Warwick Factory Visit - Pic heavy!

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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...

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Florin

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Thanks Jono for the nice story! It makes me to really want to come back, so I'll be there for sure in September :)
 

Nachobassman

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Wonderful pic report. And having a tour by the hand of the BOSS itself its amazing. 8:
 

Florin

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The boss is an incredibly friendly person. He loves what he does, and the factory is his house. I mean literary, he lives 5 minutes walking from there, and he is more at the factory than home. I cannot see how he can be different, you are visiting his house after all :)

And he is such a modest guy! As a forum admin, I asked him many times for pictures with him, talk more about him, etc... He always says "no" he believes in his team, and he wants his team to take all the credit they deserve.
 
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Yes, completely agree with Florin, he was humble and genuinely friendly and welcoming. You can tell he is deeply passionate and proud of the company, but without hint of arrogance at all.

Certainly a trip I will remember forever!
 

Nachobassman

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The boss is an incredibly friendly person. He loves what he does, and the factory is his house. I mean literary, he lives 5 minutes walking from there, and he is more at the factory than home. I cannot see how he can be different, you are visiting his house after all :)

And he is such a modest guy! As a forum admin, I asked him many times for pictures with him, talk more about him, etc... He always says "no" he believes in his team, and he wants his team to take all the credit they deserve.

Flo, and I really mean this: We should organize a Warwick Forum Factory Visit, or WFFV. 8:
 

Florin

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And the Bass Camp 2013 is the PERFECT time to do it :)
 

Mr.Demeter

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looks like you had a great time, Jono! thanks for sharing :D
private factory tour with HP himself, not too shabby!
 
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You lucky guy , factory tour with the man himself ! Thanx for posting .
 
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Fab pics and I just loved reading about your visit too. Just so nice to be shown around by THE man himself, what a gentleman!

Thanks for sharing your day. :D
 
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Wow, that is an amazing factory. So clean and organized. I love it! I also love how they keep all the special editions around hanging up. I know if I made stuff like that, I'd damn sure what to keep them on display to show them off!
 
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Oh wow Jono. I've been waiting in anticipation for this report.
I actually got a nose bleed reading it!!!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
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Thanks guys, believe me, it was a special day.

To celebrate, I just bought a Flaming Blonde 4 this morning - I missed mine, and was reminded of the fact at the factory...so a replacement was found!
 

Lady Warwick

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Great pix....I can't get over how clean it is! Someday we'll visit I hope...what a neat place.
 
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