Warwick Thumb vs. P-Bass

[BarkSlayer]

I just sold my MIM P-bass and am looking for my next one. For some reason, I'm drawn to the Warwick Thumb (4-string) so I thought I'd tap the collective wisdom here and ask if anyone can contrast the P-bass to the Warwick. I have no experience with them whatsoever and would prefer not to make an expensive mistake.

 

[bassteban]

Two different beasts, but IMO not all that different. Middy, deep and cutting tone(both). Great rock bass(both). I like them both; have a couple of Ps and a nice, wenge-necked Thumb BO-4 is the ONLY bass I'd flip my FNA for.

 

[lowend219]

depends on what your using it for. IMO the warwick is deeper, cleaner and woodier while the P-bass has more biting high end. I love the sound of Warwicks but i'm not big on the neck feel. personal preference

 

[warwick.hoy]

Expect the neck profile on the Thumb 4 to be way chunkier than that of a P-Bass. Thumbs are active, whilst most traditional P-basses are passive. You'll get a little more tonal variety out of a Thumb. I love my Thumb BO 5er. That said,...I've been gassing hard for P-Basses and Jazz Basses lately. Especially the Old Precision Elites.

 

[A_E_A]

I played a 5 string thumb that was the most uncomfortable bass to play standing up. Tons of neck dive and IMO they are kinda ugly. I reckon you should try one and see what you think. Make sure you try it with a strap standing up. After all playing gigs is 99% of the time standing up. Also try out some other basses that are in your budget. Sometimes playing something can make you fall in love even if it wasn't one you were considering...

If it was me Id be stickin to a P tho if they are your definitive choices.

 

[bassteban]

Thumb 4 & 5s are VASTLY different basses IMO. Wenge necks are WAAAY slimmer and quite the opposite in feel to a typical P(again- IMO). I won't comment on ovangkol as it does not exist in my little world. No offense.

 

[rosstanium]

buy the Thumb. it's the only way you'll get it out of your system and eventually come back around the to the P...which you will one day. mark my words.

p.s. the best moment will be when you've gotten used to playing the Warwick after a while...and then one day stroll into a guitar store and pick up a Precision and realize how much easier it is to play.

...and then you'll chuckle to yourself and say "Ha. that guy from Talkbass is the man."

 

[warwick.hoy]

Neck Dive is a common complaint, but I will mention that Thumbs tend to want to rest on your body parallel to the floor and no further.

A quality wide strap can help with neck dive. I use a standard sized Dimarzio elastic strap that also seems to work as well. It also helps with the weight as they can be a bit heavier than your average P-Bass.

 

[kander]

After 7 years of owning a Thumb 4 NT, I finally admitted to myself that I really don't like the sound of this bass at all; I should have just bought a vintage P-bass instead. I hope to put it up for sale in the next few days.

 

[line6bassist]

buy the Thumb. it's the only way you'll get it out of your system and eventually come back around the to the P...which you will one day. mark my words.

p.s. the best moment will be when you've gotten used to playing the Warwick after a while...and then one day stroll into a guitar store and pick up a Precision and realize how much easier it is to play.

...and then you'll chuckle to yourself and say "Ha. that guy from Talkbass is the man."

+1

 

[Rodslinger]

buy the Thumb. it's the only way you'll get it out of your system and eventually come back around the to the P...which you will one day. mark my words.

p.s. the best moment will be when you've gotten used to playing the Warwick after a while...and then one day stroll into a guitar store and pick up a Precision and realize how much easier it is to play.

...and then you'll chuckle to yourself and say "Ha. that guy from Talkbass is the man."

happened to me twice. Many years ago & again 2 days ago lol

 

[Triad]

Look for an older Thumb and avoid the post-91-2000 era as they have pretty chunky necks. It's clear they've been shaped with a router, very round on the sides and big. The early ones have pretty thin necks.
Pretty different animals, though... the P has 20 frets and the usual "honk" of bolt-on basses with Maple neck. The Thumb has a completely different voice and feel.
It's like comparing a Harley Davidson to a BMW 1100RR... not saying that one is better than another, though. The construction is completely different too, the Thumb is much more refined but that doesn't make it a "better" choice for everybody.

 

[Kim Jong Funk]

To me, that's apples and oranges.

I have a '98 Thumb 6, and it has a thick, woody tone. I don't use it as much anymore, but it is a workhorse and never did me wrong. The P...well, it's a P. What tone are you looking for? From a physical standpoint, you'll adapt to either bass with time; that shouldn't be a major factor.

IMO, I think the Thumb is more versatile and records really well and sounds great live. But, a P sounds like a P, and if that's the tone you want, then go for it.