Warwick rockbass streamer standard

[marcus bell]

Any thoughts?

[Silvia Bluejay]

I don't own a Streamer, but I do own three Rockbasses (Corvette and Fortress) and they're good stuff and proper value for money.
My models are pre-2010, which means they have the not-very-clever bridge design that prevents you installing a low B string that's thicker than .130. I understand this has been rectified both on Rockbasses and on Warwicks proper, with a new bridge design.
The other thing to watch out for, as on all Warwicks I think, is the jack socket on the body, which is notoriously pretty fragile. Try to plug and unplug the lead in a straight line, and avoid pushing or pulling diagonally.

Edited January 3, 2013 by bluejay

[mcnach]

I don't understand how so many people like cucumber, when they just taste of unripe melon.

[JohnFitzgerald]

Are you still on the drink from Hogmanay Jose ?

[Silvia Bluejay]

LOL way to keep bumping this thread, folks

[JohnFitzgerald]

I only found it through a search as I'm interested in a Streamer Standard, but not a Rockbass.

[mart]

[quote name='JohnFitzgerald' timestamp='1357237713' post='1919648']
I only found it through a search as I'm interested in a Streamer Standard, but not a Rockbass.
[/quote]
They are pretty similar!

I've not owned either, but the one thing I've seen commented a lot about the Stramer Standards (both the old Warwick and the newer Rockbass version) is that the pickups are not good - very weak - but are a nonstandard size/shape, so hard to replace.

[fender73]

Had the 5 string version for a while - not bad bass and did a fair few gigs with it...but...agree about the pickups, nice tone, but weak.

Would love a Stu Zender Iroquai replica....

[marcus bell]

Warwick wise the stu zender model is my fave, was thinking of dropping an emg bqc in it an setting it up nicely..buying an amp and using it for a bit then getting another kingbass in the near future

[Silvia Bluejay]

Regarding the weakness of the pickups, if the Streamer is like my Rockbasses I imagine that there may be a difference between active and passive versions of the electronics. My two active ones sound powerful enough to me even when plugged directly into the amp, but they're not as good as "Warwicks with a W".

[DarkHeart]

Ive got an 05 5 string Streamer and i cant fault it whats the problem with the bridge?

[3below]

Bridge on the Rockbass Corvette (the Fender like bridge) has an undersized hole on B string. Consequently larger strings will not pass through. Solution is dead easy diy - just drill the hole out to suitable diameter, can be done in situ, 2 min job. Quality of Rockbasses is pretty damn impressive. I do notice the lower output of passive pickups copmpared to G&L and Kramer with passives.

[Silvia Bluejay]

As 3below said. Also on Fortress. I stripped my D'Addario Chrome of its silk and that did the job.

[DarkHeart]

Oh I see not a hard job thats ok thought it might be a major problem, anyway this is my streamer

[IMG]http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j186/jeffhop/SNV80316_zpse393f184.jpg[/IMG]

[mart]

[quote name='bluejay' timestamp='1357245773' post='1919892']
Regarding the weakness of the pickups, if the Streamer is like my Rockbasses I imagine that there may be a difference between active and passive versions of the electronics. My two active ones sound powerful enough to me even when plugged directly into the amp, but they're not as good as "Warwicks with a W".
[/quote]
The Streamer Standard has a different pickup to any other Warwick, and I'm pretty sure they only come in a passive version. I guess a preamp could compensate for a weak pickup to some extent. But my impression with the other Warwick models was that there was a significant difference between their passive pickups and their active pickups; i.e. it's not just the preamp that makes the difference.

[marcus bell]

Think they are a great alternative cheap bass compared to jazzes etc

[Marvin]

I had a 2007/8 Rockbass Corvette (active) for a few months. A lot of bass for the money, I just found the neck too clubby for me to play. Otherwise fantastic build quality and mine had a stupid amount of sustain.

[marcus bell]

Just found a photo of one that had been modified with a 2 band preamp, anyone have an idea how to fit? Which one to get? If so could they post here

[Mornats]

I have a Rockbase Corvette with active pickups and it's as powerful as my other basses. The difference must be passive vs. active I think.

[marcus bell]

[marcus bell]

I think I'm just going to get one as thy look nice and make a few mods such as a glock 3 band pre a ramp etc

[mart]

[quote name='Mornats' timestamp='1357670714' post='1926447']
I have a Rockbase Corvette with active pickups and it's as powerful as my other basses. The difference must be passive vs. active I think.
[/quote]
It's really not just simply a passive/active thing. Yes, the active pups on your Corvette, like the active pups on my Thumb, are great, and powerful. But the passive pickups fitted to some corvettes are also fine. I've only heard a few complaints about regular MEC passive pickups, and then mainly about their passive P pups. Whereas the pups on the Streamer Standard get loads of grumbles.

[40hz]

I have one of the very first Rockbass Streamer Standards, single p/u in 5 string config. I use it as a backup, Great bass quality and playability wise, have to agree though, the mec pickup is extremely weak output-wise. Often thought about modding it too.

[marcus bell]

There's a couple on google that have been modified and one has a glockenklang 3 band (4 knob) electronic system, seems cool