Warwick have introduced a new line of Pro Series Basses made in Korea that are awesome value for money.
There is a choice of two Corvettes with either Ash or Bubinga bodies. The other models in the series are:
Thumb Bolt-On (Ovangkol body and Maple with Ekanga Veneer Stripes)
Streamer LX (US Cherry body and Maple neck with Ekanga Veneer Stripes)
Star Bass Pro (AAA Flamed Maple body with laminated back, sides and top and Maple neck with Ekanga Veneer Stripes)
They all have Wenge fingerboards with Tigerstripe Ebony on the fretless models.
Whilst the Star Bass is only available in 4 and 5 string versions the others also boast a 6-string variant as well. You have a wide variety of colours and finishes to choose from and I am certain they have covered most tastes.
The specifications on most of the models are quite similar and I tried out most of them. I was very impressed with the workmanship, sonic quality, and of course the very competitive pricing.
For the purpose of this review I will focus on the Corvette Bubinga.
First Impression
The balance of the bass is excellent and the Corvette is quite light in comparison to many others that I have played on. As with most Warwick basses some of the controls feature a centre detent. I always find Warwick basses to look really great and the Corvette Bubinga is no exception. Personally I love natural coloured instruments (all my basses are natural) so the Corvette scores high in my books for great aesthetics.
Closer inspection reveals the Warwick Just-A-Nut III, an accurate two-piece height-adjustable nut, which is now made from a fiberglass-reinforced synthetic material called Tedur.
The bronze frets are great and certainly adds to the bass’s amazing feel. It is very comfortable from fret 1 to fret 24. I was also impressed with the action for a bass straight from the factory. The string spacing on the 4 string that I tested was actually perfect on unpacking.
This Corvette on test may be built in Korea but the hallmark German quality of Warwick certainly shines through and suggests an instrument that has been carefully constructed.
Sound
The Corvette’s sound is unmistakably Warwick; crystal clear and punchy and the Bubinga combined with the electronics give this bass an amazingly big sound. Excellent blended sounds are easy to coax from the circuit as you sweep from one pickup to the other. If you use the neck pickup and boost the bass control there is enough bottom-end to make the stage vibrate. If you use the bridge pickup only, you get a Jaco-like [Pastorius] sound that is very, very impressive.
The balance of the notes on all the strings and in any position on the neck is quite remarkable which is another Warwick trademark I’ve come to respect from the brand. If you are looking for a brighter sound, the Ash version would be a better option, but by using the treble control I got enough brilliance on the Bubinga to satisfy my needs.
Versatility
Whether you are a Slapper, Groover, Walker or Rocker this bass can be EQ’ed by using its own controls tuned to accommodate you. The Corvette also comes in 4, 5 and 6-string models and as a fretless option at no extra charge.
The other basses in the Pro Series line also look, sound and feel amazing.
Verdict
The Corvette’s excellent workmanship, great tone and competitive price add to what is a very playable and awesomely balanced bass guitar. I was also pleasantly surprised as to how versatile the instrument is. It has to be said that there aren’t many basses in this price range that offer as the name suggests – a PRO series instrument.
The other models are also pretty awesome and it would be difficult for me to choose any one in particular so it’s really down to personal choice and needs. A really good deal at a really good price at the end of the day in my opinion.
Suggested Retail Price: Pro Series Prices range from R 7,000.00 to R 13,000.00
Supplier: Music Power | Tel: (011) 466-9515
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