Nice research! I saw that it was Unisound, but I couldn't find it on their webpage to see what the real price is. I kept typing in the wrong key words.
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Nice research! I saw that it was Unisound, but I couldn't find it on their webpage to see what the real price is. I kept typing in the wrong key words.
Great research, sir! You have more patience than I do.
Cheers, almost any gear listed from Japan on eBay is being listed by one or more 3rd party resellers for 10%-50% more than what the actual shop has it listed at. If you check Digimart.net you can usually find the actual listing for far less $$
Yep. I generally steer clear of anything listed in Japan altogether.
The ads on Digimart are posted by the actual shops, so that is a good source.
Also when shopping for instruments in Japan, take note whether sales tax is included in the price. Some websites show the price with and some without. An international buyer is not subject to their 8% sales tax. If the bass you’re seeking is expensive enough, that should cover whatever the shipping will be.
The only useful purpose of the eBay markup/resellers is to alert me what might be new in the Japan shops, then I start my research to track down the real listing. Sometimes the photos they copy have the watermark of the shop. I have about 95% success finding the instrument.
This listing makes me curious to how many Wal's made it to Japan. I have seen many vintage Fodera's and Spectors on Ebay but the prices are usually outrageous. Thank you Inglorious Oz and TolerancEJ for the Digimart info. I'm guessing if there are many Wal's in Japan they are holding on to them just like everyone else.
This is the second set of Ken Smith SS Ultra Lights I really like them!
They last and are nearly $10.00 cheaper than the Fodera strings I loved but are now out of my price range. I have read some of you swear by nickel strings think I will try them out next time have never used them on a Wal.
You'd be surprised, between the Digimart marketplace, TC gakki, Ishibashi music etc they actually pop up about as often as they do in North America.
I've ordered half a dozen basses and countless pedals from Japan and they always get here faster than domestic shipments. Never had an issue, the only hurdle(s) was the language barrier/gaps while negotiating prices as well as the inconsistent conversion rates to USD
Many Have. They used to be regularly stocked by at least one dealer in the 80's. I have some old Japanese magazine Wal ads.
Also new new ones are going over as well and beinf sold by Ikebe. But as with anyone today, Paul doesnt give a wholesale pricing, they pay what we pay. So the brand new ones being completed are being posted up at a 20-25% markup. That last brand new red & black Mk2 was equivalent to about $14000.
80's magazine ad.
Wals seemed very expensive there back then too.
Wals seemed very expensive there back then too.
I know it's a long shot, but having JUST missed out on that latest Wal Mk1 on Ebay UK this morning, I figured I would reiterate my interest in buying a fretted Mk1 or Mk2 4-string.
(Yes, I know they are scarce and others are looking too...)
I am ideally hoping to find someone in the U.S. looking to sell one, so as to not have to deal with import taxes (MD also has that lovely 6% "Use Tax")...but I'm open to whatever, given the right pricing/circumstances.
I have cash, so am not trying to angle for a trade, but I am working within a budget so am hoping to not go to the higher end of the price range.
Just putting this out there in case anyone is contemplating a sale...
Thanks!
-Skip
(Yes, I know they are scarce and others are looking too...)
I am ideally hoping to find someone in the U.S. looking to sell one, so as to not have to deal with import taxes (MD also has that lovely 6% "Use Tax")...but I'm open to whatever, given the right pricing/circumstances.
I have cash, so am not trying to angle for a trade, but I am working within a budget so am hoping to not go to the higher end of the price range.
Just putting this out there in case anyone is contemplating a sale...
Thanks!
-Skip
Just thought you all may want another picture today. Stay safe and well, everyone.
I believe it is, although I never asked Paul. However, I thought flat sawn Zebrawood would offer wider and more prominent dark stripes and shapes - which would have been amazing. This one offers thinner stripes and a less exciting Zebrano pattern than other Wals with the same topwood, but is still conservatively impressive.
I think there's probably a wide range of grain orientations that fall under "flat sawn", even within the same piece of wood, depending on how big the tree was that the piece was cut from.
Oh man I know this is going to be great!!
I just saw on the Wal website that the build time is now three years! I'm guessing this is due to Covid? I was hoping to place a order this year before another price increase, but I just learned my boss pulled a fast one on us and used the time we were laid off due to Covid to sell her business.
The free spirit in me says screw it order the Wal anyway you have the money to pay for it in savings. The practical says wait until I find another job soon and if I like the working conditions place an order in November before the price increase.
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