Over the holidays, my NG3 broke COVID convention and had his slightly more flamboyant younger brother come for a short visit. Here’s a couple family photos in slightly different light:
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It’s long been my desire to compare the DBird switch to the 3x. Particularly the all-on setting to the NB setting. In my BD days (Before Dingwall), my tone was pretty much always a very warm, J-like, tone (still is, maybe 40% of the time), and I was concerned I was missing something by not having an NB option. The comparison was complicated by the difference in strings; older Parsons nickel RCs with the DBird switched bass, brand new Dingwall nickels on the (brand new) 3x switched bass. I didn’t have the sparklemonster for very long, either.
In the end, trying to compensate for the string differences in my head, my personal opinion was that I wasn’t missing anything. I think the all-on setting could get very close to anything I would personally look for out of the NB setting. Therefore, and also because I feel I need to keep the soloed M setting, the DBird switch is the switch for me. I no longer need to pine after the 6 way switch that unleashes every conceivable BMN combination. Not that I’d refuse one, but it’s no longer in the upper portion of my musical to-do list.
This is just my opinion, FWIW. I’ve played live quite frequently for many, many years (contemporary churches, almost solely), but am by no means a pro. And, I’ve only had Dingwalls for a few years now. Anyway, I thought I should chime in, since it looks like the “3x vs DBird switch” conversation emerged again a couple days ago.
Jule mentioned that my name did come up though! Two of my most favorite artists in the Bass realm in one place, both have gone above and beyond to provide first class support & some really wonderful custom instruments for me, and both I consider friends. Alas, my playing schedule hasn't allowed for NAMM visits though I've been offered entry and hospitality for a handful of shows.
