• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Warwick vs. Brand X (WARWICK WINS!)

krkozbassman

krkozbassman

Mar 13, 2007
166
94
56
Pittsburgh, PA USA
#1
I was just visiting one of the most famous music stores, in one of the most famous cities in the world and played four of the most famous "boutique" basses in the world (1 at $5,000, 1 at $8,000, 1 at $10,000 and 1 at $15,000) and I must say they were great: looked great, sounded great, BUT I felt so happy inside when afterwards all I could think of is my Warwicks' are better!!! Not one of those amazing basses came close to the feel and PLAYABILITY of Warwick!!! I could not believe how high the action was on the $10k bass and it was as low as the bridge would allow without mods, I would cry if I spent that much money and the only way to adjust it to my taste (2mm on B and 1.5mm on G) is to perform "surgery".

This is not meant to be disrespectful (that's why no names), but just to say how truly AMAZING Warwick basses really are!!:hyper::hyper::hyper:
 
#2
I just bought a Warwick Rockbass Fortress 5. This thing is put together like a tank, very solid. I have owned many higher end Wicks and this one is right up there to.

Love Warwick!

Shaun
 

Attachments

  • rsz_20140319_035200.jpg
    rsz_20140319_035200.jpg
    118.3 KB · Views: 160
#3
Traded for an FNA Jazzman 5 a little more than a year ago and could not be happier. Never played a more comfortable bass, it just feels right for my hands. I can totally understand why they are not for everyone but this one is definitely my cup of tea.
 
#5
Lusted after Warwicks for years and now I own three! Love the feel, build, sound and look of them.

I own a 1990 Thumb NT4, a 2000's German Corvette in Violet and a 2000's German Corvette $$ in black. Both of the Corvettes are bolt on and 4 string.

As a lefty, It's difficult to find something a bit special without spending a fortune. So glad you can get more or less anything Wick make as a left handed version.
 
#7
krkozbassman said:
I was just visiting one of the most famous music stores, in one of the most famous cities in the world and played four of the most famous "boutique" basses in the world (1 at $5,000, 1 at $8,000, 1 at $10,000 and 1 at $15,000) and I must say they were great: looked great, sounded great, BUT I felt so happy inside when afterwards all I could think of is my Warwicks' are better!!! Not one of those amazing basses came close to the feel and PLAYABILITY of Warwick!!! I could not believe how high the action was on the $10k bass and it was as low as the bridge would allow without mods, I would cry if I spent that much money and the only way to adjust it to my taste (2mm on B and 1.5mm on G) is to perform "surgery".

This is not meant to be disrespectful (that's why no names), but just to say how truly AMAZING Warwick basses really are!!:hyper::hyper::hyper:
Click to expand...

Personally opinion, really. I've yet to pick up a Warwick that really WOW'd me, especially when comparing boutique basses.
 
#8
I wanted to go 5 string after years of playing a 4 J. I got an '06 BO Thumb 5 and was totally awed by the sound, playability, and workmanship, so I picked up an '88 6 string NT Thumb, hand made, closest thing to boutique that I own. It was even more playable and faster than the 5, but with a totally different tone with the Barts compared to the MECs on the 5. I still have that same awe when I pick either of them up. I was glad to read about your experiences with other boutiquers, that confirms what I've always felt about my Wicks - they're stellar! Arguably best bang for the buck in the used market (See thread "Why Warwicks Lose Value").
 

Attachments

  • DSCN0629.jpg
    DSCN0629.jpg
    163.3 KB · Views: 131
#9
Yea so I've only been playing for a little less than a year but just recently upgraded from my 1st bass (a cheap Ibanez). I've wanted a Warwick from the get-go. Not only, IMO, are they the best looking basses out there, but they have the most unmistakeable sound to them. The lows have that nasty growl/punch and the highs cut with beautiful clarity. I went to a boutique here in the Boston area that carried a brand new 2012 Corvette standard in my price range. I wanted it so bad but was a little nervous that, having never played one, I would not be 100% happy with the way it played. I have played quite a few other nice basses while shopping around and, despite what everyone else says (it seems like), the Jazz and Pbasses I tried were just uncomfortable to me in terms of playability, which I found suprising seeing as how they're supposed to be like the gold standard of basses (at least according to most players). With this in mind I was REALLY hoping that I would not have a similar situation with the Wick and, whaddaya know, it played like a dream!!! Loving the way it handles and sounds. I've barely put it down in the last couple of weeks since buying it. I could not be happier with this bass!!! As I said, I've only been playing for a short while. I'm 30 years old and just decided to pick up the bass at this point in my life. I'm self teaching but I feel like I've been picking up a lot. I was definitely inspired to learn and play well before buying the Wick, but now?!?!?! I'm in the damn zone haha!!! To be honest, I was a little intimidated to walk into a boutique and pull this beast off the wall and start playing, due to my novice skill level but the awesome playability and tone made even this rookie sound decent. Worst comes to worst, I know I have a damn fine instrument to grow into. Needless to say, I am more than happy with my Vette and can see this being the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship between Warwick basses and I.

Some people have questioned the fact that I named it a man's name rather than a woman's but, with that nasty growl I just didn't feel like he seemed too lady-like. With that, this is "Harrelson" (a la Woody).....:bassist:
 

Attachments

  • THE WICK.jpg
    THE WICK.jpg
    112.1 KB · Views: 143
#10
B Major said:
Yea so I've only been playing for a little less than a year but just recently upgraded from my 1st bass (a cheap Ibanez). I've wanted a Warwick from the get-go. Not only, IMO, are they the best looking basses out there, but they have the most unmistakeable sound to them. The lows have that nasty growl/punch and the highs cut with beautiful clarity. I went to a boutique here in the Boston area that carried a brand new 2012 Corvette standard in my price range. I wanted it so bad but was a little nervous that, having never played one, I would not be 100% happy with the way it played. I have played quite a few other nice basses while shopping around and, despite what everyone else says (it seems like), the Jazz and Pbasses I tried were just uncomfortable to me in terms of playability, which I found suprising seeing as how they're supposed to be like the gold standard of basses (at least according to most players). With this in mind I was REALLY hoping that I would not have a similar situation with the Wick and, whaddaya know, it played like a dream!!! Loving the way it handles and sounds. I've barely put it down in the last couple of weeks since buying it. I could not be happier with this bass!!! As I said, I've only been playing for a short while. I'm 30 years old and just decided to pick up the bass at this point in my life. I'm self teaching but I feel like I've been picking up a lot. I was definitely inspired to learn and play well before buying the Wick, but now?!?!?! I'm in the damn zone haha!!! To be honest, I was a little intimidated to walk into a boutique and pull this beast off the wall and start playing, due to my novice skill level but the awesome playability and tone made even this rookie sound decent. Worst comes to worst, I know I have a damn fine instrument to grow into. Needless to say, I am more than happy with my Vette and can see this being the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship between Warwick basses and I.

Some people have questioned the fact that I named it a man's name rather than a woman's but, with that nasty growl I just didn't feel like he seemed too lady-like. With that, this is "Harrelson" (a la Woody).....:bassist:
Click to expand...

Try a Spector. ;)
 
#11
Hi

I've been gigging with my Warwick Short Scale Rock Bass.Purchased it about four months ago.Had a Fender Jazz,Ibanez short scale,Fender short scale.I will never need another bass but my Warwick Short Scale Rock Bass.It will and does do any thing I need and sounds just like I want it.I have nerve damage in my hands,but have no trouble playing it.Its built like a tank.Don't understand why more people don't use their short scale.I do know you can't find them to try them.That may be a very good reason.!

Thanks

Dave Armbruster
 
#12
Davesound said:
Hi

I've been gigging with my Warwick Short Scale Rock Bass.Purchased it about four months ago.Had a Fender Jazz,Ibanez short scale,Fender short scale.I will never need another bass but my Warwick Short Scale Rock Bass.It will and does do any thing I need and sounds just like I want it.I have nerve damage in my hands,but have no trouble playing it.Its built like a tank.Don't understand why more people don't use their short scale.I do know you can't find them to try them.That may be a very good reason.!

Thanks

Dave Armbruster
Click to expand...

Short scales also sound different than a standard scale. The overtones are very off-putting to some people (including myself). I also have larger hands, so a short scale just feels odd to me. The lower tension on the standard strings (unless you significantly increase the gauge) feels sloppy to me, too. I like high tension & not feeling squished on a fingerboard...and I'm a fan of the brighter tones that generally come from the higher tension & longer scale.
 
#13
I agree...when I got my custom order Streamer LX 6 - I sold off my last custom NYC-made basses that I had played for over a decade. The recent German basses are mind-boggling nice.
 
#14
krkozbassman said:
I could not believe how high the action was on the $10k bass and it was as low as the bridge would allow without mods
Click to expand...
That doesn't necessarily mean that the Warwicks are better, probably a very poor setup on those basses...

When it comes to business ethics Warwick loses big time, that's the main reason I probably will never get one (though they make good basses and have some attractive models)
My "business ethics" issue with Warwick, from another topic:
FC Bass said:
I would love to see the Status Buzzards back again, HPW should never have taken that from them imho (and start offering Alembic, gibson and Wechter knockoffs after that) :scowl:
Click to expand...
 
#15
I gotta agree, my Thumb BO5 does kick @ss (and I have some really nice basses in my collection). The question I have for you Warwick addicts is - if you had about $1500 and already owned a Thumb what Warwick would you buy next (new or used is ok as long as its in mint condition).
 
#17
I couldn't afford a German the last time buying so I looked at the rockbass corvette $$. Great player and very unique tone. However, it had some neck dive and the controls were.super cheap without much tonal variation. I went with a G&L L2500 for less money. It seemed much more solid and also more attractive visually and with more tonal options
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back