Sheldon Dingwall Revives Saskatoon Guitar Company After Blaze

In a remarkable story of resilience, Sheldon Dingwall has successfully rebuilt his guitar company, Dingwall Guitars, after it suffered devastating losses from a fire in 1996. Founded in the 1980s in Saskatoon, Canada, the company has become a significant name in the world of electric guitars and basses, despite the challenges faced along the way.

Dingwall’s journey began when, as a young musician, he was unable to afford a quality electric guitar. This prompted him and a friend to craft their own instruments. With guidance from mentors, including Glenn McDougall, who founded Fury Guitars, Dingwall honed his skills, leading to the creation of three electric guitars. “You know, he started small; I could start small,” Dingwall reflected on McDougall’s influence.

After testing his homemade guitars during band tours, Dingwall began working at a local music store, where he sold his first name-brand models. The demand for bass guitars soon followed, and Dingwall Guitars expanded its offerings, introducing a line of basses featuring signature fanned frets. “We starved for the first 20 years,” Dingwall admitted, noting that early customers were primarily engineers focused on performance over style.

On October 8, 1996, Dingwall faced a critical turning point when the Uncle Ed’s building in Saskatoon, where the company was based, was destroyed in one of the city’s largest fires. Dingwall vividly recalls receiving a call that morning, only to arrive at the scene to witness the building engulfed in flames. “It filled up with gas and then exploded,” he said, reflecting on the surreal experience of watching his life’s work burn down. Fortunately, he and his family were unharmed, which helped him maintain perspective during the crisis.

Despite the trauma of the event, Dingwall found support from the community, which spurred him to rebuild. A benefit concert organized by friends at a local pub raised funds for Dingwall and other businesses affected by the fire. Although he felt overwhelmed and chose to remain outside during the event, the kindness of others motivated him to move forward.

Today, Dingwall Guitars stands as the third-largest guitar manufacturer in Canada. The company produces nine high-end models of bass guitars, with seven still crafted at their main shop on 44th Street East in Saskatoon. The remaining two models are produced in China, final assembly taking place in Canada.

Dingwall’s instruments have gained recognition among prominent musicians, including American bassist Leland Sklar and Amos Heller, who plays for Taylor Swift. Reflecting on his journey, Dingwall stated, “In my first business plan in 1990, I talked about how I wanted to travel the world with my industry and now I get to do that.” His passion for music and dedication to craftsmanship continue to resonate within the industry, creating a lasting impact on both musicians and their audiences.

Through perseverance and community support, Sheldon Dingwall has transformed a personal tragedy into a thriving business, reaffirming the power of resilience in the face of adversity.