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Multiscale
- Thread starter rodv66
- Start date
I tried the LTD years ago at a MusicGoRound. It was significantly heavier than any Dingwall I've owned (likely weighed 10+ lbs). Played OK, but I seem to recall the preamp wasn't working properly. I haven't played any of the Spectors, but from watching reviews they look neck divey. They seem to sound fine.
There are also new Ibanez BTB fanned fret basses shipping right now which could be pretty promising.
There are also new Ibanez BTB fanned fret basses shipping right now which could be pretty promising.
Yeah I might check the Ibanez out. I don't see much hype about the LTD, so thinking it's not anything to compare with the others. I don't mind the weight as I play a Steve Harris pbass in my tribute. I just don't want to be penny wise and pound foolish
I've played the LTD for a bit then sold it for another purchase. I loved mine. It's got the pointy headstock, which you have to worry about. Strings are rare like the Dingwalls. The bass weighs. Mine was over 10 lbs. The tone was very good, especially from the Nordstrands. I like the active/passive switch. I've heard issues with QC on some of those. So be careful.
My replacement was the Ibanez SRMS805. That bass is great in every way. I love the tone, the playability, and you have more string options. I'm sure the new BTB will be good as well.
My replacement was the Ibanez SRMS805. That bass is great in every way. I love the tone, the playability, and you have more string options. I'm sure the new BTB will be good as well.
I recently got the Ibanez BTB 6, so here’s some thoughts on that. My six weighs in at 10.12 pounds, it sounds like you’re in the market for a five, so I’d guess those are 9-9.5, but that’s a WAG. It’d definitely be lighter, though. The B sounds really good, the G and C are a little thin/sound a bit more tense, but not ti the extent that they don’t still sound good, and of course on a five you won’t have the C. If shaken until it fully settles, the neck balances at a horizontal angle, BUT, it takes a lot of shaking for that, and just standing with it on and general movements, the neck remains at a good playing angle, without my needing to do any holding it up with my left hand. And that’s with a pretty slick nylon strap. I would also expect balance to be a small bit less neck biased in a five.
I love my Dingwall and will never get rid of it. I'm just not the type that owns more than one of a type of bass at a time.
I own an LTD and think it's an amazing bass, very comfortable for a 5. Not overly heavy and very well balanced. I would LOVE to sell it to someone that wants it! I'm playing short scale because of arthritis issues and it's way beyond short. Fantastic instrument I bought prior to my health issues that I'd love someone to enjoy!!
I’d take your $, sell that Combustion and get a used Canadian Dingwall. Then you will know the way.
I've been wanting a Dingwall for a few years now, but I'm being more cautious with my purchases. The Z3 is fantastic! I was surprised that I got used to its fanned frets within minute or two. It immediately felt comfortable. I'm also a bit of a snob and I don't want an Asian built instrument (even though I've bought a Yamaha). Sheldon and his crew are great people - - exactly the kind you love to patronize.
I'll echo what was said above that you should consider checking out the Ibanez SRMS basses. I have the 800 and 806, and used to have the 805. I love them, but I love my Dingwall too...I wouldn't say they're redundant so maybe an SRMS might give you a pleasantly different sound and feel than your Dingwall.
I had the LTD. sounded great, but was very heavy and the nut was extremely sharp and was uncomfortable to play with the angled frets. It had some serious QC issues as well. Had a crack in the fretboard, and the fretboard was separating from the neck towards the heel. I contacted ESP and they said their warranty doesn't cover those issues.... so I sent it back. That is probably the last LTD I will buy.
I think you're going to want to look at the neck specs for each one before you decide. The scale lengths may be different than what you're used to on your Combustion.
I own a few multi scale basses currently and have owned a dozen or more others.
The dingwall droc has become my go to bass. Super versatile and killer tone. I have a 4 & 5. Both rule! I have owned NG3 5 and 6. The NG and combustion are awesome. But my pick would be droc. Clean or dirty it cuts through and the warm tones are smooth.
The Spector dimension I had recently was nice. And well built. Just a totally different fell from the dingwall. The string tension on the Spector felt more taunt than the dingwall using the same strings. The fishman electronics sound good and you can get a plethora of tones. Not as bright as a tone pump or haz with EMGs.
Kiesel multiscales I’ve owner were ehh. The vanquish 4 was the only one I really liked. The 5 strings I owned were sold quickly.
Ibanez ehb multiscales I like. I think the 1005ms and 1505ms are both good buys for the money.
if I had to recommend one multiscale bass to try, it’d hands down be the dingwall droc.
happy hunting!
The dingwall droc has become my go to bass. Super versatile and killer tone. I have a 4 & 5. Both rule! I have owned NG3 5 and 6. The NG and combustion are awesome. But my pick would be droc. Clean or dirty it cuts through and the warm tones are smooth.
The Spector dimension I had recently was nice. And well built. Just a totally different fell from the dingwall. The string tension on the Spector felt more taunt than the dingwall using the same strings. The fishman electronics sound good and you can get a plethora of tones. Not as bright as a tone pump or haz with EMGs.
Kiesel multiscales I’ve owner were ehh. The vanquish 4 was the only one I really liked. The 5 strings I owned were sold quickly.
Ibanez ehb multiscales I like. I think the 1005ms and 1505ms are both good buys for the money.
if I had to recommend one multiscale bass to try, it’d hands down be the dingwall droc.
happy hunting!
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Hows the neck with on the LTD? From the looks, seems very chunky. Sweetwater has a demo model for 1500, so was considering it
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