Welcome to the forum. Great handle, BTW. May I make a suggestion that I think most Dingwall players will agree with? Just get one, even if you can't try it first. I can think of only a handful of forum members that discovered a Dingwall was the wrong choice for them. Which Dingwall are you looking at? Mark

Hey tballs, I'm not exactly in Boston these days, but I do visit once a season or so. If you haven't found one in your area by my next trip, I'd be happy to pack mine for the trip. As it stands I may visit some time in june, but it may not be until july depending upon work. I usually end up on the North Shore, as that's where all my family lives.

Thanks guys. While it certainly would not be the first time I've bought a piece of gear sight unseen, considering I'll probably need to unload an instrument of similar value I just can't bring myself to do it this time. Burningskies - thank you for that generous offer. If I've still had no luck in a month or two I'll shoot you a PM. As for models, I'm pretty flying by the seat of my pants. My inclination is definitely toward a Z3, but I'd be lying if I said the SuperJ wasn't right up there.

Zs and SJs are different animals...Very different scale length and design features...there are a couple guys here who have both and might be able to help you narrow down your search. I currently have a Z and an AB.

I realize that, and it's certainly not a direct-comparison type of situation. The Z is certainly my top pick simply due to design as well as tonal versatility. I could see the SJ as a later acquisition - something to use in some side projects where it's more appropriate. I suppose one of my main reasons to want to try out the Z first (or some other 5er) would be the 37" B. I've owned & played 35" basses with absolutely no issue, but that extra 2" kinda scares me from a reach standpoint. Any other shorties (I'm 5'5") who can give me their experience? Obviously I realize that the extra 2" is at both ends, so it's not like the nut is 2" further out on the bass side, but still....

[quote="tballs":1ypndn1y]I realize that, and it's certainly not a direct-comparison type of situation. The Z is certainly my top pick simply due to design as well as tonal versatility. I could see the SJ as a later acquisition - something to use in some side projects where it's more appropriate. I suppose one of my main reasons to want to try out the Z first (or some other 5er) would be the 37" B. I've owned & played 35" basses with absolutely no issue, but that extra 2" kinda scares me from a reach standpoint. Any other shorties (I'm 5'5") who can give me their experience? Obviously I realize that the extra 2" is at both ends, so it's not like the nut is 2" further out on the bass side, but still....[/quote:1ypndn1y] Severely guitarded? I thought that was me. (but the title rightfully belongs to Fullrange) I recall a couple of forum members with small hands that have had trouble with the 37in B, but I don't remember who. Maybe they'll speak up. The Z's and SJs are indeed entirely different basses. IMO, the Dingwall experience is best realized with the 37in B (and 6 strings). Good luck with your Dingwall quest. Mark

I used to own an AB but I can't really help you at the moment even though I'm in Boston. I've been really jonesing for a SJ lately but I don't think I'll be able to pull the trigger since I just got layed off. If I run across anybody else with one in the area before you get your hands on one I'll definitely let you know.