Wal Bass Club.

[mikeswals]

The voltage doesn't matter, its the 4.7uF rating that does.
Wal has used 25v, 35v, 40v, over the years.

And the physical size is kind of all over the place too. Some will be really small, some will be chubbier, it all works.

 

[xtoby44x]

The voltage doesn't matter, its the 4.7uF rating that does.
Wal has used 25v, 35v, 40v, over the years.

And the physical size is kind of all over the place too. Some will be really small, some will be chubbier, it all works.

Okay awesome and thanks, I thought something might have been way off, or someone already swapped it out with the wrong values. Good news is that they aren’t leaking, so I’ll get them swapped out ASAP and won’t have to worry. Really appreciate the knowledge, thanks again!

 

[xtoby44x]

The voltage doesn't matter, its the 4.7uF rating that does.
Wal has used 25v, 35v, 40v, over the years.

And the physical size is kind of all over the place too. Some will be really small, some will be chubbier, it all works.

Paul from Wal confirmed this as well today and responded…
“The value is correct but the voltage is less important - we generally use 35v”
Mike you get a Gold Star!!! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience!

 

[Khrist92]

I'm almost at my wits' end.

I've surfed the Wal fb group and gone through pages and pages of this thread.

I bought a Mk. 2 5'er this last fall, sounded amazing right out of the case, but like a dummy I changed the strings, but I did keep them. Former owner is 75% sure the original set was EBMM slinky's 45-130, so I put a new set on and was disappointed within a few days. I have tried a number of different sets and combinations (see list below). Basically, I'm trying to get as clear, piano-like tone as possible - a sound to build off of instead of one I feel I have to compensate for. The original set of strings had no colored wrapping or colored ball-ends, so I believe that eliminates some brands from the running right out of the gate if the goal was to match them. As an aside, the action is where I want it to be, battery is new and internal trimpots are untouched.

EBMM Slinky 45-130 - these possibly the closest overall but went dead way sooner than expected, and the low B wasn't as strong. The set the bass originally came with still has some zing to it. I've been usually disappointed by EB strings but this recent experience may have changed my opinion.

EBMM Cobalt single 125 / 105-45 - the single 125 Cobalt is great, just lasts forever and really, surprisingly clear. I thought the .130 cobalt single I tried was less good. The 125 was better than the original B or darn close at the least. I was less impressed by the rest of the cobalts (E-G) but am willing to accept it was a fluke package or improper installation.

DR - I've tried fat beams, DDT, lo riders and Sunbeams. On the whole they've been disappointing in the low B department and otherwise dark-sounding. Not much zing, sort of muffled.

Curt Mangan .125-.45 nickel - These too were dark as well. Not an ideal low B either. Curiously, the .105-45 sound pretty good on my Mk. 1.

Rotosound 66 125-45 - very rough on the fingers but the E-G sounded pretty good for about a week. Low B is definitely not their speciality, though.

Any guidance is aappreciated. Thanks for letting me rant.

 

[xtoby44x]

I'm almost at my wits' end.

I've surfed the Wal fb group and gone through pages and pages of this thread.

I bought a Mk. 2 5'er this last fall, sounded amazing right out of the case, but like a dummy I changed the strings, but I did keep them. Former owner is 75% sure the original set was EBMM slinky's 45-130, so I put a new set on and was disappointed within a few days. I have tried a number of different sets and combinations (see list below). Basically, I'm trying to get as clear, piano-like tone as possible - a sound to build off of instead of one I feel I have to compensate for. The original set of strings had no colored wrapping or colored ball-ends, so I believe that eliminates some brands from the running right out of the gate if the goal was to match them. As an aside, the action is where I want it to be, battery is new and internal trimpots are untouched.

EBMM Slinky 45-130 - these possibly the closest overall but went dead way sooner than expected, and the low B wasn't as strong. The set the bass originally came with still has some zing to it. I've been usually disappointed by EB strings but this recent experience may have changed my opinion.

EBMM Cobalt single 125 / 105-45 - the single 125 Cobalt is great, just lasts forever and really, surprisingly clear. I thought the .130 cobalt single I tried was less good. The 125 was better than the original B or darn close at the least. I was less impressed by the rest of the cobalts (E-G) but am willing to accept it was a fluke package or improper installation.

DR - I've tried fat beams, DDT, lo riders and Sunbeams. On the whole they've been disappointing in the low B department and otherwise dark-sounding. Not much zing, sort of muffled.

Curt Mangan .125-.45 nickel - These too were dark as well. Not an ideal low B either. Curiously, the .105-45 sound pretty good on my Mk. 1.

Rotosound 66 125-45 - very rough on the fingers but the E-G sounded pretty good for about a week. Low B is definitely not their speciality, though.

Any guidance is aappreciated. Thanks for letting me rant.

View attachment 4964208

I personally use the EBMM 130-45 and they sound great. Maybe a set of Stainless Steel’s might give you the zing you’re looking for. Also something to consider is tapered or non tapered B string… the MTD stainless are pretty good, but tapered. Another thing to consider is checking your pickup heights with the new strings. To close is no good as well as to far away. Every pole piece is adjustable not 100% sure what the measurements are supposed to be sorry, I have a gauge tool I use I believe it’s 1/8 on the bass side and 1/16 on the treble side. But don’t hold me to it. Good luck with your search, and also beware of buying strings on Amazon I recently learned that knockoffs from china are being sold online and look the part of the originals, but quality is no where near what the real deal are, as well as the packaging. Just a heads up!

 

[HotelX]

Have you tried D’Addario NYXL?

 

[mikeswals]

All my Wal 5's are strung with DR highbeams. Never heard them being dark, they're bright and zingy. The last me almost a year of constant use. B has always been piano like crisp for me. Maybe try a .130?

If I use a 45-105, then I use a .130.
But I generally use 40-100 and so I then use a .125.

EB slinkies die very fast on me too.
Off the top of my head, only other non-silk non-colored balls is: R Cocco, Dunlop, and some models of SIT.

 

[Khrist92]

I have not tried the NYXL's yet (nor DR Highbeams), but they are next on the list. I did adjust the pickups somewhat, I'll grab measurements later if I can find my MM ruler. Do pickups (or poles) too close to the strings negatively affect output?

 

[xtoby44x]

I have not tried the NYXL's yet (nor DR Highbeams), but they are next on the list. I did adjust the pickups somewhat, I'll grab measurements later if I can find my MM ruler. Do pickups (or poles) too close to the strings negatively affect output?

It affects string vibrations and sustain. The stronger the pull on the strings the less it vibrates. Can also cause unwanted noise and clacking from string contact while playing.

 

[Blackhawks55]

Rush's Emotion Detector solo section might be some of Ged's nastiest playing with the Wal. Here's me playing my 2017 Mk1 "Geddy"

 

[Khrist92]

Adjusting the pup height and pole pieces has made all the difference. Thank you all for your input.

 

[Janforth]

I’ve been listening to Kate Bush lately, there’s some great fretless Wal tones from John Giblin and Mick Karn on The Sensual World album, if you haven’t listened to Kate Bush, here’s a few links to those songs below. Please correct me if I’m wrong if it’s not a fretless Wal.

 

[Les Fret]

Yes Mick karn is of course Wal for sure. Not sure if John Giblin still had his fretless Wal Pro in 1989? he sold it at one point I think, but not sure when. He used it on Never For Ever, but that's 1980. There is a guy who has his fretless Pro, I saw a picture of it a month ago.

 

[21DaHoagie12]

You guys remember that Birdseye maple mk1 with peeling facings that sold for like 1.5k like four or five years ago. Pretty sure it’s on reverb right now for 9 grand

 

[kulit17]

You guys remember that Birdseye maple mk1 with peeling facings that sold for like 1.5k like four or five years ago. Pretty sure it’s on reverb right now for 9 grand

It's a different bass. A TB'er here actually got that bass and had work done to it. It was a 90's bass. The Wal for sale now did sell in Reverb but last year and coming out of Germany.

Wal MK1 1984 natur Wal MK1 1984 natur | Reverb


Here's that one you were thinking of though

Wal Wal Bass - Mk 1 early 90's Birds-Eye Maple Wal Wal Bass - Mk 1 early 90's Birds-Eye Maple | Reverb

 

[Les Fret]

This insanely priced MK1 is still for grabs. 17.500 euro! What is that guy thinking? Maybe inspired by Rush song Big Money? Wal MK-1 Mark 1 - 4 string 1984 Gloss Black | Reverb

 

[kulit17]

This insanely priced MK1 is still for grabs. 17.500 euro! What is that guy thinking? Maybe inspired by Rush song Big Money? Wal MK-1 Mark 1 - 4 string 1984 Gloss Black | Reverb

At least the seller removed the claim that it was THE bass recorded on BSSM. Lol but still kept the claim the bass has been recorded in over 50 albums without any solid proof.

 

[21DaHoagie12]

It's a different bass. A TB'er here actually got that bass and had work done to it. It was a 90's bass. The Wal for sale now did sell in Reverb but last year and coming out of Germany.

Wal MK1 1984 natur Wal MK1 1984 natur | Reverb


Here's that one you were thinking of though

Wal Wal Bass - Mk 1 early 90's Birds-Eye Maple Wal Wal Bass - Mk 1 early 90's Birds-Eye Maple | Reverb

Ah it was probably the description in which the seller notes that the facings are starting to peel away on the front and back, which was the identical issue with the other bass... I wonder what it is about Birdseye facing mk1s ?

 

[madmaskbass]

Hey crew I am back at it again with another round of facings fun. Paul unfortunately informed me that the facing I chose was not available and was very apologetic so here are the the 4 (there were others that didn't make the cut) to choose from. In honesty I was not upset at all because I actually think these are all absolutely incredible and it took me a few days to choose one lol. I love the mix of fine tight grain/ bendy contrast grain in these ones. Anyway post up your favourite and i will reveal my choice tomorrow. Please excuse my mad editing skills lol!

 

[graphics1988]

Hey crew I am back at it again with another round of facings fun. Paul unfortunately informed me that the facing I chose was not available and was very apologetic so here are the the 4 (there were others that didn't make the cut) to choose from. In honesty I was not upset at all because I actually think these are all absolutely incredible and it took me a few days to choose one lol. I love the mix of fine tight grain/ bendy contrast grain in these ones. Anyway post up your favourite and i will reveal my choice tomorrow. Please excuse my mad editing skills lol!
View attachment 4971931

3, 1, 4, 2……very nice.