gary mac Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 I'm not going to check out the site today as I am feeling lonely and depressed and my wife isn't here to keep me in check. The last time that the same set of conditions occured I found myself bidding and winning a bass that I didn't need on ebay. Don't think all my bodily parts will remain intact if I have to break the news that I've ordered a new Wal bass, when she returns this evening. Although I could try saying that I had just ordered the entry level model, with no extras. On second thoughts, I will just have a quick look. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EBS_freak Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 [quote name='chris_b' post='617437' date='Oct 5 2009, 02:07 PM']Hardly. All the wood for every bass was machine cut by hand and to order.[/quote] I was going to say. At least the price is more understandable than the Enfield Wal wannabe... which is CNCed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary mac Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 I've had a look.... The GAS is back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBod Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 My point was not that a fair amount of handwork was involved in making them (I went to factory and saw the dust)...but rather that the options were always a bit narrow compared to a lot of other makers. The Mk1 customs were pretty much the same, except for the body facings and this seems true of the range as it evolved into MkII/MkII and from 4 string thru 5 to 6 strings. Anything you like, as long as its Wal. Nothing wrong with that, but it does limit the additional cost of extras? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cairobill Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 It's good to see that they're back in production - maybe the Stateside hysteria will die down and they can be assessed on their real merits. I have played many Wals over the years (and borrowed a couple for extended periods but not owned) and while they have a cool sound the examples I played were not 'perfect' - they're a unique bass but I don't think that they're the holy grail - not that any bass really is of course... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toasted Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 [quote name='chris_b' post='617437' date='Oct 5 2009, 02:07 PM']machine cut by hand[/quote] Say what now? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EBS_freak Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 [quote name='Toasted' post='617462' date='Oct 5 2009, 02:29 PM']Say what now?[/quote] Ha ha! I think he referring to cut by hand using a powertool (e.g. router)! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toasted Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 I don't see how that's a "benefit" over, say CNC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sibob Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 This is all very interesting, I know a few people with Wals and they love them, I've never tried one myself. As some of you know, I'm contemplating a CS Jazz bass, and people have had issues with their pricing. Here some people are attacking the pricing once again. What do people think that Wal's, at this initial price point, have over say a £2000 Shuker <or insert luthier here> bass.....£1200 more quality?....or are you paying for the name? Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russ Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 £3200 is about right, counting in inflation. I got a quote in 2000 for a Mk3 5-string and it was £2600! Then again, this was before the second coming of Wal hysteria, when you used to find secondhand ones in the Bass Centre for £600. £3200 is about what you'd pay for a high-spec Sei or Overwater, or a GB with all the trimmings (LED controller, etc) so it is competitive with other UK luthiers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EBS_freak Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 [quote name='Russ' post='617498' date='Oct 5 2009, 02:56 PM']£3200 is about right, counting in inflation. I got a quote in 2000 for a Mk3 5-string and it was £2600! Then again, this was before the second coming of Wal hysteria, when you used to find secondhand ones in the Bass Centre for £600. £3200 is about what you'd pay for a high-spec Sei or Overwater, or a GB with all the trimmings (LED controller, etc) so it is competitive with other UK luthiers.[/quote] But £3200 is the starting price... It will be interesting to see if this is another round of Wal hysteria... and when it has all calmed down, whether or not they will be classes as "real Wals". It could be like the Pre-CBS Fender thing all over again. When is a Fender really a Fender? Or is anything a Fender if it has Fender on the headstock? And so the arguments begin... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crez5150 Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 Good to see another UK name up and running..... but that is a lot of money.... I can't believe they're that good after the few I've tried.... Am interested to see the new models though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary mac Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 Who can say what they are really worth? Like Si asks would there be £1200 worth of difference? I love Wals and I love Fenders, but do feel the prices are a bit silly for some models. So many bassists have been clamouring after Wals and enthusing about them over the years, the new Wal team are aware of this of course and I'm sure that this has influenced their price structuring. Who can blame them. I suspect it will not affect the used value of the originals. On that subject thinking about trading my old Wal for an american vintage jazz or maybe precision, any one want to discuss a deal. I am not absolutely sure about this, it may be because i'm bored on a miserable grotty monday afternoon, so consider it a tentative feeler. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EBS_freak Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 (edited) [quote name='gary mac' post='617517' date='Oct 5 2009, 03:07 PM']Who can say what they are really worth? Like Si asks would there be £1200 worth of difference? I love Wals and I love Fenders, but do feel the prices are a bit silly for some models. So many bassists have been clamouring after Wals and enthusing about them over the years, the new Wal team are aware of this of course and I'm sure that this has influenced their price structuring. Who can blame them. I suspect it will not affect the used value of the originals. On that subject thinking about trading my old Wal for an american vintage jazz or maybe precision, any one want to discuss a deal. I am not absolutely sure about this, it may be because i'm bored on a miserable grotty monday afternoon, so consider it a tentative feeler.[/quote] Ultimately it's going to come down to whether you want a Wal or not. If you want one, you pay the price. If you don't then you don't. Whether or not it's *worth* the money, well, it's soon become clear from this thread that it's like everybody's chosen bass value... subjective. Edited October 5, 2009 by EBS_freak Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sibob Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 Well to be fair to Wal, it's seemingly half the price of a custom shop Warwick lol Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russ Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 [quote name='EBS_freak' post='617504' date='Oct 5 2009, 03:01 PM']But £3200 is the starting price... It will be interesting to see if this is another round of Wal hysteria... and when it has all calmed down, whether or not they will be classes as "real Wals". It could be like the Pre-CBS Fender thing all over again. When is a Fender really a Fender? Or is anything a Fender if it has Fender on the headstock? And so the arguments begin...[/quote] True... probably a 4-string Mk1. I wonder what Paul would charge for a 5-string Mk3 now? Might have to drop him a line and ask him. I can't imagine it'd be hugely more, since I'd imagine most of that £3200 would be tied up in paying for the custom hardware, pickups, circuit, etc which wouldn't differ significantly from bass to bass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JD1 Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 Seems a bit steep for a starting point compared to other luthiers. These are bolt on construction as well aren't they? Still I'm really pleased to see them back in production. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purpleblob Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 [quote name='EBS_freak' post='617538' date='Oct 5 2009, 03:27 PM']Ultimately it's going to come down to whether you want a Wal or not. If you want one, you pay the price. If you don't then you don't. Whether or not it's *worth* the money, well, it's soon become clear from this thread that it's like everybody's chosen bass value... subjective.[/quote] Absolutely spot on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 More lovliness than mortal man cab bear. Nurse quick the screens!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littleal Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 Wals have thier own sound that no other bass can produce, i've heard close but not the same, as for a starting price of £3200 it does seem a little steep but check the price of an alembic or a ken smith. There is something missing from the new wals though, the new necks are constructed using maple & mahogany, the original wals used hornbeam in the centre of thier necks. I would be interested to know if that affects the tone ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NJE Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 This is amazing news. I was hoping they would be about 1k cheaper (I never knew how much they were originally) but still amazing. The pictures look amazing and I think I even saw a maple fretboard on there somewhere. A Wal Mach I with a maple fretboard and buckeye top would be my dream bass. Anyway great to see them back regardless of price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russ Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 Must be popular - the new website's bandwidth limit has been exceeded! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supabock Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 [quote name='littleal' post='617727' date='Oct 5 2009, 06:00 PM']Wals have thier own sound that no other bass can produce, i've heard close but not the same, as for a starting price of £3200 it does seem a little steep but check the price of an alembic or a ken smith. There is something missing from the new wals though, the new necks are constructed using maple & mahogany, the original wals used hornbeam in the centre of thier necks. I would be interested to know if that affects the tone ??[/quote] When i had my two made in the late 90's I had a real choice of the woods that were used. I was certain of the sounds i wanted and was advised by Pete accordingly at the time and when they were finished the fretless was unbelievable in its tone and swell, its a real singer in both mine and Petes/Pauls opinion. My fretted was equally as stunning, sharp clear and punchy. I will get round to putting them in the porn section soon. They have both performed faultlessly over the years and having tried similar, i find that there are very few comparisons on the market. I forget what i paid for mine but had two made at the same time. It is down to what you like and how it feels as an instrument, and the less you have to fight with it the better. With regard to eq etc, you can always get a great sound in whatever context and unlike some other custom builds you dont get bogged down with having too much eq.... I think that the standards will be the same if not improved as things move on so i doubt very much the quality will diminish in any kind of takeover. I think people need to look at it as a continuation of a product with eventual advancements i am sure, as opposed to a takeover and rebadge which it certainly is not. They had been in the past and still will be in for the longhaul!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thodrik Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 First of all, I'm delighted to see the Wal name alive and well! The price? Well, if you want a Wal you will have to pay! A Wal is a Wal like an Alembic is an Alembic. I had my chance for a second hand Mk 2 for £1800 earlier this year. I didn't really like the neck shape (a tad chunky dare I say?) but the general tone was outstanding. Still, I didn't bite. No doubt there will be those that complain about diminished build quality just because its somebody new, but I would guess that these are going to be quality instruments. At least now, those that 'have' to get a Wal are able to get one without trawling through 2nd hand markets and ebay fraudsters! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lfalex v1.1 Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 [quote name='Toasted' post='617478' date='Oct 5 2009, 02:42 PM']I don't see how that's a "benefit" over, say CNC.[/quote] I do. Dude with a spokeshave, chisels and sandpaper is cheaper than an expensive CNC router!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.