=The Warwick Fortress Club=

[Jakob]

Hello all,
i recently bought this Fortress from 1993, which i like very much.
It plays really great with low action. The only thing weird about it is how the saddles on the bridge align after i set the intonation. I already tried different strings but it stays this way, should i worry about it? I have never seen it like that.

cheers
Jakob

 

[Gnermo]

If it's intonated properly like this, what exactly is the problem?
Yes they're usually further back with thicker strings, but who cares?

 

[DiMarco]

Yeah I'm with Gnermo on this and wouldn't worry too much about it @Jakob

 

[Jakob]

Hey, so while changing the strings i did a proper Setup from scratch. Now it looks much more normal .
Plays even better now aswell.

 

[Gnermo]

That's a lovely bass, I had the chance to buy an identical one (maybe the same one ) earlier this year but the seller pulled out with some bullshit story.
I'm putting EMG Geezer Butler's in my other one though, can't wait!

 

[Stainless]

Hey, so while changing the strings i did a proper Setup from scratch. Now it looks much more normal .
Plays even better now aswell.
View attachment 23364

Really love those 1993 Fortress Basses

@Gnermo You can't go wrong with other pickups. The PJ Balanced MEC are really horrible. The 5 string version in my Fortress V sounds way better though.

 

[BrusselsBass]

That's a lovely bass, I had the chance to buy an identical one (maybe the same one ) earlier this year but the seller pulled out with some bullshit story.
I'm putting EMG Geezer Butler's in my other one though, can't wait!

I tried the EMG GZR as a PJ configuration in my Nobby, but the passive didn't do much for me. Put back the Alembic.
Maybe the active EMG x are a better choice ...

 

[chris@Bendorf]

I have the same bass It was done for the very first Fortresses til '93. Those bodys have been glossy and the electronic was passive (which is not a good thing mixed with the "balanced" MEC-pickups, only my personal opinion). I have seen some in black and in red.

And here is the pic of mine after modding:

They also did them in turquoise- here is my 93 - apparently mine is one of the very first that was made.

 

[kimgee]

Hello all,
i recently bought this Fortress from 1993, which i like very much.
It plays really great with low action. The only thing weird about it is how the saddles on the bridge align after i set the intonation. I already tried different strings but it stays this way, should i worry about it? I have never seen it like that.

cheers
Jakob

Ahh....the wonderful unified symmetry of Warwick instruments. Enjoy!

 

[kimgee]

Really love those 1993 Fortress Basses

@Gnermo You can't go wrong with other pickups. The PJ Balanced MEC are really horrible. The 5 string version in my Fortress V sounds way better though.

Is it only the '93 Fortress that has the grooves in the body on either side of the neck?

 

[Stainless]

They also did them in turquoise- here is my 93 - apparently mine is one of the very first that was made. View attachment 23644

Nice one I also saw one in glossy brown and green

 

[Stainless]

Is it only the '93 Fortress that has the grooves in the body on either side of the neck?

Yes sir They made it like this in the first year. All 93 Fortresses are also passive only and with chrome hardware.

 

[HowieD72]

Hi. Newbie here. Bought this nearly 14 years ago when I started to learn the bass. Lessons didn't last long but never sold it. It's been "parked up" in my closet for most of that time. Any idea what it might be worth? I'm in New Zealand. Maybe I should just start those lessons again...................

Fortress Masterman
Serial number: A 023618 95
Year: 1995
Month: January
Neck: Wenge
Fingerboard: Wenge
Frets: Bronce Warwick Frets
Nut: Just a nut brass version
Neck construction: Bolt on
Body: 2pcs. solid flamed Maple Wood
Surface: Satin French Violet Topcoating Surface
Pickups: Single active MEC TwinnJazz pickup
Electronic: Active MEC 2 band Electronic
Hardware: Gold hardware made for Warwick

Made in Germany/08258 Markneukirchen.

 

[HowieD72]

Hi. Newbie here. Bought this nearly 14 years ago when I started to learn the bass. Lessons didn't last long but never sold it. It's been "parked up" in my closet for most of that time. Any idea what it might be worth? I'm in New Zealand. Maybe I should just start those lessons again...................

Fortress Masterman
Serial number: A 023618 95
Year: 1995
Month: January
Neck: Wenge
Fingerboard: Wenge
Frets: Bronce Warwick Frets
Nut: Just a nut brass version
Neck construction: Bolt on
Body: 2pcs. solid flamed Maple Wood
Surface: Satin French Violet Topcoating Surface
Pickups: Single active MEC TwinnJazz pickup
Electronic: Active MEC 2 band Electronic
Hardware: Gold hardware made for Warwick View attachment 23912 View attachment 23913 View attachment 23914
Made in Germany/08258 Markneukirchen. View attachment 23912 View attachment 23913 View attachment 23914

 

[Hardy]

Play it, mate!

 

[Bassman]

In the UK they normally advertise at around £700. I buy Fortress basses whenever I see one that appeals to me and I paid £500 for mine a couple of years ago.

Yours seems a nice example but interesting colour, looks more like antique tobacco. Mine is French Violet and is more purple than yours looks in the photos. You'll see my 5 stringer in the photo is antique tobacco

 

[HowieD72]

In the UK they normally advertise at around £700. I buy Fortress basses whenever I see one that appeals to me and I paid £500 for mine a couple of years ago.

Yours seems a nice example but interesting colour, looks more like antique tobacco. Mine is French Violet and is more purple than yours looks in the photos. You'll see my 5 stringer in the photo is antique tobacco

Yeah, when I contacted Warwick with my serial number & it came back Satin French Violet Top coating, I scratched my head. Definitely looks more like your antique tobacco. In saying that, it's never been cleaned or polished in over 14 years. Just sat in my closet in the soft case.

 

[HowieD72]

The two pictures of it on the stand are when I purchased it over 14 years ago.

 

[HowieD72]

Play it, mate!

But it has Gold Hardware

 

[Hardy]

But it has Gold Hardware

Some of my basses even have golden strings. ;-)