Dingwall Owners Club

[Dub56]

Hey guys question I’ve got a Droc and was considering changing the pups.
I was considering the FDV pups

For you guys who have played these pups how would you compare them to the standard pups on the Droc?

I’m looking for a tight punchy sound with clean top end and good warmth which doesn’t distort.
I dont use distortion, I use a bit of gain for grit and my Sans Amp pedal but that’s it other than my tuner.

Thanks guys !

The FDVs are what come stock in the D Roc Customs, so a video like the below may help:



I had a D Roc Standard 5 and a D Roc Custom 5 at the same time recently, so I was able to compare them directly. I personally thought they both sounded great but had a bit of a different character.

To me the FDVs in the custom were more crisp and crunchy (for the lack of a better term). Very punchy with a lot of bite to the sound when you dig in.

The FD3N were somewhat “bigger” sounding to me, more low end, a bit louder, warmer overall. Less cutting than the custom. They had punch of their own though, the middle pickup solo almost reminded me of a Rickenbacker bridge pickup kind of character if you dig in, but I found them warmer overall compared to the FDVs.

They were more different than I expected at first, but I liked both. Not to say I had the pickups on both set perfectly identically or anything either, just some basic impressions.

 

[kev451]

The FDVs are what come stock in the D Roc Customs, so a video like the below may help:



I had a D Roc Standard 5 and a D Roc Custom 5 at the same time recently, so I was able to compare them directly. I personally thought they both sounded great but had a bit of a different character.

To me the FDVs in the custom were more crisp and crunchy (for the lack of a better term). Very punchy with a lot of bite to the sound when you dig in.

The FD3N were somewhat “bigger” sounding to me, more low end, a bit louder, warmer overall. Less cutting than the custom. They had punch of their own though, the middle pickup solo almost reminded me of a Rickenbacker bridge pickup kind of character if you dig in, but I found them warmer overall compared to the FDVs.

They were more different than I expected at first, but I liked both. Not to say I had the pickups on both set perfectly identically or anything either, just some basic impressions.

Thank you so much for posting this ! I’m gonna check this out right now !

 

[AB Nate]

Hey guys question I’ve got a Droc and was considering changing the pups.
I was considering the FDV pups

For you guys who have played these pups how would you compare them to the standard pups on the Droc?

I’m looking for a tight punchy sound with clean top end and good warmth which doesn’t distort.
I dont use distortion, I use a bit of gain for grit and my Sans Amp pedal but that’s it other than my tuner.

Thanks guys !

For clean and punch probably the FD3s. Maybe the SF2s. I wouldn’t describe the FDVs as clean and punchy in comparison.

 

[AB Nate]

I just did a pick up swap as I was going for a tighter cleaner sound. I swapped FDVs for FD3s in my Z36. Set virtually identical and I g ot more so what I was looking for.

 

[kev451]

For clean and punch probably the FD3s. Maybe the SF2s. I wouldn’t describe the FDVs as clean and punchy in comparison.

The video posted made it seem like the FDVs had a bit more bite and were cleaner. Where as the FD3s seemed warmer and not as clear.
What’s your take on it ?

 

[Derek Williams]

The video posted made it seem like the FDVs had a bit more bite and were cleaner. Where as the FD3s seemed warmer and not as clear.
What’s your take on it ?

I haven't been playing long enough to build a great ear for describing these kinds of things, but I'll try. In my NG2, I've tried the original FD3Ns, FDVs, and SF2s. I found each set better than the last. The FDVs sounded more balanced and warmer, but like you said, not as clear. The SF2s retain that warmth, but have a better clarity. The SF2s also seem to do a better job with the bridge pickup and the higher strings, adding a bit more thickness.

 

[Alistair R]

For anyone looking. Here is a very cheap DBird for sale. Get it while you can, there are only 100 of them.They normally sell for $3k+.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

View attachment 4727726

Only 100 ever made including custom & Chinese models?

If that's the case, never selling my standard one!

 

[AB Nate]

The video posted made it seem like the FDVs had a bit more bite and were cleaner. Where as the FD3s seemed warmer and not as clear.
What’s your take on it ?

the FDVs are more Open sounding IMO. I love their voice. I like them for just about anything other then the music I’m playing right now. The FD3s tighten things up with a more crisp, clear articulation.
I’m being challenged by the music I’ve been presented and despite my appreciated for the FDVs, I’ve been trying to really clean my tone to make it punch and be a little better defined with the metronome. The FD3s have helped achieve this.

now what Derek says below, affirms my assumption (hope) that the SF2s may also be a great option to do this and maybe even better yet

I haven't been playing long enough to build a great ear for describing these kinds of things, but I'll try. In my NG2, I've tried the original FD3Ns, FDVs, and SF2s. I found each set better than the last. The FDVs sounded more balanced and warmer, but like you said, not as clear. The SF2s retain that warmth, but have a better clarity. The SF2s also seem to do a better job with the bridge pickup and the higher strings, adding a bit more thickness.

This makes me really want to order a set for the 6er

 

[AB Nate]

the FDVs are more Open sounding IMO. I love their voice. I like them for just about anything other then the music I’m playing right now. The FD3s tighten things up with a more crisp, clear articulation.
I’m being challenged by the music I’ve been presented and despite my appreciated for the FDVs, I’ve been trying to really clean my tone to make it punch and be a little better defined with the metronome. The FD3s have helped achieve this.

now what Derek says below, affirms my assumption (hope) that the SF2s may also be a great option to do this and maybe even better yet


This makes me really want to order a set for the 6er

I had an afterthought I’ll add to this. My signal is also running through a Mesa WD800. It offers a very rich voice and expresses the instrument very well.
I could probably, honestly, achieve a similar goal to what I’m trying to achieve by switching the a D800+ or a Berg or some other more clean and focused head vs exploring the pick ups…. So there is that factor as well.
Ultimately my chase, perhaps similar to @kev451 right now is only for 10-20% of the riffage where as otherwise I’d be content AF with the FDVs… bassists …

 

[Thumper]

I had an afterthought I’ll add to this. My signal is also running through a Mesa WD800. It offers a very rich voice and expresses the instrument very well.
I could probably, honestly, achieve a similar goal to what I’m trying to achieve by switching the a D800+ or a Berg or some other more clean and focused head vs exploring the pick ups…. So there is that factor as well.
Ultimately my chase, perhaps similar to @kev451 right now is only for 10-20% of the riffage where as otherwise I’d be content AF with the FDVs… bassists …

Before I change a PUP in my D-Roc, I'm going to try it with a T.C. Spark at practice. It helped focus the tone of my alder bodied ThunderJ.

 

[Nuage420]

Before I change a PUP in my D-Roc, I'm going to try it with a T.C. Spark at practice. It helped focus the tone of my alder bodied ThunderJ.
View attachment 4729021View attachment 4729022

Mighty fine Droc ya got there

 

[Nuage420]

@Thumper try a Harmonic Booster if you can.

 

[Thumper]

@Thumper try a Harmonic Booster if you can.

Maybe if the Spark Booster doesn't work, but I like them well enough to have 2 on my board. Plus there's always my Phat Phuk.

 

[retroXvertigo]

the FDVs are more Open sounding IMO. I love their voice. I like them for just about anything other then the music I’m playing right now. The FD3s tighten things up with a more crisp, clear articulation.
I’m being challenged by the music I’ve been presented and despite my appreciated for the FDVs, I’ve been trying to really clean my tone to make it punch and be a little better defined with the metronome. The FD3s have helped achieve this.

now what Derek says below, affirms my assumption (hope) that the SF2s may also be a great option to do this and maybe even better yet


This makes me really want to order a set for the 6er

I have the audio recorded with the SF2s vs the stock ABZ pickups.

Haven't made a video yet.

I can send you the audio file with time stamps

 

[Nuage420]

Maybe if the Spark Booster doesn't work, but I like them well enough to have 2 on my board. Plus there's always my Phat Phuk.

I don't recall where I had the pickup height set, I had been experimenting with the middle seeing if I could get a "jazz" vibe from the all in position by lowering the middle

 

[ThisYouCanTrust]

I have the audio recorded with the SF2s vs the stock ABZ pickups.

Haven't made a video yet.

I can send you the audio file with time stamps

Please post those here, I'm very interested too !

 

[kev451]

I had an afterthought I’ll add to this. My signal is also running through a Mesa WD800. It offers a very rich voice and expresses the instrument very well.
I could probably, honestly, achieve a similar goal to what I’m trying to achieve by switching the a D800+ or a Berg or some other more clean and focused head vs exploring the pick ups…. So there is that factor as well.
Ultimately my chase, perhaps similar to @kev451 right now is only for 10-20% of the riffage where as otherwise I’d be content AF with the FDVs… bassists …

Well I’ve run the bass with both Bergantino Heads and the Forte has a more bright tight end sound.
The Forte HP is more warm but comes close to the regular Forte with VLPF. Basically the Forte reminds me of an older Ampeg head but tighter with a top end sizzle.
The HP is more rounded and warm. But you gotta coax that top end sizzle.

 

[Nuage420]

Has anyone seen Bill Eppel @BurningSkies
around on any of the socials?

I just saw a post from rootshock and it appears they have a new bass player.

Bill seems to have vanished from this TB scene(I often wonder if that’s the best thing for a person) and I just hope he’s living life large out there.
He was a torch bearer around here and his input is massively valuable with his experience with Dingwall.

His posts where always a constant reminder of tact.

I don’t blame you for not hanging out Bill but just know your lack of presence is noticed. Peace man

You got me curious so I did some digging. I'll just assume he's maxin and relaxin, living his best life


As for taking breaks from TB I have a long one planned. I do get to pick up my bass and play for a few hours uninterrupted almost everyday, It's my therapy, my alternative to alcohol or drugs (clean 20 years but did easily 40yrs worth in 10), and my decompression from my job. 99% of the time I just jam. I don't learn songs, I'll flesh out a riff here and there but nothing too difficult. I have a few books and some talkingbass courses I want to go through. I'm going to step away from TB and give time and energy to that endeavor. I have the Nate Navarro and Jeff Berlins books. I will likely contact Jeff to set up some lessons after stumbling through his book for some good ol hard ass instruction. (No need to voice your opinion on him. I'm aware of the controversy he surrounds himself with, and as an instructor and professional in my own field recognize that his mindset and style is what I need)

 

[gustobassman]

They're here! Don't have time before my gig tonight to throw them on. I'll use them on Saturday and then after the weekend I have like 7 gigs in 12 days. Should have a good review soon.

Super excited to hear/play these. The Payson groundwounds I've currently got on on the AB2 are great, but at heart I'm a rounds guy. The metal and rock projects I've been doing lately reminded me of that. Really hoping the GHS will be a good crossover between flats/rounds. If not I'll be more than happy with the Payson for reggae. I'll throw the GHS on one of the NG's if they don't work out. Either way they will be used and abused.

 

[J Posega]

Has anyone seen Bill Eppel @BurningSkies
around on any of the socials?

I just saw a post from rootshock and it appears they have a new bass player.

Bill seems to have vanished from this TB scene(I often wonder if that’s the best thing for a person) and I just hope he’s living life large out there.
He was a torch bearer around here and his input is massively valuable with his experience with Dingwall.

His posts where always a constant reminder of tact.

I don’t blame you for not hanging out Bill but just know your lack of presence is noticed. Peace man

Bill is keeping busy with his job, as well as baking bread and keeping bees out there in central/upstate NY.

He seems to have reduced his social media usage drastically which I absolutely commend. I’m hoping to do the same.