Warwick Stu Hamm Signature Bass

Warwick unveil the Stu Hamm Signature Bass, a customized version of their Streamer Broadneck model.

Warwick Stu Hamm Signature Bass

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According to the company, they have put their over 30 years worth of experience at Stu Hamm’s disposal, resulting in a signature that meets his unique demands, including a special lower action.

Stu Hamm is one of the few bassists whom electric guitarists actually know of, thanks to his collaborative work with some of the biggest virtuosos like Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Eric Johnson and many more. In my case, his exposure as Satch’s bassist during the popular “G3” events drilled his name in my head.

Being primarily an electric guitar player, I’m intrigued by how some bassists tend to comment negatively when Stu’s name is mentioned, and this release is no exception. This time around his brand loyalty is being questioned, because prior to this new signature bass, he was an endorser for a different instrument manufacturer with a name that also starts with the letter “W”. So it is not surprising for some to compare this new signature with the one from the other brand.

According to the company, the final design of the new Warwick Stu Hamm Signature Bass took them two years to develop and produce. This bass guitar is based on the Warwick Streamer Broadneck, with some minor changes that reflect Hamm’s personal preferences.. The most notable of which is that upper body horn, which is slightly shifted toward the 12 fret. Another obvious difference is found at the lower body horn, which has been altered to make the upper frets more accessible.

Another important distinction that this new signature has is its conveniently low action. Warwick mentioned: “Also Stu Hamm asked for decreased distance between the body and strings to facilitate his unique playing style. For this reason, the instrument incorporates a cavity in the area of the bridge, which has been set deep in the body to create the necessary string pressure. This unique detail introduces a new playing feel many bassists will find interesting.”

As expected, this new signature follows Hamm’s traditional 4-string setup and bolt-on construction. The body is crafted from red alder and has a distinct double cutaway shape that is based on the Streamer Broadneck with modified lower body horn that meets Stu Hamm’s requirements. As expected from Warwick, some aspects of the guitar are consumer customizable, including the finish which is available in Natural Oil Finish, Coloured Oil Finish or High Polish Finish.

The neck is carved from Birdseye maple with rosewood stripes and topped by a rosewood fretboard. The neck also follows traditional specs with a 34″ scale length, 1.634″ nut width, 20″ fingerboard radius and the neck itself is carved into a C shape profile. Stu Hamm had the bass set up with 24 jumbo bronze (extra hard) frets that i 2.9mm wide and 1.3mm tall. You can also opt for having a fretless neck, which will come with a tigerstripe ebony fretboard.

As for the electronics, Stu’s new signature is equipped with an EMG X Soapbar MM on the neck and an EMG X Soapbar J on the bridge. They are wired to active EMG 2-band electronics that include two knobs for the volume of the neck and bridge, a balance knob and a treble/bass stacked knob.

Other hardware include dome speed knobs, 2-piece brass Warwick bridge, Warwick security locks, Hipshot D-tuner with wooden knobs, and it is all packed in a RockCase flight case. Warwick equips the bass with EMP strings with the following gauges: 045 ” ; 065 ; 085 ; 105″.

As expected the new Warwick Stu Hamm Signature Bass carries a hefty price tag of $7,399. We will have to wait and see how it compares with Stu’s old signature model. Head over to Warwick for more information.

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Warwick is included in our roundup of the Best Bass Guitar Brands.
 

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