Sheldon Dingwall

[quote name='Woodinblack' timestamp='1470746701' post='3108092'] Agreed. The dingwall combustion had one of the nicest playing necks of any bass i have owned, and I was very happy with it when i tried it, but I just couldn't get 'my sound' out of it, whatever I did it was uninspiring. [/quote] Not to derail this thread but, I've read this comment a couple of times and struggled to understand what you and maybe one or two others were saying. At any rate, we listened and I think we've figured it out. New pickups have been developed and are working their way toward being put into production. Just thought I'd share that. The power of users forums is pretty cool.

Nice playing Rushers. Keep up the good work.

I can agree with the above comment. Most 5-strings I hear have decent to excellent sounding B-strings on the open note. The problem with shorter scales and thicker cored strings is in the fretted notes. It shows up as a "warbling" quality to the tone as the shorter harmonics are pushed out of tune by the stiffness of the string. The more you roll off your tone, the less you will notice this but it's still there. As far as Multi-scale being a solution to a problem that doesn't exist. I'll throw some problems and solutions out there. If you don't experience the problem then for you it doesn't exist. Problem: B-strings are floppier and muddier sounding than the rest of the strings. This is pretty well documented so if you don't agree with this boy are you in the wrong thread LOL. Solution 1: heavier guage string. Fixes the floppiness and let's you attack the B-string harder, lots of string choices, makes the muddy tone worse. Increases that harmonic warbling making the 5th frets and above pretty unuseable. Doesn't balance the tone across the strings. Makes the tone change more as you go up the neck. Solution 2: lighter guage string (more importantly a lighter core string). Fixes the muddy tone, alows play further up the neck, causes less tone change as you play up the neck. Requires a much lighter touch - especially in comparison to the other strings. Does't help balance the tone across the strings. Limited string choices. Solution 3: Longer scale. Fixes the muddy tone, fixes the tension. Makes the G and D strings tighter and more "stringy" sounding. Limited string choices. Does nothing to address the balance of tone across the strings but does help the tone balance up the neck. Solution 4: Multi-scale. Fixes the muddy tone, fixes the tension - you can attack all strings equally, doesn't mess with the G and D strings, more even tone across the strings and up the neck is easier to mix. Requires fanned-frets and adjustment to them (easy for some, harder for others). Looks different. Fanned-fret basses are expensive. String choices limited to roughly 1 dozen brands. Based on the above, multi-scale isn't a perfect solution but IMO provides the most comprehensive solution. If you aren't bothered by any of the above problems then "it's a solution for a problem you don't care about" is probably more accurate. Physics mumbo jumbo? The physics are solid, just sit down at a good piano with your bass and compare the consistency of tone between the two. How does that apply? Think of all the concerts you've been to. The majority of the time which have been easier to hear clearly, the low notes of a piano or the low notes of an electric bass? The real world backs this up without any help or advertising from us. Just to be clear, I'm not talking about an 80's style "piano tone". The point I'm making is that having a more even tone across the strings and up the neck just makes it easier to effectively eq your tone for the room. More importantly a tighter bottom end is easier to hear and mix than a loose and woofy one. In the end what's really important -at least to us - is connecting with your audience and your bandmates. If you're on the right path, you'll know by the instant feedback they give you. It's that simple.

Leaks into the wood Nd looks messy. Silk screen would work but might look cheap.

[quote name='Johnston' timestamp='1332754332' post='1592411'] I guess it was a cost decision due to the bit of extra work involved that made you go for the plastic one? [/quote] No, the plate is way more of a pain to make. The problem is that the engraving is too subtle. From a distance it disappears.

[quote name='markstuk' timestamp='1332750380' post='1592339'] Hi Sheldon, What in your view are the downsides, if any, to using fanned frets? Just to balance things from a discussion perspective.. BUt it would be a boring world if everyone liked the same stuff... [/quote] That's a tough question. We've done our best to eliminate any downsides. Cost is one. Building basses the way we do is time consuming and expensive. Having to rethink things a bit is another. Some people want progress but don't like change. Our basses aren't from Mars but they may require some adaptation to technique and EQing. Initially change can make you feel inadequate but that goes away soon enough if you stick with it.

[quote name='Sheldon Dingwall' timestamp='1332749559' post='1592324'] Thanks Wayne. When the time comes that you get a chance to play one, if you like it great, if you don't, no worries, you still have my respect. [/quote] I take that back. Actually I'd be pissed at you. But I'd get over it sooner or later;)

[quote name='waynepunkdude' timestamp='1332716143' post='1592156'] To be fair whatever my perception of the basses, Sheldon has always come across as a top man. [/quote] Thanks Wayne. When the time comes that you get a chance to play one, if you like it great, if you don't, no worries, you still have my respect.

[quote name='Machines' timestamp='1332709715' post='1592053'] Since the E string is near enough standard scale, what benefits does the novax system offer on a 4 string bass ? I understand the practicality on 5/6 string Dingwalls and have played a few to attest to it working well there. [/quote] More even tone from string to string makes EQing for the room or recording much easier and effective. Plus the shorter scales make it feel like some kind of sports car, they almost play themselves.

[quote name='Johnston' timestamp='1332708606' post='1592035'] the satin black one on I think Bass directs website is I just wish they had the protos head stock. Not a fan of the plastic plate TBH. [/quote] I don't have a photo handy of the black plate with the new polished aluminum string tree, but let me know what you think of the look of that when you see it.

[quote name='Sean' timestamp='1332690265' post='1591655'] Stunning! What are the scale lengths? [/quote] 32" to 34.25"

[quote name='neilb' timestamp='1332660827' post='1591177'] Not a good bass to show me on a Sunday morning after a heavy night on the Pina Coldas!! [/quote] I've been meaning to talk to you about all those piña coladas.

[quote name='henry norton' timestamp='1332701101' post='1591859'] I wish I'd had the time to be able to tell whether I liked Dingwalls or not. When I was at the London Bass Guitar Show earlier this month I had about 20 seconds playing a Dingwalls bass before it was taken off me by someone on the stand. I guess he didn't think I looked worthy of playing one of their £5k basses although to give him his due he did take time to explain the "dual density" body and the theory behind the fanned frets. Unfortunately I wasn't allowed to test the 'theory'. As a maker myself I understand the importance of getting your wares out there and exposed to as many potential or future buyers as possible - obviously the 'professionals' showing the Dingwalls basses figured they knew better. [/quote] Henry, I don't remember this, but if it was me (and it probably was) I apologize. I wouldn't have meant anything personal, just a brain fart on my part. Not cool.

[quote name='Gust0o' timestamp='1332687761' post='1591622'] Sorry Sheldon, I was parodying Talkbass [/quote] Ha, ha, ha, I missed that completely.

The post directly above was regarding the metal question. To those who tried one but didnt care for the tone, we can't possibly please everyone. Thanks for trying with an open mind though. You have my respect. Does anyone have any input on their experience between playing alone in a music store and in a group setting? I'm not looking for hype or praise just honest feedback.