1983 Rosewood-topped Reissue Passive Pro
One of the great things about a brand like Wal is that a mix
of two inquiring minds and a laissez
faire attitude to “standard models” throws up a whole load of interesting
basses to scratch your head about. One such bass cropped up recently in an online
discussion on Basschat. The then owner, Gary Mackay, offered up his 1983
reissue Passive Pro bass as an unusual example of the model. The history of the
Pro Series deserves, perhaps, a little unpacking as its history isn’t
necessarily straightforward.
The original Pro Series was the first standard model of Wal
bass and was offered between 1978 and 1981. They offered four options – single or
dual pickups and active or passive circuitry – solid ash, paddle headstocks, contoured
bodies and large black scratchplates. These basses were superseded with the introduction
of the Mark 1 Custom in 1981. The Pro Bass was no longer offered for sale.
However, realising that their new Custom Series were effectively
luxury models Electric Wood saw that there was a space in the market for a
budget Wal. But how to cut costs without cutting corners? The Reissue Pros feature
a more or less standard laminates Wal neck but a slab, solid ash body and a
single passive pickup (either in the bridge or neck position – the position
changed over time) controlled via a small, tear drop-shaped control plate.
As a little extra bling they were often finished with a
fairly plain flamed or birdseye maple veneer (and a sunburst finish to hide the
veneer’s edge). Gary’s Reissue Pro, however, if the only one I’ve ever seen
with a rather tasty, pale rosewood top and clear varnish. All in all a rather
classy set of appointments for a supposedly “budget” bass.
