Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
I inquired with Paul about adding a vintage tint to the maple pieces of the neck and headstock. He confirmed he could do it as an added option. Has anyone done that? I am not the biggest fan of that brand-new “white” maple look; but also a vintage tint might look weirder down the road if the lacquer darkens on its own on top of the tint? Any thoughts?
I'm jealous of merely the sunshine you're getting!
I guess it depends on what body finish you're doing.
My earliest Paul-built Wals with clear/satin necks did darken a shade with age but that was about it.
If the edges will be dark, then #4 all the way…..
Natural aging is better than tinted; you could loose that tridimensional depth.
disclaimer - both wals I have (1995 & 2012) have gloss necks
it will surely darken a bit with “age”, as far as I remember my 2012 darkened a bit very soon but has stayed stable since then, so if a light yellowing is what you are after, I suggest to choose natural without tint.
Natural aging is better than tinted; you could loose that tridimensional depth.
disclaimer - both wals I have (1995 & 2012) have gloss necks
I personally wouldn't do it. Haven't seen it on a Wal but I have another bass with it. Doesn't really look natural in my opinion. But I guess it all depends on how it's done.
After a busy couple of days Iam finally able to post pics of the MK3!
First impressions I asked Paul for a lighter weight between 8.5 and 9 pounds.
Haven't weighed it yet but it feels at least two pounds lighter than my other MK3.
I was originally going to order a custom neck profile thinner from front to back, but got used to the neck I just asked Paul to do a " standard profile" .
When I played the bass for the first time the neck felt thinner and less of a v shape than my other MK3 a welcome surprise!
The Quilt is mesmerizing so glad I shelled out the extra bucks for a premium top
The Ebony Board in sunlight is more of a dark brown. I didn't ask Paul for a dark board it may darken over time if it doesn't no big deal love it either way .
I haven't had time to compare tones between basses this Mk3 feels more "lively" probably brighter than the other. I knew the new Wal was going to be great but Paul exceeded my expectations!
Enough Rambling on to the pics.
First impressions I asked Paul for a lighter weight between 8.5 and 9 pounds.
Haven't weighed it yet but it feels at least two pounds lighter than my other MK3.
I was originally going to order a custom neck profile thinner from front to back, but got used to the neck I just asked Paul to do a " standard profile" .
When I played the bass for the first time the neck felt thinner and less of a v shape than my other MK3 a welcome surprise!
The Quilt is mesmerizing so glad I shelled out the extra bucks for a premium top
The Ebony Board in sunlight is more of a dark brown. I didn't ask Paul for a dark board it may darken over time if it doesn't no big deal love it either way .
I haven't had time to compare tones between basses this Mk3 feels more "lively" probably brighter than the other. I knew the new Wal was going to be great but Paul exceeded my expectations!
Enough Rambling on to the pics.
Gmork stands alone as my one and only 5 string and active bass…
And here’s are the other three misfits that caused the Fodera and Sadowsky to depart my home…very happy with these new additions…
And here’s are the other three misfits that caused the Fodera and Sadowsky to depart my home…very happy with these new additions…
Thank you Chris! It turned out quite different than the original specs.
#1 Zebrano facings Gmork inspired paint fading into transparent black instead of blue.
#2 Gmork having a little skinnier brother with the same finish repainted by Pat Wilkins
#3 a Geddy Mk2 bass with exact specs except MK3 body shape
#4 the Wal I ended up with after choosing facings decided to go with satin finish, use the money for high gloss finish instead for gold hardware and matching preamp cover.
That quilt looks amazing! Looks like a swimming pool. Super.
Oh yeah, the quilt is magnificent!
I always love a headstock face done as well.
I always love a headstock face done as well.
Had to have it when you’re spending that much money what’s an extra £490
Crazy nice bass!
I’ll reiterate…Paul’s basses are the finest I’ve seen. Anyone who has handled my new Mk2 has said it’s the best instrument they’ve had in their hands.
More than worth the wait. And weight.
I haven’t had a chance to play an Ian or Pete era bass. A few years ago when I got my first MK3 I couldn’t get the neck and action set the way I like so I took it to my local guy.
When he saw the Wal he freaked out and talked about how much he loved the sound.
This was a surprise because this guy is known for working on Jazz guitars and restoring old Martins etc.
After setting up the Wal he wanted to crank it up in the store.
After playing he said of the three Wal’s he worked on this was the best one. The guy still thought Pete owned Wal I told him about Paul era basses.
He described the other two as one being “good “ and the other as sounding great but horribly built.
Hard to imagine a horribly built Wal in any era. I have heard there are duds even from the best luthiers.
There was a Fodera being passed around years ago that everyone who owned it quickly sold it. It was described as dull and lifeless.
This thread made me add my name to the wait list.
This is gonna cost me…
This is gonna cost me…
Last edited:
All my basses have a vintage tint neck by dint of the wood and varnish darkening over the years. That’s my preferred route to losing the new maple brightness!!!
