There's no doubt a difference as you step through the models (I hesitate to say "up", as the ABs are extremely capable for being the "low" Canadian builds).
Whether the differences are meaningful, they are impossible to say "better"... think of it like: "is a P neck or a J neck better"? Well, neither, until you append "... for me" to the end of that statement.
For me, the Z body and neck are very much worth the price. I'm more comfortable, personally capable, and just happier on that platform. I can play all of my repertoire on a Combustion, too - it won't feel as good to me, and I may not perform as well because I'm not "feeling it" as much as I do my Zs. I can even say the same for my three ABs.
The difference between my Prima and my Zs is much smaller. I like the Prima for what it represents -- which is the pinnacle of someone at Dingwall putting eyes on very select pieces of wood, thinking through every tiny detail and how the whole system of the instrument functions and looks together. It's akin to a functional cadenza really. Absolutely epic in every way. You're sitting audience to Paganini playing his own compositions, to continue the analogy
The Zs slot it just below that, and in a twist that may not make sense at first, this (seems to be, anyway. I'm sure @bassrest or another Dingwall rep can correct me) is where you, the buyer, have _more_ options to build to your spec than a Prima. But of course, some of the real standout features of the Prima are offlimits here.
Then the various ABs fall in line just behind that. The differentiation between AB and Z is more in the overall platform - the shape, the profiles, and so on - than the individual options. From a build/spec sheet you can see these differences. You can go wild with an AB and have a piece of art as well, just in the "AB Platform" design language instead of the Z.
Then of course the imports. Still, of course, very capable and proven instruments in their own regard, and very much more accessible (in terms of price and time) to more people, which is an important role to fill.
So, it's kind of impossible to say that, yeah, a Z is going to be "better" than an NG3 or a D-Roc.
What's important to you? What does "quality" mean to you? I often find folks use that word to mean "weight" - interestingly either they think heavier = quality, or lighter = quality, which always makes me chuckle a bit
. Others say quality is the tuners and hardware, which of course on the imports are going to meet a certain price point which may be lower than Canadian ones. Others still insist things like neck pocket gap and having counter sunk covers is "quality".
I'd start by more clearly figuing out what you need out of the instrument, what makes something "quality" to you, and what things are important to you. If price is your first and primary driver, I think you'll find it pretty difficult to really say that the Canadian builds are going to be "better quality" enough for you to go for one. If a more nuanced and deliberate, not-price, set of things are higher on your list of needs, then it makes way more sense.
All that said, no one should feel bad, at all, about "only" playing an import. They're, IMO, some of the best instruments at the price point that aren't NA manufactured. They're played by countless bass players from barely weekend hobbyists to international touring acts. If it's good enough for all of them, they're good enough for anyone.
Whether the differences are meaningful, they are impossible to say "better"... think of it like: "is a P neck or a J neck better"? Well, neither, until you append "... for me" to the end of that statement.
For me, the Z body and neck are very much worth the price. I'm more comfortable, personally capable, and just happier on that platform. I can play all of my repertoire on a Combustion, too - it won't feel as good to me, and I may not perform as well because I'm not "feeling it" as much as I do my Zs. I can even say the same for my three ABs.
The difference between my Prima and my Zs is much smaller. I like the Prima for what it represents -- which is the pinnacle of someone at Dingwall putting eyes on very select pieces of wood, thinking through every tiny detail and how the whole system of the instrument functions and looks together. It's akin to a functional cadenza really. Absolutely epic in every way. You're sitting audience to Paganini playing his own compositions, to continue the analogy
The Zs slot it just below that, and in a twist that may not make sense at first, this (seems to be, anyway. I'm sure @bassrest or another Dingwall rep can correct me) is where you, the buyer, have _more_ options to build to your spec than a Prima. But of course, some of the real standout features of the Prima are offlimits here.
Then the various ABs fall in line just behind that. The differentiation between AB and Z is more in the overall platform - the shape, the profiles, and so on - than the individual options. From a build/spec sheet you can see these differences. You can go wild with an AB and have a piece of art as well, just in the "AB Platform" design language instead of the Z.
Then of course the imports. Still, of course, very capable and proven instruments in their own regard, and very much more accessible (in terms of price and time) to more people, which is an important role to fill.
So, it's kind of impossible to say that, yeah, a Z is going to be "better" than an NG3 or a D-Roc.
What's important to you? What does "quality" mean to you? I often find folks use that word to mean "weight" - interestingly either they think heavier = quality, or lighter = quality, which always makes me chuckle a bit
. Others say quality is the tuners and hardware, which of course on the imports are going to meet a certain price point which may be lower than Canadian ones. Others still insist things like neck pocket gap and having counter sunk covers is "quality".I'd start by more clearly figuing out what you need out of the instrument, what makes something "quality" to you, and what things are important to you. If price is your first and primary driver, I think you'll find it pretty difficult to really say that the Canadian builds are going to be "better quality" enough for you to go for one. If a more nuanced and deliberate, not-price, set of things are higher on your list of needs, then it makes way more sense.
All that said, no one should feel bad, at all, about "only" playing an import. They're, IMO, some of the best instruments at the price point that aren't NA manufactured. They're played by countless bass players from barely weekend hobbyists to international touring acts. If it's good enough for all of them, they're good enough for anyone.
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I doubt anyone has Canadian ones on the floor to play, unless they happen to have a used/consignment there. Surely there's other Dingwall players near ya though who'll let ya ape around on theirs 
