I liked the Spector the most but it's hard to fairly compare these basses without messing around with their EQs.

Actually, EHB means "Ergonomic Headless Bass".

As a Dingwall owner (NG2) from a few years back I'm a little biased but I have to say I'm really impressed by the other two basses here. Spector really put out a great MS option right out of the gate and the EHB hits of a lot of boxes for me in terms of practicality. I don't have personal experience with the Spector or EHB but given the descriptions I'd the say: The Dingwall is for those who want the signature Dingwall tone. The tone is clear, clean, with great mids without losing low end or being too shrill. Dingwall also really seemed like it was designed from the ground up as a multiscale bass as compared to Spector. The NG I got was pretty much perfect out of the box and the quality is on par with any bass in its price point (granted I got it before the price increase). My experience with the balance is exactly what is shown here as well. Sits really nicely standing or sitting and the angle is what I've come to expect with a bass. Dingwall is my "tone machine that just works" option IMO The Spector is a great option if you want that long 37 inch low B for drop tuning but also want other specs that seem a bit more premium (that top, neck-through, etc). I definitely like that top and the wenge used in the neck. The tone is awesome and versatile as well. Overall great value bass if you're looking for a 37-34 option. Spector seems to be my "fancy new kid on the block" choice (really impressed) The Ibanez seems like a very practical looking option if you're not intending to drop tune it that far. It definitely has a good tone that I really dig and the flexible pre-amp option with mid-sweep is sweet. Like the Dingwall it definitely looks like it was designed as its own unique thing from the ground up, which really connects with me (it's probably my favorite looking headless bass thus far). Something not often mentioned about the Ibanez EHB series that's worth noting is the fact it takes regular strings as compared to the other two bases (which need strings that fit the 37 inch scale length). It seems like it'd be a bit cheaper / easier to stock up strings for the Ibanez than the other two basses. The Ibanez is the "practical" choice to me. Overall I think you can't go wrong with any one of these basses.

This was a great video. I'll be surprised if your channel doesn't continue to grown if you keep making videos like this. I love how practical your reviews where. Great stuff!

I’d prefer a 35 to 32 fan, but that Spector sounded way better than the other two

Spector, Dingwall, Ibanez. I was surprised at how much the Ibanez sounds like the Dingwall here, but it sounds like the Dingwall muffled by a dozen thick blankets.

Very cool, you guys are a lot of fun. I'd say Ibanez, Spector, then Dingwall. I have a similar Ibanez, and while out of the gate, it's a little muddy, with some diligent EQing on both the bass, and my amp, it sounds beautiful.

Prices for these models are Ibanez $1,700, Spector $2,100, & Dingwall $2,450. I'll take any of them, but for the price, I think I'd select the Ibanez. I like the headless design that uses standard strings (rather than double ball) and the lighter weight of it. I think it's the best bang for the money, but all 3 basses seem great.

Thanks for this comparison. My own issues boil down to Spector vs Dingwall. I would edge my choice to Spector for the neck-through.

I was just about sold on the Spector until I saw that neck dive. Holy moly

Great video, this helped convince me to buy a Dingwall NG3 from Ish Guitars a few months ago- and its perfect! Thanks guys!

I recently grabbed an Ibanez BTB605MS based on the specs that I read online and the color, I figured it was the closest thing I could get to a Dingwall. Dudes, that bass has blown away my expectations! I refuse to pay anything over $1300 for any instrument that came from overseas such as China, Indonesia, Korea etc... Not because I believe that there is a lack of quality control, but because the resale value on these instruments is much lower... This is a factor I think many reviewers miss. Otherwise this was a great video and very informative, thank you!

Great comparison! It is incorrectly stated that the Dingwall Combustion/NG2/NG3 has a single piece neck. It is a 5 piece maple neck per the company website.

Love the new Spectors but it's hard to bite when for a few hundred more you could have a Euro 5LX... would be a lot more tempting if they were in the $1500 range

Great video, I’m leaning towards the Spector myself

What Dingwall could also do is use a push-pull blend pot that controls the outter pickups. Push to turn them on, pull to turn them off, and then blend em. Then use the volume pot as a push-pull to turn on and off the middle pickup. That gives you the full range of sounds between the outter pickups and the ability to add the middle wherever and you don't need a blade switch. Another counter to the blade switch is put on/off buttons on the treble side of each pickup. You don't get blending or discrete volume control but you could theoretically have any number of pickups done like this all hooked up to a master volume and master tone/EQ stack. Real simple on the knobs.

My son bought the Ibanez (the Seafoam Green version), and I'm waiting for my Spector NS5 (same color you got there) to arrive. Another 2 weeks to wait, but I hear some are waiting out till June for theirs. I've had a chance to play my son's Ibanez, and it's REALLY good. The balance is great, and it's incredibly light. Weirdly "boomy" though -- I had to roll almost all the bass off my Peavey Max 300 AND the Ibanez bass to get a nice tight sound.

this is the type of video that REALLY makes me want to try these basses in person to know for sure... but no music stores stock these around me!

Tried a Dingwall, it was effortless to play but but the scale length was the only thing I didn't like (feather touch and high output), I have a Spector Euro 5 LX from around 2005, it's a tank. I can't stop looking at the EHB1506MS, really want to try one out

IMO, the best mod you can order for the Dingwall, is the Lee Sklar switch. The switch goes from fattest (both pickups in series on 2-pickup models) to brightest (bridge solo'd) in logical order. No more wondering about combinations- just dial up more beef or less, as conditions require...

I recently looked at all three of these instruments, specifically not intending to buy the Ibanez. After spending some time with each of them, I bought the 6-string version of the Ibanez. It's by far the most comfortable to play, for me, has zero neck dive and the tone circuitry is by far the most flexible. An important consideration for me was also that the shorter G and C strings on the Ibanez are much less twangy than longer scale small strings tend to be. The back carving on the Ibanez is more comfortable as well. The shiny finish on the Spector, though, is kind of to die for.

I want the Spector with the Ibanez paint job. I love all these though.

Love the Spector sound.

Thanks for this very useful comparison! However, why not include ESP LTD B-1005 37-34" multiscale bass, as it definitely belongs here even more than shorter headless Ibanez? Also, Brice Defiant multiscale 37-34" mahogany neck through - same category?

I’ve got a Dingwall and 1505MS with a Spector on the way. Love my multi scale basses. The Ibanez multi scale doesn’t have as much an impact as the Dingwall but, also, was easier to adjust to, especially chording in the upper registers. Fit and finish on the Dingwall is also better. I play the Ibanez more because it’s lightweight and easy to play and cops a reasonable jazz vibe. I think the Dingwall neck profile feels better to me, a bit chunkier. I’m stoked to get my hands on the Spector.

Based on sound alone, from favorite to least: Dingwall, Spector, Ibanez.

Heads Up! We are releasing our own custom run in July 2022 of white painted Dimensions with EMG 40DC pickups, a Darkglass preamp, and an all maple body with rosewood fingerboard. We'll be posting more info on our KZfaq channel as well as our other social media so stay tuned!

Very interesting the contour of the back of the Ibanez. This seriously makes my decision harder.

The clarity of this Spector!

Thank you for the great video! Are you using any effects like compressor?

Excellent video but remember the Ibanez is still short enough to accommodate a wider variety of strings, tape wound , flat wound , half round etc

The Ibanez has my heart, although I'm incredibly biased as I own one lol. The 35-33 multiscale is a nice middle ground between the larger Dingwall/Spector multiscale and a standard 34" bass. The shorter scale on the high strings feels quite nice as someone with smaller hands, and all the strings have a nice balanced amount of tension. Mine's strung with D'Addario Pro Steels (130-105-85-65-45) and tuned down a half step.

In this video i liked the tone of the spector. But with eqing of any of these basses will sound great .plus tone really comes from the hands. You can get a crappy bass to sound great with a talented player and get a great bass to sound less apealing with a begginer player.

Omg the spector sounds amazing

I came in to this thinking I'd like the Ibanez the best (I really love a warm, vintage sounding bass, and when you put the EHB in passive mode, the treble control then works as a passive tone control!). I don't think that changed, BUT I have more respect for the other 2. The Spector looks amazing (I'm not entirely sold on the electronics, but they're aimed at a different audience than myself), and I never was a fan of the sound of Dingwall NG2's or NG3's (again, aimed at a different audience than myself) but the Combustion sounded fantastic and much closer to my kind of sound!

Wow, the spector did it for me all around.

I liked The Spector D(deep and warm) Dingwall (nice deep and 'attacky') BOTH equally but for THESE different reasons. The Ibanez sounded a bit flat to me, maybe better with a preamp pedal but it was not near the other two imho. I have played an Ibanez before and whilst I thought it was a good bass, it didn't have enough mass and i found it a bit weedy as a result.

The Dingwall sounded like a combination of the best of the other 2

I’m getting a Dingwall Combustion 5 next month, but I do plan on a Spector and if I decide I want a headless it will be the Ibanez. 🤘🏻

Sound wise the Spector wins for me. Dingwall has a certain something in the tone that I really like, but I don’t quite know what. I’ve played a lot of Ibanezes, and wholeheartedly recommend people check them out, especially on a tight budget. Bang for buck, they just win. But, however, my pick out of these three, is definitely the Spector. Looks, sound, quality, comfort… I just wish it had the Ibanez preamp configuration. The only minus for Dingwall though, is that they are just everywhere now. Minus for Ibanez is, I’m not a headless fan. Also the pickups seem a bit dull. (Preamp saves them a bit though)

Spector has so much character

The Dingwall is killer, that's why I own one,mine is a 6string though 🎸🎶🎵🎼🤘

That multiscale spector seats well with my tone taste

So curious between the ibanez and the Dingwall what was the thinner neck of the two? I have a Dingwall currently

I was suprised to hear you guys rave on the astonishing QC of Dingwall as I have really another experience. Because Dingwall is so difficult to find in stores (at least in Europe) you go searching for review video's. Tempted by the blazing reviews I bought a Dbird when it was still available. To my big surprise, after playing for about an hour, the E string all of sudden went out of tune. The bridge saddle dropped (causing the string to imprint the windings on the pickup, no fun for a brand new bass!). So then you go talking to their tech department (and dealer etc..., too much energy spent on a new bass) they shipped me industry loctite which I had to apply on the saddle. Once done on the E, not bothering the other string, I had the same issues on the others strings as well. So for a brand that says it wants to raise the hairs on your back, I was quite disappointed. It has left my collection again, despite I much loved the bodyshape. Furthermore, nobody talks about the pick-ups in the middle of the body, but to me this a real nuissance when you dig hard with a pick. Don't bother on saying that you need to play with fingers, I play both and the band I bought it for, favours a picksound.

I own the 1506 and LOVE it. I have played dingwall and they are great. I own a music man as well. The 1506 just sounds dope as hell in a mix. Low gain or high.

What volume setting and pickup selection was used for each? Bridge, neck, both, series, parallel, etc. Volume knobs tend to impart EQ (e.g. if I roll the volume from 100% to 80% on my P-bass it cuts the highs, and can be stacked with the tone knob for maximum thump). Additionally, the basses didn't have the same volume, so if this was all at 100% it would indicate different output levels (probably different if you run the preamp at 9V vs 18V as well, and some effects pedals that support both voltages sound much better at 18V so I imagine preamps are the same).

I own the Ibanez EHB1005MS which is almost the same as the EHB1505MS except for Bartolini pickups instead of Nordstrands. I was surprised that your EHB1505MS didn’t sound very good in your video. I think my EHB1005MS sounds much better. What strings are you using on the EHB? How old are they?

You really could have done a way better job setting the EQ on the Ibanez. You made it sound quite bad in comparison here by not adjusting level and EQ, but there are plenty of other videos on KZfaq where they sound really good.

Dingwall, Spector then Ibanez (tone-wise) - I am not a fan of Spector ergo's - Ibanez body shape is just odd. (dig the headless tho)

Fun. Y’all know that the reason for the shape of the back of the Ibanez (you said you didn’t understand) is to make the point of contact of the forearm to the body comfortable. It is.

I quite enjoyed this video! Have used a StingRay since the 90s, and added key bass in the last few. Switching frequently between the two nowadays means neck dive is a big factor for me, so I’ve just bought an Ibanez - so much relief for my ageing bones since I’m doing up to 3 hours a night… but the other two also look/sound like really nice pieces of work!

Also I loved my dingwall and I love my msbtb Ibanez but sometime I feel like the shorter scale should be nice for some fast techy stuff

The one I liked the most flat was the Ibanez. It had more growl to it. But I think the Dingwall would be far more craftable.

I love Spector sound

I have an EHB, and I want to point out that it becomes a real contender when you swap the stock preamp out for a Nordstrand or similar. The Ibanez preamps just don’t stand a chance against the industry leaders. I also replaced my blend with a Dingwall-style rotary switch to include a series option. It is currently setup for GCGCF tuning and killing it. It’s also worth mentioning that it fits in a lot of guitar size cases and bags. To my ears, it sounds like the Ibanez was demo’d in passive mode with the tone knob in the center. The treble pot doubles as a tone in passive mode, so unless you turn it past the center notch, the tone is at 50%. Also, the Nordstrands in the Ibanez are indeed real. I have several other sets of Nordys in other basses that I can compare them to, and I’ve also had my custom Nordy orders wait in line for months while the Nordstrand shop was completing batches for Ibanez.

Nice video thanks. But seriously, comparing any different scaled basses is kind of moot. The main advantage of a fanned fret bass with HEADLESS is that - which you seriously forgot to mention, and it's paramount for most people - is that most strings will fit Ibanez without even the slightest hassle. You do not have to hunt down the Extra Long Scale strings like you have to for Dingwall and Spector. There are not that many manufacturers that makes strings will fit a low B at 37". They are obviously not in the same price range either. I mean the special string sets. On any headless, the strings ends behind the zero fret, and or nut, and thus doesn't need to be any longer at all. On a regular 34" scale there's ample amount of excess slack around the wraps of the tuner posts. Now, the balance test should NOT be carried out with standing with a strap on. You should sit down without a strap and just let go of the bass and see if it stays right in the middle and not dive anyway, neither neck nor body dive. Body dive is just as bad. If you stand up, with a strap on, the only thing you should perform is a tiny jump up in the air and check where the strap and neck ends when landing again. It should stay put. Which it does on the headless. However, if the headless had a 37" inch scale at the B-string like the others did, the neck diving MIGHT show up, giving the neck would be longer.

Spector - Dingwall - Ibanez.......hard not to love that Spector !

Dingwall sounded the best to me, I wasn’t a fan of the noise the Spector made and the Ibanez sounded like it was trying to do what the Dingwall does but wasn’t really getting there. I think tbh if you took any one of these home you’d not spend a second thinking about the other two once the decision had been made. They all seem like good guitars that would be a pleasure to live with.

I'd love to own a neck through Spector. But in the real world, I've got an Ibanez SRMS805. I actually prefer it over the headless.

Imagine having a guy from Sweden order an NS Dimension from Ish guitars, because he couldn't wait for the European release. Who'd do such a thing? ;)

I love the spector

I have been struggling with a decision between an Ibanez EHB and a Dingwall D Roc... This did not help at all thanks :)

Im not sure if the Ibanez btb805ms was out at the time of this video, but im sure it would be better then the ehb1505ms as it includes the 37" multiscale length and a head

Bass player who uses a pick: well, guess I’ll go 🦆 myself.. 😂 That Spector sounded the best. Hands down.

Metal guy here, tuning to a Gb B Gb B E, I prefer a 37-34 Scaling

Dingwall definitely has the most well rounded tone. The other two seem like they'd be suited to limited styles.

Spector. It had the most balanced bottom when slapping, but the Dingwall had the finger tone.

Imagine if Warwick announced a multi-scale... The Warwick low mid growl with the 37" clarity on the B? That would be awesome. As these basses are right now, I think I lean towards the Spector. I think Dingwalls are borderline overused at this point (in prog especially), almost that the Dingwall/Darkglass combo isn't that unique anymore. The Fluence pickups sound great, and they are super versatile. That being said, I'd love to see the ESP B-1005MS go up against these. It comes in at $100 less than the Ibanez, with the same pickups and the 37" low B. I'd probably consider it the most seriously besides the Spector.

"as long as they work" Hear hear. That's the important thing.

I have this same Spector it’s beautiful but has a little bit of neck dive. It sounds great but the weight plus neck dive hurts the comfort playing it a bit

I wish Spector demensions would have EMG+tonepump like euro lx 😭😭

I'd go ibby based on looks price weight versatility and string choice.

The Spector, Dingwall & Ibanez

The Dingwall sounds the best set flat in this video.

Spector, Dingwall, then the Ibanez.

Yep, still a happy Dingwall owner

Spector... then Dingwall.... then Ibanez.

It's hard to beat a Dingwall. As they say, "Ding Dong all day long."

I have owned a Dingwall guitar for 25 years and although I'm not a bassist I have to say they are the very best! I think the Spector is a bit woody sounding and not as bright.

Whaaaat? That last sticker was basically "I don't want Ibanez to win".

I expected more of the Ibanez..... But finally the Spector is the best 100% Confirmed

Keep in mind the Ibanez is also a bit cheaper than the other 2 fellas, but I agree with most of the Spector, Dingwall, Ibanez lists.

dingwall clarity job done

Spector, Dingwall and Ibanez. That said, I've recently ordered an EHB. Lmao.

I wish stingray would get a multi scale line going!! As long as it doesn’t neck dive like a Warwick thumb nt im good

The Bridges on the Dingwall are Hipshot, Dingwall Hipshot solos which are the regular Hipshot solo modified by Sheldon as the regular Solos are too long for this bass.

IMO, Spector, Dingwall then Ibanez.

Spector > Dingwall > Ibanez

I'm not sure why ash wood seems to be always listed as low-weight. My swamp ash pre-Gibson Tobias Growler was heavy. I loved that bass but it fell off the guitar stand and the headstock snapped halfway through. I got it professionally repaired but it was never the same so I sold it.

That very first riff is totally Flying Battery Zone Act 2 from Sonic Mania lmao

Sorry if I am late to this party. Great shootout, except for one problem, which is the same one I had with Consumer Reports; you give equal weigh to all categories and to me this is a mistake, not all categories are as important, the primary function of the device should have a lot more weight. Maybe you could also choose one or two more categories and also give them more weight, not as much as the primary one, but still more than less important ones. For example you give something like 50% for the primary function, then maybe 15% for a couple of the other important categories and the rest split evenly with the remaining percentage. Just my opinion from years of reading reviews.

Spector all day. The Dingwalls have great playability, but i went back to my spector.

Ahhhh dude. I really like that ibanez

Do this again but with a Dingwall out of the custom shop all made in Canada

So basically do you want a BO or neckthrough?

All this tells me is that the Spector Ibanez marketing budgets are bigger then the esp,ache yet and warrick marketing budgets

Are you guys digging the Digwall bass because it's basically a Canadian product

Wait, wait wait.. Did you say Ibanez makes good hardware ? Do you remember the acu-cast bridges that the strings were pulling out of ?

Feel like the Ibanez and the dingwall would sit better in the mix for most styles of music. The Spector had that sound of new strings with no mid and the higher end was a little harsh.