Pricing and availability

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Reverb
5.0 (3)
$2,775.00 7 available Used
Thomann
3.0 (1)
$7,799.00 $7,699.00 $100.00 · All time low

Average Price: $5,237

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Warwick Thumb NT 5 Strings". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 19, 2026.

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Description

The Warwick Thumb NT 5 Strings is a masterwork of German engineering that seamlessly blends style, substance, and sound. Since its inception in 1985, this bass has been the go-to choice for musicians across genres, thanks to its versatile design accommodating all playing styles. This version of the Warwick Thumb NT introduces stunning craftsmanship with its sleek, compact body and a tigerstripe ebony fingerboard that offers a smooth playing experience. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the frets are leveled using Warwick’s Invisible Fretwork Technology (IFT), ensuring comfort with no fret-edge protrusion.

Powerful electronics are at the heart of this bass, with Bartolini MM and stacked-coil J-style pickups providing rich, dynamic tones. The MEC preamp offers a 3-band EQ, allowing for easy tonal adjustments to suit any musical setting. Whether you're a session musician or a touring bassist, the Thumb NT’s formidable active electronics ensure you have the right sound at your fingertips. Its ergonomic design includes angled tuner keys and a Tedur Just-A-Nut for effortless adjustments, making it a reliable companion for your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Active Warwick 3-way electronics
  • Solid walnut body with flamed walnut top
  • Bolt-on wenge neck
  • Tigerstripe ebony fingerboard
  • Extra-high, extra-hard jumbo brass frets
  • Invisible Fretwork Technology (IFT) for comfort
  • Passive Bartolini MM-style bridge pickup
  • Passive Bartolini Jazz neck pickup
  • MEC preamp with 3-band EQ
  • Tedur Just-A-Nut III nut
  • Warwick tuning machines and 2-piece bridge
  • Handcrafted in Germany
  • Includes Warwick gig bag
Framus & Warwick

Framus & Warwick

Warwick Product Specialist Andy Irvine - Demo- Thumb 5 NT

Video thumbnail for Warwick Product Specialist Andy Irvine - Demo- Thumb 5 NT by Framus & Warwick

Warwick Product Specialist Andy Irvine - Demo- Thumb 5 NT

Framus & Warwick

Framus & Warwick

Video thumbnail for Warwick comparison - Thumb NT 5 vs Thumb NT 6 by SaimoN

Warwick comparison - Thumb NT 5 vs Thumb NT 6

SaimoN

SaimoN

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Warwick Thumb NT 5 Strings.

Comparisons

  • Some owners find the Thumb's tone reminiscent of a MusicMan due to the pickup placement close to the bridge, providing a nasally growl.

    Source
  • A user noted the 5-string version has more neck dive than the 6-string, possibly due to the heavier body of the latter providing better balance.

    Source
  • The Thumb NT5's neck profile varies by era, with '90s models featuring a thinner wenge neck, as opposed to the ovangkol necks with a flatter D shape.

    Source
  • Unlike some models, the Thumb NT5's neck isn't overly thick, avoiding the "baseball bat" feel, which some other Warwick models have been criticized for.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite its tonal challenges in a band setting, the Thumb NT5 is praised for its distinct sound and is loved for personal practice and solo performances.

    Source
  • While known for slap and solo playing, the Thumb NT5 is praised for its performance on low notes, enhancing its versatility in different musical styles.

    Source
  • The Thumb NT5 excels in metal genres, especially when paired with Neural DSP Parallax or Darkglass gear, delivering a distinctive "growl."

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Thumb NT5's unique tone is described as "woody" and becomes especially aggressive and "beastly" when paired with distortion effects.

    Source
  • The Thumb NT5's pickups are positioned to encourage a unique right-hand angle, influencing distinct playing techniques, especially for fingerstyle players.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some users reported that the neck's long reach can cause discomfort, particularly the left hand, if played without proper ergonomics.

    Source
  • Factory fretwork is remarkably precise due to CNC machining, ensuring nearly perfect intonation straight out of the box.

    Source

User experience

  • The Thumb NT5 is described as having a mid-heavy, burpy tone that can be challenging to fit within a band mix, especially in classic rock settings.

    Source
  • Owners have experienced neck warping; inspecting the neck before purchase is crucial to avoid potential issues.

    Source
  • Despite neck dive concerns, a wide padded strap can effectively mitigate the issue, keeping the neck level during play.

    Source
  • The small body size leads to ergonomic challenges, requiring players to position the bass higher, almost in the armpit, for comfortable playing.

    Source
  • Owners report the bass being significantly heavy, similar to an Ibanez BTB, affecting playing posture and potentially causing shoulder strain.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Lightweight Gotoh tuners are recommended to replace stock tuners on '90s models for better balance and to preserve the collectible "West Germany" tuners.

    Source

Build quality

  • The 2016 Warwick Thumb NT5 boasts exceptional craftsmanship with a sturdy build and a D-shaped neck profile that's close to an Ibanez Wizard in thinness.

    Source
  • The Thumb NT5's body is made from dense bubinga wood, contributing to its heavy weight, similar to depleted uranium density.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jameesb25

Favorite bass

Very easy to play and get good sounds. Neck is very comfortable and great weight

Roles:
Genres:
jayjarrell22

There is nothing like it it! Complex chords up to fret 26 like a piece of cake.

This base has everything! Upgraded with Bartolini pickups, it actually can sound like a a fretless with warm beautiful tone and solid wood design.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ryan Martinie uses Warwick Thumb NT 5 Strings

Ryan Martinie

Bassist

Mudvayne

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Ryan Martinie - Dig (just him!)," Ryan Martinie is seen playing a Warwick Thumb NT 5 Strings bass guitar, showcasing his skillful technique.

See how Nigel John Taylor uses Warwick Thumb NT 5 Strings

Nigel John Taylor

Bassist

Duran Duran

...
Verified via Photo

The picture shows John Taylor playing the item.

See how Doug Wimbish uses Warwick Thumb NT 5 Strings

Doug Wimbish

Bassist

Living Colour

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: White

Throughout the music video for Bi, you can see a White 5 string Thumb. You can tell it’s a Thumb by the two angled pickups at the bridge

See how Amos Williams uses Warwick Thumb NT 5 Strings

Amos Williams

Bassist

TesseracT

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Williams is clearly seen playing a Warwick Thumb. Williams stopped using the trusty thumb bass after he was offered a signature bass by Kiesel. Amos now solely plays Kiesel Basses.

See how Nick Schendzielos uses Warwick Thumb NT 5 Strings

Nick Schendzielos

Bassist

Job for a Cowboy

...
Verified via No Treble
See how Javier Malosetti uses Warwick Thumb NT 5 Strings

Javier Malosetti

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via Photo

Endorser. Custom version with 26 frets, faster neck and Seymour pickups

See how Billy Bass Nelson uses Warwick Thumb NT 5 Strings

Billy Bass Nelson

Singer, Bassist

Funkadelic

...
Verified via Photo

In his later career, Billy Bass Nelson has been frequently seen using a Warwick Thumb NT 5-string bass, as evident in user-uploaded photos.

See how Kevin Sherwood uses Warwick Thumb NT 5 Strings

Kevin Sherwood

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

Kevin Sherwood has mentioned using a Warwick Thumb NT 5-string bass. While the specific construction method is not confirmed, it is likely a neck-through design, as suggested by the accompanying user-uploaded photo.

See how John "Slo" Maggard uses Warwick Thumb NT 5 Strings

John "Slo" Maggard

Bassist

Unearth

...
Verified via Photo

This photo shows Unearth guitarist Buz McGrath playing guitar while on the shoulders of former bassist, John Maggard. John is playing a Warwick Thumb 5 string bass in a natural finish.

See how Hugh Mingay uses Warwick Thumb NT 5 Strings

Hugh Mingay

Bassist

Ulver

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo of Mingay playing live, he can be seen playing a Warwick Thumb 5 NT, as evident by the 26 frets.

See how Ryan Jurhs uses Warwick Thumb NT 5 Strings

Ryan Jurhs

Bassist

Flaw

...
Verified via Archive

Used by Juhrs around 2002 according to this GuitarGeek diagram.

See how Adrian Ciuplea uses Warwick Thumb NT 5 Strings

Adrian Ciuplea

...
Verified via Facebook

Adrian's newest bass. He recently bought it and started using it for Vita de Vie's new album. This is a photo from his facebook account.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Warwick Thumb NT 5 Strings, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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