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Good Deal? Wal Content!

R

rockstarbassist

Inactive
Apr 30, 2002
9,093
32
The Woodlands, TX
www.reverbnation.com
Disclosures
Endorsing Artist: HCAF
#1
So I go to buy my Henry 8x8 yesterday, and I didn't bring a bass as I had errands to run, so I plug in my Eden head, and the guy busts out a friggin' WAL from this junked out case. Needless to say, I about flipped.

It's an 88, the year (I'm not sure, it's what he said) that Ian Waller passed, so it doesn't have his signature on it. It look like a Mach something, with either 21 or 22 frets, what looks to be a shedua or some kind of figured walnut top, the black Wal pickups and 1/4" and XLR outs. The 1/4" out is a little loose, but other than that and he said fret buzz at the 11th fret on the A string (which he said is someone common on Wal's) are the ONLY issues. I checked out the back and top, and there's nary a ding or scratch on it. I mean it could be a store demo, if not better.

He said give him about a month and he'll sell it to me flat for $2000.


So should I jump or no? ;) :D
 
#4
BartmanPDX said:
Assuming there are no issues, that's a stupid good deal I'd jump on right away.

If you don't keep it, you could probably flip it for a $1-2K profit.
Click to expand...

Yeah the output jack being a little fussy (I tried it and it's actually playable if your cord doesn't move much) and the apparent (I didn't see it actually) buzz on the 11th fret/A string are the only two.

Body as I said is excellent.
 
#6
rockstarbassist said:
So I go to buy my Henry 8x8 yesterday, and I didn't bring a bass as I had errands to run, so I plug in my Eden head, and the guy busts out a friggin' WAL from this junked out case. Needless to say, I about flipped.

It's an 88, the year (I'm not sure, it's what he said) that Ian Waller passed, so it doesn't have his signature on it. It look like a Mach something, with either 21 or 22 frets, what looks to be a shedua or some kind of figured walnut top, the black Wal pickups and 1/4" and XLR outs. The 1/4" out is a little loose, but other than that and he said fret buzz at the 11th fret on the A string (which he said is someone common on Wal's) are the ONLY issues. I checked out the back and top, and there's nary a ding or scratch on it. I mean it could be a store demo, if not better.

He said give him about a month and he'll sell it to me flat for $2000.


So should I jump or no? ;) :D
Click to expand...

If you don't jump on it, tell me who, where and I will.
 
#10
rockstarbassist said:
So I go to buy my Henry 8x8 yesterday, and I didn't bring a bass as I had errands to run, so I plug in my Eden head, and the guy busts out a friggin' WAL from this junked out case. Needless to say, I about flipped.

It's an 88, the year (I'm not sure, it's what he said) that Ian Waller passed, so it doesn't have his signature on it. It look like a Mach something, with either 21 or 22 frets, what looks to be a shedua or some kind of figured walnut top, the black Wal pickups and 1/4" and XLR outs. The 1/4" out is a little loose, but other than that and he said fret buzz at the 11th fret on the A string (which he said is someone common on Wal's) are the ONLY issues. I checked out the back and top, and there's nary a ding or scratch on it. I mean it could be a store demo, if not better.

He said give him about a month and he'll sell it to me flat for $2000.


So should I jump or no? ;) :D
Click to expand...
I do hope that works out for you, because I wouldn't hesitate for a second. If possible, post some pictures before you finalize the deal. Why does this fellow want or expect you to wait a month if he's serious about selling?

As far as the buzzing on the "A" string, this is not something I have heard of before or encountered. Most likely it is simply the saddle that's buzzing. Pete has provided instructions for an easy fix if that's the case. Also, pull the electronics cover off and on the inside you will find a piece of masking tape with all of the particulars on the instrument.

Good luck!!!
 
#12
Great deal, I only now wish I would have hung onto mine since the prices have gone thru the roof... I had a similar jack problem with mine and a tech was actually able to fix it without replacing it. Basically it just needed to be tightened up and cleaned a little (never had that happen on any other bass). They're killer basses and I'm sure you won't regret it.

If you get a chance, take off the back electronics cover plate. The stickers on the inside of that plate will have the date, types of wood used, etc. The serial number probably starts with W2 and will have three more numbers after it.
 
#13
oddio said:
I do hope that works out for you, because I wouldn't hesitate for a second. If possible, post some pictures before you finalize the deal. Why does this fellow want or expect you to wait a month if he's serious about selling?

As far as the buzzing on the "A" string, this is not something I have heard of before or encountered. Most likely it is simply the saddle that's buzzing. Pete has provided instructions for an easy fix if that's the case. Also, pull the electronics cover off and on the inside you will find a piece of masking tape with all of the particulars on the instrument.

Good luck!!!
Click to expand...

Well basically just because it's his baby, had it for about 11 years, and I understand. He's been looking for someone to sell it to, and has gotten it appraised from "Hey that looks like this Ibanez I used to have in the shop. I'll give you $300 for it!" and someone completely unrelated to music who just wanted to flip it, so he's been looking to find a good home for it. So it's no biggie and I told him that. Just testing the waters is no haggle with me. :)

But I will have him pop open the hood and get those digits for me and then I can (hopefully) get some confirmation from here and the like to make sure it's the real deal.
But I played it, and damn it was smooth. The top is just awesome.
 
#14
My hope was simply that he wasn't teasing you and had no plans to follow through... I've got my fingers crossed for you.

The schedua and walnut topped Wal Customs (MkI = 21 frets) are among the best-sounding Wal basses out there. You should find that descriptive piece of masking tape stuck to the inside of the electronics cover. It will include the signature of the person who performed the final inspection on the instrument (likely Pete or Paul for an '88), the year, the model, types of wood used and perhaps more.
 
#15
oddio said:
My hope was simply that he wasn't teasing you and had no plans to follow through... I've got my fingers crossed for you.

The schedua and walnut topped Wal Customs (MkI = 21 frets) are among the best-sounding Wal basses out there. You should find that descriptive piece of masking tape stuck to the inside of the electronics cover. It will include the signature of the person who performed the final inspection on the instrument (likely Pete or Paul for an '88), the year, the model, types of wood used and perhaps more.
Click to expand...

Yeah it's a 21 fret for sure, so it's either a schedua or walnut for certain, as I've seen that grain before on other basses and Wal's, in particular.

I'm hoping too. He gave me his final asking price, and I said I'd be down in a heartbeat with cash when he was ready, but he seemed sincere after I explained to him I understood what the bass was and what it meant, so he eased up a lot by the time I left.
 
#19
oddio said:
Ian Waller died of a heart attack in 1988 according to the official website, although there is no further detail provided.
Click to expand...

Ah, so was the year of then. Oh and here's a fellow forumite's version of what I'm getting!

136-3688_IMG.jpg
 

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