Lakland 55-02 or Dingwall combustion
 

I'm looking for a 5 string bass.
I play in a metal band Using VT bass and B3k.
I need a solid B , a strong and comfortable neck.
Which do you recommend?

Any suggestion?

What's your price range? I'd be looking at 35 inch scales for that nice tight B string. You should be able to find a Spector for around the same price as the Lakland and those are pretty much the epitome of rock/metal basses, same deal goes for Warwick.

I own a 55-02 and it's B string is unreal. Not only that, but it has a really amazing electronics package in it too. The neck is very comfortable even with my smaller hands. An amazing 5 string.

That said, I'm also a huge Spector fan, I own 2 4 strings, and I'm starting to get some gas pains for a Spector Rebop 5.

Nothing in 35" will touch a 37" Dingwall B string for clarity and no parallel fretted bass will have as even string to string tension IME. That's a matter of physics. Whether you want to play the longer scale or fanned frets is a matter of personal preference.

Both are excellent choices but the 55-02 is the "safer" option in terms of playability and tonal variations (gotta love that 3 way switch!). Don't get me wrong...I use a Dingwall AB-1 but wouldn't mind having another Lakland.

Riis

The fanned frets on the Dingwall are remarkably easy to get used to. It took me all of 5 minutes to get comfortable. Still prefered my 55-02 though.

To each his own.

Dingwall

Owned both. Still own the 55-02.

55-02 all the way.

I have to vote 55-02. Lakland has a wonderfully balanced body design, and you don't even realize you're playing a 35" scale bass. It feels no different from a 34".

One major difference that is being overlooked is string spacing. Lakland uses normal 19mm spacing while Dingwall uses narrow spacing. I can't stand narrow spacing!

Combustion is 19mm too. I had 3 Dingwalls ans love all in fanned frets. To me come back to non fanned is too hard.
To be honest to me no way back.
But Lakland are too nice and make me smile when I tested one 55-01.

Actually the Combustion is 18mm. Constantly getting compliments on my Combustion > VT Deluxe > Yorkville XS400 Combo (practice room) or into my ShuttleMax 12.0 with Peavey 410TX.