Warwick Fortress Masterman

[martysp19]

Found on a local deal, don't know the year, but looks like a beautiful bass (despite looking kinda dirty) and heard it sounds and plays great. What's the max you would offer for it?

 

[Joe Nerve]

Found on a local deal, don't know the year, but looks like a beautiful bass (despite looking kinda dirty) and heard it sounds and plays great. What's the max you would offer for it?

That's a super tough call. Warwick prices have been all over the map.

I own a Fortress One, have owned a Flashback as well as a Streamer Masterman and several other Warwicks. I loved them all but for a few reasons only held onto my Fortress One. I also paid all kinds of prices for those basses. I'll add that I love Wenge necks. To me, they are a big part of the original Warwick growl that gets talked about. They also feel great and rarely need adjustment... but as to your question...

I've seen basses such as that going for anywhere from $600 - to ridiculous numbers like $2500. I've never seen one actually sell for $2500 though . And its rare you'll see one for $600 in 2023. But with that being said, my guess is a fair price would be within $100 or $200 of $1000. They're becoming more and more rare though, so it should really come down to how much you like and want it. If unsure, then I'd take resale value into consideration and wouldn't pay over $1000.

My opinion. Curious what other have to say. I haven't shopped Warwick in a couple of years so things may have changed.

 

[Z-Bass]

Agree with Joe Nerve. Looks to be in good shape and has the wenge neck which is a plus. Some use the JAN 1 nut as a higher selling point but honestly, I don't think it any better or worse than the II or III JAN versions. I would ask for a picture of the back of the headstock and first position neck area. Check to see if it has a volute. I've seen enough examples of Warwicks without the volute that have a crack that's been repaired. Not saying it's the norm but something to look into. If everything checks out, I think $1,000 to $1,200 is a fair offer.

 

[bassyogi]

FWIW, A regular '97 Fortress 5'er with J pickups just sold on reverb for $1250. Wenge neck and JAN2 nut. Looked like it had more wear that this one also.

 

[Joe Nerve]

Unrelated story and thread bump ....

In 1999, my wife (then my girlfriend) let me use her credit card to buy my first Warwick. Not proud of that, but I paid her back every cent . I bought it a Rudy's in NYC after checking out a bunch of Warwicks. Having accompanied me during my shopping, my wife learned a few things. Anyhow...

One day about a year later I was with her in a Guitar Center. As we were leaving she said, "Joe! Is that a Streamer over there for $499?" I zipped around and sure as hell, in their discount lineup, there was a Streamer Masterman marked at $499! I immediately asked if the price was right. It was. I checked it out. It needed new strings, a battery and one of the knobs was loose. I asked for a battery and screwdriver, which they gave me, all worked perfectly - and walked out of GC with a brand new Streamer Masterman for $499. No idea why they did that.

I loved that bass, but needed the money more so immediately sold it for 2X what I paid. Its one of the few I wish I never let go of.

Das all.

 

[HowieD72]

@martysp19 Did you get it? Or pass on it?

 

[HowieD72]

Unrelated story and thread bump ....

In 1999, my wife (then my girlfriend) let me use her credit card to buy my first Warwick. Not proud of that, but I paid her back every cent . I bought it a Rudy's in NYC after checking out a bunch of Warwicks. Having accompanied me during my shopping, my wife learned a few things. Anyhow...

One day about a year later I was with her in a Guitar Center. As we were leaving she said, "Joe! Is that a Streamer over there for $499?" I zipped around and sure as hell, in their discount lineup, there was a Streamer Masterman marked at $499! I immediately asked if the price was right. It was. I checked it out. It needed new strings, a battery and one of the knobs was loose. I asked for a battery and screwdriver, which they gave me, all worked perfectly - and walked out of GC with a brand new Streamer Masterman for $499. No idea why they did that.

I loved that bass, but needed the money more so immediately sold it for 2X what I paid. Its one of the few I wish I never let go of.

Das all.

Sorry, I've never heard of a Streamer Masterman.

Did you mean Streamer Pro-M or Fortress Masterman?

But for $499, either would have been a steal!!!!

 

[Joe Nerve]

Sorry, I've never heard of a Streamer Masterman.

Did you mean Streamer Pro-M or Fortress Masterman?

But for $499, either would have been a steal!!!!

Oops and yes, I meant a Pro-M!

I did however later own a fretless Streamer with a single coil and a MM pickup. Was getting my Warwick names confused, and just realized that one was a Jazzman. Not a Masterman. I'd fix that it my original response, but I can't, which is the main reason I never post on Talkbass any more. Not a fan of the inability to edit or delete posts. Sad, as I was once incredibly fond of this place.

 

[HowieD72]

Oops and yes, I meant a Pro-M!

I did however later own a fretless Streamer with a single coil and a MM pickup. Was getting my Warwick names confused, and just realized that one was a Jazzman. Not a Masterman. I'd fix that it my original response, but I can't, which is the main reason I never post on Talkbass any more. Not a fan of the inability to edit or delete posts. Sad, as I was once incredibly fond of this place.

Come on back @Joe Nerve

It was frustrating getting used to the new format, I agree. But it's not too bad now. I agree with you about the edit and delete, that's a downer in my opinion too. But hey, I just have to read my post several times before I post now so you'll get used to it.

Plus with a cool cat as your profile pic, we need to see more of it!! And it's always good to talk Warwick basses. Rock on brother!!

 

[HowieD72]

@Joe Nerve Here's my Fortress Masterman, Streamer Pro-M and Corvette FNA.
I only have the Fortress Masterman now.