Whenever I take the plane it has always been a source of uncertainty as to how to transport the bass. Put it in a case and check it in? Gig bag and hope the crew will allow it into the cabin? Lately I have been unbolting the neck and putting the body into the suitcase. But even the neck in a carry-on bag gets suspicious glances from the cabin crew and security people, fearing that the maniac bass player will pummel a flight attendant to death for pouring hot coffee in his lap.
So, I contacted Wilser about building a travel instrument, and he was very open to the idea. Its main features are:
- It is short - 34" scale but with a headless tuning system from ETS.
- The neck bolts have metal threaded inserts.
- It is light.
To save some space, I will not get into the general specs, which can be viewed here:
Link Removed
Fast forward a few months and here it is:
The Instrument:
This is by far the lightest six-string I have ever held. The missing headstock, the extra thin body and the choice of woods result in an instrument you can play for long gigs without wearing your back out. It is lighter than some four-strings, no kidding. The body shape is Wilsers "A" model, which goes very well with the headless system.
What people say about headless basses is true: The ergonomics are great and it simply doesn't go out of tune! The slightly asymmetrical neck feels great. The bass came with a low setup and was effortless to play. I prefer a bit of resistance, so I raised the action and it was spot on.
With the headless system, the travel options are to put the whole instrument into a suitcase or to put the body in a gig bag with the neck folded as carry-on. Both solutions were tested and work beautifully. Breakdown has turned out to be 15 minutes, reassembly 20 minutes. Not bad at all.
Sound:
Direct into Zoom H2, tone control full open.
Bridge pickup: http://www.zshare.net/audio/788991158bf29e56/
Both pickups: http://www.zshare.net/audio/78899189a2db0aa0/
Neck pickup: http://www.zshare.net/audio/788992180b9f3e91/
Working with Wilser:
As far as I understand, Wilser is not a full-time instrument maker. Therefore, with his family, job and other things, the build will take time. If you need your custom bass done yesterday, don't bother. But if you are willing to wait, Wilser will reward you with a superb instrument, incorporating all the crazy ideas you had, at a price that is more than fair.
Communication was excellent, mails generally answered within 24 hours. If there is a problem, Wilser will be upfront about it, he is an honest man.
Needless to spell it out, but I am very happy with the bass! What a privilege to be able to take a great instrument wherever you go, without hassle.
So, I contacted Wilser about building a travel instrument, and he was very open to the idea. Its main features are:
- It is short - 34" scale but with a headless tuning system from ETS.
- The neck bolts have metal threaded inserts.
- It is light.
To save some space, I will not get into the general specs, which can be viewed here:
Link Removed
Fast forward a few months and here it is:
The Instrument:
This is by far the lightest six-string I have ever held. The missing headstock, the extra thin body and the choice of woods result in an instrument you can play for long gigs without wearing your back out. It is lighter than some four-strings, no kidding. The body shape is Wilsers "A" model, which goes very well with the headless system.
What people say about headless basses is true: The ergonomics are great and it simply doesn't go out of tune! The slightly asymmetrical neck feels great. The bass came with a low setup and was effortless to play. I prefer a bit of resistance, so I raised the action and it was spot on.
With the headless system, the travel options are to put the whole instrument into a suitcase or to put the body in a gig bag with the neck folded as carry-on. Both solutions were tested and work beautifully. Breakdown has turned out to be 15 minutes, reassembly 20 minutes. Not bad at all.
Sound:
Direct into Zoom H2, tone control full open.
Bridge pickup: http://www.zshare.net/audio/788991158bf29e56/
Both pickups: http://www.zshare.net/audio/78899189a2db0aa0/
Neck pickup: http://www.zshare.net/audio/788992180b9f3e91/
Working with Wilser:
As far as I understand, Wilser is not a full-time instrument maker. Therefore, with his family, job and other things, the build will take time. If you need your custom bass done yesterday, don't bother. But if you are willing to wait, Wilser will reward you with a superb instrument, incorporating all the crazy ideas you had, at a price that is more than fair.
Communication was excellent, mails generally answered within 24 hours. If there is a problem, Wilser will be upfront about it, he is an honest man.
Needless to spell it out, but I am very happy with the bass! What a privilege to be able to take a great instrument wherever you go, without hassle.
