You got your SSII in my Thumb! LOLZ

Why is the shape of this Thumb so different from the regular six-strings models (especially the horns and body to neck joint)? Is it a request from the buyer?

Just check the regular six-strings Thumb NT on Warwick Website out, you'll see what I mean.
 
You are right, Morgoth, the body looks more like a BO than a NT.

0276169001BDAFZ5WW_02.jpg

load.php


Horns look diferent, bottom of the body looks diferent, lower strap button is not centered...
 
Last edited by a moderator:
It doesn't look like NT body, how can he be done? Does the owner know it before it build? So can I order a Bo thumb with NT body?
 
With the stubby upper horn, and the higher than usual rear strap lock anyone else think it would naturally point at the ground?
 
Yea, the body shape looks more like a BO shape than a NT..
 
Looks like the owner didn't like his bass that much...
 
The body is really weird... even ugly. No wonder it's already for sell.
 
The problem is it probably sounds great, just looks like a lump of putty
 
Hi guys,

The '11 CS Thumb NT 6 FL was my custom order. Here's how it came about...my first and second basses ever acquired were '08 Thumb BO 5s fretted and fretless. Sold both (regret the fretless...sound was incredible) to order my SS2. I didn't have the time or interest in waxing the Thumbs periodically. Missed having a fretless and about that time JPT was getting his 7 string and I was following it closely on the forum. I watched every video of him playing and noticed that he held the neck how I like to. Inlso studied every older model 6 string he had pics of. I decided to have 6 NT built and had my Wick dealer submit a pic of the bottom of JPT's 7 string to the Custom Shop, and requested they match the bottom strap pin placement.

I selected Afzelia because as much as I like the look and sound of Bubunga...I'm old and my back can't take the weight. (I picked up a Bubinga model years ago at my local GC and it was very heavy)

Why the pin placement? I did extensive testing on my. SS2 using thin string attached to my bass strap (bottom end) with the other end straplocked to the horn pin (as normal) and on my knees, 2 inches from a pillow on the floor, kept adjustining the string everywhere from both strap ends attached to the top horn heading back to the bottom pin.

No question that the length of the top horn makes the most difference in neck dive. But looking at a Dolphin and my own experiment it seemed that any body wood that I could get beyond the bottom strap pin would help counter balance a little. Thus, i thought moving the strap pin and having the bottom of the bass at a little more of an angle might help.

Well, when I first saw mine in the CS Gallery, I was thinking the same thing...BO or NT? But looking at the 7 string body, it had a lot of similarities. I think the JPT's wider neck/fingerboard masks some the BO look near the neck. Also it seemed that the NT they produced (#500) may have had the same layout.

Finally, it was an incredibly well built bass. The sound and feel was amazing. Tha satin finish is even better than my SS2. The balance...neck was pointing at 3:00 without a gripping strap, seriously. Way better balance than my Thumb BO's. Why did I sell it? I was having trouble with my left hand wrist managing the wider neck after about an hour of solid playing, every time. I found myself going and getting my 5 string out of the case most often. I saw the '07 CS Infinity 5 California Buckeye Burl HP advertised and worked out a trade. I should have it this coming week...can't wait.

Sorry this is so long...I won't be so long winded next time. :-)
 
Great story! I am glad to finally hear what happened. I wish I could afford a bass like that! I will keep your theories in mind for later.
 
Do you think if that thumb was a 5er instead of a 6er, would you kept it?
 
Absolutely! Fantastic bass...just blew it for me getting the 6 string. The body shape didn't bother me at all...balance was very manageable. My admiration for what Mr. Bailey and JPT can do with a 6 (or7) string grew immensely! If I had started playing at a younger age, maybe it wouldn't have been such an issue. Who knows? :-)
 
thanks for the background on this bad.love to "hear how these customs come about.
 
Just-A-WICK said:
Absolutely! Fantastic bass...just blew it for me getting the 6 string. The body shape didn't bother me at all...balance was very manageable. My admiration for what Mr. Bailey and JPT can do with a 6 (or7) string grew immensely! If I had started playing at a younger age, maybe it wouldn't have been such an issue. Who knows? :-)
Click to expand...

I totally understand. I love Bailey and JPT, Alain Caron and John Myung also... but I can't handle 6 strings. The necks are too big for me. 5s enough. Then again, I am younger than you... Maybe I can learn to master 6 or 7 string basses... Or stick to what I know. Besides, I could never go beyond groove to do outlandish solos... Not in me.

Either way... I'm jealous of your cool CS basses and Hellborg rig. :d

I can understand why Afzelia was chosen for the body on your ex-thumb cs, because my fretless SS2 is divine. It has this interesting punch to it. I mean, so does my thumb nt, but I'm wondering if these two should swap in fretless and fretted places to see which I'd like more. heh.
 
lasteffect said:
Either way... I'm jealous of your cool CS basses and Hellborg rig. :d
Click to expand...

Back at ya, man. Hey, I'M envious of what you and many others on here can DO with a bass! If I had been interested in playing in my teens or twenties, I'd be right with ya. I made much more progress with my playing this last year...but still not playing at the level of the equipment yet, or where I'd be confident showcasing for anyone. My theory was to buy once for each functional area (rig, fretless, fretted, etc) and not have so much GAS. Good theory...hard to put into practice! :-)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top