1986 Streamer: a story and some pics

vates

vates

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Alas, my 'vette is gone...

But I'm not Warwick-less :)

Here's the story.
I was in search for a neck-thru Streamer (the older - the better) for almost 1.5 years. Normally, I get my music stuff from the USA. It worked perfectly with my first Warwick, Gibsons, Fenders, G&Ls, Music Men and so on. But for a nice vintage Warwick I had to go to Western Europe. I'm lucky, 'cause my younger brother lives in Germany (he works in the research centre of the University of Konstanz) and thus I had an opportunity to shop in W.Europe with his help. And the search has begun. I had pretty special needs and was really tight on the budget so the quest ran slowly. First I've found a really nice early-90s transparent-blue SSI. It was sold by a fellow forumite. I've almost got it but the common prejudice and clichés about Eastern Europeans (us) were unfortunately the deal-breakers. But I wasn't discouraged and continued with my task. I've found some really nice 'wicks on German, Italian, Swiss and British eBay grounds. Although every time there was something that ruined my hopes: the price ran too high, auctions ended early, items placed by scammers and such. I’ve seen this particular ’86 Streamer for a few months before I’ve actually bought it. It popped up on the German eBay regularly and I’ve been drooling for it for a long time. It was bought by others two times (I think) but it has been relisted constantly. Finally, I’ve arranged a deal through my brother and have got this Streamer about 4 months ago.

Well, I was conscious about what I wanted from this bass and the instrument delivered :) A thin and sleek neck, perfect ergonomics, beautiful seasoned woods and true German hardware (had to refret it with new Warwick brass frets) with as good electronics – all this and more, stringed with fresh T.I. Super Alloys and I’m in a true bassist’s and warwickoholic’s heaven!

I also would like to thank all the members of this Warwick Forum. Through this resource I’ve acquired more than enough information to make my choice of a bass of dream. Thank you!

All right, here are some pics:










P.S.: I’ve changed my avatar too ;)
 
WOW!

She is gorgeous! I hope to someday own a vintage Streamer, and I agree, the older the better. :d
 
...and sounds and feels even better ;) Thanks!
 
WOW!

I can't get over how beautiful that colour is on the maple body. That's just natural aging of the wood, not stained? Or was it a cherry body?

Either way, it looks great. Tell us how it sounds?
 
Thank you :)
Well, it really aged and "honeyed" in color very nicely, but it's cherry, not maple.
With T.I. Alloys it sounds very mellow but precise. And it growls like a wild cat, yeah. The sound is much closer to late SS-II than all maple SS-I. But of course, the spectoresque front P gives much better low-end punch if desired. I like how super alloys sound with this bass better when playing alone or for recording. It also blends very nice in half-acoustic live mixes. Strung with stainless steels (Hi Beams for example) this bass turns into epic Warwick beast: it cuts through a loud hard-rock mix (with two g-tars and keyboards) easy even when amplified on considerably low volumes. But the main thing is the tone. It was in my head long before I’ve heard this particular bass. Well, my “honey moon” lasts for 4 months already and it goes on :)
 
Every time you add just a little more detail, I want an old Streamer more and more! :eek:

You're killing me vates! (Killing my Spector gas, and increasing my SpecWick gas!)
 
"SpecWick" - that looks just like my primary goal!
Though I'm sorry to kill you ;)
 
vates said:
"SpecWick" - that looks just like my primary goal!
Though I'm sorry to kill you ;)
Click to expand...

That's the year I'd be after if I were in the market for one right now.

With the round-top Spector headstock. :d

Just beautiful.
 
This bass already has an offset Warwick headstock shape. But machineheads are still un-angled.
Anyway, the main idea is not in appearance rather in that special feel and quality of mid-80s hand-built "licensed" basses...
 
Indeed you're right.

Whether it's a Gumby-stock or Spector-stock, it's still got more mojo than Austin Powers.
 
Indeed.
Actually, there are some mojo marks. The previous owner (or owners, God knows who owned this bass in 23 years), the guy who ate the frets down to zero-mark, played with a pick extensively. So there is some finish checking on E and A saddles and the upper bottom has darkened more than other cherry parts of the bass. Otherwise it is in excellent condition!
 
TylerDurdenPSSC said:
Every time you add just a little more detail, I want an old Streamer more and more! :eek:

You're killing me vates! (Killing my Spector gas, and increasing my SpecWick gas!)
Click to expand...

I have one for sale that is a month older than that one:-)

I has a neck repair and therefore is CHEAP:-)

cheers
 
: I think a PM is a better way to inform a fellow forumite about your offer, isn't it? ;)

: oh yeah! still can't get enough of this gem :)
 
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