Abaddon! - B.C. Rich Warlock Bass – Circa 1989/1990

Some bass guitars are content to provide a dependable foundation from the back of the stage.

Abaddon has rather more ambitious plans.

This striking vintage B.C. Rich Warlock bass combines one of heavy music’s most recognisable body shapes with a wonderfully old-school appearance, upgraded electronics and a comprehensive professional restoration.

Believed to date from approximately 1989/1990, Abaddon features the traditional pointed four-in-line headstock rather than the later Widow design, together with a gloss-black finish, bolt-on maple neck, dark 24-fret fingerboard and black hardware.

The unmistakable Warlock silhouette, with its sweeping horns and aggressively angular contours, makes this an instrument that has never been particularly interested in blending into the background.

Electronics and sound

During his previous life, Abaddon was fitted with an EMG HZ passive pickup arrangement in a P/J configuration.

The split-coil Precision-style pickup provides a substantial low-end foundation, while the Jazz-style bridge pickup offers additional definition and attack.

Three rotary controls and a selector switch provide tonal flexibility, making this a versatile bass for rock, metal, punk and other styles requiring a strong, distinctive bass sound.

A four-saddle bridge allows individual string adjustment.

Restoration and upgrades

Abaddon has undergone our comprehensive Stray Chord service and setup, including fret levelling, crowning and polishing.

We have also fitted a new Graph Tech nut, premium Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Round Wound Long Scale strings and black strap locks.

These improvements complement the instrument’s existing EMG electronics while ensuring that this older bass is prepared for regular playing.

Condition and provenance

Abaddon presents well for an instrument of his estimated age, with surface scratches and swirling to the gloss-black finish, particularly on the reverse.

His pointed body design remains visually striking, and his cosmetic wear is consistent with a previously played vintage instrument.

The neck plate bears serial number BC41310, while the headstock features the traditional B.C. Rich script logo and a Warlock Bass truss rod cover.

Based on these features and the serial-number format, we believe the instrument dates from approximately 1989/1990. However, the exact manufacturing year, country of origin and production series have not been independently established.

We have therefore chosen not to attribute it to a specific factory or series without sufficient supporting evidence, though from our experience and research we believe him to be a Japanese Nagoya Juggernaut (NJ).

Ready for adoption

With his unmistakable vintage styling, EMG HZ pickups, premium strings and professional setup, Abaddon is a wonderfully distinctive bass for somebody who appreciates the more theatrical side of rock and metal.

He is ready to find a new home.

Preferably one with a substantial amplifier and sufficient clearance around the furniture.

Adoption Fee: £695

The Stray Chord — Rescue • Restore • Rehome