ESP vs. Dingwall

[UrthCrimson]

So I am in the process of researching for a new bass and gear. What I know for certain is that I want to go with a Darkglass amp/cabinet&pedal rig. Since I'm experienced (at playing, and not with newfangled tech lol) I do not want an entry setup, to then have to shell out for a hi end setup later.

As far as the actual instrument goes, I'm deciding between an ESP F-1005, and the Dingwalll Combustion 5-string. The Dingwall is 1k higher, and matches the cost of the Darkglass setup I'm considering, which seems logical.

If I buy the ESP at 1k less, will it fully utilize the Darkglass, if that makes sense? What features of the Dingwall are advantageous vs. the ESP? I know it features a multi-scale/fanned-fretboard. The body designs are both neck through body, high quality wood. I am not very familiar yet with pickups, electronics and other hardware. So does the Combustion have any edge in that respect over the F-1005, in addition to the scale style, which would justify spending 1k more?

 

[TerenceE]

Never played either but dingwalls are highly respected around here from my readings. There’s probably a few uses combustion’s here in the classifieds that are stellar instruments played and set up by experienced players for a lot less $$ than buying new

 

[steve_rolfeca]

So I am in the process of researching for a new bass and gear. What I know for certain is that I want to go with a Darkglass amp/cabinet&pedal rig. Since I'm experienced (at playing, and not with newfangled tech lol) I do not want an entry setup, to then have to shell out for a hi end setup later.

As far as the actual instrument goes, I'm deciding between an ESP F-1005, and the Dingwalll Combustion 5-string. The Dingwall is 1k higher, and matches the cost of the Darkglass setup I'm considering, which seems logical.

If I buy the ESP at 1k less, will it fully utilize the Darkglass, if that makes sense? What features of the Dingwall are advantageous vs. the ESP? I know it features a multi-scale/fanned-fretboard. The body designs are both neck through body, high quality wood. I am not very familiar yet with pickups, electronics and other hardware. So does the Combustion have any edge in that respect over the F-1005, in addition to the scale style, which would justify spending 1k more?

Actually, Sheldon doesn’t build neck-through instruments. The Combustion, just like the Canadian-built models, is a bolt-on.

You owe it to yourself to at least check out a Combustion before laying out that much coin on the ESP, though.

ESP makes nice instruments, but there’s a reason why so many people on the Dingwall thread are addicted, and keep ordering more. Many of us owned boutique and custom shop basses before getting the Dingwall bug.

It’s not one or two details that make the difference, it’s the whole design and engineering package.

The clarity (not just on that 37” B-string, BTW), the even string-to-string response, the ergonomics, the fit and finish, the amazing colours, the attention to detail, etc., can be life-changing.