Dingwall Owners Club

[been_effected]

From my understanding these are the differences:

x) Base body wood (ABI - Alder, ABII - Chambered Walnut, ABHS - Bubinga, ABZ - Swamp Ash)
x) Paint finish (ABZ - Open grain satin, all else are gloss)

Standard options for *all* Afterburner models:

x) 5-piece Maple neck with wenge fretboard
x) 2 x FD3 pickups

Upgrades for all models include the following:

x) X-top
x) Wenge neck
x) Blacked out head and heel
x) Upgraded fretboard material (Birdseye Maple, Ziricote, etc.)
x) Fretboard inlays (blocks, ivoroid, painted, etc.)
x) Pickup upgrades (3x, P-tone)
x) Darkglass/Glockenklang electronics
x) Pickup toggles
x) All kinds of paint options

The only real model specific upgrades are a swamp ash body on the ABI and a figured bubinga top for the ABHS. All of this information is based on the price guide and ordering process I've been through. As you can see the ABZ (and all models) have a lot of options available. I'm sure Sheldon and crew can work with you on other things but this at least gives you an idea of what you can mess with.

The ABZ also has the "squarish" pickup shells, whereas the ABI/ABII have the rounded shells. Or at least this was my understanding when I ordered, although I've seen 6-string models since that have been called ABZ's with the rounded shells, so...who knows.

Sheldon mentioned that the square shells were cheaper for them to make, so likely the original intention behind the ABZ series was for them to be a cheaper starting price point compared to the ABI, hence the difference. Then everyone kept coming along and customising the hell out of them, so it's blurred the lines a lot. The factory is currently testing new ways to make the rounded pickups which might change this again...so....who knows

 

[BurningSkies]

I'm thinking about ordering a Dingwall - I've played an ABZ and liked it but I'm wondering if it's worth the upgrade to a Z2 at all. Comments? The specs say there's a thinner neck, which I would really like, but the other differences look negligible to me at that price difference.

To me the neck on the AB v. the Zebra series is pretty different. You can tell they're from the DNA, but I really love the modern Z shape. They're a good amount thinner front to back and the contour is different. The AB also has a 'straight pull' headstock, more like a traditional 'fender style neck while the Z series has a compound angled headstock.

So, I'm a little confused on the models.
I was under the assumption (when I placed my order), that the ABZ's wouldn't offer fancy tops (quilted/flamed and so on). They apparently do.

So, it seems that the main difference becomes that the Wenge fretboard is "standard" on the AB1/AB2, whereas it is Maple on the ABZ. Looking at the 2016 price list, you can't "buy up" to a Wenge fretboard, so that's a differentiator.

The ABZ's are also Swamp Ash standard, with options for other woods. AB1 and AB2 each have a different standard wood.

I'm still pretty certain I made the right choice with AB1. Option for option, the price actually wasn't that much, especially if there's an option to buy up to Wenge fretboard (which I would do, as I love that wood).

And

The ABZ also has the "squarish" pickup shells, whereas the ABI/ABII have the rounded shells. Or at least this was my understanding when I ordered, although I've seen 6-string models since that have been called ABZ's with the rounded shells, so...who knows.

Originally the ABZ was a way to provide a really nice bass but at a price point. I'd never call any Dingwall a 'budget bass' but there are ways to massage the end cost. The open grain flat finish is one of those, as is the pickup shape/shell which are a standard shape and easier to have mass produced, v. the AB pickup shells which are made in ship and I believe both molded and CNC'ed. The reason the 6's have the 'old' or in shop shape is that there's probably not a good widely used mass produced standard size that would fit an angled 6 string.

Of course by now we all know that Dingwall designs and models and options evolve over time. The ABZ is similar. Once ash bodied, no tops, maple necks, now people get a bunch of different things. I have had an AB (alder body, maple top) and I have a Ash bodied Z as well as a Mahogany bodied Voodoo. They all sound different, so having an AB with an ash body is a nice option.

This:

The options and models evolve as they go along as well. I know the options were quite limited when the SuperP 5 first came out as I believe they were trying to get a bunch out as fast as possible. Now, you have a lot more choices. Of course, any time you customize, even if it's from an established list of upgrades, the costs will go up accordingly. But that's one of the benefits of dealing with a small manufacturer; you can usually get a lot more customization (within reason), as long as you're willing to wait a while (and have the cash).

What exists for current options is mostly based upon what people have asked for put through a decision making process that probably includes:

-The time available at the shop to do that work regularly in their workflow
-The cost of that time and materials v. what people are willing to pay for it
-Whether the design fits into Sheldon's aesthetic and functional engineering concerns
-Ability to have CNC templates for the work to happen easily
-Whether or not Sheldon and the shop actually like the idea/project and think it will be fun.

-The

 

[LozzieG74]

The ABZ also has the "squarish" pickup shells, whereas the ABI/ABII have the rounded shells. Or at least this was my understanding when I ordered, although I've seen 6-string models since that have been called ABZ's with the rounded shells, so...who knows.

Sheldon mentioned that the square shells were cheaper for them to make, so likely the original intention behind the ABZ series was for them to be a cheaper starting price point compared to the ABI, hence the difference. Then everyone kept coming along and customising the hell out of them, so it's blurred the lines a lot. The factory is currently testing new ways to make the rounded pickups which might change this again...so....who knows

I just got a quote from George at Bass Gear Direct here in Australia and mentioned that I didn't like the ABZ look with the rectangular shells and wanted to go the rounded units seen on the AB1 etc. It was given as an option upgrade but George also mentioned that the factory may be swapping to the rounded pickups on the ABZ in the future.

To me the neck on the AB v. the Zebra series is pretty different. You can tell they're from the DNA, but I really love the modern Z shape. They're a good amount thinner front to back and the contour is different. The AB also has a 'straight pull' headstock, more like a traditional 'fender style neck while the Z series has a compound angled headstock.

I also asked if I could get the Z neck on an ABZ bass and that was not possible, however you could order a custom carve on the ABZ neck to make it more slim line and closer to a Z neck.

 

[BurningSkies]

I just got a quote from George at Bass Gear Direct here in Australia and mentioned that I didn't like the ABZ look with the rectangular shells and wanted to go the rounded units seen on the AB1 etc. It was given as an option upgrade but George also mentioned that the factory may be swapping to the rounded pickups on the ABZ in the future.




I also asked if I could get the Z neck on an ABZ bass and that was not possible, however you could order a custom carve on the ABZ neck to make it more slim line and closer to a Z neck.

Yeah, the Z and AB necks are definitely not interchangeable. The shape of the neck at the heal where it mounts to the body is completely different if you compare the two. Having them do a custom shape is cool though. I don't know that I've heard that they'll do that. My disclaimer is that I know that a ton of people love the Afterburner neck shape and thickness. I also played one as my main and pretty much 'one and only' bass from 2005 to late 2008 without any complaints. Of the Dingwall necks I've had in my hands, the AB is in the middle of the pack... fills your hand nicely without being too chunky and flattens down the neck to keep your reach and hand comfortable as you head up north.

The Z neck is definitely a thin modern feel. If you like something that you can palm, this isn't the neck for you. Here's a side shot of mine down at the headstock:

The AB neck is a comfortable carve that is sort of the meeting ground between 'traditional' neck thickness and modern neck feel. If you come from a traditional bass neck it will feel comfortable and somewhat familiar while also noticeably having the advantages of the asymmetric and compound carve. Moving from a vintage Precision as a main bass to the AB, I felt pretty at home but found that when I 'stepped on the gas' in terms of speed of playing and dexterity,all of a sudden I felt like the overall performance/handling was increased considerably.

My Voodoo being early has 'hints' of where Sheldon's necks would go but is the 'thickest' of the three I've had and the closest to a traditional neck. As closer to a rounded C or D. And not quite 'tricked out' in terms of the rest of the geometry. This would have been well before the sophisticated CNC enabled compound carves and the like:

 

[CL400Peavey]

I actually prefer the AB neck to the Z1 I own... I could have been happy with the Z1 feel wise as my only player. Sold it for tonal reasons.

 

[BurningSkies]

I actually prefer the AB neck to the Z1 I own... I could have been happy with the Z1 feel wise as my only player. Sold it for tonal reasons.

Speaking of which...I'm dying for my new FD3's to show up sometime this week. I will literally be doing the installation work on my floor, since we only have about 3 pieces of furniture left in our flat. One of our bedrooms is completely empty, minus my box of electronics and bass upkeep tools. I don't know that it will happen for Thursday's gig, but if it does I'll soundcheck with it and see what's up. Until Saturday I had my 4 way switch and knob sitting on my dresser waiting...it's now in my gig bag, since we have no dressers anymore.

 

[been_effected]

I just got a quote from George at Bass Gear Direct here in Australia and mentioned that I didn't like the ABZ look with the rectangular shells and wanted to go the rounded units seen on the AB1 etc. It was given as an option upgrade but George also mentioned that the factory may be swapping to the rounded pickups on the ABZ in the future.

Yep, same discussion I had

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I have played a few Z Series basses and I like the Afterburner neck shape better. My older ABII is even a bit thicker than the ABI.

I prefer a straight headstock to a tilt-back headstock as well. I don't know that there is any real advantage of one over the other (except for break angle at the nut), it just gives me a sense of being sturdier. You hear of Gibson headstock breaks all the time and it just seems like a weak point.

 

[steve_rolfeca]

I'm a big guy at 6' 2" and 230lb, medium-sized hands, and I've always been partial to fatter neck profiles. The Z and Sklar neck carve is too slender for me.

The ABZ was a good compromise, feeling faster without giving me the cramped feeling I get from thin or D-shaped necks.

If you're a weight weenie like me, the ABZ is a better choice than the AB1 or ABII, as Sheldon says they are typically heavier. It's a combination of the thin-film finish, no preamp or batteries, swamp ash, and no exotic top. ABZ's also sound a little brighter as a result.

Frankly, you can't go wrong with any of the long scales. Amazing, incredible, desert-island basses...

 

[bebass]

I'm a big guy at 6' 2" and 230lb, medium-sized hands, and I've always been partial to fatter neck profiles. The Z and Sklar neck carve is too slender for me.

The ABZ was a good compromise, feeling faster without giving me the cramped feeling I get from thin or D-shaped necks.

If you're a weight weenie like me, the ABZ is a better choice than the AB1 or ABII, as Sheldon says they are typically heavier. It's a combination of the thin-film finish, no preamp or batteries, swamp ash, and no exotic top. ABZ's also sound a little brighter as a result.

Frankly, you can't go wrong with any of the long scales. Amazing, incredible, desert-island basses...

Where would you say does the NG2 neck profile fit in? More like which of the Canadians? ABZ I would guess? I am looking forward to see how the new 4-string NG2s feel as well and since I have a four-string ABII coming in I will have a direct comparison. I guess I need to order a 4-string Z now
And, for those that know, how does the Z neck compare with the Super J?

 

[CL400Peavey]

Where would you say does the NG2 neck profile fit in? More like which of the Canadians? ABZ I would guess? I am looking forward to see how the new 4-string NG2s feel as well and since I have a four-string ABII coming in I will have a direct comparison. I guess I need to order a 4-string Z now
And, for those that know, how does the Z neck compare with the Super J?

NG2 is the combustion neck.

 

[bebass]

NG2 is the combustion neck.

Yes, I do know that; have had both Combustion and NG2. Let me re-word; how would you say the Combustion neck fits in in comparison to the Canadian necks? Is it more like the ABZ?

 

[Selta]

Neck profiles is another area where I think 3D printing could be awesome. Builder could send a model of their neck out to be printed (just the outside shell, if you will, doesn't need to be structurally sound per se), then it'd be pretty easy to have anyone get a feel for the different neck profiles. Maybe set things up so each dealer has a copy of each neck they offer.
I know for a long time during my first bunch of years of playing (where the only stores within a 3 hour drive were mom and pop stores with Fenders, Squires and maybe one or two Ibanez basses), I had a heck of a time figuring out what different neck profiles were and what I really liked playing. I took a little bit of a chance on Dingwall necks - I've certainly read about them, but still had trouble imagining what it would feel like. If I could drive to my local dealer and feel a Combustion, AB, and Z neck, that'd be pretty neat.

 

[Sepultorture]

I'd def like to compare the NG-2 with the AB series necks, hopeful L&M will be getting in both in the next couple months so I can compare. I'm still leaning more towards an AB1, but Sheldon did say he could offer me a slimmer neck profile if I so chose. But Z series then but between an AB and a Z. And for comparison, if you've played an ibsnez prestige 7 string neck, the Z is slightly slimmer than that

 

[bebass]

I'd def like to compare the NG-2 with the AB series necks, hopeful L&M will be getting in both in the next couple months so I can compare. I'm still leaning more towards an AB1, but Sheldon did say he could offer me a slimmer neck profile if I so chose. But Z series then but between an AB and a Z. And for comparison, if you've played an ibsnez prestige 7 string neck, the Z is slightly slimmer than that

I am getting in everything but the Z and will know hopefully in July. I like the idea of a slimmer profile but have not yet touched a Z. Hopefully none could be as bassball bat sized as the Spector Euros. Those have 3 profiles and I only like one of them: the Ian Hill (not saying bad as some love them - but not for me - the larger profile on those is not my idea of comfort). I really love the neck profile on my Peavey Cirrus. I like the Combustion, NG2 neck just fine but the 5 itself is a bit unwieldy to me as I have played 4s more - I think it would be easy to get used to. So it will be interesting to see how the Combustion/NG2 4's stack up and how the ABII 4 compares to them.

 

[dtsamples]

I'd say the Z profile is Cirrus-eque. Been a long time since I've played a Cirrus, but I own a Z6 and I'd say that's as fair a comparison as any. The neck is subtly assymetrical, but just in terms of width:thickness ratio and general shape they're pretty similar.

 

[dtsamples]

The Z6 is a little thinner in the middle, flatter at the low b edge, and thicker at the high C edge than the MTD 634-24 I owned, but also pretty similar to that.

 

[dtsamples]

And, for those that know, how does the Z neck compare with the Super J?

I haven't played the Super J, but I've owned several Super P/PJs. The necks on these two are very different. Z is flat, thin, and asymmetrical. Super is flat but thick with very comfortably rounded edges. Wouldn't call it a baseball bat, but it's substantial. It's more of U shape than a D shape. In other words, flat in the middle with steep curves at the edges, as to almost make "sides". The Z is much much flatter and travels a very shallow curve from center of back of neck to outside edge. The sides of the Z neck are thin and almost beveled outwards.

Here's a professional artist's rendering of the profiles of my Z and Super PJ5:

Edit: This drawing has not undergone peer review. While I feel that to the best of my estimation it estimates the shape of the neck profiles, I'll happily redact the image for posterity if not agreed upon.

 

[graphics1988]

Be honest...MINI-Sheldon drew those!

 

[bebass]

I'd say the Z profile is Cirrus-eque. Been a long time since I've played a Cirrus, but I own a Z6 and I'd say that's as fair a comparison as any. The neck is subtly assymetrical, but just in terms of width:thickness ratio and general shape they're pretty similar.

Interesting, thanks.