That's what I associate with Warwick, and have been tempted to get one more than once (German and/or Rockbass).
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Warwick "Sound"
- Thread starter Llewellen
- Start date
That's what I associate with Warwick, and have been tempted to get one more than once (German and/or Rockbass).
That may be, I think 32" scale is a new thing for Warwick. Probably a response to the success Fender and other makers are having.
As said before, there is just something about the mids in a Warwick bass.....got mine new in 2000 and it won't be going anywhere........
I've only played one Rockbass in a store for a minute, but I can tell you conclusively that there is a mile of difference in the feel and sound of them and the German-made models. Yes - the German-made models cost a pretty penny, but you can also find them used for prices that aren't so outrageous.
Agreed with comments above. Warwick basses tend to cut through a mix, rather than add pillowy support. On their own, their sound can seem a bit one-dimensional but they sit great in a mix with little EQ. Great for funk, rock, hard rock, etc. the Streamer Stage II sound defines a lot of bands in the 90s, so check out Dirk Lance era Incubus, 311, etc. I'm a big fan.
I would skip the rock bass. You can get a used German model for about the same price.
I just picked up a new B-stock German corvette $$5 for not that much more than a rock bass.
I always said my bongo 5 was the best sounding most versatile bass I ever played.
I just dropped an OBP-3 into it and it kicks the bongo's rear end. My music man stuff sounds great but you can't EQ that out.
The $$ can not only get great conventional tones but can also sound like a Warwick or sound very close to a music man . It even has a great single coil tone as well.
I can't imagine a situation it wouldn't fit into perfectly.
I just picked up a new B-stock German corvette $$5 for not that much more than a rock bass.
I always said my bongo 5 was the best sounding most versatile bass I ever played.
I just dropped an OBP-3 into it and it kicks the bongo's rear end. My music man stuff sounds great but you can't EQ that out.
The $$ can not only get great conventional tones but can also sound like a Warwick or sound very close to a music man . It even has a great single coil tone as well.
I can't imagine a situation it wouldn't fit into perfectly.
Ryan is the bassist I think of when I think of a Thumb. Which I agree is definitely that Warwick Sound. He truly maximaizes what a Thumb can do. Funny that he isn't/wasn't endorsed by Warwick during Mudvayne's peak in popularity.
I played a Thumb for a time tuned BEAD back in my Metal days. They sound amazing. Save your money and find a used one. They are out there.
He is talking medium scale. Im guessing that's going to affect the sound more than anything. Comparing it to any other warwick bass is going to be fruitless.
the warwick has both pickups closer to the bridge than the other basses. that is why it sounds so mid heavy. i bet if you balanced the other bass to more favor the bridge pickup you would come close to the warwick.
Yes, what I am in search of must satisfy these physical criteria: 32 inch scale, 5 string, fretless. The RB Corvette is the only one I have found that meets all of them (other than expensive boutiques).
That said, I think the 32 inch scale won't have as much effect on the tone as the electronics package (PUs and preamp) and the strings. So, comparing to other Warwicks would be not very helpful if they have different electronics BUT even so, the comments here have been helpful in giving me a ballpark tonal framework to think about.
Do yourself a favor and don't expect to get this fabled "Warwick sound" from a short scale Rockbass.
You may have misunderstood my intent. I don't necessarily seek the "Warwick Sound". I have been trying to inform myself about what it is, if it is "baked in" to all models and the extent to which I might have to modify electronics in the RB Corvette if I find the tone not to my liking.
OP you should reall really scan ebay, reverb and the adds in TB in search for a german Thumb, or at least a german corvette. The difference in feel, playability and tone with the rockbass versions is huge. Besides there are no rockbass thumbs, which as many have already said, defines the "warwick sound".
I can personally assure you....
....its not the frets.
just sayin
....its not the frets.
My favorite bass comparison video:
Thank you!! That is incredibly helpful. It's interesting how each of them responded to different techniques and playing on different areas of the fretboard. Of course, we don't know the EQ settings and strings used on each but it is still very useful to hear them side by side.
I mentioned earlier and I'll repeat here that, to my ears, the Warwick sound is reminiscent of Entwistle's tone which I like very much - lots of extension and fundamental but you can also hear what I call "the wirey" sound of the strings.
That makes sense as they designed a bass with/for him in the 80s
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That makes sense as they designed a bass with/for him in the 80s
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And Rotosound says that they made a line of roundwound strings specifically to match his tonal requirements (I won't be using them on the fretless
BTW thanks for the link.
