I’m anything but a bass player. But if you want to make real music, the bass is one of the most central instruments of all. Only the low notes hold a musical foundation together. And it doesn’t matter if you do Heavy Metal or Electronic Dance Music.
E-Bass or synthie?
“You can do bass sounds at least as well with a synth, if not so much better!” This may be true for sure, but as a trained keyboard player I have noticed one thing.
I can use the best sounds, e.g. from the Native Instruments Library, the real feeling only works with a self played bass. The touch alone, whether played with fingers or plectrum, can never be reproduced with an electronic, synthetic “instrument”. That’s why I bought a bass at the beginning of 2002. And that’s the Warwick Rockbass Streamer 2002!
Warwick Rockbass Streamer
The Streamer is definitely not a high end bass. When I bought it, I was a student and the money was tight. The price of almost 500 € was just right for the budget. Nevertheless, the instrument convinced me at that time and even today I still think that it works really well, especially in terms of processing.
The electronics work like they did from day one. To be fair, the bass has rarely left the apartment. You can count that on one hand. So it’s a pure studio or living room instrument. Accordingly, it still looks good after almost 20 years.
Finishing
Of course the part comes from China and therefore a comparison with an original Warwick Streamer or any other +1000€ bass would not be fair. Nevertheless I am satisfied. The nut on the jack socket loosens from time to time, but then it just screws tight again. Not nice, but no killer criterion either.
Playability
Ideal for me as a non-bassist. Beautiful flat string position, thin and narrow neck and it doesn’t buzz. The neck is made of maple and the fretboard is made of rosewood. One of the absolute strengths of this bass.
Sound
A nice rocking sound. No more, but also no less and in combination with some nice plugins, this part is completely enough for home recording.
Specifications
- Rockbass Warwick Streamer 4 String
- Made in China
- Colour: Gloss Black
- Body: Carolena
- Neck: Ahorn
- Fretboard: Palisander
- Mechaniken: Warwick
- Elektronics: 2 passive MEC soapbar pickups
- Original Price: 460 €
- Adequate successor model: Warwick RockBass Streamer 4 SBH
Summary
Plus
- Good playability
- Orderly workmanship
- Good rock sound
Minus
- Not excessive sound flexibility
- Smaller Verarbeitungsmängel