Gonzo's Review:

It all started when I got my first REAL bass back in '86; a beautiful new  Steinberger XP-2.

I remember when the original L Series Steinbergers came out in the early 80's, and although I absolutely LOVED the action, the balance and the  revolutionary tuning devise, their rather boxy looks and their, shall we
say... "distinct" sound kept me away.  Every chance I would get though, I  found myself drawn to the local music store to play one. There was just something about the ease of playing one, like gravity had temporarily been decreased for bass players. They were growing on me, but as fate would have it, there was just no way my "high school kid" budget could afford one.

Then the short lived P Series Steinbergers hit the market, and although their "Mini V" shape was still less than traditional, the warm sound of wood which had been missing for me was now definitely there, and since I was now working at that local music store and on a "college kid" budget, I could no longer resist the attraction.

I had my first REAL bass.

Eventually the M Series Steinbergers would provide a version somewhat close to the shape I had envisioned, but alas... over time my dreams of owning a traditional shaped wood body Steinberger would be replaced by other priorities in life and these dreams were destined to be relegated to my "long term goal" list and left there, nearly forgotten.

However, even after 17 years, raising my family, different jobs, moving around, buying and selling other basses and countless gigs all over the world, my love affair with my Steinberger XP-2 has never waned, and one night while perusing the Steinberger discussion board what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a picture of Wes Watson's Wilkat. There was a lovely
reminder of my dream bass from long ago. After assessing my life situation, I realized it was time for me to get to that "long term goal" list of mine and
what a better place to start?

My first contact with Mr. Wilkat was a formal e-mail to propose a business arrangement, but in no time at all I was calling him Bill and e-mailing photos of the kids. Suffice to say that this man has a personal approach to
doing business which I found very refreshing indeed. His initial inquiries into my playing style and desired tone before lifting a tool, or even a pen for that matter, made it apparent that I was not going to be buying some "off the shelf" bass body, but one that was being designed and made specially for me from the ground up!

This was going to be more fun that I thought...

Through our correspondences Bill generously shared his vast knowledge of wood with me and the inherent tone of each to help me select the right combinations which would achieve the sound I had in my head. Then came the e-mails with photos of these woods attached. I was not only given the opportunity to select the wood varieties for my Wilkat, but I was to be given the opportunity to select the actually boards which were going to be used! Amazing. This was the first of many times that I felt as though I were right there in the shop with Bill with the smell of sawdust and glue all around me.

Drawings were made and remade, changes were done without complaint, but instead with kind and patient advice. Bill was never condescending or stingy with his information. Near daily photo updates made sure that Bill's e-mails were opened first here, making every day suddenly seem like Christmas. Impressive details like dowels between the glued body parts to provide added
stability, delicate shims to conform to the precise shape of the neck I supplied, and the wood cover for the control cavity demonstrated the attention of a true craftsman.

This bass was being created by someone who cared as much about the end product as I did.

By the time I received the photos of the hand rubbed finish and the complete copper shielding I sadly began to realize that this project was wrapping up. The feeling was bittersweet. Don't get me wrong, I was very much looking forward to finally holding the bass I had dreamed of owning nearly 20 years ago, but the joy of working with Bill was going to be greatly missed.

Although, you know... I always wanted an Explorer shaped body too.

Aloha for now-
D. G. (Gonzo) Grogg
http://www.GonzoBass.com

Bill's Comments:

I'm always excited about building a new bass or guitar, and I am particularly pleased that I worked on this project with Gonzo. If you have not heard of him yet, I'm certain you will in the future, and I encourage every one to order a copy of Gonzo's CD -- he's a "whiz" on the bass and has an amazing set of chops! Couple that with a classy guy who is a true gentleman in every sense of the word, and you have a winner no matter what instrument he decides to use!!!

That being said, I'm extremely proud to have been chosen by Gonzo to work on his project and even more pleased to know that his new bass will be used to perform with on a regular basis, as well as perhaps help to inspire some new master pieces! Thanks for letting me be a part of your dream, and for sharing your music. I'm also happy to say that while these projects start off as small business projects (yep! I have bills to pay as well!), they become much more than that, and new friendships are also made along the way.

NOTE: Steinberger is a registered trademarks of Gibson Musical Instruments and in no way affiliated with Wilkat Guitars.