• 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

#53,863
AB Nate said:
Beauty

Dingwall Zebra-1 6 String Electric Bass Sheldon Dingwall 2002 - Whalepool Blue | Reverb
Feels scammish but…. Beauty!

it matches my
Old 4 string.
Click to expand...

Nate, how do Zebra necks compare to the modern Z? It looks like Pau Ferro fretboard (back when that was exotic). Do you think those are Bart pickups? (Edit: yes Bart pickups/pre).

That’s probably would’ve been my best shot at a 6er if I didn’t just buy that Veillette Fretless (edit: ahh local pickup, thus the earlier comment about knowing someone in Palmdale…I am on day 3 of 5 hours of sleep and I am feeling it, durp).
 
Last edited:
#53,865
mmbongo said:
I talked to a place that already had some slots, and they said it would be at least 2 years on THOSE slots which are already in the system. I just couldn't commit. Seems like my band is week to week as it is :)
Click to expand...
In my case, around 3.5 years if it arrives when they say it will. But I ordered mine during the height of the pandemic. Hopefully, new orders won’t take quite so much time.
 
#53,866
DeltaPhoenix said:
Nate, how do Zebra necks compare to the modern Z? It looks like Pau Ferro fretboard (back when that was exotic). Do you think those are Bart pickups? (Edit: yes Bart pickups/pre).

That’s probably would’ve been my best shot at a 6er if I didn’t just buy that Veillette Fretless (edit: ahh local pickup, thus the earlier comment about knowing someone in Palmdale…I am on day 3 of 5 hours of sleep and I am feeling it, durp).
Click to expand...
Believe it or not my voodoo is actually thinner than the modern Z. It has that same exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail just with “vintage” electronics.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: DeltaPhoenix
#53,868
hoaylander said:
…how does the fanned fret feel? Does it feel different headstock side (where G string frets are closer to you than the B frets) versus body side (where the fanning is in the "other" direction? Do you find a side easier to play on? I have to ask as my fingers are on the shorter side.
Click to expand...
IME, fanned fret feels different at both ends.

It’s actually better at the nut, because the slant matches the way your fingers spread out as you reach up toward the first fret.

A bit quirky up at the dusty end, though. Once you build up a bit of seat time, it’s not a problem. But I still get a bit disoriented sometimes if I’m up around the 17th fret and I glance down.

My fingers know the way, but visually it looks like I’m playing a few frets higher than I actually am, because of the slant.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: retroXvertigo, Mr_BK, Scott McArron and 2 others
#53,871
hoaylander said:
That's good to hear. I'm going to ask a question that's been asked a countless times and I'm not really worried but how does the fanned fret feel? Does it feel different headstock side (where G string frets are closer to you than the B frets) versus body side (where the fanning is in the "other" direction? Do you find a side easier to play on? I have to ask as my fingers are on the shorter side.
Click to expand...

I don’t recall if you mentioned what model you are thinking of but I would suggest that the Z seems the most suited for you as it has the smallest neck of them all. A 5 string Z is a very “tight”, fast neck.

Not very scientific but I did do a test one day comparing a Z vs my Spector NS5XL 35” scale and from left shoulder to nut in a straight measurement the nut of the Spector sat 1” further from my should then the 37” dingwall nut.
 
  • Like
Reactions: anton72, SemiDriven and Derek Williams
#53,872
Cousins from other mousins?!

IMG_0636.jpeg


The whole gang, a new challenger approaches!

IMG_0639.jpeg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Pablo504, NeonVomit, AmazingMumford and 21 others
#53,875
hoaylander said:
Fellow Dingwallers, I have a question. Dingwalls seem to be in short supply here so I can't get my hands on one to try it out. I'm quite curious about the ergonomics; are the 37-34 5 string versions' necks noticeably longer than, say, a regular J bass neck? Is it much harder to play in that sense? How's the neck profile, would you compare it to a J, P, Stingray, whatever. Thanks!
Click to expand...

There is a difference and the reach is longer, but it really depends on what you're used to. If you are used to a Fender, expect it to feel one to two positions further out. It can be mitigated a bit by pushing the body to the right a bit. This is also what the rear body strap pin receptacle is for on the Canadian models; so that it hangs in such a way that reduces the neck reach.

Others have mentioned that some basses have further stretches than the Dingwall super long scales. I find that depends on the bass. If the upper horn aligns with at least the twelfth fret and the bridge is at or close to the butt end of the body, it is likely going to balance well and the stretch won't feel as long. On a 5-string Spector, for example, the upper horn is shorter and the bridge is further away from end of the body. Add the 35" scale length and it ends up feeling like a long stretch. I tried a Euro 5 once on a strap and it was neck dive city and a long stretch that would be a no-go for me. Many people love them, so to each their own.

I find most Fender style instruments balance pretty well as long as the tuners are light weight the stretch is minimal. A Stingray 5 feels very compact (stretch-wise).
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: AB Nate

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back