Clarky Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 I have been offered a rather nice looking Wal fretless from 1981. The owner has stated that the bass (which has a serial beginning PB18xx) is "a full grown Mach 1 nonetheless, one of the early ones with the volume pot switching “off”)". I am awaiting clarification as to what this means along with additional pictures. In the mean time do any of the Wal experts on BC know if the early Mach 1 basses had essentially the same electronics as those found in later Mach 1 and then Mach 2 basses? This is vital to me as its the electronics that are the main tonal factor that distinguishes these basses from all others. Thus all thoughts gratefully received. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leftybassman392 Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 (edited) Try this link: [url="http://www.trevorandthea.eclipse.co.uk/history1.html"]http://www.trevorand...k/history1.html[/url] If you read the last paragraph and interpolate a bit, it looks like the electronics were established in around 1978. If you then follow the '80's link at the bottom of the page you get some info about transitional instruments like the one you're interested in. Edited December 29, 2011 by leftybassman392 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarky Posted December 29, 2011 Author Share Posted December 29, 2011 Many thanks for the link. It appears the bass in question was one of the last handful of Pro Bass series made. Visually it looks identical to a Mach 1 with the surface mounted controls. I'm still not 100% certain the electronics are the same as for a standard Mach 1 or 2, though - albeit it seems likely Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanbass1 Posted December 31, 2011 Share Posted December 31, 2011 Give Paul Herman a call, he should be able to help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarky Posted January 1, 2012 Author Share Posted January 1, 2012 It turns out (from the Wal database) that the late, great Mick Karn's tulipwood 'Mach 1' fretless is in fact also a transition bass with a PB (Pro Series) serial number. Hence I have no qualms about how the (hopefully incoming) fretless will sound Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris2112 Posted January 1, 2012 Share Posted January 1, 2012 I always wonder where this 'Mach' business started. It wasn't Wal that started it, and most people use 'mk (mark) I, II or III'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walplayer Posted January 1, 2012 Share Posted January 1, 2012 (edited) The americans started that mach thing . Maybe they pronounce "mach" as "mark"? . The bass will be normal custom electronics but probably wont have the trim pot for the tones like the later ones (unless it's been to the factory and they've been retro fitted) But will still have the output level and pick attack trims. Had a couple with the on /off switch it's a cool ,rare feature . I've found the necks from 81-82 era generallty feel slimmer too ,so sounds like a nice bass. They sometimes have the silver transition period bridge too. Edited January 1, 2012 by walplayer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarky Posted January 1, 2012 Author Share Posted January 1, 2012 Thanks walplayer - reassuring to hear as I am buying without trying, since the bass is in Germany. I have had 17 detailed photos and it looks a beaut Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walplayer Posted January 1, 2012 Share Posted January 1, 2012 Cool .Has it got the paddle headstock or slimmer later one? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanbass1 Posted January 1, 2012 Share Posted January 1, 2012 Hey Clarky, post one of the photo's Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarky Posted January 2, 2012 Author Share Posted January 2, 2012 Hope this doesn't jinx the deal! [url="http://basschat.co.uk/uploads/monthly_01_2012/post-2944-0-04529900-1325462225_thumb.jpg"]http://basschat.co.u...62225_thumb.jpg[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leftybassman392 Posted January 2, 2012 Share Posted January 2, 2012 Ooooooh! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanbass1 Posted January 2, 2012 Share Posted January 2, 2012 Nice Clarky - when does she arrive? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarky Posted January 2, 2012 Author Share Posted January 2, 2012 [quote name='alanbass1' timestamp='1325512047' post='1483750'] Nice Clarky - when does she arrive? [/quote] It depends on how quickly banks transfer money and how quickly the seller ships from Germany - best guess is late next week. Can't wait! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walplayer Posted January 2, 2012 Share Posted January 2, 2012 looks great ,like those facings Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shizznit Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 You should coco! Lush bass Clarky :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deksawyer Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 Mine is from 1980 and has the off switch on the Vol pot. Same electronics, but as mentioned, without the EQ trim pot. D. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarky Posted January 4, 2012 Author Share Posted January 4, 2012 (edited) Thanks deksawyer! The good news is its being picked up tomorrow and I may even get it for the weekend Here it is in its case [attachment=96445:Wal in case.JPG] Edited January 4, 2012 by Clarky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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