Warwick Rockbass Starbass?

[FlyingPigSound]

I’m a fan of semi-hollow double-cutaway Basses (Jack Casady, ES-335, Starfire), and I ran across a daphne blue Warwick Rockbass Starbass online...made in Asia

Any thoughts? Reviews?

 

[stelios82k]

I have one, I bought it recently. I don't think it is a 1000euro bass. At least that is how much thomann sells them. Mine it was b-stock (demo item) and needed work. Truss rod turns both ways but some it is like having a gap between turns. Major issue as it might need truss rod replacement at some point. Also there are a few high frets past 14th feet, but nothing too serious. I managed to take the action down to 2mm on the 24th fret both on E and the G, but the bridge and the saddles were all the way down. Also it had minor finish imperfections where the body meets the binding, visible only at close inspection in short distance. As for the sound, it is wicked!! It is more of a solid body sound and has the typical growly warwick tone with the stainless steel strings which got lost when I put some nickel plated strings. The bass has character and i had many years to find such a bass that makes me wanna play more and in the end It is all that matters. The price was discounted around 60% shipping included so I took the risk of possible need for truss rod replacement.

Overall, I highly recommend this bass as long as the price is right and you inspect it thoroughly.

 

[LowEndLobster]

I love mine. I got it for ridiculously cheap as a b-stock on reverb. I swapped out the hardware for gold. I'll be doing a full review video soon, but mine has no setup issues and plays great. The finish flaws are extremely minor. I need to spend more time with it to form a better opinion, but things look favorable early on.

 

[dwellers]

I love mine. I got it for ridiculously cheap as a b-stock on reverb. I swapped out the hardware for gold. I'll be doing a full review video soon, but mine has no setup issues and plays great. The finish flaws are extremely minor. I need to spend more time with it to form a better opinion, but things look favorable early on.View attachment 3740827

Very nice. I have a black one that I strung with flats and it definitely sounds more vintage-y but not really hollow. With the neck p/up solo'd it gets close to what I was looking for.

Wonder what it would sound like with active electronics?

Also, how does it compare to that pretty Epiphone in the picture? What model is that?

Enjoy your bass!

--David

 

[LowEndLobster]

Very nice. I have a black one that I strung with flats and it definitely sounds more vintage-y but not really hollow. With the neck p/up solo'd it gets close to what I was looking for.

Wonder what it would sound like with active electronics?

Also, how does it compare to that pretty Epiphone in the picture? What model is that?

Enjoy your bass!

--David

Thanks! I don't know, it sounds nice but not amazing. Mine is passive, I don't know how you'd get in there to install the preamp . The Epiphone Jack Casady in the back strung with LaBella flats sounds AMAZING.

 

[dwellers]

Thanks! I don't know, it sounds nice but not amazing. Mine is passive, I don't know how you'd get in there to install the preamp . The Epiphone Jack Casady in the back strung with LaBella flats sounds AMAZING.

Probably more trouble to modify. And given the odd sized pickups, there are few choices out there. I really wouldn't want it hotter anyway. But I definitely found it improved with flats on it rather than the rounds it came with.

I'll check around for the Epiphone. I also am a fan of the Guild Starfire. Have you compared to one of those?

 

[LowEndLobster]

Probably more trouble to modify. And given the odd sized pickups, there are few choices out there. I really wouldn't want it hotter anyway. But I definitely found it improved with flats on it rather than the rounds it came with.

I'll check around for the Epiphone. I also am a fan of the Guild Starfire. Have you compared to one of those?

I will probably get my hands on one after I thin out my current flock of review basses. I've been eyeing them for a while and that would make a great comparison.

 

[FlyingPigSound]

I love mine. I got it for ridiculously cheap as a b-stock on reverb. I swapped out the hardware for gold. I'll be doing a full review video soon, but mine has no setup issues and plays great. The finish flaws are extremely minor. I need to spend more time with it to form a better opinion, but things look favorable early on.View attachment 3740827

Star bass vs Jack Casady?

 

[LowEndLobster]

Star bass vs Jack Casady?

Eh, it's not really apples to apples with one being fretless. I'm definitely going to do a vid on the star bass, but I think the Guild SF might be a better comparo IMO.