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NEW WAL WEBSITE UP AND RUNNING!

#181
Brad Johnson said:
That's the first I've heard of Brubakers being so called "modern":D. They certainly don't sound like stereotypical boutique instruments IMO IME. As with anything, it's helps to actually check out a few. Mine have a wide range of tones, including traditional, at my fingertips.
:cool:

Good to see Wal up again.
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Yeah, I was definitely generalizing, not having played most of those instruments I don't know exactly what tones they are or aren't capable of, just the impression I get when I look at them. As a mainly passive bass rock'n'roll dude, Wal's are one of the only "fancy" boutique builders doing these kinds of builds (as opposed to high-end Fender-style basses like Sadowsky, Alleva-Coppolo) - that appeals to me. Some Alembic designs come close, but the Wal takes the cake in my eyes, for whatever reason. I can't afford one, but if it were within my reach, I'd love to have one in the stable.
 
#182
Kevin's done his share of simpler looking basses. Those are the ones that usually don't catch folks' eyes as much as they catch their ears:D. In addition to lots of other styles of music, I play classic rock, blues and newer rock and get a big, commanding sound with my basses. I've heard others tweak them to not sound like that. MV.

While I liked the look and sound, ultimately I remember the spacing being tight on the Wal's I've played... not a good thing for me. I like 19mm spacing.
 
#186
spade2you said:
It was, at least. Currency exchange aside, I think their price is probably alright. I'd think there's probably enough demand they'll still get significant US orders and continue charging such a price. If not, perhaps the price might drop a bit.
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I say they're an established brand because, as evidenced in this thread, lots of people are familiar with them and want them. As long as they're not reinventing the wheel...

and IIRC they weren't inexpensive the first time around so why should they be now? That would seem counterproductive to me. There's clearly pent up demand and they're (still) not trying to build for the masses.

In short, some couldn't afford or wouldn't pony up for them before. I'd expect for that to hold true with some this time around too. Those are not Wal's target audience;). Again, I wish them good fortune.
 
#187
very true. its simple economics. a company is only charging "too much money" if its so expensive that nobody buys it. if WAL can price basses at $6,000 and still get plenty of orders, it would be foolish of them to lower their prices. people dont bat an eyee at spending $30,000 on a car and alot of people dont keep a car as long as they would keep a WAL.
 
#188
Aren't their prices in line with what used basses from Ian are going for these days? It seems logical to me for them to set their prices around what the originals go for. If people are paying 5k+ for a used one doesn't it stand to reason that they'll pay the same or more for a new one? And last of all, I'd pay that much for a Wal, and that's what really matters, IMO. As long as people are willing to buy at the price they've set I don't see a problem with it.
 
#189
I just joined TB and this is one of the first things I see!

It's great news - I've been following the plot with interest over the last few years and I'm delighted that it's all resolved.

And Paul Herman is just the man to carry on with Ian and Pete's ethic - he knows the history inside out.

I had the pleasure of meeting him way back in '92 when I was down at High Wycombe to pick up my then new 5 string midi bass. There was great hilarity as Pete tried to explain to me that Paul's entire job was to glue in the "rowing boat" as they called it - a little boat shaped black plastic moulding at the end of the neck pocket which protected the finish from being damaged by the allen key used to adjust the truss rod in the end of the neck!

As for the pricing debate - they're certainly not cheap but then again they never were. I think that a lot of folks' idea of a fair price for a guitar has become skewed by the low cost labour and volume production techniques employed by the mass market builders. Wal, like Alembic, Fedora, Zon etc. are just not like that. You are paying for a small team of highly skilled craftsmen to build you an instrument from the highest quality components which, at the end of the day could very easily hold its own amongst the very best instruments in the world.

That will never be cheap but in terms of value is every bit as reasonable as chinese built Squier bass.

I wish them well.

Ed
 
#191
good to see....

as far as price, too much, fair value and bargain are all based off of my personal economy....
Right now there too much money..... but if I can land that Job I applied for this morning in 3-4 months it will be a fair value..... If I'm really successful it will be a bargain...
 
#192
davec said:
as far as price, too much, fair value and bargain are all based off of my personal economy....
Right now there too much money..... but if I can land that Job I applied for this morning in 3-4 months it will be a fair value..... If I'm really successful it will be a bargain...
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And if a steamer trunk full of benjamins magically appears on your doorstep tonight, a new Wal will be barely a blip on your fiscal radar.
 

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