Warwick RB StarBass5 Black HP fretless

Fretless Electric Bass

Body: Maple
Flamed maple neck with ekanga veneer stripes
Fretboard: Ebony
Scale: Long scale 34"
2 Passive MEC single coil pickups
Passive electronics
Warwick machine heads
Just-A-Nut III
Warwick bridge and tailpiece
Warwick security locks
3-Way switch
Chrome hardware
Warwick RED strings
Weight: 4.4 kg
Finish: Black High Polish
Includes gigbag

Note Register your purchase at shop.warwick.de/en/warranty-registration for an extended warranty of 4 years.

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Available since July 2015
Item number 367445
Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
Lefthand Model No
Colour Black
Number of strings 5
Body Ahorn
Neck Maple
Fretboard Ebony
Scale Long Scale
Pickup System SS
Electronics Passive
Incl. Case No
Incl. Gigbag Yes

€1,059

All prices incl. VAT

Sales Rank

in Fretless Basses

Information on the disposal of old devices

A fretless semihollow five-string

The Warwick RB StarBass 5 combines the classic charm of semihollow basses and guitars with a whole host of modern features – and an extended tonal range thanks to its low B string. Its maple body, with a set-in maple neck and ekanga veneer stripes – all integrated into the instantly recognisable Warwick StarBass design – delivers a resonant and pleasantly woody response. The ebony fingerboard, with a 34" scale length, ensures precise intonation and nuanced articulation. Equipped with two passive MEC single coil pickups and passive electronics, this fretless five-string projects a natural, dynamic timbre that runs the gamut from warm vintage textures to crisp, contemporary sounds. Seen here in Warwick's classic Solid Black High Polish finish, the instrument’s excellent build quality is underlined by its reliable Warwick machine heads and Just-A-Nut III nut. Weighing in at around 4.4kg, the StarBass 5 is perfectly balanced despite its semihollow construction, making it ideal for long jam sessions and marathon gigs.

Warwick RB StarBass5 Black HP fretless, top

Sound with structure

The two MEC single coils on the Warwick RB StarBass render a tonal spectrum that ranges from warm, rounded lows to colourful mids and clearly articulated highs. A three-way selector switch lets experienced musicians dial in different pickup combinations, giving every bassist the flexibility to find their own individual sound. Thanks to Warwick's passive electronics, the core tone remains uncoloured, remaining invariably direct and authentic. The ebony fingerboard, in tandem with the 34" scale length, works to to deliver smooth glides and accurate intonation, while the two-piece Warwick bridge and tailpiece construction and Tedur nut contribute to a pleasantly low string action and reliable tuning stability. Warwick machine heads and factory-installed security locks round things off, making the instrument more than ready to handle the challenges of live musicianship.

Warwick RB StarBass5 Black HP fretless, rear view

An effortlessly stylish fretless semihollow

The Warwick RB StarBass 5 is ideal for bassists looking to combine the unmistakable character of a semihollow instrument with the extended range and smooth playability of a fretless five-string. Its open, woody core tone and straightforward pickup configuration will appeal to players who value organic sound, dynamic phrasing, and expressive nuance – all without sacrificing ease of use. For both seasoned fretless players in search of a stylish second instrument or tone chasers deliberately pursuing a distinctive voice that goes beyond what traditional solidbody basses are capable of, the StarBass 5 delivers the goods. With its passive electronics, balanced weight profile, and ergonomic handling, it's bound to prove a versatile companion wherever the music takes it – and all this at a price point that's refreshingly fair.

Warwick RB StarBass5 Black HP fretless, headstock

About Warwick

Based in Markneukirchen, Saxony, Warwick, initially a manufacturer of premium basses, is known today for providing a wide range of music equipment in all sectors of the industry. The product range extends from bass guitars, bass amplifiers and cabinets (in all price brackets), bass strings and accessories, to effects units. In addition to this core business, the Warwick Distribution sales company offers almost everything that bass players, whether of four, six or even more string instruments, could require. Among them are the instruments of the Framus brand, which are remarkable for their consistently high quality. In addition to its headquarters in Markneukirchen, Warwick also has locations in Nashville and Shanghai.

There's a StarBass waiting to be heard

With its signature semihollow sound and duo of passive MEC single coils, the Warwick RB StarBass 5 is a fine choice for a wide range of musical applications. Whether it’s warm, vocal basslines in Jazz, Soul, and Fusion, or subtle grooves in Pop, Indie, and singer-songwriter arrangements – the StarBass 5 brings a distinctive voice to the mix, one that offers something quite unlike traditional solidbody basses. As a classical fretless bass, it's perfect for solos, glides, and vibrato, while the three-way switch allows musicians to quickly toggle between their favoured pickup combinations. Whether it's paired with pedals and amps, or plugged straight into a recording interface, this is an instrument that will integrate seamlessly into almost any setup. The StarBass 5 ships with a gig bag, Warwick RED strings, and factory-installed Warwick security locks.

3 Customer ratings

5 3 Customers 4 0 Customers 3 0 Customers 2 0 Customers 1 0 Customers

5 / 5

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1 Review

Good 5 string semi hollow fretless

Bernt 12.01.2021

This was a nice surprise; I needed a 5 string fretless for a project that will hit the road when the world gets better.
(I didn't want to use my very high end one-off 6 string in that environment, but this can be kicked around, and that 6th high C is optional with this band anyway)
I have had a German made Star Bass in Bubinga and a Korean made Star bass Proseries earlier, both fretted and four-string, so I kind of knew what this bass was about. But still, I was a little anxious about a China made fretless.
No worries. Shipped nicely packed as always from Thomann, and it even came with a (so-so) Rockbag gig bag (I will use a Reunion Blues bag I have anyway), some tools, strap locks and, ... a 9V battery (its passive, no battery compartment :-))

Unpacked it, gave it a couple of runs to check everything was working.
Comes with some Warwick rounds; they are not for me, so I put a set of TI JF 345 on it immediately.
Truss rod needed som tightening with those low tension TI?s.
Had to cut the nut to get to my preferred action (so that a business card just can slip under the strings at the nut).
Yes, it comes with the "just-a-nut", but I couldn't get it low enough..... .. It?s easy to take off the upper part with the string slots and sand down the back of whole piece 1,5 mm and pop it back on and adjust the screws to taste. (Remember to adjust the receiving pegs on the base accordingly too....)

Also the string spacing needed to be evened out; it was between 16 (B-E) and 20 mm (D-G)...no big issue really. Warwick's bridges are familiar and workable.

Pros:
34" and nice B string
Nice neck
Very nice ebony fingerboard
Quite punchy and versatile sound from those singel coils
Even some growl as I expected (but its not really a "Jaco" bass)
Absolutely comparable to the Korean Pro-series Star Bass I had
Finish is very nice
Looks great on stage
No neck dive
Light at just over 4 kgs

Cons:
Just-a-nut needed work
String spacing was off

Serial number shows its a 2019 made bass, but it was unmarked and brand new.

Conclusion : very happy with my third Star bass!

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Warwick RB StarBass5 Black HP fretless

Fretless Electric Bass