The reason this question is brought up is that when browsing through all posts in this forum, it seems that quite a lot of people have problems adjusting their anchoring techniques to the slanted pickups. Also, some reviews has pointed out this slight nit picking remark that "once I found out somewhere to place my thumb" and so on. One seem to rest your thumb on the edge of the pickup shell. Making it a little more fatiguing in the long run. There are still some people not using the floating thumb technique, or really, not anchoring anything at all.

Yeah it's a fair question. Recent models have changed the shape of the pickup shell so it's a bit easier perhaps to use as an anchor. I even use it myself with the old rectangular shape (for the B string at least, I actually float). I wonder if a separate thumb rest would be considered a bit daggy looking for the modern Dingwall aesthetic? Could work as an option for the more traditional P and J style models though.

Agree Callum. At least as an option. Not everyone would like it though. But as you said, at the P and J models though. Good to hear that some of my questions to Sheldon are "fair enough". Otherwise, I usually get scolded for not being attentive enough (i e something already exists). One other reason, is that at least more than a few posts/people, has expressed concern when playing near the bridge. The tone is good on the lowest strings, but as you go up to the last string, say, G-string that angle will produce a tone that is too close to the bridge and it will turn out a bit weaker. Then one has to angle the palm accordingly. I don't know if a long "rail" type thumbrest would mitigate this though.

Perhaps you could just add a triangular piece the same width as the pickup and make the top of the pickup parallel with the strings? I haven't gotten my NG-2 in yet, but if I needed a more square edge I'd just fab up something to make it work.

We've never had a request for a thumb rest although I've played with the design a bit. We've done a couple of ramps but they are really time consuming and therefore expensive. We tried an angle on the end of our original pickup shells to make the thumb surface parallel to the string. The result was unexpectedly uncomfortable so we ditched it.

Thanks for a fast reply Sheldon. On second thought, I think this is something that is - maybe - a bit too personal for each individual. That each individual would have it placed another place, when it comes around to it. Ok how about a "faux" extra string? Or doubles as a thumb rest and finger rest stroke stop? Like this one: [img:q9o3fk0k]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/ninebreaker21/thumbrest.jpg[/img:q9o3fk0k] On this particular bass, it's a japanese Atlansia.

Interesting idea! It sure would cover all the different right hand positions for tonal variety. I have to admit I like it,however, I find myself using the B string most of the time and if I'm playing the B I float or adjust to the p/u shell. Sheldon would you consider that as an option for higher end Dingwalls?

I think it could very well be made of wood, and you could attach it to some of the pickguard screws, if that is possible. As for now, only the P J and Combustion has these pickguards. You should be able to take it off and on without any problem, or if you dislike it. As an OPTION only. See, some people use the low B as a rest. It will turn out a two fold problem. I have very much relied on resting the thumb on b-string because that string is most prone to rumble about, so it really needs to be damped, moreso than the rest of the strings. It is the most easiest to be rattling about just because of the resonance caused by other strings. But as you go down with a fast lick or line at the B-string, that just have to be on the low B, it would be nice to rest your thumb as well as rest stroke on another "ruler guide" or whatever it should be called.

The beauty of N. Hayashi's system (Atlansia) is that it's height adjustable and would mount over the pickups. I'm not sure how you would keep it from rattling if you weren't touching it and the red bands worked themselves slightly loose. This would be a project that would go at the bottom of my development list which is currently booked solid for several years.

Ok then. End of discussion. Topic moved to DIY projects elsewhere in the forum. Thank you for fast answer.