Warwick Bass Comparison: Streamer Stage I and II and Thumb NT
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- Опубликовано: 27 авг 2011
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🔥Check out my first commercially available bass instruction video! bit.ly/DoubleThumbing This is a quick video I put together to highlight the similarities and the differences between the Warwick Streamer Stage I, the Streamer Stage II, and the Thumb Neck Through basses. It's pretty rare to find all of these in a shop at the same time, let alone just a single one in a shop, so I thought this might be a nice back to back comparison for anyone who was curious about these instruments!
I'm not a Warwick endorser, although I know it's hard to tell ;) I'm a Seattle area bassist and singer, and I'd love for you to leave me a comment here or send me an email, and please check out my site and my other videos!
Thanks for watching. And by the way, which one of these is your favorite? 
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Great playing! I did a similar type of comparison video between a Thumb BO and Streamer LX. Similar to your NT basses, they've both got unique character, yet they're distinctly Warwick.
thanks for sharing this info man, you are right, we won't get to see these basses side by side to compare them very often. very helpful.
Thanks anyway sean. Love all your vidz here. Wil always keep updating your new vidz
Great video! About time someone did this!
That Thumb bass is my actual bass. I bought off of him in January of 2012. It's my go-to bass!
Hey Nick! Glad you still have it and are still enjoying it! It's a great sounding bass.
Hello all, I have uploaded a response to this video that better demonstrates the differences between each bass. Please check it out! It has almost the same name: Warwick Bass Comparison: Streamer Stage I and II and Thumb NT part 2. Thanks for watching!
Nice review dude, and huge props for the Tom Jenkinson riffage!
Hello! That's a great question. I haven't been lucky enough to try that combination, but I am very interested in Audere preamps and have never used one. Sorry I couldn't help with this!
Nice to finally see a bass demo on RUclips where the person actually digs some tone out instead of barely tickling the strings.
@FreakazoidsAsteroids Thanks for the comment! I love the SSII. The Thumb sounded great, but too tough to play while standing in the end. A great sounding bass though!
@Agbar Thank you Agbar! I love that song. And I love Squarepusher. That's got to be one of his best bass riffs! For anyone who's wondering what we're talking about, check out Squarepusher's "Come on my selector."
Thumb bass sounds the best...very punchy and growly!! Lows are very prominent also. would say SS2 comes in second for me.
Loved all 3,tough call,tie between the 6's!
my music teacher is a bass player. he is very talented and has a warwick bass just like the second 6 string one (but four). i've yet to use it but when he lets me I'm going to be happy because I've never played on a £2000 bass before. :)
@abshmusic Thanks! I actually built the bass in the corner when I was a senior in high school. I interned with Dave Bunker (Bunker Guitars) and bought a bunch of exotic wood - really trying to create my own Warwick-style bass, since I never thought I'd be able to afford one at the time. Thankfully, that ended up not being the case!
@danitz56 I had to re-watch this to see if that was accurate, and it is! Well, one need not use one's entire arsenal every time the troops take the field. I actually use both of those strings quite a bit normally (see the other videos, especially the Jerzy Drozd one), but the songs I played for this video demo were all originally recorded 4 string basses. It wasn't a conscious decision, and now that you mention it, I wish I had thought of that at the time!
I just purchased this Thumb from this guy! Can't wait to get it!
great review, man!.
I know people dig the Streamer...but I love the thumb! In this video, you can see how it a friggin slap machine! hehe
Thank you very much!
@theneighborshood Thank you! I have since put an Aggie OBP-3 preamp into the Thumb, and I'm actually starting to think that the original MEC one might be better suited to that bass. The mids are great! Just wish the thing felt better to play while standing.
I have been DYING for the Streamer Stage II... I swear... if I had the money... that would rule...
@J3v4d3r @J3v4d3r hey! I'm partial to the Aggie, but both sound great. I would say it depends on what you want. If you want a more compressed and mid cut sound, stick with MEC. if you like more mids and throatier low mids, try the Aggie. Sometimes, just a change is nice, even if you end up changing back!
Great playing
Thanks!
Your explanation help me a lot. I goi streamer. Thank you. From Japan
Glad I could help!
@@CombinatorMusic
Warwick awesome!
in a brief comparison thumb nt has a most agressive raw tone with a most clear highs and pushing mids.
ss2 has most punchy lows and powerful, rich rounded sound.
ss1 tends to be more nasal at high end with strong mids.
correct me if im wrong
I would agree in general :) Watch the second video I did of this shootout, where I put all the basses into an audio interface directly to nullify the room's sound for a more accurate idea of what each sounds like!
Hi MrBIRDMAN206,
Standard tuning for a 6 string from lowest pitch to highest is B, E, A, D, G, C. Various altered tunings exist, but if you find a 6 string bass in a music store, that's how it's likely to be tuned.
I do prefer pickups with covered poles when slapping
@AttitudeCastle That's really cool to hear. Thank you! I'm glad I could help! Good luck in locating a Wick. Try the Warwick forum, and there are usually plenty on eBay as well. Also, Talkbass.com classifieds!
Hey, thanks! Let them know!
I wish! Nope, if it's the purple one you're referring to, that's a bass I built. The natural color one closer to the camera is a Fender P-Bass Special with a replacement neck.
Thanks mate, I'll have a look :)
I would say that the OBP-3 is definitely worth replacing the MEC. I like it's EQ tonal centers a lot more, especially for these basses. I haven't put it in my new Thumb yet because I'm still feeling it out, but with the treble at 6khz instead of 8, that control is much more useful and wide-ranging on the Aggie. And I like the bass control centered lower than the MEC (which gets muddy), and also the switchable mid is almost necessary. Love it! No old SSII footage, I'm afraid.
Nice basses and have tried many but i always end up back to the american made spectors. Been playing them for over 20 years and nothing beats the growl of a spector bass.
@spfairchild Do you recommend a Aguilar OBP pre-amp in the Warwicks? I have alot of 'wicks but im considering replacing the original MEC preamps on my 5-string SS1 from 1990 and a SS2 from 1989, both with bartolini's. What do you think?
Hi sean..
How about the audere 4b classic pre amp on 5string corvette pro?
Hw does the sound like?
I have bought a thumb nt 6 so wonderfull !
@spfairchild Hi mate, thanks for your reply! Good to get another opinion on things. I definately agree on the high-mid honk. Have looked into the Aguiler, might just give it a shot. Failing that there is a beautiful Ken Smith I am after. Might be the incentive I needed to buy it. Those basses have such a beautiful mid. Great to hear from you mate!
Can you do without string pluck sound? I love this comparison, more finger touch & slapping would be appreciate, nice job, bring more!
nice job!
I loved your music.
not anymore now? and hey, he's playing a Chili Pepper song...
Hola Cristian,
The last time checked, the Streamer Stage II is more expensive. I'm not sure about the Stage I. But here in the states, assuming you had three models with the same number of strings and no custom options, the SSII would be the most expensive.
I have to admit, although I try to play with a softer touch when I'm thinking about, my natural tendency is definitely to dig in a little :)
My favorite is the Thumb NT. Nice slap playing by the way! That one standing on the corner looks like a Stambaugh bass. Is it right?
Hey Sean, do you know much about the history of Thumb Basses. I looked at a Thumb NT6 from 2005 last week that had a Wenge 'board but I'm sure I've seen earlier basses with ebony. Other than the Bubinga body they seemed to alternate neck woods all of the time.
Hi Jon, I know a little bit - I think some of the bolt-ons have wenge boards, but I had thought the NTs all featured ebony. Mine was ebony. Warwick moved away from wenge necks on many instruments around the turn of the century, maybe a couple years after, preferring ovangkol. I think they've started doing more wenge necks lately, but that could be due to custom shop instruments I've been seeing. Wenge makes a great fretboard too I think! And I actually prefer the more closed grain feel of ovangkol on the neck.
nice comparison dude!!! where is the best place here in the US to buy a streamer stage II
? the place who wont give overpriced
Thank you very much! I can't recommend a specific store/outlet anymore, but you could check with Bass Central, The Bass Place maybe, Sweetwater.
@AttitudeCastle They both have awesome, and pretty different sounds! However, for me and my body, I prefer to play the Streamer for the way it balances and feels - but that's just me. Good luck!
The thumb's mid's are sooo crunchy. I love my warwick. Your's are dope as well.
I dig you playing that SquarePusher
Hello again! I'd really love to help you out here, but I don't really have any experience with Sadowsky's preamps either. I can speak to certain Bartolini, Aguilar, MEC, Seymour Duncan and a few others' preamps, but I have not yet had much personal experience with Audere or Sadowsky pre's. But there are likely other videos on youtube that focus on those preamps. Good luck!
I am looking to buy the Streamer 1 or 2 are those both active
First up i enjoyed the comparison. Can see how the comparison of basses doesn't work when electronics have been replaced. I would say you look more comfortable with your goto 5 string bass. Its maybe set up a little better at this point in terms of fret and string noise. I'm kinda guessing that's what it is as both 6ers seem to just have more of that type of noise. The Thumb in my opinion has that definite growl that all Thumb basses tend to have (i own a 1989 Thumb NT with EMG's since new) whereas the other 2 basses had a more subtle sounding tone that i hear with many other basses in this class or value. All the basses look pretty impressive but would have to admit that the Thumb would be my choice as it sounds much more like how a Warwick should sound. I wasn't aware Warwick put Bartolini pick ups on their Streamer 6ers in earleir days however i was never into 6 string basses back then. Any reason why you replaced the eletronics in the Streamers or did you buy that way. Just curious.
dmccombe7, I dislike the MEC preamps before 2016 when they were totally redesigned. The bass frequency is too high, treble too high, and too much of an inherent mid scoop for my taste with everything centered. I found other preamps to be more useful for me. But the pickups are a lot more to thank or blame for the instrument's timbre - the pre just sculpts that. I love all these basses, and now enjoy a custom SSII 6!
Mine had the original EMG pre-amp that failed couple years ago and had no option but fit the Warwick replacement MEC pre-amp. Personally i couldn't hear any difference between the older EMG and new MEC pre-amps. I believe the frequencies are adjustable on the board tho. I do like the sound of your Streamers and think they have a more "usable" tone. I find the Thumb bass to have a limited use and doesn't always work in band situations. Thanks for the reply and explanation on why you changed. Appreciated. Now go enjoy those gorgeous basses LOL
Both basses have active pickups and active preamps in their stock configuration.
OK here's the deal I'm deciding between a new Spector rebop 5 and a used Warwick Streamer Jazzman (4 strings) the price difference between them is of 50 euros. I did like both.On the internet people don't seem to consider the ReBop a big deal though but it has 5 strings (a feature i've been used to the last 5 years)...on the other hand the Jazzman is in pretty good shape and since it's used it costs way less then a new one (Prices are 1350 for the Streamer and 1300 for the Spector ReBop)
Great vid mate :) Where can I purchase a warwick bass in the uk?
Ok..so in your opinion, what preamp works better beetween aguilar and sadowsky? Just need your expert opinion
I LOVE the streamer stage 1 and the Thumb NT can't decide which i like more :(
Hey man, thanks! It shouldn't be hard at all to get a Warwick in the UK, since you're so close (relatively) to Germany, where the best of their series are made. Looks like Bassmerchant dotcom has em, gak-dot-co-dot-uk, and basscentre just to name a few. But you can get great value from a good second hand instrument!
@spfairchild Wish there were more warwicks local to me, This video and the follow up helped me loads, thanks alot man :)
the rebob is a bolt on czech made spector. almost the same as a neck through spector euro. a great value if you can find one used. the price difference is all if you think its worth it. both basses look similar (not even getting into that one) but sound different. oranges and grapefruits, i say.
I like the original Warwick Thumb NT with MEC Pickups and Preamp... As it comes from the Factory.
Good review. They all seem to have the same generica Warwick sound to me - very "middley" - which is a good thing.
My all-time Warwick favorite has been, is, and will be the Thumb! I just can't get enough of them! HOWEVER, the only thing is the fact that it's uncomfortable to play standing up. That's the ONLY gripe I have about them. Otherwise, the Thumb is my go-to bass!
Was that little slap section a Squarepusher riff?!
That stage 2 is amazing sounding.
The thumb and SS2 are comparable. I own both- to me it comes down to what body feels best on you.
Well I'd say to go with the Warwick! The ReBop is one of Spector's offshore ones, I think, but the Warwick is a genuine German-made one. I don't like the bridge on Spectors as much as I like the Warwick bridge. But pick the one that feels better!
can you give one of those?
@giannakisXAXAXA Hard to say, but I feel pretty good about the Ibanez basses in that price range. I had an SR885 that wasn't too much more than that, which lasted me for a good long time and was capable of pretty much anything I wanted to play on it. Some of the less expensive Warwicks I've played have been pretty lousy in construction, but that may have changed by now.
More amp volume, and we can hear the difference better. Now its too much string noise. Thumb sounds usually duller than this, problably because of the acoustic string sound
god dayum 6 string bass back in 90 wow didn't know warwick made 6 back then
@FIeebz I know the "real" ones are pricey, but I'd say save up and wait to get a used German-made one. I don't have a very high opinion of the budget "Warwick" lines, and for the money, I'd sooner have a different instrument, like an Ibanez, Schecter, Cort, etc. Of course, German-made Corvettes second hand aren't too pricey, maybe try one of those to see if you like it!
You know it!
Which one is better - Spector Euro LX or one of these basses?
I am a fan of the Stage ii but now I realize the Stage i is warmer... Stage ii has more mids... of what I’ve heard
I'm thinking about buying one of them friday hahahah
Good luck with it!
oh yeah i see !:) i think that streamer stage 2 can do more things i mean different types of music ... and better slap tone.. or its just my opinion .. whats your opinion about lx ltds. Thank you vary much and keep funkin' with the warwicks :Dcheers!!
SQUAREPUSHER...very surprised to hear that.
where did you get your hands on the stage 1 6 string? i cant find it anywhere
Hi Stevie, I bought that one used in not such great shape, and actually refinished it myself. I don't remember exactly, but I likely bought it from the classifieds on the Warwick forum or Talkbass. In fact, there's one on eBay right now, but the seller is asking WAY too much! Will probably realize it when it doesn't sell, though ;)
spfairchild thanx man im definitely thinking of going five to six string bass especially a warwick thanx for that :)
dude, how can you make a comparison when you put different electronics in them....??
The electronics don't necessarily colour the sound! A good pre-amp won't colour the sound, and will stay true to the tone of the wood. Besides, Warwick's are amazing basses.. But I'd swap out the crappy mec pre amp system any day.
is warwick or ibanez better at a price of 700 $ ???
Why didn't you touch the low B or high C on the 6string, or the low B on the 5 string?
he's afraid of it. never been there so far ;-) doesn't sound with this style of playing...
@spfairchild thnx for the advise dude :)
Thumb or SS2
whats the tuning for a 6 string bass?
Typically you'd have a low B and a high C added to give you B E A D G C, all strings tuned to 4ths.
they seem to sound very similar
Dude who covers squarepusher.
Is a friend of mine.
@spfairchild yea and they made in china i personally like the corvette double buck non rock bass
@giannakisXAXAXA definitely get a used german warwick, you can probably get one on craigslist for about 700$. i bought a used german corvette standard a few years ago and I've never ever regretted it. It's just a really well-made, great sounding, beautiful bass ;)
mellowship slinky haha good tune
mellowship slinky yeah :D
but not so mellow in this version haha
Sounds like (even with the unique sound of the thumb) your sound is predominantly in your fingers. Killer basses, especially the streamer 6. I've always liked Warwicks but nowadays, as cool as they are, they're way overpriced for me. Maybe if I win the Powerball.
There's definitely a lot to be said for setup, string type and gauges, and the way a player plays - certainly tends to make people sound more similar across instruments, especially that they own, than others would sound on them. Thank you! And good luck with that Powerball ticket ;)
@@CombinatorMusic Too true on all that.
Streamer stage 1 for the win.
why didnt you play the first and sixth string?????????????????????????????????
Watch the follow up vid, part II 🙂
How old are you?
this is my dream of consumption Streamer stage 1...
Here’s an original solo bass composition of mine on a Warwick.. Thank you for checking out!
ruclips.net/video/xfYnGbv4zWw/видео.html
The Thumb... that was the GROWLIEST bass I have ever heard.
Sixes
And i like the streamer 2 more
streamer stage I ftw