Dingwall Owners Club

[Bassheart365]

Yeh, 33%

Right - kinda like a Super, but with 33% less rake, which allows it to have 24 frets. Darkglass Tone Capsule and Aguilar soapbars. It sounds pretty cool. 20" fingerboard radius - good for slapping.

I couldn't find a price. Any idea?

 

[tombowlus]

I, too, have both a Reeves 225 and an M-B Strategy. I completely agree with Tom’s comparison. The Reeves and the Strategy are really 2 very different beasts, although they both sound amazing. The Reeves, to me, is cleaner, less compressed and has the deepest and cleanest low end that I’ve ever heard. The Strategy is perhaps more forward and mid focused, but its EQ is sophisticated enough that whatever inherent tonality is baked into the amp can easily be tweaked away. To me, though, the Strategy doesn’t quite clean up like the Reeves does - there is always a bit of “fur”in the tone.

These are both great amps - 2 of the very best tube amps ever made. But they are different enough that many will prefer one over the other. FWIW, I personally prefer the sound of the Reeves when paired with my more “hi-fi” basses, like my Alembics, MTDs or Spectors. I like the Strategy when paired with basses that have a more idiosyncratic character, like my Foderas, Nordys or Gibson Thunderbirds. YMMV, for sure!

Yea! I am not alone!

 

[Bassheart365]

Another company goes fanned fret - this time a 35.5" to 34" 5 string

Invalid Link Removed

 

[packrat]

I expect a number of companies to try the fanned fret thing. I tried out the 805ish FF ibanez at one point and found it a deeply uninspiring instrument. If your benchmark is a Dingwall bass vs something mass produced and you stumble across a more generic thing with fanned frets, you probably aren't going to find it a revelation.

B>

 

[AmazingMumford]

I, too, have both a Reeves 225 and an M-B Strategy.

Tying this back to the "do you buy off-the-rack or boutique/custom" sub-thread, I have to confess that I haven't ever even played a bass tube amp (guitar amp, yes), but I have wondered if a lower-entry-point version might be a good way to test the potential. I've been very happy with my long line of solid state amps (OK, not the 1985 Roland BN-60) and my current tube preamp (Monique), but there's always that "the notes are bluer on the other side of the power stage" line of thinking that has tempted me to check out the KT-88/6L6 waters ever since I started.

NOTE: Should this be too off-topic, I can take it to Amps and Cabs...where it will likely descend into a solid-state/tube flame war without Dingwall context. I know all o' youse is better than that, so I started here, but just let me know.

So, O Great Experts Not Necessarily Named Tom, as a Z2/Super J/Tony Franklin Fretless/Bergantino 2xNV115 owner with a regularly practicing but infrequently gigging band of friends who play loud rock for audiences of about 150, would you (it's an entirely subjective, personal matter) (1) stay a course of over 30 years because "I'm happy--if ignorant--and it's just not worth it at my age," (2) ease in with a modest OTR version (e.g., Bassman 100T) for practice/recording/small gigs, or (3) feel it necessary to jump in the deep end (Reeves or other) because "anything less is a pointless compromise"? A long-term, live-fire trial would be necessary, and no one's loaning their expensive amp for that.

Equipment would need to be sacrificed for any addition as I'm a husband of my word, and I'm not keen on a $2,700 depreciated gear bloodbath absent @spiritbass giving the inside scoop that boutique tubes are indeed a slice of Heaven (or wherever it is that Bon Scott went). The B|Amp and GB SM9.2 backup stay as Class D counterpoints, as does Monique.

 

[whirledpeas]

35" to 33" inch scale difference between B and G. Interesting choice. Definitely not competing with a long scale Dingwall. More akin to the Super series, but the scale difference is 2 inches total vs. 3 on the Super.

I do really like the 32" G string on the Supers.

 

[Musicman1901]

Tying this back to the "do you buy off-the-rack or boutique/custom" sub-thread, I have to confess that I haven't ever even played a bass tube amp (guitar amp, yes), but I have wondered if a lower-entry-point version might be a good way to test the potential. I've been very happy with my long line of solid state amps (OK, not the 1985 Roland BN-60) and my current tube preamp (Monique), but there's always that "the notes are bluer on the other side of the power stage" line of thinking that has tempted me to check out the KT-88/6L6 waters ever since I started.

NOTE: Should this be too off-topic, I can take it to Amps and Cabs...where it will likely descend into a solid-state/tube flame war without Dingwall context. I know all o' youse is better than that, so I started here, but just let me know.

So, O Great Experts Not Necessarily Named Tom, as a Z2/Super J/Tony Franklin Fretless/Bergantino 2xNV115 owner with a regularly practicing but infrequently gigging band of friends who play loud rock for audiences of about 150, would you (it's an entirely subjective, personal matter) (1) stay a course of over 30 years because "I'm happy--if ignorant--and it's just not worth it at my age," (2) ease in with a modest OTR version (e.g., Bassman 100T) for practice/recording/small gigs, or (3) feel it necessary to jump in the deep end (Reeves or other) because "anything less is a pointless compromise"? A long-term, live-fire trial would be necessary, and no one's loaning their expensive amp for that.

Equipment would need to be sacrificed for any addition as I'm a husband of my word, and I'm not keen on a $2,700 depreciated gear bloodbath absent @spiritbass giving the inside scoop that boutique tubes are indeed a slice of Heaven (or wherever it is that Bon Scott went). The B|Amp and GB SM9.2 backup stay as Class D counterpoints, as does Monique.

I think tube vs solid state is such a personal thing. If you’ve truly been happy with solid state then why switch? Curiosity? I have tried all forms of amps and I like hybrid amps the best. Tube preamp section. I have played all tube amps and I didn’t dig them. I felt like the attack wasn’t “fast enough” at times. I suppose this is very dependent on the style of music you play. Solid state amps have that fast attack but can also be a touch cold and harsh at times. I found my balance in the Mesa m-pulse 600. Fat and pillowy tube sound with the crunchy gain to go with it, but also has fast and punchy attack at the same time. I’ve tried WAY higher quality amps and settled on the M-pulse. Been rocking it for 6 years now and no desire to change.

 

[xnewyorka]

I do really like the 32" G string on the Supers.

@whirledpeas, Can you elaborate? What is you like about 32" better than 34" or even 33"?
I have not experienced 32" yet, so inquiring minds want to know.

 

[whirledpeas]

Can you elaborate? What is you like about 32" better than 34" or even 33"?
I have not experienced it yet, so inquiring minds want to know.

A couple things I guess. To me it has a fatter/rounder tonal quality to it. Less "pingy" than a G string on 34 or 35" scale basses.

I also love the ergonomics. They just work for me. After lots of experimenting on 30 to 35" scale basses, I tend to be most comfortable around 32" on a mono-scale instrument. However, I have yet to find a design that fits my hands better than a DW Super Series 5 string. I find they play with the ease (actually easier) than a medium scale bass, but you get all the fanned fret benefits ... including a killer 35" low B!

 

[EMoneySC2]

I'm a metal player (at least right now), with one Dingwall in F#...instead of some folks here who love the medium scale Super series, I'm often wondering if Dingwall will ever make a SUPER LONG scale bass, something freaky like a 40"-37" 5 string that's really purpise built for F#!

Don't get me wrong, 37" F# is pretty sweet, I just can't help but think what an even longer scale could do for it. At least in my world, 8 string guitars aren't uncommon, and those darn guitar players want to be in E! I put my foot down with my current guitarists - F# will be as low as I go for now.

 

[pbass6811]

Tying this back to the "do you buy off-the-rack or boutique/custom" sub-thread, I have to confess that I haven't ever even played a bass tube amp (guitar amp, yes), but I have wondered if a lower-entry-point version might be a good way to test the potential. I've been very happy with my long line of solid state amps (OK, not the 1985 Roland BN-60) and my current tube preamp (Monique), but there's always that "the notes are bluer on the other side of the power stage" line of thinking that has tempted me to check out the KT-88/6L6 waters ever since I started.

NOTE: Should this be too off-topic, I can take it to Amps and Cabs...where it will likely descend into a solid-state/tube flame war without Dingwall context. I know all o' youse is better than that, so I started here, but just let me know.

So, O Great Experts Not Necessarily Named Tom, as a Z2/Super J/Tony Franklin Fretless/Bergantino 2xNV115 owner with a regularly practicing but infrequently gigging band of friends who play loud rock for audiences of about 150, would you (it's an entirely subjective, personal matter) (1) stay a course of over 30 years because "I'm happy--if ignorant--and it's just not worth it at my age," (2) ease in with a modest OTR version (e.g., Bassman 100T) for practice/recording/small gigs, or (3) feel it necessary to jump in the deep end (Reeves or other) because "anything less is a pointless compromise"? A long-term, live-fire trial would be necessary, and no one's loaning their expensive amp for that.

Equipment would need to be sacrificed for any addition as I'm a husband of my word, and I'm not keen on a $2,700 depreciated gear bloodbath absent @spiritbass giving the inside scoop that boutique tubes are indeed a slice of Heaven (or wherever it is that Bon Scott went). The B|Amp and GB SM9.2 backup stay as Class D counterpoints, as does Monique.

I agree with @Musicman1901 in that if you're really happy, why switch? Like most of us, I've played most of the different types of amps:Solid State-including class-D heads(Mesa D800+, Quilter BB800, GK MB800 & 700RB-II, Ampeg SVT-7Pro), Hybrids(Genz Shuttlemax 12.0, Ampeg SVT-4Pro, GK Fusion 550 & MBF800), and All-Tube heads(Ampeg SVT-2Pro, Mesa Strategy(x2), and Tube Preamps(Arkham Sound Tube Pre).

While I still have the Mesa D800+, the Quilter BB800, the GK 700RB-II, and the Arkham Tube pre, I'm actually running, and thrilled with, a pair of SansAmp BDDI V2's into a QSC GX7 power amp. It sounds AHH-MAZING! I'm also one of those that can't seem to gel with all-tube heads. Perhaps if I had a Reeves or one of those Sadowsky Tube heads that are near mythical status, maybe I'd have a different opinion, but that's probably not gonna happen(Since I spent all my money on Dingwalls, LOL!).

You gotta do you, but I would say to not go down that road just because a bunch of people say it's the shizzle. If you can get a smokin' deal on a tube head, go for it. Otherwise, revel in your good tone with what ya' got...

 

[Bassheart365]

I do really like the 32" G string on the Supers.

Me too.

 

[Subscript]

I'm a metal player (at least right now), with one Dingwall in F#...instead of some folks here who love the medium scale Super series, I'm often wondering if Dingwall will ever make a SUPER LONG scale bass, something freaky like a 40"-37" 5 string that's really purpise built for F#!

Don't get me wrong, 37" F# is pretty sweet, I just can't help but think what an even longer scale could do for it. At least in my world, 8 string guitars aren't uncommon, and those darn guitar players want to be in E! I put my foot down with my current guitarists - F# will be as low as I go for now.

Considering 37" was designed for B and since people are tuning a fourth or even fifth lower now I think an even longer bass would be awesome. It would be difficult to make something that doesn't seem too cumbersome though and some players already complain the 34-37 scale. Which is fine actually, not everything is going to work for everyone. With the amount of players currently buying Dingwalls for low tuning I bet an extra extra long scale would sell, but maybe not enough to warrant a more mass produced bass like the NG2.

 

[BuffaloBob4343]

Tying this back to the "do you buy off-the-rack or boutique/custom" sub-thread, I have to confess that I haven't ever even played a bass tube amp (guitar amp, yes), but I have wondered if a lower-entry-point version might be a good way to test the potential. I've been very happy with my long line of solid state amps (OK, not the 1985 Roland BN-60) and my current tube preamp (Monique), but there's always that "the notes are bluer on the other side of the power stage" line of thinking that has tempted me to check out the KT-88/6L6 waters ever since I started.

NOTE: Should this be too off-topic, I can take it to Amps and Cabs...where it will likely descend into a solid-state/tube flame war without Dingwall context. I know all o' youse is better than that, so I started here, but just let me know.

So, O Great Experts Not Necessarily Named Tom, as a Z2/Super J/Tony Franklin Fretless/Bergantino 2xNV115 owner with a regularly practicing but infrequently gigging band of friends who play loud rock for audiences of about 150, would you (it's an entirely subjective, personal matter) (1) stay a course of over 30 years because "I'm happy--if ignorant--and it's just not worth it at my age," (2) ease in with a modest OTR version (e.g., Bassman 100T) for practice/recording/small gigs, or (3) feel it necessary to jump in the deep end (Reeves or other) because "anything less is a pointless compromise"? A long-term, live-fire trial would be necessary, and no one's loaning their expensive amp for that.

Equipment would need to be sacrificed for any addition as I'm a husband of my word, and I'm not keen on a $2,700 depreciated gear bloodbath absent @spiritbass giving the inside scoop that boutique tubes are indeed a slice of Heaven (or wherever it is that Bon Scott went). The B|Amp and GB SM9.2 backup stay as Class D counterpoints, as does Monique.

I love my Monique 700 and my Genzler Arrays, as they play with the Dingwall tone so nicely. Having said that, I have no doubt that the Reeves and Strategy amps are probably also awesome. But at this point, I would be a little reluctant to try them, as I have been very content (except for the desire for more Dingwalls, cause that just ain't never going away) and it would seem rather silly to open a new can of GAS worms at this point, unless I am suddenly receruited to go on tour with some top act that would enable me to justify, let alone fund, yet another gear obsession. But you know what? We only live once (as far as we know), so why not?

 

[spiritbass]

A couple things I guess. To me it has a fatter/rounder tonal quality to it. Less "pingy" than a G string on 34 or 35" scale basses.

I also love the ergonomics. They just work for me. After lots of experimenting on 30 to 35" scale basses, I tend to be most comfortable around 32" on a mono-scale instrument. However, I have yet to find a design that fits my hands better than a DW Super Series 5 string. I find they play with the ease (actually easier) than a medium scale bass, but you get all the fanned fret benefits ... including a killer 35" low B!

Amen. The medium-scale Supers are perfection for me. The B's on the two fivers that I've owned are/were excellent. I am having fun in long-scale land again with my four-string NG-2 (with non-'pingy' G string!), though...

 

[AmazingMumford]

If you’ve truly been happy with solid state then why switch? Curiosity? I have tried all forms of amps and I like hybrid amps the best. Tube preamp section. I have played all tube amps and I didn’t dig them. I felt like the attack wasn’t “fast enough” at times. I suppose this is very dependent on the style of music you play. Solid state amps have that fast attack but can also be a touch cold and harsh at times.

It's from an urge to explore the range of possibility and offer an option when other bassists play in my "studio" or at one of our gigs. I've done pure Class D and the solid-state lead sled thing (RIP my glorious made-in-England Trace Elliott RA500 Super X!). My Genz Benz (Class D) and Mesa M9 Carbine (big toroid) are both hybrids, and Monique is currently doing the tango with a QSC, so I've experienced a good range of tube preamps. While I do like a fast attack (did I mention my Super X?)--and the B|Amp is great--the idea of taking it in the polar opposite direction for variety has its appeal. Like Dorothy, I may ultimately decide "there's no place like home," but at least she went to OZ. I've never been farther than Bora Bora.

 

[AmazingMumford]

I'm actually running, and thrilled with, a pair of SansAmp BDDI V2's into a QSC GX7 power amp. It sounds AHH-MAZING!

You gotta do you, but I would say to not go down that road just because a bunch of people say it's the shizzle. If you can get a smokin' deal on a tube head, go for it. Otherwise, revel in your good tone with what ya' got...

1. Funny, I've been contemplating adding a Tech 21 box to the signal path. No, it's not tubes and doesn't provide feel, but it gets some of the timbre, and many people like them for that. Thanks for the suggestion.

2. Fortunately, no peer pressure, fad-following, or fan devotion to some legend's "tone" are involved--just the urge to explore all options. We play Weezer's Pork and Beans as wry self-commentary, and the lyrics are quite apropos here.

 

[AmazingMumford]

...it would seem rather silly to open a new can of GAS worms at this point...But you know what? We only live once (as far as we know), so why not?

YOU, Sir, are an enabler! Thanks. Better throw that purple D-Bird on there while I'm at it. drool

P.S. Speaking of enablers, a YBA300 was recommended via PM. Hmmm....

 

[Musicman1901]

It's from an urge to explore the range of possibility and offer an option when other bassists play in my "studio" or at one of our gigs. I've done pure Class D and the solid-state lead sled thing (RIP my glorious made-in-England Trace Elliott RA500 Super X!). My Genz Benz (Class D) and Mesa M9 Carbine (big toroid) are both hybrids, and Monique is currently doing the tango with a QSC, so I've experienced a good range of tube preamps. While I do like a fast attack (did I mention my Super X?)--and the B|Amp is great--the idea of taking it in the polar opposite direction for variety has its appeal. Like Dorothy, I may ultimately decide "there's no place like home," but at least she went to OZ. I've never been farther than Bora Bora.

Tube heads are usually expensive which is a downside if you don’t like it. Hunt for a used one. There’s a Sunn 300T in the classifieds right now for 950 that’s badass. I’ve been curious about the Mesa M9 carbine, looks nice.

 

[bebass]

I'm a metal player (at least right now), with one Dingwall in F#...instead of some folks here who love the medium scale Super series, I'm often wondering if Dingwall will ever make a SUPER LONG scale bass, something freaky like a 40"-37" 5 string that's really purpise built for F#!

Don't get me wrong, 37" F# is pretty sweet, I just can't help but think what an even longer scale could do for it. At least in my world, 8 string guitars aren't uncommon, and those darn guitar players want to be in E! I put my foot down with my current guitarists - F# will be as low as I go for now.

I hear you. We just received a F# tuned NG3 that was special ordered - That is LOW! Anything lower would just be....too much IMO. The special Kalium strings, HUGE! For a low E...no, just no (for me).

I agree with @Musicman1901 in that if you're really happy, why switch? Like most of us, I've played most of the different types of amps:Solid State-including class-D heads(Mesa D800+, Quilter BB800, GK MB800 & 700RB-II, Ampeg SVT-7Pro), Hybrids(Genz Shuttlemax 12.0, Ampeg SVT-4Pro, GK Fusion 550 & MBF800), and All-Tube heads(Ampeg SVT-2Pro, Mesa Strategy(x2), and Tube Preamps(Arkham Sound Tube Pre).

While I still have the Mesa D800+, the Quilter BB800, the GK 700RB-II, and the Arkham Tube pre, I'm actually running, and thrilled with, a pair of SansAmp BDDI V2's into a QSC GX7 power amp. It sounds AHH-MAZING! I'm also one of those that can't seem to gel with all-tube heads. Perhaps if I had a Reeves or one of those Sadowsky Tube heads that are near mythical status, maybe I'd have a different opinion, but that's probably not gonna happen(Since I spent all my money on Dingwalls, LOL!).

You gotta do you, but I would say to not go down that road just because a bunch of people say it's the shizzle. If you can get a smokin' deal on a tube head, go for it. Otherwise, revel in your good tone with what ya' got...

I went from a setup similar to yours to a modern class d bass amp. I had an RBI pre and a Presonus channel strip going into a PLX3402 into separate cabs. While I loved the sound, I like what I am getting out of a much simpler setup. But I slayed some dragons with that setup competing with two guitarists each too loud with Marshall double stacks. I did get tired of having to adjust both pres to different rooms and prefer an easier setup, but it was versatile and could easily go from clean to mean.

The VERY BEST sound I ever had was an old Peavey tube amp that weighed a gazillion pounds with an RBI pre run into it. I would never do that live again as it hurts my back just to think about it. And I will say as much as I liked the RBI - and still do - it did not sound like a tube amp to me.