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Random question but I'm curious ... does anyone know what the total number of Wal basses made since the start is? I came across a site with some 695 registered basses but the serial numbers don't make sense... some of the newer ones are like W4XXX and then there are some older ones with a X1XXXX number...
Do we know how many total basses have been made is?
Do we know how many total basses have been made is?
It’s confusing and not an easy calculation. Originally serial numbers were just numeric starting from JG1111, PB1111 and W1111. However at some point they also introduced a date based version of the serial number - W170803 which would be 17th August 2003 (note the UK date convention being used for obvious reasons). So you can’t just count up the numbers.
After the longest customs hold I have endured... she finally landed yesterday.
9.5 pounds!!
I was slightly worried there may be some neck dive due to the lightweight Sweet Chestnut solid body. To no surprise though...the bass balances perfectly, like all of the Mk3s I have tried. Paul is a Wizard!
The best part....the neck is very thin, just like my “Rob Burns prototype six string Wal”.
I couldn’t be happier right now.
9.5 pounds!!
I was slightly worried there may be some neck dive due to the lightweight Sweet Chestnut solid body. To no surprise though...the bass balances perfectly, like all of the Mk3s I have tried. Paul is a Wizard!
The best part....the neck is very thin, just like my “Rob Burns prototype six string Wal”.
I couldn’t be happier right now.
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Congrats! Beautiful!
are you in the US? How long is was the customs and what was the tax?
I got my FedEx bill for customs 3 weeks after they delivered my build. It ended up being $578. 5% of whatever Paul put for cost in the commercial invoice. Congrats on the new Wal Bob! Looks fantastic!
IME, Fedex mails the bill after delivery. UPS wants payment at time of delivery.
Fantastic lookin bass Bob! Looks like roasted maple on that neck?
Fantastic lookin bass Bob! Looks like roasted maple on that neck?
Do we know if Paul includes Fedex/UPS shipping or is that added at the end, and if so, whats the cost?
so a grand to get it home.. it's no wonder these go for so much second hand, I'm already looking at $14K for a new Mk1 with some options... cracks me up when people expect them to sell for 6 and 7K pre-owned and in good condition.
Not quite Alembic pricing territory but for what you get, a better value if you ask me.
We will never know those numbers, only Paul has the log book of all the builds, and he's not willing to give that info unless you own the particular bass you'd like the history of.
But as Trevor mentioned serials: you had JG's/JP's early on, and then PB serials for the Pro series. Then the Customs series came along and went to W serials.
But then Mk3's use their completion date as their serial (or anything with a Mk3 heel and no neck plate). For instance one of my may 2016 Mk3's is W160525 from Paul.
But to make that more confusing, the Pete era Mk3 serials would have been written backwards of that; he put the year last and the day first.
So I can only speculate betwen 6 to 7 k basses made so far?
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Paul used to not list the charge for options, so I am curious, can you share the specs for your MK1, and how much for each option?
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All in UK pounds, prices locked in 2.5 years ago.
Body:
Mk1 4-string - 5800
Zircote face - 660
Gloss - 650
Gold hardware - 470
Schaller S-lock - 25
Neck:
Block Inlay Abalone - 780
Ebony fretboard -205
Gloss - 370
Zircote headface - 360
total - 9520
just occurred to me... I wonder if my Zircote face option covers just the face and not the back? Anyone know if the face option automatically comes with back? or is that separate? Guess I could live with the Mahogany back too..
