5 String suggestions ($3-4k)

[popinfresh]

I own many high end basses (I state that for having an informed opinion) and though I love the Dingwall looks, I understand that taste over looks is totally SUBJECTIVE.

I am not Sheldon Dingwall but AFAIK, the AB I and AB II lines are Custom basses made in the same workshop as the higher models by the same strict criteria as the higher end models (owning 2 AB I's and 2 AB II's allows me to have informed opinion over the issue).

The difference lies with fewer features (no graphite bars in the neck, fewer curves on the body and some other different and/or simpler design features to cut cost). By no means they are the "Rondo" version of Dingwall basses (no offense here). The wood choices for the AB lines is by no means degrading to the quality of these instruments (looks and sound support that); and the headstock design may not be as complicated as in the higher models yet it is no run of the mill slab approach.

Value-for-money for such an instrument is great IMO and IME

And if you check the price of the Z1, Z2, Z3, Prima Artist and Super J4 and J5 basses, you will realize that the lower price of the AB lines reflects that. If you still think it is out of your budget, a little patience will reward you with the new budget line that Dingwall is finalizing (there is a relevant thread)

I apologize if I sound a bit harsh, but IMO the statements were a little degrading for such fine instruments, as well as uninformed (as to the related procedures and relevant costs)

No no, no offense taken at all. Your Dingwall in your avatar actually looks VERY nice to me. It's just my first, and lasting impression of, especially, the afterburner series. I must have seen them for the first time quite a few years ago now and thought the same then. It's not the quality of anything i'm sure, I just think for some reason they don't look like high end basses? I haven't seen them in person to comment on that, but if I look at other basses in that price range, they tend to 'look' more high end. Hard to explain.

That aside though, I'm still all for trying the basses, especially after all the rave reviews they have gotten. It's just going to be a matter of right place at right time as I won't be able to afford new that's for sure. I'm sure if I was to not like them I could re-sell it fairly even over here anyway

 

[popinfresh]

Not offended here. But you must understand that maple is a cheap wood, and just so happens to be one of the best, most often used woods in luthiery. I've owned many exotic wood basses, and the sound? Not as good as maple honestly IMO, for rock anyways. The headstock design you speak of is the brilliant recessed tuner design... the tuners are countersunk to give the proper string angle over the nut. Smart, functional, and saves the buyer a few bucks via cheaper construction costs, not thousands but a few. Also, all my current more expensive basses (Lakland, Dingwall, Rick, Fender, some vintage) have maple necks, not a coincidence.

Yep, all good. That was just my first impressions of them (had that impression for a while). As you might know, it's sometimes hard to shrug those first impressions for whatever reason. I have no doubt they sound excellent and are constructed to the highest degree, especially after reading more and more reviews now.

 

[fullrangebass]

Yep, all good. That was just my first impressions of them (had that impression for a while). As you might know, it's sometimes hard to shrug those first impressions for whatever reason.

I understand what you are saying. It's just that this AB I (one of my AB Is) does ooze quality and looks

 

[BurningSkies]

Part of the problem is that you're reading old spec copy.

The Afterburner 1 now has an alder body and a 5 piece maple neck.

-The pickups are hand made in the Dingwall shop.

-The tuners are custom designed.

-The Bridge while made by Hipshot, is a custom design.

-The knobs are also custom made in shop.

-The electronics are well thought out, and feature high end components, some of which are custom.

There's nothing cheap about the Afterburner.

 

[JEDI BASS]

Part of the problem is that you're reading old spec copy.

The Afterburner 1 now has an alder body and a 5 piece maple neck.

-The pickups are hand made in the Dingwall shop.

-The tuners are custom designed.

-The Bridge while made by Hipshot, is a custom design.

-The knobs are also custom made in shop.

-The electronics are well thought out, and feature high end components, some of which are custom.

There's nothing cheap about the Afterburner.

TRUE, Sheldon has commented about the VERY outdated info on the website. He says they're too busy building basses to worry much about revamping the site. They can't make basses fast enough, so I guess there really is no point, HAHA.

 

[JEDI BASS]

I understand what you are saying. It's just that this AB I (one of my AB Is) does ooze quality and looks

That looks exactly like my 5er, even the swirl in the back wood is the same. EDIT: except for the autograph and numbering.