Dingwall Owners Club

[fragernackyl]

Can any of you Dingwall owners give me some advice on the ABZ? I'm wondering how the string tension feels, is it really, really tight on all strings, or just B and E? How is slapping on the ABZ? Is it hard because of the long, long scale of the neck? I'm dying to get a Dingwall and I really want the ABZ, I just wanna be sure it can do everything I want it to.

 

[Bocete]

Alberto Rigoni's ABZ review is a nice place to start.

I own an AB-II and the string tension is very even. Slaps great.

 

[spiritbass]

I am surprised that the B-string does wind past the taper:

Hmm... One of the reasons I like using Dingwall strings on my fivers is the proper fit of the B string. This isn't a good fit.

 

[IntrepidCellist]

Hmm... One of the reasons I like using Dingwall strings on my fivers is the proper fit of the B string. This isn't a good fit.

Well, the Dingwall strings are designed to fit the 37" scale low Bs...

 

[Jeff Roller]

Well, the Dingwall strings are designed to fit the 37" scale low Bs...

That's the first thing I thought, then double checked his first photo. Those are the "medium" scale, which were meant for the super series...

One of the most graceful things I always loved about the original voodoo SS strings was the exposed core and wrap finale'

 

[steve_rolfeca]

I'm thinking of selling my Modulus Q5 and acquiring an ABZ 5. For you Dingwall owners, how do you think these 2 basses stack up against eachother? How is the string tension different between the two? How are the passive pickups on the ABZ 5?

Please tell me all you love and don't love about the ABZ 5! Need help making a big decision.

Funny thing: I lusted after a Q5 for many years, but that need for clarity and snap has been answered, and more, by my ABZ.

Keep in mind that my experience with the Q5 has been limited to playing them at get-togethers, and noodling on used ones a number of times:

Assuming that your Q5 has a clear-coated CF neck and a fancy quilt top like the ones that I've tried, the ABZ will seem less ornate. However, as you get to know it better, there are a wealth of interesting design touches and ergonomic innovations. Depending on your tastes, the ABZ is either a bit plain, or a study in understated elegance. As mentioned elsewhere in these threads, Sheldon's colour choices are stellar.

The ABZ will also feel noticeably lighter and sleeker. This has as much to do with exceptional balance, as it does with light weight. The thin oil/poly finish is surprisingly protective, yet it feels very organic. You can actually feel the pores in the Ash body, which I really enjoy, but YMMV.

Tension-wise, the ABZ ships with fairly light-gauge stainless strings. I generally used D'Addario EXL170-5SL nickel rounds on my 35" parallel-fret basses, and the first thing that I noticed about the ABZ, was that it didn't have quite the sense of heft under my fingers, that I was used to with conventional 45-130's. I found this quite confusing at first, because the feel under my hands contrasted so strongly with the strong, rich fundamentals when the bass is amplified.

The second thing I noticed, was that the string-to-string tension AND the gauges felt much more even. I never noticed the disproportionate jump to the B string on my parallel-fret basses, until it was gone.

Last and definitely best from my POV, was the articulation on the bottom three strings. If your litmus test for a 5-string is a big, plummy low B, the Dingwall might not satisfy. In my case, my problem was always the opposite- I disliked having to adjust my attack on the B string, and wished for more clarity and pitch definition.

Even when the ABZ is EQ'd for a darker tone, the notes still speak unusually clearly, everywhere from the first fret to the 14th. Especially on the bottom three strings.

The ABZ pickups are definitely one place where you're going to notice a considerable difference. Output level is pretty strong for a passive bass, particularly in the number 3 position (both pickups in series). The natural voicing of the standard ABZ pickups is on the modern side, with a very clear, open top end, and there's something of a growly Jazz/MM thing going on with the tone control wide open.

However, if your Q5 has EMG's, you're going to notice quite a difference in how those highs are delivered. In comparison to the Q5's I've sampled, the ABZ is woodier-sounding and more mid-forward. Also, while there's a lot of treble on tap, there's a definite passive warmth to it. It may have more to do with the attack envelope than the amount of bite, but whatever it is, I used to fight the treble EQ on all my amps when I used EMG's (DC's, CS's or P5's). With the Dingwall, my amps suddenly sound quite sweet up there.

As a life-long P-bass fan, I thought I would probably be pining for Sheldon's extra-cost P-tone pickup, but I've found that the surprisingly effective passive tone control has kept that impulse at bay.

I'll add that a major difference between Dingwall and Modulus, is the level of commitment and interest shown by the manufacturer.

Sheldon is articulate, and always willing to share his thoughts and suggestions regarding setup questions, modifications and future features requests. He is also very quick to volunteer assistance, should there be any perceived problems with his products.

 

[spiritbass]

Funny thing: I lusted after a Q5 for many years, but that need for clarity and snap has been answered, and more, by my ABZ.

Keep in mind that my experience with the Q5 has been limited to playing them at get-togethers, and noodling on used ones a number of times:

Assuming that your Q5 has a clear-coated CF neck and a fancy quilt top like the ones that I've tried, the ABZ will seem less ornate. However, as you get to know it better, there are a wealth of interesting design touches and ergonomic innovations. Depending on your tastes, the ABZ is either a bit plain, or a study in understated elegance. As mentioned elsewhere in these threads, Sheldon's colour choices are stellar.

The ABZ will also feel noticeably lighter and sleeker. This has as much to do with exceptional balance, as it does with light weight. The thin oil/poly finish is surprisingly protective, yet it feels very organic. You can actually feel the pores in the Ash body, which I really enjoy, but YMMV.

Tension-wise, the ABZ ships with fairly light-gauge stainless strings. I generally used D'Addario EXL170-5SL nickel rounds on my 35" parallel-fret basses, and the first thing that I noticed about the ABZ, was that it didn't have quite the sense of heft under my fingers, that I was used to with conventional 45-130's. I found this quite confusing at first, because the feel under my hands contrasted so strongly with the strong, rich fundamentals when the bass is amplified.

The second thing I noticed, was that the string-to-string tension AND the gauges felt much more even. I never noticed the disproportionate jump to the B string on my parallel-fret basses, until it was gone.

Last and definitely best from my POV, was the articulation on the bottom three strings. If your litmus test for a 5-string is a big, plummy low B, the Dingwall might not satisfy. In my case, my problem was always the opposite- I disliked having to adjust my attack on the B string, and wished for more clarity and pitch definition.

Even when the ABZ is EQ'd for a darker tone, the notes still speak unusually clearly, everywhere from the first fret to the 14th. Especially on the bottom three strings.

The ABZ pickups are definitely one place where you're going to notice a considerable difference. Output level is pretty strong for a passive bass, particularly in the number 3 position (both pickups in series). The natural voicing of the standard ABZ pickups is on the modern side, with a very clear, open top end, and there's something of a growly Jazz/MM thing going on with the tone control wide open.

However, if your Q5 has EMG's, you're going to notice quite a difference in how those highs are delivered. In comparison to the Q5's I've sampled, the ABZ is woodier-sounding and more mid-forward. Also, while there's a lot of treble on tap, there's a definite passive warmth to it. It may have more to do with the attack envelope than the amount of bite, but whatever it is, I used to fight the treble EQ on all my amps when I used EMG's (DC's, CS's or P5's). With the Dingwall, my amps suddenly sound quite sweet up there.

As a life-long P-bass fan, I thought I would probably be pining for Sheldon's extra-cost P-tone pickup, but I've found that the surprisingly effective passive tone control has kept that impulse at bay.

I'll add that a major difference between Dingwall and Modulus, is the level of commitment and interest shown by the manufacturer.

Sheldon is articulate, and always willing to share his thoughts and suggestions regarding setup questions, modifications and future features requests. He is also very quick to volunteer assistance, should there be any perceived problems with his products.

Very well articulated comparison and contrast!

 

[BuffaloBob4343]

Here's a very old one: Invalid Link Removed

That's all I could find

I own this one!

 

[BuffaloBob4343]

Hey Sheldon, if you see this post, I replied to your question on the Dingwall forum in this thread: Invalid Link Removed

Sorry I didn't see your question sooner.

Rob

 

[Blues Cat]

I am surprised that the B-string does wind past the taper:

Hmm... One of the reasons I like using Dingwall strings on my fivers is the proper fit of the B string. This isn't a good fit.

I'm surprised the core hasn't broken yet. As soon as a larger string's outer winding starts wrapping around the tuner post, the core breaks, every time I've found. Unless the .130 B has an unusually large core it will eventually fail, perhaps after the string stretches a little more, and more outer winding makes it around the post.

This is an easy fix for Dingwall, but most likely a logistical nightmare to have all .130 B strings changed out of existing sets.

 

[David Jayne]

Man, these threads are turning over fast!

Everybody in this house prefers Dingwall:

Kitty got something stuck in her teeth?

 

[singlemalt]

Can any of you Dingwall owners give me some advice on the ABZ? I'm wondering how the string tension feels, is it really, really tight on all strings, or just B and E? How is slapping on the ABZ? Is it hard because of the long, long scale of the neck? I'm dying to get a Dingwall and I really want the ABZ, I just wanna be sure it can do everything I want it to.

The AB series has 18mm string spacing. If you are a slapper that is used to the 19mm spacing, this will feel tight. The long scale will also take some getting used to, but the big difference will be the string spacing.

The Super series has 19mm string spacing.

String tension will depend on what strings you use.

 

[singlemalt]

I'm surprised the core hasn't broken yet. As soon as a larger string's outer winding starts wrapping around the tuner post, the core breaks, every time I've found. Unless the .130 B has an unusually large core it will eventually fail, perhaps after the string stretches a little more, and more outer winding makes it around the post.

This is an easy fix for Dingwall, but most likely a logistical nightmare to have all .130 B strings changed out of existing sets.

The space from the nut to the post on the super series B string is the tricky part. I used to run DR Hellborgs E-G with a Dingwall B string for just this reason. I've gotten away with low riders and some other strings, but the wrap around the post is less than ideal. I've just been lucky. Probably because I hold my breath and squint as I tune the string up, waiting for the pop.

I'm really surprised to see the string length and awkward fit in the photo.

 

[Zoomie]

In the house!

On the bass:

First Impressions:

Replaced DR LoRiders (nickel). The Dingwall Strings speak LOUDLY. (did I say, LOUDLY!!!) Much more bass response and sustain. Look at the size of the B-string! I had to lower the string height about 3 turns to get it even with the rest of the strings. Tension seems about the same, maybe a little less than the DR's (which is a surprise.) Neck seems a little straighter. Which ain't a bad thing. More overtones, which I like. I think once they settle in - they'll be even better.

I am surprised that the B-string does wind past the taper:

Excuse my ignorance, but I need verification that the strings pictured and installed are in fact the brand spankin' new just released Super Series Nickel strings ?

 

[Grand Wazoo]

Yes they are, these are for the medium scale Super J / Super P

 

[Smallequestrian]

The space from the nut to the post on the super series B string is the tricky part. I used to run DR Hellborgs E-G with a Dingwall B string for just this reason. I've gotten away with low riders and some other strings, but the wrap around the post is less than ideal. I've just been lucky. Probably because I hold my breath and squint as I tune the string up, waiting for the pop.

I'm really surprised to see the string length and awkward fit in the photo.

I'll have to check but the Nickel LRs I put on my Super P seem to be about a perfect fit.

 

[Zoomie]

Yes they are, these are for the medium scale Super J / Super P

So these are the only Dingwall nickel strings for the Sp and SJ?

 

[Zoomie]

I'll have to check but the Nickel LRs I put on my Super P don't seem to be about a perfect fit.

That's too bad. I was really hoping these would fit as the Stainless fit. I was looking forward to a hair more tension.

I just received 4 sets of stainless. Looks like I can save myself another 145.00 and skip the nickels. Bummer.

 

[Grand Wazoo]

So these are the only Dingwall nickel strings for the Sp and SJ?

Yes mate! I've got 2 sets on order, I have already received the Nickel ones for the longer scale ABZ / ABII and I have fitted them to the ABII but due to the extra scale my low B fitted perfectly meaning that by the time the string reached the peg it tapered narrower so that means that on the Long scale Dingwalls, the Low B is of the same gauge but close to the peg it starts to get narrow as you can see in exhibit A)

Invalid Link Removed by Invalid Link Removed, on Flickr

 

[Zoomie]

Yes mate! I've got 2 sets on order, I have already received the Nickel ones for the longer scale ABZ / ABII and I have fitted them to the ABII but due to the extra scale my low be fitted perfectly meaning that by the time the string reached the peg it tapered narrower so that means that on the Long scale Dingwalls, the Low B is of the same gauge but close to the peg it starts to get narrow as you can see in exhibit A)

Invalid Link Removed by Invalid Link Removed, on Flickr

Thanks GW ! This is the fit that I was hoping for on the SJ and SP.

I know nothing about string manufacture but I suspect that thickness is a necessity with the nickels.