simisker

New forum style bump! I've also dropped the price to £2099. Yowzah!

As someone that's been attempting to track the market due to selling my own Sei, I've been keeping my eye on this listing for months. I have to say: how on *earth* has this bass not been snapped up yet?! It's flippin' gorgeous, it's a great price and it's even got MIDI! C'mon, folks! I hope someone comes to their senses and buys it soon, TorVic

Bumpity! Plus a reminder that I'm open to offers [but not trades, sorry!]

Thanks, everyone, for the PMs, the well-wishing, the glowing comments and the recollections [no need to apologise, Hairnesy!] I hope that the next owner will play the dickens out of the bass; it's such a shame for this instrument to be a case-dweller.

Price: £1999 ono [as of 2nd Jan 2018 - Happy New Year, folks!] Trades: no trades, sorry ---------------------------- Hello, Basschatters! Up for reluctant sale is the bass that was my holy grail: the actual Sei Original 6-string headless that I lusted over ever since I saw it reviewed in the June 1991 issue of Guitarist Magazine. A copy of the original review can be seen here: http://seibass.com/seiorig6rev1.html As far as I'm aware, this would have been the first introduction to Martin's superb craftsmanship for bass players [it was certainly mine!]. In those pre-internet days [remember them?!], I must have looked at that review hundreds of times, hoping that one day I'd be able to order myself a Sei. Little did I realise I'd end up with the actual bass! But unfortunately, I have to concede that I'm no longer a bass player. From buying this instrument from here in 2014 from a lovely German guy, it has been taken from its case only a handful of times. So now it's time for someone else to experience one of Martin's awesome basses, and play a little bit of Sei history. PHOTOS [click to embiggen - apologies for the dust!]: VITAL STATISTICS Ash body, with bookmatched maple facings front & back, and wenge veneers 7-piece maple & wenge through-neck, 34-inch scale. The profile is a wide shallow asymmetric D, and it's just soooo easy to play Unmarked ebony fingerboard, with 24 frets, with exquisite contrasting maple binding String spacing: 16mm at bridge [individually adjustable by a mm or so], 8mm at zero fret LED neck markers - red at the octaves, and green for all other markers Twin Bartolini humbucking pickups Schack Preamp & 3-band active EQ [Bass/Mid/Treble cut or boost, with frequencies configurable via internal dipswitches - really flexible!] Coil taps for each pickup for extra tonal choice Black ABM hardware Neutrik jack socket Weighs 3.9kg approx - very light for a 6-string, with no neck dive CONDITION Considering it's now over 25 years old, this bass is overall in amazing condition - a credit to it's former owners! If it weren't for the published provenance, I could list this as a 10-year-old guitar, and no-one would bat an eyelid. Of course, it's not completely pristine, and there are a few small bits of wear and tear that I need to bring to your attention. I've documented them in the photographs - which I've not tarted up, because I want to be transparent - but here's a comprehensive list: Body & Neck - A couple of minor dings on the top wing and the inner points of the horns [see photos]. There are NO scratches or gouges on the body or neck, and there's no buckle rash, either. Fingerboard & Frets - The ebony fingerboard is in excellent condition; frets are well seated and unworn, and the contrasting binding is in excellent condition, save for one small cosmetic split at the 17th fret [see photo]. There's no fret buzz. Electronics - As new! Pots have just been Servisol'ed [at least from the front posts - cleaning the internals is way beyond my ability!] Hardware - The black anodized hardware is in very good condition overall. While there are a few superficial scratches and inevitably a little finger wear on knurled surfaces, there's no flaking, bubbling or lifting. Pickups - The pickups have some string wear on the surface [from a previous owner's hard playing or setup inexperience, I'm guessing]. Obviously this is purely cosmetic, and it's not easily noticeable, what with the pickups being matte black plastic LEDs - All working and glowing with uniform brightness [but proving to be a bugger to capture on camera!]. You won't struggle for positioning on a moody stage... [/size] ALSO INCLUDED PRG Phenom hard case in near-mint condition A copy of Guitarist Magazine from June 1991, also in near-mint condition [would look great in a display cabinet, eh, Martin? Hint Hint ] 3 new sets of Elites double ball-end strings If you come and collect, I'll also throw in the Hercules Mini stand seen in the photos. PAYMENT & DELIVERY Bank Transfer or Cash on Collection only [subject to agreement] I'm based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. Courier delivery can be arranged by the buyer at their expense & responsibility [I'll bubble-wrap the hell out of it, don't you worry]. Another delivery option is to meet and deliver at a mainline train station post-payment, if that'd be more convenient. We can thrash out the details. ABOUT ME I've been a member on here for a good number of years, though these days I haven't visited or posted [Shame! Shame!]. I've sold 2 basses here before [a Sei fretless 6 and a Wal Mk2 5], and bought a couple too [this bass, and a Variax]. They've all been faultless transactions, but I'm buggered if I can find the feedback I've left/received for them My user name is my surname, so hopefully you can see that I'm not exactly untraceable, and therefore unlikely to try any nonsense. If I've missed anything important, let me know/just ask. Thanks for looking

Here's an update less likely to shock than a glass Status Quo at a Royal Variety show... [size=4][b]SOLD[/b][/size] [size=3][b]Yup, definitely.[/b][/size] Thanks to everyone who expressed an interest; I *think* I've responded to every PM! Golchen: ooh, thanks for the compliment about the web page design A less scrupulous person than myself would pimp his [url="http://www.plasticle.co.uk"]email design business[/url] at this point, but not me. Oh no.

[quote name='Beneath It All' post='914479' date='Aug 4 2010, 12:20 AM']PM sent[/quote] Replied [eventually, sorry!]

[quote name='sselterf' post='914416' date='Aug 3 2010, 10:57 PM']PM'd[/quote] Replied [at length, sorry!] And yes, folks: words like "Amazing", "wow", "silly" are all apt when describing the price. Especially "silly" . How it didn't sell earlier this year, I don't know. If it doesn't sell at this price, I.. well, I'll equally not know. But you get the drift. Someone here is going to have been in the right place at the right time, anyway. And irrespective of price, I'd rather it went to one of the fine people on here who would play it and love it, than someone who I'd only ever know as "ebay_asshat49563" or something. EDIT: Replied to you also, Luke 2nd EDIT: If someone were to create a new account here under the name "ebay_asshat49563" and reply with "PMed", I would worship you forever as a comedy god

[b]Six-month bumpage!! [/b] Right, folks: I need the money locked in this beautiful but never-played instrument to help fund my business venture [[url="http://www.plasticle.co.uk"]Plasticle e-mail design[/url], in case anyone's interested]. The Sei Bass: [url="http://www.simisker.com/sells/seibass/"]http://www.simisker.com/sells/seibass/[/url] the new price that's crazier than Crazy Dave: [size=7][b]£999[/b][/size] [size=3][b]No trades, and no offers.[/b][/size] There are bargains and then there's this bargain. Hell, you could even buy it for this and sell it at your leisure for an easy couple of hundred quid profit. So... who's going to go first?

I think waiting a month before a bump is forgiveable, right? Still for sale, folks!

I can't believe this 'un is up for sale! I remember seeing the initial pics, and being floored by the spalted facings and detailing. If I recall correctly, didn't Pete vow never to work with spalted maple again after this? I would offer good luck, but that's clearly not going to be an issue here

[quote name='supabock' post='726550' date='Jan 27 2010, 04:57 PM']So Basschatters, who out there got it??[/quote] I'm sure he*'ll let everyone know once he's finished his journey south** [size=1]* Hardly a giveaway clue! ** This is the only time I wished I lived on the Shetland Isles [/size]

[size=4]SOLD[/size] to a lovely forum member This forum is great, isn't it? Thanks for all the encouraging posts and interests, folks, and apologies/commiserations to those who came close [in particular, the top fellow with the unfortunately-timed travel itinerary].

[quote name='PauBass' post='724363' date='Jan 25 2010, 06:21 PM']Silly question, what's a V shaped neck like? I've never played a bass like that before.[/quote] If you look here: [url="http://www.joelguitars.com/joel-guitar-neck.html"]http://www.joelguitars.com/joel-guitar-neck.html[/url] there's a reasonable diagram comparing profiles. From that diagram, I'd say the Wal 5's neck is closest to a 'Medium V' at the headstock, which evolves quickly into something like the 'C shape' as you go towards the body. There's nothing about the profile that I would have considered out of the ordinary if it wasn't for the research in neck profiles I've just done to answer this question. Apparently the Wal neck profile is a bit unusual. I don't know why I'm surprised - everything about this bass is idiosyncratic! Any doubts will be immediately dispelled once you play it though, I'm sure, which is why I'm so keen for serious enquirers to have a play beforehand. Oh, and on a related note: String spacing is 9mm at the nut and 17mm at the bridge [measuring from the centres of strings]. The Wal is still available, by the way If anyone is still awaiting a PM response from me, please accept my apologies Drop me a PM reminder and I'll get back to you this evening.

A few people have asked for shots up/down the neck, and obliging soul that I am... The neck profile is more V-shaped than I remember! Hey, I just played it, I didn't 3D model it Oh, and in case it isn't clear, those dark shapes on the left of the back shot are reflections from my shelves. Thick lustrous lacquer, huh?

What's that? More photos, you say? Go on then. You'll notice I'm being as honest as I can - no convenient angles, lighting or Photoshoppery

[quote name='thegreenman555' post='723171' date='Jan 24 2010, 03:04 PM']If I owned this I'd sell my granny before parting with it.. & she's been dead a good few years. What a beaut - and what a heartache to have to part with it. Have a bump on me...[/quote] Trust me, I agonised about this for ages. And then I put the feeler out, not just to gauge interest [I knew it would be fairly high] but to see how I'd cope with the idea. It's definitely going to hurt, especially once it's gone and the nostalgia kicks in, but now that Paul's firing up the Wal production line again, I know at least I can order another one if I start playing bass again. Only next time in translucent purple and with a spare fretless neck! Thanks for the bumpage, the granny welfare update - and thanks all for the well-wishing

[quote name='bassatnight' post='722683' date='Jan 23 2010, 10:39 PM']Mmm I have my reasons....[/quote] Sheffield's not that bad! We've got Starbucks and everything now! If it's not that, I do hope it's nothing I've said here or in a PM that you may have misinterpreted I know it's a popular desirable instrument, but I'm not so confident of a sale that I'd insult prospective buyers

More pics? Certainly! I'll get the camera out and get cracking. Give us an hour or so... EDIT: Actually, give us until tomorrow, when I've got some daylight - neither my camera nor my room lighting is particularly great, and photos with the flash are neither appealing nor helpful in discerning detail. sorry 'bout that. I'll see if I've got some other pictures from that original photo shoot, though...

Ooh blimey - interest! To head off a torrent of PMs on what seems to be the common questions: I'm based in South Yorkshire. Yes, so's the Wal I'd *much* rather collection over courier - £50 cash back towards your travel costs if so, folks! - but sending out is an option at buyer's risk and expense [I'll do my best, though!]. Couriering [that's not a word, surely] would only occur once payment is cleared, mind. I strongly recommend that those who wish to try before buying - very sensible - bring a wad of cash to wave in my face to show serious intent; I simply haven't the time to accommodate test pilots, as much as I'd like to chat about all things low-end. Sorry. I'm also selling the Sei fretless here: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=73502"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=73502[/url] for a stonking price. If you follow the link that's there through to my site, you'll get a little more info on me for trust reassurance purposes. Hope that helps

[quote name='MB1' post='722459' date='Jan 23 2010, 07:14 PM']MB1. New Forum rulings state you have to list a price on your ad or risk having it removed.[/quote] Oops - post amended! Thanks for the reminder

[size=4][b]Wal Custom 5-string fretted.[/b][/size] [size=4][b]£2499[/b][/size] [color="#800080"][b][size=5]SOLD 27th Jan 2010[/size][/b][/color] Made for me round August 1992 by Pete and the gang down in High Wycombe. The bass was signed off by Pete himself, and his signature fish squiggle adorns the inside of the cavity cover. Mahogany body, nicely figured Schedua facings, Gold hardware, Hornbeam/Mahogany bolt-on neck with rosewood fingerboard... you probably know the usual Wal specs. Considering it's a 17-year-old bass, it's in excellent condition for the year: no buckle rash, no noticeable scuffs or dings other than the odd scratch on the backplates, no screws missing and everything works as it should. One recently-remembered exception: as you'll see from the photos, there's a sliver of damage to the facing near the bridge, due to an incident with some Rotosound Piano String Design strings and a slipped screwdriver. It's purely cosmetic, though, and may even be an easy fix - and I don't mean that in the Ebay sense of the phrase! It looks as though the sliver could be glued back into the divot; however I've never gone near it, because with my DIY skills I'll probably make it worse. There's some typical Wal wear-and-tear: the two tone control knobs have lost a little of their black plating on the 'grip' section, which I blame entirely on the addictiveness of those Wal filter sweeps All the numerals are intact. There's also a few cracks in the lacquer at the back of the headstock [not the wood!], which apparently is another common Wal 'feature'. Cosmetic, not structural. See pic! [b]All in all, I think you'll be hard pressed to find such a robust, honest example. Certainly at this price. Compare it with the one for sale on Ebay in Australia at the moment - this beauty's in a different league, for over a grand less![/b] --- Comes with the blue-grey Wal hard case, which has some scuffs but is overall also in very good nick - it certainly doesn't let the bass down! There'll also be a Comfort Strapp(tm) - this is no lightweight; solid mahogany, people! - and a brand-new set of DR Marcus Miller Fat Beams for when you need to replace the ones already fitted. These strings are epic on this bass Oh, and there's also the Wal bridge saddle adjustment tool. It's just an allen key on a milled aluminium handle, but it's original, and a rare thing to see with a Wal from what I can tell. --- As you can hopefully tell from the photos above and below, this is a bass that has only seen light personal studio use for the last ten years or so; before that it was lightly gigged. Like any bassist with an instrument made just for them, I've treasured it and treated it accordingly [other than than the aforementioned incident ] Will kick myself repeatedly once sold - especially now that I've had another play to check everything's okay with it. Ah well - money needs diverting to something I actually use. Thanks for all your interest, and good luck with this rare opportunity to own a bass that really does sound like no other