Warwick $$ bass - Could use some input

[slink]

I tried a Warwick double buck 4 string at Guitar Center a couple months ago and really liked it but I only played it for 10 minutes. I've been watching them on Ebay eversince, This is not a sound that I'm used to, I play a Fender MIA Jazz, active EQ, that I bought new 18 years ago. My question is, is this Warwick a bass that would sound good doing 60's, 70's and 80's rock.

Any Warwick info would be great.

[MOONDOGGY]

In general Warwicks (particularly Thumbs) are known to be really bright, punchy, modern sounding basses. However I've had two (a Corvette Proline and a Fortress Flashback), and they weren't what I would call uber-bright. They were more along the lines of the typical modern active bass. Roll of some of the highs and I'm willing to bet any Warwick could get the classic rock thump (if that's what you're going for). Some people love the sound of Warwick's MEC p/ups and pres. Some people hate them.

Since you played one, I don't have to mention this, but I'm going to anyway.....Warwicks have the chunkiest necks I've ever felt! If you can get used to playing a Louisville Slugger bolted to a body w/ strings, then go for it! They're built very well and are fine German basses.

[bassist_25]

I saw Kent using his Warwick with the Brittish Invasion, and I thought it sounded great! Also, country players have taken to Warwick, with Dick McVey even giving his official endorsement: http://www.dickmcvey.com/ In a blues context, I saw Susan Tedeschi's bass player using a Thumb in a left-handed position, but strung normally (so the E string was closest to the floor ), and it sounded great.

A few weeks ago at the bass get together, we had a discussion that Warwicks are easier to mellow out than Spectors, which also is a bass with a reputation for having a highly aggressive sound.

I think it really comes down to if you dug the bass, it felt good, and it sounded good to your ears. In my experience, basses are more generalizable across different genres of music than guitars (i.e., I wouldn't play metal-core on an off-the-shelf Telecaster, but a Jazz Bass or an ESP bass would both fit the bill, personal tastes aside). I've never played a Double-Buck, but they have a great reputation. If I were going to buy a Corvette, that would be the one I'd want to check out. If you're hesitant, you could always buy used and flip for close to what you paid for it.

[MOONDOGGY]

Well put.

[zman1200]

I prefer to play my thinbody no name acoustic bass that I invested very litte in .I could sell it any time for 5 times what I paid its the very best of 5 1 fantastic 1 good 1 repairable 2 Junk ebay specials one mans thrash another mans treasure

[JackANSI]

Since you played one, I don't have to mention this, but I'm going to anyway.....Warwicks have the chunkiest necks I've ever felt! If you can get used to playing a Louisville Slugger bolted to a body w/ strings, then go for it! They're built very well and are fine German basses.

Thats the best description of a warwick standard and fat neck I've heard to date! lol! I've been a pretty big fan of their tone, but it is the neck thing that always put me off.

Never tried their extra slim neck though, never could find one in stores...

[bassist_25]

I prefer to play my thinbody no name acoustic bass that I invested very litte in .I could sell it any time for 5 times what I paid its the very best of 5 1 fantastic 1 good 1 repairable 2 Junk ebay specials one mans thrash another mans treasure

umm... okay...

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When I played the Warick $$ I didn't notice the neck being chunky I'll make sure I test drive one before I decide to buy. I'm in no hurry to buy, I know what finish I want and I'm waiting to get a bargain.

Ebay is the way to buy, they go for about $700-$1000 used and new anywhere from $1400 - $2400.

Paul thanks for the link there's a lot of info there.

I liked the bass I tried but I didn't have my amp with me, I run an Eden WT-550. I'd like to try one through an eden head to see if I like that match up. Gonna check on line to find a store that sells them.

[bassist_25]

I liked the bass I tried but I didn't have my amp with me, I run an Eden WT-550. I'd like to try one through an eden head to see if I like that match up.

Jim, it wouldn't be the same as actually playing and hearing in person, but if you get a chance, check out some early Incubus. Their old bassist, Dirk Lance, based his whole sound on Warwicks through Edens (I'm pretty sure that's what he used in the studio). Their new bass player is a Lakland through Mesa guy. Here's some stuff with Dirk.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nt7idfsa9hg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92GX5dhZalE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jdh_Ia0pwIw

[slink]

I checked out those links Paul and then found some others with people playing Warwicks and I think the Warwick will do just fine with an Eden head.