【used】Wal / JG Custom Bass Fretless 1978 4.67kg #JG1137【Consignment】【GIB Hyogo】

Wal is a legendary bass guitar brand that originated in the UK in the 1970s.

Until the brand ceased operations around 2007, it continued to produce high-quality basses and was beloved by many professional bassists, including Paul McCartney, John Entwistle, and Mick Karn. (Titles omitted)

This instrument is an extremely rare JG Custom Bass, manufactured in 1978, one of the earliest years in Wal's history.

Before the JG series was created, all Wal basses were essentially one-off productions.

While the introduction of the JG series systematized the foundation of current Wal basses, each instrument was still a product of an era where it was essentially custom-made with great care.

The model name "JG" comes from John Gustafson, a renowned British session bassist known for his work with Roxy Music and others.

According to official records, only 44 of these JG models were ever produced.

This demonstrates the high historical value and extreme rarity of this instrument on a global scale.

The body is likely ash, and the neck is maple.

The laminate is likely walnut.

The fretboard appears to be rosewood.

While it's fretless, it's impossible to determine whether it was originally manufactured as fretless or if it was a fretted instrument that was later converted to fretless.

There is a bulge near the nut; this is due to repeated fretboard repairs thinning the fretboard, causing it to crack when the truss rod was tightened, exposing the rod.

It appears to have been repaired, but it seems to have cracked again afterward.

Due to the possibility of further bulging, the truss rod's operation cannot be confirmed.

For normal use, we recommend replacing the fretboard.

We can also handle this at GIB, so please feel free to contact us.

The pickups are original Wal pickups, but since Wal pickups from this era have DIP switches on the pickup ring, it's possible they were later replaced with other Wal pickups.

The controls are also original Wal components.

They feature a master volume, neck pickup volume, bridge pickup volume, individual tone controls for each pickup, and a pickup selector.

There are also three DIP switches next to the pickups.

The upper and lower switches are likely tone shaping switches.

The middle DIP switch, based on its behavior, appears to be a pick attack switch.

It boosts the treble, giving a pick-like attack even when playing with fingers.

Regarding the location of the three DIP switches mentioned above, originally the tone shaping switch was on the pickup ring, and the pick attack switch was near the tone knob.

This suggests that the controls may also have been later replaced with Wal components.

Furthermore, all wiring around the jack has been cut except for the phone cable jack.

The capacitor lead on the neck pickup's tone control is broken.

While leather pickguards were common at the time, this instrument has a plastic pickguard.

As mentioned above, this instrument may have undergone various customizations, but since there is no clear catalog, it is impossible to definitively say whether these are original or modified.

If it was modified, it is likely that it was taken to Wal's workshop and the electronics and pickguard were replaced with ones similar to those on the successor model, the Pro II E.

Considering the historical context of each instrument being essentially custom-made, it is quite possible that these are original specifications.

The tuning machines are Schaller, likely original.

The bridge has been replaced with a BADASS BASS II at a location other than Wal's workshop.

The sound is characteristic of Wal, with an extremely dense, gritty, hard midrange that stands out due to its fast attack and powerful sustain.

The crisp, punchy attack and unique compression when picked firmly give this bass an intense character unlike any other.

Using Wal's powerful control array and pick attack switch, you can freely manipulate its expression, from deep, mellow tones that seem to crawl along the ground to ferocious, edgy sounds that cut through the ensemble.

This is an extremely premium instrument that exudes the extraordinary aura unique to vintage Wals.

The truss rod condition has not been checked due to the possibility of worsening the fretboard crack.

The neck is generally straight.

The string height is adjusted to 2.5mm-3.0mm, but there are dead spots between the 5th and 7th frets.

There is a crack and bulge near the nut, but it does not affect buzzing or pitch.

The body and paintwork have a vintage look with dents and paint cracks throughout.

The electronics are in a state where the wiring to the XLR output and the DIP switch below it is cut.

The lead on the neck pickup's tone capacitor is broken and needs to be replaced for normal use.

The bridge has been replaced with a BADASS BASS II.

The pickguard, pickups, and control group may have been replaced.

Controls: PU selector, master volume, neck PU volume, bridge PU volume, neck PU tone, bridge PU tone, tone shaping switch, pick attack switch, tone shaping switch
Nut width: 43.6mm
Bridge string spacing: The groove positions are misaligned, with E-D string spacing at 19mm and the others at 18mm.

Scale: 34 inches
Year of manufacture: 1978
Country of manufacture: UK

During setup, we use our original GIB BASIC / Standard Bass Strings.

These strings are characterized by their straightforward sound and stable playability, naturally bringing out the instrument's inherent character.

These are highly reliable strings that we actually use in our repair and setup workshops.

Please enjoy these strings, which aim to be a new standard for bassists.

They will be delivered after being adjusted for easy playability by GIB's craftsmen.

This is a consignment item, so shipping costs may differ from the usual.

Accessories: None

Text: Kaigo Kawami

Inspector: Kawami

Product Photos: Muragishi

GIB 3-Month Warranty Included

(Warranty is only valid for purchases made within Japan)


●Price includes VAT & Duties & Shipping Fee
Free Shipping Worldwide. All import duties and taxes are included in the price. There are no hidden fees upon delivery.

If you return a product, you will be responsible for all shipping and customs fees.

Note: All electronic devices, such as effect pedals and amplifiers, are set for use in Japan.
Please be sure to check the voltage and power specifications of your country before purchasing and using.