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Description

The Dingwall Afterburner II 4 is a masterclass in bass guitar craftsmanship, designed for musicians who demand both style and substance. With its semi-hollow walnut body and Macassar ebony top, this electric bass is not only visually stunning but also offers a rich, resonant sound. The 5-piece roasted ash neck provides exceptional stability and comfort, while the Novax Fanned-Fret system ensures impeccable string-to-string consistency and intonation, making it a delight to play whether you're on stage or in the studio.

At the heart of the Afterburner II 4 are three Super Fatty II humbucking pickups, known for their thunderous yet articulate tone. These passive pickups, combined with Dingwall's 4-position Quad-Tone pickup selector switch and a Glockenklang 3-band preamp, offer a versatile sound palette that can accommodate a wide array of playing techniques, from chording to harmonics. The meticulous attention to detail extends to its hardware, featuring a Hipshot/Dingwall 1-piece bridge and 20:1-ratio tuning machines, which ensure stability and precision.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollow walnut body with Macassar ebony top
  • 5-piece roasted ash neck with comfortable playability
  • Novax Fanned-Fret system for enhanced intonation
  • Three Super Fatty II humbucking pickups
  • 4-position Quad-Tone pickup selector switch
  • Glockenklang 3-band preamp
  • Hipshot/Dingwall 1-piece bridge and 20:1-ratio tuning machines

Product specs

Brand Dingwall
Model Afterburner II 4
Made In Canada
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Material Walnut
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 4-String
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What tone characteristics can I expect from the Dingwall Afterburner II 4?

The Dingwall Afterburner II 4 offers a clear and punchy tone, thanks to its passive pickups and walnut body. It is well-suited for modern and progressive music styles, delivering articulate lows and crisp highs.

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Dingwall ABII Olive Green Metallic (and it sounds INSANE!)💥

Video thumbnail for Dingwall ABII Olive Green Metallic (and it sounds INSANE!)💥 by DingwallGuitars

Dingwall ABII Olive Green Metallic (and it sounds INSANE!)💥

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Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Dingwall Afterburner II 4.

Features and functionality

  • The NG-3 model offers a Darkglass preamp, enhancing its suitability for contemporary metal with versatile tonal adjustments.

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  • The rotary pickup switch on certain Dingwall models requires twisting fully to one end before counting back, complicating quick tonal changes.

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Use cases and applications

  • The NG-3’s pickup configurations provide a range of tones, ideal for rock/metal but also versatile enough for fingerstyle and slap.

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  • The ABZ is praised for two-handed tapping in metal, favored by many bassists for this playing style.

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User experience

  • Owners describe the NG-3 as having crystal-clear harmonics and insane sustain, likening its sound to a piano.

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  • Some users find the necks of Dingwalls wide and less comfortable compared to other brands like Fender P basses, leading them to prefer other instruments for ease of play.

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  • Canadian Dingwalls, like the ABZ, are sometimes seen as too valuable for regular gigs due to fear of damage or theft.

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Build quality

  • The Dingwall-branded soft case provided with the bass is reinforced, suitable for everyday use but not recommended for shipping or flights.

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  • The sharp corners of the individual string saddles on some models can cause discomfort over extended play sessions.

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Comparisons

  • The NG-3 is noted for an extra pickup compared to the NG-2, offering a tonal quality similar to a jazz bass when using neck and bridge pickups.

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  • The Spector Euro LX5, despite being a 35" scale, is noted for having a notably crisp B string, rivaling the Dingwall's clarity.

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  • The ABZ is considered an art piece or studio bass, while the NG is highly recommended for regular use and live performances.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Owners report challenges with string-to-string balance, with the A string being quieter and the B string louder, necessitating a compressor for consistent sound.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing the Tone Capsule preamp on a Z3 with a Darkglass Anagram significantly improved user satisfaction over the stock setup.

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Value and pricing

  • The price difference between a 6-string NG3 and a 6-string ABZ is less than $700, making the ABZ more attainable than perceived.

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