A Dolphin question

Leviathan

Leviathan

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Hi all...

I'm just wondering what is the feel and tonal difference between a Dolphin SN and a Dolphin Pro 1? I'm currently using a Dolphin SN 5 as my main working bass. What is the Pro 1's tone like? and is it much heavier than the SN 5?
 
From YouTube vids I've seen the Pro1 seems to be way more nasally. Needless to say that aint a great audition. I love my Dolphin SN, I do keep my eye out for an original rosewood Pro1 though, I love the feel of the wenge neck.
 
The SN has a bit more bottom end because of the hollow chambers in it. I found the tone of the SN more appealing than the Pro 1 because of this. The Pro 1 to me sounds more compressed and with more midrange.

The SN is definitely lighter (comparing the SN5 to the pro 1 4).

If I had to choose one or the other I'd get the SN because I think it has more personality, and is more unique tonally and visually.
 
Thanks for the comments guy. I think I have a picture of what the tone sounds like. I do believe the Pro 1 is pretty heavy too...not gonna be good for the shoulders if I'm gonna be on stage for 3 hours...
 
Leviathan said:
Thanks for the comments guy. I think I have a picture of what the tone sounds like. I do believe the Pro 1 is pretty heavy too...not gonna be good for the shoulders if I'm gonna be on stage for 3 hours...
Click to expand...
I don't know what to say... I tried one, and it seemed to be on the light side...
 
babebambi said:
yup, my Pro I is lighter than either of my SS II
Click to expand...

I see. Didn't know that it's that light. I feel that the SN5 is pretty light compared to my Vampyre. It could also be that the body is rather small and that makes it feel light...? I've tried the Corvette Standard Bubinga and that one is really heavy.

To my knowledge, having a heavier bass means better tone. Does that really hold true? I'm having my doubts here...
 
Leviathan said:
I see. Didn't know that it's that light. I feel that the SN5 is pretty light compared to my Vampyre. It could also be that the body is rather small and that makes it feel light...? I've tried the Corvette Standard Bubinga and that one is really heavy.
Click to expand...

Yeah, the Corvette bubinga is a heavy beast.
I should also add that my Pro I is made of a different wood than the current model, and I do not know how the current model compare weight wise.

Leviathan said:
To my knowledge, having a heavier bass means better tone. Does that really hold true? I'm having my doubts here...
Click to expand...

In Warwick land, heavier bass usually translates to a more compressed tone.
I like it personally.
You have to decide for yourself.
 
Leviathan said:
I see. Didn't know that it's that light. I feel that the SN5 is pretty light compared to my Vampyre. It could also be that the body is rather small and that makes it feel light...? I've tried the Corvette Standard Bubinga and that one is really heavy.

To my knowledge, having a heavier bass means better tone. Does that really hold true? I'm having my doubts here...
Click to expand...

No, it doesn't hold. Look at Sadowsky, Alleva Coppolo, MTD and others, they all make very light bass that do sound very good. Usually, heavier wood means more compression since the density is higher, there is less room for "resonance" and the oil in most heavy woods really contribute to the overall compression.
 
Leviathan said:
To my knowledge, having a heavier bass means better tone. Does that really hold true? I'm having my doubts here...
Click to expand...
Hard woods (which usually are heavy) have a tighter sound, they usually cut better through the mix, and they are more articulatede too.
Light woods are more resonant, and they sound better for slap in my opinion.
So they are not better or worse, it's all about the sound you chose to have. If you want a fast, articulated bass, then usually you'll have a heavy bass too.
 
flipper_gv said:
No, it doesn't hold. Look at Sadowsky, Alleva Coppolo, MTD and others, they all make very light bass that do sound very good. Usually, heavier wood means more compression since the density is higher, there is less room for "resonance" and the oil in most heavy woods really contribute to the overall compression.
Click to expand...

I agree with you.But also take into consideration that some builders place more emphasis on letting their pickups & electronics influence the tone rather than the woods used.
You can read all about Alembic mentioning why they use certain woods & combinations of woods to achieve certain tones,but they've also said that they strive to achieve a neutral platform in terms of tone woods & prefer to voice the instruments via their electronics.
It boggles my mind sometimes.
 
Yeah...I've read of some basses which are pretty light but with great tone. Guess it all boils down to the most basic theory...try before buying. Thanks for all your input. :)
 
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