White Cloud

It sounds great!

[quote name='4000' timestamp='1387647938' post='2314210'] In a sense I'd have said Wal and Overwater are in some ways opposites. [/quote] That is a very interesting perspective.

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1387646862' post='2314199'] Then can I interest you in Mike Lull basses? Beautifully made and sound like you've just stepped into Life On Mars. [/quote] You have piqued my interest!

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1387641215' post='2314118'] the Overwater has a more of a generic modern high-end exotic wood bass kind of a sound . That is not at all meant as a criticism of Overwater's sound - some may well prefer that tone- but just a description of how it differs from the inherently fat and chunky- sounding Wal. [/quote] I think this statement answers my question in a nutshell. The generic modern kind of sound is not what I am aiming for.

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1387636034' post='2314033'] There's a GB Rumour in the FS section which I would put in the same league as an Wal and Overwater. [/quote] I love the look of GB basses...they look first class, however I prefer bolt on necks.

[quote name='Urban Bassman' timestamp='1387629757' post='2313959'] Never tired or owned a Wal but have had two Overwaters and they really are fab instruments. Chris is a great guy and if you're only a couple of hours away I would definitely go see him and have a chat and a test play, then you'll know. I would also think that the delivery for a new Overwater would be much sooner than a new Wal... [/quote] You make a good point about popping down to see Chris....but if they aren't for me I would feel like a dufus in front of the good people of Overwater!

[quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1387626657' post='2313912'] just a thought, looking at the price of Wals.... could you go have a try of ACG's Uber spec line and see how they compare... if they do then you could possibly get one [i]and [/i]an overwater... of course it wouldn't "be" a Wal [/quote] To be completely honest I have looked at ACG's...and I mean no disrespect to Alan as his work is absolutely outstanding, but the styling just isn't for me. I have heard great things about the electrics/pups/pre's though.

Having owned a Wal in the dim & distant past I had been preparing to make plans for purchasing another for my 50th (in the next 4 years). There are a few Wal related threads doing the rounds at the moment...and this has got my juices flowing somewhat. Here's the thing though - various Overwater's have also caught my eye from afar recently...and they also appear to tick most of my boxes; British built, custom options, very high quality and only a couple of hours drive from my home - but they don't seem to hold the same kudos or allure as Wal. Why is this? I know Wal's well, the feel , the sound, the balance...but surprisingly in 35 yrs of playing have never played an Overwater. I saw a 6 string in the flesh recently, and was extremely impressed with the quality of finish, but didn't have the opportunity to play it or hear it. Are Overwater's in the same league and worthy of consideration as a realistic alternative? Can they match up to the sonic capability of the Wal?

Agree....legendary player. So glad that he is keeping better now and still doing it....

[quote name='Damonjames' timestamp='1387578045' post='2313649'] I find this point a little moot. I don't know you white cloud, so please take this comment in the spirit it is intended (that funny symbol is me winking at you In case you can't see my emoticon), but if you're an average Jo player like the vast majority of us, I'm tipping you're no mark king or jaco or any other amazing player who slings their bass in the "how to play bass 101" endorsed position. By the same token it is a broad sweeping statement to say that anyone who slings their bass low is as rubbish as Sid vicious. Again, find a height that is comfortable and works and just crack on with Making a racket! [/quote] Not a problem Damon...I just stated my world view on the topic. Its not meant to be an absolute universal truth for all - just my humble opinion. And you are right, I am no Jaco or Mark King in the playing ability stakes (I wouldn't swap places with Jaco for sure).

Jaco Jeff Berlin Percy Jones Jimmy Johnson Geddy Lee John Entwistle Sting Ralphe Armstrong Geezer Butler Mick Karn

For me looking cool is irrelevant in comparison to actually being able to play the instrument comfortably. I honestly don't know how some folks can play the their basses slung at their knees...better to be a Mark King than to be a Sid Vicious in my book!

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1387554330' post='2313332'] In case you aren't familiar with them , a filter based system works very differently to the simple cut/boost type preamp on basses such as a Music Man Instead of simply adding bass or treble, turning the knob on the filter preamp sweeps through a defined bandwidth of frequencies , similar to what it sounds like when you depress a wah wah pedal, to give a crude example [/quote] Having owned both Wal and Alembic basses I feel that the filter based system is the absolute best way to go with bass electronics. Much better than the common cut/boost preamps - the downside is the price!

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1387545088' post='2313172'] That's really exciting news, Rob. Good for you. It might seem like a long wait now , but it will give you plenty to think about and look forward to in the meantime, so try and enjoy the anticipation as well as actually getting the bass. [/quote] And +1 to this also.

[quote name='Bassman Sam' timestamp='1387490308' post='2312720'] There is a nice 1990 4 string MR1 on Bass Directs facebook page. Lovely. [url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Wal_MKI_Fretted_1990.html"]http://www.bassdirec...etted_1990.html[/url] [/quote] + 1

Love Gabriel era Genesis....and love this. Thanks for sharing!

[quote name='drTStingray' timestamp='1387416409' post='2311830'] Dingus you were making serious money to have a Wal custom at 21! [/quote] Well, I'm going to black cat Dingus...I had a new MK1 in 1986 when I was 18! I was a low earner and was literally dirt poor...because I had bought a Wal on the never never. I called it dedication at the time, but in hindsight it was probably madness. Nowadays I earn good money, own 2 nice cars and a gorgeous house in an affluent area...but can't afford a Wal. Life is strange!

[quote name='HowieBass' timestamp='1387373375' post='2311194'] The first thing I thought of when I saw the paler wood inset in your Wal was maybe adding a large ramp in wenge with two pickups concealed inside it... [/quote] Not sure what the OP will think of that....but it is a great idea!

"Captain Nemo" or "Into the arena" by Michael Schenker Group.

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1387293464' post='2310362'] A Wal is a bass that is worth really, really wanting . They are one of the few very expensive basses that are actually worth the money However,despite the revered status they hold nowadays, they are pretty esoteric and individualistic instruments and definitely not for everybody, so don't necessarily assume that a Wal would be your Holy Grail. But it probably would be . [/quote] I know from historical Wal ownership that this is the truth.

[quote name='Beedster' timestamp='1387143764' post='2308760'] I'm doing a lot of thinking about this! I've decided to hang onto my '78 maple board fretless Precision which has the flatwound P-Bass retro thing covered. PUP-wise on the Wal I'm going to be looking for an active option likely with rounds in mind. I'm tempted to go for a single MM-style humbucker at the bridge and an East circuit, or possibly an HS. Thoughts? [/quote] I'm not the best person to ask about electrics and pickups to be honest. I do however believe that a Wal should only have Wal pickups & electrics - but appreciate that is not the direction you want to go for obvious reasons. I personally really, really like the sound and tone that a couple of Overwater's that I have heard recently possess. I may be wrong but I believe the pre is produced by John East? Perhaps this is an option?

[quote name='JapanAxe' timestamp='1387140726' post='2308677'] Average ordinary non-muso folks connect most with a song's vocals, as the vocalist is communicating with them in the most direct way. In comparison, a musician-based competition will not be as accessible to the general public. [/quote] The voice is the primary instrument.

Depends on condition etc. I would want a good look at it regardless...some Supernaturals of this time had, shall we say, less than reliable neck stability.

[quote name='gareth' timestamp='1387118952' post='2308329'] there is something truly beautiful about an unlined board especially one in dark ebony [/quote] Dead right...you're on the money with this!

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1387028749' post='2307559'] I've been playing some fretless lately after a long layoff from it , and I am [u][i]extremely[/i] [/u]grateful for the fret lines on my bass for a variety of reasons. I nearly bought an unlined bass, but I realise now that would have been a mistake [/quote] Strangely enough I have never had any difficulty playing unlined fretless basses..of which I have owned several. I must admit though that I find myself becoming bored playing fretless after several months, gravitate back to fretted...then once again long for another fretless. Fickle or what!