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1986 Warwick Thumb NT-5 JD Neck-Thru 5-String – #51 Made | Rare Early JD Era
  • 1986 Warwick Thumb NT-5 JD Neck-Thru 5-String – #51 Made | Rare Early JD Era
  • 1986 Warwick Thumb NT-5 JD Neck-Thru 5-String – #51 Made | Rare Early JD Era
  • 1986 Warwick Thumb NT-5 JD Neck-Thru 5-String – #51 Made | Rare Early JD Era
  • 1986 Warwick Thumb NT-5 JD Neck-Thru 5-String – #51 Made | Rare Early JD Era
  • 1986 Warwick Thumb NT-5 JD Neck-Thru 5-String – #51 Made | Rare Early JD Era
  • 1986 Warwick Thumb NT-5 JD Neck-Thru 5-String – #51 Made | Rare Early JD Era
  • 1986 Warwick Thumb NT-5 JD Neck-Thru 5-String – #51 Made | Rare Early JD Era
  • 1986 Warwick Thumb NT-5 JD Neck-Thru 5-String – #51 Made | Rare Early JD Era
  • 1986 Warwick Thumb NT-5 JD Neck-Thru 5-String – #51 Made | Rare Early JD Era
  • 1986 Warwick Thumb NT-5 JD Neck-Thru 5-String – #51 Made | Rare Early JD Era
  • 1986 Warwick Thumb NT-5 JD Neck-Thru 5-String – #51 Made | Rare Early JD Era
  • 1986 Warwick Thumb NT-5 JD Neck-Thru 5-String – #51 Made | Rare Early JD Era
  • 1986 Warwick Thumb NT-5 JD Neck-Thru 5-String – #51 Made | Rare Early JD Era
  • 1986 Warwick Thumb NT-5 JD Neck-Thru 5-String – #51 Made | Rare Early JD Era
  • 1986 Warwick Thumb NT-5 JD Neck-Thru 5-String – #51 Made | Rare Early JD Era
  • 1986 Warwick Thumb NT-5 JD Neck-Thru 5-String – #51 Made | Rare Early JD Era
  • 1986 Warwick Thumb NT-5 JD Neck-Thru 5-String – #51 Made | Rare Early JD Era
  • 1986 Warwick Thumb NT-5 JD Neck-Thru 5-String – #51 Made | Rare Early JD Era
  • 1986 Warwick Thumb NT-5 JD Neck-Thru 5-String – #51 Made | Rare Early JD Era
  • 1986 Warwick Thumb NT-5 JD Neck-Thru 5-String – #51 Made | Rare Early JD Era
1986 Warwick Thumb NT-5 JD Neck-Thru 5-String – #51 Made | Rare Early JD Era - is currently on backorder. You may still purchase now though and we'll ship as soon as more become available.

For Sale: 1986 Warwick Thumb JD 5-String Neck-Thru Bass – Early Serial #51, Afzelia Body, EMGs
Includes Heavy-Duty TSA-Approved Waterproof SKB Case

Up for sale is a truly rare piece of Warwick history — a 1986 Warwick Thumb JD 5-String Neck-Thru Bass, complete with a heavy-duty TSA-approved waterproof SKB hard case. This is serial number #51 — one of the very first 5-string Thumbs ever produced, crafted during the infancy of Warwick’s golden era in Germany.

If you know Warwick, you know this era is highly sought-after by collectors and tone chasers alike. Built entirely by hand in West Germany, this instrument predates the mass-production years and showcases Warwick’s boutique-level craftsmanship before they became a global powerhouse.


Why It’s Special:

  • 🔥 Extremely Rare Early Production – Serial #51 of All-Time

  • 🪵 Afzelia Body Wood – used only on the earliest Thumb basses; lighter and more resonant than Bubinga

  • 🎯 Original Deep-Angle Pickup Positioning – exclusive to these early builds, delivering a focused and punchy tone

  • 🎸 Thin, Fast Neck Profile – flatter and more comfortable than later Thumbs

  • 🎯 Handmade in West Germany – from Warwick’s earliest custom shop-style production period

  • 🎒 Includes TSA-Approved Waterproof SKB Hard Case – military-grade protection for this rare gem


Specifications:

  • Serial Number: L51 86

  • Body Wood: Afzelia (very early feature)

  • Neck: Neck-through, 9-piece Maple/Wenge

  • Fingerboard: Wenge

  • Frets: 26

  • Scale Length: 34"

  • Nut Width: 1.77"

  • 1st Fret Depth: 0.75"

  • 12th Fret Depth: 0.81"

  • String Spacing: 16.5mm

  • Pickups: Original EMG

  • Electronics: 2-band active EQ, 9v

  • Weight: 9 lbs 4 oz


Condition:

This bass is in very good condition for its age. Expect light surface scratches, minor dings, and some typical wear. There are no structural issues, breaks, or repairs. The neck is straight, truss rod functions as it should, and the frets are in excellent shape. It’s been professionally set up here at Guitar Chimp and plays like a dream—clean action with no buzzing or dead spots.

A previous owner relocated the upper strap button for better balance while playing—a functional upgrade that reduces neck dive without modifying the instrument.


Why Buy from Guitar Chimp?

With over 17 years of experience, Guitar Chimp is trusted by musicians and collectors throughout Salt Lake City and around the world. Each instrument is thoroughly inspected and set up by our in-house luthier before shipping.


📞 Contact:

  • Call/Text: (801) 317-9013

  • Message anytime — we’re happy to help!


Thank you for checking out this 1986 Warwick Thumb JD 5-String Bass — a rare, early example of Warwick’s elite German craftsmanship. If you’re a collector or serious player, this is the kind of opportunity that doesn’t come around often. Don’t miss your chance to own a true piece of Warwick history.

🎸
Jerald
Guitar Chimp