Wal Bass Club.

[Musicman1901]

Any of you guys ever have volume fluctuation with your wal? It's an intermittent problem which is the worst cuz I never know if it's gonna happen. Sometimes when I engage pick attack then go back to normal mode I get volume loss. Considerable amount too. Then all the sudden boom it pops back to regular level. I took it to a tech and he screwed with it for hours and couldn't get it to do it. Typical..

 

[brconflict]

Any of you guys ever have volume fluctuation with your wal? It's an intermittent problem which is the worst cuz I never know if it's gonna happen. Sometimes when I engage pick attack then go back to normal mode I get volume loss. Considerable amount too. Then all the sudden boom it pops back to regular level. I took it to a tech and he screwed with it for hours and couldn't get it to do it. Typical..

If it's a sudden change in volume, you may have a faulty push-pull function of the Volume pot, or possibly, the ribbon connector from one of the pickups is not making a solid connection. I've seen the ribbon connectors be faulty. While I can't offer a clear fix to the problem without investigating the electronics myself, I can suggest re-seating the ribbon connectors (careful not to break off the locking tabs on them!) and checking solder joints where the push-pull Volume pot connects to the circuit board. You can use a small screwdriver to move those left and right to see if that helps clean any particles or other buildup inside those trim pots.

 

[Musicman1901]

If it's a sudden change in volume, you may have a faulty push-pull function of the Volume pot, or possibly, the ribbon connector from one of the pickups is not making a solid connection. I've seen the ribbon connectors be faulty. While I can't offer a clear fix to the problem without investigating the electronics myself, I can suggest re-seating the ribbon connectors (careful not to break off the locking tabs on them!) and checking solder joints where the push-pull Volume pot connects to the circuit board. You can use a small screwdriver to move those left and right to see if that helps clean any particles or other buildup inside those trim pots.

Alright thanks man, I'll take a look at the solder joints on the push pull knobs after work today. What exactly is the ribbon connecter? I'm not too savvy with the innards of my basses and amps.

 

[Guinness20]

I'd sell a kidney on the black market to get my hands on a Wal Mk1, trouble is that probably wouldn't be enough. Might have to sell a lung too

 

[brconflict]

Alright thanks man, I'll take a look at the solder joints on the push pull knobs after work today. What exactly is the ribbon connecter? I'm not too savvy with the innards of my basses and amps.

The bundles that come from the pickups are bonded with a ribbon cable connector, which connects them to the circuit boards. Sometimes those types of connections may become loose. If this is the case, there's an intricate way to solve that, but it takes care and skill to slightly bend the pins so the connectors make a more solid contact. But I strongly suggest not to try bending the pins unless there's certainty, that's the issue.

 

[Musicman1901]

The bundles that come from the pickups are bonded with a ribbon cable connector, which connects them to the circuit boards. Sometimes those types of connections may become loose. If this is the case, there's an intricate way to solve that, but it takes care and skill to slightly bend the pins so the connectors make a more solid contact. But I strongly suggest not to try bending the pins unless there's certainty, that's the issue.

Okay thanks. I'll check solder joints first and if I do find its a problem with the ribbon connector I'll talk it someplace to have it done.

 

[brconflict]

I'd sell a kidney on the black market to get my hands on a Wal Mk1, trouble is that probably wouldn't be enough. Might have to sell a lung too

And it depends on the mileage of the kidney and lung. Trust me, I know that G.A.S.! I crashed my car on the way home from picking mine up!

 

[Guinness20]

And it depends on the mileage of the kidney and lung. Trust me, I know that G.A.S.! I crashed my car on the way home from picking mine up!

I think unless I come into a serious sum of money this will be a dream and nothing more.

 

[brconflict]

I think unless I come into a serious sum of money this will be a dream and nothing more.

Rest assured, you're in the best place to find one! Finding them for sale in the U.S. is rare. I truly lucked up finding the one I have.

 

[climb]

What year is your Wal? Could be caps that need replacement.

It's not that old--I think about 5 years old or so.

 

[kulit17]

It's not that old--I think about 5 years old or so.

Ah ok, i know this bass now. its the 2010 Claro Walnut Mk3. I have the same exact picture save in my computer

hhmmm... have you tried tweeking the trim pots in the back? perhaps your giving too hot of a signal to your amp.

 

[climb]

Ah ok, i know this bass now. its the 2010 Claro Walnut Mk3. I have the same exact picture save in my computer

View attachment 825330

hhmmm... have you tried tweeking the trim pots in the back? perhaps your giving too hot of a signal to your amp.

yup, that's the one... back surface is amazing. I'll give that a try; thanks for the help.

 

[mikeswals]

I'd make sure the wire pin contacts are all nice and clean where the pickup harnesses clip to the circutboard.

Barry's old bass, right?

 

[kulit17]

Barry's old bass, right?

It appears so. Here's another pic I have archived too.... it is indeed a stunner.

 

[Janforth]

Hey gang, look what I found! I dug these out of my old photo box, Derek Forbes of Simple Minds playing his Wal basses, these pictures are from a 1984 show at The Beacon Theater in NYC, I had the best seats as you can see.

 

[kulit17]

@Chris Fitzgerald
I noticed a couple of clubs been having their threads combined. How about some love for our Wal club

Suggested renaming the club name:
"Wal Appreciation Club"

Since we all appreciate owning a Wal

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Ok, will try to get to it later when I get home.

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Threads merged.

 

[climb]

Hey gang, look what I found! I dug these out of my old photo box, Derek Forbes of Simple Minds playing his Wal basses, these pictures are from a 1984 show at The Beacon Theater in NYC, I had the best seats as you can see.View attachment 829100 View attachment 829098

These are amazing photos! Must have been a fantastic show. New Gold Dream tour?

 

[climb]

It appears so. Here's another pic I have archived too.... it is indeed a stunner.

View attachment 825616

yes, Barry's old bass! Work of art.