Dingwall: More than Metal

[Dr. Cheese]

Even after watching some, but not all of this video, I still feel the same way about Dingwall basses. Meh. They sound great. I just don’t see me ever playing one.

That’s cool, you probably have bass that works good for you. I am fascinated by Dingwall, but given my budget constraints, I don’t know if I could justify buying one because my 35” basses have B strings that I think compare favorably to 37”-34” multi-scale basses. One day, I might get a Dingwall or maybe the LTD multi-scale or Spector Dimension.

 

[Father Gino]

I’m awaiting delivery of a DRoc 5 today. My last attempt at bonding with a 5 string. I’ve noodled on some Dingwalls @ John Fox Bass in NH (thanks John!) I was most impressed with the clarity of the lower notes compared to other 5 strings and the fannned frets did not seem particularly alien. I don’t intend to come anywhere near Metal music.
I think all of this pigeon holing basses for being unable to play different genres is nonsense. Can’t play blues with a Stingray, one trick pony… nonsense. There are so many variables to get a sound. In the end, in a band context, all electric basses sound more similar than unique.

 

[rashrader]

That’s cool, you probably have bass that works good for you. I am fascinated by Dingwall, but given my budget constraints, I don’t know if I could justify buying one because my 35” basses have B strings that I think compare favorably to 37”-34” multi-scale basses. One day, I might get a Dingwall or maybe the LTD multi-scale or Spector Dimension.

Doc, buddy…. Of course I’d always like to get a better bass, but I’m sinking all of my gear funding into Eurorack Modules these days.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Doc, buddy…. Of course I’d always like to get a better bass, but I’m sinking all of my gear funding into Eurorack Modules these days.

Cool!

 

[MultiScaleMale]

I really like the three pickup config. Also considering doing the Lobster mod on my Dingwall because I'm not really in love with the Darkglass preamp.

 

[Altitude]

I’ve been around here a while and I remember a point when Dingwall basses weren’t automatically associated with metal or with any style. That seemed to happen in the last 8-10 years maybe. I assume there is some high profile player in metal who uses them and created the association.

They seem like nice instruments, not sure why anyone would need to limit how they’re used.

 

[mmbongo]

First time I ever saw a Dingwall was Lee Sklar playing with Toto. Doesn't get much more metal than that.

 

[BassIan]

I concur! I use my small army of Dingwall basses for a lot of different genres. They’re objectively great and versatile instruments. They also happen to be excellent for down tuned rock and metal!

As an example, awhile back I did a quick bass cover of Michael McDonald’s I Keep Forgettin’ with my ABZ 4 string.

 

[groovaholic]

Ironically, when I got my first Dingwall (in 2003) I was playing metal.
At that time, Dingwall's weren't well-known, but those who did know about them certainly didn't pigeonhole them into one genre.

Since 2008, I've been using my Dingwall for everything...but very little metal.

 

[Thumpin6string]

Funny, I would have never even thought of a Dingwall being used for metal. They seem like more of a progressive rock or fusion bass to me. IMHO, they are in the same league as a Roscoe, Smith, FBass, etc.

 

[groovaholic]

I really like the three pickup config. Also considering doing the Lobster mod on my Dingwall because I'm not really in love with the Darkglass preamp.

I'm with you; I had a Darkglass pre in my Z3, but felt like it was coloring the tone too much.
I swapped it out for a Nordstrand pre and have been very happy with it - and I leave it flat 75% of the time

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Seems like 90% of the YouTube videos are through a Darkglass pedal, thus, Dingwall is for metal

 

[J_Bass]

I am of the opinion that any bass can play any style.

I don't see why and how such limitations should exist.

The right choice of strings and playing style is all that is needed to make an instrument versatile.

If it has a pre-amp, it's even easier.

 

[gustobassman]

I use my Dingwall AB2 with flatwounds for Lovers Rock Reggae. As far as you can get from Metal. I've also used an NG3 with rounds for reggae.

The key to the NG3 was my passive tone mod. I came up with a simple, drop-in stacked 500k/500k vol/passive tone that IMO makes the Darkglass pre a little more flexible. I sourced matching smoked chrome knobs as well. Anyone interested, hit me up.. I made quite a few of them.

 

[Element Zero]

Seems like 90% of the YouTube videos are through a Darkglass pedal, thus, Dingwall is for metal

I’m beyond tired of that sound permeating metal. I get the Darkglass sound just seems to work for a lot of people, but it’s gotten old and annoying.

 

[DDXdesign]

This is a great video of different Dingwalls played with clean tones.

Thanks Doc! I was behind the scenes when we were shooting the Ashley Reeve segments and fell in love with her D-Roc. I've been primarily a short-scale dude for a couple years, but the D-Roc captivated me and now after some horse-trading I own the charcoal grey one you see in some of our videos. Might be my favorite bass even though the longer-scale side is a tough stretch sometimes. (EDIT, I did have a Dingwall 5 almost 20 years ago, but I don't get on with 5s much)

 

[etoncrow]

Lee Sklar has a Signature Dingwall model. What does that tell you?

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Thanks Doc! I was behind the scenes when we were shooting the Ashley Reeve segments and fell in love with her D-Roc. I've been primarily a short-scale dude for a couple years, but the D-Roc captivated me and now after some horse-trading I own the charcoal grey one you see in some of our videos. Might be my favorite bass even though the longer-scale side is a tough stretch sometimes. (EDIT, I did have a Dingwall 5 almost 20 years ago, but I don't get on with 5s much)

You guys did a great job and congrats on your D-Roc!

 

[S-Bigbottom]

My Ding Ding does Reggae, 40's-80's Country thump, Soul, and some Funk then Church music on Sunday.
Never had a distorted tone or been played with a pick.

 

[newwavefrank]

I picked up a 5 string NG2 last year and LOVED it. Except for the pre amp, so I replaced it with an Aquilar. Now I really love it. Anyone need a darkglass pre?