Warwick Streamer body shape - changes?

[40hz]

Hello all!

 

I've been looking at perhaps purchasing a Stage 2 in the not too distant future and out of interest, had a look at the Warwick website at the pricing for a new one and options for customisation (as they appear once in a blue moon 2nd hand - usually a good sign).

 

Having had 2 x Streamer LX's (04 + 09) and 1991 Stage One, the body shape on the newer Streamers is nothing like the ones I've had before. If anything it looks more like my Rockbass Streamer. With really defined 'flat edges' on the top of the bass and a different shaped lower horn. It looks less curvaceous and IMO, much less attractive. Am I imagining this? And why did Warwick do this?

 

Thanks in advance!

 

[nige1968]

Got a link?

[SteveK]

Just had a look at their (very poor) website - You're not imagining it, they are a different shape. I have no idea why Warwick did this.

[warwickhunt]

The early Streamers were more hand-finished and 'curvier'.  Updates and CNC machining etc have certainly altered it but it is personal preference as to whether it is worse/better... worse imho.

[40hz]

Just nabbed some example images from Google, I'm crap at attaching images via mobile, but I'll try!

 

Granted, ones a 4 and one's a 5 banger, but you can see the difference.

 

First one is a 1991 - curvier, sleekier and much more attractive.

 

Second is a 2018 - Much flatter and squarer looking. Not a fan.

 

I wonder if Warwick would consider shaping a Stage 2 the old way, as a custom option?

 

Edited February 7, 2022 by 40hz

[SteveK]

Your photos look less different from the original shape than the photos on the Warwick site. That newer bottom horn, though, looks as if someone has taken a sanding block to the front😟

[40hz]

5 minutes ago, SteveK said:

Your photos look less different from the original shape than the photos on the Warwick site. That newer bottom horn, though, looks as if someone has taken a sanding block to the front😟

You're right - edited.

[Russ]

They changed the shape a bit back in, I think, 2014, in order to differentiate it further from the Spector shape that they "borrowed", and, supposedly, to improve balance - the reshaped top horn is also a little longer than it was before (stops above the 14th fret instead of the 15th). 

 

I like the current shape, but you're right, I think the older shape was a little nicer and a little more visually balanced, and I liked the sculpting around the top horn better. 

 

If I ever found myself with enough money for a custom Warwick, I'd be getting a Fortress. Still their most underrated body shape in my opinion, and they'll still make you one if you ask. 

[LeftyJ]

To be fair, my 01 and 03 LX's don't look too far off from that 2nd, most recent one - except for the body edges. The horns are not flat, but slightly concave as they have long been. The control area has this too, but it appears to be more pronounced on for example my LX5 below. You can still see it clearly from the lighting in the lower horn of that 5-string SS2. It's worse on some other models though: take a look at the Rob Trujillo model for example 

 

[Chris2112]

It has certainly changed and not for the better, unless you like the new 'Rockbass' style lines. 

[Guest]

FWIW I disliked the older Warwick upper shoulder edge as it’s sharp and digs into your forearm (if you happen to play that way when sitting down - not everyone does). The Stage 1 and Stage 2 suffered from this. The Corvette $$ shape is much nicer. It doesn’t look like they’ve altered the upper shoulder curve on the newer Streamer models.

[Dazed]

I’d definitely be looking for an older version. The cost of new Warwicks, especially custom shops is horrific! 
They do pop up frequently even mid-late 80s models. 

[binky_bass]

On 08/02/2022 at 09:35, LeftyJ said:

To be fair, my 01 and 03 LX's don't look too far off from that 2nd, most recent one - except for the body edges. The horns are not flat, but slightly concave as they have long been. The control area has this too, but it appears to be more pronounced on for example my LX5 below. You can still see it clearly from the lighting in the lower horn of that 5-string SS2. It's worse on some other models though: take a look at the Rob Trujillo model for example 

 

Fixed. 😁👍

 

Edited February 11, 2022 by binky_bass

[binky_bass]

.

Edited February 11, 2022 by binky_bass

[LeftyJ]

1 hour ago, binky_bass said:

Fixed. 😁👍

 

LOL, never gets old huh? 

[binky_bass]

4 minutes ago, LeftyJ said:

LOL, never gets old huh? 

Nope! 😄

 

For the record, I'm a lefty too! I just decided to start playing righty all dem years ago as my past self saw sense in going righty! 

[Fionn]

The contours/ sculpting on my ‘98 Pro M are as pronounced I’ve seen on any Streamer. Far more so than on the ‘87 Streamer I had. These photos give a good impression anyway …

Edited February 13, 2022 by Fionn

[bassment73]

Not only that, but the back is also less curved on the latest design streamers, or at least it is for the examples I've got.

 

My 97 LX4 and 99 LX4, have very pronounced curved back. My 2020 Teambuilt LX5 has a flatter (yet still curved) back. Can't show photos just at the moment, but can if anybody's interested