Description
Here we have a 20+ year old Warwick Thumb Neck-Through NT5 bass. Whilst we do not think this is a Warwick Custom Shop model, the bass received a Warwick certificate of authenticity as a “custom shop” bass. We aren’t sure whether Custom Shop series existed in 2002Warwick and a reputable store in Germany whom we acquired this shop stated that the build quality of this bass equivalent to the Masterbuilt series today. I received a few feedback from potential buyers here that it could be misleading to label it Masterbuilt, so we refrain to do so.
The Thumb is Warwick’s most acclaimed model, with a unique voice that was made famous by Ryan Martinie with his heavy metal band Mudvayne and fusion/progressive rock band Soften the Glare; Jack Bruce playing a 4-string fretless version. Warwick makes many great bass models, and it’s the Thumb that takes the brand to stand tall with all the other major bass makers. In fact, when Ryan Martinie designed his Fodera signature bass, it’s clearly based on the Thumb. We haven’t watched/heard how the Fodera sounds, but we wouldn’t expect Fodera wanting to sound like Warwick. The Thumb’s sound is unique, and it is super well-built.
In our opinion, bass players with smaller body frame may take some time getting used to the ergonomic of this bass. The strap button position on a smaller body means that, with strap-on-shoulder, the neck extends far longer than the typical P bass or J bass body shape. Although it is 34″ scale, this neck extension while playing stand-up can feel like a 35-36″-scale to some, unless your strap length is set longer that you are picking the strings near upper thigh level.
This Thumb NT5 has a natural oil finished bubinga pommelé body, 5-piece ovangkol neck, tigerstripe ebony fingerboard, 26 brass jumbo frets. For electronics, it has the active MEC pickups, slanted JJ configuration near the bridge instead of the typical J Bass spacing. Active MEC 3-way pre-amp, with also EQ bypass by pulling the volume knob. This is not passive mode, but do think of it as a way to change the tone from flat EQ to some other EQ setting on the fly.
This bass is used and is in Excellent+ condition. There are a few light scratches upon closer examination, and no noticeable nicks/dings. The ebony fingerboard shows some fingerprint marks. Electronics are flawless, and the truss rod has good margin on both direction. Frets are around 90% which is plenty of life. Hardwares have no obvious wear. It comes with a standard Warwick Rockbag, COA, toolkit amongst other case candies. All specs can be found on the Additional Information tab above.
Notes on the buying process
Our items are listed on this site (bellaromeo.com), as well as being available in our physical showroom in Wan Chai, Hong Kong and third-party online shopping platform(s). In rare occasions, the item may be sold out first via other channels, in which case we regrettably will need to prioritise the order fulfilment by the time stamp of the order being placed on a first-come-first-sold basis.
CREDIT CARD PAYMENT. When you place an order with us here at bellaromeo.com using a credit card, the checkout process only authrorize a hold of the payment amount. Once we received your order, we will review the order to check (1) if there are any combined shipping opportunity, (2) stock is not sold elsewhere, and (3) accuracy of all information about your order. We will send you an updated invoice if there are any changes for your agreement. Once everything is in good order, we will charge your credit card.
DIRECT BANK TRANSFER. If you wish to pay by bank transfer, you may pay in US dollars (USD), European Euros (EUR), British Pounds (GBP), Japanese Yen (JPY), Hong Kong Dollars (HKD), Chinese Yuan (CNY), Canadian Dollars (CAD), Australian Dollars (AUD), New Zealand Dollars (NZD), Swiss Francs (CHF), and Singaporean Dollars (SGD). This could help our customer save on currency conversion charges by credit card / payment companies. Once we received your order, we will review the order to check (1) if there are any combined shipping opportunity, (2) stock is not sold elsewhere, and (3) accuracy of all information about your order. If everything is in good order, we will send you an email about our bank account details.
