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Dingwall Owners Club
- Thread starter FroggyOne2
- Start date
Pretty sure Payson and Kalium are your only options for lighter strings on a 5.
I'm also in the market for something slightly lower tension but I'll likely put a set of Pure blues on E-G and leave the Dingwall B.
I'm also in the market for something slightly lower tension but I'll likely put a set of Pure blues on E-G and leave the Dingwall B.
BurningSkies
CRAZY BALDHEAD
- Feb 20, 2005
- 27,956
- 20,348
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Dingwall Guitars
I vote to try the ones that come on it before getting spendy on strings.
I would strongly encourage you to first play your Dingwall and see if you feel a need for light gauge strings.
You might (and I predict you will) find that the physics of the multi-scale design addresses your reason for preferring light gauge strings. That preference probably came about while playing monoscale basses, which most likely had their longest string being no longer than 34" or 35". Prepare to enter a new paradigm!
BurningSkies
CRAZY BALDHEAD
- Feb 20, 2005
- 27,956
- 20,348
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Dingwall Guitars
*also the Dingwall steel strings are slightly less tension than the Dingwall nickel strings.
Right!
Speaking of strings, I have the following string sets available, first come, first served.
Price is $6.00 per string. (But I will not sell individual strings.)
Price doesn't include shipping. Shipping will be ACTUAL shipping cost by whatever shipping method you prefer:
Long Scale basses (AB, D-Bird, Combustion/NG, Z-1/2/3, Sklar, Prima):
4-string
Dingwall Nickel - 3 sets
Dingwall Stainless - 1 set
5-string
Dingwall Nickel - 3 sets
Dingwall Stainless - 4 sets
Payson Medium - 1 set
Payson Medium Light - 3 sets
6-string
Dingwall Nickel - 1 set
=================================
Medium Scale basses (Super P, Super J):
5-string
Dingwall Nickel - 2 sets
Dingwall Stainless - 1 set
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Excellent advice, and rest assured that I will. But I'm also doing the research now just in case I still feel I prefer the thinner strings. I have MS, and neurological issues make the heavier strings difficult to wrangle. But as you say, I may find my sound easier with the installed strings given the graduated scale.
Absolutely not. What a terrible idea. I mean, I was just saying to xnewyorka that.... uhm... er... nevermind...
BurningSkies
CRAZY BALDHEAD
- Feb 20, 2005
- 27,956
- 20,348
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Dingwall Guitars
The MS thing is tough, my sister was diagnosed about two years ago after we spend many years trying to figure out what was going on with her. Most of her symptoms are more memory/emotional than physical though. I'm sure you have lots of extra effort not only in bass playing but across your life.
I'm not a fan of higher tension strings, and any others I've tried...I've gone back to the Dingwalls. If you're very 'feel specific' does string material effect you? I found that the newer Dingwall Steels are indeed less tension but the really 'grippy' feel of the steel v. the nickel was a deal-breaker for me. I tried them for a few weeks before switching back.
I personally didn't have much luck with the Payson strings, I've tried twice and neither time did they stick, but it may be that I wasn't getting the right ones to feel the way I liked, so I don't discount that for others.
Indeed - everything on the right side of my body is physically backsliding, and eventually will quit. My right leg is essentially done, and my right arm is about 55% with my hand being more like 40%. I have to shove a pick into my hand with a huge amount of friction tape in order to play. But I contend that EVERYONE is handicapped; my version is just more obvious than most everyone else's.
Not only am I "feel specific", I'm "tone specific" - the rougher steel strings are a drag (get it?), and since I use the aforementioned abominable pick and I DON'T play metal, I try to stay away from the brighter strings anyway. (Easier on frets too - bonus!) I'm hoping your experience and return to the Dingwalls foreshadows my own, but if I were a betting man, I'd lay even odds.
A quick search of the intrawebs has yielded exactly zero nickel strings with a .120 gauge and a 38" speaking length. I don't mind D'Addario XLs as they suit the styles I'm playing these days, and if I were to buy single strings, the A, D, and G could be standard scale, and I could get a .095 Super Long Scale, but nobody seems to make (due to lack of demand I'm sure) a .120 nickel B.
I bought a set of Payson reduced cores that I got for a B-1005MS that I never kept, they are medium-light gauge. Going to play the stock ones till they wear out a bit.
The Dingwall at least to me is taughter but springy on the right hand and easier to fret and bend on the left. To me the G string (ha) is a bit too high tension for my liking and a bit bright- which is odd because it's the shortest string. I have thought about putting half grounds on the D and G string to smooth out the highs.
The great thing thus far is it responds very well to a light touch and seems less physically demanding than a 35" bass.
The Dingwall at least to me is taughter but springy on the right hand and easier to fret and bend on the left. To me the G string (ha) is a bit too high tension for my liking and a bit bright- which is odd because it's the shortest string. I have thought about putting half grounds on the D and G string to smooth out the highs.
The great thing thus far is it responds very well to a light touch and seems less physically demanding than a 35" bass.
Indeed - everything on the right side of my body is physically backsliding, and eventually will quit. My right leg is essentially done, and my right arm is about 55% with my hand being more like 40%. I have to shove a pick into my hand with a huge amount of friction tape in order to play. But I contend that EVERYONE is handicapped; my version is just more obvious than most everyone else's.
Wow! I'm sorry to hear this. Good on ya' for continuing down this agonizingly frustrating, but awesomely rewarding, path that we call bass playing. It really shows a level of mental strength and commitment that I'm still looking to achieve, and I've been getting paid to play bass for 25+ years! Love the attitude!
I wish I could give you a definitive answer regarding your string quest, but my only concerns about strings have always been "How good do they sound", and "How long will they last". I'm kinda old now, so tension is something I may need to start paying attention to. I hope you find something that gives you exactly what you need...
The new Payson Black Daggers feel lower tension to me than the Dingwall nickel or Payson Reduced Core. Sound great too!Indeed - everything on the right side of my body is physically backsliding, and eventually will quit. My right leg is essentially done, and my right arm is about 55% with my hand being more like 40%. I have to shove a pick into my hand with a huge amount of friction tape in order to play. But I contend that EVERYONE is handicapped; my version is just more obvious than most everyone else's.
Not only am I "feel specific", I'm "tone specific" - the rougher steel strings are a drag (get it?), and since I use the aforementioned abominable pick and I DON'T play metal, I try to stay away from the brighter strings anyway. (Easier on frets too - bonus!) I'm hoping your experience and return to the Dingwalls foreshadows my own, but if I were a betting man, I'd lay even odds.
A quick search of the intrawebs has yielded exactly zero nickel strings with a .120 gauge and a 38" speaking length. I don't mind D'Addario XLs as they suit the styles I'm playing these days, and if I were to buy single strings, the A, D, and G could be standard scale, and I could get a .095 Super Long Scale, but nobody seems to make (due to lack of demand I'm sure) a .120 nickel B.
The only light gauge strings I could find are Payson Black daggers and light flatwounds.
My experience with coated strings is they can be a little grippy but slick- they are also mellow sounding. To combat that grippy nature I used some fast fret, once you polish the string while playing, they get considerably smoother.
The flats are light with a .120 B string, but probably higher tension.
Worst case scenario, you could contact a company and ask for a special set. D'addario made strings for the B-1005 multi scale SE that were 120.
I hate to hear stuff like this happen to people, but don't loose hope and keep up the good attitude, who knows? there may be a better treatment around the corner.
My experience with coated strings is they can be a little grippy but slick- they are also mellow sounding. To combat that grippy nature I used some fast fret, once you polish the string while playing, they get considerably smoother.
The flats are light with a .120 B string, but probably higher tension.
Worst case scenario, you could contact a company and ask for a special set. D'addario made strings for the B-1005 multi scale SE that were 120.
I hate to hear stuff like this happen to people, but don't loose hope and keep up the good attitude, who knows? there may be a better treatment around the corner.
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That’s good to know. I have set that’s still in the package just waiting to go on!
I’m on a super light string exploration, and my guide is Jason at Fret Nation.
My Super P four string is running nickel GHS Boomers, .030. So much fun! Lots of choices for Super series basses.
It’s tougher finding long scale super lights. My AB1 four string is running DR Pure Blues, VW set, .040. The E string just made the nut.
My Cirrus has .035 D’Addario XL, super lights, .035. They wouldn’t be long enough for an AB, but Fret Nation can set you up with indivdual strings. They have XL super longs.
Jason set me up with a mixed set of TI jazz flats for my AB -1’s. He knows what winding lengths the Dingwalls need.
The Payson medium lights and reduced core are nice, I really liked the reduced core.
If you don’t see it on the web site at Fret Nation, just email. They are still adding stock. They can get the TI’s, Rotosounds, Ken Smith slapmasters.
Set up an account, get the Talkbass vip treatment and discounts, reward points. The site will remember all your orders for easy reordering. Best prices too.
My Super P four string is running nickel GHS Boomers, .030. So much fun! Lots of choices for Super series basses.
It’s tougher finding long scale super lights. My AB1 four string is running DR Pure Blues, VW set, .040. The E string just made the nut.
My Cirrus has .035 D’Addario XL, super lights, .035. They wouldn’t be long enough for an AB, but Fret Nation can set you up with indivdual strings. They have XL super longs.
Jason set me up with a mixed set of TI jazz flats for my AB -1’s. He knows what winding lengths the Dingwalls need.
The Payson medium lights and reduced core are nice, I really liked the reduced core.
If you don’t see it on the web site at Fret Nation, just email. They are still adding stock. They can get the TI’s, Rotosounds, Ken Smith slapmasters.
Set up an account, get the Talkbass vip treatment and discounts, reward points. The site will remember all your orders for easy reordering. Best prices too.
Reach in the first 5 frets:
I’m wondering if the reach is longer than on a typical 34”. I wish I could play one but, there just aren’t any locally. I played a 35” once and did Not like it. I’m just not sure how the fanned frets on a 37+” scale feels on the B, feels on the 36” on the E etc.
Thoughts?
M
I’m wondering if the reach is longer than on a typical 34”. I wish I could play one but, there just aren’t any locally. I played a 35” once and did Not like it. I’m just not sure how the fanned frets on a 37+” scale feels on the B, feels on the 36” on the E etc.
Thoughts?
M
To each his own, but I don't notice any more stretching than a well balanced 35" bass. The combination of the neck shape, width and size of the frets makes it easy to play- within an hour I forgot it was even fanned, in fact I find it more comfortable. The only frets you might find a little difficult at first is B and E 1-3 frets.
That said, if you don't like 35" then you probably wouldn't like it initially- but a lot of people end up loving them. I won't buy another single scale bass again.
That said, if you don't like 35" then you probably wouldn't like it initially- but a lot of people end up loving them. I won't buy another single scale bass again.
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Not sure if you can or should take any of our word on it as gospel, as individual experience and preferences will play a big part - but, I do a lot of 1-to-4 fret on the B string riffs in my band and I get along pretty well. I wear my NG-2 fairly high, and the stretch is doable.
I wear my 4 string BEAD-Bird significantly lower, but it's kind of a magical body shape so the stretch still works out well (given the B on this bass is 0.75" shorter).
I am a major Dingwall fan, so take my word with a grain of salt, but I think despite the very long scale length, the superior ergonomics of the multiscale system in combination with Dingwall's top notch designs do a lot to make up for it.
There is a 2nd low side recessed strap lock location Dingwall does that supposedly makes these stretches easier as well. My square pickup shell NG-2 doesn't have it, but I think all the round pickup shell ones do.
