• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Wal Bass Club.

#4,161
I know the base price for a MkIII is higher in part I'm sure because of the neck joint, I assume the MkII base price is also higher because of the 24 fret neck. As far as difference, everything is the same electronics wise, other than that it's just personal preference. I've been wanting a MkIII as well cause I'm not a big guy and I have a torn disk in my back, figure the balance and weight would make it easier.
 
#4,162
I actually find the weight of my MKI to be quite comfortable! I didn't think any wal would get much lighter regardless of model to be honest! I think the longer horn would be a huge bonus for the balance though. What is different about the neck joint on the MKIII's? I would honestly be happy with an MKII or an MKIII. I just miss having 24 frets. It's the only downside to my MKI. If I found somebody to swap with me I guess I wouldn't care if it was a 2 or 3. I would just be happy to have the 24 frets. But very rarely do you see somebody wanting an MKI over a 2 or 3 which is why I was so curious about people getting new MKI builds. I was actually gonna post mine in the classifieds to see if somebody wanted to trade for a 2 or 3 but I figured it would just be a waste of time haha!
 
#4,163
Neck joint would look like this

06yb.jpg


The one pictured is PJ's Mk II oddity bass with the same type of neck joint as an Mk III.
 
#4,164
Many thanks for all the parts shots & info guys...

Will make my Geddification much easier - if I ever get around to it... I think new screws are in order - many of the old ones look a bit worn... I might just gold plate my current bridge parts & possibly the tops of the pole pieces...
 
#4,165
Musicman1901 said:
I guess I was just kind of curious why somebody would go with an MKI over an MKII or MKIII.
Click to expand...

I would say its probably because the MkI is THE iconic model that everyone knows and has seen the most in videos and on stages.
I have both the I and II, and the II has a bigger body and feels like a bigger bass *to me*.
But I think all three bodystyles look awesome, even though I have no need for 24 frets.
 
#4,166
Musicman1901 said:
Hey guys, I have noticed a couple people on here that have new builds on the way have ordered MKI's. Just out of complete curiosity what does the MKI offer you that the MKII or MKIII does not? Since I got my MKI I have itched for an MKII or MKIII instead. They have a full 24 fret neck. Longer horn which makes them balance better. I guess I was just kind of curious why somebody would go with an MKI over an MKII or MKIII. Is the price different on a new one?
Click to expand...

My first love was the Mk1 and I realized that it would be mistake to get the Mk2. No other reason other than that for me. I’m not worried about the balance or the extra frets.
 
#4,172
Musicman1901 said:
Hey guys, I have noticed a couple people on here that have new builds on the way have ordered MKI's. Just out of complete curiosity what does the MKI offer you that the MKII or MKIII does not? Since I got my MKI I have itched for an MKII or MKIII instead. They have a full 24 fret neck. Longer horn which makes them balance better. I guess I was just kind of curious why somebody would go with an MKI over an MKII or MKIII. Is the price different on a new one?
Click to expand...
I don't have any Wal not have I played any yet but one main difference is tone change. The MK1 has more of a rubber band twang tone to it which I'm in love with. And I think the MK2 has more bottom end and not as much rubber band twang. I'm not sure what the MK3 sounds like in comparison, but I'd like to have a Geddy MK1 and a Geddy MK2 because I'm obviously a huge Rush fan and you gotta have an MK1 for Power Windows and Presto and an MK2 for Hold Your Fire and Roll the Bones
 
#4,173
rusheroo said:
I don't have any Wal not have I played any yet but one main difference is tone change. The MK1 has more of a rubber band twang tone to it which I'm in love with. And I think the MK2 has more bottom end and not as much rubber band twang. I'm not sure what the MK3 sounds like in comparison, but I'd like to have a Geddy MK1 and a Geddy MK2 because I'm obviously a huge Rush fan and you gotta have an MK1 for Power Windows and Presto and an MK2 for Hold Your Fire and Roll the Bones
Click to expand...

Geddy's MKI has a bit more "twang" because of the poly over solid mahogany and poly throughout the neck. A maple MKI sounds pretty much identical to a maple MKII. Same pre, same electronics.
If you have same strings and same set-up, would be impossible to distinguish between the two blindfolded.

Edit: also forgot to mention he used .030-.090" Roto Funkmasters on the black Geddy....which will also add "twang"
 
Last edited:
#4,179
Toolmybass said:
Geddy's MKI has a bit more "twang" because of the poly over solid mahogany and poly throughout the neck. A maple MKI sounds pretty much identical to a maple MKII. Same pre, same electronics.
If you have same strings and same set-up, would be impossible to distinguish between the two blindfolded.

Edit: also forgot to mention he used .030-.090" Roto Funkmasters on the black Geddy....which will also add "twang"
Click to expand...
Ohh I didn't know the poly over the mahogany would do such that, thanks for the info. And yeah I have the funkmasters on my Schecter Diamond Custom 4 (my cheap $500 Wal haha) and it does help get sorta a rubber band tone but Geddy used the same strings on the MK2 but it didn't have much rubber band sound even though it was poly but I don't know what kind of timber was used under that trans red coat

This might be kinda off topic but even though I have the funkmasters on my Schecter, it doesn't have the same twang as Geddy's Wals, I guess I could call it like a sort of a jingle bell twang if anyone knows what I mean, but is that just my bass or are the strings messed up?
 
Last edited:
#4,180
rusheroo said:
Ohh I didn't know the poly over the mahogany would do such that, thanks for the info. And yeah I have the funkmasters on my Schecter Diamond Custom 4 (my cheap $500 Wal haha) and it does help get sorta a rubber band tone but Geddy used the same strings on the MK2 but it didn't have much rubber band sound even though it was poly but I don't know what kind of timber was used under that trans red coat
Click to expand...

I believe they were Maple or Olive facings on a mahogany core with a trans red finish.

Pretty sure he only used the red one on a couple of songs for the lowB and used the black MKI for the rest of the tunes for HYF and RTB
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back