Warwick range heirachy & differences

[RedVee]

I have recently started to find Warwick basses very attractive but I am confused by the range.

I'm hoping someone can point me to a link so I can work out the 'what's what' of the range. Which bass is supposed to fill which niche, how they differ from each other - that type of thing.
I understand the Rockbass, Pro, custom shop etc; but not the Corvette, Streamer, Thumb, Vampyre, dolphin etc etc etc. active, passive; pickup configs, etc etc.

I have googled etc but found nothing.

A link will be fine,more drop pearls of wisdom on me.

Thanks in advance.

 

[GirouxJB]

Hello,

You can feel free to email me with any questions you may have: [email protected]. Corvette, Streamer, Thumb, Vampyre, etc are all different models. Different woods, pickup and electronics configurations, etc for each model. It's hard to say they are aimed at particular niches, they're just different by nature. However, anything is possible through the Custom Shop, if you can dream it, we can build it. So if you'd like a particular body shape with these woods and these pickups and this preamp, it's all possible.

All the best,

JG

 

[RedVee]

Thanks JG,

I'm on the train to work ATM. I'll compose something to you later on.

Generally though, just as I think (eg) 'Corvette has humbuckers' I see one with Js; and the X and the Y have Js; and so on.

Anyway...

BTW the CSR story of Warwick has me very interested in the company and its products. I have subscribed to the YouTube channel and have been watching a few (few?) videos to improve my knowledge.

 

[RedVee]

JG - email sent

 

[joebar]

warwicks are so varied-
NT's sound quite different than BO's
and warwicks over the years have come with EMG, MEC, Seymour-Duncan and bartolini PU's

thumbs have a one trick pony sound
a streamer PJ is straight up R&R.

$$'s are a swiss army knife and can do anything.

and that's just the beginning...

 

[RedVee]

So, I'm gathering that a Corvette and a Streamer of the same spec, will be quite alike.

I think I'll start looking around at a few, and watch a few more you-tubes.

(I saw a dolphin being played on a clip, oh my word - that is a beauty! Too good for me I think.)

 

[Whippet]

I too tried to figure this out but the tops, LED, through neck, etc etc all contribute too much to the price. If the bass is made in Germany then NT is more expensive than the BO. Thumb more than the Corvette. Dolphin usually more expensive than Thumb. Star on par with the Dolphin. Vamp, god knows where that fits but if I had to guess, it is in the same league as the Corvette.

Streamers are a real pain to understand pricing and niche. Obviously German custom shop with add ons are the most expensive.

I am pretty sure that the German Pro is the most basic German model, followed by German Custom Shop Basic, and from that point onward, it just becomes Custom Shop.

All that said, NT Thumb 5 in Bubinga is really nice. This is one bass that is different from most basses out there. If I were not committed to 4 other basses that are being built for me, I would get this one. To me, the NT Thumb Bubinga is what a Warwick is all about.

 

[RedVee]

I too tried to figure this out but the tops, LED, through neck, etc etc all contribute too much to the price. If the bass is made in Germany then NT is more expensive than the BO. Thumb more than the Corvette. Dolphin usually more expensive than Thumb. Star on par with the Dolphin. Vamp, god knows where that fits but if I had to guess, it is in the same league as the Corvette.

Streamers are a real pain to understand pricing and niche. Obviously German custom shop with add ons are the most expensive.

I am pretty sure that the German Pro is the most basic German model, followed by German Custom Shop Basic, and from that point onward, it just becomes Custom Shop.

All that said, NT Thumb 5 in Bubinga is really nice. This is one bass that is different from most basses out there. If I were not committed to 4 other basses that are being built for me, I would get this one. To me, the NT Thumb Bubinga is what a Warwick is all about.

Hi @Whippet, I guess at this stage I'm most likely to be looking at Corvette or Streamer. Rockbass if new, but I have seen a few (only) used come through in the right price range.

I'm struggling a little with working out the differences within their (sizeable!) model ranges, the website doesn't seem to have a 'compare' function - that I can see anyway.

So Basic, Classic, Premium in RB what's one got over and above the previous level?
does a RB Basic equate to a non-RB Standard? All those type of things.

 

[Whippet]

Hi @Whippet, I guess at this stage I'm most likely to be looking at Corvette or Streamer. Rockbass if new, but I have seen a few (only) used come through in the right price range.

I'm struggling a little with working out the differences within their (sizeable!) model ranges, the website doesn't seem to have a 'compare' function - that I can see anyway.

So Basic, Classic, Premium in RB what's one got over and above the previous level?
does a RB Basic equate to a non-RB Standard? All those type of things.

To be totally honest, I could not tell you the difference. I do think some of them have to do with color , passive / active, wood selection. The way I landed on my Corvette 6 string bubinga went like this:

1. 4, 5, 6 string?
2. Active or Passive?
3. wood selection
4. pickup
5. price

Because so many of them look the same and it's almost impossible to understand the difference, especially when the prices start getting closer and closer to each other.

As you may know Rockbass is the cheapest. This does not mean it's bad. Most of them are made really well. But there is no point in getting something because it's cheap. For me, bubinga was a very important aspect, as well as 6 string and price. Your criteria might be a little different but one thing for sure is, the Korean ones compared to the German ones were equally good. The bad thing is that they no longer make Korean Warwicks. (I did hear that they were going to revive them but don't hold your breath)

My Korean Warwick's build quality is incredible. The frets were perfect and compared to the German version, it wasn't much different in tone. (at least to me) The price was 1/3 of the German version though. (it was on sale, usually it is 1/2).

My advise is to wait till the right one comes around. Every once in a while, they will change their lineup and that is when the price drops. Used is an option but the older ones did have some neck problems. Just don't rush and buy one. Because they mass produce RB, eventually the right one at the right price will come up. You just need to figure out what you want.

 

[socialleper]

I have recently started to find Warwick basses very attractive but I am confused by the range.

I'm hoping someone can point me to a link so I can work out the 'what's what' of the range. Which bass is supposed to fill which niche, how they differ from each other - that type of thing.
I understand the Rockbass, Pro, custom shop etc; but not the Corvette, Streamer, Thumb, Vampyre, dolphin etc etc etc. active, passive; pickup configs, etc etc.

I have googled etc but found nothing.

A link will be fine,more drop pearls of wisdom on me.

Thanks in advance.

The Rockbass series is their "Squier." It is designed by them, but is mass produced with simplified electronics, hardware, and tone woods.
Their "Pro" series is an Asian made line that is mostly more value oriented versions of their standard basses like the Thumb and Streamer LX. I believe that is also where all of their standard Corvette models come from.
Then there are the German made basses. These are the best of the best, with all the bells and whistles. These are generally upwards of $3k.
The Corvette is a fancy jazz bass. It also refers to the body shape, as opposed to the Streamer body. Other Corvette models include the $$ (double buck) and the Jazz Man (jazz + humbucker).
The Streamer is a little closer to the standard "Fender" style body and is a little more balanced than the Corvette. These are made in a PJ, $$, Jazz Man, Stage 1 and their top of the line model, the Streamer Stage 2.
The Thumb is a completely unique take on a jazz bass. Its small, compact body combined with a particular jazz pickup placement give it a sound really unlike any other bass. The German ones are expensive and not easy for everyone to play.
The Vampyre was an interesting attempt to attract metal players that was more of an oddity than anything else.
The Dolphin is a odd shaped bass that is attempting to be unique, like the Thumb. It has a Jazz + Double Jazz set up that gives it a very different kind of voice.

Warwick has demos of almost all their gear on YouTube. Unfortunately, even though they make amazing boutique basses, Warwick hasn't had the sort of market penetration that allows them to have a lot of their models in stores. With price tags between $3k and $5k, they aren't an easy sell. However, the best of the best in the metal world are playing these basses. They sound and feel amazing.

 

[RedVee]

To be totally honest, I could not tell you the difference. I do think some of them have to do with color , passive / active, wood selection. The way I landed on my Corvette 6 string bubinga went like this:

1. 4, 5, 6 string?
2. Active or Passive?
3. wood selection
4. pickup
5. price

Because so many of them look the same and it's almost impossible to understand the difference, especially when the prices start getting closer and closer to each other.

As you may know Rockbass is the cheapest. This does not mean it's bad. Most of them are made really well. But there is no point in getting something because it's cheap. For me, bubinga was a very important aspect, as well as 6 string and price. Your criteria might be a little different but one thing for sure is, the Korean ones compared to the German ones were equally good. The bad thing is that they no longer make Korean Warwicks. (I did hear that they were going to revive them but don't hold your breath)

My Korean Warwick's build quality is incredible. The frets were perfect and compared to the German version, it wasn't much different in tone. (at least to me) The price was 1/3 of the German version though. (it was on sale, usually it is 1/2).

My advise is to wait till the right one comes around. Every once in a while, they will change their lineup and that is when the price drops. Used is an option but the older ones did have some neck problems. Just don't rush and buy one. Because they mass produce RB, eventually the right one at the right price will come up. You just need to figure out what you want.

Good plan. Thanks.

The Rockbass series is their "Squier." It is designed by them, but is mass produced with simplified electronics, hardware, and tone woods.
Their "Pro" series is an Asian made line that is mostly more value oriented versions of their standard basses like the Thumb and Streamer LX. I believe that is also where all of their standard Corvette models come from.
Then there are the German made basses. These are the best of the best, with all the bells and whistles. These are generally upwards of $3k.
The Corvette is a fancy jazz bass. It also refers to the body shape, as opposed to the Streamer body. Other Corvette models include the $$ (double buck) and the Jazz Man (jazz + humbucker).
The Streamer is a little closer to the standard "Fender" style body and is a little more balanced than the Corvette. These are made in a PJ, $$, Jazz Man, Stage 1 and their top of the line model, the Streamer Stage 2.
The Thumb is a completely unique take on a jazz bass. Its small, compact body combined with a particular jazz pickup placement give it a sound really unlike any other bass. The German ones are expensive and not easy for everyone to play.
The Vampyre was an interesting attempt to attract metal players that was more of an oddity than anything else.
The Dolphin is a odd shaped bass that is attempting to be unique, like the Thumb. It has a Jazz + Double Jazz set up that gives it a very different kind of voice.

Warwick has demos of almost all their gear on YouTube. Unfortunately, even though they make amazing boutique basses, Warwick hasn't had the sort of market penetration that allows them to have a lot of their models in stores. With price tags between $3k and $5k, they aren't an easy sell. However, the best of the best in the metal world are playing these basses. They sound and feel amazing.

The Fortress is 'above' the Corvette & Streamer I guess.

Jazz Man = Jazz + (Music)Man then?

I see 'German Pro Series' quoted a bit, I take it that was prior to the Korean Pro Series?

In Australia, some of the RBs are RRP over $1k, I saw the RB Adam Clayton Streamer advertised for around $1,500 RRP. So a cheap Warwick, but not cheap.

I'll hasten slowly, keep learning and keep an eye out.

 

[socialleper]

Good plan. Thanks.



The Fortress is 'above' the Corvette & Streamer I guess.

Jazz Man = Jazz + (Music)Man then?

I see 'German Pro Series' quoted a bit, I take it that was prior to the Korean Pro Series?

In Australia, some of the RBs are RRP over $1k, I saw the RB Adam Clayton Streamer advertised for around $1,500 RRP. So a cheap Warwick, but not cheap.

I'll hasten slowly, keep learning and keep an eye out.

The Fortress is mostly a body shape, but the electronics might be different.

Jazzman


Look at the Warwick channel on YouTube.

Nothing is cheap about Warwick. They are expensive, even the lesser models.

 

[bryan gibson]

Yup, The "Rockbass is their Squier" is kinda misleading. I own one, and have played several others on occasion, and the newer ones are ALOT nicer that any Squier or MIM Fender I've ever owned. Not doggin' on the big F, mind you, as a decent "Rockbass" model will MSRP in the $700+ range.

 

[Matthew_84]

Good plan. Thanks.

The Fortress is 'above' the Corvette & Streamer I guess.

Jazz Man = Jazz + (Music)Man then?

I see 'German Pro Series' quoted a bit, I take it that was prior to the Korean Pro Series?

In Australia, some of the RBs are RRP over $1k, I saw the RB Adam Clayton Streamer advertised for around $1,500 RRP. So a cheap Warwick, but not cheap.

I'll hasten slowly, keep learning and keep an eye out.

The Rockbass Fortress has an actual MEC preamp, while the cheaper models (Streamers, including the NT, Corvettes, etc) have a non-MEC, cheaper preamp made to similar specs... At least this was true a couple of years ago. Their website specs should make it clear if it's an MEC preamp or a "Rockbass" preamp. Typically, if it has a push-pull to bypass the preamp, it's an MEC.

Also, if the pickups have gold lettering on them, the pickups themselves are active and require a battery to operate whether or not the preamp is bypassed or not.

 

[foudufafa]

While new German made Warwicks are pricey, their resale price is relatively low (at least in the US) making a used warwick an excellent quality/price ratio. The quality is top notch, on par with the boutique bass. I bought a Thumb BO5 and an NT4 which is my go to bass for 1/3 of their new price. To me, the quintessential Warwick is the Thumb (I had a Streamer LX and the tone was nothing special). it has a unique sound that is just like a chocolate truffle melting in your mouth. I play mostly funk, motown, soul and it is perfect. Many metal folks use it as well so It is really versatile. The ergonomic is a bit special and not for everyone but if it fits you, it is for me the best used bass you can buy for the money. (and I own MIA Fender, StingRay).

 

[joebar]

I'm gathering that a Corvette and a Streamer of the same spec, will be quite alike

the big difference is ergonomics; the streamer has the curved back and molds to your body nicer. some have said the vette can hang funny on a strap.

My Korean Warwick's build quality is incredible

my experience as well with virtually no differences; my starbass was a the shite

 

[RedVee]

The Fortress is mostly a body shape, but the electronics might be different.

Jazzman


Look at the Warwick channel on YouTube.

Nothing is cheap about Warwick. They are expensive, even the lesser models.

my oh my, that is sweet.

 

[socialleper]

my oh my, that is sweet.

If you can dig their tone, their ergonomics, their looks, they are excellent basses.
Some people find the MEC electronics a little weird sounding. Personally, I could never get a tone I liked out of their $$ Corvette, but I really don't like exposed pole pieces.
They are some of the heaviest basses on the market, and the Corvette has a very strange center of gravity. The small body of the Thumb lends towards neck dive, and you have to play them up high. The necks on the mid 2000 basses were super chunky.
The Spector crowd loves to complain about the Streamer body shape. The old-man-Fender crowd can't get past anything that doesn't look like a Fender.

Some of my favorite bass players use Warwick, and I had a very brief encounter with a German Corvette $$ because I couldn't afford anything else. I sold the bass because it was really what I wanted, and what I really want is simply too expensive for me. I've kinda given up on them. I have some Lottery Dreams about them, but I will never own a Streamer Stage 2 or a NT Thumb. I make due with my Skyline Laklands instead.

 

[Blankandson]

I've played a 1994 Fortress (German) for about 6 years and decided it was time to move 'up' with another Warwick. I searched only on TB classified and after a month or so narrowed my choice down to a 2008 Corvette $$ 5-string. Before purchasing it I played several ones at the Nashville Warwick Shop. They all sounded good but not spectacular - then. After ordering mine and taking delivery a few days later, I began playing my music on my equipment. It was sooooo much better playing what I play using my amps and cab. Learning the $$ way of switching was new so that's taken about two months. This week I about decided on the setup I will use - for now anyways. I have my GK MB500 set on Presence OFF, Deep ON, Contour OFF, Treble at 9 o'clock, Mid Hi and Mid Lo at noon, and bass at 3 o'clock. I've set the Gain at 9 o'clock so I'm getting clean sound. Now the $$. Bridge pup switch is in the middle, for Single Coil. Neck pup switch is down, for Series. On Active, Bass is zero (yeah and I get tons of clean bass anyway!), Treble is on full - max - all the way. I turn the balance to neck - middle - bridge. That gives three distinct sounds moving from lows to mids to highs. BUT !!! when I lift the volume pot up and go into PASSIVE, I get the fattest bass and lows I've ever gotten from any bass I've ever used. Absolutely will kill doing Motown, Raggae, or Gospel. Strings are Warwick EMP round wound. Cab is a GK 2x12 II Neo, and I push 350 watts into it. One of the comments above says the Corvette $$ is the Swiss Army Knife of the Warwick line. I have to agree - I can get four totally different sounds by just by going Active/Passive, or rotating the balance dial. These sell for about $2K at the Nashville Shop. Can be had for about half that used on the TB classified. That's my opinion.

 

[fuzzychaos]

Good plan. Thanks.



The Fortress is 'above' the Corvette & Streamer I guess.

Jazz Man = Jazz + (Music)Man then?

I see 'German Pro Series' quoted a bit, I take it that was prior to the Korean Pro Series?

In Australia, some of the RBs are RRP over $1k, I saw the RB Adam Clayton Streamer advertised for around $1,500 RRP. So a cheap Warwick, but not cheap.

I'll hasten slowly, keep learning and keep an eye out.

The German Pro Series is the more recent, the Pro Series are no longer made in Korea. They are team built in Germany. Excellent quality.

Rockbass made in China
German Pro Series made in Germany (basically their German line models)
German Custom Shop (highly customizable)

So, German Custom Shop>German Pro Series>Rockbass