WAL Basses - Thinking of taking a dip Views?

[bassatnight]

I have been offered a custom active early 80's for just under two grand, she has some wear to the frets and is not in top condition although electrics are fine. Was just wondering how much it would cost to either defret her or have her returned to great condition by Wal. I could of course ask Wal myself but thought some of the Wal heads on here might have some good advice either way.

[chris_b]

[size=4]I don't think you have to go to Wal for this work. Martin Peterson at the Bass Gallery was picked by Littleal to fret his 6 string Wal instead of Paul Herman. [/size]

[Happy Jack]

I was in the Gallery on Thursday, and asked a very similar question.

I was told that a re-fret/de-fret would be about £150, plus a further £40 or so if I wanted the side-dots moved.

Obviously that can't be used as a "quote" in your case, but it's a decent indication.

The big problem with Paul is not so much price as how incredibly busy he is. You could be in for a long wait.

[Mykesbass]

IMO it doesn't have to be one of the well known guys doing the job - I know an excellent luthier in East Anglia - he's on the reccomended list here - who would do an exceptional job. Don't think it would be cheaper but certainly a bit quicker (and possibly nearer). PM me if you want contact details.

Mike

[Doctor J]

If you can afford it, I say do it. You can try the world of Wal and see if it's for you and, even if you pay for a refret, you're likely to make money on it if you decide to sell it on. Win win as far as I can see,

[Pentode]

Worth a quick email to [url="http://www.andyviccarscustom.co.uk/"]Andy[/url].

I really, REALLY rate his work.

[chris_b]

[size=4][color=#222222][font=Arial]I'm no expert but, without seeing the pictures that seems like a reasonable price. [/font][/color][/size][color=#222222][font=Arial][size=1][/size][/font][/color]
[size=4][color=#222222][font=Arial] [/font][/color][/size][color=#222222][font=Arial][size=1][/size][/font][/color]
[size=4][color=#222222][font=Arial]I'd buy the bass and get the re-fret done but I'd leave the "player wear". If it looks good you'll be too scared to take it out on a gig. [/font][/color][/size][color=#222222][font=Arial][size=1][/size][/font][/color]

[leftybassman392]

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1321223675' post='1436773']
[size=4][color=#222222][font=Arial]I'm no expert but, without seeing the pictures that seems like a reasonable price. [/font][/color][/size]

[size=4][color=#222222][font=Arial]I'd buy the bass and get the re-fret done but I'd leave the "player wear". If it looks good you'll be too scared to take it out on a gig. [/font][/color][/size]
[/quote]

Yup. Sounds pretty good to me too.

Actually took mine down to the Gallery once to get them to 'clean it up'. "What for?" came the immediate reply.

As to buying it, it's a bit like being a car nut and getting a Porsche - they have this reputation for greatness, but until you try one you'll never really understand why.

If you can afford it, do it. The worst that can happen is that you don't like it, and sell it for what you paid for it.

[Spoombung]

I would also take it to the Bass Gallery as suggested above. Wal are too busy/expensive.

[Jamesemt]

On similar lines, would you devalue a Wal if you got a fretless example fretted? There seems to be a lot more fretless Wals around for sale.

[Happy Jack]

[size=5][sup]I've just bought the 5-string fretless Wal currently listed on The Gallery's web-site, and they're fretting it for me.[/sup]

[sup]I only made the decision to buy after Alex confirmed that the bass was originally fretted, and that Martin had de-fretted it for the previous owner.[/sup]

[sup]As far as I am concerned, I am "having it restored" rather than fretting a fretless.[/sup][/size]

[sup][size=4][size=5]There's a time and place to be pedantic ... and this is it[/size]. [/size] [/sup]

Edited November 18, 2011 by Happy Jack

[fingerz]

I can't tell you what to do. But I can recommend the Gallery for the work. If you decide to go there I'm sure you'll be happy with the work they do, and they'll take on board what you need and discuss it with you. I can't vouch for Wal or anyone else in the area unfortunately. Hope you get on ok.. Fz

[Graham]

[quote name='fingerz' timestamp='1321630866' post='1441456']
I can't tell you what to do. But I can recommend the Gallery for the work. If you decide to go there I'm sure you'll be happy with the work they do, and they'll take on board what you need and discuss it with you. I can't vouch for Wal or anyone else in the area unfortunately. Hope you get on ok.. Fz
[/quote]
Ditto, I believe it was the gallery who did the mods to my Lakland and a very good job they did

[Andy]

I've just trusted Martin @ the gallery with my Wal JG Custom and can't recommend him highly enough.

I got a re-fret for £130 (2 week turnaround time) and as you'd expect, it's a perfect job.

[bassatnight]

Cheers for all the good advice guys. I took the plunge but there is plenty of life left in the frets. Apart from the odd skuff she is in very good nick. Not sure of the year but by the serial number she is either a late 81 or an early 82 custom.

Bloody heavy! But the tones are awesome!

A lined ebony neck from Wal is a grand!

Edited November 23, 2011 by bassatnight

[WalMan]

Have a look / register if on the [url="http://www4.informatik.uni-erlangen.de/~koesters/Privat/Wal/walspec.html"]Wal Database[/url]

Might home you in on the year a bit, mind it's not an exact science by the look of it. I was pretty sure mine was '82 which is about right on the d/b but there is an earlier number showing as '83 and a later on as '81, so....

Main thing is if you've found a good'un enjoy it I had semi retired mine when I got the G&L 5's but took it out for r/h's and a proggy gig I normally use all three for as the only one and it was bl00dy lovely

[bassatnight]

Funny you should mention a proggy gig I have literally just watched Yes 35th anniversary gig on the Arts channel. Very very good.

[leftybassman392]

Pete used to have a book with details of all his instruments in. I assume Paul Herman has inherited it (Unless anybody knows different?)

Alternatively, the details should be written on a strip attached to the inside of the electronics cavity cover plate at the back of the instrument. Just unscrew it and turn it over. Or perhaps you've done this already?

[alanbass1]

I've had three Wals and ended up selling them as I never used them. The one thing about each one was I purchased at a fair price and never lost out when I came to sell them, so it's a reasonably safe thing to buy one to see if they suit you.

[iconic]

.....I met a guy who told me he owns martin kemp of spandau ballet's 1st wal...it was a lovely looking thing....Martin wants it back but he's hanging out for a nice drink on it!