A Wal mkII inspired Alembic?

Started by kshoe, January 04, 2009, 10:31:58 PM

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blackelan

I love Wal basses and I always thought what would make the 4 string Wal MKII 24 fret bass better?
 The answer is obvious if it was neck thru. I always thought the idea of a multilaminate neck on a bolt on body was silly but thats just me.
So what I want to know if it would be possible and it would be my dream bass.  
Alembic neck thru body with Wal mkII style body and Wal MkII style headstock. With Wal style neck laminates you know the two thin ones with Alembic Oval fret markers and of course a Alembic logo.
The body would be mahogony with Birdseye maple facings or tops on the front and back.
I have found a source for original Wal electronics to be used and of course Alembic Tuners and maybe a Wal bridge if I can locate one of those?
 
Is this a possibility to get built in the future?

adriaan

Not sure that they will build an Alembic and not put in Alembic electronics, but I could be wrong. Other than that, if I remember correctly, Wal's have low-pass filters with a Q switch.

FC Bass

Sorry for the language (Adriaan excluded from the sorry) But check this thread out: Click here
Damaged Justice, Dutch 'tallica tribute: Facebook, Youtube

'83 Spoiler
'88 Spoiler
'99 Orion 5 fretless
'10 Elan 5
'23 Series II Europa 5

FC Bass

btw: Wal electronics are based on Alembic electronics (works a bit different)
I would stay with Alembic electronics, even if Alembic would be willing to use the Wall stuff...
Damaged Justice, Dutch 'tallica tribute: Facebook, Youtube

'83 Spoiler
'88 Spoiler
'99 Orion 5 fretless
'10 Elan 5
'23 Series II Europa 5

lbpesq

I'd stick with Alembic electronics.  You don't drop a Chevy engine in a Ferrari.  
 
Bill, tgo
 
(Message edited by lbpesq on January 05, 2009)

David Houck

As mentioned above, Alembic only uses Alembic electronics.

811952

Of course, Alembic could cast pickups in the shape/size of the Wal pickups for aesthetic conformity...
 
John

blackelan

The reason I would insist upon the Wal electronics is I am after that particular Wal sound. My guess would be that the neck thru construction would add to the overall sustain of the bass without completely changing the tone
 
There is nothing at all wrong with Alembic electronics its just with this particular bass I am looking for a particular tone.
 
(Message edited by BlackElan on January 15, 2009)

David Houck

Generally, a set neck or bolt-on bass will have more midrange punch than a neck through.  A neck through will have a more uniformly consistent tone throughout the frequency range.

blackelan

A very intresting comparison I found. Go to Youtube and type in Metallica 1989 bass solo.
 
You will find Jason playing a Wal MkII 5 string as well as his Elan in the videos that come up in the search. Compare the tone between the two. It was suprising to me...

FC Bass

Or click these links:
 
Wal 5 string  
 
Alembic Persuader JJ 4 string
 
Alembic Elan JPJ 5 string
 


 
 
(Message edited by fc_spoiler on January 16, 2009)
Damaged Justice, Dutch 'tallica tribute: Facebook, Youtube

'83 Spoiler
'88 Spoiler
'99 Orion 5 fretless
'10 Elan 5
'23 Series II Europa 5

altgrendel

I've been thinking about this one.  
 
It sounds like the only thing you're really looking for is a neck-thru Wal.
 
Personally, I think that for the amount of money you'd spend to get a Wal-embic made, you'd be better off getting Wal to make the thing. I don't know much about the company, but don't most of them have custom shops that will pretty much make what you want? And who knows, if it takes off, they may name the model after you.

altgrendel

Ok, before anyone jumps on me, I found out that they're out of production.
 
 
 
My bad.

adriaan

Well, that's the problem with Wal: a very limited production capacity, and a long waiting list. If they are still up and around ...

12stringwilson

Someone please correct me if i am wrong, but Jason N. is not playing a Wal in the link above.  
The headstock is Fender shaped. Wals have a very distinct headstock.