SHELDON DINGWALL is building MY DREAM BASS

[ghoulbug]

Sheldon might as well hire you as a PR rep.
I've never had anyone make me so sincerely GAS for such an expensive bass.

Sadowsky NYC? Too expensive and wasteful for a noob like me.
But a Dingwall? zomg I need a loan.

 

[BurningSkies]

Sheldon might as well hire you as a PR rep.
I've never had anyone make me so sincerely GAS for such an expensive bass.

Sadowsky NYC? Too expensive and wasteful for a noob like me.
But a Dingwall? zomg I need a loan.

Well, many of Sheldon's customers are fairly outspoken about their love and dedication to his work. I don't think that I'm very different than the rest.

Sheldon has been awesome about doing lots of extra work to make the pictures along the way available to me. Most of them come in late at night or early in the morning, and for a guy who's got an active business to run and lots of basses to make and has to do a lot of the 'handwork' on the Z's solo...its a lot of extra work that he didn't have to do for me. I thought that some of the folks here would like to see the process up close the same way that I appreciate it!

I have no problem shouting about the Saskatoonian bass phenom, as there's threads posted about several popular Luthiers about 3 times a day while other great ones don't get much notice!

 

[BurningSkies]

Sheldon might as well hire you as a PR rep.
I've never had anyone make me so sincerely GAS for such an expensive bass.

Sadowsky NYC? Too expensive and wasteful for a noob like me.
But a Dingwall? zomg I need a loan.

You know, some of the Dingwall models run well less than a Sadowsky NYC. Also soon there will be the Combustion release. Then there will be a Dingwall that's in the same price range as EBMM and nicer non-custom US Fenders.

 

[fullrangebass]

I am not shy to say that Sheldon is producing some of the finest basses on the planet (the finest IMHO) and his post sales customer care is second to none. Proof of the latter is his Sunday email reply to a question of mine. This Z line is making me DAS hard (the Dingwall equivalent of GAS)

 

[jazzy grille]

Man, that is hella sweet! Truly, one of my favorite finish jobs on any bass. Just... Wow!!!

I'll say... Man that thing is sweet.

 

[ghoulbug]

Well, many of Sheldon's customers are fairly outspoken about their love and dedication to his work. I don't think that I'm very different than the rest.

Sheldon has been awesome about doing lots of extra work to make the pictures along the way available to me. Most of them come in late at night or early in the morning, and for a guy who's got an active business to run and lots of basses to make and has to do a lot of the 'handwork' on the Z's solo...its a lot of extra work that he didn't have to do for me. I thought that some of the folks here would like to see the process up close the same way that I appreciate it!

I have no problem shouting about the Saskatoonian bass phenom, as there's threads posted about several popular Luthiers about 3 times a day while other great ones don't get much notice!

You know, some of the Dingwall models run well less than a Sadowsky NYC. Also soon there will be the Combustion release. Then there will be a Dingwall that's in the same price range as EBMM and nicer non-custom US Fenders.

With guys like Sheldon around, I don't think I'll ever be able to buy basses from big-name corporations now. That includes Fender!

Sadly, though, I know I don't have the fraction of the skill needed to fully enjoy expensive basses.
Actually, I have no idea what the price ranges are for all those Dingwall models. I get this nagging feeling that the most expensive model should be the way to go, in case anything cheaper means a drop in quality (eg. Lakland Skylines, Squiers, etc.).

That said, Combustion + GAS = my head asplode.

 

[BurningSkies]

With guys like Sheldon around, I don't think I'll ever be able to buy basses from big-name corporations now. That includes Fender!

Sadly, though, I know I don't have the fraction of the skill needed to fully enjoy expensive basses.
Actually, I have no idea what the price ranges are for all those Dingwall models. I get this nagging feeling that the most expensive model should be the way to go, in case anything cheaper means a drop in quality (eg. Lakland Skylines, Squiers, etc.).

That said, Combustion + GAS = my head asplode.

Many of the hardcore of hardcore of Dingwall fans love the Afterburner series of basses, which was Sheldon's entry level model. While not as expensive as buying a Prima Artist (something that I couldn't even hope to afford these days). The fact is, you're not sacrificing tone or feel for the AB series. You're not sacrificing looks either, as the AB's are beautiful with some stunning tops either. The problem is that the AB's 'hook' you, then you find yourself looking up the line! I would die happily with just having my AB. Its a lot more bass than any of my other basses.

Of course, the other factor, is that while my Z did cost a lot, due to the time I placed my order, the total investment is spread out over 3 years. These days Sheldon and the shop are working hard at cutting down the wait time, in 2005 I placed my order and gave my deposit, and on completion I pay the back end. Its fairly reasonable when you look at it that way.

 

[Brim]

I get this nagging feeling that the most expensive model should be the way to go, in case anything cheaper means a drop in quality (eg. Lakland Skylines, Squiers, etc.).

The afterburner series was intended to be a more affordable model, however its risen in price since introduction (http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=384212). I found mine used for a super deal and I think that if I were ever to sell it I would probably make money on it.

The latest offering from Sheldon (soon to be completed) is the Combustion model as the entry level (ie affordable) model.

Here's the NAMM prototype Sheldon cooked up:

 

[tombowlus]

Many of the hardcore of hardcore of Dingwall fans love the Afterburner series of basses, which was Sheldon's entry level model. While not as expensive as buying a Prima Artist (something that I couldn't even hope to afford these days). The fact is, you're not sacrificing tone or feel for the AB series. You're not sacrificing looks either, as the AB's are beautiful with some stunning tops either. The problem is that the AB's 'hook' you, then you find yourself looking up the line! I would die happily with just having my AB. Its a lot more bass than any of my other basses.

Guilty, as charged!

I just love my AB prototype 4-string. It is one of those basses that just has such a great feel and great tone, it really separates itself from the pack (even when the 'pack' is pretty darned nice to start with).

In fact, I played it at a gig last Saturday night (opening for Send More Cops) where I was sitting in for the band's regular bass player. I was playing through their bass player's rig, as he was there, but working sound. After the first song, the singer turns around and says, 'Man, that is better than anything I have ever heard!' I just smiled, gave him the slow nod, and kept on rockin'.

Here's the bass:

Tom.

 

[fullrangebass]

My .02 over the Afterburner series: I was lucky enough to start with a Prima (10yrs ago) and go through all lines (Voodoo, Zebra, Z1, Z2, Z3, Prima Artist). When I first acquired my first AB I, the reasoning was to use it on rough gigs. Reality knocked on my door, only to prove that my AB I, AB II (solid body, old style), AB II (chambered body, scroll hole) are custom made instruments with the best value for money ratio IMHO. Tone-wise they are on par with instruments twice their price (if not better)

 

[fullrangebass]

And my AB II

 

[ghoulbug]

Hmm... the Afterburner...
What are the sacrifices, exactly?
As much as I'd love to own a Porsche Carrera GT, I'd still kill to have a Porsche Boxter. If I could know the exact limitations, and be happy with them, I'd never develop post-purchase regret. ("damn, I should've spent that extra 1k for the chrome rims...")

Dingwall's site says it's in the $1.5k range. I've seen basses way more expensive that were complete crud.

Cost aside, 3 years is a LONG time! That's like ordering a Ferrari! Ordering a Dingwall will need one's FULL commitment, it seems. Not so bad considering how cool the basses seem.

 

[ghoulbug]

My .02 over the Afterburner series: I was lucky enough to start with a Prima (10yrs ago) and go through all lines (Voodoo, Zebra, Z1, Z2, Z3, Prima Artist). When I first acquired my first AB I, the reasoning was to use it on rough gigs. Reality knocked on my door, only to prove that my AB I, AB II (solid body, old style), AB II (chambered body, scroll hole) are custom made instruments with the best value for money ratio IMHO. Tone-wise they are on par with instruments twice their price (if not better)

Wow. A true Dingwall connoisseur.
That AB looks beautiful, too. Wonder how limited the options for the tops are.
Damnit. I think I'll stop coming to this thread now. I know my GAS is in its fatal, final stage when I'm suddenly looking for my wallet.
Just tell me the AB sucks so I can keep my money!

 

[Brim]

The main difference is in the preamp & custom touches. The ABII uses a 2-band Aguilar OBP-1 preamp (bass & treble bosst only). The newer AB models include a passive hybrid treble control (I bleed it cuts). The Z and Prima models include a 3-band Aguilar OBP-3 preamp, so you get the additional mid-range boost/cut. Also the Z and Primas, the world is the limit as far as custom options (Sheldon gives you what you want and them some). Also the bridge is one-piece on the AB's but the Z/Primas use individual bridges/saddles per string.

 

[lomo]

There is absolutely nothing half-way about an Afterburner 1. It's a premium instrument. Most of them are passive (there have been limited runs with preamps) and they're available with or without nice top laminates. Rest assured, the passive electronics package in these is ultra-hot, versatile and very satisfying. I've owned a Z1 with OBP-3 preamp and an AB1. For my needs the preamp was superfluous, although the build details of the Z gave me goosebumps.

 

[BurningSkies]

Hmm... the Afterburner...
What are the sacrifices, exactly?
As much as I'd love to own a Porsche Carrera GT, I'd still kill to have a Porsche Boxter. If I could know the exact limitations, and be happy with them, I'd never develop post-purchase regret. ("damn, I should've spent that extra 1k for the chrome rims...")

Dingwall's site says it's in the $1.5k range. I've seen basses way more expensive that were complete crud.

Cost aside, 3 years is a LONG time! That's like ordering a Ferrari! Ordering a Dingwall will need one's FULL commitment, it seems. Not so bad considering how cool the basses seem.

Well, the Dingwall site isn't updated regularly...so there's been some float on a whole variety of specs. I believe that in this day and age, you'll pay probably just north of 2 for a AB-1.

Right now, they're spec'ed with an alder body (either 2 or 3 pc.), maple top (although you can opt out on that one). It's a 5 piece maple neck oil/wax finished. The Fretboard is wenge, and currently unmarked.

The electronics side of things looks like this:

2 Dingwall FD-3 Mach II pickups, which are neo-magnet split coils. The Mach II denotes that they're each switchable between series and parallel internally.

There's the standard volume and passive tone roll off.

There's also a 4 way rotary switch, running: Neck-Neck/Bridge(series)/Neck/Bridge(parallel)/Bridge.

I believe that strap locks are also now standard.

The bass is served up with a standard issue SKB Freedom hard case.

 

[fullrangebass]

You are absolutely right that the AB line is a Boxter and not a Carrera, still it's a Porsche (the Prima Artist line is an F-60 Ferrari but this is another story).

The "limitations" really are lack of Graphite stiffening rods (even though there have been 1 or 2 limited AB II with graphite reinforced necks IIRC), a little different body shapes and necks (less curvaceous thus less human labour and less time consuming to be produced, thus less costly), fewer body and top wood choices (they are still in the Boxter territory, not family car standards). Sheldon does not cut corners when it comes to playability, ergonomics and most important tone

This is the back of my AB I

 

[BurningSkies]

I don't think I'll be sleeping tonight. It looks like Sheldon has finished my bass. And it's simply the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.

These pictures are ones that he posted over on his message board: http://www.dingwallguitars.com/forum/ If you want to see more eye candy and not just mine, you should head over there and take a look around and say hi.

Anyway...I guess there may be some new pics in the next few days, and I'm going to guess that I'll be taking my own soon!!!!! Damn, I'm excited!

These pictures speak for themselves, since I can't seem to right now!

 

[Darkstrike]

Speechless.

 

[MagicMan_841]

Wow.