Clarky Posted May 25, 2011 Share Posted May 25, 2011 I sent an enquiry to Wal about the cost of a 5-string Mk2 build (standard type spec, nothing fancy) and was emailed back yesterday. Delivery time is now up to 15 months from date of deposit. I'm obviously delighted that a quality UK manufacturer has such strong demand for its products that its waiting time has gone up, but damn thats a long wait! PS, if interested the price I was quoted for a 5-string in American walnut with an ebony fretted neck was £4,100 (out of my league I'm afraid) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grendel Posted May 25, 2011 Share Posted May 25, 2011 Ouch! That is on the long side, I suppose picking one up used might mitigate both wait time and price.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarky Posted May 25, 2011 Author Share Posted May 25, 2011 [quote name='Grendel' post='1244086' date='May 25 2011, 11:46 AM']Ouch! That is on the long side, I suppose picking one up used might mitigate both wait time and price....[/quote] Well, based on there being three 'Items Wanted' threads on BassChat this year seeking a 5-string fretted Wal a phrase involving rocking horses and poo-poo springs to mind! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted May 25, 2011 Share Posted May 25, 2011 Wow, must be busy which is great! Id have to be 100% certain as knowing me after 6 months I would have changed my mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toasted Posted May 25, 2011 Share Posted May 25, 2011 Wow, that's putting the pricing up there with Ritter / Fodera / Ken Smith / Dingwall as some of the most expensive new basses out there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doctor J Posted May 25, 2011 Share Posted May 25, 2011 [quote name='Toasted' post='1244124' date='May 25 2011, 12:20 PM']Wow, that's putting the pricing up there with Ritter / Fodera / Ken Smith / Dingwall as some of the most expensive new basses out there.[/quote] Yup, I got a quote a few months back "The current price for a Wal 4 string Mk 2 with sycamore facings is £3650 + VAT" Just a bit too much for me, I'm afraid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
franzbassist Posted May 25, 2011 Share Posted May 25, 2011 Well, it's a long wait for sure, and a pretty penny to spend, but Paul obviously has plenty of takers at the moment! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thodrik Posted May 25, 2011 Share Posted May 25, 2011 (edited) Prices like that are a dagger in the heart to the next generation of youtube bassists obsessed with Tool! I'm guessing that for a small workshop delivering a unique product with a high level of demand from consumers, the prices are not far off similar companies. The waiting list is just what it is. I'm just glad they are still in production really. Edited May 25, 2011 by thodrik Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raggy Posted May 25, 2011 Share Posted May 25, 2011 [quote name='Clarky' post='1243828' date='May 25 2011, 08:13 AM']PS, if interested the price I was quoted for a 5-string in American walnut with an ebony fretted neck was £4,100 (out of my league I'm afraid)[/quote] See, thats dream bass number 2 right there, but at even at a quarter of that price I would be to scared to gig it in some of the pits we play. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubinga5 Posted May 25, 2011 Share Posted May 25, 2011 (edited) thats a snip..Fodera is up to 3 years.. jeez i dont want a bass that much Edited May 25, 2011 by bubinga5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marlat Posted May 25, 2011 Share Posted May 25, 2011 [quote name='bubinga5' post='1244392' date='May 25 2011, 03:44 PM']thats a snip..Fodera is up to 3 years.. jeez i dont want a bass that much[/quote] IIRC Fodera no longer has 3 year wait times. They are more like 18 months now since the new management partnership was agreed. They cleared the backlog and from what I hear, are pretty good at delivering on time. Ritter is around 1 year, MTD is around 1year-15months. Sadowsky is 8 months. ACG is around 1 year I think. Wal arn't too far off their "competition" in terms of wait times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted May 25, 2011 Share Posted May 25, 2011 15 months is 60 weeks. £4,100 divided by 60 = £68.33 p.w. - one pub gig a week and you're sorted. Join a tribute band and it'll be bought and paid for by July Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waynepunkdude Posted May 25, 2011 Share Posted May 25, 2011 Wal, that's a long time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarky Posted May 25, 2011 Author Share Posted May 25, 2011 [quote name='Bilbo' post='1244425' date='May 25 2011, 04:05 PM']15 months is 60 weeks. £4,100 divided by 60 = £68.33 p.w. - one pub gig a week and you're sorted. Join a tribute band and it'll be bought and paid for by July [/quote] At my rate of earnings per gig I could pay that off in about 27,800 years Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBod Posted May 25, 2011 Share Posted May 25, 2011 Almost £70 for a pub gig - Bilbo...tell me the pubs and I'll move there! Still wouldn't buy another Wal... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toasted Posted May 25, 2011 Share Posted May 25, 2011 So far my grand total earnings for my musical career is £35. I could be saving some time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4000 Posted May 25, 2011 Share Posted May 25, 2011 [quote name='Toasted' post='1244465' date='May 25 2011, 04:39 PM']So far my grand total earnings for my musical career is £35. I could be saving some time.[/quote] That much? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted May 25, 2011 Share Posted May 25, 2011 (edited) That's not too bad price and time-wise for what is a totally custom one man operation. The starting point for s 5-string Gus G3 is about £4750... Edited May 25, 2011 by BigRedX Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarky Posted May 25, 2011 Author Share Posted May 25, 2011 [quote name='BigRedX' post='1244530' date='May 25 2011, 05:27 PM']That's not too bad price and time-wise for what is a totally custom one man operation. The starting point for s 5-string Gus G3 is about £4750...[/quote] 'kin ell BigRedX - I hope you have taken out insurance on your bass collection then Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted May 25, 2011 Share Posted May 25, 2011 [quote name='BassBod' post='1244435' date='May 25 2011, 04:11 PM']Almost £70 for a pub gig - Bilbo...tell me the pubs and I'll move there! Still wouldn't buy another Wal...[/quote] The acoustic trio Ive started gigging with split £200-300+ between three people per gig! Most of ever had the chance to earn and its great. The trick is to join a 3 piece! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spoombung Posted May 25, 2011 Share Posted May 25, 2011 They've come back with a vengeance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prime_BASS Posted May 26, 2011 Share Posted May 26, 2011 [quote name='Musicman20' post='1244547' date='May 25 2011, 05:40 PM']The acoustic trio Ive started gigging with split £200-300+ between three people per gig! Most of ever had the chance to earn and its great. The trick is to join a 3 piece! [/quote] Just declaring myself in! Wow at those prices. I would say something but I dont want to open a can of worms. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyTravis Posted May 26, 2011 Share Posted May 26, 2011 Right, so if i put £60 a week in a savings account instead of smoking... Right, then, erm niquitin it is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted May 26, 2011 Share Posted May 26, 2011 (edited) [quote name='Prime_BASS' post='1246399' date='May 26 2011, 10:51 PM']I would say something but I dont want to open a can of worms.[/quote] Go for it happy to answer. I've not earnt real money in a band since I was 16/17, and I'm 30 now. I've played in mainly underground hardcore punk and progressive indie bands since then putting in everything for nowt. This new project is brilliant, free practices, nice lads, good musicians. Nope, it's not helped much to pay for what I spend on gear but it helps Edited May 26, 2011 by Musicman20 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purpleblob Posted May 27, 2011 Share Posted May 27, 2011 Well my Jaydee has now taken more than 15 months I think and I'm still waiting (not that it concerns me or anything, as I'm happy to get it when it arrives) so I suppose it's simply the case that these guys are very busy. It's good to see the Wal name surviving and possible flourishing and the same for the other British luthiers. As for the price, well the price is simply the price. We can argue all day about whether a Wal is worth this price tag or not 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.