Opinions about Thumb

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Janlucasc

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Hi all,

I'm Italian, sorry for my english! :)

I'm going to buy a Warwick bass (finally!!!) but I've many doubts about models. I would like to buy a Warwick Thumb model but I'd like to know the real differences between Thumb NT and Thumb Bolt On.

This website doesn't satisfied my doubts (sorry). Can you give me some opinions about "sound differences"?
I play funk and poprock. Help me please.

Thanks!!!
 
Welcome at the forum and your English is pretty good and totally understandable.

I guess some Thumb-experts will join soon. In the mean time: This forum has a good search engine and you will find some more info on this subject.

In my opinion a bolt on bass is a bit more aggressive. The tone builds up quicker. A neck through bass is a bit mellower. More harmonics.
 
The Thumb Sound = Warwick Thumb Neck-Through (5 especially, with its X-trem PU's placement).

I've been in love with this bass for years and I've never been a fan of the Bolt-On version. Sounds way too thin for my taste. Not to mention the awesomeness of the 26 Frets NT Neck. And also that the NT version looks way better.

And is also way more expensive... :'(

The NT version sounds "fuller", with more depth and consistency. More harmonics too. And you can't beat its growl.
The Bolt-On has a quicker attack and response, but sounds thin, and maybe too twangy, even for a Thumb.
 
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As curtis has mentioned, this topic has been extensively discussed here and a quick search will provide you with a huge amount of information!
 
It depends on the wood, too. Bubinga can be very aggressive, yet Ovankol can carry out fatter tone. I think it's to level out somethings.

I own a fretless Thumb (Ebony fingerboard & Wenge Neck... and Ovankol body). I made a video against my Corvette BO Fretless (Bubinga body & Ovankol Neck). Even though My Corvette isn't an NT Thumb, it's close to it. And you can chose what sounds more meaner or beautiful for comparison.

Like I said, its close but not exactly the same as an NT Thumb, but you can hear the tone difference in woods.
 
Welcome to the forum man!!!

They both have the same character, the Bolt On seems to be more fast and articulated, the NT is rounder.

They are both very growly, and they both cut the mix extremely well.

Two things to sonsider:
They have a "bridge picup" sound and feel. So if you play mostrly on the bridge pickup, and you like that Jaco - is sound, then there is no other better bass for you. But the slap sound is very unique, be sure you check some soundclips before.

2- It has a different position on the body. It is moved to the left, so the left arm will be a little bit unconfortable for the first positions. Some guys complained about neck dive too. But this is a fair price to pay for an amazing and unique bass :-)

I hope it helps!
 
OK thanks you all for comments.
- In conclusion, the Bolt On has an aggressive sound and the NT has a mellow sound.
- The Bolt On is faster than NT but NT is soft and bodied.
- The Bolt On is not more confortable but this doesn't seem a problem.
- Both have a good slap sound.

I understand good?

And about the price? How many difference is there? Do you know the prices in Italy more less (€)?

Thanks for your help!!!
 
Hi,

The difference in price is about 1000€.

Check out online stores like Thomann.de or Musicstore, or ask your local stores, prices may vary from place to place.

Cheers.
 
Most people find the BO version thinner, and it's right, the NT is indeed fatter sounding. But this is the reason the BO version is faster and more articulated than the NT version. Depending on what you play, you can choose based on this. Every thing that is more technical (prog rock, metal, fusion) , I'd suggest the BO version, and everything that is more "soul" based (RnB, blues, jazz, rock, etc...) I'd go with the NT.
 
Great! Thanks you all!
I'll let you know what kind of model I will buy! :D
After your impressions I think my best sound I can find with NT. I play genre like Jamiroquai, Incognito, Dirotta su Cuba but I play also Robben Ford, Jeff Buckley and similar.
Is the NT model better, don't you believe?
 
+1 Well articulated response Florin. Most satisfying answer I have heard to date.
 
I realize it's the staple answer, but if you can, try them both for yourself. The Thumb basses have a unique tone and playability that some players love, and some don't...
 
I agree with EVOLVEBASS. It's one thing to hear other peoples' subjective opinions about how one bass sounds vs. another. It is a completely different thing to experience the difference with your own senses.
 
BTW, I know I am a bit biased with regards to the Thumb, but it's a great bass!
 
Janlucasc said:
OK thanks you all for comments.
- In conclusion, the Bolt On has an aggressive sound and the NT has a mellow sound.
- The Bolt On is faster than NT but NT is soft and bodied.
- The Bolt On is not more confortable but this doesn't seem a problem.
- Both have a good slap sound.

I understand good?

And about the price? How many difference is there? Do you know the prices in Italy more less (€)?

Thanks for your help!!!
Click to expand...

Thumb is a great bass but just a comment
When you said "I understand good?"
I can tell what you mean but when you use a verb
like understand, you use the word well instead of good.
It basically means the same thing, it is just when you use them.
Other than that, you English is pretty good
 
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