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Which bass would you order (POLL)

Which bass and why?

  • Spector NS6XL

    Votes: 3 6.5%

  • Spector NS6H2

    Votes: 3 6.5%

  • Spector Forte6

    Votes: 4 8.7%

  • Dingwall Z3 6-String

    Votes: 15 32.6%

  • Dingwall AB1 6-String

    Votes: 6 13.0%

  • Dingwall ABZ 6-String

    Votes: 5 10.9%

  • Other 6 String (post below)

    Votes: 10 21.7%
  • Total voters
    46
#6
You've opened the can of worms where everyone just names their favorite brand without regard for the choices you've listed.

Have you played any of the listed basses? They sound and feel pretty radically different from one another. What kind of tone(s) are you looking for? Why have you zeroed in on only Spector and Dingwall?

Answering these questions might help you decide for yourself but it will definitely us TBers more to go off of when helping you make a selection.
 
#8
Depends on your tonal goals or what sound you're trying to achieve. I've owned a Roscoe(SKB-3005), a Dingwall(ABZ5 and a Combustion), and I'm currently playing a Spector(Forte 5). All of them were/are OUTSTANDING instruments! Even though I'm all about Funk/Fusion/R&B, I make my living playing Rock, so my choice of gear usually reflects that. Although I am a proponent of the "any bass for any style" school of thought, I like making life as easy as possible. I'm sure there's plenty of Rock cats who are killin' it on Roscoes, but it's going to take a more methodical selection of woods and electronics to really make it a stand out Rock bass. Otoh, to make a Spector sound like a rock bass, you pretty much just have to plug it in. My Dingwalls were great rock basses as well.

If I were playing Funk/Fusion/etc as my MAIN gig, I'd definitely say Roscoe/MTD would be the direction I'd go. If you are working in the Rock/Hard Rock/Metal genre, I'd say Spector/Dingwall with Spector maybe having a slight edge(I'd give the edge to Spector based on the fact that I see a few more options with electronics from them.). In fact, I was able to order my Spector Forte 5 with the Spector US 18v circuit(instead of the Aguilar OBP-2, which comes standard on the Forte line)which, ostensibly, turns it into an NS-5XL! I really did love the Dingwalls that I had. I had some shoulder and arm issues that made playing the extended scale length uncomfortable, otherwise, I'd probably still be playing them. The Roscoe I had was probably the most gorgeous bass I've ever owned. The problem was the Bartolini's were just too "polite" for what I do(pretty much the same issue I'm having with my Pedulla now). I can make them growl, but I really hafta dig in, and I really don't want to work that hard...

Bottom line is all of the basses on your poll are killer and I'm sure you'd be happy with any of them. Good luck!
 
#9
CrUiSeR said:
MVP or Ken Smith; or a used modulus
Click to expand...

I've already got the Modulus 6 and it's tops. But I'm really Jonesing for fanned fret. But at the same time, The other 6ers I have with wood necks (Smith, Alembic, etc.) are very good, but are just a tiny notch below that Graphite Modulus. So what I'd really want is a Dingwall Z3 (note my TBX has three Barts and I LOVE THAT!) with a through-body graphite fanned Fret neck. I think my GAS has exceeded reality out there...
 
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#12
I have a Dingwall AB-II (with the Glock... preamp) and I am very pleased with how great it sounds for rock (especially with a pick). It is quite similar to the Spector tone (to be fair, I haven't A/Bed them in person, but my Dingwall nails the bass tone of Would by Alice in Chains and Jet City Woman by Queensryche, both songs showcase the Spector rock tone IMO).

I think your decision would come down to ergonomics, which means you would need to get your hands on the models listed. I don't think you could go wrong with any of them regarding tone or quality.

Later
Rob
 
#14
Smashsquatch said:
I play mostly progressive instrumental. I like to have options when it comes to tone (one of the reasons I was looking at the Z3), anyway, thanks for the input fellas.
Click to expand...
For feel and playability, cleanness of sound, versatility in tone (all very usable tones), sustain, and cool looks, I also second a modulus q6. They are often compared to these other top tier basses that have been listed, and the used ones can be much more affordable than a new dingwall. Plus you get the advantages of a graphite composite neck.

I'd say Q6 all the way. But I've never played a dingwall and spector is not my ideal sound.
 
#19
Smashsquatch said:
Thanks for the suggestion, but after already having played one, I'm not interested. Plus, I love the rig I already own.
Click to expand...
whats cool is the best rig and guitar is the one we have and play !! to get our unique tone and style is such a combination of gear, experience and sometimes just a freak event like a new amp or moving some gain around !! Rock on !! I always say whats the best bass,,,its the one i am playing right now !!
 

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