Warwick Corvette Standard 5-String Electric Bass (with Gig Bag)

Feature:
The one shortcoming with this instrument is that it does not have a mid cut-boost knob. I own a Schecter Studio that goes for about $600 and it has one. It adds tremendous color and growl. That feature on this guitar would be heavenly. I would be unfair if I did not mention all the ways you can set the strings on the Warwick. You control both height and spacing, which is mighty cool. It also comes with strap locks that are a snap to use.

Quality:
The instrument has a silky, almost sentious feel. It is extremely well made. The wood requires care -- simply an application about once a month from a tin of polish that comes with it. (Oh yeah, get a humidifier. The Warwick and all your other instruments will thank you.) The one minor problem I had was with the pan knob. It was set too close to the body and rubbed slightly when I turned it. It was an easy fix.

Value:
O.K., O.K., it's worth the money, but in my mind there's no such thing as value, when it comes to a $1,300 dollar instrument. One element that I think adds value is that Warwick will make 'em lefty, fretless and a variety of lengths -- whatever you want. You don't get that everywhere.

Desirability:
Maybe it's just me, but I dig the natural finish. I got especially lucky with the wood grain. Mine is most excellent. Good karma, I guess.

Sound:
I own a fretless version of this instrument and use the Rotosound black tru-bass strings. (Some call them the Abby Road strings, because apparently they're the ones Paul McCartney used to record that album.) The set-up creates a warm, earthy zing that's simply devine. I do not get much tone shaping with the pick-up pan knob, but the bass and treble knobs to add plenty of character to a rich round tone. I had a model with frets, while I waited for this one to arrive and that too is a fine instrument, but if you have the courage (and patience) to fretless, this one's an excellent choice. (Let's face it, you'll always amaze the crowds when you whip out one of these and play it with pinache.)

Support:
So far, so good. I found the people responsive. I had a question about the RF interference I get from the instrument. (I live in a high rise and those jazz pick-ups catch all sorts of radio signals.) The bass is so well made that you may never need to contact the company. (Oh, about the interference -- I'm still working on it. Sometimes I have to turn down the treble most of the way when I'm in my apartment. It's on the 37th floor, but it's not a problem when I play the thing while I'm closer to mother earth.)

Overall:
This bass is just plain terrific. The sound, the feel -- marvelous. I feel as if I'm a superhero, with special superhero powers. No, really -- I'm not kidding. You'll dig the bass.

Feature:
The woods used are top notch, as is the electronics. I'm able to dial in the exact sound I'm looking for, and despite the Corvette having such personality I can still change to different needs and situations. My only complaint here is that the knob for pickup selection seems to be shorted out, and it is hit-or-miss to get the exact blend I'm looking for.

Quality:
This bass has logged many miles, many countries, and many kinds of music. Simply awesome.

Value:
My next bass will be the exact same thing, maybe the double buck neck-thru model, or maybe a fretless six.

Desirability:
Again: My next bass will be the exact same thing, maybe the double buck neck-thru model, or maybe a fretless six.

Sound:
Wow, the Corvette is perhaps the most unique sounding bass I've ever owned, and when I say "unique" I mean it in a good way. I've had Fender, Peavey, Rickenbacker, Yamaha, even custom basses from a kit (mostly Warmoth) and this bass is simply the nicest sound I've found in several decades. I actually had a sound engineer ask me "um, is your bass supposed to sound like that?" LOL!

Ease of Use:
This is easily the best feeling bass out of the box/bag. Ever. However the bass does have a very distinctive tone, and if you're not enamored with it then you will be spending a lot of your time (too much) trying to make the bass sound like, well, like it's not a Corvette.

Support:
I have the bad knob, but I've also had the bass for around seven years. I have no idea what I need to do to get that knob repaired, and am too active to live without the thing for too long. This is a problem for me, and the main reason it hasn't been repaired yet.

Overall:
One more time: My next bass will be the exact same thing, maybe the double buck neck-thru model, or maybe a fretless six.