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I've decided to buy a Wal
- Thread starter casualmadness
- Start date
Depends on the woods used, but mk1 can weigh anywhere from 9.25-11 lbs; mk3 can weigh anywhere from 8-10.5 lbs
2016 MK3, mahogany body..rippled olive top IIRC...maple neck and phenolic fretboard. 8lbs 11oz. Not my lightest bass..DEF not the heaviest either. Tone Monster for SURE.
I only have the one Wal to weigh..ahem...but there's a few guys here that may have a couple "spares" to weigh
@casualmadness
I've been wanting a Wal since back when Ian still did everything, even had them send me a catalog then (it's in the Wal group), but there's no way I'd consider buying one untested.
If I were you, I'd set aside an amount I was okay with (5-7k or so) in an account, gathering interest. I'd take advantage of the offers here to meet and play a Wal, and, if I liked it, I'd set alerts everywhere to notify me of used ones for sale. Then, I'd jump on the first likely offering. Then again, you might not like it, and, after said meet up, you have a nice fund waiting for your Modulus, or... whatever.
There's only one dream, but there may be more than one way to dream it.
I've been wanting a Wal since back when Ian still did everything, even had them send me a catalog then (it's in the Wal group), but there's no way I'd consider buying one untested.
If I were you, I'd set aside an amount I was okay with (5-7k or so) in an account, gathering interest. I'd take advantage of the offers here to meet and play a Wal, and, if I liked it, I'd set alerts everywhere to notify me of used ones for sale. Then, I'd jump on the first likely offering. Then again, you might not like it, and, after said meet up, you have a nice fund waiting for your Modulus, or... whatever.
There's only one dream, but there may be more than one way to dream it.
Why are the forearm contours so funky? They can't bend the tops over that area or use a piece of wood thick enough to cover the entire top of the bass so that it looks uniform? I haven't seen that type of oddity since the late 90's.
The Wal Mk3 forearm contour is perfect! Super comfortable and fits me just right. I was shocked at how much I like it, I assumed it might bug me. I'm really picky about forearm contours, most basses aren't comfortable enough for me.
That is a beautiful instrument.View attachment 3967754 View attachment 3967755
2016 MK3, mahogany body..rippled olive top IIRC...maple neck and phenolic fretboard. 8lbs 11oz. Not my lightest bass..DEF not the heaviest either. Tone Monster for SURE.
I only have the one Wal to weigh..ahem...but there's a few guys here that may have a couple "spares" to weigh
The ranges stated above are spot on.
Paul built me a base level Mk3 with stock mahogany cores and walnut facings. I asked for him to make it as light as possible, it was 8.2 lbs.
I'm not talking the contour itself or the comfort; I'm referring to why the top doesn't cover the forearm area. Above on that natural bass there is a big brown splotch that looks out of place, I'm wondering why they do that.
Bodys are sandwiched with a mahogany core....that "brown blotch" is the core from the body. Contours are different between an mk1, mk2 and mk3.
They should either use a thick enough top to eliminate that splotch or use a thin enough one that they can contour it to the forearm contour.
Have you considered a mint condition Pontiac Aztek instead?
You build your own basses i assume? Have you played a Wal before? They've been building basses for years now and I don't see any reason for them to change anything. The 'blotch' doesn't bother me and actually adds to the charm and adds a nice contrast imo and contour is actually quite comfortable....per your wondering questions-why add unnecessary thickness to the bass.... also they can't use a thin core since they need space for the electronics.
Guess if it bothered anyone really, one can just get a solid body built instead of a sandwich type with a facing..
That's actually a good comparison. Pontiac Aztecs also have sections that stick out and don't quite gel with the rest of the design just like that splotch that could have easily been remedied. A very good point you've made.
If you think it looks good that's all that matters. I was just asking why it's there because it looks like a cost-cut to me, even though it obviously isn't.
There is no “should” - there’s simply how they choose to do it and their design choices. If it doesn’t work for you... that’s fine. Take Laklands, for example. Well built, high quality basses that feel and sound great but I’ll absolutely never buy one. The oval bridge plate just looks so awful to me. Super ugly. Horrible aesthetic choice (for me). Ditto any bass wearing those oval shaped Delano pickups. That doesn’t stop those who love them from loving them. Personal choice from both builder and buyer.
Many other companies have the visible core in the forearm contour: Zon, Status, Ibanez just to name a few very popular ones.
But seriously, it did take me years to warm up to it as it was a fancier look than I was into. But if you don't like it, you are not stuck with that look. You can always specify a solid block body. Or if you like solid finishes there is always that option.
This trans red bass has a solid maple body. And here is a silver one with black neck.
