2022 Thumb BO VS 2002 Thumb NT

[ThumbDave]

Hello, looking for a bit of advice here. I’m looking to purchase a Warwick thumb to play daily, as my personal bass and something I can keep forever. Mostly enjoy playing progressive metal but enjoy playing jazz and blues as well.

I’m in the market to spend a decent amount of money in the 3k range, and I have the opportunity to either purchase a 2022 GPS Thumb BO 5 string which is BRAND NEW, has a ovangkol body, ovangkol neck and wenge fretboard.

I’m also looking at a USED 2002 Thumb NT5 in excellent shape. Has a bubinga body, ovangkol neck and ebony fret board. I can save a solid amount of money by purchasing the older used bass but is it really worth it apposed to buying something BRAND NEW and untouched.

Would you purchase an older thumb apposed to one brand new? Seems like people are generally partial to a bubinga body and NT vs BO. Any advice is greatly appreciate.

 

[Hardy]

Hi mate! Welcome to the forum! A typical answer here could be: Get both! ;-) Seriously I think it´s hard to give an advice. There are two questions: New or pre owned? And Thumb BO5 vs. Thumb NT5?

You are 26 years old, right? I think I would go for the new BO5 to have my own bass which will become a veteran together with you. But check it intensively in the band and at home and see and listen if it fits into your band and if it convinces you totally. The bass will loose some worth. In the future you most propably only can sell it with a loss. There will be no loss if you do not feel the need to resell it. With the NT5 ofc you are on the safe side. You can part with it at any moment without loosing money.

 

[eyvindwa]

Only you can really answer this, but to me, the Thumb NT is the better bass, so I would go for that. I have purchased two of those used myself, and I am super happy with them. Make sure you check the condition properly before buying, though!

 

[ThumbDave]

Hi mate! Welcome to the forum! A typical answer here could be: Get both! ;-) Seriously I think it´s hard to give an advice. There are two questions: New or pre owned? And Thumb BO5 vs. Thumb NT5?

You are 26 years old, right? I think I would go for the new BO5 to have my own bass which will become a veteran together with you. But check it intensively in the band and at home and see and listen if it fits into your band and if it convinces you totally. The bass will loose some worth. In the future you most propably only can sell it with a loss. There will be no loss if you do not feel the need to resell it. With the NT5 ofc you are on the safe side. You can part with it at any moment without loosing money.

Thank you, I wish I could afford both. I have no doubt I’ll have more than one Wick in my collection eventually.

And yes that’s correct, i’m 26, started playing bass back in high school and Warwick, thumbs in particular were my favorite basses of all time. Now that I can finally afford one, i’m looking for the perfect one to start my collection. And to be honest I whole heartedly agree with everything you said.

I love the idea of having a brand new bass, untouched/undamaged by any one else with paperwork and a brand new bag from Warwick. Not to mention something I can age and grow with as a bass player.

I suppose the fact of resale isn’t as important to me because I’m buying this bass with the intention of keeping it forever. Thanks for your response

 

[ThumbDave]

Only you can really answer this, but to me, the Thumb NT is the better bass, so I would go for that. I have purchased two of those used myself, and I am super happy with them. Make sure you check the condition properly before buying, though!

I appreciate your answer. Seems like people have have NT’s have really good things to say about them. Definitely has been challenging to find a used bass that fits the standard that I feel comfortable dishing out the money for