Warwick vs Ibanez for a lightweight bass

[Pedro74]

Hi, first post here at TB, need advice please.
Being new to bass, I bought a HarleyBenton JB-75MN, my first bass a year ago, very cheap because I didn't know if I was going to really use it. I love the sound but it's weight is killing my back, I already play in a couple of bands (I already played piano so I learn fast). I want to find a better, and especially lighter alternative. I will play jazz, soul, folk, blues, but no heavy metal or anything like it. Originally I was thinking between yamaha trbx 504 and Ibanez sr500 (budget top 600 euros), they are supposed to be versatile and lightweight. I also found two second hand options:
- Ibanez sr 600, 300 euros.
- Warwick corvette rockbass (5 str), 250 euros.

I will play them next week. Any advice beforehand? Thanks.

 

[Wallace320]

Hi, first post here at TB, need advice please.
Being new to bass, I bought a HarleyBenton JB-75MN, my first bass a year ago, very cheap because I didn't know if I was going to really use it. I love the sound but it's weight is killing my back, I already play in a couple of bands (I already played piano so I learn fast). I want to find a better, and especially lighter alternative. I will play jazz, soul, folk, blues, but no heavy metal or anything like it. Originally I was thinking between yamaha trbx 504 and Ibanez sr500 (budget top 600 euros), they are supposed to be versatile and lightweight. I also found two second hand options:
- Ibanez sr 600, 300 euros.
- Warwick corvette rockbass (5 str), 250 euros.

I will play them next week. Any advice beforehand? Thanks.

I'd support each an'every alternative, but bein' cheaper and 5 strings, I'd now tell: go for warwick and never be back... they ain't that light in general (especially the fantastic streamer) but the corvette is, so go for it shamelessly.

Cheers,
Wallace

 

[Wanker_Joe]

I don't think I've ever played a lightweight Warwick (and mine is most certainly my heaviest bass). If you want light you probably want the Ibby. For tone though? My vote would be Warwick all the way.

 

[James Collins]

Consider a semi-hollow like the Warwick Starbass. Gretsch, Ibanez, and Godin all make nice hollow body basses as well. That is the way to go light.

 

[Pedro74]

Thanks, I didn't thought Warwick was so good, will see how it feels playing in a few days

 

[fiveoffour]

Most Warwicks are heavy, but don't know if they make the cheap ones out of Bubinga (the worst offender as far as weight goes). That being said, I love my Corvette to the moon and back. I'll never get rid of it, even if it gains a few lbs.

 

[James Collins]

Most Warwicks are heavy, but don't know if they make the cheap ones out of Bubinga (the worst offender as far as weight goes). That being said, I love my Corvette to the moon and back. I'll never get rid of it, even if it gains a few lbs.

The bubinga ones are exclusively German made. Old used ones can be had for not too much money, but last I checked the prices were climbing. I think it is being driven by decreasing availability and higher price tags on the newer instruments.

The Rockbass ones are ash unless I'm mistaken and fairly light. Also, some of the Corvettes from Germany are ash and these are pretty light, but can be 5-10x as expensive as a Rockbass.

I'm pretty certain the OP was referencing a Rockbass though.