played a wal today...

[Bassosaurus]

Can't you get a brand new WAL (if Pete were taking orders) for about $3,300 or more (depending) That seems a bit steep... although I'd glady drop the cash if I had it.

BTW theres a Mk III on ebay now , after 7 bids it a $3,500 US.

Yea, but he's not and even if he was, it would be long over a year wait. That's exactly what drives these prices up.

By the way Im one of those who wishes Geddy never went back to a Jazz bass, I loved his Wal playing more.

Flea's best sound was w/ a Wall too. Geddy....Geddy w/ a Ric is hard to beat, but his Wal sound is dynomite!

 

[Niskamies]

If the new Wals are about 3 grand, howcome the used Wals are even more expensive?

 

[Groovecenter]

No malice meant in this post, but what is it about bolt on's that makes you think they're cheaper and easier to produce?

Different to produce yes, but they require no less precision or skill to manufacture.

 

[Unchain]

If the new Wals are about 3 grand, howcome the used Wals are even more expensive?

He doesn't make them anymore, and the wait is a long one.

 

[oddio]

Hey oddio can you explain a little to us how do the wal tone controls work????

The best explanation is found on the Wal website. I hope Mr. Chesney doesn't mind the linkage: click here

The Wal preamp and pickups are second to none!

 

[brothernewt]

The best explanation is found on the Wal website.

it describes the "pick attack" but doesn't share what frequency that might be. any one know or even have an educated guess?

 

[duncbass]

The pick attach freq (and slope?) is one of Wal's electronic secrets. I suppose an electronics person could reverse engineer it if they cared to dissect a Wal but who would risk it!

Used Wals in almost new condition cost even more than new because Pete has such a long waiting list he stopped taking orders. He's still making them but no one knows how far behind he is. With such a supply and demand problem, I don't know why he doesn't raise his prices.

 

[Zebra]

I never saw a Wal either until, to my surprise, I ran into one in a GC. A vintage fretless Wal, none the less, with the old passive electronics and was made when the other guy was still alive. I as surprised the pricetag on it was only $1700.

 

[Ccarson26]

$3200 used for a bolt on?

Yes.. $3200 is actually very reasonable. I just had a new one built for $9000

 

[mikezimmerman]

Yes.. $3200 is actually very reasonable. I just had a new one built for $9000

I'm afraid I have to point out that prices were a bit lower in 2005, when this conversion was going on, but even back then $3500 was not exactly out of line for a used Wal, and it would be a steal now...

 

[Ccarson26]

I'm afraid I have to point out that prices were a bit lower in 2005, when this conversion was going on, but even back then $3500 was not exactly out of line for a used Wal, and it would be a steal now...

Yes, I saw the dates after I posted that..