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Day: March 16, 2025

Dingwall Super J
Reviews

Dingwall Super J: Bass Review

The Ultimate Evolution of the Jazz Bass After reviewing the Dingwall Super P, Super PJ, and the D-Roc Standard it’s time to explore the Super J—Dingwall’s take on the legendary Jazz Bass. Unlike the P-Bass, which is known for its fat, punchy, low-mid-focused tone, the Jazz Bass has always been the choice for players who need articulation, clarity, and versatility. The Super J keeps everything great about the classic J-Bass formula but modernizes it with Dingwall’s signature multi-scale design, advanced pickup technology, and top-tier craftsmanship. For players who have spent their lives playing traditional Fender Jazz Basses, the Super J is a revelation—it feels familiar but offers a level of refinement, balance, and playability that traditional Jazz Basses often struggle to achieve. Introduced in 1960, the Fender Jazz Bass was Leo Fender’s follow-up to the Precision Bass. While the P-Bass was designed to replace the upright bass and provide a thick, fundamental-heavy tone, the Jazz Bass was created with articulation, speed, and tonal flexibility in mind. Key Features of the Jazz Bass Design: Because of its tonal flexibility, the Jazz Bass became a favorite in a wide variety of genres, including funk, jazz, fusion, R&B, rock, and punk. Legendary players like Jaco Pastorius, Geddy Lee, Marcus Miller, and John Paul Jones have all relied on Jazz Basses for their signature sounds. The Dingwall Super J: A Jazz Bass, Refined Dingwall approached the Super J with the same mindset as the Super P—keep the essence of the classic Fender design but improve its weaknesses with modern innovations. The Super J retains the slim body contours, dual-pickup versatility, and iconic Jazz Bass shape, but it enhances playability, tuning stability, and tonal clarity with Dingwall’s multi-scale, fanned-fret design. Multi-Scale Design: Why It Matters for a Jazz Bass One of the biggest issues with traditional Jazz Basses—especially in lower tunings or with extended-range models—is that the E and B strings can feel weak or muddy compared to the higher strings. This is where Dingwall’s fanned-fret system and multi-scale design come into play. What Multi-Scale Does for the Super J: This solves one of the most common Jazz Bass complaints—inconsistent string tension and clarity across the fretboard. With the Super J, every note rings out evenly and clearly, making it an ideal choice for technical players, session musicians, and anyone who values definition in their sound. Who Is the Super J For? If you’re a lifetime Jazz Bass player who loves the classic feel and tone but wants improved performance, the Super J is the best version of a J-Bass you can get. It’s ideal for: Pros and Cons Pros: ✅ Classic Jazz Bass feel with modern refinements✅ Multi-scale design improves string tension, sustain, and note clarity✅ Pickups retain classic J-Bass tone but with better balance and flexibility✅ Noise-free operation in humbucking mode✅ Extremely versatile for multiple genres and playing styles✅ Comfortable, lightweight, and well-balanced Cons: ❌ Fanned frets may take an adjustment period for traditional Jazz Bass players.❌ More expensive than a typical Jazz Bass (but justified by the craftsmanship and performance improvements).❌ Availability can be limited due to high demand. Final Thoughts The Dingwall Super J is the ultimate Jazz Bass evolution—it retains everything players love about the original design while fixing its flaws and inconsistencies. With improved playability, perfect string tension, better pickup balance, and modern versatility, it stands out as a refined, no-compromise instrument for serious musicians. For those who have spent years playing traditional Jazz Basses but always wished for a version with more clarity, better low-end definition, and improved ergonomics, the Super J is the answer. Whether you’re laying down smooth fingerstyle grooves, slapping funk lines, or cutting through a mix with aggressive bridge pickup tones, the Super J delivers every time.

Dingwall D-Roc
Reviews

Dingwall D-Roc Standard: Bass Review

A Modern Take on a Classic Aesthetic The Gibson Thunderbird, introduced in 1963, was designed to be a sleek, powerful rock bass. It was meant to rival Fender’s growing dominance, offering a deep, resonant tone with a striking body shape. However, despite its popularity in rock, punk, and metal circles, the Thunderbird had several well-known flaws: Dingwall’s D-Roc Standard was designed to take everything that worked about the Thunderbird concept—the aggressive tone, the striking looks, the powerful presence—and fix its flaws with modern engineering and ergonomic design. Unlike the Super P and Super PJ, which are refined evolutions of the legendary Precision Bass, the Dingwall D-Roc Standard isn’t tied to any one historical bass design. Instead, it draws inspiration from the radical, offset shapes of vintage Thunderbird-style basses while integrating modern Dingwall innovations to solve some of the issues that have long plagued those classic designs. The result? A bass that delivers massive tone, balanced playability, and futuristic ergonomics—without the drawbacks of its predecessors. What Makes the D-Roc Standard Special? The D-Roc Standard is an offset-body bass with a multi-scale fanned-fret design, using the same principles that make Dingwall’s other basses so precise and tonally balanced. While it shares the aesthetic spirit of the Thunderbird, it is a completely new instrument, built with superior balance, sustain, and articulation. Solving Neck Dive One of the biggest improvements over the Thunderbird is the D-Roc’s balanced design. By strategically redistributing weight in the body and keeping the headstock small, the D-Roc eliminates the dreaded “neck dive”, making it significantly more comfortable to play, even over long sets. Multi-Scale Neck: Improved Low-End Clarity Just like Dingwall’s other models, the D-Roc Standard uses a fanned-fret, multi-scale design, meaning: This means the low end is clearer and more focused, making the D-Roc ideal for downtuned rock and metal, where traditional basses often struggle with definition. Pickups & Configurations: The Heart of the D-Roc’s Sound The D-Roc Standard comes equipped with a set of passive Dingwall FD-3N neodymium pickups. These pickups are a major part of what gives the D-Roc its powerful, punchy, and aggressive tone. FD-3N Pickups: What Do They Offer? Pickup Configurations & Tone Variety The D-Roc Standard is available in the following pickup configurations: 3-Pickup Version Whether you’re looking for deep, thunderous lows or a snarling, aggressive midrange, the D-Roc’s pickups deliver a modern take on vintage rock tones—but with more clarity and flexibility. Who Is the D-Roc Standard For? If you’re looking for a bass that feels and sounds massive, without the downsides of traditional rock bass designs, the D-Roc Standard is an outstanding choice. It’s ideal for: Pros and Cons Pros: ✅ Thunderbird-inspired looks with modern comfort and balance✅ No neck dive—well-balanced, lightweight design✅ Multi-scale fanned frets = better tension, tuning stability, and clarity✅ Neodymium pickups provide high-output, aggressive rock tones✅ Passive electronics, yet full of tonal flexibility Cons: ❌ Not ideal for vintage-style, mellow bass tones—it’s built for power and punch.❌ Fanned frets take a small adjustment period if you’re new to them.❌ Limited availability—Dingwall basses are highly sought after, and stock can be scarce. Final Thoughts The Dingwall D-Roc Standard is one of the best-designed modern rock basses available today. It takes the bold, powerful aesthetic of the Thunderbird, fixes its balance issues, and adds multi-scale precision and high-output neodymium pickups for a bass that sounds as aggressive as it looks. For players in rock, punk, metal, and alternative genres, the D-Roc delivers massive tone, effortless playability, and a modernized approach to the classic “big-body rock bass” formula. If you’ve ever wished for a Thunderbird that actually balances well and plays effortlessly, this is your answer.

Dingwall Super PJ
Reviews

Dingwall Super PJ: Bass Review

The Evolution of a Classic In our previous review of the Dingwall Super P, we explored how Dingwall refined and modernized the Precision Bass while preserving its legendary tone and feel. But what if you love the punch and authority of a P-Bass yet crave the added flexibility of a bridge pickup for extra bite and articulation? That’s where the PJ bass comes in—and Dingwall’s Super PJ takes this concept to the next level. The Origins of the PJ Bass The Precision-Jazz (PJ) bass configuration was born from necessity. While the P-Bass has always been the go-to for deep, powerful low-end, some players wanted more tonal variety without fully committing to a Jazz Bass. By adding a bridge-position single-coil—similar to a Jazz Bass bridge pickup—players could blend in a tighter, brighter sound while still keeping the P-Bass punch intact. Fender first experimented with PJ configurations in the late 1970s, and over time, this setup became a favorite among session players, rock bassists, and those looking for a more versatile tool. Strengths of the PJ Bass: Weaknesses of the PJ Bass: Enter the Dingwall Super PJ—a bass that addresses these concerns while enhancing everything great about the PJ formula. The Dingwall Super PJ: A Modern Solution The Dingwall Super PJ builds on the Super P platform but adds the versatility of a bridge pickup while keeping the multi-scale, fanned-fret design for superior tone, tension, and playability. Unlike some PJ basses that struggle with pickup balance, Dingwall meticulously voices their pickups to ensure seamless blending between the P and J. Multi-Scale Advantage: More Than Just a Gimmick Like the Super P, the Super PJ uses a fanned-fret, multi-scale design, meaning: This solves the main flaw of most PJ basses—the occasional imbalance between pickups and strings. On a standard PJ, the E and B strings can sometimes feel floppy compared to the rest. The Super PJ’s multi-scale approach keeps everything even. Dingwall’s Pickups: A PJ That Actually Blends Well One of the biggest issues with standard PJ basses is that the bridge pickup often gets overpowered by the P pickup. Dingwall tackles this by designing a bridge pickup that naturally complements the P-pickup’s power. This means you can actually use both pickups equally instead of just defaulting to the P pickup. Whether you want deep, vintage tones or a sharper, funkier attack, the Super PJ delivers. Build Quality & Ergonomics Dingwall is known for their top-tier craftsmanship, and the Super PJ is no exception. It’s lightweight, well-balanced, and designed for maximum comfort—something that many traditional PJs lack. The body contours are more refined than a typical Fender, making long playing sessions effortless. Why the Super PJ Might Be the Best PJ You Can Get If you love PJ basses but have been frustrated by their inconsistencies, the Super PJ is an absolute game-changer. Dingwall’s multi-scale design, pickup voicing, and exceptional build quality make this one of the most refined PJ basses available. Where other PJs feel like a compromise, the Super PJ feels like an improvement on both the P and J concepts. It gives you the thickness and punch of a P, the cut and articulation of a J, and modern innovations that solve common issues. For those who need versatility without sacrificing tone, this is easily one of the best PJ basses on the market. Pros and Cons Pros: ✅ Classic PJ versatility with modern refinements✅ Multi-scale design ensures consistent tension and better low-end clarity✅ Dingwall’s pickup design avoids the common PJ balance issues✅ Lightweight, well-balanced, and comfortable✅ High-end craftsmanship with impeccable attention to detail Cons: ❌ Fanned frets may take an adjustment period❌ More expensive than a typical PJ bass❌ Not as easy to find as standard mass-produced PJs Final Thoughts If you love the idea of a PJ bass but have been let down by traditional designs, the Dingwall Super PJ is one of the best versions of this concept. It keeps everything great about the classic P-Bass, enhances it with a well-balanced J pickup, and applies modern innovations that improve playability, clarity, and tone. For those who need flexibility without compromise, this might just be the ultimate PJ bass.

Dingwall Super P
Reviews

Dingwall Super P: Bass Review

A Precision Bass Evolution Since its introduction in 1951, the Fender Precision Bass has defined the sound of electric bass. Designed by Leo Fender, it was the first mass-produced electric bass guitar and quickly became the standard for low-end players across multiple genres. Its simple, solid-body design, split-coil pickup, and unmistakable tone have been heard on countless records, from Motown grooves to punk rock punch and stadium-filling rock anthems. The P-Bass is loved for its thick, focused low end, midrange growl, and playing comfort. Whether played with a pick or fingers, it holds the foundation of a mix like no other. Its presence in rock, blues, funk, reggae, pop, and country is undeniable. But as much as the Precision Bass is revered, it’s not perfect. Limited tonal flexibility, 34” scale constraints, and string tension inconsistencies—particularly on the low B of a five-string—are areas where some players feel room for improvement. Enter the Dingwall Super P, a fresh take on the Precision concept that keeps the essence while addressing its limitations. Dingwall Guitars is known for its fanned-fret, multi-scale designs, offering balanced tension and clarity across all strings. The Super P takes this innovation and applies it to the Precision-style platform, making it a fascinating alternative for P-Bass loyalists. Multi-Scale Advantage One of the biggest weaknesses of traditional 34” scale basses is the way low strings can sound less defined, particularly in drop tunings or extended-range models. The Super P solves this with a fanned-fret design, giving the low B a 36.25” scale length while keeping the G at 32”. This creates: For players used to a P-Bass, the transition is surprisingly smooth. The fanned frets might look intimidating at first, but the ergonomic feel becomes natural almost instantly. Build Quality & Comfort Dingwall is known for its exceptional craftsmanship, and the Super P is no exception. The bass feels lightweight yet solid, with great balance—something that some traditional P-Basses struggle with. The body contours are comfortable, and the neck is sleek without straying too far from the familiar P-Bass feel. Tone: Precision, But More The Super P retains that thick, authoritative Precision-style tone but enhances it in key ways: The extended scale length tightens up the low end, making five-string versions particularly useful for modern players who need a clear, usable low B. Can the Super P Be the Superior Choice? For a die-hard P-Bass user, switching to something new can feel like a betrayal. However, the Super P doesn’t abandon the soul of a Precision—it refines it. If you love the simple, no-nonsense power of a P-Bass, but want better string tension, more defined lows, and top-tier build quality, the Super P makes a compelling case. It’s not a radical departure; it’s an evolution. You get everything you love about a Precision Bass, but with modern upgrades that solve its most common limitations. Pros and Cons Pros: ✅ Classic Precision Bass feel and tone, but refined✅ Multi-scale design improves string tension and clarity✅ Incredible low B response for five-string players✅ Lightweight and well-balanced construction✅ Excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail Cons: ❌ Fanned frets may take some adjustment for die-hard traditionalists❌ Price point is higher than a standard P-Bass❌ Limited availability compared to mass-produced alternatives Final Thoughts The Dingwall Super P is not trying to reinvent the wheel—it’s just making it roll smoother. It keeps everything great about the Precision Bass while fixing its traditional weak points. If you love the power, simplicity, and groove of a P-Bass but wish it had more consistency across all strings, the Super P is worth serious consideration. Would a lifelong P-Bass purist switch entirely? Maybe, maybe not. But once you play a Super P, it’s hard to go back.