Wal Basses have been revered since their inception, played by legends like Paul McCartney, Geddy Lee, Mick Karn, Percy Jones and many more—each drawn to their unmistakable tone, craftsmanship, and innovation.

This 1981 Wal MK-1 Fretless Bass stands as an extraordinary example of British boutique bass design. Kept in excellent to near-mint condition, this bass has been studio-played only and remains all-original—including the factory strings—with the only non-original component being the 9V battery.

Crafted with a flamed maple body and a rare flamed maple fretless fingerboard, this instrument is among a handful ever made. This feature alone makes it a truly special find, but it also boasts another rare element: a three-layer veneer between the figured maple top and mahogany core, a design seen on very few Wals.

Beyond its rarity, this MK-1 delivers the unmistakable Wal tone—deep, articulate, and harmonically rich, powered by its original active electronics in perfect working order. The 24K gold-plated hardware remains in outstanding shape for its age, with only minor wear on the neck backplate.

Complete with its original Wal hard case and factory tool kit from Electric Wood Ltd., this bass is not just a collector’s dream—it’s an instrument that represents the pinnacle of fretless bass craftsmanship.

photo credit: rush.com