Ok.. I started a thread about this a little while ago.. I didn't make a distinction as to what model Dingwall I was reffering too.. that is because I didn't want to make a distinction of a particular model Dingwall bass to be compared to the Sadowsky. What I wanted was the differences between the two as to sound and playability.. Of course.. because the Sadowsky bass is a "improved jazz style bass" there were a couple of folks that jump in on the assumption that I was wanting a comparison between the Dingwall Super J and the Sadowsky bass.. Oh contraire... Well after talking to several folks and getting some opinions.. I had made my mind up as to what I wanted in my next bass.. Now don't get me wrong, but, I am not a fan of fender basses.. I am not knocking the Sadowsky, but after a little research.. I felt that the Sadowsky was not the way that I wanted to go! Chastise me if you wish.. but, I feel that those that only play, worship the fender jazz basses.. as kinda of stuck in a rut.., but then that is my feeling only! So what is a Sadowsky.. well as it is put to me.. it is a suped up jazz bass.. ok.. I was wanting to look a little bit more forward then that.. so what did I get.. well I am pretty sure that if you have read this far that I have chosen the Dingwall AB-I, not the Super J.. I recieved it yesterday and as soon as I had it in my hands.. I ripped a run from the mid octive a to the low B with a octavial chord.. I thought to myself.. yeah.. this is the one for me!!!!!!! It is easy to play and I didn't have to have a any warm up period to get used to playing it.. it is so easy to play.. now mind you, I have short fingers, but with even that.. no problems in the lower register at all.. my only problem with it is that it has no markers on the fret board.. for that I had come to the realization that I had come to rely on them.. so learning position took a few.. Lesson learned there.. don't rely on the markers.. but truly learn the fretboard!
As to sound! Well let me say that it is the most consistant sounding bass I have ever played! Even tone accross the fretboard with even volume all over the fretboard. The smaller frets allow a more woodier sound.. to which I can't say I have ever heard on a electric bass before. I have play a lot of different five string basses.. The AB-I is by far the best one I have ever played. It is true that with the bass pup's in series does leave one to think that you are playing a active electronic bass.. AS to the fretboard it's self.. You don't even notice the feel of the compound radius of the fretboard.. it just feels so natural. The 18mm spacing is perfect.. esp since I don't slap and pop. Another thing that I noticed.. this bass travels some distance over the country to get to me.. and it arrived in tune! I have read other post on the net of other new owners recieving thiers in the same state.. at first I didn't believe it.. but I am converted now.. and believe thier claim on that. I love the weight of the bass.. it is very comphy to play standing and sitting! It is well balanced. Last night I took the bass to practice and played it through my show rig.. dang it, it really sound good then.. (show rig= BBE T-Max, QSC PLX, two Bergie cabs HT-310 and HT-322) (though I will be upgrading the 310 with the newer speakers from Jim).
Will I own other basses.. maybe.. but as it looks right now.. I will never look back at other basses.. because I don't believe that other basses can compare to a Dingwall.. heck.. after playing it and hearing it.. the thought that kept running through my head is "Why ain't more folks playing these!" If you are a extended range bass player.. I would highly suggest looking at the Dingwall bass.. my heartfelt feeling is that you will not look back.. unless you are stuck in a rut.. maybe it is time to climb out of that rut!
These are my feelings and I approve this post!
Randy
As to sound! Well let me say that it is the most consistant sounding bass I have ever played! Even tone accross the fretboard with even volume all over the fretboard. The smaller frets allow a more woodier sound.. to which I can't say I have ever heard on a electric bass before. I have play a lot of different five string basses.. The AB-I is by far the best one I have ever played. It is true that with the bass pup's in series does leave one to think that you are playing a active electronic bass.. AS to the fretboard it's self.. You don't even notice the feel of the compound radius of the fretboard.. it just feels so natural. The 18mm spacing is perfect.. esp since I don't slap and pop. Another thing that I noticed.. this bass travels some distance over the country to get to me.. and it arrived in tune! I have read other post on the net of other new owners recieving thiers in the same state.. at first I didn't believe it.. but I am converted now.. and believe thier claim on that. I love the weight of the bass.. it is very comphy to play standing and sitting! It is well balanced. Last night I took the bass to practice and played it through my show rig.. dang it, it really sound good then.. (show rig= BBE T-Max, QSC PLX, two Bergie cabs HT-310 and HT-322) (though I will be upgrading the 310 with the newer speakers from Jim).
Will I own other basses.. maybe.. but as it looks right now.. I will never look back at other basses.. because I don't believe that other basses can compare to a Dingwall.. heck.. after playing it and hearing it.. the thought that kept running through my head is "Why ain't more folks playing these!" If you are a extended range bass player.. I would highly suggest looking at the Dingwall bass.. my heartfelt feeling is that you will not look back.. unless you are stuck in a rut.. maybe it is time to climb out of that rut!
These are my feelings and I approve this post!
Randy
