Which 5 string?

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rmcki

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Looking to buy a 5 string, but finding it difficult to choose.
I'm thinking of:
  1. Warwick Thumb
  2. Spector
  3. Dingwall
  4. Overwater

Any ideas, recommendations???
 
You are asking this on the Warwick forum. What do you expect us to say?
 
I recommend a Sadowsky Modern 24-fret over 1, 2 and 4. Haven't tried Dingwall.

All depends on what you want from a five-string. But I find the Sadowsky reliable at putting a smile on people's face when they first try it. My Thumb NT5 is a marvellous bass too, but totally different (Thumb is less versatile because more distinctive).
 
They say there's nothing quite like the B-string of a Thumb ;)
 
I can affirm, thanks to my 225-year-old experience in bass and bass-related things, that here's nothing quite like the B-string of a Thumb.

But the Dingwall's have (maybe not all of them? don't know) fanned frets that give them a 37" scale (something like that) on the B side. The B is clear as clear as it can be (clear that is). Like a piano.

Spector US or Euro? Or Legend?
 
Thumb NT5. It's a magical piece of wood. Really I think HPW personally sprinkles magic powder onto all Thumb NT5's during the manufacturing process.
 
DiMarco said:
You are asking this on the Warwick forum. What do you expect us to say?
Click to expand...

LOL, well I just tought you guys were so versatile that you may have tried a few other basses.
Now having said that, I love my corvette, I was thinking of adopting it and leaving it everything in my will.
So I can't see past Warwick either, this was an attempt in objectivity that went too far....;)
 
DiMarco said:
You are asking this on the Warwick forum. What do you expect us to say?
Click to expand...

Weeellll ...I love my 1/2 dozen Wick 4-strings, but I have tried twice to love
a Wick 5-string ... and don't care to try again. Current, and happy, solution:
My Spector-5 is the 5-string in my little flock of Wicks. Aftroll, it's an NS, so
it's VERY closely related to the Wicks.

Works for me. YMMV, etc etc.

`
 
Thumb for sure. To me, it is such a distinct sound and such a great sound as well. I freaking live for Thumb NT 5's!
 
There are quite a few basses with amazingly clear Low B tone: Warwick Thumbs BO or NT, Wal Basses, Dingwalls, Stingrays, and Modulus.

I'd say if you have around 5k, get a Wal. If you don't and will wait for second hand cheapness.... Buy a Thumb or Stingray....
 
If I ever get a Wal, all I would play would be Tool songs forever.

I don't see any SS2's on that list! (my dream bass)
 
The SS2 is a good bass, but I like to think the Thumb has a better Low B, sorry. :d
 
It all depends on the sound you want. We all have different opinions and different sounds we strive for. Me personally, I am getting a Thumb NT5 as soon as I can.
 
Thanks for the advice guys. Now here is a small dilemma, i may have an opportunity to get a Corvette Hot Rod 5 LTD, what do you all think about it in comparison to the thumb nt5?
 
The sound of a Thumb is unique in that it sounds very much the same all across the fretboard. Also you can contol its growly nature very precisely by hitting the strings harder or not. It seems to have its own natural compression and is one of te easiest instruments I ever played. No other Warwick bass is like the Thumb.

Now then, I am not saying that vette is a bad bass whatsoever and I would probably pick it over the other basses you mentioned. Just know that it is not gonna play or sound like a Thumb NT.
 
My first Warwick was a rockbass corvette. After a few years, I spotted a german model of the corvette for quite a steal at a local shop that I made downpayments on. Just last winter, I came across a mint condition Thumb 5 on craigslist. I can honestly say that the Warwick thumb is my favorite bass I have ever played. It's very versatile, the growl is amazing, and the neck is very easy to play on. I don't plan on ever switching to another bass. Ultimately, it comes down to what works for you though, everyone has their own play-style and preferences, you're best bet is try them all out and see which suits you best!
 
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