I played Warwicks exclusively many years ago, such great basses. Very few manufacturers have their own distinct sound that permeates throughout their entire range of instruments but all German Warwicks have it to some degree, my favourite was an old Fortress which I should never have sold.
First, I got a 5 string Streamer. Then, I got a Corvette standard. I thought, I could use a Corvette $$ but I had the pleasure to observe this video and I think I really want a Thumb.
I used to have a bass just like that and it was my first 5-string!!!!! It had a very unique tone and sounded even better after I had the preamp replaced with an EMG preamp! SERIOUS GROWL AND PUNCH AND A CRAZY LOW B!!! I miss that bass!
Just to clarify, the early Thumbs (‘80s to very early ‘90s) have seriously thin necks, more like an Ibanez SR. Warwick necks changed a lot over the years. Some are tiny, some are huge, some are inbetween.
Got a 1980s corvette ss as my go to bass..lovely action and a tone monster.. play stingray and fender jazz both awesome but something about Warwick that's truly amazing !
Way to go man. I've got two German-made Warwick's...a 4 string Corvette $$ and a 5 string FMA. Looks like thumb basses are in the forecast. Those hands make it sound even better. Funk on!
This isn’t a Bubinga bodied Thumb. Nor is it a Wenge neck. Some bolt on thumbs from the 90s were walnut bodies, and after late ‘98 they had ovangkol necks. Wenge necks came back around 2012. It’s still a very nice bass. This bass is walnut / ovangkol.
I bought a 99 Thumb 5 string from Guitar Center online and was pretty upset about the condition it arrived in. Parts were rusted and one tuner was broken. I was ready to send it back until I played it. Wow! This thing has a magic tone. It has an Ovangkol neck ( First year) I bought a 98 Thumb 5-er shortly after that with the all wenge neck and its not quite the same.
I’ve had a corvette standard 5 for a decade or longer and i love it. The neck is like a baseball bat but not hard to play.. it’s basically just a German copy of a jazz bass with the pickup locations. I had a bolt on thumb once and I never got into it.. it was the tone with stock pickups and I couldn’t get it set up like my vette’s, so i sold it. Try a German made vette. They’re really a bargain for what you get.
John Paul Jones likes his Warwick to. I love my Corvette 5 , I’ve had it for years without problems just tuners went bad, replace them with Gotoh tuners, it’s amazing but my bass rarely goes out of tune.
The Thumb 5 used to be my main axe for years. I loved the sound and all the ways the bass was adjustble from the nut to the bridge it was all adjustble to dial in the tone and action exactly as you like it. My only quip was the body. The body is on the smaller side and I learned i loved the fender precision body better and the balance of the body and the forearm wrist placement. the Thumb 5 wasn't comfortable for me during longer gigs. For my personal comfort I learned I liked fender sized bodies. Just my taste but it is still a great sounding bass depending on your style.
That looks like an ovangkol body to me, not bubinga. Wood aside, you look like you're having a blast. They are so hard to out down once you pick one up. I still need to get myself a fretted one tk go with my fretless Thumb.
Hobo Depot becoming "Hooties Hippy hang out 😂. Those Warwick's are killer. Never owned one . Maybe one day. Blessings and my best to you all Johnny. 🎸🔥🎶👌💖
Ovangkol body and ovangkol neck, places that bass between 2000 and 2012. That neck must be like a baseball bat - this is coming from an owner of a few Warwicks who has a love hate relationship with them! Try get a hold of an old one (late 80s to mid 90s), they're on a different level.. As always you're having fun, awesome to see!
I remember back in 2000 to 2004 I used to play Warwick’s all the time. Those bases look cool however try recording with them. They do not cut through a mix at all. You wind up paying all that money for that beautiful look for something that you can’t even be heard in a mix with. I’m sure they are probably good fora live setting, so if you want to use it for that cool!!!! but if you record with it you hear the major flaws it has.
@@robsantorobass Ryan didn’t actually record with them. He was endorsed by them to play them live. Those things suck for recording. I think it’s more of the wood choices
@@jamesreynolds4487 except that he actually did and there’s photos and videos proving that though. That and let’s face it, the Thumb has a very specific sound. I know it’s not “impossible” to get another bass to sound like it, but there’s no question that he used a Warwick while recording. What did you have your EQ at if you don’t mind my asking? Just out of curiosity
@@robsantorobass Well eq settings are dependent on a lot of things in the studio such as “pre amp” and bass amplifier. Nowadays, you could probably use a Warwick thumb and make it work with all of the different programs and stuff they have to change sound. Back in 00-2004. If you run a Warwick thumb direct. It’s going to sound like dog shit. it just doesn’t cut through a mix. Well like the precision bass or a really good jazz bass. Now if you enhance it using a Nieve 1073 you could probably get it cut good enough but it’s not the best sonic sound. It should be duly noted that Ryan has moved over to Fodera now.. there’s probably a reason for that. When Warwick endorses you and throw money at you, you’re probably use that year even though it’s not something that you really like. I’ll stick to my fender. I had a Warwick. $$ 5 string. Back in those days that was the coolest bass you could ever buy in the world. However I was not impressed with the mixes. However, I used a fender, precision bass, and the jazz bass. Second to none almost an immediate sonic difference with no fabrication.
@@jamesreynolds4487 in that case to me I think it honestly sounds like you might have just gotten a lemon because I’ve heard Warwick’s recorded both DI and through an amp mic’d up and it sounded fantastic and cut through. Or maybe it just didn’t fit with what you were doing musically because they definitely aren’t for everyone. I’m sorry you had a bad experience with them. But yeah man, Fender’s are a solid and a safe choice. There’s a reason why probably 90-95% of the music we all hear is either recorded with a Fender P or J bass. And yeah I saw he went with Fodera. Really cool stuff. Who knows the real reason why, we can only speculate until the man himself actually says why. But he’s used Warwick’s for many many years before that and they’ve sounded great. But who knows, maybe he just wanted to try something else. I’ve heard Warwick’s now vs back in the 90’s, 2000’s are different. Either way it’s a cool jump he made.
I had one of the early JD Thumb basses that had a one piece Schaller 3D bridge and the Seymour Duncan pickups with micro-switches. The neck was fantastic. I wish I hadn't sold it.
This is the Fun Police. You are under arrest Johnny for having way too much fun with that bass.
Wau wau wau wau wau ...wu wu ,...wau wau wau
I hated the look of these coming up…until I played one!💯✊🏾a friend of mine had a rare Broad Neck 5-string with the MEC humbuckers…amazing!
I still don't like the upper horn on any of the Warwick's, but they are great basses.
I bought a 6-string model. love it.
I played Warwicks exclusively many years ago, such great basses. Very few manufacturers have their own distinct sound that permeates throughout their entire range of instruments but all German Warwicks have it to some degree, my favourite was an old Fortress which I should never have sold.
Same here, I really regret selling my fortress masterman 😢.
Never, ever play a Warwick Infinity bass...
...because you'll immediately empty your bank account to get one.
It happened to me.
😂👉😭
I have the Infinity SN5. Slightly less flashy than the ones with the f-holes.
You’re having WAAAAAYYYYY too much fun 😂😂😂😂😂❤❤❤❤❤!
absolutely loved my 96 Corvette 5. You gave me the 'miss'ems' Johnny Lee!
I love you sir, please keep making these videos ! They are both very informative and light hearted
Oh man I see a Warwick I click !! What a beauty! I love thumbs so much I used to have the NT5 Those are German Bell brass frets their great frets!
First, I got a 5 string Streamer. Then, I got a Corvette standard. I thought, I could use a Corvette $$ but I had the pleasure to observe this video and I think I really want a Thumb.
I used to have a bass just like that and it was my first 5-string!!!!! It had a very unique tone and sounded even better after I had the preamp replaced with an EMG preamp! SERIOUS GROWL AND PUNCH AND A CRAZY LOW B!!! I miss that bass!
Excellent video, cheers for the upload. Beautiful instrument and beautiful playing.
I just want to thank you for the best Warwick Thumb 5 BO, that I’ve seen or heard. Great playing and tone.
That's an Ovangkol body with either a wenge or bubinga neck.
I totally agree AS german bass player...👍👍👍
Just to clarify, the early Thumbs (‘80s to very early ‘90s) have seriously thin necks, more like an Ibanez SR. Warwick necks changed a lot over the years. Some are tiny, some are huge, some are inbetween.
This is correct, and needs to be included in Warwick info. Warwicks necks have changed greatly over the years, and between models.
The Bolt on’s have a Ovangkol body. The neck through has a buginga top.
Thanks 4 information
Love to you Johnny and the Queen,,
you need to win in life to buy this bass
😂 Hootie has candlelight and L.T.D.😂😂😂😂😂 Nice Warwick
Hootie get'n his MACK on. Don't be blocking Johnny!
Love Warwick!!
Got a 1980s corvette ss as my go to bass..lovely action and a tone monster.. play stingray and fender jazz both awesome but something about Warwick that's truly amazing !
If I could take one thing to heaven, it would be my Corvette 6 string bass, it's been making my world sing since 2005. Love that thing 🤗
❤ It's that Warwick Midrange Growl that gets me everytime
Way to go man. I've got two German-made Warwick's...a 4 string Corvette $$ and a 5 string FMA. Looks like thumb basses are in the forecast. Those hands make it sound even better. Funk on!
Punch for days ❤
Sounds sick!!!
“No hown innit!” 😂 😐😂
That sounds Good
First let me tune the Bass:
Brrrrghhhhh, Buhhhgrrrdrrgh!
Excuuuuuuuuuuse, ME!!!!!! 😬🤭
Awesome Bass!!! Reminds me of Norwood Fisher ..... FISHBONE!!!
Let's face it Johnny,,Hootie is going too do his own thing!
I have that same bass sitting in my closet. You’re going to make me pull it out. It’s my 3rd Warwick. I love them!
Go Easy on Hooty. Poor little Guy. U know how da Gal Owls be? Sometimes we need a Time Out 🙄 Sometimes We Need a Time In? 🙄
😆😂 ❤️ Saying Our Prayers 🙏
I used to play Warwick exclusive years ago and now I must get a Thumb
Ya got a new owl!!!
Johnny!!!!
This isn’t a Bubinga bodied Thumb. Nor is it a Wenge neck. Some bolt on thumbs from the 90s were walnut bodies, and after late ‘98 they had ovangkol necks. Wenge necks came back around 2012. It’s still a very nice bass. This bass is walnut / ovangkol.
Wenge fingerboard
I bought a 99 Thumb 5 string from Guitar Center online and was pretty upset about the condition it arrived in. Parts were rusted and one tuner was broken. I was ready to send it back until I played it. Wow! This thing has a magic tone. It has an Ovangkol neck ( First year) I bought a 98 Thumb 5-er shortly after that with the all wenge neck and its not quite the same.
Neck profiles were different through the years. Overall
I’ve had a corvette standard 5 for a decade or longer and i love it. The neck is like a baseball bat but not hard to play.. it’s basically just a German copy of a jazz bass with the pickup locations. I had a bolt on thumb once and I never got into it.. it was the tone with stock pickups and I couldn’t get it set up like my vette’s, so i sold it. Try a German made vette. They’re really a bargain for what you get.
2 me its 2 amazing !!! I love this bass
John Paul Jones likes his Warwick to. I love my Corvette 5 , I’ve had it for years without problems just tuners went bad, replace them with Gotoh tuners, it’s amazing but my bass rarely goes out of tune.
I owned 2 of these about 15 years ago. I traded a 4 string for a 6 string but got rid of that one too. It just wasn’t my cup of tea.
The Thumb 5 used to be my main axe for years. I loved the sound and all the ways the bass was adjustble from the nut to the bridge it was all adjustble to dial in the tone and action exactly as you like it. My only quip was the body. The body is on the smaller side and I learned i loved the fender precision body better and the balance of the body and the forearm wrist placement. the Thumb 5 wasn't comfortable for me during longer gigs. For my personal comfort I learned I liked fender sized bodies. Just my taste but it is still a great sounding bass depending on your style.
That looks like an ovangkol body to me, not bubinga. Wood aside, you look like you're having a blast. They are so hard to out down once you pick one up. I still need to get myself a fretted one tk go with my fretless Thumb.
Hootie just trying to get some bootie
Great content on the Warwick thumb bass. Where did you get that Musicman t shirt? I want one of those!!
I have a warwick corvette 5 string love it. I installed a aguilar preamp with a pasive / active togle switch .
What kind of strings are you using ?
no......leave him b.........
I almost cussed when I heard that signature Warwick B....
I think I noticed a gouge in the fingerboard at one of the upper frets. How do you address that?
Steam treatment works on some board
Hooty looks like Samuel L Jackson... just sayin'
Is that Bass a 34 or 35 scale ?
Hobo Depot becoming "Hooties Hippy hang out 😂. Those Warwick's are killer. Never owned one . Maybe one day. Blessings and my best to you all Johnny. 🎸🔥🎶👌💖
Ovangkol body and ovangkol neck, places that bass between 2000 and 2012. That neck must be like a baseball bat - this is coming from an owner of a few Warwicks who has a love hate relationship with them! Try get a hold of an old one (late 80s to mid 90s), they're on a different level.. As always you're having fun, awesome to see!
I remember back in 2000 to 2004 I used to play Warwick’s all the time. Those bases look cool however try recording with them. They do not cut through a mix at all. You wind up paying all that money for that beautiful look for something that you can’t even be heard in a mix with. I’m sure they are probably good fora live setting, so if you want to use it for that cool!!!! but if you record with it you hear the major flaws it has.
Ryan Martinie would like to know your location. 😂
@@robsantorobass Ryan didn’t actually record with them. He was endorsed by them to play them live. Those things suck for recording. I think it’s more of the wood choices
@@jamesreynolds4487 except that he actually did and there’s photos and videos proving that though. That and let’s face it, the Thumb has a very specific sound. I know it’s not “impossible” to get another bass to sound like it, but there’s no question that he used a Warwick while recording.
What did you have your EQ at if you don’t mind my asking? Just out of curiosity
@@robsantorobass Well eq settings are dependent on a lot of things in the studio such as “pre amp” and bass amplifier. Nowadays, you could probably use a Warwick thumb and make it work with all of the different programs and stuff they have to change sound. Back in 00-2004. If you run a Warwick thumb direct. It’s going to sound like dog shit. it just doesn’t cut through a mix. Well like the precision bass or a really good jazz bass. Now if you enhance it using a Nieve 1073 you could probably get it cut good enough but it’s not the best sonic sound. It should be duly noted that Ryan has moved over to Fodera now.. there’s probably a reason for that. When Warwick endorses you and throw money at you, you’re probably use that year even though it’s not something that you really like. I’ll stick to my fender. I had a Warwick. $$ 5 string. Back in those days that was the coolest bass you could ever buy in the world. However I was not impressed with the mixes. However, I used a fender, precision bass, and the jazz bass. Second to none almost an immediate sonic difference with no fabrication.
@@jamesreynolds4487 in that case to me I think it honestly sounds like you might have just gotten a lemon because I’ve heard Warwick’s recorded both DI and through an amp mic’d up and it sounded fantastic and cut through. Or maybe it just didn’t fit with what you were doing musically because they definitely aren’t for everyone. I’m sorry you had a bad experience with them. But yeah man, Fender’s are a solid and a safe choice. There’s a reason why probably 90-95% of the music we all hear is either recorded with a Fender P or J bass.
And yeah I saw he went with Fodera. Really cool stuff. Who knows the real reason why, we can only speculate until the man himself actually says why. But he’s used Warwick’s for many many years before that and they’ve sounded great. But who knows, maybe he just wanted to try something else. I’ve heard Warwick’s now vs back in the 90’s, 2000’s are different. Either way it’s a cool jump he made.
I had one of the early JD Thumb basses that had a one piece Schaller 3D bridge and the Seymour Duncan pickups with micro-switches. The neck was fantastic. I wish I hadn't sold it.