How hard to switch between normal & fanned frets?

JustDavid · #1 06-10-2011, 05:44 PM

Considering adding a Dingwall to the herd. Strongly considering.

Any experiences regarding switching between normal & fanned fret basses once one is up-to-speed on the fanned frets?

Thanks,
David

DattaGroover · #2 06-12-2011, 01:05 PM

Ditto that- I am in the same situation and want to know as well.

ac3320 · #3 06-12-2011, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustDavid

Considering adding a Dingwall to the herd. Strongly considering.

Any experiences regarding switching between normal & fanned fret basses once one is up-to-speed on the fanned frets?

Thanks,
David

Quote:

Originally Posted by DattaGroover

Ditto that- I am in the same situation and want to know as well.

I don't find it hard to switch back and forth. I also have an SJ4 for sale that's minty fresh!

rollerberg2000 · #4 06-12-2011, 05:02 PM

Nope not hard at all. The misconception about fanned frets is that there is an adjustment period at all. IME there was none unless you go above the 12th fret.

DattaGroover · #5 06-12-2011, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rollerberg2000

Nope not hard at all. The misconception about fanned frets is that there is an adjustment period at all.

Thanks, but my question was really about adjustment in going back & forth between fanned & not-fanned. Do I understand you to say that's not an issue?

HeadyVan Halen · #6 06-12-2011, 05:24 PM

What do 'fanned' frets do? Seriously, besides have lame bass players talk to you during breaks?

ac3320 · #7 06-12-2011, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeadyVan Halen

What do 'fanned' frets do? Seriously, besides have lame bass players talk to you during breaks?

Fanned frets accomodate varying scale lengths whilst maintaining the traditional tuning. If you had variable scale lengths but did not slant the frets accordingly, there would be no advantage to making the scale lengths any different. Think of the slanted frets as the result of employing a multi-scale length system.

evilgus · #8 06-12-2011, 07:25 PM

I've never found switching between normal and fanned fret basses to be difficult at all. I'll usually just keep an eye on the fretboard for the first minute, after switching, especially if I do any octave-slides up the neck. The same would apply if you switched between a 34" scale and 35" scale bass, so it's more about the scale change and your memory of how long the neck is, not the fret angles.

Cheers,

EG

theshro · #9 06-12-2011, 07:30 PM

I just bought a Dingwall 5 string Combustion and don't have any trouble going back and forth. Like a previous post, I just watch my playing for a few minutes and I'm fine. FYI - Love my Dingwall.

DWBass · #10 06-12-2011, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rollerberg2000

IME there was none unless you go above the 12th fret.

I agree! Also, if you like to play chords, I personally don't think this is the bass for that!

DattaGroover · #11 06-12-2011, 09:38 PM

Thanks for the responses. That pretty much answers my first question.

Here's another one:
I know I want an ABII, but have to save a while to come up with what I need ($4000). If I started with a Combustion, I'm thinking I could get used to the feel of the fret system, and then turn it in (whether dealer trade, eBay, Craig's list) when I can afford the ABII.

Does that sound like a good plan? Are Dingwalls easy to turn over on the used market (without too much loss)? What do you think?

JustDavid · #12 06-13-2011, 03:38 PM

Datta, sounds like we shouldn't be overly worried about back'n'forthing.

Good luck with your hunt! I got me a line on a sweet used ABII 5. Not sure when the deal will go down, but I'll let you know my experience.

DattaGroover · #13 06-13-2011, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustDavid

Datta, sounds like we shouldn't be overly worried about back'n'forthing.

Good luck with your hunt! I got me a line on a sweet used ABII 5. Not sure when the deal will go down, but I'll let you know my experience.

I don't think it will be a problem, but just wanted to check with people who know more.

Good for you for finding a used ABII. Those are almost non-existent from what I've seen.

evilgus · #14 06-13-2011, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DattaGroover

Good for you for finding a used ABII. Those are almost non-existent from what I've seen.

I think you're right, I haven't seen many used Dingwalls around lately, but they still pop up if you know where to look. (The Dingwall forum, for example.) In fact, my ABII5 X-Top has been up for sale there for ages, but it's located in Sydney, Australia, so most people are scared away by the international freight cost.

Cheers,

EG

DattaGroover · #15 07-18-2011, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evilgus

In fact, my ABII5 X-Top has been up for sale there for ages, but it's located in Sydney, Australia, so most people are scared away by the international freight cost.

Cheers,

EG

What are you asking, apart from the shipping?

grendle · #16 07-18-2011, 04:29 PM

It's a little funky with a novax board, but the look cool as hell and sound great in the lower register.imo

evilgus · #17 07-19-2011, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DattaGroover

What are you asking, apart from the shipping?

Am asking AU$3200, plus shipping.

Cheers,

EG

DattaGroover · #18 07-19-2011, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evilgus

Am asking AU$3200, plus shipping.

Cheers,

EG

Thanks.