Warwick Fortress Limited Edition Nirvana 5-String 38/100 - Germany 2014

Here is a 2014 Warwick Fortress Limited in Nirvana Black, a highly exclusive instrument representing Warwick’s commitment to premium craftsmanship and design. Limited to just 100 pieces worldwide, this example is numbered 38 and is hand-signed by Warwick founder Hans Peter Wilfer, reflecting its place as a true collector-grade instrument from the brand’s modern production era.

Built on Warwick’s long-standing philosophy of “the sound of wood”, this Fortress Limited pairs striking aesthetics with high-performance design. It features a lightweight swamp ash body topped with a beautifully figured poplar burl cap, finished in a satin grey-black sheen that highlights the natural grain movement and organic character of the wood. The result is a refined yet visually expressive instrument with strong stage presence.

The neck construction is classic Warwick: a three-piece wenge neck paired with a birdseye maple fingerboard and a matching poplar burl headstock veneer. The instrument also features signature Warwick hardware including an adjustable brass nut, brass frets, angled tuners, and a two-piece bridge, all designed for stability, sustain, and precision tuning. An active preamp system completes the setup, giving the bass a wide and responsive tonal range.

Tonally, the Nordstrand pickups deliver a rich, full-bodied voice with deep, controlled low end and a clear, articulate top end. The response is balanced across the fretboard, with excellent note definition and dynamic sensitivity that makes it equally suited to studio or stage use. Despite its robust construction, the bass weighs only 4.32kg, offering impressive comfort for extended playing.

This 2014 Warwick Fortress Limited is presented in excellent near-new condition, previously owned by a professional musician and used primarily in studio environments. It has been carefully maintained, showing minimal wear and remaining in outstanding cosmetic and functional condition.

Specifications: 

Year: 2014
Country: USA
Model: Custom boutique-style 5-string bass
Finish: Nirvana Black
Body: USA swamp ash with 95mm poplar burl top
Neck: 3-piece wenge neck
Fingerboard: Birdseye maple
Scale: 34"
Pickups: Nordstrand Fat Stack passive soapbar pickups
Electronics: MEC active preamp
Case: Non-original hard shell case