TrevorR

As far as I understand this was one of the first (poss the first) on which he used a Wal bass. The album was relaeased in 1978. He would have been playing his JG series bass, serieal number JG1122. You can see the record here from Wal's old list of JG series basses... some interesting names on there!

His last album with a Wal would be Xcommunication. From Manifest Destiny onwards he was playing his Ibanez.

Flipping through the channels (many moons ago) I once saw Gareth Gates doing his new single. The bassist was using a Wal... But a disgusting mustard yellow/orange. Bleaugh!

Personal taste and aesthetics are a funny thing. I just wondered if there are any elements of bass design that folks just can't get past... Things that mar otherwise fabulous basses... For me there are three things.

The bridge on a Lakland. I have a chum who has the most lovely Lakland 5-string. Sounds amazing, plays like a dream but for some reasaon I just can't abide the look of the big oval back plate on the bridge. Same for all Lakland's models. I couldn't have one on my bass. Therefore, for me, gear options are cut down by one top maker just because it doesn't do it for me... Totally irrational, coz they are lovely basses.

Varnished fingerboards (and maple ones for that matter). Just never liked the feel of a varnished board or the look of maple over rosewood.

Modern single cuts. For some reason they almost all look wrong to my eye. I have a chum with an amazing Curbow single cut. Again plays great and sounds great but the look just puts me off. In fact I can only think of one single cut where I thought, cool looking bass - an Adamovitch played by the bassist in my nephew's band.

So what is it that, for no real good reason, puts you off a whole raft of bass designs?

[quote name='Bigwan' timestamp='1436775667' post='2820526']
Got a Wal for £550 about 13 years ago, just before they took a serious upswing in price. Wasn't a huge bargain at the time, but turned into one!


[/quote]

Same here. Both my Wals were second hand for great prices. My 1985 MK 1 Custom was £500 in about 1991 or 92. Seven years old at the time, pristine and barely ever played. That was a steal but the guy just wanted it to go to a good home. Fantastic. I got my Pro IIE for £650 around £2000 which was the market price around then. Couldn't afford to buy either of them now!

I've been using Cleartone cables for the last few years. Very good quality. Neutrik and VanDamme made up to order in whatever configuration and length you can imagine. They're made by the guys who used to make Award Session pedals and Session amps.

http://www.award-session.com/cleartone_cables.html

Since it's apparently money no object I'm definitely buying several basses... There'll be at least a couple of Wals. A Sei, an Overwater and a Goodfellow. And an Adamovich since they are about the only modern single cuts that I've ever liked the aesthetics of. There is just something about their styling that works to my eye.

Might also look at a Jazz of some sort... Just for fun. Now at 2 an' 6 pocket money a week that should only take several hundred years to save up for!

[quote name='Sibob' timestamp='1438598128' post='2835620']
Basically, most 'well known' luthiers will make you a world class bass. There's an abundance in the UK:
Sei, Wal, Shuker, ACG, GB, Status.

[/quote]

Of course I'm biased towards Wals but to the list above I'd also add Overwater and Enfield. Both making fine basses in the price range you've listed.

While I'm here I'll say "Hi" and introduce my two babies... A 1983 Mk 1 and a 1979 Pro IIE

[quote name='PJS' timestamp='1435895652' post='2813383']
That's an incredible-looking bass! Very nice!! I must remember that mine will arrive some day.

I am puzzled by one thing that you mentioned, as a general question: I wonder how they manage to keep the doors open if they only roll out 2-3 basses per month, while supporting two employees? I'm guessing that the rent must be quite affordable.
[/quote]

Paul and the guys also do all the workshop stuff for Charlie Chandler's place in Hampton so that probably offsets the costs of the (pretty modest if picturesque) accommodation.

And, yes, WOW that violet stain is something special!

It is definitely a Rob Armstrong bass. The shape of the headstock is a giveaway... He used that shape on a load of Gordon Giltrap's 6 strings with the mother of pearl A logo

check out hte pics on this website for a clearer view - [url="http://www.mikechant.co.uk/instruments.html"]http://www.mikechant.co.uk/instruments.html[/url]

Hi, just joined.

Been playing bass for about 30 years now (gulp). A mix of folky stuff back in my college days plus a bluffed my way through a couple of rock operas. Tehn mostly playing at church and until recently in a general rock/pop cover band. Long time fan of Wal basses and am lucky enough to own a couple.

My bass gear list is as follows...
[list]
[*]1983 Mk 1 Custom Series Wal
[*]1979 Wal Pro IIE
[*]1981 Aria SB700 (my first ever bass)
[*]A Frankenjazz built around a "Signature" jazz bass body and neck I got off eBay
[/list][list]
[*]A hand built custom acoustic bass by the Welsh luthier, Tony Revell
[*]Faith Neptune Titan acoustic bass
[/list][list]
[*]Markbass Little Mark II
[*]Markbass 2x10 Traveler cab
[*]Markbass 1x15 Traveler cab
[/list]
If you're interested in Wal basses I have a blog which charts the history of the make here... [url="http://www.walbasshistory.blogspot.co.uk/"]http://www.walbasshi...blogspot.co.uk/[/url]

Cheers

Trevor

Hi there, I'm a newb but I will be there. I'll definitely be bringing a MK 1 Wal Custom and a Wal Pro IIE. Poss also an Aria SB700 and a Faith Neptune Titan Acoustic Bass.

Looking forward to it.

Trevor