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5 Aug

Reviewed: Warwick TeamBuilt Thumb BO 4-String

Amber Technology | ambertech.com.au | Expect to pay: $3,899

Warwick are the reigning champions of bass guitar. Some of the biggest and best bass players on the planet choose Warwick as their axe of choice, and for good reason. The Thumb is one of their most well-known body shapes, and this four string bolt model showed me why.

5 Aug

13 Jun

Reviewed: Warwick Rock Bass Star Bass

Amber Technology | ambertechnology.com.au | Expect to pay: $1,799

Warwick’s Rock Bass line offers a combination of Warwick designs and features with some cost-saving measures to create basses that retain the Warwick ethos and persona at a lesser price point. Whilst mainly known for their modern-ish Thumb, Streamer and Corvette designs, the Star offers something a little different in the way of a semi-hollow bass.

13 Jun

21 Feb

Reviewed: Fender American Performer Precision Bass

Fender Music Australia | fender.com.au | RRP: $2299

Fender has made some tweaks to their range over the last few years adding features, colours and options to meet an ever demanding public. The newly introduced American Performer line is Fender’s most affordable Californian made instruments. Of course continuing the classic J and P basses the line also features a Mustang Bass model for those wanting something different. Anything different with the P I hear you ask? Read on!

21 Feb

18 Jan

Reviewed: Warwick Custom Shop Corvette $$ Bass

Amber Technology | ambertech.com.au | Expect to Pay: $8499

In the November issue of Mixdown we reviewed one of Warwick’s Masterbuilt basses, the Streamer. This month we had the pleasure of sitting down with one of their Custom Shop Corvette basses, and this one was just as mind-blowing as the previous. The Corvette is one of Warwick’s more popular models, even at budget levels, with its iconic body shape, dual pickups and very playable neck. While the Masterbuilt Streamer we reviewed in November is a specialist bass, the Corvette is noticeably more playable as it feels more like a workhorse bass for a more modern player. The Warwick Corvette $$ four-string is a 34” scale length, neck-through electric bass with active MEC pickups, an eye catching buck-eye burl finish and what is maybe the smoothest ebony fingerboard I’ve ever seen, let alone played.

18 Jan

14 Dec

Reviewed: Warwick Teambuilt Pro Series Corvette

Amber Technology | ambertech.com.au | Expect to Pay: $2999

I remember growing up and seeing players like Norwood Fisher (of Fishbone fame), Stuart Zender and Aussie guns like Craig Newman playing these basses that had slightly different shapes, a square-ish kind of headstock and a distinct fat and rumbly, yet articulate tone. I was always intrigued by their sound and looks. Upon learning they were Warwick basses made in Germany, some additional mystique was added to my perception of the brand (in the fact that they weren’t the standard US-styled instruments). Instantly recognisable in looks and with a highly identifiable sound, Warwick have since continued to make quality instruments that are used by a huge range of players worldwide.

14 Dec

5 Dec

Reviewed: Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special

CMC Music | cmcmusic.com.au | Expect to Pay: From $3795

An update to the much loved StingRay – is that playing with fire? The guys at Music Man know how to knock out a quality instrument and have the impeccable track record to go with it, so I’m guessing the answer is no. From funk to rock and pop to country, the StingRay is an iconic instrument that has held down the low end on many a classic (and not so classic) album.

5 Dec

9 Nov

Reviewed: Sterling by Music Man Ray24

CMC Music | cmcmusic.com.au | Expect to Pay: $1295

Since its inception in 1976, Music Man’s StingRay bass has been a doe-eyed dream for young bassists. Its sleek cut outs and ovular pickguard frame a peppy tone, signature growl and pouncy low end. The fantasy for many of us deflated like a school fete balloon as we flipped over the multi-thousand dollar price tag. This year, Music Man have sought to repair hearts with their affordable 2018 range of Sterling by Music Man StingRays, matching the distinctive aesthetic cool with surprising tonal emulation. The Ray24, the mid-range offering wedged between the S.U.B Sterlings and the Ray 34, is a resounding success.

9 Nov

7 Nov

Reviewed: Warwick Streamer Stage I 5 Limited Edition Bass

Amber Technology | ambertech.com.au | Expect To Pay: $9999

In August of this year, wandering around the Melbourne Guitar Show at Caulfield Racecourse, I spotted a Streamer Stage hanging from the wall in the Warwick booth. The price tag was as eye-catching as the European ash burl top over the swamp ash body, and the gold hardware and bronze frets stood out against the wenge fingerboard and deep, rich burls. Warwick is the bass of choice for some of the biggest names in music, such as Metallica, Pantera, Alice in Chains and U2. The list really does go on. The Warwick Streamer Stage I 5 Ltd is a 34” electric five-string bass. It features dual active Aguilar pickups, a brass Warwick bridge and Warwick tuners.

7 Nov

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