Warwick instruments are manufactured all around the world, but their top-tier instruments with the highest level of craftsmanship are built at the company's headquarters in Markneukirchen, Germany. This 2002 Dolphin SN TCS demonstrates what the German-made Warwicks are all about! This 5-string bass features a 34" scale length, and the somewhat eccentric body shape that makes the Dolphin model special.
This particular iteration of the Dolphin (SN TCS) is now discontinued, and that's too bad because this is a hardworking tone machine with intriguing ergonomics and fascinating features that set it apart from the rest. "SN" stands for "Set Neck," and this 2002 Dolphin has a multiply Ovangkol hardwood neck set directly into the body. With its unique contours, concave back, and wild offset shape, the body is carved from Afzelia, an Asian hardwood similar to Mahogany but denser. "TCS" means Tone Chamber System, a way of relieving the weight to make it more comfortable to play. According to Warwick, this also brings out Afzelia's full potential.
As expected from German-made Warwicks, this 2002 Dolphin has advanced electronics geared towards delivering an expansive range of sound. It has a dual-coil MEC in the bridge position paired with a MEC JJ in the bass. An active control harness lends impressive flexibility. Each pot is stacked, so you have two functions for each, and then there's also push/pull for added functionality. The left knob gives you volume and pickup blend, and the push/pull activates the EQ. The right knob controls bass and treble, and the push/pull splits the coil of the JJ.
This 2002 Warwick Dolphin SN TCS is gently used. It shows some minor signs of play and use, but it is fairly clean for its age (see photos). The thin satin finish is worn in some areas, especially around the playing area and on the back of the body which shows some scratches and worming. The metal screws on the hardware are somewhat tarnished, but everything turns and functions as it should. The tuning machines have been upgraded to Hipshot USA tuners, and the tuning stability is exceptional. It still has the original adjustable brass nut, and the overall playability is very nice for a 5-string. Despite the weight relief, it's still a hefty bass at 9 lbs 6.1 oz. This 2002 Warwick Dolphin SN TCS includes its original molded plastic case.