The 1981 Wal Mk-I Pro II Active Fretless Electric Bass Guitar is an exceptionally rare early British-built Wal, combining the unmistakable character of the company’s formative period with the expressive response of a fretless fingerboard and Wal’s sophisticated active electronics.

Early Wal basses have developed an extraordinary reputation among professional players, collectors and studio musicians for their distinctive construction, powerful electronics and immediately recognisable tonal personality. In fretless form, this early Pro II becomes an especially expressive instrument, capable of everything from warm, vocal-like lines to articulate and highly defined studio bass sounds.

This particular example importantly retains its original electronics, preserving a major part of the character and collector appeal of an early Wal.

The bass is in Very Good condition, weighs an actual 8.94 lbs, and includes its original hardcase.

There is one operational point to note: the switch produces a slight pop when engaging the active circuit. This is clearly disclosed as part of the bass's current condition.

AT A GLANCE

Detail	Specification
Brand	Wal
Model	Mk-I Pro II Active
Year	1981
Type	Fretless Electric Bass Guitar
Strings	4
Electronics	Active
Electronics Originality	Original
Known Electronic Note	Slight Pop When Active Circuit is Engaged
Weight	8.94 lbs
Condition	Very Good / Vintage Pre-Owned
Case	Original Hardcase Included

PRE-OWNED / VINTAGE CONDITION REPORT

This is a Pre-Owned 1981 Wal Mk-I Pro II Active Fretless Bass in Very Good condition.

As expected from a genuine early-1980s instrument, there are signs of previous ownership and cosmetic wear consistent with its age and history.

Importantly, this bass retains its original electronics.

Please note that the switch produces a slight popping sound when the active circuit is engaged. This has been clearly highlighted so the next owner is aware of the behaviour before purchase.

The bass weighs an actual 8.94 lbs.

Its original hardcase is included.

ORIGINAL ELECTRONICS

One of the most important features of this particular Wal is the retention of its original electronic system.

Early Wal electronics are a major part of what gives these instruments their distinctive identity. Rather than relying on a conventional passive pickup arrangement, Wal developed its own sophisticated pickup and control systems designed to offer a broad range of highly usable bass tones.

Retaining the original electronics is particularly important on an early instrument such as this, both for preserving its characteristic sound and from a collector perspective.

KNOWN ELECTRONIC NOTE

The bass is operational, but the switch produces a slight pop when engaging the active circuit.

This is disclosed clearly as part of the instrument's current condition.

The behaviour should be considered when evaluating the bass, particularly by collectors and professional users who value transparent information about original vintage electronics.

ORIGINAL HARDCASE

This bass is supplied with its original hardcase.

The survival of an original case alongside an early Wal is an attractive part of the overall package, particularly given the increasing collector interest surrounding original British-built Wal instruments.

KEY FEATURES

• Genuine 1981 Wal bass

• Mk-I Pro II Active model

• Early British-built Wal

• 4-string electric bass

• Fretless fingerboard

• Active electronics

• Original electronics

• Wal-designed pickup system

• Extensive tone shaping

• Vintage early-Wal construction

• Rare fretless configuration

• Known slight switch pop when engaging active circuit

• Actual measured weight of 8.94 lbs

• Very Good vintage condition

• Original hardcase included

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT

Few bass manufacturers have developed a sonic identity as recognisable as Wal.

The combination of Wal-designed pickups and sophisticated active electronics produces a highly articulate sound with exceptional control over midrange character, making these instruments particularly effective in dense arrangements and studio environments.

Add a fretless fingerboard and the result becomes even more expressive.

Slides, vibrato and subtle changes in intonation take on an almost vocal quality, while the active circuit provides the definition needed to prevent the bass from disappearing into a mix.

For players and collectors looking specifically for an early fretless Wal with original electronics, this is a particularly compelling instrument.

DETAILED FEATURES & BENEFITS

Early Wal Production

Dating from 1981, this bass comes from an important early period in Wal's development.

These instruments were produced on a comparatively small scale and have subsequently become highly sought after by players and collectors.

Mk-I / Pro II Era

The early 1980s represent an interesting transitional period in Wal production, with Pro-series ideas evolving into the later Mk-series instruments for which the company would become especially well known.

This bass belongs to that fascinating early period.

Fretless Fingerboard

The fretless configuration allows completely continuous pitch movement rather than restricting the player to fixed fret positions.

This enables expressive slides, subtle intonation changes and the vocal-like phrasing that makes fretless bass such a distinctive instrument.

Four-String Configuration

The traditional four-string arrangement keeps the instrument focused and familiar while allowing the fretless playing experience to remain central.

Wal Pickup Design

Wal developed its own pickup systems rather than relying on conventional off-the-shelf designs.

Early Wal pickups are known for clarity, strong note definition and a broad frequency response that works especially well with active tone shaping.

Active Electronics

The active circuit provides significantly more tonal control than a conventional passive bass.

This allows the instrument to move from deep and rounded sounds through to highly articulate, cutting tones suitable for complex ensemble playing.

Original Electronics

The original electronic system remains with this bass.

Given how fundamental Wal's electronics are to the sound and identity of the instrument, this is one of its most important individual features.

Dynamic Fretless Response

The combination of fretless articulation and active electronics makes this bass particularly responsive to differences in touch.

Finger position, picking position and playing dynamics can all produce clearly audible changes in tone.

Studio Versatility

Wal basses have earned an exceptional reputation in studio environments because their strong midrange definition allows them to sit clearly in a mix.

The fretless configuration adds another layer of expressive control for session work.

8.94 lbs Actual Weight

This individual bass weighs 8.94 lbs.

That provides the reassuringly substantial feel of an early professional instrument without making it excessively heavy.

WHO IS IT FOR?

The 1981 Wal Mk-I Pro II Active Fretless is particularly well suited to serious Wal collectors, experienced fretless players, professional studio musicians and bassists working in progressive rock, fusion, jazz and experimental music.

It will also appeal to collectors of rare British-built instruments and musicians specifically looking for an early Wal that retains its original electronics.

PLAYING STYLES & APPLICATIONS

This Wal is particularly well suited to:

• Progressive rock

• Jazz

• Fusion

• Experimental music

• Art rock

• Studio recording

• Session work

• Melodic bass playing

• Fretless lead bass

• Ambient music

• Fingerstyle

• Expressive solo bass

The active electronics make it especially effective in situations where the bass needs to remain articulate within a complex arrangement.

HOW IT COMPARES

Early Wal vs Modern Wal

Modern Wal instruments continue the company's distinctive design philosophy, but an original early-1980s bass offers genuine period construction, naturally aged materials and original vintage electronics.

Fretless vs Fretted Wal

A fretted Wal provides precise fixed intonation and the characteristic attack of metal frets.

The fretless version sacrifices that fixed reference in exchange for fluid pitch control, expressive slides and a smoother attack.

Wal vs Conventional Active Bass

Many active basses simply add bass and treble EQ to conventional pickups.

Wal's approach was far more integrated, with proprietary pickups and electronics developed together as part of the instrument's overall design.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Specification	Details
Product Type	Vintage Fretless Electric Bass Guitar
Brand	Wal
Model	Mk-I Pro II Active
Year	1981
Country of Manufacture	United Kingdom
Strings	4
Fingerboard Type	Fretless
Pickup System	Wal-Designed
Electronics	Active
Electronics Originality	Original
Known Electronic Note	Switch Pops Slightly When Active Circuit is Engaged
Weight	8.94 lbs
Case	Original Hardcase Included
Condition	Very Good / Vintage Pre-Owned

POWER REQUIREMENTS

The Wal uses an onboard active electronic circuit and therefore requires battery power for active operation.

No external power supply is required.

FAIR DEAL MUSIC EXPERT VERDICT ★★★★★

Best suited for: Serious Wal collectors, professional fretless players and musicians looking for an exceptionally expressive vintage British bass with original electronics.

Customers usually upgrade from: Premium fretless basses, modern boutique instruments, Music Man, Fender and high-end active basses.

Most commonly paired with: High-headroom bass amplifiers, studio DI systems, compression and clean recording chains.

Our tip: An early Wal rewards subtle playing. Experiment with finger position and dynamics before making dramatic EQ changes—the combination of fretless construction and Wal electronics offers an enormous amount of tonal variation simply through technique.

Showroom feedback: Early fretless Wal basses are exceptionally difficult to encounter, and the retention of the original electronics makes this example particularly interesting. The slight active-switch pop is clearly worth noting, but it does not diminish the rarity or character of the instrument.

WHY BUY PRE-OWNED FROM FAIR DEAL MUSIC?

Buying a genuine 1981 Wal Mk-I Pro II Active Fretless is fundamentally different from purchasing a standard modern used bass.

This is an individual vintage British instrument from a manufacturer whose early production has become increasingly sought after by serious players and collectors.

This example retains its original electronics, weighs 8.94 lbs, remains in Very Good condition, and includes its original hardcase.

The slight switch pop when engaging the active circuit has been clearly disclosed as part of the condition.

Fair Deal Music has decades of experience buying, selling and part-exchanging rare, vintage and high-value bass guitars.

WHY BUY FROM FAIR DEAL MUSIC?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Fair Deal Music combines a large Birmingham showroom with nationwide ecommerce and knowledgeable musician-led advice.

Customers benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987

• Birmingham's largest independent music store

• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews

• Knowledgeable musician-led advice

• Extensive experience with vintage and high-value basses

• Experience with rare and specialist instruments

• Large Birmingham showroom

• Secure online ordering

• Fast UK delivery

• Friendly customer support

• Part-exchange and trade-in service

• Request a Video Demo option

TRADE IN. TRADE UP. SAVE MORE.

Your current bass, vintage instrument or collection could help towards the cost of this 1981 Wal.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges basses, guitars, amplifiers, effects, keyboards and a wide range of musical equipment.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation.

PART EXCHANGE / TRADE-IN

If you own a vintage, collectible or high-value bass you are considering replacing, Fair Deal Music can assess it for part exchange.

Trading in can remove many of the complications involved in privately selling a valuable instrument while allowing its value to go directly towards your next purchase.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this a genuine 1981 Wal bass?

Yes. This is a 1981 Wal Mk-I Pro II Active Fretless Electric Bass Guitar.

Is it fretless?

Yes. This is a genuine fretless bass.

How many strings does it have?

Four.

Is it active?

Yes. It has an onboard active electronic circuit.

Are the electronics original?

Yes. This bass retains its original electronics.

Why are the original electronics important?

Wal's proprietary electronic system is central to the characteristic sound of its instruments, making original electronics particularly desirable on an early example.

Is there anything to know about the electronics?

Yes. The switch produces a slight pop when engaging the active circuit.

Does the switch still engage the active circuit?

Yes. The known issue described is the slight audible pop when switching into the active circuit.

Has the switch issue been hidden?

No. It is clearly disclosed throughout the listing as part of the current condition.

What pickups does it use?

It uses Wal-designed pickups associated with the company's early active bass system.

What exact body wood does it have?

The exact body timber specification of this individual instrument has not been independently confirmed, so it has not been guessed.

What fingerboard wood does it have?

The exact fingerboard timber has not been confirmed for this individual bass, so no unsupported claim has been made.

How much does it weigh?

This individual bass weighs 8.94 lbs.

What condition is it in?

It is in Very Good condition for a vintage instrument dating from 1981.

Does it come with a case?

Yes. It includes its original hardcase.

Is the case definitely original?

Yes. The supplied case is described as the bass's original hardcase.

Does the active circuit require a battery?

Yes.

Does it need an external power supply?

No. Active electronics are powered internally.

Why are vintage Wal basses so desirable?

Wal basses are renowned for their proprietary pickups, sophisticated electronics, distinctive tonal character and relatively limited production.

Is a fretless early Wal rare?

Yes. An early active Wal is already highly specialised, and a fretless example is particularly unusual.

Is it suitable for progressive rock?

Yes. Wal basses have become strongly associated with articulate and complex progressive bass tones.

Is it good for jazz and fusion?

Yes. The clarity of the electronics and expressive fretless fingerboard make it particularly well suited to jazz and fusion.

Is it suitable for studio recording?

Very much so. Wal basses are especially valued for strong note definition and their ability to occupy a clear place in a mix.

Can I request a video demo?

Yes. A video demo is strongly recommended for an instrument of this rarity and will also allow you to hear the current electronics and the slight switch pop for yourself.

Can I arrange an in-person inspection?

Yes. A rare vintage Wal is especially well suited to an in-person inspection at Fair Deal Music's Birmingham showroom.

Can I part-exchange another bass against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers vintage, collectible and modern bass guitars for part exchange.