Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Dingwall Owners Club
- Thread starter FroggyOne2
- Start date
Last edited:
I just got a NG3 and like it a lot, now i'm thinking to order abz. should i do it?
Long story: I just started learning bass last Dec. Started with MM stingray ray24, but the action was too high, even after lowering bridge to the lowest position, so I got rid of it and got ltd b-1005 multiscale, which has very nice finish but I can't get it setup to my liking, either too high or there's string buzz.. plus it's on the heavy side.
But I do like multiscale, looks cool and 5 string makes it possible to play some note higher up on b string which is more comfortable then on lower frets.
Now I have a NG3, perfect setup, light, comfortable, very satisfied with it. only con is that I find I don't like the color in person as much as I like it on photo.
I see ABZ has some really nice burst color that I think i'll like, and the wenge neck looks especially nice in terms of color when combining with body color.
Plus I've read it's suppose to be even lighter.
FWIW, I'm not very into metal, more of a pop/rock/jazz guy. I like the tone of ng3, but I don't hate the tone of ltd/MM either. I think I simply haven't developed a real tonal preference yet.
Now as I type these out, it sounds silly for a beginner wanting to spend couple more grand on a new hobby mainly because of the look over actual function, and i'm not really a super rich person. an ABZ would cost me a full year of my "fun budget". I could have spend those money on trying out other highly regarded brand like spector/warwick etc, or get a good bass teacher perhaps?
some part of me feel like I should focus less on gear and more on learning bass itself.
On the other hand, I thought I like dingwall so much, might as well get it in the color I really like and that'd be my "end game", and i'd stop care about gear anymore. Plus there's a long wait time for it to build, if I change my mind, I could probably back off from order or resale it with a minimal loss.
Long story: I just started learning bass last Dec. Started with MM stingray ray24, but the action was too high, even after lowering bridge to the lowest position, so I got rid of it and got ltd b-1005 multiscale, which has very nice finish but I can't get it setup to my liking, either too high or there's string buzz.. plus it's on the heavy side.
But I do like multiscale, looks cool and 5 string makes it possible to play some note higher up on b string which is more comfortable then on lower frets.
Now I have a NG3, perfect setup, light, comfortable, very satisfied with it. only con is that I find I don't like the color in person as much as I like it on photo.
I see ABZ has some really nice burst color that I think i'll like, and the wenge neck looks especially nice in terms of color when combining with body color.
Plus I've read it's suppose to be even lighter.
FWIW, I'm not very into metal, more of a pop/rock/jazz guy. I like the tone of ng3, but I don't hate the tone of ltd/MM either. I think I simply haven't developed a real tonal preference yet.
Now as I type these out, it sounds silly for a beginner wanting to spend couple more grand on a new hobby mainly because of the look over actual function, and i'm not really a super rich person. an ABZ would cost me a full year of my "fun budget". I could have spend those money on trying out other highly regarded brand like spector/warwick etc, or get a good bass teacher perhaps?
some part of me feel like I should focus less on gear and more on learning bass itself.
On the other hand, I thought I like dingwall so much, might as well get it in the color I really like and that'd be my "end game", and i'd stop care about gear anymore. Plus there's a long wait time for it to build, if I change my mind, I could probably back off from order or resale it with a minimal loss.
Normally, you can't "back out" of an order, at least not without losing your deposit. So don't do that.
If your only true gripe about your NG is color, spend ~$600 (assuming US) and get a killer refinish job done on it.
I mean no offense, but, as you point out yourself, you're just now beginning on this journey, so spec'ing out a custom is a lot. Pretty much every Dingwall is going to turn out great, but, if you spec one now and your tastes develop and refine over the next 2 years, you may find you wish you made other choices and are locked into something you won't like (and lose your deposit, or lose a chunk trying to re-sell it).
Teacher, amp, cab would be my suggested order of spending your money on, next. Over the next two years, sock away bits of money as you can and keep rocking the NG. If you still want a custom ABZ, or hey maybe a Z3, then you'll have more knowledge and be able to really get something you know you want and have solid reasons for the choices you make.
I hate to dissuade you, but, I'd hate to see you throw down on an ABZ and by the time it's built, have regret over decisions. Also, there isn't really an "end game"... there's always something new and fun that'll grab your attention, even if for just a few moments.
Welcome to Talkbass!
Do it and save yourself the trouble. I played multiple basses trying them out, etc. Had up to 10 at one point. Got a Dingwall and everything else left. I tried a Combustion at one point, but preferred the Canadian models. The only problem you'll have next is wanting another Canadian Dingwall.
I'm good with one fiver (2013 SJ) and three fours, a 2009 SJ/P with Nordstrand NP-4a/Big Split pickups, a 2013 SP with a NP-4a, and a 2021 3x (FDV) AB-I. Zero DAS, if you can believe it.
NEVER ZERO DAS. moments of self assurance that it’s gone…. But is it? Really?
I've been DAS-free since I got my last Z. I still enjoy looking at them, and there's a few (used ones) I could convince myself to splurge on, but I'm so comfortable with all of my Dingwalls, I can't see myself getting another custom at this point.
Perhaps instead of spec’ ing a new bass try a used option at a better price with solid resale. In the wait time for the new one you could cycle through a few basses and realize, as mentioned, you may truly want something different then what your now thinking…. Especially being at the beginning of your journey.
Honestly, deep into my journey and this one is beckoning to me now… with 6 “superior” Dingwalls in hand.
https://reverb.com/item/50140278-di...are&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=50140278
Tricky phrasing… another custom he’s says. But he didn’t say another Dingwall. Hmmmm.
Well, IF production Supers become a thing, a Super J will almost certainly be bought. But still DAS free since those aren't a thing
Until then Ray….. until then…. HeheheheheheWell, IF production Supers become a thing, a Super J will almost certainly be bought. But still DAS free since those aren't a thing
Nine years since I received my ABZ.
I like looking at the new stuff, but I have zero DAS, and very little GAS, at least in terms of solid-body basses. To date, it's been The One Bass to Unite Them All...
if you order an abz you have a deposit… and maybe 1.5 years to wait. A lot can change for a new bass player… but if you are the type that sticks with something… i say do it! When it arrives, sell your ng and price wont be a big deal if you save.
When i get a bass i really like… i start collecting different colours.
I envy you. I like variety way too much. I wish I didn’t. That and I guess I’m curious. The Ovangkol neck for example. Super curious. …
Help.
I dont have a massive collection (8 bases with two more on order) but my ab1 was the bass that made me go from “keep everything you will regret selling one day” to “lets be real… with this bass many of you will never get played again.” I can see me selling 2-3 without blinking now.
Lots of good points, thanks!
I think I'm convinced to stick to my ng3 for a while and maybe try some used abz in the mean time, while improving bass skill.
You guys are right that I don't know what I want to spec, I was thinking to just select all possible knob and switches.. but i might just like passive better then all those added weight would mean for nothing.
I think I'm convinced to stick to my ng3 for a while and maybe try some used abz in the mean time, while improving bass skill.
You guys are right that I don't know what I want to spec, I was thinking to just select all possible knob and switches.. but i might just like passive better then all those added weight would mean for nothing.
