Terry M.

Hmmm I'm not so sure you know. I wouldn't necessarily use the word magic but I feel there's definitely a "formula" Warwick cooked up to create that sound. Obviously I don't know for sure but I've yet to hear anything else sound close to a Thumb. Those brass bell frets may even be a contributing factor and wood and fretboard choices. I could be wrong of course.

Thanks Kev. I'll admit defeat on understanding/experiencing this one 😂

I had to Google Gus basses. Isn't the Corvette design older?

I'm happy to have got this wrong but as I've said before I basically think the sound of an unplugged electric bass is irrelevant but are you saying you feel the Thumb bass even FEELS differently acoustically to when it's plugged in? When you arrive at more insight on this please let me know? I think my mental struggle with the sound is the sound shaping options available when plugged in versus unplugged. How for example can I expect the MEC preamp on my Warwicks to translate to them before they're even plugged in? Again I'm willing to learn.

I promise I'm not being deliberately obtuse here but I've heard this before and genuinely can't understand the point of testing a bass unplugged other than to get the feel of it. It doesn't mean you're wrong however so don't take it that way.

Now it's the Dolphin I think looks weird. They sound really good though,went to a gig once and the bassist had a 5 string version.

From what I understand the Thumb was originally known as the JD bass after an American bass player based in Germany called John Davis.He seemingly had a hand in the design and development.Not only was he one of the actual singers of the lip syncing Milli Vanilli he was a slap and pop player hence the "Thumb". I believe the intention was to wear it high and play...with the thumb! This story won't make playing one any more comfy for those who find them challenging but it might explain the design to a degree. Definitely quite niche.Mine isn't going anywhere.

I'm still yet to understand why electric basses that need amplification are judged acoustically. I'm always willing to learn however so what exactly am I missing with this? If the amplified sound is good isn't that the point?

Do you remember Rock-a-Cha that was upstairs in Kensington Market on High St Ken?

I remember American Classics on the Kings Road very well. Just up from The Garage,an indoor market that always had a classic American car parked in the forecourt.

Back when I played 4s I had the Squier version in the buttercream finish and black pickguard. Loved it. I have one eye looking out to see if any manufacturer dares to build a 5 string version 😁 Yours looks great.

Absolutely love this band 🥰