Warwick Corvette 5 string (German) info...

[Baracus]

Hi guys, looking for some info on this bass... I’m more a guitarist so not really up to speed on Warwicks and prices. Pretty much just played P’s and Jazz’s in the past.

Looking to buy a bass to use for recording (mainly) and looking at a ‘98 Corvette Standard 5 string, made in Germany. I know a guy who has one but not sure on what these would usually go for? he’s not really sure either I guess. Hard to find much info on them as it seems after this they went to being made in Korea.

Probably more bass than I need but it’s pretty sweet and in great condition, but I don’t want to get ripped off. Any help on what sort of price range would be normal for one of these would be appreciated!

Thanks

[packrat]

These come up fairly often on ebay and reverb and even gumtree. Warwicks seems to have poor secondhand prices, so it's worth doing some digging on this. You mostly want to know to avoid comparing to anything rockbass which are the cheaper asian-made models.

[Wizard]

I can’t help with current pricing but I can highly recommend this bass.
I’ve had a few fivers over the last couple of years, but nothing comes close to my Corvette Standard 5.

[narcdor]

Warwick pricing is truly all over the place. My guess would be anywhere from $800 to $1400, yep there is a lot of variance, check eBay and Reverb history to see for yourself, I based my estimate on past experience.

They are nice basses, but do have a specific sound character, and always sound pretty much like a Warwick to my ears. Is this the sound you are chasing for recording? P and J are played by all genres for a reason so if you want flexibility I’d stick to that, probably a MIJ or CIJ for quality but not the US price tag. You can always juice them up with pedals too, lots of guitar pedals you probably have around work on bass too.

I do love Warwicks though, very nice instruments. This would be a nice instrument as well
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre ... 3424248918

[Baracus]

Thanks for the info! He wants probably $1500 ish for it so top end of the price range. But it does look new still.
I’ll see what I find on Reverb and EBay though I have looked before and it seems hard to find this exact model (ash)
Maybe a P is a safer bet
Cheers

[narcdor]

Don’t get me wrong I think they are definitely worth that, resale is so patchy for them as players tend to love/hate.

If I only had one bass it would be a five string PJ, for recording that expands your options as eyes aren’t judging. Ibanez makes some excellent PJ styles and they also go fairly cheap for what they are second hand.

Good luck and don’t forget to post pics of whatever you end up with!

[Paisley]

The Vette's are definitely a niche Instrument; unique feel & a very distinctive mid-focused tone. Players that they appeal to will absolutely love them; however they're not everyones cup of tea, & just don't sit with a lot of players (the Vette's are by far the most common Warwick I see come up for sale).

AFAIK, a '98 model is most likely to have a Wenge neck, which seems more popular with Warwick enthusiasts than the later Ovangkol necks. You mentioned that it's an Ash body, which I personally prefer; there's still a healthy midrange with the Ash models, whereas I've found the mids of the Bubinga body can become a bit overbearing (plus they weigh a ton!!). I've had an Ash $$ Fretless for some time now & have recently picked up a Bubinga Standard, & I'm finding the Ash body Vette is a much more versatile Instrument, even with the pickups just in single coil like the Standard.


Price is subjective, but I agree that $1500 would be the top of the tree. I was watching a 5 String $$ on eBay a few months ago with every intention of bidding on it; however I dropped the ball & missed the auction. It went for around $1300.

[narcdor]

The Vette's are definitely a niche Instrument; unique feel & a very distinctive mid-focused tone. Players that they appeal to will absolutely love them; however they're not everyones cup of tea, & just don't sit with a lot of players (the Vette's are by far the most common Warwick I see come up for sale).

AFAIK, a '98 model is most likely to have a Wenge neck, which seems more popular with Warwick enthusiasts than the later Ovangkol necks. You mentioned that it's an Ash body, which I personally prefer; there's still a healthy midrange with the Ash models, whereas I've found the mids of the Bubinga body can become a bit overbearing (plus they weigh a ton!!). I've had an Ash $$ Fretless for some time now & have recently picked up a Bubinga Standard, & I'm finding the Ash body Vette is a much more versatile Instrument, even with the pickups just in single coil like the Standard.


Price is subjective, but I agree that $1500 would be the top of the tree. I was watching a 5 String $$ on eBay a few months ago with every intention of bidding on it; however I dropped the ball & missed the auction. It went for around $1300.

$1200 actually, not to rub it in or anything...

[sic608]

Warwicks may well be a niche product. That may well be true but it depends on the model and wood type and id say not everyone will have tried them all

Although, i challenge anyone to not like a streamer stage 2

I havent found anything that tops mine

It is a different animal to the thumb as spoken of

[SneakyJak]

(plus they weigh a ton!!).

Think this is an understatement. I just picked up a German 80’s 6 string thumb from bass center and it’s insane how heavy it is compared to my main basses

[Classic5]

(plus they weigh a ton!!).

Think this is an understatement. I just picked up a German 80’s 6 string thumb from bass center and it’s insane how heavy it is compared to my main basses

Ooohh a classic Warwick. Nice one Pete - when is the NBD post happening?

[SneakyJak]

(plus they weigh a ton!!).

Think this is an understatement. I just picked up a German 80’s 6 string thumb from bass center and it’s insane how heavy it is compared to my main basses

Ooohh a classic Warwick. Nice one Pete - when is the NBD post happening?

Didn’t think anyone would be interest based on this thread and the love/hate comments

[Classic5]

Didn’t think anyone would be interest based on this thread and the love/hate comments

There are always some of us who are interested Pete. I'd like to know your thoughts for sure.

[Paisley]

Ooohh a classic Warwick. Nice one Pete - when is the NBD post happening?

Haha; that was my first thought too when I read that!

I've only ever played two Thumbs from the '80s, & they were both stunners!