Kyle Konkiel Signature Combustion

The Kyle Konkiel Signature Combustion has been produced to the exact specifications of Bad Wolves bassist Kyle Konkiel.

From a player’s perspective, this is a great-looking, versatile instrument that covers what might be termed ‘Dingwall territory’ – and then some. “It manages to provide not just one but a whole collection of great bass tones that have loads of character,” says Kyle. “Bad Wolves is such a versatile band. We play everything from progressive metal to ballads to radio rock, so I wanted something that could cover all of those styles.”

BODY & NECK

With an exclusive first run of just 25 instruments, the Kyle Konkiel Signature Combustion brilliantly showcases the smooth curves so typical of Dingwall bass designs. The body is alder with a maple neck, wenge fingerboard and Ralph Novak’s multi-scale, fanned-fret system, which results in a 34–37-inch scale spread across the five strings (the scale length of the B-string is three inches longer than the G). But the innovative fret design is just the beginning.

The body also has a purple-green colour-shift finish. “I got the idea from a Lamborghini I saw cruising around LA,” says Kyle. “It had the same colour-shift finish.” What you’re left with is a perfect combination of looks, feel and flexibility, and a fast, comfortable neck that allows you to be as adventurous as you like.

PICKUPS & ELECTRONICS

From a player’s perspective, the Kyle Konkiel Signature has plenty of tone shaping options too, thanks to three of Dingwall’s highly-rated FD3-N pickups, a Nordstrand 3-band active EQ and Dingwall’s Quad-tone switching system. “What you get is a fantastic blend of vintage and modern,” says Dingwall CEO, Sheldon Dingwall. “The tones are warm, clear and powerful without being overbearing when you need a bit of subtlety.”

Kyle also chose to compliment the existing setup with a simple selector switch for the middle pickup that allows for an additional configuration – the first time this feature has been used on a Combustion. “I can get P Bass tones out of this thing,” says Kyle. “I can get Jazz Bass tones and I can get a really monster humbucker sound that could literally blow PA speakers.”

“I’ve been playing Dingwall since 2015, but I never really thought a signature model would be something that would happen for me. It’s been such an amazing experience that I’m still kind of dumbfounded by it.”

Bass Player

HARDWARE

Much of the hardware employs the conventional Combustion approach. We collaborated with Hipshot to modify their Ultra-lite tuners, which resulted in a shorter tuning peg that allows proper downward angle at the nut for maximum sustain and improved stability.

The bridge started with an available bridge/saddle system that met our requirements for solid performance and great tone. We then improved on it by designing a custom riser system to provide an increased range of flexibility when it comes to adjusting the action.

DINGWALL STRINGS

Dingwall strings have been meticulously tested to maximize performance and deliver a tone that blends effortlessly with any style of music. We were the first company to design strings specifically for multi-scale instruments. Available in both nickel and stainless steel, our strings provide an even tension for optimal balance, letting you experience the warmest highs and the tightest lows possible.

Note: basses are shipped with Dingwall Nickel Strings

Specs

Hybrid Manufacturing
China/Canada
Scale Length
5 string 37”-34” inches(939-863.6mm)
Neck
5-Piece Maple, bolt-on
Fingerboard
Wenge
9.45” Radius (240mm)
Frets
Novax Fanned-fret System
24 “acoustic-sized” frets, 0.040” tall x 0.080” wide
Pickups
Dingwall FD3-N Pickups
Neodymium Magnets
3 Pickup Models Wired in Series
Preamp
Nordstrand3-Band EQ
Bass:+/-12db / 50Hz
Middle:+/-12db / 250Hz
Treble:+/-12db / 4KHz
Overall Gain 0-15db internally adjusted

Controls
Master Volumewith Push/Pull Active/Passive Switch
4-Position Rotary Pickup Selector
3-Band Active EQ (Bass, Middle, Treble)
Neck PickupToggle Switch
Bridge
Hipshot/Dingwall
Adjustable String Height, Bridge String Spacing, and Intonation
String Spacing at Bridge
5 string 0.709 inches (18mm)
Tuners
Hipshot/Dingwall
20:1 Gear Ratio
Non-Reversible
Pickup Positions (1-4 Left to Right)
1 with Middle Pickup Switch off: Bridge Solo
1 with Middle Pickup Switch on:Bridge/Middle Parallel
2 with Middle Pickup Switch off: Bridge/Neck Parallel
2 with Middle Pickup Switch on: Bridge/Middle/Neck Parallel
3 with Middle Pickup Switch off: Bridge/Neck Series
3 with Middle Pickup Switch on: Bridge/Neck Series in Parallel with Middle
4 with Middle Pickup Switch off: Neck Solo
4 with Middle Pickup Switch on:Neck/Middle Parallel
Finish
Matte Green to Purple Colorshift
Case
Custom Dingwall Padded Gigbag Included
Options
5 String Right Handed Only