F.A.Q.

Frequently Asked Questions

DINGWALL WARRANTY?

Click on the link to to view warranty information…

Dingwall Warranty Information

WHY FANNED-FRETS?

The frets are fanned to allow for a longer scale on the bass side and a shorter scale on the treble side of the instrument. This solves a few problems:
1) No longer will the B-string sound darker and less distinct compared to the other strings.
2) The G-string retains warmth and normal tension compared to extending the scale of all strings.
3) You will no longer have to adjust your attack depending on which string is being played due to the more even tension from string to string.
4) You will no longer find the tone adjustments for one string interfering with another due to the more even tone across the strings.
5) You will no longer be unheard and ignored by your audience due to the combination of the longer scale low strings and the even tonality across all the strings.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET USE TO THE FANNED FRETS?

Frets 1 through 12, the adjustment is primarily visual. Don’t look at your fretting hand and you will be amazed at how natural the fanned-frets feel. 10 minutes is a common adjustment period for positions in these frets.

Above the 12th fret, there is a bit more of an adjustment, but the benefits in clarity outweigh any adjustment efforts. Chords above the 12th fret require the most adjustment. Although some voicings will be easier, some may require a change of fingering. The upside is the potential for new and interesting voicings and the ability to increase your “stretch” due to the angle of the frets. It is truly an adventure.

TUNING – HOW DOES TUNING WORK WITH THE FAN FRET SYSTEM?

In a nutshell: longer scales for lower pitched strings provide greater harmonicity especially noticeable in the higher notes. The upper frets sound more in-tune.

The traditional problem: the lower strings on a bass are harder to intonate and vary in pitch more depending on the attack.

The Novax Solution: by extending the scale lengths of the lower strings (Dingwall Prima Artist, Z-series, and Afterburner series), the upper frets on the B and E-strings sound much more in-tune. Even the needle on a tuner appears more steady when checking intonation etc.

TONE – HOW DOES THE FAN FRET SYSTEM EFFECT THE TONE?

In a nut shell: shorter scale lengths equal warmer, fatter, less transparent tones, longer scale lengths equal brighter, more harmonically rich and more transparent tones.

The Traditional Problem: When a single scale length is used, the G-string tends to be brighter and thinner sounding and the E and B strings tend to be darker and less harmonically rich sounding plus harder to intonate etc.

The traditional problem: By using the Novax Fanned-Fret System® a builder can manipulate the tone of each string I.E. going shorter on the treble strings (Super J) warms up the G and D strings to better match the B and E strings. Going slightly longer on the Bass strings (Super J) brings a little more richness to them. Or in the case of the longer scale models (Afterburner series, Z-series, Prima Artist), extending the bass strings out to 37″ on the B-string brings unequaled depth and transparency to the lower notes and better intonation.

To sum up: The tone across the strings is more even making it easier to dial in the perfect tone for all strings. We’ve gone to great lengths to make finding the perfect tone require as little eq as possible. Often times setting the controls to flat is all you need.

FEEL – WHAT’S THE OVERALL FEEL LIKE WITH THE FAN FRET SYSTEM?

In a nut shell: shorter scale lengths equal less tension, longer scale lengths equal higher tension.

The traditional problem: When using a single scale, the treble strings have a higher tension and stiffer feel and the bass strings have a looser, sometimes floppy feel. Playing with string gauges and formulas typically sacrifices tone for feel or feel for tone. As an example, a heavier B-string will increase the tension, but make the tone darker and less distinct. A lighter B will sound brighter and richer, but will have less tension and require a very light touch.

The Novax Solution: a builder can use the Novax Fanned-Fret System® to increase the tension of the bass strings, lower the tension of the treble strings or both at the same time – without negatively affecting the tone.

To sum up: The tension across the strings is much more even allowing a more consistent right hand attack on all strings. In other words, you can use the same attack and dynamics on the B-string that you use on the E, A, D and G-strings.

ARE DINGWALL BASSES AVAILABLE IN 4, 5, 6, 7-STRING ETC?

Please see Dingwall Specifications page https://dingwallguitars.com/compare

ARE STRINGS AVAILABLE FROM OTHER MANUFACTURERS THAT WILL WORK ON MY DINGWALL BASS?

Yes, although the majority of our customers appreciate the long life, tone and level of refinement we’ve achieved with our custom designed strings. Some customers have found success with other brands and we encourage them to share their experiences on our forum: http://www.dingwallguitars.com/community/viewforum.php?f=4

WHAT GAUGES OF STRINGS ARE AVAILABLE FROM DINGWALL?

For all of the available Dingwall strings click on the link below…

https://dingwallstore.com/collections/frontpage

WHAT STRING GAUGES DO I USE FOR AN ALTERNATE TUNING?

DOES DINGWALL OFFER A LEFT-HANDED BASS?

Yes! We offer left hand in the NG2/3 and Combustion models.

CAN YOU FORWARD ME A PRICE LIST?

Yes

We will send a current price list upon request. Before we do that though we need to know what country you live in so that we can send a price list in your home currency.

CAN I BUY DIRECT?

We always encourage customers to buy from an authorized Dingwall Dealer, they support us by buying our basses so that you the customer can have a first-hand Dingwall experience and walk home with the bass that day. If you’re near a dealer we would direct you to them to purchase or order your bass. When buying direct the price paid is the same as buying from an authorized Dingwall Dealer.

WHAT ARE MY PAYMENT OPTIONS AND DO YOU REQUIRE A DEPOSIT?

Payment can be made by Bank Transfer, Visa, MasterCard, or Paypal . All direct sales require a 30% deposit with balance due upon shipment of the bass.

Cancelled orders, and orders not paid within 30 days of the invoice date, may be subject to an administrative fee starting at 15% of the deposit. Instruments on invoices that have not been paid within 30 days will be made available to
other customers.

 

 

DO YOU HAVE A RETURN POLICY?

Yes, any Dingwall bass purchased directly can be returned, in excellent condition, within seven days of receiving the bass. After inspection at our shop, a refund will be issued minus a 10% re-stocking fee. All shipping, import and export costs are the responsibility of the customer.

CAN YOU SHIP TO BRAZIL, KOREA, ETC.?

Yes, we ship worldwide; all shipping and import costs are the customer’s responsibility.

At this time, we are unable to ship to Russia

 

 

HOW LONG IS THE WAIT FROM TIME OF ORDER PLACED?

Due to demand, NG2/3, Combustion and D-Bird standard models are currently an 11 month lead time. The Canadian shop basses are 24 to 28 months. We encorage our customers to check with dealers as they might have something in stock or on order.

WHERE CAN I PLAY A DINGWALL BASS?

You can play a Dingwall bass by visiting an authorized Dingwall Dealer (see dealer page). Alternately you can post a request on our forum for anyone in your area to see if they are playing live or would like to get together.

CAN I CUSTOM ORDER AN INSTRUMENT?

All of our instruments have a list of options to choose from. If what you’d like is not on the list we will consider it.

HOW DO I ORDER NEW KNOBS FOR MY BASS, T-SHIRTS, BALL CAPS, PICKUPS, ETC.?

Please see our online store for availability.

I WANT TO SELL MY DINGWALL, WHAT IS IT WORTH?

As the value of each instrument is dependent upon the condition of the instrument, availability, geographic location of the seller, and the current economic condition, prices will vary. A general rule for all musical instruments is 50%-60% of retail value. Dingwall basses in very good condition have historically retained an even higher percentage of retail value.

HOW CAN I GET AN ENDORSEMENT?

Please fill out our Dingwall Endorsee form found here: http://www.dingwallguitars.com/endorsement-request. For our custom made instruments it is imperative that the player be signed to a major label and / or be involved in an Internationally touring group. Please do not send requests if you have not played a Dingwall bass.

HOW TO I BECOME A DINGWALL DEALER / DISTRIBUTOR?

For Dealer and Distributor information please contact Joel at: sales@dingwallguitars.com

SHOULD I CHOOSE TO BUY A CASE AFTER RECEIVING MY BASS IN THE SUPPLIED GIG BAG WHAT ARE MY CHOICES?

All our basses fit into a standard rectangular style case however it is recommended to test the fit before purchasing to make sure the bass is held snugly. A cool alternate is to have a road case or keyboard case fit to the gig bag for the best of both worlds.

WHAT ARE THE STANDARD SCALE LENGTHS OF THE 5 STRINGS ON A FIVE STRING BASS? I SEE THE LOW B STRING IS OFTEN 37 INCHES.

The scale length for our 5 string models excluding the Super J and Super P are as follows…

B – 37″
E – 36.25″
A – 35.5″
D – 34.75″
G – 34″
The Super J and Super P 5 string model scale lengths are as follows…
B – 35″
E – 34.25″
A – 33.5″
D – 32.75″
G – 32″

 

HOW MUCH DISTANCE BETWEEN STRINGS AND NEOMAGNETS SHOULD BE MEASURE FOR AVOIDING STRING PULL EFFECT?

You can go as little as 2.5 mm between the G-string fretted at the 24th fret and the top of the pickup. Adjust the bass end of the pickup to balance the output with the G.

WHAT IS THE WIDTH AT THE NUT, THE SPACING AT THE SADDLES, ETC?

Please see the specifications listed for each individual bass found on each bass models web page.

ARE THE BENEFITS OF YOUR FANNED-FRET DESIGN LOST/MINIMIZED WHEN APPLIED TO A 4-STRING BASS?

The benefits of the extended scale are pretty obvious on the E and A strings too. Especially if you de-tune or drop the E to a D (heaven!).