- Joined
- Jan 21, 2006
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- 777
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- 3
Just back from a 6 week trip around Europe and the UK. Definitely the highlight for me was getting to visit the Warwick Factory in Markneukirchen, Germany. Michael Z from Dominant Music very kindly organised me a visit, and whilst production wasn't happening (I visited on the 2nd of Jan), Warwick founder Mr Hans Peter Wilfer gladly gave of his time to give me and my wife a personal tour of the factory.
I was put up in the wonderful Alpenhof Hotel, which I can fully recommend if anyone else wishes to make the trip.
The factory is hugely impressive for many reasons. Han's spent time showing me all of the machinery that is used on Warwicks - the levels of complexity to make construction of the basses perfect are insane. Many of the machines are multi millon dollars, and built specifically for Warwick.In the pics you will see the neck cutting and fretting machines.
The factory is also ridiculously clean, exceeding many of the standards for noise and air quality regulations. All heat from machines is transferred to the heating system to save money and be more environmentally friendly, and Han's showed me many of the other advances that they have taken to be as efficient and kind to the environment as possible, including moving to using 100% FSC wood for their products. The wood collection out the back of the factory has to be seen to be believed, lets just say there is a lot of wood there!
The showroom has a great collection of classic Warwicks, including many early thumbs and streamers. Lots of custom shop models, and LTD models are also there to look at and many available to play as well.
Han's and the other staff were exceedingly friendly, welcoming and passionate about what they do. I left with a couple of gifts (calender, usb stick and dvd) and a strong desire to find another 4 string Flaming Blonde to replace the one I sold...luckily, I found one locally since the visit!
I was left with the impression this is a company that continues to strive for perfection, and is constantly innovating to provide customers with a bass worth the investment. My wife even commented now she can see why Warwick's cost what they do - that surely is an endorsement for a custom shop model in my near future!!
So a big thanks to Hans and Michael Z for allowing me to experience the factory and showroom.
Anyway, here is what you want to see I'm sure...
I was put up in the wonderful Alpenhof Hotel, which I can fully recommend if anyone else wishes to make the trip.
The factory is hugely impressive for many reasons. Han's spent time showing me all of the machinery that is used on Warwicks - the levels of complexity to make construction of the basses perfect are insane. Many of the machines are multi millon dollars, and built specifically for Warwick.In the pics you will see the neck cutting and fretting machines.
The factory is also ridiculously clean, exceeding many of the standards for noise and air quality regulations. All heat from machines is transferred to the heating system to save money and be more environmentally friendly, and Han's showed me many of the other advances that they have taken to be as efficient and kind to the environment as possible, including moving to using 100% FSC wood for their products. The wood collection out the back of the factory has to be seen to be believed, lets just say there is a lot of wood there!
The showroom has a great collection of classic Warwicks, including many early thumbs and streamers. Lots of custom shop models, and LTD models are also there to look at and many available to play as well.
Han's and the other staff were exceedingly friendly, welcoming and passionate about what they do. I left with a couple of gifts (calender, usb stick and dvd) and a strong desire to find another 4 string Flaming Blonde to replace the one I sold...luckily, I found one locally since the visit!
I was left with the impression this is a company that continues to strive for perfection, and is constantly innovating to provide customers with a bass worth the investment. My wife even commented now she can see why Warwick's cost what they do - that surely is an endorsement for a custom shop model in my near future!!
So a big thanks to Hans and Michael Z for allowing me to experience the factory and showroom.
Anyway, here is what you want to see I'm sure...