Just gigged with my first Warwick!

T3

T3

Joined
Dec 28, 2006
Messages
47
Reaction score
0
I just gigged with my first Warwick (Thumb BO6). I got it earlier this week, used. Heh heh - now I know why you all like these little muthahs so much. They're so versatile. Slapped, thumped, piz'd, -- doesn't matter. It all sounds really lush all across and along the fretboard. Most of the sounds I need are accesible by adjusting the bass/treble and pup knobs. No tweaking of the preamp (Line 6 BODxt) necessary - ok fine, it's still fun to tweak. And, the Seymour Duncan Basslines on the Thumb seemed to have a stronger output than my Alembic's active pups. This might just be a setup difference, however. What a great bass.
 
I have to ask:

How does it compare to that alembic of yours?
 
I've owned an Alembic Europa & played several other models.Warwick & Alembic both build fantastic basses.I no longer have the Alembic but I still have my Warwick. :wink:
 
Alembic vs Warwick

I knew that I would be asked this. For the music I play, I can get the tonalities that I need with either bass, so they are equivalent in that sense. Of course, the differences in the two basses' architectures (e.g., NT vs BO; pickups; preamp, string, wood) means that different settings are needed to achieve the same sounds. For example, with the Alembic, I need to make a somewhat deeper "smile" on the EQ to achieve the deep/sparkly slap sound.

I have to do more A/B comparisons before I can post more detailed answers.

Non-acoustical differences: The Alembic Essence is head-stock heavy whereas the Thumb is better balanced, so with the Thumb I don't need to hold up the neck. (Thumperton, the Europa may be better balanced than the Essence.) Also, the string action seems springier on the Warwick -- I suspect that this is due to the scale differences -- 34" (Thumb) vs 35" (Essence) and possibly, the string guages -- Ken Smith Rock-Master Lights on Essence and unknown make/guage on Thumb (previous owner didn't remember).

I'd hate to have to choose between the two basses. Of course because the Thumb is a 6-string and the Essence is a 5-string, the Warwick has a wider range.

Thank you all for your comments. As I am new to the Warwick family, please give me any pointers you have on these wonderful instruments.

Also, I re-iterate that Oliver Dominguez is an awesome moderator and Warwick rep. I've asked him so many newbie questions and he has always replied quickly, precisely, and attentively. Give him a pay raise!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top