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Wal Bass Club.

I’m getting a stock Mk-1 4 string. No non-standard options,except maybe them using Rotosound 66LC’s.

Pretty sure I’m gonna choose flamed maple as the top, but I’m a sucker for walnut too.
I guess I’ll have time to think about it.
I’m a little over a year into the wait and I still can’t figure out what I want for my mk. 2! Right now it’s in between a quilted maple black burst body and headstock, black neck with ebony board, matching scratch plate, and gold hardware, or a natural satin finish all over and chrome hardware... something about maple on mahogany that has me second guessing...
 
I’m a little over a year into the wait and I still can’t figure out what I want for my mk. 2! Right now it’s in between a quilted maple black burst body and headstock, black neck with ebony board, matching scratch plate, and gold hardware
Those are some exquisite choices! I almost set my upcoming Mk2 up for blackburst gloss over Birdseye Maple, but the upcharges would be too steep for me this time around.
 
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Are wal still taking orders at the moment? I sent an email about a mk3 6 string a few weeks ago and havent heard anything back. Only recently recently started looking into Wal! Was after a 6 string Zon to go with my 5 string but Brexit has made things a lot more expensive than it should be so I'm considering something British made, either Wal or ACG. Wal is looking like a winner.

Feel free to tell me how much you love your wal basses too, happy to hear anything anyone has to say about em!
 
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Are wal still taking orders at the moment? I sent an email about a mk3 6 string a few weeks ago and havent heard anything back. Only recently recently started looking into Wal! Was after a 6 string Zon to go with my 5 string but Brexit has made things a lot more expensive than it should be so I'm considering something British made, either Wal or ACG. Wal is looking like a winner.

Feel free to tell me how much you love your wal basses too, happy to hear anything anyone has to say about em!

I've had a GB Spitfire, an Enfield Avenger, and several Wals. The Wals were best, and the only one I still have.
 
Feel free to tell me how much you love your wal basses too, happy to hear anything anyone has to say about em!


Nothing sounds like a Wal. They do not sound alike, different Wals have their individuality, but they sure all sound like only a Wal does. Powerful, yet intuitive and easy to use electronics... while my Mk1 plays nice and feels nice, impeccable craftsmanship etc... it all boils down to the tone. Other basses are much more comfy (Mk3 users will surely disagree here :)) and lighter for sure. But that tone! Straight out of the jack or DI out it already delivers a perfectly usable, unmistakable tone and I love that about Wal basses. Lots of sound guys at venues or in studios have commented on the good tone of the instrument. I am no spectacular player, I surely can't make every bass sound good, thats for sure.

I also think that Wal has the coolest looking 4-string pickups.
 
Nothing sounds like a Wal. They do not sound alike, different Wals have their individuality, but they sure all sound like only a Wal does. Powerful, yet intuitive and easy to use electronics... while my Mk1 plays nice and feels nice, impeccable craftsmanship etc... it all boils down to the tone. Other basses are much more comfy (Mk3 users will surely disagree here :)) and lighter for sure. But that tone! Straight out of the jack or DI out it already delivers a perfectly usable, unmistakable tone and I love that about Wal basses. Lots of sound guys at venues or in studios have commented on the good tone of the instrument. I am no spectacular player, I surely can't make every bass sound good, thats for sure.

I also think that Wal has the coolest looking 4-string pickups.


Would you describe them as versatile? Ive watched a few videos and demos and it seems like a lot can be achieved with them! It seems wal has its own signature tone, but within that tone it can be used for pretty much anything right? Im after a bass that could end all future GAS. Something that can be used across all genres and considering the famous artists that use Wal I think this could be the one for me.
 
Would you describe them as versatile?
Absolutely! They're my main workhorses.

I've played in original bands for years where they obviously shine at the rock thing. But I also have been playing in various cover bands doing r&b, rock, country, and pop too, it does it all with ease.
 
yes, they are super versatile, as long as you can work with that inherent tone. Make that your own, and you are good to go. I am pretty sure that there is nothing a Wal can't deliver, as long as you are not looking for a specific tone that only some basses can produce, like Stingrays/Ricks etc.

Versatile, yes absolutely. Tonal Chameleon? Rather not (as in: can copy other basses tonal character). That's part of the charm to me.
 
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Would you describe them as versatile?

Despite what others said I don't consider Wal basses as versatile pur sang. Sure you can get a lot of sounds out of them but they always keep that distinct cut through the mix midrange sound. But that's exactly what I love about them and why I have them. When I play my own music I really like that sound and use it a lot but when I do a top 40 or 'accompaniment' gig I take my Yamaha or a Fender jazz or something. They have a more 'general' allround sound which suit some situations better I think. Also as a workhorse for live they might be too heavy for some if you need to play three sets or so.

I think a Mk1 has the most distinct sound and a Mk2 or Mk3 might be better if you want it slightly less distinct (or a bit more versatile or however you want to call it) but still typical Wal.
 
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Cheers for all the responses guys. Paul emailed me back today saying the waiting list is now over 4 years and they aren't taking any more orders until the backlog is reduced. He's given me the option to add my name to a list of people they'll contact whenever they start taking orders again. Crazy stuff. Good job I wasn't planning on getting one any time soon! Might be a 30th birthday present to myself. Plenty of time to save up!
 
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Sad news if you were dithering about pressing the button on an order...
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You should know most investors are only in it for the money and sacrifice quality for profit. I highly doubt this is the route Wal will take. The situation they are in doesn't require such a dire move.
I somewhat agree with your comment about investors but there’s a good match out there for their business that won’t allow the sacrifice of the high standards they have.