Chopthebass Posted September 15, 2022 Share Posted September 15, 2022 I was going to buy a Wal, until I saw the wait time (and price haha). So I’m going to have a go at building one. I’m going down the Walbucker/Lusithand route, so it’s probably the best shot at getting something similar, sound wise. The bridge is the only thing I can’t replicate, so I’m using a Schaller 3D. It’ll have locking jack and balanced DI XLR outputs. Watch this space! 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benh Posted September 15, 2022 Share Posted September 15, 2022 Watching with interest! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard R Posted September 16, 2022 Share Posted September 16, 2022 Genuine question- what is is about Wals that is so appealing? There are at least three threads on building basses to sound like a Wal, and the real things sell new for £££. Clearly I need to play one. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chopthebass Posted September 16, 2022 Author Share Posted September 16, 2022 6 hours ago, Richard R said: Genuine question- what is is about Wals that is so appealing? There are at least three threads on building basses to sound like a Wal, and the real things sell new for £££. Clearly I need to play one. I’ve never owned one, but I’m super curious about multi coil picks and filter preamps. It’s an experiment. The mk3 is the best shape in my opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chopthebass Posted September 22, 2022 Author Share Posted September 22, 2022 I’m not sure what body woods to use yet, but I do want Birdseye maple with ellipse inlays! 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwilym Posted September 22, 2022 Share Posted September 22, 2022 On 16/09/2022 at 07:40, Richard R said: Genuine question- what is is about Wals that is so appealing? There are at least three threads on building basses to sound like a Wal, and the real things sell new for £££. Clearly I need to play one. I don't think there's any specific mojo going on. 20 years ago they barely had a market. Now more sought after than ever? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chopthebass Posted September 23, 2022 Author Share Posted September 23, 2022 I have a couple of 5A tops that I’m considering using. I know Wal have matching front and backs so I may go with the flame as I have two sets. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benh Posted September 23, 2022 Share Posted September 23, 2022 Definitely the flame IMO! Although both look great 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGreek Posted September 23, 2022 Share Posted September 23, 2022 (edited) That spalted timber looks amazing. Hard decision... Edited October 13, 2022 by TheGreek 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chopthebass Posted September 23, 2022 Author Share Posted September 23, 2022 2 hours ago, TheGreek said: That salted timber looks amazing. Hard decision... If had a matching piece for the back, then I’d be using it! It’s an amazing top Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chopthebass Posted September 24, 2022 Author Share Posted September 24, 2022 Preparing the neck laminates for glueing. Maple and blood wood. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WinterMute Posted September 25, 2022 Share Posted September 25, 2022 Following with interest, great choice of wood grain. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
durhamboy Posted September 30, 2022 Share Posted September 30, 2022 Watching with interest. Like the fretboard by the way. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamIAm Posted September 30, 2022 Share Posted September 30, 2022 Looks SO gorgeous! S'manth x 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chopthebass Posted October 13, 2022 Author Share Posted October 13, 2022 Laser time! I’m making a set of templates. It was going to be a one-off build but ended up getting two orders. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chopthebass Posted October 14, 2022 Author Share Posted October 14, 2022 Just finished laser cutting the Wal templates. 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard R Posted October 15, 2022 Share Posted October 15, 2022 On 13/10/2022 at 19:08, Chopthebass said: It was going to be a one-off build but ended up getting two orders More pics! 🤗 Do we get to see both tops? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickA Posted October 17, 2022 Share Posted October 17, 2022 What is it about Wals ?? Hmm. Not sure, I have two and love them, especially the fretless. Pretty facewoods aside .. they are very responsive to player input and have a fat and complex, slightly muzzy sound to them, but still manage lovely clear harmonics. I tried a load of (5 string fretted) basses before buying my second Wal ..and nothing else quite hit the spot. ... and because they're expensive, and keep getting more so, they get collected which sticks the price up in an ever increasing spiral. When all the old guys (like me) who were over influenced by them in the 80s, drop dead... prices might fall 😁 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chopthebass Posted October 19, 2022 Author Share Posted October 19, 2022 Now your just being greedy Nick! I’m hoping my Wal tribute will be as good as the real thing! I’m not sure how close to the real thing it’ll sound. But I don’t care! It’s all an experiment, albeit an expensive one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chopthebass Posted October 19, 2022 Author Share Posted October 19, 2022 On 14/10/2022 at 18:21, Richard R said: More pics! 🤗 Do we get to see both tops? I’ve not decided on the tops yet. But I’ll add more pics later 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chopthebass Posted November 12, 2022 Author Share Posted November 12, 2022 I’ve been busy with other builds, but finally got round to glueing up the body. I may keep a natural finish rather than colour. But as usual, I change my mind many times during a build! 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benh Posted November 12, 2022 Share Posted November 12, 2022 Already looks stunning, and only going to get better under finish 😍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chopthebass Posted November 13, 2022 Author Share Posted November 13, 2022 I did some body radii and started contouring. I’m definitely thinking natural finish is the way to go! 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owen Posted November 13, 2022 Share Posted November 13, 2022 I agree, no need to gild that Lilly. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chopthebass Posted November 13, 2022 Author Share Posted November 13, 2022 Back view. 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.gif.9ad672bb8b84505709f76b39c8c256ec.gif)
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.