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Why are Warwick basses so well playable?

5

5str

Nov 3, 2009
61
0
#1
Hello to the t-bers once more. I come with a question that recently came to my mind.
I own a Schecter Hellraiser bass. I have to admit it is very well playable, it is set-up correctly and it has not caused any problem in terms of playability so far, that was not corrected immediately. However a week ago I played with a Warwick Corvette bass which blew my mind with how easy it was to play. It was really effortless. Not that I find my Schecter any difficult, but with the Warwick it was like not using my muscles at all.

Now, I have heard that every bass given the proper set up, is equally (or almost equally) well playable. How, then, can it be then, that I noticed such a difference between the two? Both are set up by the best luthiers in my area, and even if the Warwick had lighter strings than my Schecter does currently, I have to say that I have tried many gauges and none made my bass easier than the Warwick to play. Could anyone shed some light, regarding the possible differences of set-up between the basses?
 
#2
5str said:
Now, I have heard that every bass given the proper set up, is equally (or almost equally) well playable. How, then, can it be then, that I noticed such a difference between the two?
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Because this is wrong. A well set up bass with a shape I don't like isn't gonna be as playable for me as a well set up bass with a shape I do like. All basses aren't equally playable to a particular player just because they're set up well. Seems you like that Warwick. Many do. They make good basses.
 
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#3
It probably comes down to strings. Simply put, Lighter or lower tension strings play easier. Next the quality of the instrument will come into play. ie; The pickups on the Corvette are very responsive so lighter touch may be picked up. Then there is the neck shape and profile Vs. your particular hands. Not every hand fits every neck the same.
 
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#6
Gorn said:
Because this is wrong. A well set up bass with a shape I don't like isn't gonna be as playable for me as a well set up bass with a shape I do like. All basses aren't equally playable to a particular player just because they're set up well. Seems you like that Warwick. Many do. They make good basses.
Click to expand...
Yep, Homely but play nice. Beauty being in the eye yada yada yada. Warwick German factory setup is impeccable like any high end maker. Warwick’s just look no good to many people. Still can be a dealbreaker when any decent instrument can play amazingly when set up.

Any bass I have set up for myself plays beautifully; as good as any Warwick but certainly DIFFERENT. Just as Gorn hated his fat neck Classic 50s P neck, I absolutely love mine and it’s my favourite bass.

OP likes Warwick? He should try my 1961 Jazz neck. Sorry Warwick.... next! That jazz neck isn’t MY favourite to play but it my most prized bass being so old and sounds by so great. Rather play my MIM 50s baseball bat neck though: nothing at all like a Warwick or the jazz.

If you get one, swap “W” tuners for Hipshot. Sad that they use cheap cast tuners even on their German made $$$ stuff instead of machined steel: a number of threads here on that pitfall. Tuner posts bending and falling apart. Sad.
 

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