Wilcock Basses - Where's the Love???

[phillipkregg]

Basically know a guy who has both and was able to give them a go when it was convenient. Mullarkey model vs 2 pickup model Serek.

The Mullarkey model to me, is the best sounding short scale I have ever played. Hell, one of the best sounding basses i have ever played. I like deep, warm tones that retain definition. This bass does that extremely well. I don't play heavy rock or metal anymore. If I did, the Serek would maybe make more sense, but honestly I have a G&L L2500 and a Sadowsky P/J that can deliver for me there. The Serek had a cool sound, but it was thinner than what I like. If you compare it to the Mullarkey, the Mullarkey simply has a deeper tone. I also think the build quality is higher as well. The Serek's to me seem a little overpriced for what they are. Dont get me wrong, they are freaking sweet basses, but I think $1,500 to $1,800 is the range of what I would personally pay for one. The Mullarkey, even with shipping to the US is less than the Serek, yet its quality and tone (to me) is better. In a perfect world, I would own both quite honestly, but I've never felt the need to own a lot of basses. The Wilcock will be my 4th, and for me that is a lot.

I really enjoyed playing both of them - a whole lot. I can see how people are switching to short scales more and more. Builders like this make it more appealing, but I also think the buyer should be wary on how much they are spending on a hot trend + heavy instagram influencer pushes as well.

Brings me to your Sandberg. I feel like that bass is a smart buy. Great price for it and we know they make great basses. If I didn't love the Wilcock so much, this was going to be my purchase. Real interested in your impressions and comparisons to your other basses. My shopping list for shortscales was:

Serek
Fender JMJ
Wilcock
Sandberg

I did not get to play the Sandberg, but the Wilcock basically won me over and I knew it was the one for me. The JMJ was really cool too, but the Mullarkey tone is grail for me.



Thanks! Those Maghinis look so rad. Damn! I am a sucker for that type of neck, but since the Wilcock is so warm, I went with flamed maple this time to balance it out a little.

Yeah the Mullarkey, IMO is a complete bass that does a nice variety of warm tones. Bonus of course being that its a lot easier to carry around to sessions and gigs.

I do think that they will get US distro at some point. They are going to catch on and the demand will go up a bit, since they are a pretty unique short scale, but the tone is rather studio friendly.

I think you just sold me on a Mullarkey

My growing stable of short scales consists of 3 of the basses you mentioned, plus a few others:

I love them all for various reasons, but IMHO, the biggest bang for the buck is the Supro Huntington. That bass sounds great, flexible tone options, fantastic construction, and killer design, finish and looks overall. I got mine used for just under $800 bucks which sounds ridiculous after you play one.

Having said that, though, the Serek basses offer a lot in their own right. And the JMJ is just killer too, in sound, playability, and looks (especially after I got a new pickguard for it).

My goal is to - eventually, when I have more than 10 free minutes - is to do a short-scale video demo where I can show the features of all of these.

But right now, I am in love with the Sandberg. It's a tiny, crazy well-made, beautiful short scale that plays like a dream and has the voice of a full size Fender P Bass. I bought it because my favorite long-scale bass is a Fender Custom Shop '62 Precision that I am not playing much anymore because I have some bad tendinitis in my left wrist and it's painful to play it for too long. This Sandberg fills the void nicely and is far more playable for me.

To round out the stable, now I have to get my hands on a Wilcock. I'm gonna get in touch with Viv and find out what colors he can do and how much the deposit will be.

 

[pickups]

I think you just sold me on a Mullarkey

My growing stable of short scales consists of 3 of the basses you mentioned, plus a few others:

View attachment 3864479

I love them all for various reasons, but IMHO, the biggest bang for the buck is the Supro Huntington. That bass sounds great, flexible tone options, fantastic construction, and killer design, finish and looks overall. I got mine used for just under $800 bucks which sounds ridiculous after you play one.

Having said that, though, the Serek basses offer a lot in their own right. And the JMJ is just killer too, in sound, playability, and looks (especially after I got a new pickguard for it).

My goal is to - eventually, when I have more than 10 free minutes - is to do a short-scale video demo where I can show the features of all of these.

But right now, I am in love with the Sandberg. It's a tiny, crazy well-made, beautiful short scale that plays like a dream and has the voice of a full size Fender P Bass. I bought it because my favorite long-scale bass is a Fender Custom Shop '62 Precision that I am not playing much anymore because I have some bad tendinitis in my left wrist and it's painful to play it for too long. This Sandberg fills the void nicely and is far more playable for me.

To round out the stable, now I have to get my hands on a Wilcock. I'm gonna get in touch with Viv and find out what colors he can do and how much the deposit will be.

Are you interested in selling your 62 CS precision?

 

[phillipkregg]

Are you interested in selling your 62 CS precision?

Not right now. Gonna try to hang on to it as long as I can.

 

[pickups]

Not right now. Gonna try to hang on to it as long as I can.

Gotcha. If you ever decide to sell I'm currently looking to buy. Thanks

 

[AngelCrusher]

I think you just sold me on a Mullarkey

My growing stable of short scales consists of 3 of the basses you mentioned, plus a few others:

View attachment 3864479

I love them all for various reasons, but IMHO, the biggest bang for the buck is the Supro Huntington. That bass sounds great, flexible tone options, fantastic construction, and killer design, finish and looks overall. I got mine used for just under $800 bucks which sounds ridiculous after you play one.

Having said that, though, the Serek basses offer a lot in their own right. And the JMJ is just killer too, in sound, playability, and looks (especially after I got a new pickguard for it).

My goal is to - eventually, when I have more than 10 free minutes - is to do a short-scale video demo where I can show the features of all of these.

But right now, I am in love with the Sandberg. It's a tiny, crazy well-made, beautiful short scale that plays like a dream and has the voice of a full size Fender P Bass. I bought it because my favorite long-scale bass is a Fender Custom Shop '62 Precision that I am not playing much anymore because I have some bad tendinitis in my left wrist and it's painful to play it for too long. This Sandberg fills the void nicely and is far more playable for me.

To round out the stable, now I have to get my hands on a Wilcock. I'm gonna get in touch with Viv and find out what colors he can do and how much the deposit will be.

Viv can do about any color you want, which is great, i will finally have a surf green bass after years of wanting one.

He will send you to the bass gallery in london to do the purchase. Down payment is around 500 pounds.

 

[phillipkregg]

Viv can do about any color you want, which is great, i will finally have a surf green bass after years of wanting one.

He will send you to the bass gallery in london to do the purchase. Down payment is around 500 pounds.

500 pounds is a totally reasonable depost.

How was your experience with Bass Gallery London? I had a mixed experience there a few weeks ago.

I contacted them with intent to purchase the newest Wilcock that they had in - the '51. But they were very slow responding to emails and when I asked how I could send payment, they told me I would need to do a wire transfer. In my response I asked "can you do PayPal instead", and asked about shipping. They replied with the shipping costs, but kept asking for a wire transfer without addressing the PayPal question. That made me a little uneasy and I backed out.

And during the delayed communication process, they ended up selling the bass. I'd rather just deal with Viv if I'm ordering from him.

 

[AngelCrusher]

500 pounds is a totally reasonable depost.

How was your experience with Bass Gallery London? I had a mixed experience there a few weeks ago.

I contacted them with intent to purchase the newest Wilcock that they had in - the '51. But they were very slow responding to emails and when I asked how I could send payment, they told me I would need to do a wire transfer. In my response I asked "can you do PayPal instead", and asked about shipping. They replied with the shipping costs, but kept asking for a wire transfer without addressing the PayPal question. That made me a little uneasy and I backed out.

And during the delayed communication process, they ended up selling the bass. I'd rather just deal with Viv if I'm ordering from him.

Best thing to do with them is call them up on the phone and they are super cool and easy to work with so far for me. They dont do paypal so you need to wire them the money. It went over fine. You can use your bank debit card. Maybe call the bank first and tell them its coming so they dont block it. They will send a receipt after for you.

they arent great with email because i think its just one email account handled by a few employees. Phone is the best way to go.

you may be able to deal straight with viv but just in case be prepared to do what i poster above and you will be fine.

 

[AngelCrusher]

You all know the differences in length between the Dunlop flatwound short scales and the Labellas? I talked to Viv and he told me the Dunlops are a little short for it due to the hipshot bridge, so he uses Labellas.

Which is more than fine since LaBellas are fantastic, but I have never bought short scale strings before so I'm interested in how that all sorts out.

 

[RudyTardy]

You all know the differences in length between the Dunlop flatwound short scales and the Labellas? I talked to Viv and he told me the Dunlops are a little short for it due to the hipshot bridge, so he uses Labellas.

Which is more than fine since LaBellas are fantastic, but I have never bought short scale strings before so I'm interested in how that all sorts out.

That’s a bummer. Dunlop flats are my absolute favorite. I’ve had three sets of Labella 760FLs with a bad string in a row

 

[AngelCrusher]

That’s a bummer. Dunlop flats are my absolute favorite. I’ve had three sets of Labella 760FLs with a bad string in a row

Damn that sucks! I haven’t dealt with that luckily.

I think ill be good since he strings it and sets it up for me. I probably wont change the strings for a year. But id like to figure out what string lengths work for it.

 

[RudyTardy]

Damn that sucks! I haven’t dealt with that luckily.

I think ill be good since he strings it and sets it up for me. I probably wont change the strings for a year. But id like to figure out what string lengths work for it.

If it means anything, Tim L. strings his Mullarkey with Dunlops and it sounds killer.

 

[AngelCrusher]

If it means anything, Tim L. strings his Mullarkey with Dunlops and it sounds killer.

Oh nice, it looks fine there. Thats great to have some options.

 

[fretless Bob]

The basses that Viv Wilcock makes are killer! He's really got a nice USP dialled in with the different models and his build quality is better than any of the other short scales I've tried, i'd have one over a Serek any day!

Brandon Boone has been playing MM short scale recently on tour with Tedeschi Trucks which i had a little play on before he got it that was sooo good.

 

[AngelCrusher]

The basses that Viv Wilcock makes are killer! He's really got a nice USP dialled in with the different models and his build quality is better than any of the other short scales I've tried, i'd have one over a Serek any day!

Brandon Boone has been playing MM short scale recently on tour with Tedeschi Trucks which i had a little play on before he got it that was sooo good.

Brandon Boone is rad, I messaged him about these basses before I bought. Did you play his red one or that burst one he just got? I'm jealous either way!

I agree with you on the build quality. It's spectacular.

 

[fretless Bob]

Brandon Boone is rad, I messaged him about these basses before I bought. Did you play his red one or that burst one he just got? I'm jealous either way!

I agree with you on the build quality. It's spectacular.

Yeah, he's cool. it was the red bass i got to play. i couldn't get over the amount of tones that were in it, such a versatile instrument.

I've known Viv for a few years now and its great to see how the basses have come along and grown over the years. he's really doing some great work.

RE: strings. D'Addario, Dunlops and La Bella work really well, Thomastiks didn't work as you end up with some of the speaking length of the string wrapped around the post which creates some issues. from what I've played though the La Bellas sound and feel best to my ears.

The other thing i really enjoy about Wilcocks and short scales in general is how they react to effects, there's something about the shape of the midrange that really combines week with octaves and dirt pedals.

Dave

 

[AngelCrusher]

So I can share that as of todays exchange rate, my Mullarkey cost (with shipping) right under $2,100. So its right under 2k for this bad boy.

Honestly, I think this is a great price for such a quality bass. Ill obviously say more once I get mine here, but I think now would be the time to look into one if there is an interest. I can see the pricing going up in 6 months or so once these catch on more.

 

[AngelCrusher]

NBD for me. Here is the Wilcock before it was setup. It was strung with what I thought may be LaBella, but these look like Dunlops. @RudyTardy what do you think?

Regardless, wow, what an instrument. Setup action is about the same as my Sadowsky NYC, which is perfect. Balance is great, the weight stays in the body and it is quite light, I would guess 8.5 pounds or so at very most. All 3 pickup selections are 100% usable. Tough to pick a favorite, but I'd lean towards the front or back solo'd if I had to choose. But since I don't, I just play into a mix and pick the one that sits the best. For a dance track I am doing now, the front is amazing. It has a lot more weight to it than a typical Pbass with flats sound, but it sits right into the mix with no real EQ needed. If you use a pick, it gets these really pleasant overtones that are well demo'd in Robin Mullarkeys video. The bass sounds exactly like that.

The rear pickup is a stunner. No drop off in low end, so you can get a nice clear tone for more clarity without having to bump up an EQ knob. Both pickups engaged doesn't give a major scoop, which is great. The balance from each tone is perfection. You can switch from one to the next like you would on a guitar and have no dramatic drop off in volume or low end. This is basically like a Les Paul for bass players (minus the intonation issues)- warm, buttery tone that sounds phenomenal in a mix.

To say I am happy is probably an understatement. This bass surpassed my expectations and for roughly $2100 including international shipping, its easily worth the cost compared to others in it's range.

 

[phillipkregg]

NBD for me. Here is the Wilcock before it was setup. It was strung with what I thought may be LaBella, but these look like Dunlops. @RudyTardy what do you think?

View attachment 3888406
View attachment 3888407
View attachment 3888408
View attachment 3888409


Regardless, wow, what an instrument. Setup action is about the same as my Sadowsky NYC, which is perfect. Balance is great, the weight stays in the body and it is quite light, I would guess 8.5 pounds or so at very most. All 3 pickup selections are 100% usable. Tough to pick a favorite, but I'd lean towards the front or back solo'd if I had to choose. But since I don't, I just play into a mix and pick the one that sits the best. For a dance track I am doing now, the front is amazing. It has a lot more weight to it than a typical Pbass with flats sound, but it sits right into the mix with no real EQ needed. If you use a pick, it gets these really pleasant overtones that are well demo'd in Robin Mullarkeys video. The bass sounds exactly like that.

The rear pickup is a stunner. No drop off in low end, so you can get a nice clear tone for more clarity without having to bump up an EQ knob. Both pickups engaged doesn't give a major scoop, which is great. The balance from each tone is perfection. You can switch from one to the next like you would on a guitar and have no dramatic drop off in volume or low end. This is basically like a Les Paul for bass players (minus the intonation issues)- warm, buttery tone that sounds phenomenal in a mix.

To say I am happy is probably an understatement. This bass surpassed my expectations and for roughly $2100 including international shipping, its easily worth the cost compared to others in it's range.

Beautiful! He seems to use a lot of high quality woods and components.

Yours got built pretty quickly didn't it? I was thinking you had just recently ordered, of course I may be wrong.

 

[AngelCrusher]

Beautiful! He seems to use a lot of high quality woods and components.

Yours got built pretty quickly didn't it? I was thinking you had just recently ordered, of course I may be wrong.

Yes, he had this maple neck and and alder body already so I took that and asked for surf green. So it was basically paint, add components and setup. The shipping was less than a week. I hope you can snag one, I think it's the best shortscale out there if you like classic tones.

 

[RudyTardy]

NBD for me. Here is the Wilcock before it was setup. It was strung with what I thought may be LaBella, but these look like Dunlops. @RudyTardy what do you think?

To say I am happy is probably an understatement. This bass surpassed my expectations and for roughly $2100 including international shipping, its easily worth the cost compared to others in it's range.

Holy smokes that thing is gorgeous! And yes, those are certainly Dunlops (black wraps are the giveaway). Congratulations man, what a fine specimen of workmanship. My Sadowsky UV-70 is my litmus test for setups as well, so to hear that the Wilcock competes in that arena is just huge. I think I might have to contact Viv now. I can hear my wife yelling at you already.