Hey Bassti30, welcome to the forum I'm not sure that question is very just, since Dingwalls are unbelievably versatile. You'd expect even a Z2 to be stuck with a narrow palette of sounds, but that's not the case. I have a Combustion and an AB-II. Combustions are usually more regarded as vintage or mellow, warmer then the bunch. ABs are generally modern, with AB-IIs woodier and more versatile of the ABs and ABZ more "punchy", whatever that is. That is the consensus, for what it's worth. But still, you cannot expect the variety of sounds you'll encounter even from the passive ABs. There are a few decent clips on youtube that showcase various Dingwalls. Check out the many videos by [url=http://www.youtube.com/user/michaelbraunbass:2qfcuzx4]Michael Brown[/url:2qfcuzx4], [url=http://www.youtube.com/user/albertorigoni#p/u/6/_bmfOSD_Jjc:2qfcuzx4]Alberto Rigoni[/url:2qfcuzx4], especially this video [url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPcYthKj3Vk:2qfcuzx4]here[/url:2qfcuzx4]. Also, [url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWiHrj19AFU:2qfcuzx4]this one[/url:2qfcuzx4] is a decent demo of the SuperJ.

Hi bassti30, i use my ABII in a covers/funtion band, I play country to rock, and motown to metal and chart music, and i find it more than up to the job, if i find certain types of music dosen't suit that active punch just pull up the volume control and she goes passive without hardly any loss of volume, not sure how he managed it but it works great , I also have a combustion and i take it out some times and it does have a more traditional sound, but its a good bass, but the higher up the Dingwall range you go the quality just gets better and better, also i bought both my basses without trying first, like you i kept coming back to this site until the GAS became unbearable, and i have no regrets, a wise man once told me most of the sound comes from your hands, a good bass just makes you play better.

Hey guys, thanks for the replies. @ Bocete: You're probably right. I didn't expect anyone to say: "The AB II is just for fusion." or "Don't get a Z2 if you wanna play metal." I guess I'm just curious to learn about the experiences and opinions of (multiple) Dingwall owners. In a way, I wanna get to know the characters of the various "Dingwall bass family" members The videos are great, although I find it hard to compare basses, if they're played by different people over different amps, being filmed by different cameras. However, Alberto's vids particularly have a great sound (not very common on youtube). In fact, his review of the ABZ reassured me, as it is currently my favorite model. I plan on getting a passive 5 string bass. At the moment, I play a Yamaha 6string (with an active 3-band EQ, which I rarely ever touch). It's a decent instrument, a bit heavy, the B string is ... ok, I guess, maybe a bit muffled or clunky. And since the ABI has almost the same wood composition as my Yamaha, I think the ABZ will be just right for me (plus, I really like the looks with the satin finish and the maple fingerboard). Light weight, passive electronics, no fancy stuff. It looks like a real workhorse one wouldn't hesitate to play on. I'd probably be awestruck by a Prima Artist ( "We're not worthy!" ...) . [quote="johnbassdoherty":v8otc1dn] like you i kept coming back to this site until the GAS became unbearable, and i have no regrets [/quote:v8otc1dn] Nice one. That's basically where I'm at right now, and I'm sure I won't regret anything, either.

Check my youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/IvanBassist I have videos playing different styles of music with my ABZ there. Live, I've played from jazz to metal with it and I couldn't be happier. Like some others around here, I bought mine without trying it 1st

I play some country, funk, rock, and punk in my band. My Z3 covers it all. I think the Z3 has the most tones available in the Dingwall line up, but you can't go wrong with any of them. The Combustion has a lower output than my other Dingwalls, but is still a very capable bass. Good luck on your quest.

Ivan, just checked out your videos. You're right, that bass can do anything! I especially like this one: http://www.youtube.com/IvanBassist#p/u/8/Ht3eP_Cibi4

I think you could pull off anything with any of the Dingwalls and whatever flavor effects and amp you like. If disaster were to strike, the Super P/J 5 would be the last bass I'd part with. The wider string spacing and shorter scale, and a few less frets in the slap area make the Super J's very comfortable and fast. If you are a slapper this is the one for you. (Not that you can't slap the others!) Active and passive modes with the Glockenlang preamp give a huge variety of tones.

[quote="Taylor":3kcief2z] You're right, that bass can do anything! I especially like this one: http://www.youtube.com/IvanBassist#p/u/8/Ht3eP_Cibi4[/quote:3kcief2z] I'm glad you liked my videos I just saved enough cash to purchase an Audere preamp and I plan to install install series/parallel switches for each pickup. That'll take versatility to the next level, haha. @ Bassti30 : If you've watched my vides, then it's important to say that all, except for "Latin Jam", were recorded straight to my laptop without any EQ or effects.

Hey Bassti, glad to hear that you liked my review. I have to say that I've tried many Dingwall Series and they are all amazing each one with different features but of course they have also very different prices. You didn't told us what's your budget. I think that ABZ is versatile enough, great bass for many styles! Alberto

[quote="Bocete":242r6z9y]There are a few decent clips on youtube that showcase various Dingwalls. Check out the many videos by [url=http://www.youtube.com/user/michaelbraunbass:242r6z9y]Michael Brown[/url:242r6z9y], [url=http://www.youtube.com/user/albertorigoni#p/u/6/_bmfOSD_Jjc:242r6z9y]Alberto Rigoni[/url:242r6z9y], especially this video [url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPcYthKj3Vk:242r6z9y]here[/url:242r6z9y]. Also, [url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWiHrj19AFU:242r6z9y]this one[/url:242r6z9y] is a decent demo of the SuperJ.[/quote:242r6z9y] Thanks for those links, Bocete, I never saw this Dingwall factory tour before: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dat06tJS0lY

Thanks for the factory tour link, Jjango, it's really inspiring to see someone having so much joy in what they do. Sheldon looks to be one happy guy!

[quote="Iv@N":it3bekaj][quote="Taylor":it3bekaj] You're right, that bass can do anything! I especially like this one: http://www.youtube.com/IvanBassist#p/u/8/Ht3eP_Cibi4[/quote:it3bekaj] I'm glad you liked my videos I just saved enough cash to purchase an Audere preamp and I plan to install install series/parallel switches for each pickup. That'll take versatility to the next level, haha. @ Bassti30 : If you've watched my vides, then it's important to say that all, except for "Latin Jam", were recorded straight to my laptop without any EQ or effects.[/quote:it3bekaj] Series/Parallel switches on each pickups is the gorgeous idea,but I think before you change your ABZ to the active bass, you should try the STELLAR TONESTYLER, combine with the setup you mentioned it will turn you passive bass to the best! about my bass,,,I have my Combustion and I think it's the best bass for a budget price (but it's still pricey for my pocket ...) It's great for slap, finger, pick......every techniques very versatile bass, BUT NOW MY DREAM BASS IS a 4 strings DINGWALL IN SUPER J SCALE BUT HAVE 24 FRETS!!! crazy enough. CAN IT BE TRUE????