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Wal basses will return!

#21
Guys, if you want one of these basses, I seriously suggest getting your hands on one now.
I may be skeptical, but Pete, while a gifted bass maker, is a terrible buisnessman. He has orders that are paid in full from 2-3 years ago that he hasn't even gotten to yet. He does not return phone calls, faxes, or telegrams, and doesn't even have email. He owes a certain bass retailer about a dozen basses that they paid for already. Quality control on some of the last few made has been questionable. And Pete's health has also been in decline, as well as his desire to continue making Wal basses for the next decade. He's been at this on his own since what, the early 80's? That's over 25 years.

You can hope for a triumphant return of the Wal glory years, where you could get a beautiful, hand made, one of a kind instrument for under $3000 within a six month wait, but I wouldn't hold my breath.
 
#27
I played one at the old Bass Centre in L.A. back in the late '80's and it was walnut and very well made. I liked the tone but I remember that I didn't care for the "V" shaped neck. Are they all like that?

George
 
#33
Uh... most if not all builders let you choose whatever you want. I do not know of any builders who only use one brand of pickup... then it wouldn't be a truly custom bass if you couldn't even choose the damn pups...



As far as Wal's go, the Mach II is a beautiful instrument and I'd love to own one. If one came by me at a reasonable price (I'm talkin 1500-2200) and I had the money/was able ot get the money I'd get it. I however know that the same quality and sound can be had for cheaper. Luthiers these days put out amazing things... Bud Lecompte, Carey Nordstrand and my personal favorite Chris Stambaugh. I strongly believe you can get the Wal sound with the right electronics package (ACG pre/any 4 band EQ and two high output MM style humbuckers).
 
#34
I have yet to see or hear any bass that sounds like a Wal or looks as good as a Wal. If the Wal electronics were sold separately, I'm not sure I would be able to convince myself to have them put in a different bass . . . the look is just so much a part of them . . . I don't want a Stambaugh that sounds like a Wal . . . I want a Wal that sounds like a Wal.
 
#36
I'm almost surprised that nobody (to my knowledge) is offering a preamp package that does similar things to the Wal circuitry - the dual resonant lowpass filters, a switchable circuit that accentuates the attack, etc. Given the ongoing fascination so many players have with Wals and the rather lofty price of admission for the real deal these days, you'd think that there would be a market for it...not just for Wal cravers but for any bassists looking for something more interesting and unusual than the typical 3-band active EQ preamp designs out there.

But maybe folks have looked into producing such a thing and didn't feel the potential market was large enough to justify the development costs...I guess market forces usually guarantee that if the demand is really there, somebody will eventually step in to fulfill it.
 
#37
Tbirdbassist said:
I strongly believe you can get the Wal sound with the right electronics package (ACG pre/any 4 band EQ and two high output MM style humbuckers).
Click to expand...

I gotta kinda give this a disappointing +1. I'd love to have a real Wal, but for a hell of a lot cheaper than they're going for now, I can an instrument that's just as good, if not better, in terms of quality, and gets damn close to the Wals sound.

Hence my upcoming project with Valenti. I'm gonna call it............ wait for it








The Walenti.

If anyone takes that name, I will find you, and make you pay.
 
#38
I think it is true you can get very close to "a" certain Wal tone, especially with a Stingray. I know because I've done it. But the thing is, Wals have a bunch of different tones in one bass that can't be duplicated by another one bass. Not that that's good or bad, it just is what it is.
Personally, apart from the sound, I just happen to love their looks as well. And that bridge is just unbeatable.
Yeah, the V shape neck takes getting used to, especially coming from a Jazz bass or Stingray. Once you get the feel for it, it's not a problem.
I was surprised at how light they were also.

Anyways, I'm sure it's not for everyone, and that's cool too. There are plenty of folks who love Bongos, and I've tried at least 4-5 and couldn't stand one of them.
Different strokes.
 
#39
TrooperFarva said:
I gotta kinda give this a disappointing +1. I'd love to have a real Wal, but for a hell of a lot cheaper than they're going for now, I can an instrument that's just as good, if not better, in terms of quality, and gets damn close to the Wals sound.

Hence my upcoming project with Valenti. I'm gonna call it............ wait for it








The Walenti.

If anyone takes that name, I will find you, and make you pay.
Click to expand...
Specs on the Walenti?
 
#40
KUNGfuSHERIFF said:
Probably true, but how many of those builders use Barts and don't get That Sound?
Click to expand...

"That" sound is totally subjective. My pickup preferences have always been embraced by custom builders, no matter what.

The point of my original post was not to bash Wal Basses but to make the point that for me, there are luthiers just as talented with a better grasp on their business practices who will deliver a product just as good in less time and for less money.

To all those who feel that a Wal is worth the time and money, that's great. I am happy for all of them.
 

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