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Dingwall Owners Club
- Thread starter FroggyOne2
- Start date
Honestly, if someone doesn't care about the different gauges that a multi scale should use, then they probably don't really care about the benefits of a multi scale bass. A new player does not yet have a personal preference for these things. If an experienced player prefers heavier strings on the longer scales, then fine, they know what they are doing. This whole conversation is in the context of someone unsure about getting their first Dingwall bass because they don't know which strings they should get. Telling them to get whatever they prefer is not helpful.
Person misinterpreted what I wrote.
We agree 100% that the length should be appropriate. All the sets in our "Dingwall Fanned Fret" section will fit a Dingwall appropriately without modifications.
That is why we are there to support that user to help them find the strings. Most likely they are looking for a set of strings because they do not like the ones that came on their instrument. If they did, they would look for that specific set as those are readily available.
We get calls for users who enjoyed the original Dingwall strings, but wanted either a thicker E string or a thicker D string. That is a very common request.
We also get calls from people who just ordered their first bass and want a set of strings as a backup and automatically want something heavier.
Many users want even more of a tighter experience that the multi scale can give someone. Same reason why some people want to use a 55-110 tuned to E-Standard while some want to use 35-90 tuned E-Standard. We help connect that user with the best strings for their specific needs.
Then you missed the point I was trying to make.
Long story short, you do not need a set labeled "Multi Scale" to work appropriately on a Mutli-Scale instrument.
For example... The Dingwall Long Scale set. Great set. Many use it and love it. 45 55 80t 100t. You could essentially purchase singles 45 55 80 long scale and 100 extra long from D'Addario, GHS, SIT, or 45 55 80 100 long sacle from DR and get a set that will feel pretty much the same tension wise (I say pretty much as each manufacturer has a difference in tension for the same "gauge" and some round up etc but that is an entire different conversation). Those "Singles" would not be labeled as "Multi Scale" but will work just as well. Biggest difference between the sets is the Dingwall set is Tapered which is not a requirement, but that is a preference by the manufacturer to use. It helps for a better break angle however the Hipshot saddles used do not require tapered strings and will use non-tapered just as well. As long as they are installed properly then the strings perfect. We do like the Dingwall sets and feel they are priced very appropriately for being tapered.
Now, say that user who got a Dingwall with 45 55 80 100 and they want a heavier D string, then get a set 45 60 80 100 or 45 65 80 100 that are pre-packaged and you are good to go! Again, strings are a personal preference. We get calls every day people wanting something different than the original strings where they feel the D and E or even the D E and A strings aren't heavier enough for their liking. Hence, why we offer so many different options and put them all in one place for users to choose from.
Afterall, Sheldon Dingwall did work with Dunlop to make the 45 65 85t 105t 125t set which he sells directly. It is very similar to the set that Jason first designed from Dunlop using 45 65 85t 105t 130t. Are those not appropriate for mutli-scale then?
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To further clarify, I'm trying to clarify that a .055 "Fanned Fret" string is no different from a .055 string found in a standard set. Same as a .100 gauge string, as long as the length is appropriate, it is no different from a .100 found in a Long or Extra long scale string set depending on the manufacturer.
I get your point. Your point is, and please correct me if I missed it, that users should get strings appropriate for your bass that do not require modification and will give them the playing experience they expect out of a multi scale. And yes, that is exactly what we have in our "Fanned Fret Multi Scale" section for Dingwall basses and others. Others will fit more options than Dingwall, but yes, we are right there with you.
I think you did still miss the point.
That said, what FN offers for the more particular user is awesome and an amazing resource for sure.
BUT , to return this back to the context of the last couple pages. The original Query was about readily available strings for a newly purchased bass that had not yet been delivered and the concern of available strings.
The NDD about to be had is by a Canadian resident looking for readily available options.
Honestly, the simplest answer for one just stepping into Fanned feet lifestyle is to stick with available FF options. The deep dive can come after if they choose.
Many players do just stick to the basics as well. Example, I’m slow on the draw… 12 yrs later just tried my first .145
Payson is right to suggest, “ get FF bass strings for your dingwall” for someone just entering the multi scale lifestyle IMO.
At FN You guys are the pros at mixing and matching and that is deadly for those in the rabbit hole already!
Let the guy get his bass first and feel comfort in the fact he can stroll down to L and M and have a standard option on the shelf thou right!
Aside from this, we are talking about multi thousand dollar basses. I know this applies to some more then others but I’m not gonna stress an extra $5 per set of strings to get the strings I want vs the cheapest option when I’m stringing up an instrument worth more then anything else in my house.
hope that helps
I think you did still miss the point.
That said, what FN offers for the more particular user is awesome and an amazing resource for sure.
BUT , to return this back to the context of the last couple pages. The original Query was about readily available strings for a newly purchased bass that had not yet been delivered and the concern of available strings.
The NDD about to be had is by a Canadian resident looking for readily available options.
Honestly, the simplest answer for one just stepping into Fanned feet lifestyle is to stick with available FF options. The deep dive can come after if they choose.
Many players do just stick to the basics as well. Example, I’m slow on the draw… 12 yrs later just tried my first .145
Payson is right to suggest, “ get FF bass strings for your dingwall” for someone just entering the multi scale lifestyle IMO.
At FN You guys are the pros at mixing and matching and that is deadly for those in the rabbit hole already!
Let the guy get his bass first and feel comfort in the fact he can stroll down to L and M and have a standard option on the shelf thou right!
Aside from this, we are talking about multi thousand dollar basses. I know this applies to some more then others but I’m not gonna stress an extra $5 per set of strings to get the strings I want vs the cheapest option when I’m stringing up an instrument worth more then anything else in my house.
hope that helps
Oh I get that. My reply was mainly a stab back at a "Manufacturer" of strings stating that only Fanned Fret strings can be used and the D'Addario Extra Long 45-100 that selected were bad. That set will be perfectly fine on a fanned fret. Only thing is the D string will be higher tension than the other strings, but that may not be a bad thing to many users and nothing wrong with that at all.
Dingwall offers a Dunlop set on their website. This set can also be found from other retailers as it is not exclusive to Dingwall for resale. It was developed with Dingwall as yet another option for them to offer for their basses as well as stores. It happened to come into reality during the Pandemic when the Dingwall branded strings were harder to come by. It is also similar to a set that Jason had designed earlier.
Link to the Dingwall Webstore for reference. 45 65 85t 105t 125t
Dunlop Long Scale-5 String Set-Nickel Wound
Side note, regarding the manufacturer of Dingwall strings or even who makes Payson strings. Unless the company specifically says "_______ makes our strings," we do not say who may or may not make and private label their strings.
For example, the new Spector Fanned Fret Strings (which also work on a Dingwall by the way), are manufactured by La Bella to their specifications. They are different from what actually ships on the Spector Dimensions bass. Jason thinks he knows what is on the Dimensions from the factory, but since they are not a regularly produced string set, he doesn't tell customers who he thinks makes them.
well that’s cool! I haven’t been on the website in a while aside to oogle X tops.
I like dunlops on my SpectoNS5XL
My fav strings for feel and tone are definitely Payson strings but these Dunlops have me curious… only problem is I have 1 long scale 5 string.. and I just strung it up for alternate tuning, utilizing the .145. Lol. They’ll have to wait
Yeah! It is a set not many know about.
The set was designed by Sheldon Dingwall with intention to be used on his instruments. The gauges are 45 65 85t 105t 125t. If Sheldon feels those strings are good enough for his instruments, there is no reason why another 45 65 85 105 125 that has the appropriate length fitment is not.
I’ve been wondering what Is on the dimensions and did hear about the Spector(La Bella) strings. If they offer a six string set I’ll have to try them for sure… as long as the lower strings are tapered.
If you wanted a 6-string set of "Spector" strings, just get a La Bella High C single to pair with it.
For a high-c, you can get away with using a NPS from another maker as well. The outer winding is so thin, you won't really notice a difference between makers. Some even use a different string type for a High-C like a Half-Round to get a warmer sound out of the high-c to be less twangy.
hmm just caught onto the .125
currently I do appreciate a larger B. (.127-.130)
Been thinking a thicker C is something to explore as well. .036-.038.ish.
The lighter gauges definitely have their place, hey @singlemalt
Gnight folks.
Gonna go dream of dingwalls past and present.
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