Dingwall Owners Club

[BurningSkies]

Play a Super J and a Super P if you can before you decide. I've had a Super P5, PJ5 and the SJ5XXX, I kept the SJ5XXX, the other 2 are gone.

I'm just not a Jazz bass guy these days. I used to be way back when (had a fretless and a fretted)...but I got a really really wonderful 73P and just loved the sound and feel so much. I'd probably do a P with a pickup in the bridge spot too.

 

[Thumper]

What made you sell the Super Ps?

I really liked the SP5, but wanted a J PUP added for a do-it-all bass for my Classic Country/Rock band. Then the original owner wanted it back, so off it went.

Then I got an SPJ5, I liked it even more, but could never get a balance to my liking between the B-A strings and the DG, even went with a reverse Pickguard. Kept it for a year or so, and probably would still have it, but the Country Band was in trouble (lead singer severe, career ending illness). Hard Rock band came calling, sold the SPJ5 to fund a Lull Thunderbird T5.

Meantime, still had my once-in-a-lifetime SJ5XXX, built for me with Sheldon's input. I put Ptone PUPs in the middle and bridge positions and swapped the middle/bridge leads, leaving the neck PUP stock (neck and middle PUPs can be solo). Plus the slightly altered cutout shifts the bass slightly more to the right when playing seated, causing me less right shoulder issues. I'll have this bass until the end, whenever that happens.

Too much info?

 

[Thumper]

I'm just not a Jazz bass guy these days. I used to be way back when (had a fretless and a fretted)...but I got a really really wonderful 73P and just loved the sound and feel so much. I'd probably do a P with a pickup in the bridge spot too.

I hear you, I had a '76P, DiMarzio PUP, it's still the P tone I judge all others against, I just couldn't handle the 10+ pounds or I'd still have it. Plus, I get close in my SJ5XXX and have a killer B (see my post above).

 

[TolerancEJ]

I agree with Reverb, TB Classifieds. I'll also add BassChat Classifieds. Although the prices are posted in GBP and sometimes Euros, I occasionally see some decent deals when I convert using an foreign exchange site ( xe.com ).

 

[IvanBassist]

I really liked the SP5, but wanted a J PUP added for a do-it-all bass for my Classic Country/Rock band. Then the original owner wanted it back, so off it went.

Then I got an SPJ5, I liked it even more, but could never get a balance to my liking between the B-A strings and the DG, even went with a reverse Pickguard. Kept it for a year or so, and probably would still have it, but the Country Band was in trouble (lead singer severe, career ending illness). Hard Rock band came calling, sold the SPJ5 to fund a Lull Thunderbird T5.

Meantime, still had my once-in-a-lifetime SJ5XXX, built for me with Sheldon's input. I put Ptone PUPs in the middle and bridge positions and swapped the middle/bridge leads, leaving the neck PUP stock (neck and middle PUPs can be solo). Plus the slightly altered cutout shifts the bass slightly more to the right when playing seated, causing me less right shoulder issues. I'll have this bass until the end, whenever that happens.

Too much info?

Not at all. That is great feedback! i appreciate it

 

[pravus]

Can I ask (respectfully as I own a Dingwall) what makes a Z3 worth 4x the price of a NG3? Inknow the wood and place of manufacturing differs - what else? I play guitar also and think about a Les Paul standard at 2800 vs a historic (obvious differences also) at approx 5k and wonder why such a huge jump in the Dingwall stuff.

And again, as someone who purposely hides the amount of inventory in my music room (out of embarrassment) there is no judgement here.

At these price and quality levels there really is no numerical or purely rational justification for a Z3 over an NG-3. It's hard to describe because I consider the Combustions to be very high-quality instruments, but the quality of the Canadian models is in another league.

The Zs specifically are unrealistically thin yet absolutely rock solid. The quality of the Afterburners is absolutely on-par but I find the overall ergonomics to be less suitable for me. At the end of it I will have more Afterburners in my collection than Zs, but that's mainly because they don't build 4-string Zs

The other thing that I will say is that most of the Zs you see will have tons of options included. A base level Z isn't really much higher than an Afterburner if memory serves. But you add in an X-top, paint, contrast layer, electronics, etc...

 

[pbass6811]

At these price and quality levels there really is no numerical or purely rational justification for a Z3 over an NG-3. It's hard to describe because I consider the Combustions to be very high-quality instruments, but the quality of the Canadian models is in another league.

The Zs specifically are unrealistically thin yet absolutely rock solid. The quality of the Afterburners is absolutely on-par but I find the overall ergonomics to be less suitable for me. At the end of it I will have more Afterburners in my collection than Zs, but that's mainly because they don't build 4-string Zs

The other thing that I will say is that most of the Zs you see will have tons of options included. A base level Z isn't really much higher than an Afterburner if memory serves. But you add in an X-top, paint, contrast layer, electronics, etc...

I totally agree with you(except for Afterburner ergo part, they suit me just fine). The NG/Combustion/Standard basses really are world-class, but the Canadian basses are just out of this world good!

I feel like the difference between a fully optioned Z and an ABZ with the exact same options is probably right around $2k +/-. That $2k could be another bass, LOL!

 

[Thumper]

Following a 5.7 earthquake with 4.4 and 4.6 aftershocks in SLC Utah today, my guitarist got my basses up off the floor today. Sadly, I won't play them anytime soon, I canceled practice indefinitely due to my age and a health battle to fight....

 

[pbass6811]

View attachment 3748501 Following a 5.7 earthquake with 4.4 and 4.6 aftershocks in SLC Utah today, my guitarist got my basses up off the floor today. Sadly, I won't play them anytime soon, I canceled practice indefinitely due to my age and a health battle to fight....

Dude! You take care of yourself! Those basses will be there when you're ready to rock out again! If you need things, we're here for you, bro!

 

[johnsonabq]

View attachment 3748501 Following a 5.7 earthquake with 4.4 and 4.6 aftershocks in SLC Utah today, my guitarist got my basses up off the floor today. Sadly, I won't play them anytime soon, I canceled practice indefinitely due to my age and a health battle to fight....

Dude! You take care of yourself! Those basses will be there when you're ready to rock out again! If you need things, we're here for you, bro!

^^^^ What he said! ^^^^ Take Care.

 

[Thumper]

Thanks guys, that means a lot. Sure wish the SJ5XXX was home with me, but I'll get by with the other basses at my disposal

 

[spiritbass]

Having four of Sheldon's finest creations near to hand, I never want for a killer bass to play. Commence fingering...

Stay healthy, @Thumper!

 

[nellie48]

I just wanted everyone to know that I'm in the market for a 5 string Combustion or possibly an NG3. It will be a "church bass" so I think the cleaner pre amp in the Combustion and the more traditional colors will work best for me. I know it is a long shot but I thought I would throw out the idea in case anyone might consider selling soon.

I've missed out on a few in the TB classifieds as I hadn't had the funds or the wife's blessing yet. The latter was going to be the biggest hurdle in my mind. However, I believe my obsession of looking at Dingwalls all day during this Corona Virus (work at home) has made my wife go mental. Yesterday I mentioned selling one of my basses (with sad puppy dog eyes) to help fund a Dingwall. She gave me her blessing. Not only that, she said I wouldn't need to sell one of basses either. I quote "You have always made wise decisions with your bass purchasing and selling". I hope she is feeling alright. Maybe I should get her tested?

 

[spiritbass]

I just wanted everyone to know that I'm in the market for a Combustion or possibly an NG3. It will be a "church bass" so I think the cleaner pre amp in the Combustion and the more traditional colors will work best for me. I know it is a long shot but I thought I would throw out the idea in case anyone might consider selling soon.

I've missed out on a few in the TB classifieds as I hadn't had the funds or the wife's blessing yet. The latter was going to be the biggest hurdle in my mind. However, I believe my obsession of looking at Dingwalls all day during this Corona Virus (work at home) has made my wife go mental. Yesterday I mentioned selling one of my basses (with sad puppy dog eyes) to help fund a Dingwall. She gave me her blessing. Not only that, she said I wouldn't need to sell one of basses either. I quote "You have always made wise decisions with your bass purchasing and selling". I hope she is feeling alright. Maybe I should get her tested?

Excellent news! You'll soon be having a Dingwall grin while making joyful noises unto the Lord.

 

[NaH]

I just wanted everyone to know that I'm in the market for a 5 string Combustion or possibly an NG3. It will be a "church bass" so I think the cleaner pre amp in the Combustion and the more traditional colors will work best for me. I know it is a long shot but I thought I would throw out the idea in case anyone might consider selling soon.

I've missed out on a few in the TB classifieds as I hadn't had the funds or the wife's blessing yet. The latter was going to be the biggest hurdle in my mind. However, I believe my obsession of looking at Dingwalls all day during this Corona Virus (work at home) has made my wife go mental. Yesterday I mentioned selling one of my basses (with sad puppy dog eyes) to help fund a Dingwall. She gave me her blessing. Not only that, she said I wouldn't need to sell one of basses either. I quote "You have always made wise decisions with your bass purchasing and selling". I hope she is feeling alright. Maybe I should get her tested?

I will be posting a black Combustion in the classifieds this evening.

 

[AB Nate]

I will be posting a black Combustion in the classifieds this evening.

Lol. I just did that on Kijiji.

due to the C string shortage she doesn’t get the playtime it should.
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[AB Nate]

Thanks guys, that means a lot. Sure wish the SJ5XXX was home with me, but I'll get by with the other basses at my disposal

Yeah dooder. Best health to you and hopefully someone can run your SJ to you or something.

 

[IvanBassist]

Thanks guys, that means a lot. Sure wish the SJ5XXX was home with me, but I'll get by with the other basses at my disposal

Stay healthy!

 

[AB Nate]

Can I ask (respectfully as I own a Dingwall) what makes a Z3 worth 4x the price of a NG3? Inknow the wood and place of manufacturing differs - what else? I play guitar also and think about a Les Paul standard at 2800 vs a historic (obvious differences also) at approx 5k and wonder why such a huge jump in the Dingwall stuff.

And again, as someone who purposely hides the amount of inventory in my music room (out of embarrassment) there is no judgement here.

As a Z owner I have multiple times wondered if I’m crazy for spending the money I spent on them when the Chinese basses are as fantastic as they are. Then I play one and I'm reminded why I’ve gone the route I have.

I will also state that I’m not a Tone nazi. I think soo much of it comes from the player that it’s really unfair to state that my Zs sound better then say a squire.....

For the differences that justify the price:
...Actually, before going into that let’s start at basic pricing for comparison purposes.

In this picture we have an DG EDition and a fairly basic Z and both are similarly spec’d.

The DGNG is about $3200
The Z is about $6500
It is missing the DGTC so add that in for another $700 bringing it up to $7200 for a pretty close apples to apples comparison. With that, out price difference is over double but under 3x the cost. So definitely not 4x the cost.
with that here are some differences. The justification is purely a personal choice .

-the bridge with the routed sustain block. I do love this bridge over the hipshot ones on the combustions.

-the neck..... I’m addicted to the Z neck. I’ve played some combustion’s with stellar necks that resemble an AB neck and others have felt quite chunky in my hands.

-the push/pull active/passive vs the toggle. Minor difference here but...refinement?

-the ergonomics. Body shape, size, how it hangs.

- the customization options from factory.
as you mentioned different woods falls into this category. The wenge necks are truly remarkable. I’m a sucker for these exotic aspects. Birds eye maple is most likely my fav fretboard wood. But Zirocote, Ebony are some fantastic options that jack your price up. Wenge fretboards are not an option on combustions but most love the wenge FB.
The Z pictures about includes an X top and a wenge contrast layer. That is approximately a $1250CAD upgrade over the bustin models. Body woods options as well fluctuate the price.

in addition to woods though you have the option of different pick ups and pre amp(glockenklang) as well as the addition of the 3x switches.

-the extra work required for the break angle on the head stock vs the string retainer on the bustin models. Matching X wood head stocks as well I guess

-custom finish as well?

I think that sums up most of it at least.

my latest build was quite highly spec’d/personalized and came in just over 3x times the cost of the DGNG shown above. ..... and I freaking love it.

hope that helps?

 

[Waltsdog]

Lol. I just did that on Kijiji.

due to the C string shortage she doesn’t get the playtime it should.
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If I didn't have the SP coming I'd snap this up for a fretless project.