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I've decided to buy a Wal

#181
casualmadness said:
So for those keeping score...I’ve reached out to Wal several time since I created this thread. They’ve not even acknowledged my requests. I’ve sent 4-5 messages explaining that I would like to discuss some options and get a down payment sent to get it started. Considering the build time, I have a few months to order so that it arrives for that milestone birthday. But they must have enough business that they can ignore a guy trying to give them money. I’m almost to the point of giving up on Wal and giving my hard earned money to a company who can be bothered to reply to a guy trying to give them money.
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Hey if you are in the West Coast, I am in LA and I have a few Wals for you to try (MK2 5, MK2 5, MK3 6). And keep in mind the Wal or Fodera will not surpass each other, they are completely different animals.... Both my 1987 Elite Monarch and 1986 Elite Emperor play so much easier than my Wals..... but the Wal has an incredible amount of “zing” and its sound is so unique that among my 7 Foderas and 3 Ken Smiths, I will only consider my 87 Monarch Elite with Lane Poor and hazlab before any of my Wals (that really is an irreplaceable Elite). The Wal will give you something that your Fodera just can’t reproduce. Keep both and you will be a happy dude!
 
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#182
casualmadness said:
So for those keeping score...I’ve reached out to Wal several time since I created this thread. They’ve not even acknowledged my requests. I’ve sent 4-5 messages explaining that I would like to discuss some options and get a down payment sent to get it started. Considering the build time, I have a few months to order so that it arrives for that milestone birthday. But they must have enough business that they can ignore a guy trying to give them money. I’m almost to the point of giving up on Wal and giving my hard earned money to a company who can be bothered to reply to a guy trying to give them money.
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Given the state of the world at the moment, it's possible that they are wrapped up in current events. I had windows of time where they were a little delayed with responses, but they were always typically good with eventual replies, and with apologies if they were late with a response. Another thing to note, it sounds like shipping customs is a total nightmare right now, and they might be trying to help customers get their instruments. Paul was very helpful with me when my instrument got held up in customs, so maybe there are other things just eating up the hours of the day. I totally understand if you are eager / frustrated, but given the situation maybe they just need even more time than normal.
 
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#184
bigsnack said:
Given the state of the world at the moment, it's possible that they are wrapped up in current events. I had windows of time where they were a little delayed with responses, but they were always typically good with eventual replies, and with apologies if they were late with a response. Another thing to note, it sounds like shipping customs is a total nightmare right now, and they might be trying to help customers get their instruments. Paul was very helpful with me when my instrument got held up in customs, so maybe there are other things just eating up the hours of the day. I totally understand if you are eager / frustrated, but given the situation maybe they just need even more time than normal.
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I dunno man...none of it really makes sense and yeah, it could be a million things. I have no prior relationship with anyone affiliated with Electric Wood so it doesn't add up that they would just shun me (especially considering I said I wanted to talk about the models and options and then place an order.) But for whatever reason, I haven't gotten a reply. I would be happy to just get a "Hey we're really busy but we received your messages and we will be in touch as soon as we have the time to discuss this with you."

At this point, I won't contact them again. I always wanted a Wal-though I've never played one. Who knows, I might not even like them. But it isn't life and death critical that I own a Wal. I have owned many basses and own several right now. I still want something special for that milestone birthday; still want to treat myself by getting something I've always wanted. Another thing I've always wanted is a Modulus Graphite 6 string semi-hollow body. Rare birds but maybe I start looking for that instead. Point is; if on that big day I'm playing a Modulus or another Fodera or an Alembic or any number of basses other than a Wal, I'll somehow learn to live with it. lol
 
#185
Surfbr said:
Hey if you are in the West Coast, I am in LA and I have a few Wals for you to try (MK2 5, MK2 5, MK3 6). And keep in mind the Wal or Fodera will not surpass each other, they are completely different animals.... Both my 1987 Elite Monarch and 1986 Elite Emperor play so much easier than my Wals..... but the Wal has an incredible amount of “zing” and its sound is so unique that among my 7 Foderas and 3 Ken Smiths, I will only consider my 87 Monarch Elite with Lane Poor and hazlab before any of my Wals (that really is an irreplaceable Elite). The Wal will give you something that your Fodera just can’t reproduce. Keep both and you will be a happy dude!
Click to expand...

I appreciate the offer but I'm on the east coast sadly. And yes, I'm certain that there isn't much similarity between Wal and Fodera. I make comparisons between them in that they are both highly sought after and expensive basses that aren't readily available. I do wish I were able to check out your Wals but more so I'm interested in your Monarch with Lane Poor. I'm a Lane Poor fanboy and I can't imagine how that Monarch sounds with those pups. That's gotta be like a religious experience. Another favorite of mine is Modulus Graphite. I saw a MG for sale locally not too long with Lane Poors in it. I was drooling over it but the price was absurd. Don't remember exactly but I wanna say the guy wanted like $8000 for it. Nope! Not me. If he got that, good on him but no chance I'm paying that.
 
#186
Surfbr said:
Hey if you are in the West Coast, I am in LA and I have a few Wals for you to try (MK2 5, MK2 5, MK3 6). And keep in mind the Wal or Fodera will not surpass each other, they are completely different animals.... Both my 1987 Elite Monarch and 1986 Elite Emperor play so much easier than my Wals..... but the Wal has an incredible amount of “zing” and its sound is so unique that among my 7 Foderas and 3 Ken Smiths, I will only consider my 87 Monarch Elite with Lane Poor and hazlab before any of my Wals (that really is an irreplaceable Elite). The Wal will give you something that your Fodera just can’t reproduce. Keep both and you will be a happy dude!
Click to expand...
So true nothing sounds like a Wal and very few instruments can get close to Fodera playability IMO. I play with low action and when I got my Wal I was reminded how spoiled I was by Fodera's ability to get such buzz free low action. After much tweaking I can get my MK3 close but at the end of the day there are some things that are easier to play on the Fodera but the godly to ungodly sounds that Wal's produce more than make up for it!! LOL
 
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#187
:rollno::rollno::rollno::bawl:
casualmadness said:
I dunno man...none of it really makes sense and yeah, it could be a million things. I have no prior relationship with anyone affiliated with Electric Wood so it doesn't add up that they would just shun me (especially considering I said I wanted to talk about the models and options and then place an order.) But for whatever reason, I haven't gotten a reply. I would be happy to just get a "Hey we're really busy but we received your messages and we will be in touch as soon as we have the time to discuss this with you."

At this point, I won't contact them again. I always wanted a Wal-though I've never played one. Who knows, I might not even like them. But it isn't life and death critical that I own a Wal. I have owned many basses and own several right now. I still want something special for that milestone birthday; still want to treat myself by getting something I've always wanted. Another thing I've always wanted is a Modulus Graphite 6 string semi-hollow body. Rare birds but maybe I start looking for that instead. Point is; if on that big day I'm playing a Modulus or another Fodera or an Alembic or any number of basses other than a Wal, I'll somehow learn to live with it. lol
Click to expand...
I know it has been mentioned in previous posts. I truly believe if you are patient and willing to wait a long time maybe longer than Wal's build time a Wal that you like will eventually surface in the used market. Just be vigilant in your search, and be ready to buy immediately! I made a mistake in 18 when a great guy in the Wal club sold a MK3 four string that was close to what I would have ordered new. I balked and " slept on it". The next morning desision made, went to the bank to make it happen and found out the bass had been sold. The rest of the day was like a record skipping in my head "you dumb s#*t you dumb s#!t" lesson learned the hard way.
 
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#188
@casualmadness i'm pretty sure you already made up your mind on moving on now and i'm going to try not to reiterate whats already been said, but with the state that this world is in, i personally would've given Paul some slack. Awhile back ago, when i was inquiring to Wal, for whatever reason my emails weren't making it to him (i was using my work email). I CC'd another email of mine and replied "all" with that email and sure enough he received that email from my other account. Perhaps, your email went into the abyss as well. I do understand your frustrations though and your initial contact with Wal has not been what you've been expecting, but do understand they are only a two-man crew. Fodera, Sadowsky, Alembic, etc, in comparision has more personnel.

What i have done to in the past, was buy a $10 prepaid phone card and call him up every so often...if he didn't pick up, i'd leave a message and just let him know i sent him an email and to please look for it. I doubt he is maliciously not replying to your email, but just hasn't gotten to it and if it is sitting in his inbox, probably just buried. I can't recall if you sent more than one email, but if you only sent one - i would suggest to send followup emails at least every week, but again i guess you moved on.

good luck with finding your milestone bass whatever that may be.
 
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#189
kulit17 said:
@casualmadness i'm pretty sure you already made up your mind on moving on now and i'm going to try not to reiterate whats already been said, but with the state that this world is in, i personally would've given Paul some slack. Awhile back ago, when i was inquiring to Wal, for whatever reason my emails weren't making it to him (i was using my work email). I CC'd another email of mine and replied "all" with that email and sure enough he received that email from my other account. Perhaps, your email went into the abyss as well. I do understand your frustrations though and your initial contact with Wal has not been what you've been expecting, but do understand they are only a two-man crew. Fodera, Sadowsky, Alembic, etc, in comparision has more personnel.

What i have done to in the past, was buy a $10 prepaid phone card and call him up every so often...if he didn't pick up, i'd leave a message and just let him know i sent him an email and to please look for it. I doubt he is maliciously not replying to your email, but just hasn't gotten to it and if it is sitting in his inbox, probably just buried. I can't recall if you sent more than one email, but if you only sent one - i would suggest to send followup emails at least every week, but again i guess you moved on.

good luck with finding your milestone bass whatever that may be.
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And right now UK lockdown rules require 2m social distancing and/or serious PPE in the workplace. With that workshop there’s a good chance that they can only have one person in at a time so Paul will have his hands full trying to keep on top of work. There may be little headroom to even consider new orders and emails.
 
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#190
TrevorR said:
And right now UK lockdown rules require 2m social distancing and/or serious PPE in the workplace. With that workshop there’s a good chance that they can only have one person in at a time so Paul will have his hands full trying to keep on top of work. There may be little headroom to even consider new orders and emails.
Click to expand...

Between work and cash flow he might be overwhelmed. Or ill.
 
#191
I have a WAL MKII, the Red Geddy. It is truly awesome and I purchased it sight unseen, unplayed. I've owned two other WALS, both MKI's. It's all a matter of taste. I ended up preferring the MKII and sild the Black Geddy and My RED MK 1. I told myself I'd never sell, but seeing as one went for an insane amount it has me thinking. You can hear it in action in the studio on this site: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] There is also a video of me having at it as well. Good luck with your purchase.

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DSC_0585.JPG
 
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#195
WalWarrior said:
I have a WAL MKII, the Red Geddy. It is truly awesome and I purchased it sight unseen, unplayed. I've owned two other WALS, both MKI's. It's all a matter of taste. I ended up preferring the MKII and sild the Black Geddy and My RED MK 1. I told myself I'd never sell, but seeing as one went for an insane amount it has me thinking. You can hear it in action in the studio on this site: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] There is also a video of me having at it as well. Good luck with your purchase.

View attachment 3967152 View attachment 3967153
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i would prob pay insane amounts for that bass....just sayin ;)
 
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#196
WalWarrior said:
Perhaps coupled with some "All Tubey Goodness" will be sure to get the job done.View attachment 3967192 View attachment 3967192
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The Bergantino NV610 is THE BEST sealed bass cabinet ever made!
Forget the old Ampeg 810's of the past, the NV610 is simply incredible and my number one cabinet.
Mind you, I've got an NV115 as well and it's a real stunner. I actually want to buy a second NV115......and I think that might actually tip my scale against the NV610. All good......the NV610 is paired with my old SVT.....I've got other amplifiers paired with the NV115:)
 
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