Dingwall John Taylor Rio Dream JT3 Ltd - cranberry pearl

Limited to just 82 instruments, the Rio Dream Bass is modelled after the Dingwall NG3 that Taylor used on Duran’s 2022 studio album, Future Past, though with some design modifications to really hone in on his tone. As well as the ‘Rio Eye’ inlaid at the 12th fret of Dingwall’s customary multi-scale fingerboard, other specs include a Nyatoh body, a bolt-on maple neck and a Macassar ebony fingerboard.

The body also features a custom finish that takes its inspiration from Duran Duran’s Rio album cover. “John Taylor’s bass playing on Rio really imprinted on me how a bass should fit into a band mix,” said Sheldon Dingwall. “His basslines have always had a special combination of energy and elegance.”

“It all started when I was in Toronto about five years ago with a friend,” says Taylor “and he showed me a Dingwall bass on his phone. I loved how it looked and immediately said to Bernie Guerra, my tech, ‘You’ve got to reach out to these guys! Sheldon Dingwall is a real visionary.”

Each bass is individually numbered and also includes a Hipshot Drop D Xtender key, an onboard Rupert Neve Designs preamp, a special string pack, spare cream pickguard, and a custom gig bag.