Warwick Jonas Hellborg Bass Questions

[hogy]

I really like the look of the Warwick Jonas Hellborg signature bass, but this thing confuses me. Does anybody on here own one and can answer a few questions for me? There is weirdly little info about it out there, and even using the search function on this forum brings up very little, if anything.

-Is this thing hollow or not? There is an old NAMM video on YouTube where the Warwick rep(?) says "it's not actually hollow" and the prototype "weighs 500 lbs". Another video talks about 30 lbs. Either way, my interest would end right there. Nothing I can find online mentions weight under "specs".

-If it is hollow, how does it support the string tension on that top mounted tailpiece? Is there a center block under it?

-One video talks about the "ultra low impedance pickup" with "21 windings". What? That can't be right, can it? Does that mean it can only be used with the matching Warwick amp? Will it work with a regular amp?

-Why is there almost no info on it, no mentions of it, seemingly nobody (but Hellborg) plays one, there are none for sale, nothing on Reverb? Hasn't this bass been out since 2007? Didn't they make any production models? Are they still being made? What do they cost?

I'm confused. I sure like the way it sounds and looks.

 

[mikezimmerman]

I'm sure folks with more first-hand information will come along, since I think there are at least a couple of TBers who own/have owned them, but...

1) Yes, it's hollow, or at least semi-hollow, unlike the prototype.
2) Presumably it has a center block, similar to other semi-hollow basses.
3) The pickup is supposed to be very low impedance. I believe there is a buffer preamp to boost the output.
4) It's very expensive, somewhat specialized instrument, which is only built in the custom shop. You can find more info (including a few samples, specs, and pricing) on the Warwick site:en/Warwick--Products--Instruments--Customshop---Masterbuilt--Basic-Bass-Models--Signature-Models--Jonas-Hellborg-Signature.html

Here are a couple of thread from TB owners:
NBD – Warwick Jonas Hellborg
NBD: Warwick Hellborg Signature

I actually saw one pop up for sale in the Guitar Center "Used" listings many years ago, but I didn't have $3k or whatever it cost laying around at that time...

 

[hogy]

I'm sure folks with more first-hand information will come along, since I think there are at least a couple of TBers who own/have owned them, but...

1) Yes, it's hollow, or at least semi-hollow, unlike the prototype.
2) Presumably it has a center block, similar to other semi-hollow basses.
3) The pickup is supposed to be very low impedance. I believe there is a buffer preamp to boost the output.
4) It's very expensive, somewhat specialized instrument, which is only built in the custom shop. You can find more info (including a few samples, specs, and pricing) on the Warwick site:en/Warwick--Products--Instruments--Customshop---Masterbuilt--Basic-Bass-Models--Signature-Models--Jonas-Hellborg-Signature.html

Here are a couple of thread from TB owners:
NBD – Warwick Jonas Hellborg
NBD: Warwick Hellborg Signature

I actually saw one pop up for sale in the Guitar Center "Used" listings many years ago, but I didn't have $3k or whatever it cost laying around at that time...

Thanks! I'm no seeing any prices on there, are you? And no weight. If it's more than 9lbs, I'll forget about it. Otherwise I'd be tempted to order one.

 

[mikezimmerman]

There used to be a price list posted, and if you go to the Shop area, you can see some prices. The Custom Shop is "Price by Request", but the prices for the Masterbuilt version are here:Hellborg Signature . Looks like they currently start at about 12k Euros...

For the weight:

• Weight: Warwick basses are crafted using only the highest quality sustainably grown woods from multiple species and origins. Due to the organic nature of wood, the density of individual pieces may vary. It is not possible to advertise the exact weight of the instrument.

 

[Lance Bunyon]

A 30 lb bass would be a definite no fly zone in my world. 11 lbs hurts!

 

[hogy]

For the weight:

• Weight: Warwick basses are crafted using only the highest quality sustainably grown woods from multiple species and origins. Due to the organic nature of wood, the density of individual pieces may vary. It is not possible to advertise the exact weight of the instrument.

I saw that, but there's gotta be a ballpark. A P-Bass is typically 8 to 10lbs, that kinda thing.

Anybody on here have one of these mythical things?

 

[mikezimmerman]

The current basses are hollow body, not solid like the prototype. They undoubtedly weigh closer to 9lb. than to 33lb.

If you are seriously considering a $12k bass, you would probably want to talk to the Warwick shop about your weight concerns, so that they can tell you want options would give you the lightest bass.