I’ve played music since I was about 9 years old – starting on the drums, and then picking up the bass later on (maybe around 16 or 17). I also play a little guitar and keyboards and enjoy writing my own music too.
Recently, I came into some bonus cash I wasn’t expecting, and rather than boringly ploughing it into daily living expenses, I decided to pretend like I never got the money and blow it all on some musical toys in a vain attempt to get me playing and writing more. I wanted to get some instruments the kids could benefit from too.
Today’s purchase was a new bass. I already own a Warwick 4–string thru neck Thumb bass, which I love a lot. Martin Sims over at Sims Custom shop installed some wickedly bright red LEDs in the fingerboard, and it is just a beautiful instrument both to play and look at. Recently though, I have been playing more and more music that would really suit a 5–string bass. I figured I would try and find a lower priced model that would just give me a little flexibility and choice when playing and recording, and shortlisted a few manufacturers – Warwick, Music Man and Yamaha. I took a trip to Denmark Street in London, and headed for the “Bass Cellar”. The woman working there could not have been more helpful, and before long I was trying out a Yamaha and one of the Warwick Rock Basses. Sadly, they only had 4–string Music Man basses in, so I didn’t get to try one of those.
But actually, that didn’t matter. I played a Yamaha first – this one actually came in quite a bit under budget and was surprisingly good for the price. However, as soon as I picked up the Warwick Corvette Rock Bass, I knew that the feel and sound were perfect for the price! Of course, I am used to a Warwick so maybe I am biased, but this thing was just lovely. Excellent action, great sound with a reasonable amount of control over the two pickups as well as bass and treble controls. I bought it there and then. At about £200 under my budget, I feel like I got a bargain. Needless to say, it has been given a pretty comprehensive work out this evening.
Tomorrows purchase is a new drum set. And maybe a digital piano. We’ll see. 
