Any opinions on Dillion basses?

[shawshank72]

Specifically the spb.
Dillion SPB Electric Bass Guitar
I like that it looks different but no info on this model anywhere TB, Youtube, etc.

 

[PortlandBass77]

woah that looks cool, I can't find a place to purchase one though....

here's a review thread: A Brief Review of the Dillion DRG45 (Ric 4001 copy)

 

[GretschWretch]

I picked up a Dillion 335-004 used and liked it so much I sought out and got a second one. Superb fit and finish. Both mine arrived with a bit of backbow, which told me the previous owners did not know about set-up. If they had, they probably would have kept the instruments. Only knock is each bass has some wonkiness with one tone pot:
excessive buzz if its pickup is soloed, but use both pickups and the buzz disappears.

 

[shawshank72]

I know its not popular but was hoping for more.

 

[shawshank72]

Bump for a Sunday.

 

[Old Blastard]

I'd like to know too. Local store is a dealer. The ones I've played on the shelf seem fine

 

[shawshank72]

I'd like to know too. Local store is a dealer. The ones I've played on the shelf seem fine

Didn't by any chance pickup the model in my link did you?

 

[dragon2knight]

Can't say much about the basses, but their guitars are pretty good. I had a guitarist who played an SG copy and it shredded really well. He had nothing but good to say about it, and the fit and finish were above average for the price he paid. Hard to get, though, he found his on the bay after looking for awhile.

 

[Ken R]

I have had one for about 10 years. The Stingray copy. Fit and finish is flawless. Really top notch construction. I doesn't sound like a Stingray because it is passive, not active, but I like it. The body is 5 piece maple with an ash cap front and back. Really good work.
I'd buy another without thinking about it.

Ken R

 

[bassbenj]

I know its not popular but was hoping for more.

Not much more here from me either. I happen to own a Dillion guitar (not bass) As everyone says fit and finish are really great. My guitar is totally gorgeous tung-oiled hand-rubbed hardwood. Really looks like a million. Wasn't really that expensive either!

The problem is...well I don't know what the problem is. Something about the tone. I just never play that guitar. Something about it... and I don't know what... rubs me the wrong way. It's so beautiful I try really hard to love it, but I just don't. One day maybe I'll figure out what it is about it that I don't like.

 

[Mechayoshi]

I have had one for about 10 years. The Stingray copy. Fit and finish is flawless. Really top notch construction. I doesn't sound like a Stingray because it is passive, not active, but I like it. The body is 5 piece maple with an ash cap front and back. Really good work.
I'd buy another without thinking about it.

Ken R

I had an opportunity to try a five string version of one of those but I passed because at the time, I had no idea about the brand. I wish I had though.

 

[Thornton Davis]

FYI guys, there are (or were) 2 different Dillion Guitars companies up until a few years ago, Dillion USA and what was Dillion Canada now known as VSN Guitars. The original (US based) Dillion Guitars owned and run by John Dillion started producing guitars and basses about 20+ years ago. John's instruments are made in Korea, with the VMB-500 Stingray 5-string described above being one of them. When he decided to expand his distribution he negotiated an agreement with a chap in Toronto to be his dealer for Dillion guitars. The result, Dillion Guitars Canada. Over a period of time the two companies drifted apart and Dillion Canada decided to stop importing Dillion USA products and have their own guitars made instead. These instruments were branded "Dillion" even though they had nothing to do with the original Dillion USA products. Also of importance was the fact that these were not being manufactured in the same factory as Dillion USA instruments. Many of the (clone) designs were ones that Dillion USA chose not to copy.

Dillion USA continues to manufacture their instruments in Korea while VSN Guitars now offers numerous brands at different price points that are made in various countries around the world. I can't comment on the quality of VSN instruments because I've never happened upon any in person.

To the OP, be careful if you're considering a Dillion from VSN. Continue to do your homework like you're doing by creating threads like this one before committing to one. If you're considering a Dillion USA bass I'm sure you'll be happy with it. I've owned 2 of them in the past and was very pleased with them.

TD

 

[shawshank72]

FYI guys, there are (or were) 2 different Dillion Guitars companies up until a few years ago, Dillion USA and what was Dillion Canada now known as VSN Guitars. The original (US based) Dillion Guitars owned and run by John Dillion started producing guitars and basses about 20+ years ago. John's instruments are made in Korea, with the VMB-500 Stingray 5-string described above being one of them. When he decided to expand his distribution he negotiated an agreement with a chap in Toronto to be his dealer for Dillion guitars. The result, Dillion Guitars Canada. Over a period of time the two companies drifted apart and Dillion Canada decided to stop importing Dillion USA products and have their own guitars made instead. These instruments were branded "Dillion" even though they had nothing to do with the original Dillion USA products. Also of importance was the fact that these were not being manufactured in the same factory as Dillion USA instruments. Many of the (clone) designs were ones that Dillion USA chose not to copy.

Dillion USA continues to manufacture their instruments in Korea while VSN Guitars now offers numerous brands at different price points that are made in various countries around the world. I can't comment on the quality of VSN instruments because I've never happened upon any in person.

To the OP, be careful if you're considering a Dillion from VSN. Continue to do your homework like you're doing by creating threads like this one before committing to one. If you're considering a Dillion USA bass I'm sure you'll be happy with it. I've owned 2 of them in the past and was very pleased with them.

TD

This is whyi love this site.
Thank you sir.

 

[GretschWretch]

Visit Dillion USA's page and see how many of their products have been discontinued by request of the original manufacturers. That should give you some idea how good they are.

 

[jd56hawk]

Specifically the spb.
Dillion SPB Electric Bass Guitar
I like that it looks different but no info on this model anywhere TB, Youtube, etc.

At that price, it's worth a shot.
It has a classic look with just enough of a modern flair to make it stand out. Great color with a nice pearl pickguard...the shape fits the bass perfectly.
P and J pickups, too.
Who knows, next month they might be gone.

 

[shawshank72]

At that price, it's worth a shot.
It has a classic look with just enough of a modern flair to make it stand out. Great color with a nice pearl pickguard...the shape fits the bass perfectly.
P and J pickups, too.
Who knows, next month they might be gone.

Actually just pulled the trigger on it.
Found one on clearance at guitarshack for $140 CAD which was $100 cheaper than vsnguitars.
Should arrive later in the week..
I agree, for that amount i had to try it out.
It is an interesting design..

 

[jd56hawk]

Actually just pulled the trigger on it.
Found one on clearance at guitarshack for $140 CAD which was $100 cheaper than vsnguitars.
Should arrive later in the week..
I agree, for that amount i had to try it out.
It is an interesting design..

I was thinking about buying it last year after missing out on a Satin Pewter Metallic Squier Jazz bass simply because I liked the way it looked.
For the price you got it, it would even make a nice gift for someone just starting out.
Let us know how it plays and sounds!

 

[Old Blastard]

Didn't by any chance pickup the model in my link did you?

You know, I believe he has one of those in the bass room, but I haven't played anything for awhe. PM me what you want to know and I'll go check it out for you.

 

[VSN_Guitars]

FYI guys, there are (or were) 2 different Dillion Guitars companies up until a few years ago, Dillion USA and what was Dillion Canada now known as VSN Guitars. The original (US based) Dillion Guitars owned and run by John Dillion started producing guitars and basses about 20+ years ago. John's instruments are made in Korea, with the VMB-500 Stingray 5-string described above being one of them. When he decided to expand his distribution he negotiated an agreement with a chap in Toronto to be his dealer for Dillion guitars. The result, Dillion Guitars Canada. Over a period of time the two companies drifted apart and Dillion Canada decided to stop importing Dillion USA products and have their own guitars made instead. These instruments were branded "Dillion" even though they had nothing to do with the original Dillion USA products. Also of importance was the fact that these were not being manufactured in the same factory as Dillion USA instruments. Many of the (clone) designs were ones that Dillion USA chose not to copy.

Dillion USA continues to manufacture their instruments in Korea while VSN Guitars now offers numerous brands at different price points that are made in various countries around the world. I can't comment on the quality of VSN instruments because I've never happened upon any in person.

To the OP, be careful if you're considering a Dillion from VSN. Continue to do your homework like you're doing by creating threads like this one before committing to one. If you're considering a Dillion USA bass I'm sure you'll be happy with it. I've owned 2 of them in the past and was very pleased with them.

TD

Since our name is mentioned here, I feel compelled to answer it without breaking any TalkBass posting rules.

FYI, most of the stuff written in this post is more or less pure misinformation. Not sure if it is because of not knowing of facts or by malice (since some signs of malice are clearly visible in this post).

VSN guitars is an on line retailer of fine musical instruments.

We are not Dillion Canada, but just a retailer of their products. We also retail other products and brands. We are not Bacchus, Maruszczyk, Swing, or TUNE or.. .We are just authorized dealers and in some instance distributors for those brands .. Same with Dillion that was originally started many years ago by a distributor in Canada (Active Musical Products).

Also there is no John Dillion. The person with that name does not exist. There is a certain John (with a different last name), who was a former Dillion Canada US sales man that decided to do his own business under the same, already recognized, brand name. But I do not want to go more in to that story, because it was debated already many times in many other on line forums.

I think that warning and deterring members of this forum not to do business with a commercial and supporting member of this forum is a serious violation of this site, but I will leave it to the moderators to judge that.

 

[shawshank72]

Since our name is mentioned here, I feel compelled to answer it without breaking any TalkBass posting rules.

FYI, most of the stuff written in this post is more or less pure misinformation. Not sure if it is because of not knowing of facts or by malice (since some signs of malice are clearly visible in this post).

VSN guitars is an on line retailer of fine musical instruments.

We are not Dillion Canada, but just a retailer of their products. We also retail other products and brands. We are not Bacchus, Maruszczyk, Swing, or TUNE or.. .We are just authorized dealers and in some instance distributors for those brands .. Same with Dillion that was originally started many years ago by a distributor in Canada (Active Musical Products).

Also there is no John Dillion. The person with that name does not exist. There is a certain John (with a different last name), who was a former Dillion Canada US sales man that decided to do his own business under the same, already recognized, brand name. But I do not want to go more in to that story, because it was debated already many times in many other on line forums.

I think that warning and deterring members of this forum not to do business with a commercial and supporting member of this forum is a serious violation of this site, but I will leave it to the moderators to judge that.

Never said anything negative about your business.
Just someone had a cheaper price due to a clearance sale.
I've bbought a bass from your company as I started a thread about it on this site asking about you and was told to feel confident.
That's why I was going to buy a second bass from you.
And thank you for some clarification.