why fan-fretted basses?

[DavC]

if you read about the sound differences between longer and shorter scale lengths ... that might give some insight ... long scale , longer strings have More harmonic content ..! usually brighter/tighter ...
shorter scales therefore have less harmonics ... a bit warmer with less high harmonics going on ...

so maybe someone just can't choose between 34 or 35 or 36 " scale ... so with fanned frets you can have them all ..!! whatever floats your boat ...

 

[Space Pickle]

Calm down, I play a Dingwall as well. Some people just don't like fanned frets and think they're stupid. Jesus Christ, people get upset for no reason whatsoever.

actually i can get upset for any reason whatsoever

INCLUDING THIS POST :MAD:

 

[spaz21387]

I thought it had something to do with the scale being more natural on the lower strings and tighter on the high strings... but what do i know i still play normal 4 string basses.

 

[He_Who_Hops]

If only digwall made lefties, but I imagine that would require a crazy amount of retooling.

 

[steweDbass]

Fanned frets look great and do feel great too, plus the harmonics and note accuracy if made precisely, are beyond what parallel can achieve... but then it's not that easy to discern unless you listen really really close .... They're not for me personally as I find I need a bit more space on the higher strings for what I do with chordal stuff, but still a great innovation that makes a lot of sense.

 

[twinjet]

Thanks for your responses guys! My second search attempt turned up many more fanned fret results than my first. I am certainly curious how a fanned fretless would work.

 

[tuBass]

If anybody wants to try a fanned fret bass but can't justify the cost of a dingwall, try a brice defiant from Rondo. They are less than $600 and really made well. Just put on a better set of strings and you're good to go

I modded mine with a set of EMG 45DC, but honestly, the original pickups were just fine.

Modding my Fanned Fret Defiant | TalkBass.com

 

[Jay2U]

Hi guys,

What is it about these instruments that appeals? Is there a certain technique, a sound, or is it all aesthetics?

It's not about the looks, it's about scale length. The lower the pitch, the longer the string.

 

[No Vice Novice]

Anybody had a chance to put Ibanez' fanned fret instruments through their paces?

 

[tuBass]

Anybody had a chance to put Ibanez' fanned fret instruments through their paces?

Remember those are a moderate fan. Not as dramatic as the dingwall

 

[Bobster]

Actually the SRFF805 and SRFF806 (35.5") have a longer B than the Dingwall Super J or Super P (35") but shorter than the Combustion or other models (37"). Here' a link to Dingwall's website: Dingwall Bass Specifications | Side by Side Comparison | Dingwall Guitars

Love my SRFF805,

Bob

 

[cromag31]

the B strings are to die for! nothing sounds like a dingwall, dont care what you say! fodera, smith,MTD! 37" scale is superior hands down! im a believer now....

 

[tuBass]

the B strings are to die for! nothing sounds like a dingwall, dont care what you say! fodera, smith,MTD! 37" scale is superior hands down! im a believer now....

It's true, both the B and the E have a different feel to them. They feel more responsive and articulate. Less muddy higher up the fretboard too, I find I have options on those strings I never have had before because of the tone and superior clarity

 

[J Posega]

If only digwall made lefties, but I imagine that would require a crazy amount of retooling.

It's something Sheldon Dingwall would like to offer eventually, but another simple part of it is that none of the quality control guys in the factory have been lefties.

 

[petrus61]

In the cursory reading I've done on these fanned fret based threads, the great sounding/feeling low B seems to be a constant. What I'm very curious about (and has likely been answered in the numerous threads pertaining to the topic) is how the high G string feels on a 4 string. Is there a compromise in regards to choosing certain string gauges for the higher strings...meaning does the high string end up being floppy as a sacrifice to the shorter scale length on that side of the neck?

 

[Bassic Playing]

You are not 'sacrificing' scale length, the shorter scale length at the G is a choice made due to it sounding fuller and richer. If they wanted, they could fan it less and have a regular 34' G string. Balanced tension strings are used to stop them being floppy.

 

[tuBass]

on most dingwalls the G string is 34"

 

[GreyBeard]

I've never even seen one in the flesh but, I'd buy one if I liked it.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

on most dingwalls the G string is 34"

That is correct. It's only the Super Series models that have a 32" scale length G-string. The "normal" models have a 34" scale length G.

 

[micgtr71]

I have never played one but it seems that the length of the board on the b string would be a tough reach. Does that scale on the lower strings take a long time to get used too?