For those of you looking for spare necks....

thefitz said:
Arg... Warwick wants to preserve integrity by not selling parts but has the W on the headstock of RockBasses, and makes the Corvette out of Korea... I get it - they're not in the business of selling parts, just basses - but am I really that off the perch by thinking that it's a funny way to preserve integrity?
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Point is: Warwick decides what's wearing the W on the headstock and what not. So they are responsible for and aware of the image they have by selling those products. They wouldn't if the stuff wouldn't match their approach on quality level. And I bet you've not ever played one of those new RBs or the Korean version.
BTW - Apple doesn't want you to do ANYTHING with their products, and their full line is made in china. what about that?!
 
I guess I am on the perch feeling the way I do. I love the company very much and it has been good to me - but I don't think things progress by only saying nice things and smiling and nodding. Warwick doesn't want to sell spare necks - that's fine - and I think my thinking it's strange is fine, too. If this forum is in the business of pure butt-kissing, I don't think that makes things interesting and it sure doesn't give me a reason to keep coming back. But you're all right - it's not my forum, and it's not my company. I'm merely a subordinate who can leave any time.

I'm not sure if any Korean models have arrived in Canadian shops yet (and I've been yammering on about my fondness for the Trujillo sig) so I can't speak about how the end up - I can only speak about what I think. I've played several RockBasses, as they're all over the shops. They're among the best budget models on the market, but I don't like the business of budget models sharing the same decals as the top end models. If someone implies that the Chinese RockBasses are on par with some of the German stuff, I think that's a bad sign. My opinion - which just so happens to NOT be 'oh yes sir, why isn't everything great'.

Who am I to question all these things? A person with an opinion who loves the company he's sided himself with, and most importantly wants to KEEP the best. I don't think being sycophantic is helpful to anybody, and I think people need to explore different perspectives every now and then. "It's just your opinion" applies to both positive and negative opinions.

I don't think the 'calm and accepting' approach does any good, because it might result in me having to be calm and accepting to something I don't like, and not sharing feelings and opinions defeats the purpose of a forum, does it not? That said, if my vibe is not what people want around here, I'm more than willing to leave this forum. I will not, however, keep quiet if a subject arises that I have an opinion on!

Rant over, nothing to see here!!

EDIT: A little context to this all - over the last 5 years, fewer stores sell Warwicks in my area. It's at the point now that only one major chain sells them. When they're on the shelves, they sit and sit there until they go on sale for half-price, or $1000 less for the top-end stuff. Then, the shelves are stocked with half as many new instruments once the old ones sell. I've seen 2 Dark Lords on sale for $1000 each and just sit there. I'm worried that if this continues, there will be no Warwick in Canada. If I see room for improvements or adaptability, I don't think my mentioning them online is as offensive as it seems to be taken here - I get everyone's fine with "that's just the way it is", but that's what the music stores tell me if they stop ordering Warwicks. This might sound a little unrelated but I think they're all about the same issue.
 
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When I joined this forum I had started a thread saying "Bring the Fortress back", I didn't have (and still don't) have a clue why Warwick made the decision to discontinue it and leave it only on the RockBass line, but I am absolutely sure I 'd go "oh yeah" if I learned the reasons. But back then I just wanted a killer bass (Warwick) that balanced perfectly (long upper horn), and I really didn't care to think about anything else. :) If you have something to say that you think could help the company by all means you can post it here, and even better and I will say it again ;), write to Mr. Wilfer (I mean it, especially for the last part you mentioned about availability in your country). You could really make a difference. From my part, first of all I don't represent the company in any way. I just pointed out some simple facts and tried to save you from the fallacy "I don't like how this is, and because I can't handle it or have what I want, you should change it". That's just not the way it works and I believe you need to rethink it, something like "hmmm, these guys did this and that, what could the reasons be". Sorry if this registers as criticism or condescending attitude, it really isn't. And nobody wants you to leave the forum, I guess every member here wants this forum to thrive and be as big and rich as possible, with your help and everyone else's. :)
 
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Thanks for your comment thefitz.

I am sorry if some of our comments came out as being harsh, it was not our intention. Nobody wants you to leavve, and we are open for criticism. And I don't think this is a "but kissing forum"...

This is a topic about Warwick selling necks, and I think our reasons are clear enough. You are free to express your feelings, and be sure we are open to all the suggestions. HPW himself reads the forum too, and he is pretty much informed about all the issues.

But you also need to understand when we tell you: "We hear you, but no, we will not change that, this is our policy!"
2 years ago, someone wanted a new model, a single cut bass, and we did it. But we will not sell necks. You should not feel offended because we don't accept this. It is not to make MORE money, as selling necks will actually bring us more and more money. It is to protect our integrity.

I am not sure I understood what you mean with the chinese and korean basses. We are simply offering more options to you, why is this a problem? The Chinese Rockbasses are not as good as German Warwicks, but they seriously kick ass. When you play one of the new line, you don't feel a cheap chinese instrument. IMHO they fully deserve the W on the headstock...
 
Fair enough - I'm nowhere naive enough to think any company would change their ways for one random person's opinion, but perhaps if a lot of people feel the same way, something could happen. I frankly don't mind being the only one to feel the way I do - at least I know!!

As far as the W on the headstock goes, it ties into the thing about sales in Canada that I mentioned earlier... if people are seeing the W on the headstock of Rockbasses, they might not be willing to see what the difference is between them and the real deal! We all know how kids are with their brand names! What if we reach the point where only the RockBasses sell? My concern is, around these parts anyway, RockBass will be the only manifestation of Warwick available!
 
Dude, there was no offence ment.
I just felt the discussion was like:
"Can I buy original WW necks?"
"no"
"Why?"
"because you could use them to fake Warwicks by adding an original neck to whatever you want"

"Why am i not allowed to change necks on my Warwick?"
"You are, go to a luthier - have one made"

"Why can't I get a replacement by WW?"
"You can if it's broken, even when your guarantee is expired"

That's just why I didn't get your point why you would even want to have the option. If you want a custom neck added to your Wick, just have one made by your local luthier. He will be happy to have a new order and you can get exactly what you want - no matter if Warwick offers options like that or not. He could make you an exact replica, without the brand - or even with the WW logo - as long as you wouldn't sell it as original WW nobody would have a problem with that or even know.
If it's broken, you can get it fixed offically by Warwick and all stays legit.

The stuff with korean and chinese models isn't just off topic, it's outta place completley. It's not only Warwick, it's all companys and it's because people are buying cheap models. Fair as that.

I think I mentioned it to you before, Warwick is a SMALL company. Don't be fooled by presence. It's not even close to sales of Yamahas and co and for sure not in dreams close to Fender/Squier.
Why? Because they offered expensive high-end models, most of the time. Now you can get cheapo-versions. That's what other companys started with in the beginning.
I think there's more people working for Fender as janitors and cleaning ladys than people working in the production of Warwick (Germany)
 
And apparently those janitors and cleaning ladies have also been running qc at Fender. :twisted:
 
to lighten things up.. the majority of the DBG necks are not functioning.. look at the descriptions.. i.e. broken truss rods.. there were a few that have no problems, though..

i have no problem with Warwick not selling necks/bodies.. but they do offer every other part..
 
Yeah, and even the ones that appear to be in working condition seem to be scuffed up something fierce in some cases.
 
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