Hmm interesting. Do you notice tonal differences? I have no input as I have only played my MKI. Curious if it makes them sound different or if it's a small enough difference in spacing that it is negligible in terms of sound.
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Well that's the rub. Just like any brand of bass, no two basses are identicle. So difficult to say one is going to automatically be one way over another body style.
(Just an observation, not fact) I would imagine the tonal differences to be quite subtle. My understanding is the MkII has a slightly deeper, but punchier voice thank the MkII, partly because of the larger width body. The pickup spacing appears to be necessary to make way for the closer truss-rod adjustment from the 24th fret. I do notice the bridge of the MkII is closer to the butt of the bass than the MkI. As for the MkIII, perhaps they added some body space back in to allow more breathing room between the pickups.
I would imagine the main drivers for the different bodies were extra frets, but mainly, extra strings. You don't see a 5 or 6 string MkI, and you don't see a 6-string MkII. I also imagine the MkII has easier reach to the lower frets (like the 1st fret) because the upper horn is over the 12th fret vs. the 14th on a MkI.
I agree, though that the pickup spacing is more subtle in the tone differences than the shapes and builds of the different basses themselves.
Would someone with all three models mind making an audio comparison and posting it? That would be interesting to hear.
It's an easier reach because it's actually a shorter bass. They put the bridge at the edge of the body to tuck the neck further into the body. I can only assume it was because of the massive 5 string headstock with the heavy set of tuners.
So yeah, a 5 string MkII (because of its long headstock) is overall just as long as a MkI. But a 4 string MkII is a little shorter than a MkI.
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Interesting, you can always count on Caca to dish out any wal info needed on here 
haha. I would love to play an MKII. I originally liked the idea of them just because the extra 3 frets but being a shorter bass is a plus too if it makes the reach a bit more comfortable on the low frets. Even though the 5 string is the same overall length as an MKI I would assume the reach would still be the same as a 4 string MKII if the added length is just from a larger headstock. I have been loving 5 string lately, makes me want to sell my MKI to fund a 5 string Wal but I'm scared I would regret ditching the 4 string haha.
haha. I would love to play an MKII. I originally liked the idea of them just because the extra 3 frets but being a shorter bass is a plus too if it makes the reach a bit more comfortable on the low frets. Even though the 5 string is the same overall length as an MKI I would assume the reach would still be the same as a 4 string MKII if the added length is just from a larger headstock. I have been loving 5 string lately, makes me want to sell my MKI to fund a 5 string Wal but I'm scared I would regret ditching the 4 string haha.
Yeah I would agree the your the first person I have seen on talkbass in my neck of the woods ever! Im always up for jamming I don't get to Rochester often the closest I come is playing at Pineapple Jack's usually in the winter months and let me tell you that place is awesome and well worth the drive from Buffalo. I have been using nickel strings on my Wal since I got her in September think im going to try the stainless and see how they sound finding strings for this bass has been quite a journey to find for my liking for this bass but man do I love it never played anything like this! Thanks for your input.I have to say although my fingers like the nickels I love the sound of stainless steels on the Wal. Especially if you turn on the pick attack and do some slap. So much attack. BTW, your the first person on talkbass I have seen in my neck of the woods. Were only about 45 minutes apart. Might have to get together and jam wals sometime
GB
My 5 string seems much pickier on which strings I use. I tried nickels: DR Sunbeams, D'Addario, R Cocco, Boomers, EB Slinkies. I could never be quite satisfied with my B string grind and snap. Once I switched to DR Highbeams, I was totally happy.
Now on the 4 string basses, it never mattered what brand or what material string, everything sounded consistently great on a 4.
But totally YMMV.
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I use Fender Nickel-plated Steel roundwounds on mine: .040-.100. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
These strings are bright and brilliant for a long time for me; but they feel like nickel.
These strings are bright and brilliant for a long time for me; but they feel like nickel.
I did hear really good things about the Cobalts I think its time to give them a shot not ruling out the Highbeams either so I probably will just get both sets and see what my ears and feel of them are like. Thanks guys!
Yeah Pineapple Jacks is great. I put Rochester as my location because it is the closest big city but I actually live about 30 minutes west of Rochester. Buffalo is only about 45 minutes from where I live.
I forgot about those. Yeah I tried a set on my previous walnut MkII 5er, and they did sound great.
I have Cobalts on my Mk3 right now. I usually use the DR High Beams on all my basses. The Cobalts sound great on the Wal! The next time I change strings I'll be putting on the High Beams just to see.
Why is it that just about every Wal that comes up for sale make me want to buy it. Also I can't afford any of them lol.
1997 Wal MK2 Geddy Lee Bass Guitar Mint | eBay
1997 Wal MK2 Geddy Lee Bass Guitar Mint | eBay
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Oh wow, it's in great condition too. Every primal urge is screaming at me to buy it, but I've learned to control my Wal GAS over the years a little! I think I may actually be out of the Wal business some time soon, real life stuff has come up and I could really use the dough. I dread having to put up a for sale add and go back to my Musicman!
