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Fanned Frets?? Dingwalls?

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by MartinB200, Nov 13, 2012.

  1. Nov 13, 2012 #1
    MartinB200

    MartinB200

    Oct 2, 2011
    Well...

    I'm really liking the look of the Dingwall basses. If you aren't too familiar with them then: http://www.dingwallguitars.com/basses/bass-specifications/

    The ABZ6 has caught my eye with it's loving price. Being an experienced 6 string player too. The Z2 would be ideal but I have nowhere near enough money.

    When I finally get a good pay in January I will be heading to a UK bass specialist to play some. The question I have here though is fanned frets? Really? Are they worth it?

    The Dingwall site claims that it makes the makes the B string sound tighter and better with the entire instrument (which from watching videos I have to agree, those B strings are flawless). They also claim the attack is even due to the scale: and other players claim the internation is better but I don't see why it would be.

    So....does anybody have any experience? Is it worth the £1950 or would I be better off just going for another brand like Warwick?

    Cheers :hyper:
    - Martin
     
  2. Nov 13, 2012 #2
    austentaciousC

    austentaciousC Guest

    Mar 17, 2010
    They are totally worth it, they sound great and you adapt very quickly to playing them.

    Of course, getting a Warwick is always a good idea to me so dont want to convince you otherwise, but the only problem i had with fanned frets was going between basses that didnt have fanned frets. If i was reading something my left hand would have to adjust and take time, but it really wasnt too much different than going from 35 to 34 scale length.
     
  3. Nov 13, 2012 #3
    DeltaPhoenix

    DeltaPhoenix Supporting Member

    Apr 6, 2011
    Gainesville,FL
    I have found all of this to be true. Think of it like a piano, each string is a proportionately smaller (3/4"). It does keep the tension pretty darn even on the strings. More tension on the B does seem to give it more Punch and Focus. Because of different string lengths, the frets have to be fanned.
    It takes very little time to get used to fanned frets. They feel very natural to me. Also there is some ergonomical benefit to the fanned frets too I believe (just a nice byproduct).
    The Dingwall tone is very clean and precise. I love mine and it's all I ever play anymore.
     
  4. Nov 13, 2012 #4
    KingRazor

    KingRazor

    Jun 4, 2010
    Beaverton, Oregon USA
    I'd already own at least one if I could afford it. Sheldon just seems to have done everything right with his basses.

    I'd like to pick up an ABZ5 when I have the cash but I'm tempted to just pickup a Combustion because I'm a little impatient.
     
  5. Nov 13, 2012 #5
    MartinB200

    MartinB200

    Oct 2, 2011
    I can imagine adjusting to it may be difficult, or coming out from it. I do tend to adapt to things quickly so...fingers crossed!!

    Thanks for your response Delta, well informative! I did think of a piano straight away! It makes you understand why to have them - I was just wondering if it'll live up to what dingwall say about them.

    Same Razor...want the Z but my patience is driving me into the ground haha
     
  6. Nov 13, 2012 #6
    dukeisdog

    dukeisdog

    Aug 2, 2005
    Victoria, British Columbia
    After wanting to exclusively play Spector basses, I traded my MM stingray 5 for a Dingwall Combustion 5 String and although it's their cheapest model, I'm very happy with it. My Spector Euro 5LX has hardly gotten any playing time since I picked this thing up and it's a very interesting bass to say the least.

    I haven't had any problems with the fanned frets and haven't had much for major wrist issues other then a little soreness (could be due to the neck difference between my Spector)

    Overall, I'd say check them out. I'm very happy one came up locally cause I can't say that I would've picked one up for the cash they go for sight unseen, but they're worth it.

    It's got a mean tone to it. Not quite like the Spector, but it's one tone...
    And I like it.. :bassist:
     
  7. Nov 13, 2012 #7
    joebar

    joebar

    Jan 10, 2010
    i have two DW`s and previously owned an AB1 6er (basically the same as an ABZ)
    the two other dingwalls are fivers and they are absolute keepers. the fivers feel like four`s
    because of my playing style (lots of chordal work) the 6er was a little too much with the fanned frets;the design didn`t lend itself to chording once you get higher up the neck IMO. otherwise it was a joy
    i have resigned myself to playing a parallel 6er which isn`t a bad thing at all; just different.

    these basses are very easy to adapt to; the fanning is very ergonomic and very sensible in its`execution.
    sheldon knows what he is doing-these are amongst the very best built basses.

    he is also on the front line in passive PU technology.
    they are incredible to say the least.
    IMO dingwalls are visual bass porn; beautiful design and lines.
    but it wouldn`t mean a hill of beans if the fanned frets didn`t actually work. it is NOT a gimmick.
     
  8. Nov 14, 2012 #8
    Blues Cat

    Blues Cat Payson Fanned Bass Strings Owner Inactive Commercial User

    May 28, 2005
    Katy, Tx
    Payson Fanned Bass Strings Owner
    Yes Dingwall is worth it. I purchased 2 ABII5's new sight unseen.