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Dingwall Owners Club

Thanks, i did see that. Maybe i should clarify but i have a FD-3n pickup bass. Sadly that is not in the comparison, so it makes them harder to a/b compare.

i am mostly looking for the difference between the fd-3n, fd3, fdv. (I saw the basic description on the website).

or are all fd3’s now fd-3n?

I can attest that the FD-3 are different sounding from the import FD-3N. I have a set in my NG3, they have more balls, more beef and are more articulate to my ears. The FD-3N are solid pickups - they sound great to me. But, IMO the FD-3 is definitely a step up. If you like the FD-3N sound already, you'll probably dig the FD-3's.

On the other side of the coin, I am absolutely LOVING the Super Fatty 2's I just put in Moby. I wired each pickup in series since my s/p toggles haven't arrived yet. M+B in series, is just phenomenal. Thick, warm, defined, articulate... I could go on for days. The SF2'S are just killer in that bass. Beyond satisfied. Installed, the pups are B, N, B, so when you select "M+B" you get a neck and bridge pickup. What I would assume, is that setting is similar to the 2 pickup sklar models. Such a killer tone.. so stoked.
 
Just to add… found an add for a 2010 ab2 stating it has “Neck – Walnut neck with dual carbon fibre spars”

i have messaged dingwall sales to clarify a few questions.

website describes cf reinforced necks for the ab2

“We install dual carbon fiber reinforcements in Walnut Afterburner II necks. This stiffens the Walnut and also increases sustain and clarity.”
 
I can attest that the FD-3 are different sounding from the import FD-3N. I have a set in my NG3, they have more balls, more beef and are more articulate to my ears. The FD-3N are solid pickups - they sound great to me. But, IMO the FD-3 is definitely a step up. If you like the FD-3N sound already, you'll probably dig the FD-3's.

On the other side of the coin, I am absolutely LOVING the Super Fatty 2's I just put in Moby. I wired each pickup in series since my s/p toggles haven't arrived yet. M+B in series, is just phenomenal. Thick, warm, defined, articulate... I could go on for days. The SF2'S are just killer in that bass. Beyond satisfied. Installed, the pups are B, N, B, so when you select "M+B" you get a neck and bridge pickup. What I would assume, is that setting is similar to the 2 pickup sklar models. Such a killer tone.. so stoked.
Nice. Yeah i think the fd3 will be great… fdv i wonder about. Probably fine.

i am kind of fussing about it for my wenge neck/walnut body ab2 build. It will be a f# 6 string and i will be looking to maximize clarity of that f#. Plus i just like to educate myself.

i have a fd3 wenge/alder ab1 on the way now… so i can compare it to my ng alder/maple with fd-3n.
 
Anyone in here own/previously owned a Sklar?

I own one...

IMG_7792.JPG
 
website describes cf reinforced necks for the ab2

“We install dual carbon fiber reinforcements in Walnut Afterburner II necks. This stiffens the Walnut and also increases sustain and clarity.”

Didn't think they were using walnut necks anymore... (perhaps that was from the old website?)
 
Last edited:
Just to add… found an add for a 2010 ab2 stating it has “Neck – Walnut neck with dual carbon fibre spars”

i have messaged dingwall sales to clarify a few questions.

In 2020 dingwall changed the truss rod in combustions from single acting to dual acting.

Sheldon has implemented carbon fibre truss Rod reinforcement from the beginning is my understanding. Maybe not every bass from the beginning but from the very early years.

FD3n is the stock pick up in all combustion models. They are based on the FD3. They have a hotter output. They are production pick ups made off site.

the FD3s are the base Canadian pick up. Made in house. They are the lineage holder and are clean, power full and articulate. They use neo magnets.

THE FDV is the most recent addition to the pick up line. They Use Alnico and are more mid forward IIRC.

THE SF2 came to be when all pick ups moved to the large round shells. They are to replace the SF1 which had the skinnier pick up shells. I think this was around 2018.

THE P tone and FDP…. Obvious.

Please offer any correction as I’m pulling this from memory.
 
In 2020 dingwall changed the truss rod in combustions from single acting to dual acting.

Sheldon has implemented carbon fibre truss Rod reinforcement from the beginning is my understanding. Maybe not every bass from the beginning but from the very early years.

FD3n is the stock pick up in all combustion models. They are based on the FD3. They have a hotter output. They are production pick ups made off site.

the FD3s are the base Canadian pick up. Made in house. They are the lineage holder and are clean, power full and articulate. They use neo magnets.

THE FDV is the most recent addition to the pick up line. They Use Alnico and are more mid forward IIRC.

THE SF2 came to be when all pick ups moved to the large round shells. They are to replace the SF1 which had the skinnier pick up shells. I think this was around 2018.

THE P tone and FDP…. Obvious.

Please offer any correction as I’m pulling this from memory.
Thanks! My Fd-3n has a massive output, so if fd3 are a bit lower output… that may not be terrible.

So i guess it cones down to fdv vs fd3 fir me. I will hear the fd3 in my hands this week hopefully.
 
Didn't think they were using walnut necks anymore... (perhaps that was from the old website?)
Have a look. But the site also says maple neck… wenge as a option just above. I suspect they dont commonly do these necjs but need to adjust the website.
 

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I’m sure this has been asked 1000 times. I have tried searching but it’s a bit overwhelming, 2300+ pages.
I just picked up my 2nd Dingwall Combustion, this one being a 5 string. I have a 4 string also.
They both have 2 pickups. I like to mod and tinker. So I’m wondering, is there a noticeable difference doing the 3rd pickup mod.
For those who may have done it, was it worth it .
I’m curious as to what the added pickup and the 6 position rotary switch would sound like or just
leaving the stock 4 position .
On another note, has anyone ever left the stock EMG pre in and Added the Darkglass TC . I wonder if it’s possible. DPDT ( on on on). Switch between EMG, DGTC and None. I don’t want to drill any new holes so maybe do a push pull for active/ passive.
Am I crazy, to much work for little to little benefit.
I really like the way they both sound now. They are versatile and can accomplish many sounds.
What are some of the must do Combustion mods if any?
Curiosity has the better of me.
Matt
 
Thanks! My Fd-3n has a massive output, so if fd3 are a bit lower output… that may not be terrible.

So i guess it cones down to fdv vs fd3 fir me. I will hear the fd3 in my hands this week hopefully.
Have you checked this site?
https://dingwallguitars.com/pickup-audio-samples

It has all the current Canadian pickup offerings - FD3, FDV, SF2, PTone. Doesn't cover every possible combination but gives you a very good idea on each one.

I assume you're eyeing up a new build with all the specific questions on neck wood, CF inserts, and pickups. Most of these could be answered very quickly through your dealer, or if needed by emailing tech. Really confused about the insistent questions on CF inserts, but, to each their own.
 
I’m sure this has been asked 1000 times. I have tried searching but it’s a bit overwhelming, 2300+ pages.
I just picked up my 2nd Dingwall Combustion, this one being a 5 string. I have a 4 string also.
They both have 2 pickups. I like to mod and tinker. So I’m wondering, is there a noticeable difference doing the 3rd pickup mod.
For those who may have done it, was it worth it .
I’m curious as to what the added pickup and the 6 position rotary switch would sound like or just
leaving the stock 4 position .
On another note, has anyone ever left the stock EMG pre in and Added the Darkglass TC . I wonder if it’s possible. DPDT ( on on on). Switch between EMG, DGTC and None. I don’t want to drill any new holes so maybe do a push pull for active/ passive.
Am I crazy, to much work for little to little benefit.
I really like the way they both sound now. They are versatile and can accomplish many sounds.
What are some of the must do Combustion mods if any?
Curiosity has the better of me.
Matt
It's difficult to tell someone else how to mod or what to do to their basses. You sound happy with them as-is, so, absent any real information on what you're finding lacking, I find it difficult to offer advice. For you, adding a third pickup might be a costly thing that sets you back.
Adding two preamps can be a thing, but, it's not quite as simple as you're thinking. Especially for not wanting new holes... I'm unsure how you would control one of the preamps, as you'd have no place to put the knobs (unless you're thinking of going all stacked knobs?).
There's been a few 6 way rotary videos posted, some fairly recently. They should pop up in your search I'd think, and give you an idea on what that can offer. Usually folks go into this knowing what they want, since it's customizable.
 
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It's difficult to tell someone else how to mod or what to do to their basses. You sound happy with them as-is, so, absent any real information on what you're finding lacking, I find it difficult to offer advice. For you, adding a third pickup might be a costly thing that sets you back.
Adding two preamps can be a thing, but, it's not quite as simple as you're thinking. Especially for not wanting new holes... I'm unsure how you would control one of the preamps, as you'd have no place to put the knobs (unless you're thinking of going all stacked knobs?).
There's been a few 6 way rotary videos posted, some fairly recently. They should pop up in your search I'd think, and give you an idea on what that can offer. Usually folks go into this knowing what they want, since it's customizable.
Thank you for the link. That helps a lot.
 
The Sklar is an amazing bass, the mandolin frets are really awesome to play on.

My build fund is almost where I want it to put down a deposit on a build, but the more I look around the Sklar really catches my eye. I love fancy tops to look at but I'm more of a solid color guy. There's some really pretty ones floating around Japan. They seem to be a bit on the heavier side compared to other models. I'm assuming due to the different body woods. I'm happy up to about 9.5lbs but 9 or just under is prefered. The AB1 is the other model I'm deciding on.
 
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