Dingwall Owners Club

[pbass6811]

Compressor advice please. I've read all your posts on the topic (great info - thanks) Can you tell me what you like about compressor A vs B vs C? What differentiates them? What are you looking for in the ideal compressor? I play mostly R&B, soul, funk, blues and some vintage rock music.

I agree with @Smallmouth_Bass -Even though I'm a rock player, I really prefer gear that's fairly transparent. Right now, I have some of the most transparent gear, and I can add whatever flavor I like to get what I need. All the compressors I've used/owned have been extremely clear. In my opinion, a compressor is really good if you can't tell that it's working, until you turn it off. The FEA DBCL, when set right, adds a magical amount of sustain and evens everything out. The Empress is fantastic at this as well, and so is the Cali76(every version). Some guys really like the Diamond and the Fairfield, because they do add color to your sound. The SpectraComp sits right there in the middle. I don't think it's completely transparent, I can hear a bit of added mid boost, but it's very musical, so it's ok, AND, it adds a ton of lovely, speaker-moving, feedback-inducing sustain...WITH ONE KNOB! Some kind of witchcraft, I don't get it...

The comp in my Line 6 Helix(LA Studio Comp) is also very good and fairly transparent...

I'd say in funk/R&B/Blues, you'd just want something to even out the dynamics, but having some sustain wouldn't hurt, especially if you're using 25 year-old flatwounds, lol!

 

[been_effected]

There's no consensus, "absolute must have" out there (the Cali and Ovni come close). Check the Ovnilabs reviews, find the quality units, and compare the feature sets of the top ones--that's what determined my pick. You know, for when you get around to it.

+1 to Ovnilabs - the site was invaluable and was what ultimately led me to the Cali.

 

[been_effected]

I definitely want to check out that DP-3X to hear how it sounds. But I just picked up a Damnation Audio MBD-1, and it is pretty darn cool. I played the Super J with it for a couple of hours last night and had a hard time pulling the plug and going to bed. I was doing a lot of A/B comparison between the MBD-1 and the Alpha Omega with various settings, and at least through the headphones, I was liking the heaviness of the MBD-1 a little better. They are different enough, with little to no overlap, that it is probably worth it to have both. The MBD-1 has two separate volume controls, one for the dry signal, and one for the wet signal, so it is a little more flexible than just being able to blend in the wet signal. The depth knob is actually a bass knob, and it adds a massive amount of bottom across a broad frequency spectrum. It makes it sound like heavy early Sabbath stuff, extremely cool. I also got some really, really great clean tones out of it with the gain all the way down. Something similar to what I can get with the DG Ultra Vintage, but cannot get as easily with the Alpha Omega. Of course one does not buy a distortion pedal for clean tones. But it is nice when there are some very useful clean tones hidden in there.

...and this is why I still have an MBD-1 on my wish list XD I yo-yo'd for a while on whether one would replace my AO, but I too thought in videos that they'd be different enough I'd have room for both on the board.

 

[spiritbass]

Has anyone seen any of the ng3 upgrade kits in the wild yet?

I don't remember when they are supposed to be available. Maybe @bebass will chime in with some info...

 

[bebass]

I don't remember when they are supposed to be available. Maybe @bebass will chime in with some info...

I am still waiting on ours. Last I was given an ETA it was May. So hopefully very soon.

 

[Energy]

In my opinion, a compressor is really good if you can't tell that it's working, until you turn it off.

That's exactly why I use the Lehle DBC.

 

[SgtAlexx]

Cali76-TX all the way!

 

[packrat]

“Compact” Bass

 

[ercompa]

Cali76-TX-LP

 

[Selta]

Going to try to do some tracking with the Prima this long weekend.

It's such an incredible instrument. Still can't believe I own it, let alone how immediate and strong the connection I have with it is!

 

[lilstryer]

Hey guys. So I posted in Basses [BG] earlier but someone kindly told me I should try here as well. Here's the story! So I came across this Dingwall for sale and it's listed for 1000 USD. However, frankly, I don't know much about this first run of Combustions. I couldn't find much about it. I asked for a spec sheet from the guys at Dingwall but they couldn't provide much help. The original owner lost the pickguard so the Dingwall guys are offering to sell me one for 50USD w/o shipping.

Should I take the plunge? I have plenty of questions so if some of you can help, that would be awesome.

1. Why only 4 knobs compared to the standard 5 knobs found on Combustion basses now?
2. Are Dingwall's neck reinforced? Is there a chance of it being warped?
3. I have never owned a fanned fret bass so must I use special strings for them?
4. What should I look out for if I take the deal? Any potential risks or concerns?
5. Is that a good price to pay for it, considering all the work and risk?

 

[Blues Cat]

Looks better without the pickguard @lilstryer IMHO

 

[Selta]

1. Why only 4 knobs compared to the standard 5 knobs found on Combustion basses now?
2. Are Dingwall's neck reinforced? Is there a chance of it being warped?
3. I have never owned a fanned fret bass so must I use special strings for them?
4. What should I look out for if I take the purge? Any potential risks or concerns?
5. Is that a good price to pay for it, considering all the work and risk?

I'll take a stab at these, based off what I think I know. Kind of surprised the crew up there didn't have info for you - they've always helped me a ton, even when I had older combustions (like this one).
1) That's a pretty early V1 Combustion. Serial #13! So four knobs (2 band EQ), no active/passive switch. Simply an evolution of the instrument. I believe (but may be wrong here) that it's an EMG preamp in there. The pickups should be wired in Parallel. A common mod people have done is to wire them in Series instead. Some folks even add a S/P switch.

2) I actually don't know for the V1's. The warp chance seems pretty low overall. I haven't heard of a single one warping.

3) There's more options now than there used to be. Dingwall, Payson (@Blues Cat), Kalium/CircleK immediately spring to mind for options. A lot of standard strings won't fit the 37" B - there are some XL strings that do from the big names.

4) Play it and check it over pretty much as any used bass. Make sure all the knobs work as intended, check for mishandling (cracks, scratches, dings, etc.)

5) Seems perhaps a touch high. I've seen some V2 and V3 Combustions go for pretty much the same price. But, at the same time, Dingwalls in general get snatched up fairly quickly, so I wouldn't be terribly surprised to see it sell at that price.

Keep in mind that all Combustions, V1 though the new ones, pass through the Dingwall crew in Canada for inspection and such. If you do decide on it (I would suggest taking the plunge!), you're getting a world class bass capable of many years of use!

 

[lilstryer]

I'll take a stab at these, based off what I think I know. Kind of surprised the crew up there didn't have info for you - they've always helped me a ton, even when I had older combustions (like this one).
1) That's a pretty early V1 Combustion. Serial #13! So four knobs (2 band EQ), no active/passive switch. Simply an evolution of the instrument. I believe (but may be wrong here) that it's an EMG preamp in there. The pickups should be wired in Parallel. A common mod people have done is to wire them in Series instead. Some folks even add a S/P switch.

2) I actually don't know for the V1's. The warp chance seems pretty low overall. I haven't heard of a single one warping.

3) There's more options now than there used to be. Dingwall, Payson (@Blues Cat), Kalium/CircleK immediately spring to mind for options. A lot of standard strings won't fit the 37" B - there are some XL strings that do from the big names.

4) Play it and check it over pretty much as any used bass. Make sure all the knobs work as intended, check for mishandling (cracks, scratches, dings, etc.)

5) Seems perhaps a touch high. I've seen some V2 and V3 Combustions go for pretty much the same price. But, at the same time, Dingwalls in general get snatched up fairly quickly, so I wouldn't be terribly surprised to see it sell at that price.

Keep in mind that all Combustions, V1 though the new ones, pass through the Dingwall crew in Canada for inspection and such. If you do decide on it (I would suggest taking the plunge!), you're getting a world class bass capable of many years of use!

Thanks so much for this @Selta ! I really appreciate your help. It's funny...I felt a lot of my questions to the Dingwall guys were skipped over/ignored and you addressed them. I work in the same line as the Dingwall guys (sales/support) for 3 other guitars brands so perhaps I am just being anal about their responses.

1) Why series over parallel?

2/4) That's actually one of my main concerns - I won't actually get much chance to test the instrument through an amp which is why I am a bit worried.

3) Will definitely look into those! Thanks.

5) It's been listed for some time I believe. I am thinking somewhere around 750USD? Just because the pickguard + shipping would cost me money and I am sure some folks prefer it without the pickguard but I really like having one (completes the look for me). What do you think?>

 

[singlemalt]

I’ll try to answer those questions.
1, I think the original combustion’s had a two band eq, knobs are volume, rotary pickup selection, and treble bass controls.

2 Dingwall makes great necks, but anything can happen. That wouldn’t be something I’d worry about when purchasing. Every Dingwall I’ve seen had a great neck, working truss rod, and would take a low set up.

3 The longscale Dingwalls have a 37” B. You’ll have plenty of options, but your average string set isn’t going to be long enough or tapered at the right lengths. Best bet are Dingwall strings, available at Bassstringsonline.com, and a Payson strings. Stainless and nickel are available. There are a few other options like Infeld super long, TI flats, etc. Check in with BSO.com. Jason is hip to Dingwalls.

4 Depends on if this is a deal you do in person or a deal that involves shipping. Cash and carry, where you get to try out the bass and make sure everything works and you like it is best. But that’s often not the case. Those strings look iffy, see how the B string didn’t make it over the nut? I wouldn’t judge it by that setup. Is there a return policy?

5 I can’t judge risk, since I don’t know much about this deal. Private party? Retailer? Cash and carry? Is the seller a TB member with good feedback? I’ve seen these combustions go for $850 to $1200. Seems a bit on the high side given the missing pickguard and weird string situation. If it included shipping and there was a return policy, maybe. Is there some wiggle room on price?

These basses make excellent platforms for modding. You’ll probably need to order a set of strings and do a set up before you can really judge this one.

I can say Dingwalls are a solid investment on the used market. That’s a very early combustion, judging by the serial number. If I recall, early buyers commented on the neck being chunkier than the Afterburners.

I bought my first Dingwall without a test drive, and I’ve never looked back. I’m sure someone with that model would be glad to make you a paper template so you could make your own pickguard.

Good luck!

Selta beat me too it, with some excellent points.

 

[lilstryer]

I’ll try to answer those questions.
1, I think the original combustion’s had a two band eq, knobs are volume, rotary pickup selection, and treble bass controls.

2 Dingwall makes great necks, but anything can happen. That wouldn’t be something I’d worry about when purchasing. Every Dingwall I’ve seen had a great neck, working truss rod, and would take a low set up.

3 The longscale Dingwalls have a 37” B. You’ll have plenty of options, but your average string set isn’t going to be long enough or tapered at the right lengths. Best bet are Dingwall strings, available at Bassstringsonline.com, and a Payson strings. Stainless and nickel are available. There are a few other options like Infeld super long, TI flats, etc. Check in with BSO.com. Jason is hip to Dingwalls.

4 Depends on if this is a deal you do in person or a deal that involves shipping. Cash and carry, where you get to try out the bass and make sure everything works and you like it is best. But that’s often not the case. Those strings look iffy, see how the B string didn’t make it over the nut? I wouldn’t judge it by that setup. Is there a return policy?

5 I can’t judge risk, since I don’t know much about this deal. Private party? Retailer? Cash and carry? Is the seller a TB member with good feedback? I’ve seen these combustions go for $850 to $1200. Seems a bit on the high side given the missing pickguard and weird string situation. If it included shipping and there was a return policy, maybe. Is there some wiggle room on price?

These basses make excellent platforms for modding. You’ll probably need to order a set of strings and do a set up before you can really judge this one.

I can say Dingwalls are a solid investment on the used market. That’s a very early combustion, judging by the serial number. If I recall, early buyers commented on the neck being chunkier than the Afterburners.

I bought my first Dingwall without a test drive, and I’ve never looked back. I’m sure someone with that model would be glad to make you a paper template so you could make your own pickguard.

Good luck!

Delta beat me too it, with some excellent points.

It's crazy how awesome you guys are as a community! That definitely helps me want to buy this even more. Thanks @singlemalt !

1) I am not super concerned about the circuitry but I couldn't find much photos of this 4 knob run of Combustions.

2) That's really reassuring! Thank you for that.

3) That's the thing. The Dingwall guys asked me to get their strings as well together with the pickguard which would be fine I guess. Just expensive shipping from Canada.

4) There isn't a return policy and it's pretty much cash and carry, which is why I am more concerned than usual.

5) Would 750 be reasonable? There's definitely wiggle room on the price.

 

[Selta]

Just thought of something -- the V1 Combustions have a "B Booster" magnet kit available. I'd ask the seller if it has been installed as well. If not, that's a negotiation point for lowering the price too!

 

[Selta]

Thanks so much for this @Selta ! I really appreciate your help. It's funny...I felt a lot of my questions to the Dingwall guys were skipped over/ignored and you addressed them. I work in the same line as the Dingwall guys (sales/support) for 3 other guitars brands so perhaps I am just being anal about their responses.

1) Why series over parallel?

2/4) That's actually one of my main concerns - I won't actually get much chance to test the instrument through an amp which is why I am a bit worried.

3) Will definitely look into those! Thanks.

5) It's been listed for some time I believe. I am thinking somewhere around 750USD? Just because the pickguard + shipping would cost me money and I am sure some folks prefer it without the pickguard but I really like having one (completes the look for me). What do you think?>

1) It's a tonal preference, as well as a perceived output increase from going Series.
2) Ah, yeah. I'd get it in writing that there are no cosmetic, structural, or functional issues of any kind. I'd also ask to get even a crappy recording of it being played just so you know at least that much is well with it.
5) 750 sounds about what I'd personally offer for it in the unknown condition, possibly missing B Booster, missing pickguard, and obviously old strings... if it's been listed awhile too, I'd expect the seller to be accomodating to offers.

 

[lilstryer]

1) It's a tonal preference, as well as a perceived output increase from going Series.
2) Ah, yeah. I'd get it in writing that there are no cosmetic, structural, or functional issues of any kind. I'd also ask to get even a crappy recording of it being played just so you know at least that much is well with it.
5) 750 sounds about what I'd personally offer for it in the unknown condition, possibly missing B Booster, missing pickguard, and obviously old strings... if it's been listed awhile too, I'd expect the seller to be accomodating to offers.

Just asked him about the booster! Thanks for the heads up!

1) Ahh, I see! Cool! I might just do it myself.
2) That's an awesome idea. I will ask him to do so.
3. Yup, it's been listed for about a year so I am hoping he is accommodating towards this! I really really appreciate your help! I have just asked him for 750.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

It's crazy how awesome you guys are as a community! That definitely helps me want to buy this even more. Thanks @singlemalt !

1) I am not super concerned about the circuitry but I couldn't find much photos of this 4 knob run of Combustions.

2) That's really reassuring! Thank you for that.

3) That's the thing. The Dingwall guys asked me to get their strings as well together with the pickguard which would be fine I guess. Just expensive shipping from Canada.

4) There isn't a return policy and it's pretty much cash and carry, which is why I am more concerned than usual.

5) Would 750 be reasonable? There's definitely wiggle room on the price.

The controls on the original V1 Combustions are volume volume (for each pickup) and bass and treble. Yes, they had EMG preamps.

The pickups were also not the same as what comes shipped on the newer versions today. They were lower output and more traditional sounding. They used to have replacement FD3's (and P-tone option) available in their online store in the square shells. I don't currently see them, but you could always call the shop and see if they could be ordered if you wanted to switch them out.

The necks on the V1 and V2 were also chunkier (back to front) than newer models. I still find it comfortable, but something to consider if that is important to you.

The hardware was also different from what comes on the current models. The new ones have Hipshot tuners and bridge rails, whereas the older ones have no name (but fully functional) hardware.

The one in the photo has an alder body and the fingerboard is sonokilin.