Warwick Custom Shop 12-String Basses
Warwick ad from a 1995 edition of Bass Player magazine with a 12-string bass in the background.
Warwick 12-string bass in the black finish.
Warwick Basses in Germany has made a small number of 12-string basses over the years. They are still available through the Warwick custom shop, although lately the 12’s that are being made are doubled 6-strings rather than 4x3’s, such as this custom Streamer bass strung 6x2.
Doug Wimbish on stage with the band Living Colour and his Warwick custom 12-string bass.
When veteran bassist Doug Wimbish was playing with the band Living Colour he sometimes played a Warwick 12-string bass. I had the opportunity to chat with Doug at the NAMM show in Nashville in 2014. When I asked him about his 12-string bass he said, “Wow, I’m surprised anybody even remembers that bass!” He told me that the Warwick 12 really didn’t fit his playing style so it was only used sparingly. Having heard Doug’s amazing solo playing, it’s clear that he only needs 4 strings!
Warwick 12-string bass owned by Doug Wimbish.
Headstock of the Warwick 12.
Custom bridge and tailpiece on Doug Wimbish’s Warwick 12-string bass.
Warwick custom 12-string bass owned by T.M. Stevens.
Warwick built this custom 12-string Streamer Bass for Jason Newsted of Metallica. While it has been reported that Newsted used this bass for recording, his manager has refuted that claim.