demo model Thumb 5 BO vs used 1987 Thumb NT with EMGs

[armywalaby]

I am in quite a humorous predicament. I recently received a settlement from a car wreck and I'm finally able to purchase the bass I have wanted since I was a teenager; a Warwick Thumb 5 string. I have narrowed it down to two options - a demo BO model which I'm assuming is relatively new for $2899, or a 1987 NT with EMGs for $3250. I do not have photos of the demo BO, but I have seen it and I know it has some nicks around the input jack and on the back side. I'm not too worried about damage because I don't play live anymore and just compose at home. the benefit of buying it as a demo model from the store is a manufacturers warranty, obviously. The 1987 NT is in immaculate condition and is coming from a reputable gear seller in my area. it kinda bums me out that the pickups aren't stock, but that could be remedied easily. unless, well I don't even know if they came stock with EMGs back in the day? I'm leaning toward the 1987 NT but I just figured it wouldn't hurt to consult the forum before I make such an expensive purchase. Plus it gives me a reason to post after something like fifteen years.

here are photos of the NT to drool over because I'm such a nice guy.

 

[madmaskbass]

The 87 for sure without even thinking about it. Old Warwicks are truly special. The EMG's are likely stock and paired with the thumb it will sound glorious. Newer thumbs are great but they cannot hold it against the handmade beauties from that era. That 87 is a very very rare and special bass that was likely in the first few hundred 5 strings ever built by Warwick. It will have a serial number that tells you how early. This was at a time when 5 strings were very rare especially in Europe and was one of the reasons the brand took off to begin with. So you would be owning an interesting histrorical peice aswell as a pinnacle instrument.

 

[armywalaby]

The 87 for sure without even thinking about it. Old Warwicks are truly special. The EMG's are likely stock and paired with the thumb it will sound glorious. Newer thumbs are great but they cannot hold it against the handmade beauties from that era. That 87 is a very very rare and special bass that was likely in the first few hundred 5 strings ever built by Warwick. It will have a serial number that tells you how early. This was at a time when 5 strings were very rare especially in Europe and was one of the reasons the brand took off to begin with. So you would be owning an interesting histrorical peice aswell as a pinnacle instrument.

well I'd say that pretty much sews it up. thanks!

 

[ajkula66]

Another vote for '87.

I owned three Warwicks from that era - two of them being Thumbs - and the build quality was nothing short of stellar. BTW, my '89 Thumb had stock EMGs, while the '90 Thumb fiver sported MECs. For *my* personal preference - and on a Thumb - EMGs every day, and twice on Sundays.

My $0.02 only...