On Buying A Wilfer

Rob Hunter · #1 02-17-2007, 08:05 PM

I discovered a new Wilfer in the shop today (Model 12), on sale for $3K off! That means the bass is selling for $9,000 CDN (or roughly $7,700 US or 5,900 Euros). I wasn't looking for a new bass, but I've fallen in love.

It's a fully carved instrument with ebony fittings and heavenly tone. I like everything about it. But I wasn't in the market for a new bass, even though I play a hybrid and this is definitely a step up.

So my question to the TB Nation is this: Is the price worth it? This will be the last bass I ever buy, so I want to ensure I make the right decision. I figured I'd be buying a bass like this in a few years, but here it is, waiting for me. My fear is that I won't find such a great deal in the years ahead.

Help! The store is holding the bass for me until Tuesday night. What would you do in my boots?

reedo35 · #2 02-17-2007, 08:17 PM

I have played a Wilfer 12 before, and it is a good bass for what you're doing right now. If you want a good fully carved bass right now, I would say go for it! If you want to wait a bit though,
(and spend less money), I would say look into a hybrid NS bass from Arnold or the Hawkes from Upton.

Steve Swan · #3 02-17-2007, 08:29 PM

That is one heck of a good deal. If you like this bass, definitely find a way to get it!

Steve Swan

jordan oconnor · #4 02-17-2007, 09:22 PM

In my humble opinion, if you’ve found a bass that you really love, and can pull it off financially than buy it. The hunt for a bass is, to quote the Dude, “a major bummer man.” If I found something I really felt strongly about and could afford it I'd be playing the thing right now.

I noticed you and I live in the same city. If you see something along similar lines in your search, perhaps a carved 5 string, drop me a line - I was curious about the Wilfer - 5 string - “Foundation” I was also curious about the Wan Bernadel basses.

In any case, if the words of a perfect stranger mean anything: I say buy the bass.

Jordan

**Basschair** · #5 02-17-2007, 09:44 PM

I've got a custom Wilfer that is around the model 12 level of craftsmanship, and paid more for it than that. I love this bass, and would never consider selling or trading...I definitely don't regret the purchase, and that was more than 7 years ago.

It's a great buy, it's a great bass, and is sounds like you've found what you didn't know you were looking for

.

Buy it!

neal davis · #6 02-17-2007, 10:57 PM

is it the one at the l&m on bloor? if so nice bass. as for jordan I remember Lenny Boyd telling me about a friend of his selling a 5 stringer I don't remember how long ago that was but it may be worth a try. I think it was under 10k maybe you should give him a call

jazzbassnerd · #7 02-17-2007, 11:10 PM

I play a Wilfer that I'm pretty sure is the model 12 (it may have deeper ribs). I love every inch of it. Jazz and classical.

If you can afford it, I say go for it. I don't think you will find a better deal on a bass that is the quality of a Wilfer.

Rob Hunter · #8 02-17-2007, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neal davis

is it the one at the l&m on bloor? if so nice bass.

That's the one! And funny thing, Lenny Boyd was my first teacher (a wonderful man, I might add).

neal davis · #9 02-17-2007, 11:45 PM

One of my first teachers too, haven't seen him in a long time, is he still playing alot? If you could pm me his number I'd love to hook up a lesson with him I've lost his number in my last move.

jordan oconnor · #10 02-18-2007, 12:06 AM

Rob or Neal - If you talk to Lenny would you mind asking him about that 5 string bass Neil mentioned?

And Rob, do you know if L and M is carrying Wilfer basses or was this a one time thing?

Thanks man
Jordan

Rob Hunter · #11 02-18-2007, 07:09 AM

I PM'ed you both. So far, it looks like no one has anything negative to say about the Wilfer model 12. That's very encouraging!

Marcus Johnson · #12 02-18-2007, 11:20 AM

Dude.... stop typin' and go shoppin'!

Steve Swan · #13 02-18-2007, 11:58 AM

Having been a Wilfer dealer, I can tell you that this price is wholesale. You aren't going to find one any less than this. Somebody please snap this one up!

Steve Swan

mrpc · #14 02-18-2007, 02:52 PM

This bass was so successful that it has become a regular part of the Wilfer offering, the Edelweiss model..........

In the words of Gandalf "Fly............you fool!" Buy it now, and be forever grateful for the blessings of the Bass Gods ye hath recieved.

Rob Hunter · #15 02-22-2007, 07:26 PM

My thanks to all who replied publicly and privately re: the Wilfer. Sadly, I didn't take it. This week I discovered my job situation may've changed dramatically and so I decided not to make such an investment at this time. While I'm disappointed, I feel letting the bass go is the prudent thing to do.

Side note to all the single people: My wife was extremely supportive of buying the bass, regardless of the employment predicament. Remember, always marry a fellow musician!

**Basschair** · #16 02-22-2007, 07:45 PM

Geez Rob, that's too bad! Not to worry though: I played a carved Chinese last weekend that absolutely blew me away, and it was at around $5,000. In other words, there are great basses out there and will continue to be.

Best of luck to you!

Paul

PoorPlayer · #17 02-23-2007, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob Hunter

My thanks to all who replied publicly and privately re: the Wilfer. Sadly, I didn't take it. This week I discovered my job situation may've changed dramatically and so I decided not to make such an investment at this time. While I'm disappointed, I feel letting the bass go is the prudent thing to do.

Sorry to hear that. Uncertainty is unsettling. Could you rent the Wilfer for a couple of months until employment settles down? That way if things smooth out, the Wilfer is still available?

Rob Hunter · #18 02-23-2007, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PoorPlayer

Could you rent the Wilfer for a couple of months until employment settles down?

Probably not (although that's an interesting idea). I think I should just wait until the fall and see how things turn out. I'm not fond of debt (which the Wilfer would've caused), so I may be better off to wait until I have more saved.

Such a great price, though (heavy sigh)....

LouisF · #19 02-23-2007, 03:41 PM

This might be a possibility in its place for several thousand less

http://www.bassesonline.com/10wilfer.html

Louis

Rob Hunter · #20 02-23-2007, 03:48 PM

Thanks Louis - that looks like a nice bass! But I think I better wait. Besides, I wouldn't buy a bass without trying it out and I'm sure there would be costs/hassles in getting it across the border for an evaluation.

I'll just stick with my Strunal hybrid for now....