Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $5,545

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

The Dingwall ABZ 5 redefines modern bass guitar design with its innovative approach to sound and playability. Crafted for the discerning bassist, this multi-scale instrument offers unparalleled clarity and precision across its five strings. The unique fanned-fret system ensures that each string is optimized for tension and harmonic integrity, resulting in a balanced tone that cuts through any mix with ease.

Designed for versatility, the ABZ 5 features lightweight body construction for comfortable playing during long sessions or gigs. The sleek neck profile allows for swift movement across the fretboard, making it ideal for both intricate solos and rhythmic bass lines. The tonewoods selected for this model contribute to its distinct sound character, providing deep lows and articulate highs.

With the Dingwall ABZ 5, musicians can explore a diverse sound palette, thanks to its custom pickups and advanced electronics. This bass is tailored for professionals who demand both precision and expressive capability in their performances. Whether in the studio or on stage, the Dingwall ABZ 5 is a reliable companion that delivers consistent quality and an impressive sonic range.

Key Features:

  • Multi-scale design with fanned frets for optimal string tension
  • Lightweight body construction for enhanced comfort
  • Custom pickups for a wide range of tonal possibilities
  • Sleek neck profile for fast and smooth playability
  • Advanced electronics for dynamic sound control

Product specs

Brand Dingwall
Model ABZ 5
Made In Canada
Categories 5- and 6-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Material Ash
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 5-String
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Dingwall ABZ 5 bass?

The Dingwall ABZ 5 features a slim and comfortable neck profile, designed for ease of playability and fast movement across the fretboard, making it suitable for both intricate fingerstyle and aggressive slap techniques.

What tonal qualities can I expect from the Dingwall ABZ 5 pickups?

The Dingwall ABZ 5 is equipped with passive pickups, providing a clear, punchy tone with excellent definition across all strings, ideal for a range of genres from rock to jazz.

Is the Dingwall ABZ 5 suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Dingwall ABZ 5 is well-suited for advanced players, offering high-quality craftsmanship, versatile tonal options, and a unique fanned-fret design that enhances playability and intonation.

How does the fanned-fret design of the Dingwall ABZ 5 benefit the player?

The fanned-fret design of the Dingwall ABZ 5 provides improved intonation and string tension consistency, offering a more ergonomic playing experience and better tonal balance across the strings.

What materials are used in the construction of the Dingwall ABZ 5?

The Dingwall ABZ 5 features an ash body and a maple neck, providing a robust build with a bright and resonant tonal quality, suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Dingwall ABZ 5.

Comparisons

  • The NG model is highly recommended by owners, with some saying it rivals more expensive Canadian-made Dingwalls in terms of performance.

    Source
  • Users compare the ABZ favorably to the Strandberg Boden, citing a more traditional feel and superior low-end response with the ABZ for bass-heavy music.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • ABZ models are perceived as art pieces or studio basses, often seen as a luxury compared to the more practical NG.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The NG3's 3x FDV pickups are praised for delivering a massive sound, comparable to other high-end Dingwall models like the D-Roc.

    Source
  • Owners highlight the passive electronics of the ABZ, noting a unique clarity and natural tone not present in the active counterparts.

    Source

User experience

  • Finding a used ABZ can be a practical way to acquire a Canadian model, as they are quickly purchased when available.

    Source
  • Several players appreciate the lightweight body of the ABZ, making it comfortable for long gigs without compromising the tonal depth.

    Source

Build quality

  • It's been reported that the ABZ's Canadian craftsmanship results in exceptional attention to detail, with smooth fret edges and a consistently high-quality finish.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The ABZ is praised for its versatility in various genres, particularly excelling in progressive rock and metal due to its clear, punchy tone.

    Source
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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4 star
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lukestc

Really solid bass guitar

This is a real piece of art. A lightweight bass that can be very punchy. I own an ABZ 5 with the Darkglass preamp and the option to switch to passive. Very versatile.

Roles:
Genres:
From Gear Setup
mechanisms

A lightweight monster from the titans at Dingwall

This is the perfect bass for me: all passive electronics, multi scale, lightweight and good looking.

I honestly don’t have the words to describe how incredibly well built these basses are; if my house was ablaze and I could save one instrument, it would be this, every time

pbass6811

It's my main bass!

I have multiple Dingwall basses. My main player is an ABZ 5/3. I truly love these basses. The multi scale concept really shines when you get to 5-strings. Ash/Maple/Wenge/3X/Darkglass/Hipshot.

Roles:

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ichika uses Dingwall ABZ 5

Ichika

Guitarist, Bassist

Dios

...
Verified via YouTube

Ichika frequently used the Dingwall ABZ 5 bass during live performances with his band SUGGESTIONS in 2016. Additionally, he played it in a now-deleted official recording of "Cloudbuilt Bass ver.," though a 25-second clip still circulates. The YouTube short titled "ichika playing April" further showcases his use of this bass.

See how Toshiya uses Dingwall ABZ 5

Toshiya

Singer, Bassist

Dir En Grey

...
Verified via Tumblr

The new partner that played a significant role in the recording of «ARCHE» is the ABZ XXX model from Dingwall's Afterburner series. It features a "fan-fret" system (fanned fretboard) that ensures precise pitch and even string tension. As mentioned in interviews, for Toshiya, who often uses tunings with low B, A, or A# strings, this bass guitar has been a perfect fit. The body is made of swamp ash, the neck of hard rock maple, and the fingerboard of wenge. It is equipped with three original FD-34L pickups and a Glockenklang preamp. Controls include volume, a two-band EQ, and a pickup selector (with active/passive switching capability). Masking tape is applied to the headstock (photo 1) and bridge (2) to dampen unwanted vibrations. Toshiya used Dingwall ABZ on TOUR23 PHALARIS: https://youtu.be/Z0G7-BsN3sY?si=WwW0p3HpjF0Cd9TN

Album Usage

The Dingwall ABZ 5 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Community setups

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lukestc

lukestc

Gear IQ 218

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