I'd probably miss the "MM" setting with bridge and middle pickups in series. Very cool idea though, could be expanded with a stereo output to route only certain strings through effects (like I believe Aram Bedrosian does with his Ritters)

i do love the options on exising Z3's - but the mix of bass and treble side strings on different pick ups is a wild concept, and really seems like a way to get the most of the bass i have heard in many cases - when using Basses like Dingwall Especially (due to the very clear and accurate articulation of the wood via pick ups) when used with ultra clear amps- you can actually hear subtle differences from the bass and treble sides of the instrument's wood body. the ability to match all strings in same pick ups (as todays- and the new blades do) and to mix (as only the blades can) sounds like a spectacular advancement!!! BUT adding 1 more position to the blade to allow NOT losing the Bridge-Neck combo's would really make for ultimate flexability etc... too bad you can't have the parallel - series options too

Since the blade switch system and the series/parallel switches are mutually exclusive, I would be interested to hear feedback from existing Z3 owners whether losing the series/parallel switches would be worth the trade-off. I do not have a Z3 available to compare the different sounds from the series/parallel switches. In my case I mainly play finger-style with the occasional chord, so the series/parallel switches might be more useful.

perhaps a future 6 position blade, and combining of Series/parallel settings on existing Z3's might be considered possible? if it was you would certainly have the most comprehensive choice of sounds, keeping both the Neck/Bridge combination as well as the many sound combo's from the existing Z3 set up... although first time users might find it to be too much, the tonal options /flexibility of Dingwall basses has always been a cornerstone of their appeal (amongst the fantastic build, innovation, amazing finishing, and overall quality...) . Sheldon if you ever decide to try a retro fit, (risk of damage to finish?) I am a willing Experiment waiting to happen with my Z3, it would be a great test bass given the unique body wood combo of Swamp ash bass and Alder Treble side...

We can make it available in a Z3 6. The split would be 3 and 3.

Is the blade switch option also available on a Z3 6 string with FD3 pickups? If so how are the strings divided between the switches?

[quote="TheEmptyCell":5a0le4ri]Will this be an options for the ABXXX?[/quote:5a0le4ri] That is a possibility we're looking into. I think it makes a lot of sense in the ABXXX.

Will this be an options for the ABXXX?

Booooo (said in a crying/ sobbing voice)

[quote="spacer":2bvufucv]So here is the $64,000 question: Will there/ is there a retrofit option for us existing Z3 owners to convert to the new system? If so, what is the approx turn around time?[/quote:2bvufucv] No, this would be for new builds or a complete new model only.

[quote="spacer":qmu99th1]So here is the $64,000 question: Will there/ is there a retrofit option for us existing Z3 owners to convert to the new system? If so, what is the approx turn around time?[/quote:qmu99th1] No, this would be for new builds or a complete new model only.

[quote="Dingbat":1l3fy859][quote="Sheldon Dingwall":1l3fy859]No, we looked into that but we would need to use double stack switches that would have to be spaced much wider making them tough to use in tandem.[/quote:1l3fy859] So, if I understand you correctly, each blade switch would need to be wider to accommodate more than five positions. If the middle/neck combination sounds similar to the bridge/neck selection, as you say, then I think the intuitive layout that you have chosen for the five positions is well worth the tiny compromise.[/quote:1l3fy859] You'd still have 5 positions but the neck/middle would be replaced by neck/bridge.

So here is the $64,000 question: Will there/ is there a retrofit option for us existing Z3 owners to convert to the new system? If so, what is the approx turn around time?

[quote="Sheldon Dingwall":3qqlf775]No, we looked into that but we would need to use double stack switches that would have to be spaced much wider making them tough to use in tandem.[/quote:3qqlf775] So, if I understand you correctly, each blade switch would need to be wider to accommodate more than five positions. If the middle/neck combination sounds similar to the bridge/neck selection, as you say, then I think the intuitive layout that you have chosen for the five positions is well worth the tiny compromise.

You're right Frank. The switches combine the coils in parallel only, then the outputs of the switches are combined in series. Because the bridge pair are so close together the difference in tone between neck/bridge and neck/middle isn't that great. I also agree that the middle pickup soloed is REALLY useful.

I was also surprised at the evenness across strings when different settings are used. I understand from Sheldon's response that the output from each switch is combined in series. However, when an individual switch combines two coils, are these combined in parallel or series? I would think parallel would give greater consistency in output level if one switch selects a single pickup and the other switch selects two. On my Z3 I use bridge+neck quite a bit, and would hope that the middle+neck combination is a good substitute. This is the one combination that I cannot get on my Z3 (modded with a 5-position rotary switch), so cannot compare the resulting sounds. I am glad that the prototype allows soloing of the middle pickup, as I really like this option, especially when using a pick.

No, we looked into that but we would need to use double stack switches that would have to be spaced much wider making them tough to use in tandem.

Selecting and combining any of the six individual coils is brilliant idea. One of those ideas you wonder why nobody tried before. Not to pick nits, but is there a tandem selection for a J bass configuration - bridge & neck pickup?

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9lPuoF70cEU Here's the link. A special thanks to Or Lubianker for the outstanding video. Bocete, even in the extreme settings the transition is surprisingly smooth. I didn't expect that either. The switches are linked in series with each other. They could also be linked in parallel, but we felt that series gave the greatest number of usable tones with the least confusion.

Serious DAS here as well. considering selling my beautiful blue Z3 to fund a blade-Z3, but in reality I don't play enough or well enough to justify the used Z3 I already have, let alone a brand new one. I probably wouldn't even know what to do with all of the sonic options. doesn't stop me dreaming of / drooling for one though.