Dingwall Owners Club

[ThisYouCanTrust]

Yeah, it’s that one. Here’s another pic from the DW website:
View attachment 7518727

Well the good point is that this is certainly a beautiful instrument and I'm sure several people would gladly take it off your hands if you so desired

That said I think I understand what you mean.
I also dislike any trace of yellow - especially with cold colors like purple, blue, gray, etc.
At least unless it's a deliberately unapologetic solid yellow (or just plain wood without any paint), but for a transparent burst .. no, just no.

It's never super easy to get since most woods have some yellow in them, and they tend to become even more so as they age.
But I mean, this is where I would have expected the experts at Dingwall to be able to provide some guidance.
Which requires the vendor to ask in the first place obviously

I know it's feasible technically, since I've had a 20-yo spector which still showed zero trace of yellow despite a paint color which was both cold and light (grey with an ever so slight bluish tint).
The result was more marble floor than coffee table if you will, but yeah, maple.

Anyway, I'm surprised that it ended up this yellow despite the bleaching, but maybe the top was just too yellow to start with ?
In which case I'm sure Dingwall knew it would turn this way, but probably weren't aware that this was not wanted.

I'm not sure whether I can ask who the vendor was, but I couldn't do anything if you were to mention it in passing via DM I suppose ..

 

[Scott McArron]

Well the good point is that this is certainly a beautiful instrument and I'm sure several people would gladly take it off your hands if you so desired

That said I think I understand what you mean.
I also dislike any trace of yellow - especially with cold colors like purple, blue, gray, etc.
At least unless it's a deliberately unapologetic solid yellow (or just plain wood without any paint), but for a transparent burst .. no, just no.

It's never super easy to get since most woods have some yellow in them, and they tend to become even more so as they age.
But I mean, this is where I would have expected the experts at Dingwall to be able to provide some guidance.
Which requires the vendor to ask in the first place obviously

I know it's feasible technically, since I've had a 20-yo spector which still showed zero trace of yellow despite a paint color which was both cold and light (grey with an ever so slight bluish tint).
The result was more marble floor than coffee table if you will, but yeah, maple.

Anyway, I'm surprised that it ended up this yellow despite the bleaching, but maybe the top was just too yellow to start with ?
In which case I'm sure Dingwall knew it would turn this way, but probably weren't aware that this was not wanted.

I'm not sure whether I can ask who the vendor was, but I couldn't do anything if you were to mention it in passing via DM I suppose ..

DM’ed ya.

I’m sure many people would enjoy this bass. It’s just not for me.

Bear in mind I also play extreme metal. I am playing a yellow/purple bass in a technical deathcore band It’s so not me and my personality. It’s quite the opposite really. And it’s not just the color, it’s much more. Nearly everything about the top except a couple square inches here or there just are not for me, but I don’t want to get into all that. I just wish I would’ve fully realized that before the return period passed.

But after being told it would “only be 6 months” (on a 1 year slot) and it ended up being over 2 years I was just in a mental place that kept me from making the clear and rational decision.

 

[ThisYouCanTrust]

Escalation of commitment played tricks even on the best of us unfortunately ..

At some point the Cialdini should become mandatory reading

 

[AB Nate]

To all the custom owners- has anyone been filled with a deep regret on their choice of wood top/body color? It’s not offensively ugly or anything… just not what I’d hoped and it’s eating away at me should I look into a trade/sale or give it time and see if it will grow on me?

I would recommend you start a convo with your dealer and Dingwall.

I did a drawing mock up of what I wanted way back when and when delivery happened it wasn’t on point despite being an incredible bass. Dingwall remade it for me at that time. Having submitted a rough drawing I think really helped with my case.

 

[AB Nate]

DM’ed ya.

I’m sure many people would enjoy this bass. It’s just not for me.

Bear in mind I also play extreme metal. I am playing a yellow/purple bass in a technical deathcore band It’s so not me and my personality. It’s quite the opposite really. And it’s not just the color, it’s much more. Nearly everything about the top except a couple square inches here or there just are not for me, but I don’t want to get into all that. I just wish I would’ve fully realized that before the return period passed.

But after being told it would “only be 6 months” (on a 1 year slot) and it ended up being over 2 years I was just in a mental place that kept me from making the clear and rational decision.

That’s really too bad Scott.

It’s a sick bass and I think suites the genre well but I completely understand. If it’s not you it’s not you.

In contrast to that statement, I bought a bass that I didn’t think was me at first. I did try it before buying it and thought, “oh damn, it’s pretty sick” despite not being enamored with the look. I will say it’s very beautiful but not how I would spec. I honestly thought I was gonna buy it to flip it.

Needless to say that particular bass has become one of my top 2 and with that I find it more and more beautiful everytime I see as time has passed. I fell for the sound and playability first though.

 

[Bassistin]

I’m sure many people would enjoy this bass. It’s just not for me.

Bear in mind I also play extreme metal. I am playing a yellow/purple bass in a technical deathcore band It’s so not me and my personality. It’s quite the opposite really. And it’s not just the color, it’s much more. Nearly everything about the top except a couple square inches here or there just are not for me, but I don’t want to get into all that. I just wish I would’ve fully realized that before the return period passed.

I really makes me sad to read this. I can understand very well that you are disappointed. Spending that much money on a custom order and not being happy with the look of your instrument is very sad. Unfortunately, I must admit that you're right: The buckeye burl on your bass really looks quite yellowish which is something you definitely might not want for rather extreme metal.

The photos of my bass are awkward as I'm not a good photographer at all. I took them with my mobile phone while there was a lot of sunlight. The buckeye burl has a somewhat cooler tint than it appears on the photos.

 

[dunderwovvy]

I know dyes and stains are more challenging to work with, but you could have the bass refinished.

You shouldn’t accept anything less than perfect at these prices and wait times, and I’ve always seen Dingwall make it right (unlike Kiesel who will disparage you for not having Photoshop built into your retinas so you see things how they make them look for their website).

 

[oychilldownmate]

Yep. TLDR: In my case, my dealer let me down and I made the mistake of accepting it. The bass is beautiful but it is not what I had in mind and I struggle with it every time I look at it.

Longer version:
I was very specific about what I wanted and sent example photos of past builds of what I was looking for as well as acceptable deviations and unacceptable. The result was more like the unacceptable examples but x2.

The main problem came down to not getting a chance to see the top wood before the build despite my requests to do so. I was ignored. I absolutely would NOT have chosen that top (“yellow Buckeye Burl” as DW calls it, I hate yellow and I especially dislike yellow+purple combo) and would’ve changed to a different wood type (maple burl) if there weren’t better alternatives available at the time which there weren’t due to a shortage of good buckeye at the time (mid covid). But again, I didn’t get that choice.

He also didn’t help me get the finish I was really looking for. I expected him to at least reach out to DW to figure out what would be needed to get an approximate replication but it doesn’t seem he did that because the vibe is way off from what I asked.

My mistake was accepting the bass and hoping I’d grow to love it. The opposite happened. Every time I look at it I feel regret for not standing up for getting what I asked for. It’s beautiful, but it’s not me. It’s 10k Euros and 3 years wait of not me. And the prospect of going through that whole process again with such risk keeps me from pulling the trigger again, that and the high cost and wait time. I probably will at some point, but I already have an Effigy and SOL sig. (much safer bets with limited options) on order so my ultimate dream bass will have to wait a bit longer still…

In fact, one of the reasons I’m getting the SOL is to hopefully temporarily replace my Z3 so I can sell it and start the custom order process all over again with a new dealer I have more trust in.

Edit: To answer the last part of your post, if you’re not happy then I don’t think it will grow on you. It sure didn’t for me. It will turn into regret. Learn from my mistake. Get a build you’re thrilled with from the very first glance. Accept nothing less. Life is too short.

I’m so sorry to hear that. Thank you for sharing your experience though. Unfortunately you’re confirming what I feared, I can make a decision now rather than wait for something that’ll never come.

Some are suggesting to reach out to Dingwall, but they interpreted my idea just fine so I can’t blame them- I’m just kicking myself for what *I* went with.

Here’s a pic I just took, it’s nighttime so apologies for any glare. To reiterate, Dingwall didn’t do anything wrong. In fact I think I have the opposite issue of Scott’s, I wish I chose MORE color and “pop”. I also let the price of a buckeye burl steer me away, I should have just gone all out. Learn from me!

 

[The Sandman]

I’m so sorry to hear that. Thank you for sharing your experience though. Unfortunately you’re confirming what I feared, I can make a decision now rather than wait for something that’ll never come.

Some are suggesting to reach out to Dingwall, but they interpreted my idea just fine so I can’t blame them- I’m just kicking myself for what *I* went with.

Here’s a pic I just took, it’s nighttime so apologies for any glare. To reiterate, Dingwall didn’t do anything wrong. In fact I think I have the opposite issue of Scott’s, I wish I chose MORE color and “pop”. I also let the price of a buckeye burl steer me away, I should have just gone all out. Learn from me!

I like the look of it… yes, it has that muted or reserved vibe, but it’s also smoky and mysterious. The colors and textures are well coordinated and the finish looks well executed. I think the look will grow on you over time.

I’d sleep with her…

 

[warbassick]

Curious what yours looks like...: willing to post a pic? I can't speak to the customer order process, I have to leave that would be really hard if you were unhappy afterward for the money so I am sorry. I get it, I have had plenty of regrets with Bass purchases. Not exactly the same thing, but I feel you

I bought my custom z3-6string from Jason at Fretnation. It came Matte black which is super cool metal rock style music Dual ash body Wenge neck FB and super fatties ! Classic tones outta this beast Loves it so much I wanted a ME MY BASS thing so I had it painted So either have it restained or painted if the bass gives you the tone your looking for or sell it to me

 

[Bassistin]

I have the opposite issue of Scott’s, I wish I chose MORE color and “pop”.

Scott's bass and yours are indeed very different. Seen from an outsider's perspective, they are both stunning, each of them in its own, very unique way. I must admit that I like that mysterious dark beauty! It has a rather unobtrusive look which makes it usable in many different musical genres.

But I totally agree that you should be able to make an emotional connection with your instruments. Whenever you pick them up, they should be inspiring for you both with regard to sound and visually. This is why I'd join AB Nate in recommending to contact your dealer and Dingwall in order to let them know that you can't relate to your bass because of what it looks like. After all, you will probably want to have an instrument like this for many years and you should be happy with it in every single respect.

 

[NaH]

Yep. TLDR: In my case, my dealer let me down and I made the mistake of accepting it. The bass is beautiful but it is not what I had in mind and I struggle with it every time I look at it.

Longer version:
I was very specific about what I wanted and sent example photos of past builds of what I was looking for as well as acceptable deviations and unacceptable. The result was more like the unacceptable examples but x2.

The main problem came down to not getting a chance to see the top wood before the build despite my requests to do so. I was ignored. I absolutely would NOT have chosen that top (“yellow Buckeye Burl” as DW calls it, I hate yellow and I especially dislike yellow+purple combo) and would’ve changed to a different wood type (maple burl) if there weren’t better alternatives available at the time which there weren’t due to a shortage of good buckeye at the time (mid covid). But again, I didn’t get that choice.

He also didn’t help me get the finish I was really looking for. I expected him to at least reach out to DW to figure out what would be needed to get an approximate replication but it doesn’t seem he did that because the vibe is way off from what I asked.

My mistake was accepting the bass and hoping I’d grow to love it. The opposite happened. Every time I look at it I feel regret for not standing up for getting what I asked for. It’s beautiful, but it’s not me. It’s 10k Euros and 3 years wait of not me. And the prospect of going through that whole process again with such risk keeps me from pulling the trigger again, that and the high cost and wait time. I probably will at some point, but I already have an Effigy and SOL sig. (much safer bets with limited options) on order so my ultimate dream bass will have to wait a bit longer still…

In fact, one of the reasons I’m getting the SOL is to hopefully temporarily replace my Z3 so I can sell it and start the custom order process all over again with a new dealer I have more trust in.

Edit: To answer the last part of your post, if you’re not happy then I don’t think it will grow on you. It sure didn’t for me. It will turn into regret. Learn from my mistake. Get a build you’re thrilled with from the very first glance. Accept nothing less. Life is too short.

+1000 to a new dealer. There is absolutely no reason he couldn't have shown you the top. In fact, there is no reason he couldn't have shown you ALL the tops that were available at that moment.

 

[The Sandman]

Yeah, it’s that one. Here’s another pic from the DW website:
View attachment 7518727

It has the potential for awesomeness… perhaps if you had it touched up with a transparent black over the bleached yellow?

 

[Scott McArron]

+1000 to a new dealer. There is absolutely no reason he couldn't have shown you the top. In fact, there is no reason he couldn't have shown you ALL the tops that were available at that moment.

Agreed! I’ve already found a new dealer (bass freaks in Belgium) who seem super on top of things and exceptionally optimistic about them being able to get the custom bass I want when I’m ready. And I already have 2 DW orders through them (Effigy and SOL) to help build that relationship.

 

[Scott McArron]

It has the potential for awesomeness… perhaps if you had it touched up with a transparent black over the bleached yellow?

Ooh, interesting idea! Personally, I really need a different top entirely. There’s no paint touch up that will get it within the parameters I’m looking for.

 

[The Sandman]

Ooh, interesting idea! Personally, I really need a different top entirely. There’s no paint touch up that will get it within the parameters I’m looking for.

Reverse bursts are trickier to get right than bursts IMO. And there’s definitely something unsettling about the way yours came out. But the blueberry (or whatever) on buckeye burl is usually killer. It might just need a darker surround that gets rid of the yellow, compliments the blueberry, and lets the buckeye burl figuring show through. Be easier to sell if it was color scheme more coherent.

 

[Scott McArron]

Reverse bursts are trickier to get right than bursts IMO. And there’s definitely something unsettling about the way yours came out. But the blueberry (or whatever) on buckeye burl is usually killer. It might just need a darker surround that gets rid of the yellow, compliments the blueberry, and lets the buckeye burl figuring show through. Be easier to sell if it was color scheme more coherent.

Can’t argue that. Sometimes the reverse burst looks more like a “blotch” of paint rather than a “burst”, like mine.

To me, this top probably would’ve looked a lot better with a natural finish, and of course unbleached. It doesn’t look suitable for a reverse burst at all.

Good buckeye tops were scarce at the time (so I was told) which is why they probably went ahead and used it anyway.

 

[warbassick]

This happened to a former talk baser and he has his Z3 for sale on Reverb, but he had to buy another Bass to get the coloration he wanted to so unfortunately you’re either stuck with the base and how it looks or you send it to get refinished from a custom shop other than Dingwall but if the Bass plays and sounds and totally is fantastic it’s everything you wanted other than the face color then pay for the extra finish work and you get what you get and you don’t get upset otherwise sell it and order you a new one

 

[Scott McArron]

This happened to a former talk baser and he has his Z3 for sale on Reverb, but he had to buy another Bass to get the coloration he wanted to so unfortunately you’re either stuck with the base and how it looks or you send it to get refinished from a custom shop other than Dingwall but if the Bass plays and sounds and totally is fantastic it’s everything you wanted other than the face color then pay for the extra finish work and you get what you get and you don’t get upset otherwise sell it and order you a new one

Yep! As soon as my new SOL arrives to replace the Z I will be selling it and potentially ordering a new one. I say potentially because if I end up being thrilled with the SOL then another expensive and risky order of a Z that does the same thing might be somewhat redundant. We shall see…

 

[The Sandman]

Even when going through a dealer, it helps to have direct contact with the builder when it comes to the details of a custom finish (or electronics for that matter). For example, when I ordered my custom FBass through Donovan at Fretspot, he put me in contact with Marcel Furlanetto to make sure that Marcel knew what I wanted, but also that I knew what was possible *and* what Marcel recommended based on his experience and what was available at the time.