[quote="Bocete":26ifyr47]A slight correction - ABZs have the same FD-3 pickups ABs and AB-IIs have, only in a bigger FD-3A sized shell.[/quote:26ifyr47] Thanks for the correction, Bo. I think I knew that once upon a time, but since forgot. I wonder....would a FD3 fit in a Fattie shell? Anybody know for sure. Mark

[quote="guitarded":3p0f2ka0]I highly recommend you play as many different Dingwalls as you can. The Z3 indeed has many different tone combinations, not all of them useful IMO, just like any bass that has a ton of onboard EQ flexibility. I have mine dialed in to a setting that generally works well for me, and I rarely stray from that setting. My Afterburner (or "AB" as it is typically called here on the forum), on the other hand, has very basic passive electronics. The ABs FD3 pickups hold their own against the others that Sheldon offers. With new strings on my AB it is able to compete strongly with my more expensive Dingwalls. If you like the sound of the Combustion, check out an ABZ - they have the same pickups, IIRC. Good luck with your search. Mark[/quote:3p0f2ka0] A slight correction - ABZs have the same FD-3 pickups ABs and AB-IIs have, only in a bigger FD-3A sized shell. visiblesound - don't overlook the AB line because of two pickups as opposed to three. With the pickup selector you will be able to choose between 4 very different sounds, which is more versatile then the vol-vol controls on your C-bass. My AB-II is unbelievably versatile, every pickup selection presenting a different beast. That was one of the comments on my bass. What you should consider when comparing the ABs with the Z3 is the choice of pickup - FD-3s as opposed to SuperFatties. Speaking theoretically that is, I don't have any experience with the Zs.. It would really be best to try any Dingwall you possibly can - at Dingwall dealers, and I bet any Dingwaller you ask will let you try theirs.

I highly recommend you play as many different Dingwalls as you can. The Z3 indeed has many different tone combinations, not all of them useful IMO, just like any bass that has a ton of onboard EQ flexibility. I have mine dialed in to a setting that generally works well for me, and I rarely stray from that setting. My Afterburner (or "AB" as it is typically called here on the forum), on the other hand, has very basic passive electronics. The ABs FD3 pickups hold their own against the others that Sheldon offers. With new strings on my AB it is able to compete strongly with my more expensive Dingwalls. If you like the sound of the Combustion, check out an ABZ - they have the same pickups, IIRC. Good luck with your search. Mark

Hey VS, I'm glad you like your Combustion. I have a CAG Combustion and I LOVE it. Awesome bass, huh? I think the Z3 is in stock at a couple places, but you'd have to look around. What are the places again? Guitar-X, Bass Northwest, am I on the right track guys? I'm pretty sure there'll be a Z3 kicking around Florida that you can play too if you ask nicely. Let us know what you get. Matt

I play an ABII 5-string. It is truly the best bass I have ever played on. I don't think you can go wrong with any Dingwall bass you choose. I think a Z3 would be awesome. ABIIs have a great versatility in their sound as well because of the Active/Passive switch. I get so many tones out of the bass it is hard to pick just one. I'm kind of in the same boat as you. If I buy another bass, it will definitely be a Dingwall. However, the price will have to be justified when the time comes. I think I really want another ABII, but a 6-string version. Check out the run of ABII guitars at www.guitarx.com. Mine is the green one. Happy Dingwalling.