Dingwall NG3 Modified Deep Dive - The ULTIMATE Jack of All Trades Bass! - LowEndLobster Fresh Look

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Hey Everyone! Today we're taking a deep dive into my heavily modified Dingwall NG3 Nolly "Getgood" Signature bass. I've gutted this beast, gave it a full shielding job, replaced the preamp with a John East MMSR 3-knob Stingray preamp, added a passive tone control, and swapped out the stock 4-way rotary for a 6-way. Today we'll be showcasing the IMMENSE array of tones that this bass has. We can get some vintage warmth, modern growl, and some serious clank! Let's check it out!
DIAGRAM: i.imgur.com/42NheHW.png
John East MMSR: www.east-uk.com/product/mmsr-...
Fret Nation 6 Way Rotary: www.fretnation.com/custom-6-w...
Passive Tone Control Module: www.bestbassgear.com/east-acg...
Channel 5 Action News Shirt: channel5.news/
Info on my signal chain, setup and more: • FAQ: My Signal Chain, ...
Discord: discord.gg/dzrFMzD
Facebook: LowEndLobster
Instagram: LowEndLobster
Reverb Shop: reverb.com/shop/lowendlobster

[@xmanual]

Well done Will! The Combustion platform was designed with "tuning" in mind. I think you've taken it further than anyone at this point!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you so much Sheldon!

[@rickrolli7091]

Ooo. Cool. Kudos from Mr Dingwall himself. Sweet.

[@Meddled]

A breath of fresh air seeing an instrument manufacturer advocating and supporting aftermarket modification of their products.

[@dimedisciple5144]

Where is the info on your discord channel?

[@LowEndLobster]

Link is in the description of the videos

[@julianthesmooshyhusky8976]

The dingwall 100% deserves the reputation for a tight low b. First time I played one, I legitimately kind of forgot I was playing a five string because the b had the tension and response of an e string

[@LowEndLobster]

Agreed! Once I had the opportunity to borrow my friend's NG2 (the red one, my first Dingwall vid)... it was all over from there. I was sold.

[@julianthesmooshyhusky8976]

Wish they still made them in Canada though, shelling out $2-$3k for a Chinese made bass is kind of a tough pill to swallow.

[@codybarrett6607]

Well now I want one

[@russellzauner]

@@julianthesmooshyhusky8976 I have the exact same issue with Abasi Concepts - I want one of each but they're all offshored and way overpriced.

[@deangomes6280]

@@julianthesmooshyhusky8976 they do make Canadian basses still. 18 month wait list for a new one. 4k+

[@LeeJoRo]

great to hear this without distortion - sounds good

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you!

[@meyersguitars2196]

This is by far my favorite bass you have reviewed visually and sonically! The mods you did, made this bass the ultimate Swiss Army knife.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Meyers!

[@CatsBackLeg]

You know I was trying to use that analogy and I just couldn’t remember… one of those days… but yeah, Swiss Army Knife! I was like… no I know this, it’s s fish, it’s some kind of fish. Then my fiancée just had to remind me about Bowie, I felt really sad, then …. yeah it’s… lol I dunno but dude you saved me - trust me… I would be thinking.of what the term is obsessively lol

[@albundy2239]

Love how the cat appears at 00:32 🐱

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Al! Good to see you!

[@badger4361]

Such a good playing fella, as i get better as a player I'm becoming much better at analysing other peoples playing skills and I'm so impressed at your playing, really tight, slick and expressive, so good. 🙂

[@KristopherCraig]

I really like what you’ve done with this Dingwall. I have a Dingwall that came stock with 2 Villex pickup and a passive boost rotary pot (it a real anomaly, the former owner sen Sheldon the pickups to be installed.) It’s always been missing the full potential of the bass. I’ve been wanting to make a change for quite sometime now. The tone’s you’re getting are phenomenal!

[@ramshaar2597]

Cool bass love it 👍

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you!

[@carrete7989]

If finally I get to play music that needs a 5 string bass, this will be my pick. Very nice mod. Great channel y really enjoy your reviews.

[@herobass]

BROOOO!!!! FREAKING AWESOME!!!!!! LOVE IT!!!!!! A few years ago, I got a chance to try one at the Summer NAMM2019 and was blown away with the B String and the bass construction. It's a great instrument. Keep Grooving brother. Blessings!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Norb!

[@flanneljoe7473]

Wow. The places you could go with those options. That sounds like a life time of fun on a bun brother

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! "Lifetime of fun on a bun"... I love that.

[@rickrolli7091]

Wow Lobster. I can't tell you what tone I like best. Right now my brain is in tone overload. I've never had this happen before. I think you popped my tone circuit breaker. Aaaaaah!

[@LowEndLobster]

Ahahah thanks Rick!

[@DamnbLiNd]

Love the background prrrru

[@LucifersAdvocates]

Nice video, keep it up!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Shiba!

[@pistachiowarcrimes6885]

Channel 5 shirt 🐐

[@LowEndLobster]

:)

[@davegiard2221]

Love the shirt lobster!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you!

[@thejonesbass]

if dingwalls were known for THIS sound --->🤯 great job man

[@philipmcadam5339]

Well Lobster, I like most of your basses, some of them a lot. If I could pick one, the NG3 modified may be the one. It can do it all and looks like it plays easily on top of that. Well built with a great neck. I think I want mine in basic black. Unless you want me to have your gold one. Thanks for another great video.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Philip!

[@TheGAMEGod_YT]

Man. I bet that bass feels like butter

[@LowEndLobster]

Absolute buttah!

[@Bass.Player]

I like the bridge pup sound...

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks BP! Me too

[@mikegrosser8861]

Thanks for the video Will....I've had a NG2 for over a year and just love it....I was thinking about taking it to the Lee Sklar model with those Pu's and the Glock pre...have you heard or played those Pu's and pre...thanks again!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Mike! I have not played any of the Sklar stuff yet, but they look awesome

[@peterm.souzajr.2112]

Amazing work, I play (high to low) g, d, a, e, b, f# and i am searching for a nice combination of pickups and preamp to communicate that low f# (or drop E). String tension vs string thickness is no longer an issue because dingwall has the longer scale. thanks again tone hunter

[@LowEndLobster]

Glad you enjoyed the vid!

[@katelynseng8341]

That's my dream bass sigh, i like a bass that can do ,modern like warwick, jazzbass, musicman, and pbass

[@MichaelWilliams-lo3ix]

Awesome

[@PSA955]

1st, love the cat! Interesting you replaced the Dark Glass pre-amp, I agree and prefer the John East. Would like to hear your thoughts on the regular Combustion vs the NG3. I'm considering one or the other this year, and it's virtually impossible to "A/B" them. Thanks Lobster, always enjoy your channel.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Ox! That would be an interesting comparison indeed. I will try and make that happen!

[@StephenBecker]

I'm going to have dreams about that B string!

[@LowEndLobster]

B string for daaaays

[@Dylann1213]

CHANNEL 5 BABY

[@LowEndLobster]

Let's goooooo

[@russellzauner]

+1 T Shirt game on point

[@russellzauner]

ahhhhh yes! Sklar APPROVED!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! I love this shirt ahaha

[@glenndjubilee]

I love this bass. You've improved an already great axe. Fantastic. On another note, I notice you use felt picks. I gave up on those decades ago. In fact I gave up on picks altogether until I had to use them for gigs. I've been practicing for over a year now and was also advised to use a thick guitar pick; Jim Dunlop Nyl Max Grip Jazz. They are small but you don't have to work hard at finding the sweet spot. Because of this step I am now approaching the instrument like the guitar it actually is and have added chords to my playing w/the pick and it's so much cleaner. I also bought a NS WAV5 upright five days ago so my view point is altered a bit.😏

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Glenn!

[@codybarrett6607]

I still prefer fingerstyle heavily but thick guitar picks are the way to go I think

[@glenndjubilee]

@@codybarrett6607 I do too. I was referring to instances where it is needed. For example, Bobby Vega. I watched him play some of the funkiest grooves w/a pick and muting w/the side of his picking hand. I jumped on that. And I was asked by the leader of the new band I am in if I played w/a pick which motivated me more to keep working on it. Plus I have to use it in the Zep cover band I play in. I was playing Immigrant Song w/my fingers(as JPJ does), but the pick is cleaner. And Whole Lotta Love it’s great for strumming and kachunka in that song. I did this entire gig without the pick and now I grateful I worked on it.

[@codybarrett6607]

@@glenndjubilee Nice!

[@ileutur6863]

@@codybarrett6607 Nah, thin picks give a bite and a natural compression that isn't there with thick ones

[@seanmackay6739]

The middle pickup solo is also a wonderful sound on these. In fact, the only thing holding me back from upgrading to 3 pickups and a 6 way on my NG2 right now is not wanting to lose the solo middle pickup tone. But I don’t know which of the options you chose I would give up for it.

[@LowEndLobster]

Fret nation will make a custom rotary with whatever modes you want. You could absolutely swap one of the 6 for the middle solo

[@seanmackay6739]

@@LowEndLobster these basses really do offer to many options. I think ideally a 7 way rotary would cover the pickup combos I’d like. But I’ve also debated using a push pull to defeat a pickup so you could use the 6 way but then defeat a pickup in order to turn one of the 2 pickup combinations into a single combination. And then you consider that each pickup is actually a split coil and can be switched from series to parallel, or you would start mixing and matching North and south coils between pickups and the. Your head really spins. Thanks again for the info!

[@Below-Average_Joe]

I played a NG3 around New Years 2020, and I was super impressed. I thought I was recording, but forgot to turn on my iPad. At my current rate, I doubt if I ever get one, but I think they are superb instruments.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Doc! Bummer you didn't get that clip. I've only played a handful of them, but each has impressed me a lot

[@craigmoran893]

I'm a big fan of the middle pickup. but i want access to the front pickup solo, so i'm thinking of just having the front 2 pickups in series with a blend pot.

[@devindickinson3903]

I like how much more we are seeing of your cat

[@LowEndLobster]

:)

[@serdarozbey]

It has too wide tone color. I loved it.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Serdar!

[@WildWildWeasel]

The Bright Mode is a cheat Darkglass mode xD

[@LowEndLobster]

This one EASY TRICK that DARKGLASS doesn't want you to know! XD

[@coreyu4590]

KiTTY lol. I'm loving this channel!

[@LowEndLobster]

I'm so glad :)

[@greyfoxzero]

I wish someone would make a fanned fret 4 string with the E at the standard 34 inch scale and the rest at the angled shorter scale. It wouldn't even have to be a huge angle difference either, just something to sweeten the D and G without the weird issues a shorter scale bass has with intonation and string tension on the E and A.

[@electrosnail]

I believe Dingwall J/PJ is 34,25 to 32 scale length (didn't re-check the info, but it should be pretty close). The price is another question though.

[@jhz1979]

Great video lobster! Are you using the new SIT strings?

[@LowEndLobster]

Not on here, these are Dingwall strings. I don't think SIT does multiscales (yet?)

[@griiseknoen]

Punchy and focused.

[@thenashvillebassmentor594]

Hey Lobster, I just ordered the East preamp and the passive tone control from Best Bass Gear. I’m about to order the 6 way rotory from Fret Nation. I’m assuming you got the solid shaft rotary instead of the split shaft to match the pots on the John East? Have you considered the Graphtech Nut upgrade at Fret Nation? And what knobs did you go with here?

[@ralphhenderson7270]

0:32,....the magic re-appearing cat trick.

[@benrollans4144]

How would you compare the B string on this to the Lakland Bass?

[@karenkuang3471]

Hey Lobster, this or the Ibanez ehb 1005sms? Which one do you prefer and why :))

[@ericonascimento5342]

Do you happen to have the wiring schematic for the 6 way rotary switch?

[@Bonkikavo]

Keepin it 55 street.

[@LowEndLobster]

Dingwall NG3 fitty-five street string bass.

[@Worstwishesracing]

Came for the bass, stayed for the channel 5 shirt

[@christianmassey7748]

I guess it will be the same with the regular combustion.

[@danielcasellas]

Hey man! This is me one year later xD i got a second switch, got it installed by a pro tech but there is still this clipping/static noise when I let a note ring and switch positions. My tech is wondering if we could ask you or your tech about the installation to see if we're missing something or what could we do to avoid this static noise that gets into the circuit. Thanks!

[@StefanDan85]

do you thing upgrading the bridge is worth it? i mean there are some options like babicz solo rail, payson or hipshot solo bridge

[@citizennozmeda7232]

A couple things. 1. If you were born before the 90s there's a 90% chance you wear pajamas while bassturbating. 2. You making a talkbass post on this? 3. I'd really like to get a forum going on talking about converting a 1*** serial model ng2 (cornered pickups) with fishmans, maybe the mike inez dead center with the moderns on neck and bridge, and how the wiring would go and rotary positions to complement that. Like you the tone capsule constant coloration isn't really my thing personally. Recently scooped up a spector dimension and it's gotten me back into wanting to start the job on my dingwall.

[@LowEndLobster]

Hahaha born in 88, nailed it XD. Yes I've posted on the Dingwall thread on talkbass with some info on this. Feel free to message me on there, Instagram, or discord if you have any questions. The east pre really brings the added versatility the Dingwall screams for.

[@citizennozmeda7232]

@@LowEndLobster joined the discord just now. Somehow my ears gloss over that at the end of every video

[@wilecoyote8795]

Lobster the stock switch, you said it was a battery kill switch but if you cut power won’t you get that pop or am I not understanding or is it an interruption to the battery so I can leave it plugged up. Thanks

[@LowEndLobster]

The stock switch is a preamp bypass (which bypasses the battery circuit as well). I have it wired now as a kill switch. It's not a bad pop but you do hear something.

[@CatsBackLeg]

I really love the sounds you get - very usable, very prominent - (edit) Is there a four string version with the same scale as the 5? The import model I mean… I’m sure there’s a lot more than that but I love my Zon and I have to eat and stuff. Regardless thats a great bass and you’re a great bass player - really made me pay attention.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Trevor! The four string is the same scale length but sans the 37" B. So the E string on the 4 string is the same as the E on the 5- I believe 36.25" or so.

[@CatsBackLeg]

@@LowEndLobster Now that’s interesting…. I was thinking about a 4 string tuned BEAD. Having played a few 5 string Basses . I kinda have a fear them cos of my ridiculously small un-bassplayer hands. Then again I think it probably has more to do with how I’m playing. The multi scale and the B string really does work - as in the physics… like a grand piano. Makes sense. Thanks for the info, I really enjoyed this video!

[@Kraz3e987]

@@CatsBackLeg hey dude I have pretty small mitts too (I'm like 5'4) and yes, if you didn't start off on a 5 string with wide spacing (19mm-20mm) than playing one is really not the most comfortable experience. So I've found my sweet spot for small hand 5 stringing to be 17-17.5mm spacing (like Spector, Music Man, and I even thing some ZON 5 strings). Dingwalls are 18mm spacing, I played a 18mm spaced Yamaha 5er for a few months and it wasn't much a problem at all. I've just bought a Dingwall D-roc 5 standard and it should be coming in by the end of the week. I'll let you know my experience with the 18mm fan fret neck haha. Maybe it could help you decide if you'd wanna take a shot at getting a dingwall for yourself.

[@CatsBackLeg]

@@Kraz3e987 Thanks you! That’s the kind of info that will really help. I’m looking into getting another bass, possibly custom. I guess as much as I love playing all kinds of basses (and guitars/drums), I like the idea of getting something *that* one bass where the comfort and ergonomics are sorted out so it’s just that one bass that I’ll ever need. And a fretless version of it. And a 12 string (3 course x 4) . Etc etc lol - one thing tho, - wondering if a headless option would be a useful feature. of course it’s subjective… can’t wait for the world to get back to where I can go try different ones at a store that i can physically walk into.

[@WyattLite-n-inn]

@@LowEndLobster Lobster, O Lobster . PLEASE review this new Ibanez Multiscale BTB 5 string kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqKmd6WXmdVoeLs

[@jjfloyd618]

Hey Lobster, I’ve been curious about these basses for a while, never even seen 1 in a store to try out. It doesn’t look awkward @ all but I couldn’t even really get comfortable playing in 1st position on my 35” scale Lakland so wondering what a 37” scale must be like?

[@LowEndLobster]

It's not much of an adjustment on the lower end of the neck, but past the 12th you have to be a bit more careful (especially with chords). That being said, I didn't really notice too much of an extra reach for the B and E

[@jjfloyd618]

@@LowEndLobster Nice, thanks for the response. I didn't have time to listen to all the tones but what I heard sounded great.

[@citizennozmeda7232]

JJ are you familiar with bullpup type rifles? These basses are sort of like that. The additional two inches are taken up in the body with the bridge saddle being closer to the bottom of the body. At least that's how it feels to me. You're not left feeling like you're holding a fat hockey stick.

[@jjfloyd618]

@@citizennozmeda7232 I know nothing about rifles but thanks for the explanation, that helps it make a little more sense.

[@wilecoyote8795]

In your video you say position 6 is to the bridge but the paperwork with the switch says position 1 is to the bridge. Please advise. Thanks

[@LowEndLobster]

I'm approaching the switch in reverse and referred to "all in" mode as position 1.

[@bassplayer1586]

What I'd like to know is this : Does that 37 inch scale B string hurt your wrist when trying to fret the first several frets? I'm wondering because Ibanez is coming out with a 37" scale BTB that has peaked my interest....

[@Kraz3e987]

I've heard they're built very ergonomically, notice the individual saddle for the B is basically touching the edge of the body, this allows the far extreme of the neck to be closer than you'd expect. I play a 5 string spector as my main bass it's 35" scale and it's a noticeable stretch compared to a 34" scale (especially since I'm a pretty compact guy). Someone In a Facebook group I'm in said they have to reach less on their 5 string dingwall than they do their spector.

[@confrontarycharles]

No wrist pain whatsoever. I know that the 37” scale looks dramatic when viewed from the front, but it’s almost unnoticeable when looking down at the neck, and you don’t notice at all when playing. I have both an Ibanez SRMS805 and a Dingwall and love them equally. That BTB seems like it’s the best of both, and I’m sure you’d love it!

[@karenkuang3471]

@@confrontarycharles hey there, sorry to bother you just wondering which one of them do you find easier to play? Thanks!

[@confrontarycharles]

@@karenkuang3471 hi there, sorry I didn’t see your comment sooner. It’s hard to say objectively, but I’d give a very slight edge to the Ibanez. I love their necks and the tight string spacing, but that works against some people, too. Still, the Dingwall feels amazing and I pick it up more often.

[@davejones7475]

Yikes! The Ultimate Bass!

[@richardsteiner1537]

Great job! I have this bass and love it, but I REALLY love the mods you’ve done. Wanna mod mine?

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Richard! So glad you like the mods. I don't really do mods like this for others, instead I showcase how they're done (though I didn't show the process here, but I did have a basic diagram).

[@richardsteiner1537]

I especially love the six way switch and the passive tone control…

[@stanleynowak9325]

Is the cat an alien too. Also, why did your head grow back in Men in Black 2?

[@benjaminbrownbass]

I need to go through this video and place time stamps for my own sake later on.

[@LazyGameplay]

Hello and happy 2022, i would like to ask you an bass advice, ive been trying to deside what bass to buy and i dont know if i should spare money for an expensive one or a cheap bass, i am an intermediate bass player who borrowed an old damien series 4 strings shecter bass who as many problem , i dont know how a p bass or a jazz bass really feels but ive seen your videos and the p5 sire or the cutlass bass from sting ray looks cool or maybe a cort bass i really dont know what to buy but ill preffer a 5 string bass can you help me to chose please ? I dont mind if i have to custom it like you did like with the p5 sire bass but do you have anymore recommendations for a intermediate humbucker bass player thanks for all

[@LowEndLobster]

Hey Andrew! Happy 2022! As an intermediate, I'd recommend something like the P5 or Ray4SUB/Ray24. Great all around basses that can be modified easily to punch well above their weight (and help you learn in the process!). I wouldn't splurge on an expensive bass unless you know that bass has the features and specs that you want.

[@LazyGameplay]

@@LowEndLobster thanks you so much !!

[@muchammadnurwibowo8255]

Will this work with dingwall d-roc?

[@LowEndLobster]

Not this particular setup. I will be borrowing someone's D-roc in the near future and will be doing a whole mod on that.

[@Scatterbrain70]

What's up with The Lobster Claw? That's pretty weird

[@LowEndLobster]

I'm a pretty big weirdo

Do I need the solid or split shaft version of the rotary switch?

[@LowEndLobster]

You can use either, but I didn't reuse the stock knobs. I believe the split is the way to go.

@@LowEndLobster wow man. Didn’t expect such a quick answer. You are awesome! Thanks a lot!

[@dmdavies2001]

Hey, what impact does the passive tone control have if you can't turn the pre-amp off?

[@dmdavies2001]

Ignore me.

[@LowEndLobster]

Hey David! I do my best to respond to comments... but there's hundreds upon hundreds and I have a day job and life outside of the channel. There's really no need for an attitude... The passive tone control has a much broader treble cut vs the treble control by itself. I just like having them there to easily access more 'vintagey' tones. I think the best example is on the P pickup. Rolling back the tone gets me the fat motown-y vibe.

[@dmdavies2001]

@@LowEndLobster no! I meant ignore me as I'd realised missed a bit of info in the video!

[@LowEndLobster]

@@dmdavies2001 I misunderstood! Apologies! So glad you found the video informative.

[@dmdavies2001]

@@LowEndLobster nah it was badly worded by me. I've just bought the 6 way switch to give it a go!

[@tigerboi864]

Any way to add a coil tap switch for each pickup?

[@LowEndLobster]

The pickups are a reverse P config in there. You can do series/parallel switches for each pickup if you wanted.

[@tigerboi864]

@@LowEndLobster Ok so if I had 3 dual coils and did the same thing with a rotary switch I could potential do the same with each coil

[@Barrettzone]

What model is this exact preamp @LowEndLobster? I want that exact sound!!!!

[@LowEndLobster]

I told you on facebook lol ;P John East MMSR

[@Barrettzone]

There are a number of models! Did you go 3 or 4 knob? Just watched this video for the 5th time! I gotta get it right!

[@LowEndLobster]

I went with the 3 knob but added a passive tone control, otherwise go for the 4. I also mentioned this on your FB post ;P@@Barrettzone

[@Barrettzone]

@@LowEndLobster I see the post, but….did you get a haircut? Getting ready to order the preamp and rewatching your video, I can’t recall if you had the one with the bright pull on the volume.

[@Barrettzone]

I figured it out! You have two videos on KZbin and I was opening a different one each time!

[@joelosacco]

Is it still an 18v pre amp or is it 9v?

[@LowEndLobster]

18v here

[@joelosacco]

@@LowEndLobster I know I'm pestering you with questions about this and I apologize. So you are able to connect two batteries to the JE preamp. I'm still waiting for these to come back in stock so all of these questions are so I can have this correct right off the bat. Do only the red wires go to the 6 way or both red and green? Remember mine is NG2 and I'm adding the 3rd pickup. Is there anyway to see a pic of the wiring of yours just so I can get this right. Thanks for your time and help.

[@mikkodeluna8658]

Like and subscribe because of the cat😻 ❤

[@rl-ub9hx]

Bebe is all about that B

[@LowEndLobster]

It's basically her string lol

[@andymorley6586]

Great playing as always, Lobster. I can’t help thinking that Dingwalls are ‘the emperor’s new clothes’. To me it sounds thin and weak in nearly every setting.

[@cjanderson87]

I pressed like as soon as you kissed that beautiful kitty cat.

[@robeggers5560]

Wow if they made them in china they wouldn’t have to charge over a grand

[@donjorge8329]

Nice sound...but this thing is quite ugly.

[@LowEndLobster]

The styling is definitely not for everyone. I dig it though!

[@donjorge8329]

@@LowEndLobster ;-)

[@1okanaganguy]

Dingwall B string far over rated