[quote="jonnyrok101":k9giidgy] What about the Afterburner Zero, which would shorten conveniently to AB0 Nice & simple... [/quote:k9giidgy] As a C programmer, that works for me!

Sheldon - why the string tree? No counter-bores for the tuner shafts?

brim-- i suspect the reason of string trees, are not onlylack of countersunk tuners, but "regular" hipshot tuners (stock). As you know Sheldon has hipsot fabricate an hourglass like taper to the shaft of the tuner, this downforce, plus the countersink, makes for a nice tight downward pull. The inexpenive string tree replaces the need for the above description I assume for cost/time savings

[quote="FrankM":21a673lp]brim-- i suspect the reason of string trees, are not onlylack of countersunk tuners, but "regular" hipshot tuners (stock). As you know Sheldon has hipsot fabricate an hourglass like taper to the shaft of the tuner, this downforce, plus the countersink, makes for a nice tight downward pull. The inexpenive string tree replaces the need for the above description I assume for cost/time savings[/quote:21a673lp] That's what I figured. Not sure if I like the look compared to other Dingwalls but I see where the cost-savings will pass directly to the buyer.

AB0 or ABC (standing for AB Choice cause it will be an affordable choice for everybody)

+1 for the babyburner how about "the Subburner"

[quote="SPYD3R #9":3l66r6zx]+1 for the babyburner[/quote:3l66r6zx] And I thought I had a sick mind.

So why Afterburner GL?

Will it be available as a 6 string? And, how about a maple fretboard?

+1 on the solid colors. I think black with matching headstock would look COOL with the chrome hardware. And I'd be there, ready to de-fret it and have a fretless Dingwall!! My name recommendation; the Phoenix. A thing that has been reborn and becomes stronger coming out of the fire... John

See. Now Sheldon has only just introduced the new budget AB, and we're all already trying to get 'options'. I'm going to guess that trying to keep the cost down is going to include a very select list of options, if any!

[quote="guitarded":18ulf910]Will fretless be an option on the Dingwall Rocket? Mark[/quote:18ulf910] Per Sheldon: No fretless AB GLs , for now... He told me he has to get the fretted GL established, then... Mark

[quote="BurningSkies":1s1f1x96]See. Now Sheldon has only just introduced the new budget AB, and we're all already trying to get 'options'. I'm going to guess that trying to keep the cost down is going to include a very select list of options, if any![/quote:1s1f1x96] Yeah, but maple is cheaper than most other fretboard woods. And, I can deal, if it won't be available as a 6er. 5 w/ a maple board would make me happy enough!

[quote="JEDI BASS TRICKS":3cwnkrq3][quote="BurningSkies":3cwnkrq3]See. Now Sheldon has only just introduced the new budget AB, and we're all already trying to get 'options'. I'm going to guess that trying to keep the cost down is going to include a very select list of options, if any![/quote:3cwnkrq3] Yeah, but maple is cheaper than most other fretboard woods. And, I can deal, if it won't be available as a 6er. 5 w/ a maple board would make me happy enough![/quote:3cwnkrq3] The missing piece of the puzzle is that Sheldon upcharges on any of the custom basses for maple boards. Because the Maple takes more finishing time (remember that the wenge/maple necks have minimal finishing with just oil and wax on the back) and the all maple necks do get a poly finish, it actually is a quantifiable amount of extra work to do maple fingerboards.

The whole point of this bass is the Dingwall feel at a (much) lower price point. If it takes off big-time, I'm sure other permutations'll be considered. Initially, however, I suspect simplicity is king. That's what makes the most sense from a business perspective. Keep in mind that even the Afterburners are not available with maple boards.

I think the real issue is staffing at the factory. Sheldon's basses are the best, and demand far exceeds production ability. More available options would require more space, equipment, staffing, etc like a Fender factory. And, personally I don't want Squier quality when I get a Dingwall. And, remember what happened to Tobias after the Gibson buyout? Michael had to start MTD, to get his name back on some quality instruments! So, if getting an affordable Dingwall w/ options means mass production (lack of) quality, I'll settle for Wenge fretboards.... AND LIKE IT!!!

Anyone know if there'll be a 4-banger in this model? It'd entice me to try a BEAD setup with a 36" B.....

This is my first post on this forum! After reading a lot about Dingwall basses and the praise of their B-string I am ready to try one! I also have the new Toto live album and dig Lee Sklars tone he gets from his Z-2. I was seriously considering a z-2 or z-3 but recently got some very high dentist bills so I think this budget Dingwall will suit me fine for the time being!

[quote="vikunja":2yufgcly]This is my first post on this forum! After reading a lot about Dingwall basses and the praise of their B-string I am ready to try one! I also have the new Toto live album and dig Lee Sklars tone he gets from his Z-2. I was seriously considering a z-2 or z-3 but recently got some very high dentist bills so I think this budget Dingwall will suit me fine for the time being! [/quote:2yufgcly] Take it from me, another forum reader (for over a year) who took the plunge recently, and got an AB-I 5 and then a 6 string last week...... what you've read here is TRUE!!! I bought both without havind played them, and could not have been happier w/ them! There's no dealer in TN, so when I take mine to the music stores (and especially when I play it) crowds gather!! One employee was a former piano tuner/repairman. He was floored by how clear and piano-like each note was, especially while playing chords. And, when I did a A/B comparison w/ a G&L 5er.... well you know. HEHE !!

Welcome to the forum, vikunja. IMHO, you can't go wrong with any of Sheldon's creations. Good luck finding/funding your first Dingwall.