Dingwall ABZ or D-Roc

[Gerard]

I was looking for a next bass, and really gravitate towards a Dingwall. Especially since you can get them f# tuned, and I really like those lower notes. I also tried a D-Roc and a John Taylor Signature in a shop.

 

Problem is, I keep shifting between the D-Roc and the abz. I really like the look of the D-Roc, but it has less frets, and they are a bit less accessible, especially with a strap. I got that from a review, as I wasn't using a strap when trying it out. The abz is also a bit lighter.

 

One of the other major differences is the pickup placement, and the selector working differently, where with the D-Roc you have the option to use them all. Maybe I just need to try a abz somewhere, so I can compare how they sound properly. Which is the most important thing after all.

[Bigwan]

I've given this some thought too.

 

With regards to the d-roc you can change the pickup selector - they're freely available from bass direct. Is there much difference in the actual placement of the pickups? You can swap mid and front pickups around to change the available options from musician-esque to jazz-esque (see videos on YouTube).

 

As for fret access, is there much need to be up the REALLY dusty end?

[Gerard]

Fret access likely not. If I meed to go there I could always use my other bass. The selector can be changed, I'm not sure what would be my preference. I also saw a after burner that had the selector in the D-Roc way. I do believe the pickups on the D-Roc are slightly more towards neck. It also seems that the closest to a P-bass sound for the D-Roc is just the middle one, while for the after burners it's just the neck one. But likely, if you want, you could even change that on a custom.

 

The body wood is something that's fixed for the D-Roc and it's part of the sound. But the swamp ash is lighter.

[Doctor J]

Consider playing ergonomics too. The D-Roc requires to be played in a particular way.

[Gerard]

Good point, maybe I should go to the shop a second time, and try both models with a strap.

[Boodang]

D-Roc looks cool… if I had the money though I’d buy the Super J. 

[Rick05]

Iv been thinking about an abz or d-roc and going between both for a while. In the end I couldn’t justify the amount I’d have to spend to get an abz with the spec I’d want. 
 

im now on the hunt for a Hellboy d-roc as I love that paint job and the added bonus of an onboard distortion. 

[mikegatward]

Get the ABZ if funds allow.

 

Then put a Darkglass tone capsule in it

[SteveXFR]

5 hours ago, mikegatward said:

Get the ABZ if funds allow.

 

Then put a Darkglass tone capsule in it

 

Don't they come with one as standard?

I've put a tone capsule in a couple basses. It is really good. Having high mids control instead of treble was so much more useful to me.

[Rick05]

14 minutes ago, SteveXFR said:

 

Don't they come with one as standard?

I've put a tone capsule in a couple basses. It is really good. Having high mids control instead of treble was so much more useful to me.

Some do, it just depends on the spec when it was ordered