Les Claypool’s Wally-Nut #1: Exotic Woods, 29 Frets, and a Bass Road-Tested with Primus
Les Claypool has always played cool basses, and this week we’re checking out one of his personal four-stringers. The Pachyderm Instruments Wally-Nut #1 is the 18th bass from the company’s Imperial line and was completed in 2023. Claypool subsequently played it on stage with Primus during the 2024 Sessanta tour.
“‘Wally-Nut #1’ gets its name because of the bookmatched Claro Walnut top of the body and bookmatched Flamed Big Leaf Maple on the back, creating a striking contrast in both appearance and resonance,” Pachyderm explains. “The neck is carved from Flamed Hard Rock Maple and reinforced with carbon fiber and a dual-action truss rod, ensuring exceptional stability and performance. Black Maple veneers provide elegant lamination accents between the body and neck.”
Pachyderm used also used Claro Walnut laminations for a matching headstock while utilizing West African Ebony for the fingerboard and knobs. The bass features an incredible 29 frets, allowing it to reach some remarkably high notes. Along the side of the neck are tactile LED side dot position markers for finding your place in any lighting condition. The pickguard, truss rod cover, and battery cover are made from Bocote, a tree native to Central and South America.
The Wally-Nut #1 is fitted with Claypool’s signature “Pachyderm Gold” EMG pickups. Its control set includes a volume knob, an LED dimmer, and a momentary button “for expressive versatility,” the company states. Other features include Sperzel locking tuners, a Kahler 2400 Series tremolo bridge, EVO Gold jumbo fretwire, and Schaller S-locks.
Pachyderm recently shared the bass because Claypool has decided to sell it. You can contact them to schedule a private viewing.
Pachyderm Instruments Wally-Nut #1 Specs:
| Construction: | Set Neck |
| Body: | Bookmatched Flamed Big Leafe Maple |
| Top: | Bookmatched Claro Walnut |
| Neck: | Flamed Rock Maple with Carbon Fiber Reinforcement |
| Fingerboard: | Bocote |
| Frets: | 29 EVO Gold |
| Inlays: | LED Side Markers |
| Pickups: | EMG Pachyderm Gold |
| Electronics: | Passive |
| Bridge: | Kahler 2400 Series Professional Tremolo |
| Tuners: | Sperzel Locking |
| Finish: | Satin Polyurethane Oil |
| Other: | Bocote Pickguard, Schaller S-Locks, LED Dimmer, Momentary Button, Les Claypool's Personal Bass |
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
You forgot to mention Carel Thomson
Well if Scott Spray handles that bass for a play ioc Talkin Baseball than I know it’s worthy… Sorry Les, it’s Scott Spray by a nose….But that’s a pat on the back my friend….