We’re working on our second run of Combustions. I’m looking for feedback from current customers or for that matter anyone who has tried a Combustion long enough to develop an opinion.
What are we doing right?
What could we do better?
Thanks for your input.
Sheldon
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It has been mentioned elsewhere the volume and tone knobs can be improved in look/quality.
Also I personally didn't feel at home with the lacquered neck and finally imho, due to the fact that the machineheads are not countersank like on the more expensive models, there is a tug bar holding the strings down, which spoils the look of the headstock and it's a pain to string up the instrument having to feed the strings under it.
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There's not a whole lot about the bass I don't like, but that string retainer is one of them. The knobs are another, but I was going to replace those myself eventually. I don't have much else to say, and what I have said has been said before. I like the bass a lot. I'll let you know if I think of anything.
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The main couple of improvements I would consider are:
- Removing the headstock string bar. I am not sure the bass needs it as only the centre three strings barely touch it.
- Maybe slim the neck profile (back to front thickness) a bit. It's a little on the chunky side.
Things I like:
- The pickups and electronics really suit this bass well. The full range of the active EQ is usable.
- It balances well.
- The weight is good (low to mid 9 lb range).
- The Candy Apple Green looks great!
I tried it shortly in a store. I liked it much and gave me GAS (DAS) for an ABZ as I really want a passive bass, and black hardware, and a 6 string, ... I liked the tone a great deal, but not when the EQ was flat. Does that matter? No.
Improvements:
Important:
- B string booster as standard
Minor:
- Slimmer neck
Just for looks:
- Black hardware, although with a pickguard chrome looks better
- Black or matching headstock with rosewood boards only
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I have my Combustion now since June and i love it, but, and it's much the same as the rest of the guys, the string bar, and i was going to change the knobs as well and was wondering if the knobs used on the Z series will fit it,they look a lot classier, and a gig bag option would have been nice, instead of being excluded completely, and the uncontrollable need to sell all my other basses to buy more Dingwalls, or am i just a unique case, but it's the most comfortable bass i have ever played, so well done.
Ps happy new year guys.
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Another comment on the Combustion:
I like the fact that it is not a cheaper copy of an existing model. While it shares some of the same design concepts and [i:2z2fvn6v]general[/i:2z2fvn6v] appearance, it does have a sound of its own.
Here's my 27 cents.
1) Wire the pickups with quad and add a pullup switch to each volume pot to switch either pickup between series and parallel.
2) Make the pickup covers more form fitting to the pickups, shaped like a one piece pre pup or a G&L Z3 guitar pickup cover which would leave more room for fingers for slappers.
The neck profile is excellent for me, and my B does not seem to need a volume boost.
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I think if too many things get added to this guitar it will loose it's best feature --> VALUE!
I can't believe there was such a difference between my Combustion to my MTD Kingston. They are roughly the same price, but now why would anyone buy a Kingston? The Dingwall Sounds better, it plays better, it has all the features I need, with none that I don't (string retainer not withstanding). I'll admit the Kingston looks better overall, but I don't want to look flashy I want a great bass, and the combustion is that.
If it gets any more expensive it will loose it's value and not help people into the Dingwall community. I say fine tune what you have, and if people want more, then can get the more expensive models.
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The B-string booster is now standard on all Combusions at no extra cost.
The kit has not been as requested as I expected. I'm not sure if it's just not needed/wanted or people are reluctant to mess with their pickups. An alternative could be specially priced replacement pickups to Combustion owners.
[quote="TheGrandEnigma":13ypyfsn]There's not a whole lot about the bass I don't like, but that string retainer is one of them. The knobs are another, but I was going to replace those myself eventually. I don't have much else to say, and what I have said has been said before. I like the bass a lot. I'll let you know if I think of anything.[/quote:13ypyfsn]
+1.
Maybe make the neck a bit thinner, but it doesn't really bother me much since I play a lot of different basses.
I very much want a [b:13ypyfsn]4 string Combustion[/b:13ypyfsn]. Any update, Sheldon? I'll even buy the prototype! Sorry to keep asking. 
Mark
Mark
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Hi Mark,
The 4-string is in the works but projects of this size are unpredictable as there are so many external factors. My recommendation for the short term is an ABZ.
[quote="Sheldon Dingwall":u24kgno3]Hi Mark,
The 4-string is in the works but projects of this size are unpredictable as there are so many external factors. My recommendation for the short term is an ABZ.[/quote:u24kgno3]
Yeah, I've been shopping ABZ-4s, in fact. Can't decide on a color, though. 
Thanks for the reply.
Mark
Thanks for the reply.
Mark
Much as I've wanted to, I haven't been able to play one at all, but I'm planning to get one come tax time. I didn't know the necks were lacquered, I definitely prefer a satin type finish. I'd probably wait if that were going to be an option with the next run. Other than that, I'd love a fretless, although I've lurked on the forums for some time and realize that it isn't in the cards.
[quote="bozendoka":8q99717l]Much as I've wanted to, I haven't been able to play one at all, but I'm planning to get one come tax time. I didn't know the necks were lacquered, I definitely prefer a satin type finish. I'd probably wait if that were going to be an option with the next run. Other than that, I'd love a fretless, although I've lurked on the forums for some time and realize that it isn't in the cards.[/quote:8q99717l]
The neck has a satin finish. Go ahead and get it. You will not be disappointed.
Mark
[quote="bozendoka":s3ims84x] I've been gassing for a Dingwall for ten years now.[/quote:s3ims84x]
That's too long to wait.
Be-ware! (shout out to Underdog Lady...Baba Booey...Howard Stern's pen** !!!) You will start gassing for your second Dingwall about two days after you take delivery of your first one.
Please forgive the Stern-bombs.
Mark
Hi with the economy being so bad do to shipping our production overseas, I was wondering how much more would a canadian made combustion be? I think if the combustion was a little more expensive but built by your team , creating good canadian jobs I think people would be on board.
Just would like to get your thoughts on the subject Sheldon?
thank you
Brian
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[quote="blong":3fsri83s]Hi with the economy being so bad do to shipping our production overseas, I was wondering how much more would a canadian made combustion be? I think if the combustion was a little more expensive but built by your team , creating good canadian jobs I think people would be on board.
Just would like to get your thoughts on the subject Sheldon?
thank you
Brian[/quote:3fsri83s]
Good point Brian. A Combustion made in our shop would cost roughly twice as much. Currently the market for basses in that price range has dried up. At least in the US.
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