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Status or Dingwall??
- Thread starter mexibass
- Start date
Funny, I was thinking just the same about the Status.
Ok, now I'm confused: who's supporting what?
Same problem: new or used, can't get those here, except for the Tobias and sometimes a Ken Smith or two. I have a Pedulla Rapture J2, got it used! Any other bass u gotta get them custom made. What's the most versatile bass in your list?
Sorry, I can see where the confusion crept in.Ok, now I'm confused: who's supporting what?
I'm a big fan of Status basses.
I agree that you would be wise to go used. If the particular instrument doesn't float your boat, you can re-sell without a big hit.
If you like natural finished alder, there is a four-string Super J in the TB classifieds as we 'speak'. I'm not affiliated with the seller,
just giving you a heads-up....
If you like natural finished alder, there is a four-string Super J in the TB classifieds as we 'speak'. I'm not affiliated with the seller,
just giving you a heads-up....
You're gonna have to narrow down your goals with an instrument before you drop that much money on one. Status vs. Dingwall is apples to oranges.
I love my ABZ5, and I'm only about 5'6" tall. There are so many basses out there in that price range, and everyone here is gonna give you a different opinion on all of them.
I love my ABZ5, and I'm only about 5'6" tall. There are so many basses out there in that price range, and everyone here is gonna give you a different opinion on all of them.
I don't own a super J, but I own a combustion. I'm literally shocked with the clarity I get playing in drop A with this bass. I LOVE my Spectors Low B/A, but the dingwalls got it beat in that category.
mexibass said:
Super J4 in Olympic white with the matching headstock. I got this used before they released the J5. I've played a J5 and some of his similarly high end basses and that B string is flat unreal. The J5 I tested had a drop A tuner on it and it still sounded amazing!
I am a DIngwall convert, I play an AB1. It is passive and I don't miss active basses at all (played them for years).
The even tension on the strings sounds and plays so good.
Fanned frets are easy to play.
The even tension on the strings sounds and plays so good.
Fanned frets are easy to play.
Yes, many players think fanned frets only means higher tension on the low strings. It actually makes the tension across the fingerboard even from string to string, and thus makes equivalent notes sounds almost identical. Play your parallel fret 4 string, 14th fret of D. Now play the 9th fret on A. Same note, but something about the timbre is off. The 14th fret F# sounds kinda flabby, doesn't ring out as well, but the 9th fret sounds better.
Thats eliminated on a multi-scale neck.
I suggest, instead of dropping absurd cash on either option, look hard on the used market. You might even be able to pick up a used Dingwall Combustion for under $1000, and still afford a used Status similar to what you want. You would later have no problem flipping them both to get a higher end version of whichever bass you prefer.
Thats eliminated on a multi-scale neck.
I suggest, instead of dropping absurd cash on either option, look hard on the used market. You might even be able to pick up a used Dingwall Combustion for under $1000, and still afford a used Status similar to what you want. You would later have no problem flipping them both to get a higher end version of whichever bass you prefer.
tough choice. The low b on the Dingwall is as good as it gets . The rest of the bass is great as well. I love me a Dingwall. Fanned fretts kick butt on the cool factor too. On the other hand a Status is on my bucketlist. They are amazing basses with over the top craftsmanship. They do just about play themselves, and they are the only ones to get the best of both worlds tone wise for graphite and wood. They sound amazing as well and not really like anything else. Gotta play both and get the one that speaks to you. their too different of animals to call. My other choice would be a custom order euro spector ( doug wimblish sig with custom color), but thats me.
I've never heard of anyone else having that problem though, FWIW.
I'm about 5'6" and for me it was super comfy and ergonomic, except when I was camped out on the low low notes, then my shoulder got tweaked. Tried different strap heights, etc.
But I was definitely the exception--as I say, most people have no problem. But yeah, would be good to try first if possible. Build quality is second to none. Records so good it's scary.
So in your experience, is that a practical difference on a 4-string? I mean as compared to a similarly good bass, something that most people would play and say "the strings are nicely balanced on this one".
I really liked the fan when I played a Dingwall in the shop briefly, but I sort of got the impression that it was mainly useful for the extended-range folks and would be sort of an affectation on a 4-string. If I'm wrong, then I have one more item for the GAS list, I guess...
-NT
Oh yes. If you were to show up at my door, I would ask you in, seat you on my couch and hand you my Super J/P four string. You would be amazed and probably come down with a severe case of DAS.
the fanned frets keep them a little more balanced but they still sound different and really should. when you get into a 5 string is where the dingwall slays. the extended scale on the low b is really the best. all notes are loud and clear. really the best low b out there by design in tone and feel. 4 vs 4 i would take the Status. no real edge imo. for the dingwall unless its 5 vs 5.
Very different feels and tones here. I like both, but I own a Dingwall, so I guess that's where my bias lies 
I don't have any experience with Roscoes - I just know a lot of people swear by them (for whatever that's worth). As for Lulls and Sadowskys - for me the Sadowskys edge out the Lulls slightly for two reasons: I love the preamp in the Sadowskys and, as well made as Lulls are, Sadowskys are absolutely second-to-none in the construction department. It really depends on what sound you're going for but I think Sadowskys are very versatile basses (I'm speaking from experience strictly with their jazz models). I definitely agree with those who have suggested you buy second-hand. If, for example, you pick up a Sadowsky here on Talkbass and don't like it you can easily sell it for what you paid (minus, of course, any applicable taxes and shipping). The resale value on Sadowskys is consistently good. For $3000 you could also check out a used MTD 535 (I'm mentioning the 535 because these are my main basses). The wood combination will partially determine how "versatile" sounding the bass is but my main 535s are about as versatile as you can get in a bass.
