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Warwick puzzle

M

MetalAxxe

Feb 8, 2007
29
0
#1
So, I finally created an account here. Hi to everybody. So here goes my first post, thread. Ok, the problem is this: I finally decided I need a new bass, because my old one... It didn't have the tone I was looking for. So after talking to friends and reading numerous reviews, I decided that my next bass should be a Warwick. And since there are absolutely NO Warwick basses for sale in my hometown(hell, even in my country, Estonia), I am going to have to order one. And here comes the problem. I cannot decide which one because I can't "test run" them. And I don't want to buy a new bass blindfoldedly. I play in alternative metal band, And besides the band, I mostly play metal, rock and funk. So it has to have a great, powerful low punch, and bright and clear high end. And a nice medium too. And it has to be a Warwick. Oh yeah, and a 4-stringer. Please recommend me one of those three:
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Thanks in advance, P.
 
#3
Call thomann, and ask about their return policies in case. If you really can't testdrive your gear, that may become handy if it turns out to be not what you are looking for.

BTW, I'm getting a $$ very soon ('out for delivery', might arrive today with any luck). I also happen to have a Thumb BO 5, which I will have to let go (too heavy).

BTW, what tone are you looking for exactly? Examples? That might help. The proline is bright (tried one briefly), the $$ is thick and fills the space (more on that later), the Thumb is a growl monster, and sits well with heavy guitars.
 
#4
Thomann has a 30-day returnd policy. I'm looking for a sound like... Crunchy and powerful low end and clear and nice highs and mids. Also, it should do a nice slap machine. Well... examples... Mudvayne's Ryan Martinie perhaps. But not quite the same.
 
#5
I love Warwicks, but I would never buy one if it is your first experience with one. They are one of the most unique basses out there and people either love them or hate them. Tone is low mid heavy, neck is fat. Play one somewhere first.
 
#7
differences in the basses:

thumb: darker tone, more compressed sounding & more mid-heavy. has an amazing growl to it. chunky neck. a one-trick pony, but a really great trick :)

corvette: more open, hifi tone. still has a growl, but not as much as the thumb. slimmer neck, and a bit more versatile as far as tone goes.

I own both a thumb5 & a corvette proline & I use the thumb 90% of the time because of it's unique tone. for heavier music (which i don't play), it would be the best choice I think because of the 'darkness' to the sound

here are 2 samples:
www.orange-records.com/warwick/
 
#8
Warwick Thumb has a fat neck? Hmm... I tend to like the slimmer ones. I guess I really have to try one. How about Corvette's and Thumb's necks compared to.. lets say Fender jazz deluxe? Or some Ibanez?
 
#14
I would say the current ovangkol necks on Warwicks subscribe to the "J-bass width, P-bass thickness" paradigm. I like 'em personally. That being said, my 'wick is a Corvette Standard bubinga with the all wenge neck and that neck is quite slim.

I would personally choose a bubinga Corvette over a Thumb because the Thumb's ergonomics can be love it/hate it and the Corvettes balance better. But man the tone on the Thumb is sexy, especially that throaty, authoritative, gut punching slap tone. Of course, the bubinga Corvette's tone is no slouch either, and I absolutely adore it. It's like a Jazz bass on steroids.

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Either way, best of luck in your Warwick search. I'm a Warwick fan and I hope you find the Warwick that meets your needs.
 
#15
Where I live I have to order blind also. I'd try the Thumb first if it were my choice. The 4 don't have that bad a Balance issue but some. Most overcome it. My Dirty Blonde has great balance. I like the P Double J pickus also. They are a little more than a regular Thumb. There may still be a few around. I think Bass Central still has one.
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#17
If you like Ibanez style basses, my guess would be you'll hate the feel of the thumb. I'm in the opposite postion, don't like Ibanez' sound or ergonomics and the Corvette is perfect for me. Be very cautous and make sure you buy from someplace that has a generous return policy.
 
#20
MetalAxxe said:
Well, I don't like Ibanez etither.I guess I could get used to chunky neck...
I am thinking I'll get the Thumb. But what about that Corvette's Warwick growl?
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The Corvettes you have picked has Swamp ash bodies. Won't growl like bubinga, although you can get some amazing sounds out of the $$. Sounds like your looking for a Thumb, but Is your bass.
If you want something more vesitile for less money. go $$.
If you want classic Warwick sound go Thumb.
 

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