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Fanned Frets?????

#21
I tried one and didn't like the feel in the first postion and chording felt really bizarre. I think the concept is cool but I can't get around the weird feel. if I'd never played bass in my life it would be interesting to start on one, but after years of traditional frets there's no way I'm changing now.
 
#22
I tried several Dingwalls and found fretting strange at first, particularly in the upper register. I loved the tone and string balance though and bought a Lee Sklar anyways.

After I had played it for a couple of hours at home, the fanned fret system is pretty natural and I can switch between the Dingwall and my Jazz's no worries.

The other factor to consider though is the upkeep costs of specialised strings for fanned fretted basses (on Dingwalls anyways) as you will need tapered B, E and A strings).
 
#23
I personally love the fanned fret system. The idea makes perfect sense and my super j4 plays like a dream. Dingwall is the only builder I know of who can put a drop A tuner on the B string and it still sound ridiculously tight!
 
#24
I've played a traditional parallel fret bass for 30+ years. Fanned frets intrigued me so I picked up a used Combustion to give it a try. I took to it like "a duck on water" (I literally began to feel comfortable on the neck after only 10 or 15 mins ... no joke ... I had a harder time going from my usual 19mm string spacing down to 18mm with my right hand). After only a couple days of playing at home on my practice amp, and one full practice with my group at church, I loved it so much that I sent payment for a higher-end, made in Canada, Afterburner. The fanned frets just feel right ... they just work ... for this guy anyway.

BTW ... shameless pitch coming :rollno: ... beware :hiding: ... that Combustion is FS in the TB classifieds.
 
#30
I understand the idea and the necessity,

but didn't feel it was essential and revolutionary.

I think a regular fretting with Buzz Feiten would be better.

But since there are some basses that have a really loose low B feeling,

so they might need it.

I think Stingray 5 might need it too..
 
#31
I took a chance on a Dingwall about 2 years ago after playing mainly Fenders for over 20 years and have not looked back, I have since sold my Fenders, Bongo 5 and Lakland 55-02 and will be purchasing a Z model as soon as funds will allow.

Most Dingwall players are happy to let newcomers try out their basses if you can find someone nearby with one.

I have a Afterburner I and live in Brampton just outside Toronto, send me a PM if interested.
 
#32
I've only been playing a few months, but had never found a 5 that fit my hands (I have short fingers). After an afternoon at Bass Central playing pretty much one of everything on the wall, I got brave enough to try the Dingwall ABZ (4 string). Loved the sound, the feel, the near-immediate comfort on the fretboard. So, I said WTH, let's try that 5, too. The 5 I started with was a Leland Sklar model and played like a dream. It's the only 5 that I've been able to get my hands to cooperate with, so I asked to play the ABZ in a 5 also and walked out the door with her (and a Lakland, but that's another story).

In a nutshell - They're sweet. And if you're in Central Florida and want to try them, Bass Central has a nice selection.
 
#33
I have had my Dingwall Lee Sklar for 3 days and I have had no major problems getting used to the fanned frets. In a way the fanned system makes playing easier as I find I naturally go to the 'correct' frets without looking. It really only takes a day or two of adjustment, and yesterday at band practice I switched back and forth between my jazz4's, 5's and the Dingwall without any hassles.
 

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