1997 Fortress R&B Questions

J

JustaDad

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Great forum here! Warwick owners sure seem to be a few cuts above the others.

I just purchased a '97 Fortress R&B for my son's 16th birthday. Even my tin ears could hear the difference between the used Warwick and the new Fenders that were in the same price range, played by my son, who has only been playing for a year. (The Fortress belonged to one of the shop's employees and was being sold on consignment.)

After doing some research, I'm quite satisfied that I got my son a quality bass and he's head over heels in love with it.

However, I have some questions that I haven't been able to find answers to.

I'm hopeful that this forum may be able to supply some answers.

What are the differences between the Fortress R&B, One and Masterman models?

Other than simply styling, what were the major differences between Fortresses and other Warwick shapes?

Any ideas on why the Fortress line was discontinued?

Thanks.
 
Well JustaDad, besides the style there's more differences. Warwick makes basses that look different from each other, but the sound is also different, there's a lot of it that has to deal with the wood used to build it and the shape, or if it's a neck-through or a bolt-on construction. The pickups and electronics also have a lot of to do with the final sound coming out of the instrument. The MEC pickups, MEC electronics, and wood used and special construction techniques is what makes a Warwick what it is. If you check the Warwick Website and check the specifications on each instrument you will notice that different basses are better suited for different styles, and have some tolerance so that players can play more than just a single style.

That's all I have to say about Warwick basses (for now... i just love them).

About the Fortess R&B, Are you referring to The Rockbass Fortress? I don't really seem to remember an R&B Fortress. What I do remember is that the Fortress sounds awesome in R&B Ballads. :P.

Well great choice, and let us know more about the bass.
 
Thanks for the reply.

It's not a RockBass. It was made in 1997 (according to the serial number) in Germany. The RockBass Fortress, as best I can tell, is the re-issue version of the older Fortress.

It says "Fortress R&B" on the headstock.
 
I've heard of this fortress,I think it was a short run edition like the flashback.good luck,if i find any info i'll post it here.

greg.
 
JustaDad said:
Thanks for the reply.

It says "Fortress R&B" on the headstock.
Click to expand...

Hello again, you're welcome. I will inquire about this for you and let you know as soon as possible. Have a great weekend.
 
I have 2 Fortresses, both Mastermans. I cannot recall an R&B version being marketed in Britain, but I saw one on ebay recently, so they must exist.

Can't help on the differences though - sorry!

But your son has a fine instrument!
 
regading justadad's last question; "any ideas why fortress line was discontinued"? anybody has an idea why?

cuz i'm planning to buy another warwick, it's a 94' fortress one, 6pc oil finish wenge neck, 2pc solid flame maple body in burgundy red, chrome hardware, EMG jazz p/u's & EMG electronics (18V preamp, p/u balance, volume, 4 band EQ/bass/lo-mid/hi-mid/treble).

i'm trying to know what kind of warwick bass is a fortress before i decide to buy it because it's pretty expensive for me, any answer from you guys will be great :)

why is it discontinued, flaws, fault, why?
is it a lesser model?
is it rare now?
why rockbass has fortress models?
what can you say about the F1 i just mentioned above?
do you know its market value?

thanx!!!
 
The R&B was a Passive version of the Fortress. It had a P&J pickup configuration. I used to have one. The 97 should have the coveted ALL Wenge neck and the original Brass Adjust -A- Nut. The R&B has the thin and fast Jazz shaped neck and really open tone. You bought a REALLY GREAT BASS!
Good for you Dad!!!

Enjoy!!

Ceej
 
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