Dingwall Owners Club

[J Posega]

Anyone in this group own a 6 string Dingwall?

I’ve got an ABZ6.

(I really miss that big pedalboard)

 

[Daz JP]

Dingwall captured a couple local business awards last night. They won the business of the year and the global exporter awards.

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Brilliant news - well done Sheldon and Team!

 

[Ranarion]

The combustion have 2 pickups in a "jazz" bass configuration, the NG2 have 2 at the bridge a la musicman.
Dingwall just release the NG3 which already comes with the 3rd pickup installed, but I believe all newer models come pre-routed to install a third pickup if so desired.
Check Musik Produktiv in Ibbenbüren. I live close to them and they stock NGs and combustions

Ah, thank you! Musik Produktiv sound like a good idea since I have a friend in Ibbenbüren.
Now I only have to save some money...

 

[J Posega]

What do you like most about a 6er?

I'll jump in on this one as well since spent many years playing primarily on 6 strings. My first bass was a 5, my second a 6 and I played that almost exclusively for three or four years before going to 4s.

Economy of motion is a huge benefit to six strings. I don't necessarily find it's so important to have 6 strings for this, since most of my playing that involves the C string is in the upper register, but it is really nice having an extended scale available in one position.

However, unlike shortening the distance between frets/ notes that you get with shifting open and low-position playing on the E to the fifth fret of the B, it doesn't work out that way when you move riffs from the G to the C string (obviously, the stretch between notes is further when you go into the lower frets). Let me put it another way: it's easier playing a riff like Day Tripper as Sir Paul would have done in the upper frets, rather than shifting it down to a lower position and playing it onto the C string.

For me, the added upper register is what really makes me love 6 strings. Yeah, I'm a bass player, but when I play at home, being able to play bar chords across the ADG&C strings, loop them, and layer more riffs is awesome. The C is also really great for slap and pop riffing. You can pop a double stop on the G and C that would have previously required a shift up the neck to nail that same double stop on the D and G.

@Sheldon D. 's design is also just killer. 18mm string spacing is super comfortable and makes all styles of play easy (not to cramped for slapping or pick playing). My ABZ6 is under 9 lbs - the Ibanez SR506 I used to play had to be over 10 lbs and had 16mm spacing (blech). Also, the 33.25" C string, I find, is much sweeter sounding than a C at 34" and especially compared to some 35" scale 6 strings I've tried.

I now alternate spending equal time on my ABZ6 and my SPj5. The ABZ6 is sort of that modern jazz bass sound but even more refined... I guess it really is a 'boutique ERB' tone. Clear, well defined, but also incredibly punchy and deep. I'd consider swapping the pickups for FDV's at some point just because I like how the FDV sounds in the bridge position on my SPj5, but the FD3's are excellent. I've used both basses for all kinds of styles, and even though they are radically different, they are somewhat interchangeable. I never engage the preamp (Glockenlang 2-band), but when I have noodled with it, I've found it's incredibly powerful. That said, I'd be perfectly pleased with the bass if it were simply passive (which is a mod I may make in the future as well).

 

[bebass]

Can someone explain to me why some Combustions/NG-2 have three pickups and some have two? I can't really find any information on that and all the dealers in Germany seem to only have the two pickup version. I probably won't be able to buy a Dingwall any time soon but maybe there will be a possibility some time. Since I played a fanned fret bass two years ago I want to have one.

As posted above. And to add, it will be some time before you see dealer stock of the NG3. The upgrade kits should be available some time April or after. They will require a competent tech to install.

 

[Bassheart365]

I'll jump in on this one as well since spent many years playing primarily on 6 strings. My first bass was a 5, my second a 6 and I played that almost exclusively for three or four years before going to 4s.

Economy of motion is a huge benefit to six strings. I don't necessarily find it's so important to have 6 strings for this, since most of my playing that involves the C string is in the upper register, but it is really nice having an extended scale available in one position.

However, unlike shortening the distance between frets/ notes that you get with shifting open and low-position playing on the E to the fifth fret of the B, it doesn't work out that way when you move riffs from the G to the C string (obviously, the stretch between notes is further when you go into the lower frets). Let me put it another way: it's easier playing a riff like Day Tripper as Sir Paul would have done in the upper frets, rather than shifting it down to a lower position and playing it onto the C string.

For me, the added upper register is what really makes me love 6 strings. Yeah, I'm a bass player, but when I play at home, being able to play bar chords across the ADG&C strings, loop them, and layer more riffs is awesome. The C is also really great for slap and pop riffing. You can pop a double stop on the G and C that would have previously required a shift up the neck to nail that same double stop on the D and G.

@Sheldon D. 's design is also just killer. 18mm string spacing is super comfortable and makes all styles of play easy (not to cramped for slapping or pick playing). My ABZ6 is under 9 lbs - the Ibanez SR506 I used to play had to be over 10 lbs and had 16mm spacing (blech). Also, the 33.25" C string, I find, is much sweeter sounding than a C at 34" and especially compared to some 35" scale 6 strings I've tried.

I now alternate spending equal time on my ABZ6 and my SPj5. The ABZ6 is sort of that modern jazz bass sound but even more refined... I guess it really is a 'boutique ERB' tone. Clear, well defined, but also incredibly punchy and deep. I'd consider swapping the pickups for FDV's at some point just because I like how the FDV sounds in the bridge position on my SPj5, but the FD3's are excellent. I've used both basses for all kinds of styles, and even though they are radically different, they are somewhat interchangeable. I never engage the preamp (Glockenlang 2-band), but when I have noodled with it, I've found it's incredibly powerful. That said, I'd be perfectly pleased with the bass if it were simply passive (which is a mod I may make in the future as well).

@TheEmptyCell Hey thanks for wieghing in this. Yes, more chordal options. I do a fair amount of ambient looping for fun at home and I would definetly like to expand my chord work. Also the double stop slap/pluck options on the G and C string is also fun and much easier obviously than a 5. For the economy of motion, I was thinking more in the middle part of the neck. That's my optimum comfort zone on Dingwalls. And it's good to know you like the 18mm spacing. That's what I'm used to on both my Z3 5 string and SJ5. I think it's the perfect spacing, especially because I do a fair amount of slapping and don't like the strings too close together for that. Your 6 is very light. I tend to gravitate towards denser woods and thus end up with heavier basses. The body on my SJ5 is all Northern Ash, and it has a wenge neck. It weighs in at 10.8 lbs. But I'm a pretty stout guy and do some weight lifting. I played 20 years on an 11.3 lbs mahogony G&L L2000 4 string and it didnt' bother me at all. Even on four hour gigs. Anyway, thanks again for your helpful info and guidance.

 

[Bassheart365]

Brilliant news - well done Sheldon and Team!

It's been fun to watch Dingwall slowly but surely take the world by storm...

 

[IvanBassist]

Does any of you have experience with the Mesa Subway d800/d800+ together with a Dingwall?

 

[J Posega]

@TheEmptyCell Hey thanks for wieghing in this. Yes, more chordal options. I do a fair amount of ambient looping for fun at home and I would definetly like to expand my chord work. Also the double stop slap/pluck options on the G and C string is also fun and much easier obviously than a 5. For the economy of motion, I was thinking more in the middle part of the neck. That's my optimum comfort zone on Dingwalls. And it's good to know you like the 18mm spacing. That's what I'm used to on both my Z3 5 string and SJ5. I think it's the perfect spacing, especially because I do a fair amount of slapping and don't like the strings too close together for that. Your 6 is very light. I tend to gravitate towards denser woods and thus end up with heavier basses. The body on my SJ5 is all Northern Ash, and it has a wenge neck. It weighs in at 10.8 lbs. But I'm a pretty stout guy and do some weight lifting. I played 20 years on an 11.3 lbs mahogony G&L L2000 4 string and it didnt' bother me at all. Even on four hour gigs. Anyway, thanks again for your helpful info and guidance.

I was under the impression that the SJ5 was 19mm spacing. I know by feel that my SP5 is.

Mid-neck is absolutely brilliant on one of Sheldon’s 6 strings. The frets start to approach parallel, the reach is reduced from note to note, and the timbre isn’t any different from playing those same notes lower down the neck.

 

[AB Nate]

I was under the impression that the SJ5 was 19mm spacing. I know by feel that my SP5 is.

Mid-neck is absolutely brilliant on one of Sheldon’s 6 strings. The frets start to approach parallel, the reach is reduced from note to note, and the timbre isn’t any different from playing those same notes lower down the neck.

I was pretty certain they are 19mm as well. When I go from my Zs to SJs I find it to be a noticeable adjustment.

 

[AB Nate]

Anyone in this group own a 6 string Dingwall?

Since you asked of course I'll take this opportunity to flash these beauties.

I've been playing with some effects lately and have a lot of fun up on the C.
The main reason for me attempting this transition( I believe I gratefully (thanks Dustin) received my 6 last August ish) was I want to explore more chordal and solo style playing.

I'm also venturing into tapping quite a bit and that is truly where I find it the most beneficial for me. Arpeggios all day long with the added range. It's a lot of fun.
Definitely tapping.

It's become my main player for about the last 4 months. When I play the fivers they just feels so small and nimble in comparison. I LOVE going back to my 5 string Z.

The main reason for me in choosing the Z over an AB is the neck. I don't have very long fingers and find the profile a seriously noticeable difference on the Z compared to any other 6 I've ever played. It's almost like playing a fat 5 of another brand. Lol.

 

[dazmond]

Does any of you have experience with the Mesa Subway d800/d800+ together with a Dingwall?

Im currently using an ABII with the d800 through a fearful 12/6/1. It sounds fantastic

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Yes, the string spacing on the Super Series 5's is 19mm. It is the only thing I wish was different on mine; I'd prefer 18mm.

 

[xnewyorka]

It's been fun to watch Dingwall slowly but surely take the world by storm...

It's funny you say that. I am new-ish to Dingwalls. I was introduced to the brand by Talkbass this past summer, then had my first experience when I found a local one for sale and met the seller at a local music shop. Shortly after that, Sheldon was on his summer NAMM tour and I met him and the purple D-bird and yellow swirl NG2-5 at a local shop in NJ. After spending some quality time with both of those instruments and an AB2 that was already in the store, it was completely OBVIOUS to me that (a) I would eventually own not one but several Dingwalls, and (b) Dingwall would take the world by storm.
I had been toying for months with the idea of opening a music store focusing mainly on basses. Meeting Sheldon and playing those instruments helped to solidify my intentions to do that. So while I am working through the logistics of getting that going, I have already purchased four Dingwalls, and plan to add a fifth next week. The Dingwall combination of ergonomics, playability, sound, fit and finish are simply unparalleled. There are lots of other great basses out there that have some, or even many of those things. But there is only one brand that has them ALL in the same instrument.

 

[Bassheart365]

I was under the impression that the SJ5 was 19mm spacing. I know by feel that my SP5 is.

Mid-neck is absolutely brilliant on one of Sheldon’s 6 strings. The frets start to approach parallel, the reach is reduced from note to note, and the timbre isn’t any different from playing those same notes lower down the neck.

Haha..I think you guys are correct - 19mm on the SJ5 and 18mm on the Zs. If so I hereby amend my statment "18 is perfect for the Z3 and 19 is perfect for my SJ5!" I guess Dingwall needs to correct this on their new website though. They list a 5 string SJ as 18 at the bridge

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[Bassheart365]

There are lots of other great basses out there that have some, or even many of those things. But there is only one brand that has them ALL in the same instrument.

So true.

 

[singlemalt]

This one became my main bass for over a year. I found if I was going to play the six string, I needed to be exclusively six string. I believe this one weighed just under 9 lbs. Also the best sounding Dingwall I’ve had. Super clear and articulate. It sounded great with TI flats, and massive with Payson nickels.

Theses basses have huge necks, but the slim profile makes it very comfortable.

Alas, it was the first to go in the great gear purge.

The Super PJ 5 I have is strung E-C. I really like the C string range, and all the clear upper register chords. I don’t miss the B.

I’m also a closet looper. Having the C range is cool for more upper range stuff. I bought a EH pitchfork, and while I mostly octave down with it, octave up, with some effects is perfect for wanking over loops.

Used six string Dingwalls are few and far between. I got lucky with this beauty.

 

[Bassheart365]

The main reason for me in choosing the Z over an AB is the neck. I don't have very long fingers and find the profile a seriously noticeable difference on the Z compared to any other 6 I've ever played. It's almost like playing a fat 5 of another brand. Lol.

Damn you. Now you have me thinking I should get a Z3 6 instead of an AB 6 for the thinner neck, which I love on my Z3 5 string. The neck on my SJ5 feels pretty thin too, compared to my NG2.

 

[AB Nate]

Damn you. Now you have me thinking I should get a Z3 6 instead of an AB 6 for the thinner neck, which I love on my Z3 5 string. The neck on my SJ5 feels pretty thin too, compared to my NG2.

Yes. I love my SJ neck... on my SJ. If it was a 6 string I think I would have a bit harder if a time.

All this said I had a wonderful Roscoe 6 with a broader/Beefier neck and it was truly amazing and not difficult to play but it was more work. For cost reasons I almost did an AB Instead and I'm sure it would have been fine and I would have adapted..... but I want to get really damn good and starting(woodshedding) later in the game I'll take every advantage I can.

Trying to get Fernando molinari good. Or Jared smith from archspire good. I don't think it will happen but it's what I'm working for and definitely can't blame the tools I'm using.

 

[Bassgeer]

Does any of you have experience with the Mesa Subway d800/d800+ together with a Dingwall?

I am using a 5 string NG2 tuned ultra low into a D800 and 3 Bergantino CN112 cabs, lots of different effects. Ultra light and portable rig, really versatile in terms of tone. The band I play with is alternative metal / grunge, but I enjoy playing a wide variety of music and find that the D800 is very flexible. It gets plenty loud too!