Warwick The Alien 5 acoustic bass, natural satin finish, made in China 2017. There's a couple of versions of the Alien, and this is the all-out-fancy version with all the trimmings. It's a five string acoustic bass... yep, what of it? Warwick's take on the genre minimises some of the classic acoustic bass issues by clever design. First, it's got an oversized body, to add some resonance and volume. The soundhole is on the top horn, offering a clearer sound to the player as well as projecting outwards. The tailpiece is a big ol' solid steel number, ensuring plenty of vibration is actually transferred to the soundboard. The ovangkol back and sides, a rosewood family timber native to Africa, add some low-end focus and presence. Plus, you get some W-signature moves, like the wenge fretboard, brass frets, adjustable height nut and angled tuners. All up, they really thought about this, and it feels and sounds better than any other acoustic bass I've played. Ze Germans, right?

Model: Warwick The Alien 5
Made: China, 2017 (serial L006151-17)
Finish: natural satin, poly
Body: solid spruce top, laminate ovangkol back and sides
Neck: mahogany, wenge board, 34" scale, 26" radius, C shape
Weight: 3.280kg
Mods: none
Pickup: Fishman Prefix Plus T preamp + piezo
Case: original padded gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock and neck are pretty clean, no major marks. The back has some minor rub wear on the top horn. The sides have some light scuffs on the top horn. The front has a couple of dimples behind the bridge and some light play scuffs on the shoulders. Overall: excellent condition (9/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets look great, 9/10 for fret life left. Wearing reasonably fresh strings phosphor bronze wound strings.