Warwick v. Fender v. Spector

[Cryhavok]

[QUOTE="W";5598286]Where did you find it in so low price?[/QUOTE]

I haven't actually found one to buy yet, but it seems I'll be able to get one off eBay or used somewhere for around $500.

Also, according to ysand it was definitely a Warwick.

 

[flipper_gv]

First, if it felt that eheavy, it must be a corvette std bubinga, those beasts weights a ton. BUt if You like i, go for it. Don,T buy something cause others tells you it's better and all, take somthing you'll want to play, that's the major thing you should look while buying an instrument. Anyway, do whatever you wank these four basses are all egood instruments.

 

[warwick07]

I have a Warwick Corvette Standard. The weight is not a problemat all. The tone is amazing. You could slap the hell out of it with the tone all the way up and both pickups on. Or your turn down the tone, have just full volume on the neck pickup and adjust your right hand position and it'll sound just like a double bass. Plus you found one for under $500. If it's not a Rockbass that's a hell of a deal. If it is a Rockbass, go with the Spector.

 

[warwick07]

I have both a Spector ReBop and a Warwick Corvette, both 5 strings. I'm not sure if I got a hold of a freak of nature, but my Corvette is the lighter of the two. I believe Warwick makes the Corvette in both Swamp Ash and Bubinga, I assume mine is Swamp Ash, although the black finish on it makes it hard to tell and the knuckleheads at GC sure didn't know. In fact the Warwick is the lightest 5 string I own.


I use the Warwick in my country group....

The Spector gets more use with my rock/blues group.

Don't really have much opinion on Fenders, other than I've always considered P basses too heavy for me.

The Warwick is so light because it's made of Swamp Ash.

 

[kristlik]

I've been looking to upgrade from my Ibanez GSR200 to something a bit higher end since I've got a good job now and a birthday coming up. I've been reading around the TB forums trying to get a good idea of a mid-range bass I can afford (<$500), and I think I've narrowed it down to 3 or 4 basses:

-Fender American Standard P-bass: I like the tone and versatility of this popular bass. It's very solid and I'm pretty sure it falls right into my price range. Unfortunately, I think it's ugly and a bit chunky for me. The neck felt a little wider than I'm comfortable with.

-Warwick Corvette Standard: I FINALLY got to play one of these sexy beasts today. I've never played a Warwick, and I was in love with it. The neck felt great and I had no problems playing it. It also has an excellent tone and I think a lot of my play style fits it well. The price is attractive too, I had no idea I could find a Warwick for <$500 until today. On the negative side, it felt VERY heavy. I'm sure I'd be comfortable with a nice padded strap, but I'm a pretty small (and weak) guy and I like to move around on stage, so I'm afraid this bass will just throw me around and I'll look dumb(er). Very very sexy looking bass though.

-Spector NS2000: I've read some good things about them, and they seem to be fairly cheap, maybe the cheapest of this list. I have yet to play one though.

-Spector Euro 4LX: I've read a LOT of great things about these and really like the look of them. I'm worried I wont be able to find one for a good price, and I still have yet to play one.

Anyone know where I can find Spectors to play? I didn't see any at my local Guitar Center.

Aside from that, let me know what you think, or suggest another bass! I play in a hardcore/alternative rock band (Link Removed) and I prefer 4-strings.

I voted other.

First, I have to admit, I have no first hand experience with Spector basses: although I've also liked what I've heard and read about the Euro.

I like the Warwicks. personally I really like the Thumb, but the Corvette does have advantages of lower price, and a bit more versatile in sound (the Thumb sounds like a thumb no matter what you do--if you like it, great; if not you are sol).

If you like the price range, and "versatility" of the American P-Bass (read can be played in many genres), but feel it is too wide to your liking-- I would suggest that you look at a PJ Jazz bass. A PJ Jazz bass will give you a P-Bass sound plus overlap into Jazz land, it gives you a narrower and more shallow neck, and it will keep you in the more affordable price range, and it has a truck load of aftermarket options available to tweak it just the way you want it.

I would have suggested the Corvette because you mentioned that you really loved it (I really like them as well); but I just think the Jazz is a bit more versatile than a Corvette (as far as getting sounds for every genre), it is lighter, and I think you will find that it is a bit more durable than the Corvettes with a natural finish.

I really love everything about my Warwick thumb, and I really like my P-Bass; and yet I find I have a lot more occasions to play my P-Bass than my Thumb--about 10 to 1.

I'm all for going for your passion, but you need to also keep in mind what it is you want to do. You may really love a BMW Z4, but if your intended use is off road driving; the Z4 would still be a bad choice, no matter how much you liked it otherwise.

 

[CascadeBass]

I think that's my main problem with the Fender. It's a little too common for my tastes...

That's really my problem too. There are SO MANY FANTASTIC instruments out there, with body styles and tone catering to every crowd. The craftsmanship is amazing too-- US, Europe, Asia, whatever.

Obviously, the "Fender Bass" started it all, and it's been around forever. And there will always be people that equates to quality, and it being the "best" choice.

I'm the kind of guy that likes to explore the alternatives. I've been looking at the P and J body styles for years, and I'm frankly tired of seeing them, and I'm tired of everyone voting for FENDER on these polls!!

This is a RANT! So sorry, everyone's entitled to theirs. The most common thing IS NOT THE BEST. That's just me. I like DIFFERENT. Funny thing is, Spector does not really fall into this category as the days go on, haha. They're quite popular.

I digress, but one more thing: classic rock. It has the same effect on me as what we're talking about here. When I hear something on the radio from 1977, and somebody's going "I LOVE THIS SONG" or whatever, I'm thinking, "Holy crap, not again. I've been listening to this for THIRTY YEARS.

There's generations of brand new, really cool, innovative music out there, and the same goes for instrument design and manufacturing. I want to check out that new stuff.

I'm tired of looking at and hearing about the P bass. It's big and ugly and clunky.

And I'm an *******. I respect everyone's opinions, really. But I don't have a ton of respect for someone who has not actually looked at and/or played some of these amazing new-er basses, and just picks a Fender because "that's what you pick" and then acts like it's the best thing out there.

My bad, I played an American Standard Jazz for a few months in 2001 and it had dead spots all over (new strings) and just did not feel and sound as good as every other bass I had owned (Guild Pilot, Spector NS2000B - made in China, Yamaha RBX6JM, the list goes on.)

Anyway, fire away, it's just one opinionated man's opinion. Explore outside the status quo.

 

[Shroom]

If you like the corvette Std, try the Corvette Double Buck

I love mine. It's lighter because it's made of swamp ash, it's got a beautiful red stain finish instead of the lamer, tamer looking natural finishes, and electronics wise it's gotta be one of the most versatile basses out there. The only reason you might not like it would be if you slap in the middle or towards the bridge, rather than closer to the neck, because the pickups are big and beastly.

 

[Cryhavok]

aspdevboy, I could not agree with you more! I respect classic rock, but I am sick of hearing it. I respect the reputation of the Fender, but I'm sick of looking at them. Same goes with new-age music. Mainstream rock all sounds the same to me (Disturbed, Korn, Sevendust, Staind, w/e else is popular) and its starting to suck. My band strives to make more original music.

Shroom, I think a $$ is a bit out of my price range.

While I did say I like the versatility of the P-bass, I'm not entirely sure versatility is one of my main criteria. It's nice to know that with a p-bass I'll be able to branch into just about anything, but I think the Warwick is more the tone I am looking for. I don't really plan on switching genres any time soon, i pretty much just play rock (not that the p-bass doesn't do that well!).

 

[Baryonyx]

I'm tired of looking at and hearing about the P bass. It's big and ugly and clunky.

And it sounds like cack too!

I hate the P bass, just can't get along with them and wouldn't be seen dead with one. However, I love jazz basses. Despite being an "old" design, they have enough cut and growl to suit me. I like my basses to sing rather than fart! I guess thats why bright, articulate basses like Kubicki, Status and Spector have impressed me.

 

[kristlik]

That's really my problem too. There are SO MANY FANTASTIC instruments out there, with body styles and tone catering to every crowd. The craftsmanship is amazing too-- US, Europe, Asia, whatever.

Obviously, the "Fender Bass" started it all, and it's been around forever. And there will always be people that equates to quality, and it being the "best" choice.

I'm the kind of guy that likes to explore the alternatives. I've been looking at the P and J body styles for years, and I'm frankly tired of seeing them, and I'm tired of everyone voting for FENDER on these polls!!

This is a RANT! So sorry, everyone's entitled to theirs. The most common thing IS NOT THE BEST. That's just me. I like DIFFERENT. Funny thing is, Spector does not really fall into this category as the days go on, haha. They're quite popular.

I digress, but one more thing: classic rock. It has the same effect on me as what we're talking about here. When I hear something on the radio from 1977, and somebody's going "I LOVE THIS SONG" or whatever, I'm thinking, "Holy crap, not again. I've been listening to this for THIRTY YEARS.

There's generations of brand new, really cool, innovative music out there, and the same goes for instrument design and manufacturing. I want to check out that new stuff.

I'm tired of looking at and hearing about the P bass. It's big and ugly and clunky.

And I'm an *******. I respect everyone's opinions, really. But I don't have a ton of respect for someone who has not actually looked at and/or played some of these amazing new-er basses, and just picks a Fender because "that's what you pick" and then acts like it's the best thing out there.

My bad, I played an American Standard Jazz for a few months in 2001 and it had dead spots all over (new strings) and just did not feel and sound as good as every other bass I had owned (Guild Pilot, Spector NS2000B - made in China, Yamaha RBX6JM, the list goes on.)

Anyway, fire away, it's just one opinionated man's opinion. Explore outside the status quo.

aspdevboy,

I don't think you have so much a rant, as you are just stating some facts.

Fender is just one more proof of the old adage: "Success breeds success."

The very fact that almost everyone knows what to expect from a Fender or Fender clone, just means that it is safer to purchase a Fender type of product: there usually aren't any really bad surprises--there may be things you don't like, but they are expected.

However, since the new stuff is so hard to find and try before you buy; I think those that are brave enough to try the new stuff, still have high expectations that will be hard to fulfill. And add to the fact that most "new" stuff usually comes with a high dollar price tag, that those of us that do have to worry about a budget, just seem to get caught in the rut of buying the evil we know.

I would love to try some basses like a Torzal or the Status Streamline; but even though I may like the way they look, that is really the last thing on my list of what I want from a Bass. Sound, feel, ergonomics, quality of fit and function are all the most important things I look for in a bass; and yet, they are all things that are difficult or impossible to ascertain from even the best of second hand information. And there are so few shops (none close to me) that will stock a bunch of high dollar innovative basses, that may move slow if at all, for bass players to try out before they buy.

Maybe what we need is something like the "Bass of the Month Club". Get an inventory of some of the best new innovative basses, and you pay something like a one month rental to try out a new bass before you plop down the entire amount for a purchase. If the cost and logistics of shipping basses were better, I think it would be a great thing to do.

 

[Cryhavok]

The very fact that almost everyone knows what to expect from a Fender or Fender clone, just means that it is safer to purchase a Fender type of product: there usually aren't any really bad surprises--there may be things you don't like, but they are expected.

That's pretty much the only reason I looked at a Fender and its on this list in the first place. I had a pretty good idea of what I'd be getting with it, and it feels like the "safe" buy.

I'm glad to see some more votes for the Warwick though! The fact that it has nearly as many votes as the P-bass makes me pretty confident that I won't go wrong with the Corvette.

 

[Spector_Ray]

I'll throw in my $.02. I voted for the Spector for obvious reasons(name and about 20 years experience with Spectors) but I wouldn't discount a P-bass now. I, too, never really liked the P-bass for several reasons. First, I hated the way they felt compared to my NS-2 and they sounded, for lack of a better word, blah. As I got older and had a lot of playing time under my belt, the forgotten(to me) P-bass was picked up at a music store just for the heck of it. I played it and really enjoyed it's simplicity in both tone and feel. Not to say it's a one-trick pony soundwise, but it's solid. As I played a friend's more and more, I began to appreciate it more. I'm now in the middle of a P-bass project and I'm really enjoying putting it together and can't wait to get it finished. I'll never let go of my Spector and she'll always be my main squeeze, but there's always room for a little bit of something different. Variety is the spice of life!

The reason I picked the Spector Euro was for several reasons. It looks bitchin' as hell! It's probably the most comfortable bass to play IMHO and the number of tones this bass can produce is endless. It'll fit in with a funk band, rock band or jazz band. I've even sat in with a friend's country band and another's tejano(don't laugh, I got paid!) band and she performed admirably.

 

[CascadeBass]

I have 2 more cents. My Legend Classic showed up today. Get a flipping Spector. It's even better than I remember my NS2000/Q5 being! I do not apologize for bullying you. It's the right thing to do. Order it sight unseen from The Perfect Bass.

 

[RBrownBass]

My point is that there isn't a perfect tone for EVERYTHING.

Agreed. But...

If we all sounded the same, there'd be no Jaco, Wooten, et al. Bassists would get kicked out of the band for disagreeing with anyone because we'd all get replaced by a clone.

Jaco and Wooten would still be who they are even if they played P basses- they'd sound a bit different in the mix, sure, but it's their talent we respect, and that would come out no matter what kind of bass they chose to play.

 

[Spector_Ray]

Order it sight unseen from The Perfect Bass.

...or Bass Central!

 

[WarriorJoe7]

P basses are versatile IN APPLICATION (fits very well in most genres) but not in different sounds (there is some variability but its all from technique and finger placement, so it's not as versatile (in sounds) as any 2 pickup config.)

It's pretty subjective that you can make any bass fit in any music but there is something about a p bass that really makes it blend in well with almost anything. You actually can't say that about a jazz bass or stingray type bass, but like I said it is subjective so good luck trying to get an explanation out of me.

Honestly what it comes down to is the particular guitar (or other instruments that extend into bass's sonic range) and how it fits in with your bass. And the type of music, and the role of the bass in the music, and your fingers. Because there probably isnt many people on TB that can make a p bass sound as trebly as I can naturally... and I can't get my p bass playing to sound as thick as most people... I have naturally bright fingers and I am stuck with that whether I like it or not... atleast there is EQ though.

 

[Eminor3rd]

Wait, those basses for under $500?

 

[CascadeBass]

...or Bass Central!

Yes, or Bass Central! Those guys rock too!

 

[Cryhavok]

Wait, those basses for under $500?

Ehh not so much. I did some very brief research and was going by some not-quite-done eBay auctions.

So, aspdev, the Legend is good eh? Better than the Warwick? I thought they had an attractive price tag but I wasn't sure about the Korean made Spectors. Care to elaborate on the quality and feel of the bass?

Ray, Bass Central doesn't have any 4-string Legends

 

[tmw]

IME, I have had zero problems with Fender QC, relative to anything else in their price range. I too hear lots of bad comments on TB about it...

You'll never know how versatile a P bass is until you play one with a band. The versatility is in the player, not his tools, and you can get many sounds out of a P bass depending on how you play it. How much tonal versatility does one really need anyway, many on TB also say that your tone doesn't matter to the audience, and they're quite often the guys buying several expensive basses with active preamps, high-priced cabs, and obsessively shopping for strings. Most of us play in one band, one style of music; it's not like we need a single bass to play in metal, country, rock, jazz, blues, folk, reggae, and hip hop. But if you did, Fender P basses have been successfully used in all of those styles.

"

+1. It's in the fingers and hands of the player. Personally, I like P-Basses. They're not for everybody, but I have found I can play most any style of music with one of my P-Bases.