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I think you ordered yours very shortly before the waiting list cutoff in May-ish 2021, so we must be getting to the end of the original backlog that shut down the list. I assume Paul has taken on more, but it will be interesting to see if the public invitation to join the waitlist comes back. I see on the current Wal web site that he says it's over four years to wait.
Just checked my emails and my initial enquiry when I was informed Paul was about to close his books and create a wait list for the wait list was the 11th May 2021 so I'm praying I can't be far behind being able to start an order! So jealous.
Well, it finally happened.
Paul emailed me this morning to offer me a build slot! He said the estimated completion date will be some time late next year which will tie in perfectly with a big birthday.
30th June 2021 Paul replied to my initial enquiry stating he was just about to close his books until further notice. Just short of exactly 3 years later I'm finally in! We haven't discussed any details yet beyond what model I'd like. I've been going back and forth between a 4 string Mk1 and a 5 String Mk3. I've decided on the 5 string Mk3 I *think*.
Looking forward to providing future updates! What a great day.
Paul emailed me this morning to offer me a build slot! He said the estimated completion date will be some time late next year which will tie in perfectly with a big birthday.
30th June 2021 Paul replied to my initial enquiry stating he was just about to close his books until further notice. Just short of exactly 3 years later I'm finally in! We haven't discussed any details yet beyond what model I'd like. I've been going back and forth between a 4 string Mk1 and a 5 String Mk3. I've decided on the 5 string Mk3 I *think*.
Looking forward to providing future updates! What a great day.
Congratulations guys you know the drill please post your final specs, facing pics so we can help you pick the perfect one
and all other pics that follow.Time flies my new baby is nearly nine months now.
Guitar World magazine
January 1988
Jonas Hellborg
January 1988
Jonas Hellborg
A few years ago I was able to chat on messenger with Jonas a little about that bass, he still has it. Turned out he has two of those double necks! The one pictured with gold hardware has a midi system on the fretted neck. The 2nd bass is also similar walnut and has chrome hardware, no midi.
Nice vintage shot of Leigh Gorman in full flow on his Pro Bass in this BBC news article on the early years of the Birmingham New Romantic scene!
Rare and unseen Duran Duran photos from Birmingham published - BBC News
Rare and unseen Duran Duran photos from Birmingham published - BBC News
Hi everybody,
I bought a 1984 Wal bass neck on Reverb an I'm having a body built for it right now. The problem ist that I can't seem to find any information on what exact screws I need to fit the ferrules in the neck (size, length, thread etc.)
Can anybody help me out? I already tried to contact Wal and did loads of other things - Replies are greatly appreciated!
I bought a 1984 Wal bass neck on Reverb an I'm having a body built for it right now. The problem ist that I can't seem to find any information on what exact screws I need to fit the ferrules in the neck (size, length, thread etc.)
Can anybody help me out? I already tried to contact Wal and did loads of other things - Replies are greatly appreciated!
Everything Wal related when it comes to screws and fittings is oddball.
All I can show is what one of my old scews is: 4.66mm or .183" going by my micrometer. Maybe close to 3/16" but that translates to 4.78mm.
Length is 38mm.
Maybe its a machine screw size?
The screw head uses a 3/32 allen key.
You should take your neck to a screw and fastener specialty shop and see if they have something (not a hardware store).
All I can show is what one of my old scews is: 4.66mm or .183" going by my micrometer. Maybe close to 3/16" but that translates to 4.78mm.
Length is 38mm.
Maybe its a machine screw size?
The screw head uses a 3/32 allen key.
You should take your neck to a screw and fastener specialty shop and see if they have something (not a hardware store).
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Great, thank you very much! I contacted a dealer here in Germany. Hopefully they can help me.
I could do with some assistance fellow Wal-TBers. Im still going over the specs for my build due back end of next year.
I initially set out for a mk3 5 string. I'm leaning towards a mk2 5 string now as I prefer the rounded shape at the bottom. Mk1 and 2's are the more classic shapes with the Mk2 being the better balanced/ergonomic shape of the two.
We've been discussing weight and I wanted to keep it relatively light but Wals are obviously heavy by nature. This almost certainly being the only Wal I'll get I want it to last forever and would hate to get to an age later in life where it's too heavy/uncomfortable to play.
Ultimately the main issues plaguing my mind are:
4 or 5 string?
Mk2 or mk 3 if 5? Leaning to mk2 if 5 string
Mk1 or mk2 if 4? Was originally leaning to mk1 if 4 string but I'm potentially thinking Mk2 if 4 string now.
A bonus question for owners/those who have played 5 strings. How'd you find the low B? I had an ACG Uber spec which I sold recently that had the most insane Low B string I've ever heard on a 34" scale bass and I wonder if that was also due to it having a filter based preamp.
Please forgive my obvious overthinking, it's a lot of money and I want to make sure I go for the right one!
I initially set out for a mk3 5 string. I'm leaning towards a mk2 5 string now as I prefer the rounded shape at the bottom. Mk1 and 2's are the more classic shapes with the Mk2 being the better balanced/ergonomic shape of the two.
We've been discussing weight and I wanted to keep it relatively light but Wals are obviously heavy by nature. This almost certainly being the only Wal I'll get I want it to last forever and would hate to get to an age later in life where it's too heavy/uncomfortable to play.
Ultimately the main issues plaguing my mind are:
4 or 5 string?
Mk2 or mk 3 if 5? Leaning to mk2 if 5 string
Mk1 or mk2 if 4? Was originally leaning to mk1 if 4 string but I'm potentially thinking Mk2 if 4 string now.
A bonus question for owners/those who have played 5 strings. How'd you find the low B? I had an ACG Uber spec which I sold recently that had the most insane Low B string I've ever heard on a 34" scale bass and I wonder if that was also due to it having a filter based preamp.
Please forgive my obvious overthinking, it's a lot of money and I want to make sure I go for the right one!
I can only comment from both my MK3 4 strings….you kind of nailed it for me…as I age, I wanted ergonomics first and foremost. Maybe I’m wrong, but I believe the nut reach on the MK1 is a stretch and the MK2 would help compromise that a fair bit. Great dilemmas to have nonetheless
Sounds like you still don't know what you even want.
How about, what do you need?
I had already had a couple of Mk1's when I placed my 1st build with Paul; 4 string Mk3 because I couldn't find them used.
I was still in my original band and was all 4 string music. Band of 15 years fell apart 6 months after placing that order, and I decided to shift gears and go into the casino circuit world of dance music, so had Paul change my build to a 5 string Mk3 since I would be standing for many hours.
It seems Paul tends to build them overall lighter than Pete did, but tell him you need a target weight if you need to stay within a range.
I told him I like 10.0 lbs, and he did 10.0 on my violet 5, and 9.9 on my silver 5.
The 4 string Mk2 I ordered wit the Mk3 headstock came out to 9.3 lbs.
The B strings on the rivers are fan-freakin-tastic!!!! Piano-like clarity and ring, very crisp, and fires like a cannon.
I've had many variations of these things, and I'd highly recommend an ebony board if crispness is your requirement.
The body style is ultimately up to you, but Mk2 doesn't always mean heaviest....like I said, talk to Paul about that.
If you were anywhere near me, would more than happy to let you have a go on mine to see what you think.
How about, what do you need?
I had already had a couple of Mk1's when I placed my 1st build with Paul; 4 string Mk3 because I couldn't find them used.
I was still in my original band and was all 4 string music. Band of 15 years fell apart 6 months after placing that order, and I decided to shift gears and go into the casino circuit world of dance music, so had Paul change my build to a 5 string Mk3 since I would be standing for many hours.
It seems Paul tends to build them overall lighter than Pete did, but tell him you need a target weight if you need to stay within a range.
I told him I like 10.0 lbs, and he did 10.0 on my violet 5, and 9.9 on my silver 5.
The 4 string Mk2 I ordered wit the Mk3 headstock came out to 9.3 lbs.
The B strings on the rivers are fan-freakin-tastic!!!! Piano-like clarity and ring, very crisp, and fires like a cannon.
I've had many variations of these things, and I'd highly recommend an ebony board if crispness is your requirement.
The body style is ultimately up to you, but Mk2 doesn't always mean heaviest....like I said, talk to Paul about that.
If you were anywhere near me, would more than happy to let you have a go on mine to see what you think.
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How much do your mk3 4 strings weigh?I can only comment from both my MK3 4 strings….you kind of nailed it for me…as I age, I wanted ergonomics first and foremost. Maybe I’m wrong, but I believe the nut reach on the MK1 is a stretch and the MK2 would help compromise that a fair bit. Great dilemmas to have nonetheless
I didn't expect to hear from Paul as soon as I did and I've had a rough idea of what I want for ages but when push comes to shove I'm getting major options paralysis at the moment. I play 5 strings primarily but I've been going back and forth mentally now on what I want from a Wal. I hadn't entertained the idea of a mk3 4 string but will certainly have a think. At current a mk2 5 string with the mk3 rear cutout for upper fret access is what we have on the spec list, though we haven't solidified it yet.
But I agree, there are certainly worse problems to have! I want one of each! Haha
This isn't what I need to be hearing
Since getting the Mk1, I am finding it a drag to play my 5-strings anymore... in fact, the only other bass I reach for with enthusiasm is the good ol' P with flats. I think Wal #2 is going to have to be a Mk3 5-string with a fretted ebony board. Love that Greg Edwards-nod silver one!
Then I'll need a fretless Mk1 and a Pro IIe ... that should do it.................. right? RIGHT????
This is all useful stuff thanks. We've spoken about weight and aslong as its not a boat anchor I can manage. Im going to ask that it be as well balanced as a mk2 can be, whether anything can be done about that or not I dont know. I sort of want the pros of a mk3 in a mk2 body which I know is a bit silly but I'm just not 100% on the mk3 body shape so I'll have to see how close we can get with that. Some compromises will have to be made (ive already got the mk3 neck heel included on the spec list).
Really really great to hear your praise about the B string. That was the main thing keeping me on the fence. I think I'm set on a mk2 now and about 80% sure I'm gonna keep it as a 5 string.
Also, your mk2 5 string is the one I've got saved on my phone as a reference pic! So that's a big winner for me too, my current spec list is very similar and, depending on available woods, I'm now thinking of going for some sort of blonde topwood. Either some flamed maple or sycamore. I'll have to see what Paul has available when the time comes.
Thanks!
Talk to Paul about minimising weight as he has been looking for good quality lighter woods the last few years . And maybe be prepared to slightly compromise on some specs if he thinks it will add lots of weight onto it.
When he came along to our Bass Bash the other year he brought some basses along. He said to me, “Hey, Trev, try that one out and see what you think.” He was laughing his head off when I picked it up because I nearly threw it through the ceiling!!! He’d been experimenting with wood selections to take out weight. And that one sounded just as gorgeous as any Wal I’ve ever played!!!
