Warwick Rockbass Shock

[dr.funk]

For some silly reason I have always been rather anti-warwick. Anyway I went for a jam at a friends house today and used his bass a Warwick Corvette through an SWR LA10 or 12.

The sound really surprised me, I think it is the best slap tone I have ever acheieved. It didn't nessecarily sound better than my jazz but much springier, more like a musicman or those clips of peds vigier - surprising for a j configuration.

Has anyone else had any experience with these basses? Im sorely tempted to get one for mucking about on. How does the warwick corvette compare? Is there much of a difference?

Chris

[martthebass]

Not had much experience with the Rockbass line other than the odd tinker in a shoppe. IMHO the German made ones are completely different and worth finding the extra money for. I moved from a MIM Jazz to an Active Corvette and didn't regret it. Now on a Thumb Bolt On and lovin' it.

[Bassmonster]

i own rockbass corvette 5 (passive) it plays really well for a 5 stringer, really fast neck, mines is one of the older models which had a few QC issues, particularly the input jacks and wiring however i believe warwick have this under control now.

[kevbass]

The rockbass line use the same pups as the actual warwicks, the wood and pre amp is differen though, really good basses for the money, and they look quite nice

[thumbo]

They're great basses for the money. I particularly like sound and feel of the Fortress 4 with the P + J pickups.

[lobematt]

yes they are! and I have one for sale/trade if anybodies interested?

[dr.funk]

I might be interested if you can give me some details?

[dr.funk]

[quote name='martthebass' post='18522' date='Jun 15 2007, 07:50 PM']Not had much experience with the Rockbass line other than the odd tinker in a shoppe. IMHO the German made ones are completely different and worth finding the extra money for. I moved from a MIM Jazz to an Active Corvette and didn't regret it. Now on a Thumb Bolt On and lovin' it.[/quote]

I remember mention of the german made warwicks. They are quite expensive now though? Are they actual warwicks or warwick rockbasses that are made in germany? I was under the impression all warwicks were made in germany.

[Kiwi]

I bought a Warwick Rockbass Streamer Basic from Thumbo's shop in Plymouth on impulse in the days before I had a stingray. It made more than a reasonable account of itself in a side by side comparison with the authentic thing. The only downside was that the bass lacked a bit of warmth - even after I installed an EMG BTC preamp. Possibly I should have put an Aguilar or similar instead but the EMG meant I didn't have to drill the bass.

[dr.funk]

Interesting, I haven't had a chance to try the streamer.

Looking at the prices I realise they aren't actually as cheap as I expected!

[martthebass]

[quote name='dr.funk' post='19202' date='Jun 17 2007, 05:08 PM']I remember mention of the german made warwicks. They are quite expensive now though? Are they actual warwicks or warwick rockbasses that are made in germany? I was under the impression all warwicks were made in germany.[/quote]

They are expensive new but the ash bodied corvette standards can still be found new around £430ish I think. They are a better bet second hand, for some reason the corvettes don't hold value so well in the first year or so (bit like a Ford Mondeo). I sold my 1 year old 'vette active a couple of months ago (in absolutely mint condition) for £350 on ebay - so there are bargains to be had.

The Rockbasses are the same shape and use MEC pickups but the German Warwicks use the 2 part bridges and more importantly the wenge/ovangkol necks (Rockbasses are standard maple/rosewood) which (allegedly) give the characteristic Warwick Growl. Hope this was useful.

ps. Sorry, realised I hadn't answered your question; Warwicks are made in Germany, the Rockbass line is made in China. I think some of the QC/final fit on the Rockbasses may still be done in Germany IIRC.

Edited June 17, 2007 by martthebass

[Bassmonster]

[quote name='martthebass' post='19300' date='Jun 17 2007, 08:57 PM']TI think some of the QC/final fit on the Rockbasses may still be done in Germany IIRC.[/quote]

they are now.

[lobematt]

[quote name='dr.funk' post='19200' date='Jun 17 2007, 05:06 PM']I might be interested if you can give me some details?[/quote]
theres a thread for it with pics etc in the for sale forum, i'll go an give it a bump now so its on top somewhere

[dr.funk]

Thanks martthebass that was really very helpful. I think I will have to get myself down to a music shop and try out the range.

[NickSpector]

My warwick corvette special edition is pretty damn nice. It'll give the low end full on warwicks a pasting.