Dingwall Guitars has finally unveiled the SP1, the latest addition to its Ready To Play range.
Available in both 4- and 5-string versions, the SP1 is offered in a range of eye-catching finishes, including Gloss Metallic Black, Vintageburst, Dark Candy Green, and Matte Ducati Pearl White, each paired with a uniquely UV-printed pickguard based on hand-painted art from Hugh Fisher. Thanks to the semi-transparent design, each pickguard subtly shifts in appearance depending on the body color beneath—an aesthetic detail rarely seen at this price point.
The SP1’s Alder body is slightly thinner than previous models for improved ergonomics and reduced weight, while still maintaining the punch and resonance Dingwall instruments are known for. The bolt-on Maple neck and Rosewood fingerboard offer smooth playability, aided by carefully rolled fretboard edges and 22 banjo-sized frets.
Of course, the star of the show is the multi-scale design, with a 32″–34.25″ scale on the 4-string and 32″–35″ on the 5-string version, delivering even string tension and increased definition—particularly on the low end.
Tonally, the SP1 keeps things passive, but highly versatile. It’s loaded with a Dingwall Dual-P pickup in the neck and a FD3n pickup in the bridge, controlled via a Quad-Tone 4-position selector that gives access to four classic combinations: neck solo, neck/bridge in series, neck/bridge in parallel, and bridge solo.
A master volume and master tone round out the controls, making the SP1 simple to navigate while offering a wide tonal palette. As Dingwall’s Sheldon Dingwall puts it: “The SP1 ticks all the boxes—studio-quality tone, comfort, and ease of use.”
Under the hood, the SP1 features the brand’s custom-designed Minimalist bridge, which allows full bridge-height adjustment via internal risers—an elegant solution that avoids over-relying on individual saddles, preserving string life and playability.
Combine that with open-gear lightweight tuners, a Graphtech Black Tusq nut, and a bullet string retainer, and you have a bass that’s gig-ready straight out of the included padded gig bag.
Get the Dingwall SP1 here starting at $2,510.
