Comparing Four Multiscale Basses!

[@ivanmicallef5962]

The Dingwall stands out in every test . Tone monster

[@jamesmarkham7489]

The spector just sound huge. Amazing tone

[@admacdo]

Yeah. But fishman fluence pickups will do that. I have a pair in a 5 string Ibanez Mikro bass and the look on people's faces when they try it is hilarious. The first guy immediately tried to buy it..

[@craigmoran893]

The jury is definitely out on those pickups mate.

[@francoishtzl157]

The spector has humbucker pickups, Dingwall has split coil pickup like a P bass

[@dkpianist]

@@francoishtzl157 I think the spector has a pull pot to switch to single coil.

[@francoishtzl157]

@@dkpianist 3 voices I think

[@nicholasmarzullo3428]

Still Dingwall for me. It sounds like an evolved Fender, which I personally gravitate towards. I'm just happy that there are so many choices overall. The RedSub sounded surprisingly good and if the build quality is there, I could see that becoming a great budget alternative.

[@Laarsgaard]

I purchased a Redsub and it was sadly unsatisfactory. I ended up finding a Schecter instead that was on sale.

[@whipartist]

I have a Redsub and it's ... OK. The tuning machines on mine were garbage but that was easy to fix. Other than that my biggest issue is that the fretwork is sloppy and I'm going to have to spend a bunch of time filing them all down. It's a good instrument for the price but you get what you pay for.

[@PelleKuipers]

@@whipartist Quality control seems somewhat hit and miss. I bought one for the bassist in my band and the one I got had some minor things (mostly finish related) but other than that it's a great bass. It has one spot where there's some buzz but the action is really low as well. Also stays in tune really well.

[@ScisaacFisaac]

My biggest worry with that is that ergonomics seem pretty seriously lacking on the Coliseums

[@NipponTAB]

I bot this exact model of Redsub, it was a pure garbage in term on finish. There was scrashes around the tuners and the varnish on the body in several spots had clearly been touch by items while being sill fresh making marks on it in several placer. The frets were a bit uneven. Ended it sending it back for refund

[@bassplayer1586]

The ehb 1505ms with the nordstrand pickups should have been tested instead of the 1005ms. The nordstrand pickups make a huge difference, especially with distortion/ overdrive.

[@tackypotato207]

However the 1005MS is just over the 1k mark while the 1505MS is 2,500

[@bassplayer1586]

@@tackypotato207 they are $1699 from Sweetwater all day.....not sure where you're getting your figure from.

[@the_algorithm]

I agree the Bart BH2 SUCKS!!! The 1505 sounds great. It is a shame they want an extra $500 for the Nords... I also think the ESP LTD B-1005 should be included in this test. The ESP sounds amazing. I would have a hard time between the ESP and the EHB 1505. (same pickups) I just want to hear a multiscale with Fishman Fluence

[@the_algorithm]

Huh. I didn't realize the Spector has the Fishman...

[@andrewaavik]

Yes but the point was to have a wider range in price to see if that really makes a difference. And of course, you can definitely tell the difference!

[@swankrob]

Cool to see what different people prefer. For me, that bright tone from the Dingwall with the maple fingerboard is what I gravitate towards, but the deep growl from the Spector is equally badass.

[@stevenhirsekorn3444]

For me personally the only good sound on a dingwall is on the neck pickup. I dont see the whole super bright thing as a benefit for bass. The brighter basses usually miss The meaty frequencies in the lower mids and the bass you get on like a p bass or a gibson eb0 bass that get people in crowds super hyped up

[@southpaw_from_southport1522]

​@@stevenhirsekorn3444 Dingwall makes a P Bass.

[@southpaw_from_southport1522]

​@@stevenhirsekorn3444 & That super bright clanky tone is almost essential when running lots of distortion.

[@stevenhirsekorn3444]

@@southpaw_from_southport1522 the reason people go after dingwall is primarily for that 34-37 inch multi scale. The dingwall super p does not have that. It uses a 32-35 inch multi scale design. I own a multi scale p bass and I will tell you that the fan is nice but it is nothing like what you would get from the 34-37 design. In addition you mentioned the high end being essential for a super hi gain bass tone. That could not be further from the truth. When I used to run high gain bass tones before I decided to go cleaner. All i would hear from live production is turn the highs down. Ymmv but personally I’ll stick to fretless p bass style setups with round wound strings

[@kimmorgan379]

@@stevenhirsekorn3444 I have a 3-pickup Combustion and I generally use the bridge/neck in parallel most. I don't find it brighter than my Fender Jazz, but I see why you like the neck pickup solo - is a very, very useable tone - I can cover a lot of vintage applications with that and it sounds lovely with a pick. I do use the bridge and middle in series when I want to cut through live with that lower-mid honk.

[@GtwoManila]

Before the video started, I was sure that the Dingwall would smoke the other basses but after hearing all 4 basses the winner for me is the Spector. Such a massive sound that's smooth and clear, definitely a modern bass tone.

[@dkpianist]

I quite like it too!

[@WartornNOR]

Sounds like someone playing inside a box with the EQ cranked to the max on the bass side to me. Dingwall sounds way more natural and better.

[@BassistBearGaming]

@@WartornNOR I think Patrick used that EQ voice for this test. The spector has 3 voicing, one passive like, one full range and one smile eq-d one. I'm using on mine the full range voicing, it is how i like and I use EQ how i like on my darkglass microtubes infinity.

[@SJW82]

For me the winner is Spector...though 5 plus years ago, it was all Dingwall. So great to hear everyone now can compete with them 💪🏻

[@thebassbuilder]

The RedSub impressed me the most. The Spector and Ibanez sounded muddy and the Spector too scooped on top of that. I say Dingwall 1 and RedSub 2

[@andrzejomes8923]

I feel exactly the same. Dingwall is no disputed winner, RedSub is cheap but honest good. Spector are midscoop/muddy and Ibanez are weird. All at all - RedSub is every dollar worth only.

[@jeffjones9448]

Yep, I was impressed by the Red Sub too! That neck is huge though. You could land small aircraft on it. I was very "underwhelmed" by the Ibanez. Are those Dimarzios in it? Did I spell that right? Anyway, I was disappointed by the tone of it. I suppose they could be replaced by some Agulars or Nordys.

[@thebassbuilder]

@@jeffjones9448 I think they are the MK1 Bartolini’s in the Ibanez. That is their import line of pickups. Not much character in them.

[@the_algorithm]

@@thebassbuilder The Ibanez EHB 1005 is the Bartolini BH2... They sounds muddy and like shit. The EHB 1505 has Nord Big Split and it sounds AMAZING (the ESP LTD B-1005 also)

[@matejgrim]

Exactly

[@Nebvin]

I wish I liked the Spector more, it looks incredible. But I prefer the sound of the Dingwall by far.

[@craigmoran893]

Yeah i agree, it looks great, 37inch, neckthru but it's let down by those pickups. I can't even put my finger on why the Fishmans sound wrong.

[@Nebvin]

@@craigmoran893 it sounds like it’s been run through heavy EQ and had too much removed. I don’t mind that sound sometimes, but I’d rather get it from EQ and not directly from my bass.

[@adamrushka8096]

@@Nebvin tje fishmans have 3 settings, passive, active full range and active hi-fi. He probably had it on active hi-fi witch is very scooped. It also has a humbucker/single coil option.

[@JC-nu5io]

@@adamrushka8096 Yep... This was a comparison video and not meant to highlight everything about the Spector ( would take up too much time for 1 bass) So I doubt he used all the voicings the Fishmans offer...

[@justinc246]

Dingwall remains the standard for multiscale 5 strings IMO, though I'm likely biased as I own one. However I've been very impressed with the Spector and Ibanez each had qualities that I prefer. Such as the top and neck material of the Spector and the compact build of the Ibanez. Definitely glad more MS bass options are coming to market

[@nate5773]

Must say, I was pleasantly surprised by the redsub

[@jesuguru2394]

True... just not big on the looks. And could've used more space between pickups for more versatility.

[@DroctorKloebner]

I own a different multiscale model by redsub and it seems QC is pretty much non existent on these. mine was pretty bad. super sharp fret ends, fret leveling was bad and the worst part was the neck angle. I had to shim the neck pocket to make it somewhat playable. Unless you have experience in fixing issues like that I recommend to stay away from redsub. now it may be that the one I got was particularly bad, but also maybe not.

[@anderondeath4797]

@@DroctorKloebner mine was bad too.

[@MegaTerryNutkins]

I've heard a couple of those Redsubs now (they're the Gear4Music house brand over here) and every one has had a poor low B, kinda negating the whole purpose of the multiscale 5 string thing. Was far worse than a similarly priced regular scale Cort or Sire.

[@TheAnderon666]

@@MegaTerryNutkins My B is fine to be fair. It plays well after setting it up. I was mainly disappointed with the finish for a new bass.

[@vonnie7713]

Spector Love! Bought myself one of these right as they launched it. Could not be happier. Dingwall sounds killer. Wish I had a chance to play one.

[@michaelkeefer4293]

This video made me realize that I REALLY want that Spector! That thing sounded massive!

[@patiszejuicebox]

Hmm. I’d say in regards to best overall in all tests, gotta give it the Spector. Maintained all of its frequencies despite technique and gain changes. I really like the Ibanez for cleans, but not for dirt. Dingwall sounds pretty solid dirty, but I think it’s because I’ve heard that tone how many times now within the past 3-4 years. The Redsub to me was pretty acceptable in everything, just not to the degree of the Spector. For $500, it’s a solid first choice if you ever get one in stock.

[@Sergio_Math]

I've been considering buying a multiscale 5 string for ages. This video is SO useful. I didn't know about Redsub before, and I have to say, I was impressed when I heard it and more so when I saw what it costs. The Dingwall still sounds better, and their D-Roc is still my dream bass, but until I can shell out the thousands of dollars that that instrument costs, I'd be very happy with the Redsub. I loved the shape, color and fingerboard! Thanks again! Brilliant stuff.

[@FreeformRock]

It's not a very good bass, I wanted to get one too. You're better off buying a non multiscale 5string for the Money or safe Up a bit and get something else.

[@mickymaus2969]

I got the RedSub, and I got myself an Ibanez now and i am sending the RedSub back, altough it isnt that bad, but it has some Problems :D

[@FreeformRock]

It's not horrible at all, but there are some very good 5 string options at that price range

[@ChristianMoses]

That Redsub held its own! I like a really articulate bass tone so it sounded the second best (behind the Dingwall) to me. The Ibanez just sounded kind of flat and muffled which surprised me as I'm a big fan of Ibanez basses.

[@57precision]

The Barts in the 1005 just aren't very good, they sound like you threw a blanket over your cab. The 1505 with the Nordy's would bring a lot more to the table, as they are similar to Dingwall pickups.

[@tiltil9442]

I think they use shorter (multi)scales, too.

[@LiquidSword52]

I swear Darkglass pedals and plug-ins just KNOW when a Dingwall is plugged in 😂 My opinion is that Dingwall showed why it’s king of the multiscales, nothing else was remotely close. After that, actually impressed with the sound/cost of the Redsub. Spector wasn’t bad, but darker than expected considering what looked like Fishman Fluence pickups that rock, and the Ibanez left something to be desired. (Fully aware all of these could be adjusted throughout their EQ).

[@GianmarioScotti]

It's 100% a matter of taste. For me the Spector sounded a thousand times better. Even the Ibanez sounded nicer. To my ears.

[@DamianPendragon]

Well, there is a dark glass tone capsule installed in dingwalls

[@chrisAclaes]

Man, the neck pickup on that Spector has a stunning sound. As much as I like the look of the Ibanez, it definitely didn’t do it for me tone-wise. Also, loved that last riff you played, such grunge.

[@dkpianist]

i have other Ibanez basses and quite like them, but this one sounds muffled. Might work fine in certain contexts though. As for the Spector, it's my favorite in this comparison and others like it. Sounds much more polished and a raw and edgy as the Dingwall. I wonder though if it cuts through or if the more subdued tone will easily bury it in the mix.

[@vadymvv]

In blind compatison Spector just a winner tone. So much subbass harmonics.

[@CallipygianMarmoset]

Dingwall has a really crushing tone, but it has no bottom. The Spector though...wow. DEEP. In a full mix with loud guitars, the Spector will really stand out, whereas the Dingwall will really just blend into the guitars and add more harmonic information. Depends on what you want. The Ibanez seems like it would be great for jazz. Has a very lo-fi sound. Also, the shorter scale might make it a very practical choice for many players. The RedSub I'd never heard of before this. I wasn't really a fan honestly. Sounded weird clean, sounded weird distorted.

[@DamianPendragon]

Naw, trust me, the dingwall has enough lows to stand out, while also adding harmonic content. You could easily eq it to add depth, it just also has the benefit of adding higher harmonic content to it

[@iplaybass6690]

I read a lot of comments about the spector being muddy? Hasn't been my experience, you can have any tone you want with those Fishman Fluence Pickups, anything from pure sludge to ultra bright and everything in between, it kinda depends on where you have the toggle switch set and what knob you turned, for the Price, with build quality and materials the spector wins, thats my opinion, but I also own a spector ns dimension, which I bought after doing this exact same test at my local guitar center, except I tested the ibanez 1505ms, as its the better bass, thanks Dan at Guitar Center for being so patient lol! Dingwall was my favorite over all in tone, but I could not get passed the extra 1400 dollars, the tone wasn't that much better, and honestly the spector felt better in my hands, and the body curve fits my robust curves nicely!

[@individualthotpatterns9067]

This is pretty tough, everytime I listen to each bass again I find a new favorite. I’d say the Dingwall has the best all around tone, being equally adept at all sections. This surprises me because whenever I hear a metal band use a Dingwall I usually hate the tone. The Spector has a nice churn which is perfect for picks but needs more oomph when playing in fingerstyle. It seems like comments aren’t too into Bartilonis. Personally I love the warmth and throbiness it gives the Ibanez, but sounds kinda flat with distortion. While the Redsub doesn’t have a section where it’s the best, it still holds its own amongst the rest, and looks totally badass. The B strings for both the Ibanez and Redsub were very impressive considering they’re in a shorter scale length than the Dingwall and Spector

[@klaymeister]

Comparing 4 multiscale (green) basses. This is a major RedSub win to me.

[@nathansantos.n8]

probably something to do with a lower pickup output compared to the dingwall and the spector. they dont drive the distortion as much

[@thebassbuilder]

Bad thing about Spector is no mid control only bass and treble. Sounds way too scooped for me

[@thebassbuilder]

That RedSub sounds great overall. I say the Dingwall would be my first choice followed closely by the RedSub.

[@nathansantos.n8]

@@thebassbuilder same. but i've seen a review of the ibanez with the pups swapped out for aguilar pups and they sounded killer. so it's really the stock pickups on that ibanez that's the problem really.

[@tarkenton3895]

You could compensate on the redsub by EQing properly before the drive. Obviously not ideal in comparison to just having great tone from the bass to start, but for the much lower price range it might be worth checking out

[@Thurgor_Supreme]

Any chance you can re-do the spirit of this video with proper 34-37" scales all around? Would love to hear FD3N (open market Dingwall) vs Nordstrand big splits (ESP B-1005MS) vs Aguilar DCB (Mayones Patriot VF37) vs KRH (Kiesel A2) and of course, Fishman Fluence again (Spector NS Dimension 5)

[@foofighter9656]

Imho... i) Dingwall NG 3 was the most trebly of the four. It sounds to me like there is a high-pass filter somewhere which is reducing the very lowest "boomy" frequencies. Those mids sound super chunky with some rumble though and the overall clarity is very good. Distortion sounds super hairy and clangy. ii) Spector NS Dimension 5 had a relatively balanced sound; some low rumble, pick attack and treble. Distortion sounds balanced with a combination of rumbly bass and crunch. iii) Ibanez EHB: Very bassy, almost like there's a low-pass filter. Pick attack and trebly sounds are much more subtle. Distortion sounds only sounds a little bit dirty, especially when played with fingers rather than pick. iv) Redsub coliseum: Rather balanced sound, but also a little bit muted (not nearly as much as the Ibanez). A little bit less clarity than the Spector. I'm actually rather impressed with the Redsub, especially considering that it's significantly cheaper than the others... I'm really tempted to pick one up for sure! The Ibanez probably has the best sound if you want to keep a super solid and consistent (*cough* boring *cough*) bass tone. The Spector's probably the best all-round modern bass. The Dingwall is absolutely mental!

[@boomerbassmeme]

My favorite tones came from the Spector! #teamSpector

[@slash196]

The Spector is suuuper scooped sounding which sounds good in isolation but I've noticed that they tend to disappear in a mix. Then again, you can always just add that back with EQ. And you can get the Dingwall to do the same thing with a few small tweaks on the EQ as well.

[@cbrunhaver]

They have three pickup modes. He had it the wide frequency response mode or scooped mode, not the traditional. Not the best demo. Check out Nathan Navarro or spectors own channel

[@patrickhunter]

Actually, I had it on Voice 2 or Traditional with full frequency, full dynamics throughout the entire video

[@citizennozmeda7232]

I feel like you set your signal chain using the dingwall then plugged the other basses in without catering to their individual tones?

[@anthonyman8008]

Same

[@DrTomoculus]

In the beginning, it was clearly the Spector I preferred. It just had body to it, presence and the low end was loud and clear. Until it got played with a pick. Then it sounded "flubby" and "rubbery." I'm a player that plays fingers or pick. Depends on the song. I'd go for the Spector without a doubt for finger played songs. Not picked. The Ibanez was the most disappointing. Which was surprising. I didnt expect that at all. Between the Dingwall and the RedSub, it's RedSub. Solely based on looks.

[@davidmurphy7182]

Honestly, the Dingwall underwhelmed me, which is surprising. Also, I have the EHB 1005ms myself, and I purchased it knowing from your review, and others, that it's pickups were not the best. Even so, it wasn't the best sounding of this bunch, but I thought the tones you got from it compared to some of the others were not dramatically worse. Very interesting. I'd be curious to hear you speak about your impressions!

[@ThomCate]

OK, GTFO of my head, because that is word-for-word what I came here to say.

[@davidmurphy7182]

​@@ThomCate Haha! I'm glad to hear that you thought the same things. Videos like this honestly just prove to me that you don't need to spend a fortune on a bass to get one that sounds good. Part of the reason I got the EHB is I liked the look of it so much, and I've been happy about how I've been able to dial in different tones on it. Getting more multiscale basses available across price ranges is great, and I hope to see more of them!

[@tarkenton3895]

Dingwalls are definitely a "pick hard with lots of drive" bass. That or just plow it with loads of compression. I feel like the other basses are a bit more rounded out to be more generally usable.

[@vince8081]

I love the warmth and roundness of the Spector, but love also the clarity and versatility of the Ibanez.

[@carpediemarts705]

Was expecting them all to sound about the same. Was very surprised to be disappointed by the sound of the Ibanez to be just "flat". Thanks for the vid.

[@daveethridge7342]

The Dingwall is too clanky for me. I've always rolled the tone off on my bass. It makes my overdrive tone sound more like palm muted guitar chug. I've never been a fan of the clanky dangle dangle sound.

[@Roman-me5bi]

you should give it to me then

[@nicholasparis4539]

That Spector sounds great... and I still haven’t heard a Dingwall that’s sounded good.

[@albundy2239]

I think the Dingwall and Spector are in a different league. Personally I would pick the Dingwall over the Spector. To my ears the sound is more defined and better balanced. The Spector has some very nice bottom end though. The Ibanez and Redsub don't work for me. 😅

[@cysecgnz]

Man I love that Spector. The style and sound are awesome. I really want to like Dingwall’s because they look cool, but just don’t like their sound. I do like the look of the Ibanez…kinda.

[@uuskate]

that spector 🤯

[@johnmoser2689]

I'm already a fan of Spector but this comparison really drove that home

[@douglasdiggins8296]

I feel its a tad misleading to put the workhorse Ibanez against two higher end basses (don't know much about the redsub).

[@aarondavis5850]

They all sound really good in their own ways, even the Redsub. The Dingwall's brashness is still unrivaled, if that's what you want, but I could see many of these sounds being useful.

[@craigmoran893]

you can tame Dingwall's brashness with the twist of a knob.

[@anthonyman8008]

Should I get a Spector?

[@MineralVW]

I bought yesterday my first dingwall, it sounds awesome on my axe fx 3. Darkglass gives many opportunities for sound. Thank you for review

[@DavidWindhausen]

Thanks for this comparison. For me, it cemented my decision on the ding wall.

[@LithiumJack]

The spector sounds amazing, Dingwall have serious competition as the 'de-facto' multiscale bass. I found the sound of the Ibanez disappointing and almost too vintage in character for such a modern instrument.

[@kevinkwmiller]

That "just the B string" section was money. Thank you!

[@themorrigan1312]

I really liked the Dingwall, but I loved that I could still catch some of that same bite from the bridge pickup of the Redsub, while still getting a much darker, more typical tone like the Spector or Ibanez from the neck.

[@Jackal_Blitz]

Dingwall over the Spector by a smidge. The Redsub was surprisingly good, just a little lacking in highs. The Ibanez sounded like straight ass in every test.

[@jasonstrickland5251]

The Dingwall is my fav. But to be completely fair, the preamp in it has a lot to do with it, for me. Spector was an extremely close 2nd. But build quality aside, the Redsub surprised me the most.

[@MrCrunch76]

Man oh man...that Spector....tasty goodness

[@tarinindell8217]

The least impressive was the Ibanez. I do like the range that the Spector shows, and while im not a big fan of the scooped sound, that can easily be fixed by just bumping up the mids on your eq. I would still probably buy the Dingwall, but the Spector is closer to the "do everything" bass that i am looking for

[@Upsetkiller456]

Goddamn that Spector. What a fuckin' beefcake.

[@Klejpull123]

Bought RedSub Coliseum 6 month ago, and in love it since, hearing this comparision I'm even more glad of mu purchase. Finish and QC may lacking, but fingerstyle sounds best (for me) from these basses. Thanks for video!

[@jdmarino]

So useful. My next bass will be a 5 string, and it seems to me that multiscale is the right engineering solution. I really appreciate the back-to-back licks for comparison. When will we get the build/playability comparison?

[@cyrildescoursiere9060]

Spector wins by a large maregin IMO, the bottom one is the ibanez, the tone seems deaf compared to the other ones. Do we will have a review of the coliseum ?

[@antwandwhite8680]

Im curious to know why they used the EHB1005 instead of using the EHB1505

[@martinchallis7354]

The Spector is stunning, tone wise, just worried as it’s supposed to suffer neck dive ? Anyone tried on ?

[@eightfifty2309]

Man those Dingwalls are killin it this time around! They are definitely the big thing this era for bass!

[@WattchomanBrandySavage]

Awesome comparison. Honestly It's hard to choose a favorite. If prog metal or Djent the Dingwall.. BUT I think the Spector would be a damn good fit in almost any genre.

[@dkpianist]

I like the Spector best. I think it sounds more "finished" than the Dingwall. Probably less work to fit it in the mix.

[@seanmackay6739]

I understand wanting to limit scope for the video, but the dingwall has a 4th pickup configuration of bridge and middle pickup in series which would have been interesting to hear too. And the fishmans in the Spector have two different modes. Since the Spector sounded so different from the others I’m curious if the other pickup mode would have been any different.

[@KOCMOKOT800]

Spector killed them all !!!

[@robertf1309]

Spector and then Dingwall. I think multiscale is the future for bass. I'm waiting for the day that Fender makes a multiscale bass. That'll change the game

[@FynnFTW]

The Day Fender makes Multiscale Basses is the Day Pigs achieve flight

[@connorslawson5315]

I was hoping you’d give us your opinions on them! I’m so distraught between a Spector and a Dingwall!

[@jamesnell7224]

My favourite is the Spectre but honestly I am surprised at just how good the Red Sub sounds. I was in Gear4Music yesterday and never bothered picking up a Red Sub. Walked out with an Ibanez SR400 quilted maple transparent black burst.

[@jasonbenford3427]

Picked up the EQM about two months ago!....POWER TAP!..🤣

[@jamesnell7224]

@@jasonbenford3427 There gorgeous aren't they and with a matching quilted maple black burst headstock too. Interestingly enough I almost never use the power tap feature. I use single coil a lot when I'm playing anything off Undertow or Ænima and standard humbucker for lateralus & 10,000 Days. Coil split is such a useful feature and I'm surprised by how many instruments with humbuckers don't have this feature from the factory. I'll have to play with the power tap switch a bit more and figure out where to use it.

[@jasonbenford3427]

They are GORGEOUS!😘 I almost got the aquamarine burst, but the salesperson talked me into the Dragon!😊 Truthfully, I use the middle setting the most. I add a bit more bridge pickup & a little more mid on the eq. Real Spunky!🏋 First setting is real warm!🤗

[@jamesnell7224]

@@jasonbenford3427 Sounds good man! What sort of music are you playing? Personally I'm just a beginner trying to recreate Tool's (Justin & Paul's) bass tone and I can't afford a £7K Wal or £2.5K Rickenbacker or the expensive amps they use. I cut the mids a bit and often use slightly more neck pickup. This goes into a Darkglass Alpha Omicron distortion pedal.🎸🎛️ You can get some really epic and brutal distortion out of it but I use it to give a really nice subtle overdrive. It really adds to my tone and sometimes I forget it's even there until I turn it off and hear the unprocessed sound! I have an EQ pedal after that to slightly tweak some frequencies and I'm pretty happy with the results.

[@ciddax754]

Thanks a lot for the review!

[@stevec6427]

Perfect timing. I'm in the market for a multiscale 5 string right now. So tempted to go for the Ibanez EHB1005MS

[@tylerd4884]

i love mine

[@Timbucktoo32]

Funny that was my least fav

[@mikaelthemetalhead]

I can attest, the 1005ms is a beaut of a bass

[@jobelewis6416]

Meh, they’re short scale so not really the same thing

[@LukeShingoose]

@@jobelewis6416 Ibanez has two versions of that bass, the 1005 is not short scale one. I love mine personally, I think it sounds great, so lightweight and easy to play, was a game changer back when gigs where a thing. Plus that roasted neck feels amazing and looks incredible.

[@williammcloone6379]

The Fishmans in the Spector bass have 3 distinct switchable voices. I'm curious to know which voice setting was used in this shootout. It puts it at a disadvantage to a degree because each voicing sounds very different from the other. Unlike the other basses which only have one "sound" shaped by the preamp, the Spector actually has way more sounds due to the voicing and split coil capabilities in addition to the standard pickup selection and preamp EQ. Just some food for thought when judging this comparison.

[@innocentoctave]

On balance, I thought that the Ibanez was the most consistently good across all pickups and tones. I felt that the RedSub performed well, given the big difference in price: it sounded slightly muffled, not as 'hi-fi' as the others. The Spector had the most interesting core tone, surprisingly scooped: if you liked it, and could afford it, that would be an easy choice. The Dingwall wasn't to my taste, and came nowhere near justifying its price. I felt that the RedSub was being held back, either by cheap strings or relatively low-quality pickups, but I couldn't tell whether it was the strings, the pickups, or both. Putting the same new strings on all the basses removes that factor and would allow us to hear more clearly what contribution the bass is making to the tone. (I know it's a counsel of perfection: five-string sets aren't cheap.) Full marks for including the DI tracks.

[@sawyernas4782]

That dingwall sounds amazing!!

[@TheProgGuy]

It's amazing how clean and clear the Dingwall is, even with a boatload of gain on the amp sim. The Spector is a close 2nd and the other two don't even compare. I wish somebody would toss in the USA Bartolini's into a multiscale Ibanez because the difference between the import and USA pickups are HUGE. I own a SR505e and having played with the stock pickups for a few years and getting the USA pickups a year ago, I can confidently say there's a big difference between the two. On a parallel fret bass, it's still pretty muddy with gain, so maybe the multiscale would help...?

[@dangracia7805]

You refer to one of the really major comparisons early on in your video when you say that Dingwall has a rep for being good for metal because it cuts through in the mix really well. This is a consideration that should be a major consideration and one that would probably be tough to demo in your video. That's because what you hear at lower levels is not necessarily what you will hear at gig levels. Specifically bass and treble boosted sound with scooped low mids sounds great in bedroom practice and will dial you right out of the mix immediately at gig levels with a group. Sounds great at low levels because the human ear doesn't hear bass and treble as well at lower levels and it hears the mids just fine. When playing with the group where the bass drum commands the low bass and the guitar and keys eat the high-mids and highs, the bass has to have a decent dose of low-mids to give it the presence and definition it needs to be heard distinctly in the mix. Without those, everything is just an inarticulate bass roar. Now after all my comments I must let you know that I primarily play a 4-string 1982 Fender Jazz with a white-bound maple-neck and 70's era pickup spacing (4" center to center) I typically play it through my DNA gear (DNA Endorsing Artist) or through some of my earlier Eden Gear. Both have very clean, clear, and articulate sound. With both of those I dime my bass controls and run most of my EQ flat with the exception of boosting the low mids at either 250Hz or 500Hz just slightly (up to about 1:30). I also do recording sessions with that setting in pro studios. With my DNA amp, I also just slightly boost the bass (~1 o'clock). The bass EQ is a shelving control at 35Hz on the DNA whereas on the Eden amps it's set at 30Hz and I run it flat on my Eden gear. David Nordschow designed both of those amps but set his DNA amp's bass EQ at 35Hz. I do play an active non-name 5-string although I typically run it in passive mode because it's an inexpensive bass (~ $220 in 2009) and just balancing the two pickups gives me the sound I want and I can get it in passive mode without needing to go reset the gain on my amp to a different setting. Makes switching back and forth at gigs go quickly. Although I don't really play much metal and no death metal type music at all, from your demo I prefer the Dingwall sounds as #1 and the Spector #2. I really do like the sound of the Spector at 4:37 when it comes in with the neck pickup using distortion and finger style, but I wonder if that rounder sounding bass tone will carry through with a group? Anyhow will be Dingwall for me and yes, part of that is because I can get an Endorsing Artist price on it whereas I haven't looked into that with Spector and overall I like most of the sounds coming from the Dingwall better.

[@marvinrockon]

Ok Tone wise the redsub is not bad at all. Now we need to know about the rest of all things that matter.

[@Klejpull123]

after month with Coliseum 6- great value, great tone, very comfortable neck. Price is super low, but be prepared to invest some $ at start- frets needs polishing, tuners are worthless (I changed them for Warwick ones), same for nut.But even after that, overall cost is worth it, just need some time and work at start :)

[@briceleclercq101]

Wow to me the Spector killed it!

[@objectionable9891]

Surprised by the spector-the neck pickup was good but both/bridge settings very underwhelming All round I preferred the dingwall, Ibanez meh redsub ok

[@david_onbass]

Dingwall - "Both Pickups" - which two of the three are you referring to? There are 4 pickup combinations: Bridge, Bridge/Middle in series, Bridge/Neck in parallel, and Neck. Just curious which setting "Both Pickups" was.

[@bongosock]

I think you should also look closer at the sound of the D and G strings, particularly the G string. For me, a 34" g string is just too tight (no pun intended)--the fundamental is too constrained by the tension, and it just doesn't resonate. Even though I like the definition of the Dingwall B string, for usable tension across the whole range of the instrument, the clear choice is the Ibanez.

[@bongosock]

@@Chillhoof Good point! Maybe it's the unevenness that's bothering me, not so much there being too much tension on the G string.

[@bryanwalsh4674]

You should have indicated which voicing and pickup mode you used on the Spector, There are so many to choose from!

[@dangracia7805]

I presume when you started going through them all for the second time using all the different pickup choices that you were running your 2i2 with your amp modeler. That made a huge difference with the sound of the Spector in particular. What cab were you emulating for that sound? Before then the Spector just didn't do it for me although I have a friend who has played one longer than I've known him and he swears by it. I personally still prefer the Dingwall sound although there were definitely places where the Spector sounded better to me

[@trfmusic902]

The Spector surprised me with the sound

[@kaipamba]

I've been looking at the Redsub for a while. How bad was the VAT tax on it when you got it? I don't mind spending the money for the redsub to also put a tone capsule in it for less than $800.

[@oceanbreathessalty1]

Spector all the way. Dingwall makes incredible instruments, and had the Spector not been in this video, they would have been my pick. Nothing beats that classic Spector growl though.

[@jasonstrickland5251]

I also wonder if the Ibanez had a better preamp if it would have stood out a little more?

[@Bldyiii]

Im looking for a 4 string multi tuned B-E-A-D. Any suggestions?

[@trident1314]

It's the Spector for me on it's own, but the dingwall would cut through better in the mix, the Ibanez is just bland sounding to me. The Redsub didn't do anything for me either tbh.

[@ninovalenti96]

That Dingwall stole the show. I'm very surprised at the lack of definition on the Spector.

[@ninovalenti96]

Listening to the DI tracks, I did like the pick sound of the Spector over the Dingwall.

[@tiltil9442]

Nice try, Nino

[@texacomann]

The RedSub impressed me, why spend more money? Fix it in the Mix? No not necessary, this beast is my killertone. But how does it feel when playing? You can only try it out by yourself with playing in your own hands.

[@BrettReid-b9w]

What bass beginner whaling to learn should I buy 😊

[@TheStp77]

Ive been eyeing the dingwall for a while but that spector just sounded evil🤘

[@mrbassman7184]

The Ibanez sound really dull compared to the others. Could it be due to the strings?

[@boosted0079]

Left out the Ibanez(with and actual headstock), and the LTD multi-scale basses. Certainly worthy of mention in my opinion. Especially the LTD. It's actually amazing and gorgeous

[@fugesi]

The comparison should have been made w similar fretboards on all four. The maple D'wall and the Redsub sounds edgier while the others have the lovely Rosewood-muddiness. Hard to compare. But I'm impressed by that Redsub budget bass, although the D'wall is No 1 for me here. I actually tried a similiar Ibanez today (!) and was impressed by the variety of sounds, even if I couldn't find my personal favourite sound. In this comparison, it's in last position for me!

[@walt1a]

The Spector sounds more like a bass. The Dingwall is too twangy for me.

[@why_reason]

what's the riff on 3:48?

[@Maht25]

How was the fit and finish on the Redsub? I need a bass for Drop-F and I'm not stoked about putting my Dinger there

[@user-rs7tv5lq5v]

to anyone looking to get the redsub, now named the g4m I am a owner and it is great, just be aware that your gonna wanna get something like emgs to replace the pickups. by far the weakest point of the instrument is the electronics mainly the preamp and a lot of neck dive with a cheap guitar strap

[@erikarko]

Awesome!!

[@NeglectedField]

For some reason I was really hoping the Spector would be my favourite, but the Dingwall still came out top, for my ears. It's just got that growly mid-range and clarity that the others don't quite have - unsurprising given they're like THE multi-scale bass company. The Ibanez didn't sound anywhere near as good as I remember from trying it years ago. Even the RedSub sounded better.

[@stainless641]

Spector all the way for me.

[@parkerbennink731]

Can’t help but ask because I can’t seem to find it. Does the NS Dimension have stainless steel frets?

[@JohnSmith-se2xy]

I'd love to see a review on that redsub, does it feel cheap? And most importantely, would u recommend it?

[@Hillbilly_Papist]

I almost bought one of those Spectors. I've owned numerous over the years and they've always sounded killer. After hearing the Fishmans they stuck in it I'm glad I didn't.

[@AndyDeeFY]

Why? Fishmans sound really cool!