Wal Mk3 inspired build

[Chopthebass]

I was going to buy a Wal, until I saw the wait time (and price haha). So I’m going to have a go at building one. I’m going down the Walbucker/Lusithand route, so it’s probably the best shot at getting something similar, sound wise. 
The bridge is the only thing I can’t replicate, so I’m using a Schaller 3D. 
It’ll have locking jack and balanced DI XLR outputs. 
Watch this space! 

[benh]

Watching with interest! 

[Richard R]

Genuine question- what is is about Wals that is so appealing?  There are at least three threads on building basses to sound like a Wal, and the real things sell new for £££.

Clearly I need to play one.

[Chopthebass]

6 hours ago, Richard R said:

Genuine question- what is is about Wals that is so appealing?  There are at least three threads on building basses to sound like a Wal, and the real things sell new for £££.

Clearly I need to play one.

I’ve never owned one, but I’m super curious about multi coil picks and filter preamps. It’s an experiment. The mk3 is the best shape in my opinion.

[Chopthebass]

I’m not sure what body woods to use yet, but I do want Birdseye maple with ellipse inlays!

[Gwilym]

On 16/09/2022 at 07:40, Richard R said:

Genuine question- what is is about Wals that is so appealing?  There are at least three threads on building basses to sound like a Wal, and the real things sell new for £££.

Clearly I need to play one.

I don't think there's any specific mojo going on. 20 years ago they barely had a market. Now more sought after than ever?

[Chopthebass]

I have a couple of 5A tops that I’m considering using. I know Wal have matching front and backs so I may go with the flame as I have two sets. 

[benh]

Definitely the flame IMO! Although both look great

[TheGreek]

That spalted timber looks amazing. 

 

Hard decision...

Edited October 13, 2022 by TheGreek

[Chopthebass]

2 hours ago, TheGreek said:

That salted timber looks amazing. 

 

Hard decision...

If had a matching piece for the back, then I’d be using it! It’s an amazing top

[Chopthebass]

Preparing the neck laminates for glueing. Maple and blood wood. 

[WinterMute]

Following with interest, great choice of wood grain.

[durhamboy]

Watching with interest. Like the fretboard by the way.

[SamIAm]

Looks SO gorgeous!

 

S'manth x

[Chopthebass]

Laser time! I’m making a set of templates. It was going to be a one-off build but ended up getting two orders. 

[Chopthebass]

Just finished laser cutting the Wal templates. 

[Richard R]

On 13/10/2022 at 19:08, Chopthebass said:

It was going to be a one-off build but ended up getting two orders

More pics!  🤗 Do we get to see both tops?

[NickA]

What is it about Wals ??  Hmm. Not sure, I have two and love them, especially the fretless.  Pretty facewoods aside .. they are very responsive to player input and have a fat and complex, slightly muzzy sound to them, but still manage lovely clear harmonics. 

 

I tried a load of (5 string fretted) basses before buying my second Wal ..and nothing else quite hit the spot.

 

... and because they're expensive, and keep getting more so, they get collected which sticks the price up in an ever increasing spiral. 

 

When all the old guys (like me) who were over influenced by them in the 80s, drop dead... prices might fall 😁

[Chopthebass]

Now your just being greedy Nick! I’m hoping my Wal tribute will be as good as the real thing! I’m not sure how close to the real thing it’ll sound. But I don’t care! It’s all an experiment, albeit an expensive one. 

[Chopthebass]

On 14/10/2022 at 18:21, Richard R said:

More pics!  🤗 Do we get to see both tops?

I’ve not decided on the tops yet. But I’ll add more pics later

[Chopthebass]

I’ve been busy with other builds, but finally got round to glueing up the body. 
I may keep a natural finish rather than colour. But as usual, I change my mind many times during a build! 

[benh]

Already looks stunning, and only going to get better under finish 😍

[Chopthebass]

I did some body radii and started contouring. I’m definitely thinking natural finish is the way to go!

[Owen]

I agree, no need to gild that Lilly. 

[Chopthebass]

Back view.