Warwick Thumb question? neck heavy? Heavy bass?

[thewildest]

I have a 6 string BO bubinga baby, love the sound, its is becoming my main bass, and it is very heavy (no neck dive issues, wear the bass pretty high and use a pretty wide strap).
Not only the sound is incredible, half deep space, half clear as a keyboard, but it has an overall felling to the touch that I really appreciate.
I am exercising my upper torso and back so I will not get affected by its weight, I can keep it on for hours without any problem, and I am definitively not the muscular type.

 

[NeonVomit]

Figured I might as well chime in, for what it's worth... I've owned my Warwick for going on 8 years now, gigged, recorded and toured with it heavily so I might have something to say. It's a 1999 model 6 BO with SD Basslines in it, Ovangkol neck & body with Wenge fretboard.

The NT models have a shorter body. I've not tried one out but I suspect they have a tendency to neck-dive.

My bass doesn't neck dive, but it's shape is definitely different to play than other basses. It does tend to be a bit more 'horizontal' than other instruments and the neck is sort of more 'left' on the body than other basses - the neck sticks out more in relation to the body, is what I'm getting at, so if you have short arms it may be a struggle. It's definitely not for everybody. One of the reasons I like it is because it's so different - it really is unlike anything else out there, by any brand. I haven't, to the best of my knowledge, seen another identical or even mostly similar bass from another manufacturer anywhere (if there are, let me know!)

For me, the Thumb is *the* Warwick sound - that tight, growly, low-mid that cuts through anything. No other bass in their range really quite epitomizes it like the Thumb. It's not the most versatile bass around for sure - it's a one trick pony, but it's an extremely good trick. It's heavy, but the dense, dark wood is what gives that glorious sound. FWIW it's identical in weight to my Peavey Grind 6.

Weight-wise I can get through gigs easily enough, especially with a good comfy strap. I think a good strap is really underrated - I tried lots of them before I settled on an awesome Minotaur strap (check 'em out). Definitely don't scrimp on the strap - it's what holds your (potentially extremely expensive) bass up and makes it comfortable for you to play on.

So to answer the question, it's not neck-heavy, it just has a unique shape that needs getting used to. Once you do get used to it though, it's fantastic. To record our latest album, I tried a Fender Jazz Deluxe, a Pedulla and my Peavey - the Warwick blew them all away for what we do.

I haven't had much experience with newer models, from what I gather things have changed, but the Thumb is my main bass and it's a permanent keeper. Other ones may come and go but this one is here to stay.

 

[gleneg61]

I've had my b/o 5 since '05 bought new so plenty of miles run in n I recently tried a n/t 5 n hated the balance n weight. Great sound but as comfy as a recidivist molesting octopus under a raincoat in the middle of a really humid summer (don't ask)!

 

[NeonVomit]

I am certainly curious as to how you came to be in a position to make that sort of comparison, I must admit.

 

[Nephilymbass]

Hello- I have been gassing hard for a Warwick Thumb.
But my guitar friend who plays bass, said they are very neck heavy and heavy basses? Any owners care to chime in and help me, as these are almost impossible to to try out in Atlanta area.
What is the typical weight of one? 9 lbs? or more?

Yes they are a bit neck heavy, i always played mine with a nice $80 wide padded leather strap and it helped a lot. Weight is substantial. Basically it doesn't look as heavy as it feels (small body/ heavy wood) but it's not any heavier than say a stingray or a lot of jazz basses. The ash body warwicks are much lighter but IMO the ash ones don't have the warwick sound. To me if your going to buy a warwick its bubinga or nothing.

 

[NeonVomit]

I hear ya. The dark woods really make a difference. And while the Streamers essentially started off as Spector copies, the Thumb basses are totally unique - any true Warwick fan needs to own one. There's nothing else like it.

 

[Goatrope]

I think people's definition of neck dive varies. My Thumb NT4 hangs like picture B with no hands and a wide strap. I have no complaints though.

 

[TMARK]

I have a '96 custom shop bolt-on 4. Wenge neck and fretboard. Bubinga body. No dive. Weighs 7.2 pounds. It's a gem. The neck is much like a 70's Jazz neck. It's a great bass. Newer ones are different. I'd say try before you buy.

 

[NeonVomit]

I think people's definition of neck dive varies. My Thumb NT4 hangs like picture B with no hands and a wide strap. I have no complaints though.

View attachment 510139

Awesome.

I motion that from now on, whenever someone describes 'neck dive' of any sort on any bass, they need to reference this picture. It will make for clearer and better discussions on the issue.

 

[albass69]

is not that heavy, mine is 5 string bolt on, no neck dive, beautiful look and sounding bass, you are weak, if you think you bass is heavy do some muscle workout, it might work.

 

[FNHScar17s]

i own a 2004 neck thru 6 string thumb. bubinga pommele, ovangkol neck, ebony fretboard weights about 11.38 pounds. kind of a heavy bass get a 3 inch or wider strap that is comfortable. The tone on these are sweet. Word of advice you may not like the MEC eq on board i much prefer the bartolini stuff to MEC. YMMV sweet basses though extremely pretty here is mine