This doesn't respond to your question exactly but... It was about 6 years ago when I was at NAMM that I first saw and played a Dingwall. At that time nobody stocked them where I live. (Now there's of course Jim at Bass and Beyond but that was back then.) The experience was amazing (close your eyes and just play is what Sheldon told me....) and now about 8 Dingwalls later I don't play much else. For me anyway, NAMM allowed me to discover these magic instruments. There were a variety of them there and I spent an hour with them... I used to play other basses at NAMM just to see what was going on in the custom world but now almost feel it is a waste of time vs. how the Dingwalls play and feel. Of course there are other custom basses that are very well made. It's just that Dingwalls have an obvious different feel (and I don't mean just the string length) and if you get hooked going back seems just like that - going back. I've been by the DW booth when Sheldon is there since then and have watched a scene over and over again. Some player drags another player to the booth and demands they try a dingwall. The stare at the neck a little embarassed like they won't play up to their expected level. Then after a minute or two they go nutz on the instrument and can't believe it. You can just see that they either are hooked or can't handle the paradigm shift but realize that something happened very interesting.....

I think that NAMM instruments are there to show examples the company's line of instruments, especially if they are showing off a new product. It doesn't hurt to bring some really nice stuff to show what they can do either. As for the actual stock they bring; I think some may be on their way to their owners after the show (borrowed for display), some are going to a store and others are for sale. I guess it depends on the luthier and each instrument.

I currently have a NAMM Prima 5 on hold that went to Ed Roman after the show. From what I've been told, Sheldon's "nicest" pieces available at the time will go with them to NAMM. If I'm not mistaken at least one of Lee Sklar's really nice Primas has been on display there as well. Sheldon, Dingwall Sales... you guys know what's up on this. What's the story? Man, I can't wait to get that 5 out of Ed's storage and get my Prima six started with the Canadian wonderguys. Wow... thanks for doing such a good job on these pieces of art that make more art in the playing. Joy.