FS: Wal MKI rare color

Rocketpriest · #1 12-03-2009, 03:33 PM

For Sale: Wal MkI made in 2000. Asking $5000 shipped in the continental US, international shipping will cost extra, but if you're willing to pay I'm willing to ship. I accept checks and have access to a paypal account if you prefer. A buyer using Paypal pays $50 shipping.

Full Disclosure: Before I got it this bass it was a player, went out to bars, saw some action and consequently has a couple of scrapes (being the careful sort I haven't added any of my own). For the most part they're not noticeable, but I have photographs of a couple of them that the previous owner was kind enough to take for me.

The nick is behind the E string tuner and looks more like a light spot in the photo, but it's there.

The next is more of a pit in the finish and is photographed from two angles:

The second image makes it out to be worse than it actually is, and the first image almost makes it look like it's not there - the truth is somewhere in the middle. Honestly though, at any distance or while playing you won't notice it due to the color of the finish. There are other small play wear dings in various places, but none of them are deep or noticeable enough to warrant photographing.

General Info: This bass has two features that separate it from normal MKI's. This first is the finish, it is the only Wal bass in the admittedly VERY incomplete Wal Database in the Violet finish. Over the last 9 years the finish has changed from what I assume was a more vibrant violet to a very pleasant gray. The second difference is the bone nut, giving this Wal a slightly mellower tone than the majority of them, which have brass nuts. Of course, all other construction and electronics being the same, the recognizable Wal tone is there in spades.

All electronics and hardware are in excellent shape, no scratchiness in any of the pots, 1/4" jack and balanced out both in perfect working condition. I am very impressed with Wal's gold hardware, as it has not tarnished or rubbed off in this bass' nine years (most other gold hardware I've had has tarnished and rubbed in less than two years). There is mild scoring on the tuners that you would expect from consistent use, but the gold remains strong. The finish, being that it's incredibly thick, has held up quite well for a bass almost a decade old barring those blemishes mentioned. Were it not for real life intruding on my happy bass playing world I would not be turning loose of this instrument.

Thanks to TB user Michael Zimmerman for permission to use his photos

Rocketpriest · #2 12-11-2009, 03:42 PM

update: I'm not interested in trades, sorry.

Caca de Kick · #3 12-11-2009, 05:42 PM

Does this have an ebony fingerboard? And are the facings maple?

Hmmm I wonder what two basses I can unload for another Wal.

MaxMaps · #4 12-11-2009, 07:40 PM

*credit card melts in my wallet, urging to be used*

why do you have to post this?

Bump for one of the best looking Wals ever.

engage757 · #5 12-11-2009, 07:44 PM

interested in all my family members?

bump for an incredible bass!

Rocketpriest · #6 12-13-2009, 11:56 AM

Yep, the fingerboard is indeed ebony.

false404 · #7 12-13-2009, 01:56 PM

Wow... Just wow.

That seems like really good price for a Wal too!

Rocketpriest · #8 12-31-2009, 12:42 PM

had some interest, but the bass is still available

Rocketpriest · #9 01-11-2010, 02:25 PM

STILL available

Rocketpriest · #10 02-09-2010, 02:38 PM

Still available, asking price dropped to $4800

Jerry J · #11 02-09-2010, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caca de Kick

Does this have an ebony fingerboard? And are the facings maple?

Hmmm I wonder what two basses I can unload for another Wal.

I know two fairly recent "W" basses that would easily sell to get this one.

But it would defeat the purpose?

This one would sure look nice with ebony and ivory!

EvoMan · #12 02-09-2010, 03:34 PM

I don't generally like Wal's, but this is bu far the nicest Wal I remember seeing - excellent looking bass!

johnmark · #13 02-10-2010, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by false404

Wow... Just wow.

+1

Rocketpriest · #14 03-01-2010, 01:26 PM

Monday morning bump

sowder · #15 03-05-2010, 09:26 PM

PM sent brother...this is too beautiful and rare to pass up.

mb94952 · #16 03-25-2010, 01:00 AM

That's one sick bass ! I'd love to have one someday - When I am rich enough !

Personally, I think Geddy Lee's Wal bass tone on "Hold Your Fire" is one of the most organic sounding, pleasing, most perfect bass tone ever recorded. Stanley Clarke's "School Days" tone is legendary, as well, but as far as Wal tone goes, is just doesn't get much better than Geddy Lee !

smcgov · #17 03-25-2010, 11:17 AM

I used to own that bass, bought it from the guy in Scranton and sold it on the pit years back. One of those "why did I sell that" moments.

Rocketpriest · #18 08-30-2010, 09:16 PM

Bass is still available, price is negotiable, but I'm still not interested in trades, sorry.

Jerry J · #19 08-30-2010, 09:26 PM

I know that Wals tend toward the heavy side. Would you happen to know what the weight of this one is?

Rocketpriest · #20 09-13-2010, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry J

I know that Wals tend toward the heavy side. Would you happen to know what the weight of this one is?

It weighs just a hair shy of ten pounds (9.7-9.8lbs), but the center of mass is the neck joint, which makes for an extremely well-balanced bass. It feels heavier carrying it around by the neck than it does wearing it, the weight distribution on a strap is very nice.