Warwick = Soon to be Korean Made?

[Zentner]

Hey all,

Just received this e-mail regarding the German made Warwick products. I work at a music retailer, and it looks like it's all going to Korea! WHAT?!

According to our supplier Warwick production for the German made models is moving to Korea in the fall.

This will be the last chance for our customers to buy a German made Warwick bass.

Anyone hear about this?

Cheers all!

Kevin

 

[odin70]

oboy.. think of the prices for german made Warwick basses 20 years from now.

 

[grifff]

Yes this has already been announced, it's on Warwick's main page.

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

Sigh. I guess it's good that I never really dug Warwick basses.

 

[ColeR91]

This is very negative to hear as I'm saving up for my custom shop Stage II... Do you think they've stopped taking orders?

 

[Zentner]

Yes this has already been announced, it's on Warwick's main page.

Aah, I didn't realize that.

I'm not big into the warwick stuff anyways, so I won't be losing any sleep. I just thought I'd mention it for anyone who hadn't heard.

 

[kesslari]

Something tells me we won't see a price drop on new Warwick basses, though.

 

[GM60466]

Their better basses will still be made in Germany, right?

 

[ausf]

Something tells me we won't see a price drop on new Warwick basses, though.

Can't drop prices, that'd be an admission of quality drop.

Unless they maintain both facilities and jack DE made prices.

 

[Skip_NJ]

The fit, finish, and playability on the german ones seem kind of hit or miss anyway. I bet the Korean ones will be more consistent. If they continue using nice wood like Wenge necks and bubinga they will still be fairly unique and boutique-like.

 

[Tonegasm]

So I'm guessing I should hold onto my German-made Thumb for the future? ($$$)

 

[jasper383]

I'm surprised that, even at some of those high prices for the custom models, Warwick couldn't make a go at it with German made basses. High priced labor, I guess, strikes again.

I bet the Korean made ones are indistinguishable from the German. And maybe more consistent.

 

[mulchor]

I like a lot of Korean manu'd products (not just in the music world). There's a pride in craftsmanship in many of their companies. Hopefully Warwick partners with a good one.

 

[christw]

My girlfriend was made in Korea and turned out pretty good, so why can't my basses? ...I'm kidding of course. I never really liked Warwicks in the first place.

 

[mobis.fr]

they mistreat their workers in germany.
afaik no union allowed, a lot of overtime and a very bad sallary... (there was an article in a german news paper)

now due the "difficult" times, they have finally a reason to relocalize their company (and make more profit)... and no one cares any longer about the workers...

 

[somegeezer]

No way. =[ This means I will never have the chance to get my gorgeous Infinity. I hope they leave a hand full of workers in Germany at least. Even if they become super rare, I need my German Warwick Infinity.

 

[KramerBassFan]

Sign of the times.

Or who knows... maybe they want a higher overheard?

But Hm..... a move like this Sunk KRAMER Back in the day.... hmmmmm.

 

[wideyes]

they mistreat their workers in germany.
afaik no union allowed, a lot of overtime and a very bad sallary... (there was an article in a german news paper)

now due the "difficult" times, they have finally a reason to relocalize their company (and make more profit)... and no one cares any longer about the workers...

I'm sure the German workers are better-paid and treated than the Koreans. It's all relative.

 

[DeliriumTremens]

I see nothing about Korea on their site except Korean made Corvette Standards

Invalid Link Removed

 

[IvanMike]

I've been nothing but impressed by Korean made basses. The MIK lakelands 8 years or so ago were amazing. Korea isn't like you see in MASH......really.