need help choosing a 5 strings bass similar to warwick.

[saibuster]

Im looking for an inexpensive backup bass for my Streamer Stage II 5 strings.
It should have similar neck profile and string spacing as the warwick so swapping
between them shouldn't feel too different. Wood, electronics and hardware doesn't
really matter but i would prefer a two pickup arrangement. My budget is £300 and I
can buy new or wait till i find a good second hand deal.

As far as i understand, Yamaha and Ibanez have very good value for money, but
are the necks and spacing too different?

[Fraktal]

Whats your bass string spacing? If it is tight (16-17mm) I would recommend a Rockbass Streamer Standard, pretty similar to your bass, MEC pickups, the cheapest warwick clone out there and also the best tone IMHO. I love mine to bits. Also with tight string spacing (16.5mm) there is the Ibanez SR505, this bass has a very good reputation in these forums, though the neck is ULTRA thin, nothing in common with warwick neck feel.

Cant help you with wide string spacing, I have been avoiding those basses for a long time now, sorry.

[rjb]

For a new bass, see if you can get an deal (or stretch the budget) to an Ibanez SR505. A brilliant bass for the money and feels like a light Warwick. They have very decent electronics, too. The string spacing is narrower, but they are easy to play. ([url="http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/en/ibanez-sr-505/11055"]http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/en/ibanez-sr-505/11055[/url])

For a second-hand (and well under budget) option, as an alternative to getting a Rockbass Streamer Standard, you might want to keep an eye out for an old Warwick Streamer STD. They were German made and had standard Warwick necks on cheaper bodies. They only made them for about two years (1999-2000). The passive electronics are very basic, but easy to upgrade. ([url="http://www.warwickbass.com/basses/streamer_std.html"]http://www.warwickbass.com/basses/streamer_std.html[/url] - this web page is old, by the way, these are definitely no longer being made).

Edited December 9, 2008 by rjb

[Born 2B Mild]

Maybe a Spector Legend? Used, might be within budget. Here's a new one

[url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Spector-Legend-5-string-Bass-Guitar_W0QQitemZ260313836721QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV?hash=item260313836721&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A16%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318"]On eBay[/url]

[saibuster]

thanks for the idea guys. I'll probably wait for a used sr505 to show up. Seems like an awesome bass for the price.
How is the quality control for Ibanez? Can you get really good ones or bad ones for the same model?

[Faithless]

As someone before mention SR505 is a wonderful thing for money, but it doesn't meet all your demands about similarity..

Not sure about spacing (what's your Warwick's spacing?), but neck will differ, of course...

[saibuster]

The string spacing on the warwick is pretty tight, 16mm which is similar to the sr505. but the neck is much thinner on the Ibanez. I think i'd have to try it out
and see how it feels.

[Faithless]

yeah, try it first..

And, buying backup-one as much similar, as the main one is good decision, I've done this also, and there's sooo little feel difference between my Ibbies..

[simon1964]

[quote name='saibuster' post='349309' date='Dec 9 2008, 02:36 AM']Im looking for an inexpensive backup bass for my Streamer Stage II 5 strings.
It should have similar neck profile and string spacing as the warwick so swapping
between them shouldn't feel too different. Wood, electronics and hardware doesn't
really matter but i would prefer a two pickup arrangement. My budget is £300 and I
can buy new or wait till i find a good second hand deal.

As far as i understand, Yamaha and Ibanez have very good value for money, but
are the necks and spacing too different?[/quote]

The SR505 is a fantastic bass, but the neck is [u]very[/u] skinny. Complete opposite to the Warwick feel.

[Dubs]

[quote name='rjb' post='349329' date='Dec 9 2008, 07:48 AM']For a new bass, see if you can get an deal (or stretch the budget) to an Ibanez SR505. A brilliant bass for the money and feels like a light Warwick. They have very decent electronics, too. The string spacing is narrower, but they are easy to play. ([url="http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/en/ibanez-sr-505/11055"]http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/en/ibanez-sr-505/11055[/url])[/quote]

That's a good shout. I've played a 4 string version and loved it.

[url="http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/en/ibanez-sr-500/11054"]http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/en/ibanez-sr-500/11054[/url] - That's bloody great value! Tempting...if I had any money at all

[rjb]

[quote]Complete opposite to the Warwick feel.[/quote]

I agree in part. Certainly the neck is very different, but I personally find that the feel of the wenge/bubinga neck woods give something of a Warwick vibe. Also the small rounded body is a little thumb-like...

[quote]How is the quality control for Ibanez? Can you get really good ones or bad ones for the same model?[/quote]

Ibby have always seemed pretty damn solid to me, and every time I pick one up in a shop the factory setup is quite nice too..

Edited December 13, 2008 by rjb

[OutToPlayJazz]

Yamaha BB615 should be pretty close, not as thick in the neck dept. (thumb to fingers), but excellent value for money, etc. Also excellent sound and output.

[simon1964]

[quote name='saibuster' post='349309' date='Dec 9 2008, 02:36 AM']Im looking for an inexpensive backup bass for my Streamer Stage II 5 strings.
It should have similar neck profile and string spacing as the warwick so swapping
between them shouldn't feel too different. Wood, electronics and hardware doesn't
really matter but i would prefer a two pickup arrangement. My budget is £300 and I
can buy new or wait till i find a good second hand deal.

As far as i understand, Yamaha and Ibanez have very good value for money, but
are the necks and spacing too different?[/quote]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the Ibanez ATK305. By coincidence, this one has just been posted in the for sale section at a very good price (with apologies for the shameless plug )

[url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=34177"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=34177[/url]

Edited December 13, 2008 by simon1964

[simon1964]

[quote name='rjb' post='353375' date='Dec 13 2008, 09:47 AM']I agree in part. Certainly the neck is very different, but I personally find that the feel of the wenge/bubinga neck woods give something of a Warwick vibe. Also the small rounded body is a little thumb-like...[/quote]

That's actually a very good point. The wenge/bubinga does give that ''organic'' Warwick feel.