40hz Posted May 28, 2014 Share Posted May 28, 2014 Evening all, Looking to get my filthy paws on a SS1 very soon, any help on what to look out for (if anything) would be Much appreciated. Differing specs through the years or neck profiles? Any known weak points? Cheers Si. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warwickhunt Posted May 28, 2014 Share Posted May 28, 2014 Where to start... [size=4] [/size] [size=4]The good thing is, you'll not find any dodgy 'fakes' as you can get with Fender.[/size] [size=4]Since inception in 82 till now, the overall bass has changed in quite a few ways; [/size][list] [*]Neck woods have gone from predominantly wenge to maple (3-9 piece depending on era), earliest basses had pencil thin necks then in the mid/late 80's they fattened out a bit [*]Body woods have gone from Cherry wood to Maple, with a wood called Anegre possibly in there somewhere. Likewise the bodies started very slim (front to back), thickening up into the late 80's; adding weight in the process (weight varies from just under 8lb to about 9.5lb) [*]Electronics from 2-3 band and can be from a multitude of manufacturers but predominantly MEC, pups likewise from Alembic/EMG/SD/Bartolini/MEC... and others. You occasionally get preamp failures but no worse than any other manufacturers. [*]The nut has gone from a single solid brass affair through 3 evolutions of the JAN unit (many of which have bits that break off but that still works) [*]Truss rod material has changed and some early basses had breaks but these should all be resolved by now. [*]Bridges were one piece Shaller then 2 piece Warwick units (some saddle units can rust if not looked after but easily replaced) [*]Jack sockets are made of chocolate and will likely have been replaced if the bassis more than a couple years old [/list] There are probably more changes and as and when I think I'll post back. [size=4] [/size] [size=4] [/size][size=4] [/size] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
40hz Posted May 28, 2014 Author Share Posted May 28, 2014 Comprehensive rundown there Warwickhunt! Thanks very much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeFRC Posted May 28, 2014 Share Posted May 28, 2014 1991-3 ish didn't the hard wear go from brass Warwick branded made by Schaller to an alloy not made by Schaller? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warwickhunt Posted May 28, 2014 Share Posted May 28, 2014 [quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1401302860' post='2462282'] 1991-3 ish didn't the hard wear go from brass Warwick branded made by Schaller to an alloy not made by Schaller? [/quote] Size of the actual bridge assembly also changed as well Luke but only really a problem if you try and buy a replacement and forget to check the size! [size=4] [/size] [size=4]Things like straplock fittings/type and battery compartments have also changed over time but again, no issue other than replacements... OH and the battery compartment will have at least one broken tag or will be held in with gaffa tape. [/size] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeFRC Posted May 28, 2014 Share Posted May 28, 2014 [quote name='warwickhunt' timestamp='1401303832' post='2462303'] ... and the battery compartment will have at least one broken tag or will be held in with gaffa tape. [/quote] unless... you buy an ex warwickhunt one in which case they tend to be in tip top condition! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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