when i bought my woods it was back sometime in the 90's when he switched designs from whatever came immediately before, to the electroacoustic version. i tried my teacher's earlier model and loved it, so i ordered one, and what i got was the electroacoustic version. its a really great amp, but im pretty sure i remember my teacher's sounding better. thicker and more buttery. i remember this because i called walter to see if i could get one of the older versions, but he said no, he's not making them anymore. if i understand correctly from reading this thread that maybe its because the older preamps produced more distortion? is this correct?
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Walter Woods Amps History and Development
- Thread starter Uncletoad
- Start date
You are correct in that the earlier models sounded WAY different. The pre electracoustic models were much more 'tubey' sounding... warmer, fatter, huge low end, quite a bit of midrange distortion. The Electracoustics are all about 'clean and articulate' with an airy top end, and a big dip in the low mids/upper bass.
The early Walter Woods amps used discrete FET transistor based class-A preamps, while the later amps use IC Op Amp based preamp designs. The op amp based preamps are cleaner with less distortion than the old discrete transistor class-A preamps. Since the distortion produced by the older FET-based preamps is similar to that produced by vacuum tubes, many people perceive the characteristic sound as fat and warm.
Glad to hear it! What was his reaction to there being rumors of him being dead on the internet?
- May 6, 2003
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- Proprietor Fifth Avenue Fret Shop. Technical Editor Bass Gear Magazine
I didn't discuss that with him. I had more important things to ask him. I'm trying to help a friend get his WW amp working again.
- Jun 24, 2006
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- Endorsing Artist: MTD basses and strings; Bergantino Amps & Cabs
tell him we're all still talking about him - one of THE great innovators in the bass world - 30 years ahead of his time.
There's should be some kind of award for guys like that.
I played one of his older-model 80's era Electro-acoustics (I think) through a gigantic old Peavey 2x15 cab loaded with JBL's at the Yale Hotel jam here in Vancouver - I've HATED that cab with the many amps I've played it with over the years (including my own Eden 800B), it absolutely SUCKS - with Walters amp, big, fat, juicy, punchy, and warm, the top end sounded natural, and I could actually dial in the sound I needed. Fantastic thing, and it weighed about 10 lbs. or less.
Say hi to Walter for us - make sure he knows there's a LOT of love out there for him.
Cheers,
Cameron
well how do i get me some of that? thats the sound that prompted me to order the amp in the first place. is there a modern equivelant (class a fet transistor preamp) that i can find?
The early Walter's were unique, so nothing sounds exactly like them. The closets, IMO, is the new Genz Streamliner, which is a class A/Tube preamp and a powerful class D/SMPS power section. I have a few clips of this amp with various basses and cabs on my Youtube channel, which might provide at least a useful data point.
does this thing operate on a similar principle to what we're talking about here?
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That is a bit over my head, but 'adding harmonic content for a richer tone' is how many describe what a tube does in a preamp run at high voltage like the Streamliner. This pedal seems like another 'solid state tube emulation pedal', but again, I don't have the technical background to say for sure.
I had a couple of questions about an older model WW I'm looking at, so I decided to give Walter a call.
He was extremely helpful and answered every question with accuracy and passion for his amps.
WW did want me to inform y'all that his wife passed away 5 weeks ago and he is in the process of moving his shop. He is doing ok, keeping very positive and hitting the gym everyday, trying to keep both mind and body healthy. He said at 71, he is feeling more like 17 these days... What a great cat!
Another thing he asked me to convey on TB is that the PO Box that is silk screened on the bottom of his amps is no longer in use and to use this new one:
PO Box 578
Carmichael, CA 95609
He was extremely helpful and answered every question with accuracy and passion for his amps.
WW did want me to inform y'all that his wife passed away 5 weeks ago and he is in the process of moving his shop. He is doing ok, keeping very positive and hitting the gym everyday, trying to keep both mind and body healthy. He said at 71, he is feeling more like 17 these days... What a great cat!
Another thing he asked me to convey on TB is that the PO Box that is silk screened on the bottom of his amps is no longer in use and to use this new one:
PO Box 578
Carmichael, CA 95609
My son was in Palm Desert the past few days and talked with Walter at length a couple of days ago. Walter specifically asked him to dispel any rumors that he was quitting the business. Says he's dealing with his personal tragedy, he's maintaining a positive attitude, is moving his shop and feeling fine overall. Although he is in a state of flux right now with all the things he has to deal with, he wants to assure everyone that he plans to be in business for years to come.
I had the great pleasure of spending some time with Mr. Woods in his shop/home a couple of years ago. He was warm and personable, with a wealth of fascinating stories. May he continue his work in good health for many years!
I had the great pleasure of spending some time with Mr. Woods in his shop/home a couple of years ago. He was warm and personable, with a wealth of fascinating stories. May he continue his work in good health for many years!
- Apr 3, 2003
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- Editor-in-Chief, Bass Gear Magazine
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of his wife, but glad to hear that Walter himself is doing well.
Very sorry to hear that. I had the pleasure of speaking with him several times in the years I was using his amps. Glad to hear that he's doing well, all things considered.
I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Walter's wife. I lost my mother recently, so I can relate unfortunately.
Also note that Walter's old phone number now just has a message that his new number (evidently his cell phone) is 760-219-4122.
Also note that Walter's old phone number now just has a message that his new number (evidently his cell phone) is 760-219-4122.
Hello. I am new to thread and it has brought back memories of sounds that I had forgotten. I had my heart broken yesterday as I was out bid on a 1983 WW 100-8. I have a daughter in college and just paid tuition and had to quite bidding. I was sick. Just bad timing. I have wanted one since they were new. If anyone on this forum sees this post, I would love to purchase a 100-8 or a 200-8. Or 100-8 and ext. power. You guys know. Anything from 80's except unrepairable 225. That would be a fantasy come true. I broke my neck 5 years ago and physically, I must get a microamp that I can carry. It has taken me years to get playing again and I want to gig. Many bassists have no idea how good old WW sound and how easy to find sound.. It makes any bass used sound good making that power and tone in one small box. As everyone here that does not already own one or more, I would love to get one for gigging and recording.. If anyone hears of one for sale please contact me. [email protected] . Thanks so much.If nothing else it is great hearing about Walter. I spoke to him in early 80's and should have bought amp then after trying one and falling in love.Thanks everyone for an exceptional thread about an incredible man and amplifier.
Well, dreams come true. The 100-8 that I desired was reauctioned and I won at a reasonable price. It is on it's way and after recieving and enjoying, I hope Walter will have time to repair/replace scratchy pots and anything that may look really bad. I am thrilled.
Ya, Walter Woods is an innovator. At least he had a good amount of time with the market all to himself before all these inexpensive new micros came out. In a way it has to make him feel good that so many people at companies thought enough of his designs to make their own micros.
