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Wal Custom Series Mark 1 on Ebay

A friend of mine got a WAL when they first came out (1981?) and my abiding memory was the fat, almost triangular, neck that I just couldn't get on with!!. They came with Rotsound Superwound strings as I recall - the ones where only the core of the string went over the bridge and they sounded amazing, but I wasn't keen on the neck and that oblong headstock completely ruined the look of it for me as well.

I recall visiting Rod Argent's in Denmark Street a couple of years later and they had several Wals on the wall - I recall remarking to the sales guy - "they've still got that ******* ridge down the back of the neck then?".
 
I still kick myself for not grabbing a new one when I could. Back in 1991 I had just come off a three month tour and found myself in Los Angeles with way too much disposable income and no reponsibilities whatsoever. Since I'd (arbitrarily) decided I needed a new fretless bass, I spent a day at the LA Bass Center or whatever that place was called checking out the pron. Played a lot of very nice instruments. But they had two gorgeous Wal 4-strings (matching fretted & fretless) that the sales dude said were the priciest basses in the shop.

At the time, they were $2999. If I had half a clue then what the resale value would be in 20 years I would've bought 'em both.
 
After reading the following on the description:

"Pete was the only luthier who could set it up in the peculiar way that I wanted. The next owner may want to lower the action,"

I wouldn't blow three grand sight unseen. Nope.

Wals have gained this strange mystique over the last few years. I sold my Custom Mk1 a couple of years ago - I haven't missed it at all.

But I did once have a ProIIE which I DO miss. IMO it sounded better than the Custom.
 
You´re kinda new, aren´t you? :p

Wal basses are known for their huge tone, superb craftmanship, select woods,unique electronics and propietary pickups, the fact that they´re no longer made makes them collector´s items, among the most famous users:

Geddy Lee
Mick Karn
Jonas Hellborg
Justin Chancellor
Jeff Ament

Heck! i know i want one...BADLY :atoz:

And don't forget, Percy Jones (from late 70's to early 90's)

PercyJones1978w-Wal.jpg