mine is definitely a custom series. my dad went into the factory in england. This was in the 80’s, when you had to go into the factory for custom gear
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thank you so much. Unfortunately, the serial number on mine is P.B. 1787 and is not on that list!
This list is not from the factory. It's was created by enthusiasts, and folks that submitted their info.
Yup, your bass pictured is a Pro 1 model.
Looks like probably 1982, from the details.
Ebony fingerboard, ash body core. But the facings are really nice choice; might be padauk that has turned brown as is usually did when the uv aged it.
Certainly isn't walnut or wenge.
Very nice bass you have there
Ebony fingerboard, ash body core. But the facings are really nice choice; might be padauk that has turned brown as is usually did when the uv aged it.
Certainly isn't walnut or wenge.
Very nice bass you have there
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Custom series is what was typically referred in the beginning that is known today at the Mk series basses. Everything that gets built at Electric Wood - Wal is custom so I think you're confusing the wording. What Mike has stated is that your Wal is a reissue Pro Bass. Lovely bass by the way! Here's more info on that type on Trev Wal blog
A minor diversion... (Reissue Passive Pro Basses)
A minor diversion: The reissue passive "Pro Series Mk II" basses The "New Pros". Just to throw more confusion on what...
walbasshistory.blogspot.com
As far as value.... bassgallery has a few reissue Pro's available that might be a tad overpriced since it's been sitting for quite some time now.
Basses
thebassgallery.com
i feel like the two different wood types on the body is something I haven’t seen on the other Wals I’ve looked at. Is that a fair observation?
thank you thank you. one of those woods is African… about as much as I can tell you on that front unfortunately. My dad doesn’t remember what he chose. Thank you for the input tho
okok i get it. What do you mean by reissue?Custom series is what was typically referred in the beginning that is known today at the Mk series basses. Everything that gets built at Electric Wood - Wal is custom so I think you're confusing the wording. What Mike has stated is that your Wal is a reissue Pro Bass. Lovely bass by the way! Here's more info on that type on Trev Wal blog
A minor diversion... (Reissue Passive Pro Basses)
A minor diversion: The reissue passive "Pro Series Mk II" basses The "New Pros". Just to throw more confusion on what...
In the 70's, when Wal started making their basses as regular production item, it's where the "Pro" name came from.
It was offered with two pickups, or one pickup. And either Passive or active, and a few color choices. So were called Pro 1, Pro 2, Pro 1e, Pro 2e. And had pickguards and only solid ash bodies.
In the early 80's, they went a more fancier custom order route, and the "Custom 2P" was born. This is what you now see a Mk1 as being. Revamped active preamp and 2 pickups, mahogany core bodies, many wood choices and could be painted as well.
The Pro name was re-used to introduce the more basic model, the next generation Pro 1. This model only came with 1 pickup and is passive, no body contours on ash body, yes these still have a facing over the ash, seems most were maple. It's not as feature loaded as a Mk series bass, but you could add some custom options and paint color, which your Dad did add a nice facing wood.
These continuation Pro's are also known as 'reissue Pro'.
It was offered with two pickups, or one pickup. And either Passive or active, and a few color choices. So were called Pro 1, Pro 2, Pro 1e, Pro 2e. And had pickguards and only solid ash bodies.
In the early 80's, they went a more fancier custom order route, and the "Custom 2P" was born. This is what you now see a Mk1 as being. Revamped active preamp and 2 pickups, mahogany core bodies, many wood choices and could be painted as well.
The Pro name was re-used to introduce the more basic model, the next generation Pro 1. This model only came with 1 pickup and is passive, no body contours on ash body, yes these still have a facing over the ash, seems most were maple. It's not as feature loaded as a Mk series bass, but you could add some custom options and paint color, which your Dad did add a nice facing wood.
These continuation Pro's are also known as 'reissue Pro'.
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i feel like the two different wood types on the body is something I haven’t seen on the other Wals I’ve looked at. Is that a fair observation?
okay so basically the difference is hardware? I guess also the wood selection. In which case, how were you able to determine so quickly that mine is a Pro reissue? Is it the kind of wood used in the body?
As far as the reissue Pro goes...
No, all of them as far as I know used two woods for the body. The body core is ash, and the front and rear facings are whatever the original owner ordered. Most that I can tell, had maple facings on the ash. Even the ones Ive seen with burst or translucent gloss finish, still had maple facings.
I feel you didn't read the reissue Pro details in paragraph 3 I wrote.
The reissue Pro:
-came as a passive bass.
-only came with 1 pickup.
-no contours for belly or forearm.
That little teardrop control plate is also only a reissue Pro item.
These are all of details of your Dad's bass you pictured.
The Mk1 bass is totally different.
No, all of them as far as I know used two woods for the body. The body core is ash, and the front and rear facings are whatever the original owner ordered. Most that I can tell, had maple facings on the ash. Even the ones Ive seen with burst or translucent gloss finish, still had maple facings.
I feel you didn't read the reissue Pro details in paragraph 3 I wrote.
The reissue Pro:
-came as a passive bass.
-only came with 1 pickup.
-no contours for belly or forearm.
That little teardrop control plate is also only a reissue Pro item.
These are all of details of your Dad's bass you pictured.
The Mk1 bass is totally different.
My collection:
3 Wals and 1 selfmade Wal tribute:
More info on the Tribute: https://www.talkbass.com/threads/wal-mk1-tribute-bass.1669577/#post-28994735
3 Wals and 1 selfmade Wal tribute:
More info on the Tribute: https://www.talkbass.com/threads/wal-mk1-tribute-bass.1669577/#post-28994735
Early to mid May is the latest estimate- but it's amazing getting to see the finish for the first time.
