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Warwick style basses?

#4
If you're concerned about prices, look into the Warwick Rockbass line. In around 2009, they started putting the same pickups, electronics, two-piece bridge, and the adjust-a-nut on them. Not all materials are the same (wood, brass frets, etc), but the build quality is phenominal. I have two and am looking on picking up a third.
 
#5
Rarely have seen anything closer to a Warwick type bass than a Warwick (sorry, couldn't resist :^)

Really, I've played lots of basses and there is nothing that sounded like the Thumb I had. It had the punch/warmth/tone that only wood and pre-amp combination it had could deliver. I miss it a lot.

I would save and try the real thing. BTW, I am not affiliated/endorsed with Warwick in any way.

Regards
 
#6
Yeah I figured there aren't any corners that can be cut there, I think I will have to save for a while to get the ole Thumb.

I have been intrigued by the Rockbass line but a lot of people seem to pour scorn on them?
 
#7
The newer, post-2009 RockBasses are excellent instruments in their own right, but also for the money. IMO, they are serious contenders at their respective price points.

Check out some of Andy Irvine's demo videos on YouTube; they will give you a good idea.
 
#9
Even though I said Spector^ there is nothing that sounds or feels like a Warwick. I have 2 Warwicks and one Spector. I recommend highly the Pro series Thumb if you can't afford a German one. However you can find a used German Thumb for around the same price as the pro series.
 
#10
Brand new Rockbasses can be owned for quite low prices these days.

I own a Rockbass Alien Deluxe 6 ABG and love it. I have a few other Rockbasses in my wishlist, the most recent addition being the this years' announced Rockbass Bootsy Spacebass. In also still intrigued by the Rockbass Triumph Lite.

If your budget might be slightly higher than a Rockbass, you can look into the Korean built Pro Series/Artist Series.
 
#11
If I were you, I would look into German made passive Warwick Corvettes made in the 90's. Better IMO than the Rockbass line, and with the definite Warwick tonality as opposed to the generic (but nice) Rockbass tone. I have a 5 string which I got a few years ago for very little money (£200), and I love it to bits. You have the option of adding a preamp in there later on if you need the extra boost, but personally I just use a preamp pedal with mine (Tri Logic II Bass Preamp) and it sounds super good. The Corvette's have no neck dive, which Thumbs were supposedly guilty of. (The Thumb I tried was beautiful, and didn't have neck dive, so it's worth trying both, but Corvette's will probably be the cheapest option).
 
#12
I'll also support another option to also keep an eye out for a used German Warwick.

Do not fear reports of neck diving Thumbs.

I own a German Warwick Thumb BO 6 and I have no neck dive. I wear my basses sort of high which counters any dive. Also, I have a nice wide leather strap to evenly distribute its weight across my shoulder, with a rough swede backing which sort of grips my shirt.
 
#14
TolerancEJ said:
I'll also support another option to also keep an eye out for a used German Warwick.

Do not fear reports of neck diving Thumbs.

I own a German Warwick Thumb BO 6 and I have no neck dive. I wear my basses sort of high which counters any dive. Also, I have a nice wide leather strap to evenly distribute its weight across my shoulder, with a rough swede backing which sort of grips my shirt.
Click to expand...

Full disclosure, its not the 'neck dive' (that either is or is not present depending on who you talk to) that make the thumb's ergonomics disagreeable with most - its the fact that the short upper horn casts the first position wayy out to your side no matter who you are or what strap you have.

Now, some people can deal with that and don't mind it - that is a separate issue. But the fact of the matter is that the first position is undoubtedly on the "furthest" end of the spectrum of any production bass.

They sound absolutely killer though!
 
#15
LakeEffect said:
Full disclosure, its not the 'neck dive' (that either is or is not present depending on who you talk to) that make the thumb's ergonomics disagreeable with most - its the fact that the short upper horn casts the first position wayy out to your side no matter who you are or what strap you have.

Now, some people can deal with that and don't mind it - that is a separate issue. But the fact of the matter is that the first position is undoubtedly on the "furthest" end of the spectrum of any production bass.

They sound absolutely killer though!
Click to expand...


Killer indeed. Once you hear/play a Thumb, you'll be able to identify its presence in any song.
 
#17
project_c said:
If I were you, I would look into German made passive Warwick Corvettes made in the 90's. Better IMO than the Rockbass line, and with the definite Warwick tonality as opposed to the generic (but nice) Rockbass tone. I have a 5 string which I got a few years ago for very little money (£200), and I love it to bits. You have the option of adding a preamp in there later on if you need the extra boost, but personally I just use a preamp pedal with mine (Tri Logic II Bass Preamp) and it sounds super good. The Corvette's have no neck dive, which Thumbs were supposedly guilty of. (The Thumb I tried was beautiful, and didn't have neck dive, so it's worth trying both, but Corvette's will probably be the cheapest option).
Click to expand...

The new Rockbass line is pretty competitive with the 90s German Warwicks. Same hardware, same nut, same electronics. Just slightly different woods & country of mfr.
 
#18
awilkie84 said:
The new Rockbass line is pretty competitive with the 90s German Warwicks. Same hardware, same nut, same electronics. Just slightly different woods & country of mfr.
Click to expand...

Would be curious to hear a comparison, I'm sure they sound great. For me the real Warwick tone comes from the wenge neck and the MEC passive pickups, coupled with either an ash or bubinga body. I love the growly and slightly nasal tone of those 90s models, and I haven't heard a Rockbass sound similar yet, although I have not tried the latest line. I'm sure others will define the Warwick tone differently (for example the $$ sounds totally different) but that's what Warwick means to me tone-wise..
 

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