Dingwall Owners Club

[pravus]

For any D-ROC/D-Bird owners (or just any opinions in general), do you have any input on getting a 4-string versus 5-string assuming you would tune the 4-string BEAD? I feel like a 4-string is the way to go on the D-ROC because it was originally designed that way and the hot-rod vibe makes me want to tune it low. I used to do this when I did a lot of Pantera covers and this is the perfect platform for that style in my mind.

 

[VolverseLoco]

I would say yes you could get a way with it “better” on a Dingwall than many other basses but that is still a BIG ASK of any bass. If you use higher tension strings and go heavy gauge maybe 50-110 or even -55-115 and a lighter touch when tuned down you can make it work but it’s less than ideal.
That’s really a job for a 5 string or something like the Digitech Drop pedal or my preference the Line 6 HX Stomp which has a great pitch shifter than sounds pretty darn convincing digitally dropping tuning down 5 semi tones to B
Like scary good. To my ear the HX stomp sounds better than the Digitech Drop for this purpose but some people really like the Drop so there’s that option to look into.

Where the heck have I been? This "Line 6 HX Stomp" thing, it is marvelous! I never heard of it. I like how they split the signal to have the clean bottom end mixed with that clangy processed top end. I seriously need to buy this box like right now. I can kill many birds with one stone here if I buy that Line-6 box, which I will. Thanks!

 

[VolverseLoco]

Here's the problem - that much change in tuning will be hard for ANY bass to handle. I did some quick calculations using the tool at Stringjoy Guitar String Tension Calculator. Dingwall 4 string lengths and standard Dingwall gauges. Dropping from EADG to BEAD reduces total tension by about 43%.

StringScale Length (in.)PitchStringTension (lbs.)
1 - 42.8
2 - 36.9
3 - 45.8
4 - 41.5
Total tension: 167 lbs.

StringScale Length (in.)PitchStringTension (lbs.)
1 - 24
2 - 20.7
3 - 25.7
4 - 23.3
Total tension: 93.7 lbs.

That is very interesting, your calculations here. Thank you for working them up. Your right, 43% less tension is one hell of a drop, without the proper strings and setup, almost half the amount of tension. You know what, I don't need to play my a couple of my 5 Finger Death Punch songs, Ill play something else, but its guys like you who go the extra distance for others, like with this chart. Thank you!

 

[AB Nate]

Where the heck have I been? This "Line 6 HX Stomp" thing, it is marvelous! I never heard of it. I like how they split the signal to have the clean bottom end mixed with that clangy processed top end. I seriously need to buy this box like right now. I can kill many birds with one stone here if I buy that Line-6 box, which I will. Thanks!

It’s a great box. Never was a line 6 guy but got an awesome deal on it and it’s worth every penny.

 

[JackTheRipper]

I’m curious what strings & gauges have you found work best for Drop A tuning ?

For Drop A, I've used Payson stainless strings (.145, .105, .085, .065). They work well, but the .145 was a little loose for my liking. I now use D'Addario ProSteels that I get from Fret Nation (.145, .105, .085, .070) and the .145 is a bit tighter.

I use D'Addario XLs from Fret Nation for AEAD - 145, 100, 75, 55. I wish the 145 was tapered on the ball end...that may drive me to try another string option eventually, but for now it's workable.

--jack

 

[JackTheRipper]

So this is the part that I really know nothing about and I'm about to look foolish (wouldn't be the first time). Are you saying that you buy another set of strings just for those tunings and keep the bass setup like that? Gosh, I would only have 1 Dingwall to work with. I only play a few tunes in B-E-A-D, so I would just tune down from E-A-D-G for those few songs. I know exactly how my current bass doesn't handle this so well, I was hoping, and I think from what I read here, that I maybe can 'get away with it' a little better when doing this on the Dingwall when said Dingwall is normally E tuned, right?

Yes, I have 2 basses, each setup with different string gauges to accommodate their tuning. I leave the Drop A tuned bass is Drop A, and leave the Drop C bass in that tuning. I switch basses between songs as needed.

You *may* be able to get away with tuning a single set of string down from BEAD to AEAD for a few songs.

[EDIT]: I missed that you were trying to go from EADG to BEAD. That wouldn't work on any bass.

--jack

 

[seedokebass]

I've been fairly happy with DR Nickel Lo Rider mediums (low strings from a 5 set) on my NG3 4 string. Its almost always tuned AEAD and goofed around with low F#EAD with decent results.

I don't like super thick strings and don't feel a massive B string is necessary for drop A. I think it's fairly snappy on the NG3 4 string scale, standard tuning on a 4 just seems like it would be way too stiff!

 

[JackTheRipper]

Payson has a Drop A set for 4-string basses. I don't know if this is new, but I've been told that the .145T has been optimized for the 4-string scale length and has more tension than before.

Payson Fanned Drop A 4 String Bass Set

I will try them next time I need new strings.

--jack

 

[ThisYouCanTrust]

It’s a great box. Never was a line 6 guy but got an awesome deal on it and it’s worth every penny.

Any more experience with the tt400 or whatever it's called ?

 

[AB Nate]

Any more experience with the tt400 or whatever it's called ?

Do you mean the Mesa TT800?
Unfortunately not a lot lately. Pretty busy still sorting out the mess with my work truck and finally getting out for hunting season not much time to sit down and play. Soon hopefully

 

[gearhound22]

Whale poo.

View attachment 4000474

That has to be one of my fav dingwalls of all time...I think it got sold in Australia

 

[Flabzilla]

That has to be one of my fav dingwalls of all time...I think it got sold in Australia

It certainly did.

 

[EMoneySC2]

For Drop A, I've used Payson stainless strings (.145, .105, .085, .065). They work well, but the .145 was a little loose for my liking. I now use D'Addario ProSteels that I get from Fret Nation (.145, .105, .085, .070) and the .145 is a bit tighter.





--jack

The 105, 85, and 65 on the top is too tight for me. I transitioned to the lighter set a bit ago and have really been enjoying it.

 

[hbabels]

Thanks for all these tips on Drop A tuning sets. Do any of you who use the .145 for the A ever tune it up to B so you’re B-E-A-D ? If so how does that work is it too tight ?
I’ll be mainly using it for drop A tuning say 85/90% of the time but there are a few occasions where B-E-A-D tuning would be helpful ?
How do the Payson strings compare to the D’Addario XL’s for those of you who have used both? Brighter / darker ? More or less tension etc ?

oh and one more question what’s the best source to order a new nut as I assume I’ll have to modify for larger string ? I’d like to keep the one I have now if I ever go back. Can you order replacements from Dingwall direct ? Thanks for the help.

 

[Digity]

If you can't shake one out at the Shop, try Carey Nordstrand. He also makes pickups to Dingwall spec.

Neither is willing to sell one

 

[Digity]

Thanks for all these tips on Drop A tuning sets. Do any of you who use the .145 for the A ever tune it up to B so you’re B-E-A-D ? If so how does that work is it too tight ?
I’ll be mainly using it for drop A tuning say 85/90% of the time but there are a few occasions where B-E-A-D tuning would be helpful ?
How do the Payson strings compare to the D’Addario XL’s for those of you who have used both? Brighter / darker ? More or less tension etc ?

oh and one more question what’s the best source to order a new nut as I assume I’ll have to modify for larger string ? I’d like to keep the one I have now if I ever go back. Can you order replacements from Dingwall direct ? Thanks for the help.

You can get a new nut from Dingwall, you’ll have to file it down to the correct height though.

 

[EMoneySC2]

Thanks for all these tips on Drop A tuning sets. Do any of you who use the .145 for the A ever tune it up to B so you’re B-E-A-D ? If so how does that work is it too tight ?
I’ll be mainly using it for drop A tuning say 85/90% of the time but there are a few occasions where B-E-A-D tuning would be helpful ?
How do the Payson strings compare to the D’Addario XL’s for those of you who have used both? Brighter / darker ? More or less tension etc ?

oh and one more question what’s the best source to order a new nut as I assume I’ll have to modify for larger string ? I’d like to keep the one I have now if I ever go back. Can you order replacements from Dingwall direct ? Thanks for the help.

Tuning the 145 up would be way too tight, at least for me. If I had to go one way or the other, I'd have a 130 and tune it down.

Fret Nation has Dingwall nuts on stock for the import models.

 

[Waltsdog]

Neither is willing to sell one

If you want something that looks like a pickup you can make a silicone mould of one of your current pickups and then make a fake one from resin (you can fill resin with whatever colours or items you fancy). Another option is maybe some of the polly plastic, which is a mouldable thermoplastic stuff.

 

[hbabels]

Tuning the 145 up would be way too tight, at least for me. If I had to go one way or the other, I'd have a 130 and tune it down.

Fret Nation has Dingwall nuts on stock for the import models.

Thanks. Yeah that’s what I was thinking a .130 or maybe .135

 

[Chrishi87]

Are the d´Addarios especialy for fanned fret Basses?
I´ve read that "normal" Super Long Strings don´t have the special tension needed for Multiscale.