oreilly
 
#69
As FFM Member #11 I am embarrassed to even ask this, but what is a Fortress R&B? Woods? Pickups? Electrics? Can someone please let me know what they are all about cuz it is a fine looking bass.

Thanks.
 
#70
fortress r&b had ash bodies as opposed to the "fortress one" (BUT: the fortress r&b was often issued with a "fortress one" truss rod cover)

i seem to recall that they might have had passive electronics, like the fortress flashback. not at all sure about that though. m.oreilly's fretless version is unusual.
 
#71
RCCollins said:
fortress r&b had ash bodies as opposed to the "fortress one" (BUT: the fortress r&b was often issued with a "fortress one" truss rod cover)

i seem to recall that they might have had passive electronics, like the fortress flashback. not at all sure about that though. m.oreilly's fretless version is unusual.
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My red '93 has an ash body, passive pickups, and active electronics. It also has the Fortress One truss rod cover.
Is it possible it's an R&B model? There's no mention of an R&B on Warwick's site.
 
#72
I'm going back to Asia next year for the sole purpose of convincing a bass bud of mine to sell me his Fortress 5. The neck's been sanded down with a shrapnel of glass (!), and he's tweaked the electronics beyond repair. I just love that shape, and I'm a Fender-style body fan. For those of us lusting for one, Warwick should've never discontinued this, but just like how it is for Rosco Beck 5 owners, you're all probably happy to be the 'chosen few'. :)
 
#73
The EH Man said:
My red '93 has an ash body, passive pickups, and active electronics. It also has the Fortress One truss rod cover.
Is it possible it's an R&B model? There's no mention of an R&B on Warwick's site.
Click to expand...

Hmmm... THAT one? probably not. It appears to be almost a prototype Fortress, and I seem to recall that the R&B came out toward the end of Fortress production. But the Warwick forums would be the place to ask.

Either way, go passive with that baby and it should sound like every other Fortress r&b


TylerlovesAva said:
I'm going back to Asia next year for the sole purpose of convincing a bass bud of mine to sell me his Fortress 5. The neck's been sanded down with a shrapnel of glass (!), and he's tweaked the electronics beyond repair. I just love that shape, and I'm a Fender-style body fan. For those of us lusting for one, Warwick should've never discontinued this, but just like how it is for Rosco Beck 5 owners, you're all probably happy to be the 'chosen few'. :)
Click to expand...

is it really necessary to go all the way back to Asia? there's a Mastewrman 5 in the TB classifieds I've almost plunked down on... needs a fret-redress but it's NOT expensive
 
#74
RCCollins said:
is it really necessary to go all the way back to Asia? there's a Mastewrman 5 in the TB classifieds I've almost plunked down on... needs a fret-redress but it's NOT expensive
Click to expand...

I tend to exaggerate to get attention. :p

Seriously, I've had that bass in my custody for a few months and played a few gigs with it, so I'm kinda stuck on it. Funnily, the neck is a joy to play, despite the unorthodox mod method.

Haven't tried the masterman; my friend's has 2 J pups.

I still think this and the Dolphin are warwick's best body designs.
 
#75
Hey guys-- I recently picked up a MM fretless and the just a nut screws don't turn so well. Add to that, the slots got stripped from the combination of my screwdriver and the resistance to turning. Question for anyone here who may have experienced this:

1) What do you think I can do, if anything, about the resistance and

2) Does Dana B stock extra parts so I can replace the slotted just a nut screws?

Thanks.
 
#76
This was almost just handed to me last year. Previous owner was facing some serious legal issues and needed some 'hidden' cash. A relative brought this to me and said "make an offer." I got it for $350. Since then I've ordered the JANIII, new truss rod cover, and had the electronics and body cleaned. It's on loan to a fellow musician as I'm on a long road trip currently, so I haven't gotten to play it. But he says its fun and has more growl than any of his other 3 bases.
 

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#78
Finally, I'm in! Well, almost. I just a minute ago "won" this on Ebay:

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I feel like I've seen (and coveted) this particular one on a couple of previous occasions over the last few years, because the body finish looks to me like an old tan leather jacket, and I remember having that thought before. Got a pretty good price, too--not a miraculous giveaway deal, but better than average by a little bit.

Can't wait 'til it gets here!
 
#79
Well let's get this list up-to date! The coolest club on TB is honored to have you join our ranks!

1. me
2. dgelting
3. justabass
4. jimmyjames77
5. bro222
6. VTbassplayer
7. nuno.ka
8. alnino10
9. MaddAnthony_59
10. kascollet
11. rogerbmiller
12. papy-c
13. slaps76
14. The EH Man
15. m.oreilly
16. Bongomania


Regarding that 5-string: you got a good deal for sure! Fivers usually command more of a price. I did notice that some screws are rusted out, and the nut isn't original - but it's certainly nothing you can't handle. Plus, it already has Bartolinis installed! Talk about winning... If I dug jazz basses, I'd have been bidding against you!
 

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