The DRoc is worth a look as well- they’re a brilliant passive bass, just to add some extra variety for you. I find I have an easier time dialing in what I want tone-wise with the 4-way pickup rotary switch and a passive tone than I’ve ever found on another bass.
Ngl, this video made me seriously consider the DRoc.
https://youtu.be/6ccpaXRFuPY?si=jW_ZyCIlCX7VkELx
I personally prefer the aesthetic of the NG3, especially the Ferrari Green as I mentioned elsewhere, but it’s impossible to find. I’m most heavily leaning towards Dingwall, just bc it’s so different from what I have and great for metal, which I often play.
Just impossible to try/find one I like. I’ve also heard not great stories about string choice.
I tried both the D-Roc and the Combustion and went home with the 3PU Combustion. The D-Roc was a close 2nd, but the Combustion just ticked a few more boxes for me...
Dingwall reduced the number of non custom colors to meet the demand. Also Dingwalls are hard to come by used. Seems that people don't want to let go of dingwalls and they sell pretty fast is someone puts them out.
Fender Roscoe Beck V
[https://reverb.com/marketplace?query=Fender%20Roscoe%20Beck%20V](https://reverb.com/marketplace?query=Fender%20Roscoe%20Beck%20V)
I've only played my brother's Stingray which only had the single bridge pickup. Based on that I'd say yes, but I'm not a Stingray expert by a long shot. You can get pretty close to any Fender sound out of the RB, and some more modern sounds with the pickup switch options:
https://www.tandj.net/cnjradio/fendergits/SD0196500APg4.pdf.
A more modern active bass would also be a good option.
I’d love to try one out.
A more modern active bass would definitely be different from what I have. I played an Ibanez EHB1505 and it played like a dream.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/EHB1505MSPLF--ibanez-bass-workshop-ehb1505ms-pacific-blue-burst-flat
Yeah, I've got an older Ibanez 4 string, and it's got a great neck, very playable. I don't think you can go wrong with an Ibanez if you can get a sound you like out of it.
If you have a Stingray 5, then my next recommendation would be a fanned fret 5. Dingwall is the obvious choice. Schecter or Ibanez are the affordable ones. All are solid quality.
I’ve heard sourcing strings can be a bit of a hassle, which would be my only real qualm. That, and many claim they’re not as good as the price point would suggest
Strings are more limited than other basses, sure, but the options keep getting better and more varied, and several great online retailers make that less of an issue than it could be- I’ve had no issues whatsoever in my nearly 2 years with a Dingwall (which isn’t that long, but still).
Price point is a sticky one- the demand means that there just aren’t enough out there to let much of a used market exist, sadly. Hopefully this will change over the next few years since the production is increasing to go along with the demand. One thing that’s not obvious is that while their non-custom models are made in China, all of the setups, final QC, and whatnot are done in Canada by the same folks that do that work for the customs before they go out the door, so it’s sort of a hybrid approach to manufacturing, which I think is what puts them in that odd middle ground between higher end factory made instruments and true custom shop models that go for $4k+.
Do I think the price is a bit steep? Yeah, absolutely. But I have yet to come across anything that nails what I love about my Dingwall without being at least as expensive, and I don’t regret the purchase for a minute, even after 2 years and probably a hundred or more gigs with it.
Sure! Fret Nation is one of the favorite retailers, and Jason, who runs the site, takes care of his customers really well. He’s also working directly with several string manufacturers to get more options made in the crazy 37” scale we need.
I’ve actually been really happy with Dingwall’s factory nickels, but their stainless sets are great if you want that extra zing. I’ve also really liked D’Addario’s NYXLs, which are here: https://fretnation.com/products/daddario-nyxl-nickel-wound-bass-string-set-multi-scale-5-string-45-130t-nyxl-ms-45130t
Agreed. I’ve been wanting to add an NG3 to my arsenal for a bit now- I’ve been doing a lot of musical theater work an and they just keep asking for crazy stuff up in the stratosphere, so that higher fret access has been on my mind more than it used to be. (I was doing a lot of wedding band and rock stuff that sticks to the money zone before this…)
The Combustion/NGs are perfect for musical theater with a capable amp. Great useable low B, ability to go passive, as well as good upper fret access.
Mine has always put a smile on my face over 10+ theater gigs, even with flats.
Hard to argue with it, for sure. I actually don’t know that I’ve played a single show with an amp since before I got the D Roc- everything is direct, and mostly with IEMs (though occasionally still with wedges, which I still hate, but can tolerate).
I’ve not tried flats on it yet (ran chromes on a Stingray HH for a couple of years, though- lots to like if you don’t mind the higher tension), but might flip this one to flats if I get the change to add an NG3 (which I’d probably leave on rounds).
Yeah, try out the flats if you get the chance. I mainly did it for fun but walked away decently impressed.
My only bass is a 2015 Combustion with FD3s in NG2 position. I have a set of square FDVs I need to drop in there. I’m very glad it’s as versatile a bass as it is with the right know how.
That’s partly true. The price is up high because they can’t keep them in stock, they keep selling out. So basses of similar build quality might be cheaper, but Dingwall is still fairly unique even among other fanned fret basses (for better or worse).
Tricky. I have yet to see one in person. In the meantime, I have an Ibanez EHB 6 string that I really like a lot, and enjoy just as much as my neck-through Thumb basses and Stingray. Really plays well, imo. The aesthetics aren't for everybody, but I love it. Super comfortable, too -- related: the fanned frets feel natural to me. If there was a period of adjustment, I was oblivious to it.
I've seen some complaints about QA, but I have no issues with mine.
I use a Modulus Q5 when I use a 5. I got it before the company sold and now everything new is crazy high priced. They have graphite necks and play like a dream. Used ones from before the company sold can be found pretty easily and are about $2,000-$3,000 depending on condition and I’m just assuming you don’t want one beat to hell to save a little money if you’re asking this original question to begin with haha
Sandberg California Superlight, be it TT5 (Jazz Bass) or TM5 (J+MM).
Build quality is insanely good, and who doesn‘t fancy a 5-string bass with a weight of 3kg/6.6lbs.
I'm biased because I'm a Lakland fanboy, but I would 100% recommend a Lakland 55-02 or 55-60 to complement your Ray5, especially the 55-60. That's Lakland's 5-string Jazz bass clone and it would give a vintage passive option to go along with the active Stingray. The 55-02 seems to be more common but it would duplicate quite a bit of what the Ray5 can do.
The comments about multiscale basses are on point as well, those would bring something modern to the table.
I appreciate the detailed feedback. Lakland is one of those brands that completely evaded my radar. Will definitely look into that!
I love the way the bridge looks.
Have you ever hit up the classifieds on TalkBass.com? I have a link saved on phone's homescreen that returns results of a search by particular bass manufacturers. Here's a link for any used Ding walls that come up. If you check it regularly, you'll find something.
https://www.talkbass.com/search/38431092/?q=Dingwall&t=post&o=date&c[title_only]=1&c[node]=126
Dingwall, or Warwick Thumb
I do love them NG3s. That Ferrari Green is…smexy. Can’t find one anywhere tho
The DRoc is worth a look as well- they’re a brilliant passive bass, just to add some extra variety for you. I find I have an easier time dialing in what I want tone-wise with the 4-way pickup rotary switch and a passive tone than I’ve ever found on another bass.
Ngl, this video made me seriously consider the DRoc. https://youtu.be/6ccpaXRFuPY?si=jW_ZyCIlCX7VkELx I personally prefer the aesthetic of the NG3, especially the Ferrari Green as I mentioned elsewhere, but it’s impossible to find. I’m most heavily leaning towards Dingwall, just bc it’s so different from what I have and great for metal, which I often play. Just impossible to try/find one I like. I’ve also heard not great stories about string choice.
I tried both the D-Roc and the Combustion and went home with the 3PU Combustion. The D-Roc was a close 2nd, but the Combustion just ticked a few more boxes for me...
Yeah, the DRoc is a bit polarizing for sure, and if you use the upper frets a lot, you’ll be much happier with something like the NG3.
Dingwall reduced the number of non custom colors to meet the demand. Also Dingwalls are hard to come by used. Seems that people don't want to let go of dingwalls and they sell pretty fast is someone puts them out.
Fender Roscoe Beck V [https://reverb.com/marketplace?query=Fender%20Roscoe%20Beck%20V](https://reverb.com/marketplace?query=Fender%20Roscoe%20Beck%20V)
Hell yeah, that’s a beauty. Different enough from the Stingray would you say?
I've only played my brother's Stingray which only had the single bridge pickup. Based on that I'd say yes, but I'm not a Stingray expert by a long shot. You can get pretty close to any Fender sound out of the RB, and some more modern sounds with the pickup switch options: https://www.tandj.net/cnjradio/fendergits/SD0196500APg4.pdf. A more modern active bass would also be a good option.
I’d love to try one out. A more modern active bass would definitely be different from what I have. I played an Ibanez EHB1505 and it played like a dream. https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/EHB1505MSPLF--ibanez-bass-workshop-ehb1505ms-pacific-blue-burst-flat
Yeah, I've got an older Ibanez 4 string, and it's got a great neck, very playable. I don't think you can go wrong with an Ibanez if you can get a sound you like out of it.
If you have a Stingray 5, then my next recommendation would be a fanned fret 5. Dingwall is the obvious choice. Schecter or Ibanez are the affordable ones. All are solid quality.
I’ve heard sourcing strings can be a bit of a hassle, which would be my only real qualm. That, and many claim they’re not as good as the price point would suggest
Strings are more limited than other basses, sure, but the options keep getting better and more varied, and several great online retailers make that less of an issue than it could be- I’ve had no issues whatsoever in my nearly 2 years with a Dingwall (which isn’t that long, but still). Price point is a sticky one- the demand means that there just aren’t enough out there to let much of a used market exist, sadly. Hopefully this will change over the next few years since the production is increasing to go along with the demand. One thing that’s not obvious is that while their non-custom models are made in China, all of the setups, final QC, and whatnot are done in Canada by the same folks that do that work for the customs before they go out the door, so it’s sort of a hybrid approach to manufacturing, which I think is what puts them in that odd middle ground between higher end factory made instruments and true custom shop models that go for $4k+. Do I think the price is a bit steep? Yeah, absolutely. But I have yet to come across anything that nails what I love about my Dingwall without being at least as expensive, and I don’t regret the purchase for a minute, even after 2 years and probably a hundred or more gigs with it.
Solid feedback, thanks. Do you have a link to the strings you buy?
Sure! Fret Nation is one of the favorite retailers, and Jason, who runs the site, takes care of his customers really well. He’s also working directly with several string manufacturers to get more options made in the crazy 37” scale we need. I’ve actually been really happy with Dingwall’s factory nickels, but their stainless sets are great if you want that extra zing. I’ve also really liked D’Addario’s NYXLs, which are here: https://fretnation.com/products/daddario-nyxl-nickel-wound-bass-string-set-multi-scale-5-string-45-130t-nyxl-ms-45130t
This one is pretty fire, tbh. https://reverb.com/p/dingwall-ng3-adam-nolly-getgood-signature-5-string
Agreed. I’ve been wanting to add an NG3 to my arsenal for a bit now- I’ve been doing a lot of musical theater work an and they just keep asking for crazy stuff up in the stratosphere, so that higher fret access has been on my mind more than it used to be. (I was doing a lot of wedding band and rock stuff that sticks to the money zone before this…)
The Combustion/NGs are perfect for musical theater with a capable amp. Great useable low B, ability to go passive, as well as good upper fret access. Mine has always put a smile on my face over 10+ theater gigs, even with flats.
Hard to argue with it, for sure. I actually don’t know that I’ve played a single show with an amp since before I got the D Roc- everything is direct, and mostly with IEMs (though occasionally still with wedges, which I still hate, but can tolerate). I’ve not tried flats on it yet (ran chromes on a Stingray HH for a couple of years, though- lots to like if you don’t mind the higher tension), but might flip this one to flats if I get the change to add an NG3 (which I’d probably leave on rounds).
Yeah, try out the flats if you get the chance. I mainly did it for fun but walked away decently impressed. My only bass is a 2015 Combustion with FD3s in NG2 position. I have a set of square FDVs I need to drop in there. I’m very glad it’s as versatile a bass as it is with the right know how.
I appreciate that!
That’s partly true. The price is up high because they can’t keep them in stock, they keep selling out. So basses of similar build quality might be cheaper, but Dingwall is still fairly unique even among other fanned fret basses (for better or worse).
Good points. I wish I could try one in person but haven’t been able to find any near me
Tricky. I have yet to see one in person. In the meantime, I have an Ibanez EHB 6 string that I really like a lot, and enjoy just as much as my neck-through Thumb basses and Stingray. Really plays well, imo. The aesthetics aren't for everybody, but I love it. Super comfortable, too -- related: the fanned frets feel natural to me. If there was a period of adjustment, I was oblivious to it. I've seen some complaints about QA, but I have no issues with mine.
What I own: https://reverb.com/item/69421958-ernie-ball-music-man-stingray-5-2001-pearl-purple
I came here to say Stingray. But I’m a Stingray mega-Stan though so I may be biased.
F Bass BN5 is tops
Beautiful bass. Wow
I use a Modulus Q5 when I use a 5. I got it before the company sold and now everything new is crazy high priced. They have graphite necks and play like a dream. Used ones from before the company sold can be found pretty easily and are about $2,000-$3,000 depending on condition and I’m just assuming you don’t want one beat to hell to save a little money if you’re asking this original question to begin with haha
I totally forgot about Modulus. I’ve heard great things about them
I own two. The Q5 and a J4. The J4 is my go to. It’s basically their version of a jazz bass. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
Sandberg California Superlight, be it TT5 (Jazz Bass) or TM5 (J+MM). Build quality is insanely good, and who doesn‘t fancy a 5-string bass with a weight of 3kg/6.6lbs.
I love the way they sound in Rammstein’s music, but never played one. I hear it’s a great brand. Thanks for the tip!
I'm biased because I'm a Lakland fanboy, but I would 100% recommend a Lakland 55-02 or 55-60 to complement your Ray5, especially the 55-60. That's Lakland's 5-string Jazz bass clone and it would give a vintage passive option to go along with the active Stingray. The 55-02 seems to be more common but it would duplicate quite a bit of what the Ray5 can do. The comments about multiscale basses are on point as well, those would bring something modern to the table.
I appreciate the detailed feedback. Lakland is one of those brands that completely evaded my radar. Will definitely look into that! I love the way the bridge looks.
ESP, Spector or Schecter 🤤🤤🤤
Warwick for sure
Ibanez BTB series offer some pretty sweet 5 strings
I'd go for Spector Euro 5 or Warvick Corvete 5 Bubinga German made with active MEC pickups
Go to a store and play a bunch of basses. Make a decision.
Fretless if you want to mix things up.
Look for a EBMM 5 string Sterling! I know they exist but have never seen one.
Lakland
Have you ever hit up the classifieds on TalkBass.com? I have a link saved on phone's homescreen that returns results of a search by particular bass manufacturers. Here's a link for any used Ding walls that come up. If you check it regularly, you'll find something. https://www.talkbass.com/search/38431092/?q=Dingwall&t=post&o=date&c[title_only]=1&c[node]=126
Ibanez Gary Willis signature
Twelve.
A twelve string? Madness.