Hard lesson to learn, but I think that's right.
I have to agree. I've had my BO 5 string for a number of years. It's only with experience that I've learnt what's not so good about it. The main problem being that of balance and ergonomics, all down to the short top horn.
I've tried all manner of straps, included the Comfort Strapp (sp), which although was comfy, didn't offer enought grip to keep the bass at the right angle. I eventually got a 3 inch wide suede backed strap that offered enough grip to keep it at about the right angle.
The neck dive also creates a side issue, where the weight, no matter what strap you use, isn't distributed evenly across your back. My current band plays long function sets of around 2 - 3 hours. The bass isn't heavy per se, but the balance issue got to the stage where I would be in physical pain, esp on my left shoulder for a good day or two after a gig, even after warming up properly before hand. This just isn't right.
The other issue, is that becuase of the short top horn, the first few frets feel that little bit too far away compared to other basses. When you're playing a lot of low end basslines, esp the repetitive ones (think LoveShack), my hand will just cramp up from being in an awkward position. Wearing the bass lower does help here, but then it's in the wrong place for playing other things.
I did think about the hipshot ultralites, this may save a few onces that may help a little bit, but it doesn't solve the fundamental issue of the short top horn. I did also think about a horn extention, but I would be too scared about getting over excited on a gig and ripping it out. Hmmm, maybe if enough of us badgered Warwick, they may design a purpose built, solid extention arm.
Don't get me wrong, I do love my Thumb, and it has a tone to die for and is incredibly easy to play, but I've come to the point of realisation that ergonomically it is just not the right bass for me. To this end, I got a spare bass for functions a while ago, a Yamaha RBX4-A2. This is a super lightweight, well balanced bass, that whilst not in the same league tone-wise, still has a good, solid, more 'fendery' tone, that fits in well with the function work we do. I switch to this when the Thumb just becomes too much to handle, and depending on set order, the Thumb just works better for some styles and tunes.
But, I still want a higher quality 'main' bass, something that I can be confident on playing a whole night with. I tried out different basses (always try them out with a strap!) and after much consideration have ordered a Yamaha Attitude II. I was tempted by a Corvette FNA Jazzman, but the sound although versatile, wasn't quite right for me. The Attitude on the other hand, has the growl I like, even if it is different from the Warwick, and the pickup configuration should make for one versatile intrument. That neck woofer should really fill out what I've always felt was missing from the Thumb, a deep, solid low end. And it has the mid range that I love with the Thumb, although maybe not a glassy a high end, but I'm all about mids and bass, not into zingy highs (not a slapper, oo-er). I'm also aware the Attitude has rather large neck, but hey, I've been playing a Warwick 5 string for 7 years, so I should be fine!
So in summary. I think that even if you love the tone, and feel, if something about it isn't working for you and is causing your major problems, you really need to look elsewhere for your perfect bass.
Apologies for the long winded response, but I felt my experiences are worth sharing.
