Wal spotting.

[Misdee]

The reason I mention Alembic in relation to Wal is because they have a filter-based preamp, not because they are structurally or sonically similar. They're equally great and equally quirky in their own way. 

 

 

[Wolverinebass]

As someone who owns both a Wal Mk2 and 2 Alembics, I can say that they sound nothing like each other. At all. Especially the stereo Alembics. Virtually nothing sounds like that.

 

In defence/explanation of Wals, yes, the neck profile is curious. I don't mind it, but I can readily understand why folk don't get on with it. I don't find my Wal uncomfortable to play at all and as to the action, anyone who has ever played one of my basses will know that I have the action supernaturally low. Stupidly low even.

 

They are probably the best recording basses I've ever played and take effects really well too.

 

What they aren't are basses to take massive long solos on. Not only are they timbrally wrong for it, the neck profile will probably dissuade you from it if you have even a modest issue with it. Ultimately, there's the reason Entwistle played Alembics but helped develop Wals and appeared as an endorsee.

 

Whilst I think the prices now are insane, given the choice, give me Wal over a personality-less Fodera or Dingwall any day. Or 4 of the latter actually given the current pricing.