For aspiring bass builders out there, you may be faced with the decision of whether to build a show bass or a performance bass. An example of this is looking at two Warwick signature models, the Bootsy Collins Artist Series vs. the Bootsy Collins Space Bass.
We’ll start with the Artist Series model which is no longer in production.
This bass has a super-flat 20″ fingerboard radius, illuminated side dot markers, 24 jumbo bronze frets described as “extra hard” by Warwick themselves and active electronics.
This bass is the better performer simply for the reason it’s easier to get along with and because Warwick based it off the already-established Infinity model, which Warwick Custom Shop still makes. (To clarify: The Bootsy Artist Series model is no longer in production but the Infinity model still is.)
Here is a demo of it:
Then there’s the Space Bass, a model still in production from the Warwick Custom Shop today:
The first question most people have is “Do all 5 of those pickups actually work?” Yes, they do. There are 5 EMG J pickups, all active, all working. The neck has 24 extra hard bronze frets and a 20-inch fingerboard radius like the Artist Series does.
This is the Space Bass in action:
Show basses are cool, but building one may lead to frustration quickly
The Space Bass is certainly a showstopper; it does perform; Bootsy does in fact use one on stage – but in the end this is a show bass more than anything else. Even simple things like resting this instrument without damaging it on a guitar stand is a challenge because of the gigantic angled point at the rear of the body.
Construction-wise, crafting an exotic build like the Space Bass is a large undertaking, and the video below does show some of the manufacturing process Warwick goes through to actually make one.
So if you’re thinking about building something as exotic as the Space Bass is, know this phrase well: “Know what you’re getting into.” For any builder, this would be a monster-big project to complete, especially if it’s only one man crafting the whole thing.
I built Bootsy’s Dark Star Bass in 1997, his first true pointed star shaped version, with LED’s outlining the shape…and yes, all those outputs! True Fun!
The Bass looks great. Is it for sale? And if it is. How much for a 5 String?
Yes it’s for sale, I went at Warwick really hard for not saying this is an extremely high-priced bass, it should not be $50k Yes $50,000.00USD That’s really too high for a bass not made with gold and diamonds, or some special metals. I own serial# 1 signed by BOOTZILLA and the G.Clintion and other P-funk members. and its a beast.. and was a fraction of the cost… shame on Warwick.
My name Lorenzo from ft laud fl I’m a bass player I would like to purchase the white space bass with the give pickups can it be built with bartolini electronics instead of emg electronics please give me a price.
How much is the space bass with 5 pick ups
The Warwick Custom Shop: Bootsy Collins’ Space Bass with the 5 PICKUPS.
Cost 50k USD… Yes!!! fifty thousand. Shame on you Warwick for even putting this in the consumer market for resale. I own a few Bootsy Basses, even the one made by Washburn, signed by the P-Funk Crew and Bootsy, I’ve been down with Zillia for years. But when I found out the Price of that Warwick Bass, It was just wrong!!! I use to love Warwick, but I’ve sold off 5 of their CustomShop basses, and vow never to touch one.. Just poor marketing for that Bootsy Bass.. they should have been upfront about the price. WHAT a letdown!!!!