Not sure how I fell about this one. Looks familiar but I just can't place it....
Kiesel Guitars: A2 Bass
Kiesel Guitars: A2 Bass
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Kiesel Aries A2
- Thread starter MultiScaleMale
- Start date
It is interesting, and if I had the cash to throw at an unknown quantity, I'd get one to compare to my Dingwalls (NG3 and Z3, both 6-string) and my BTB806MS.
I'm puzzled by the scale lengths (37-34), because as far as I know, is unique to Kiesel (though not far off enough to make strings hard to find). I'm also not a huge fan of a 2+4 headstock. I'd really enjoy trying it out, though.
I'm also puzzled by the stated pickup pan pot, and how that will work with the three pup option.
I'm puzzled by the scale lengths (37-34), because as far as I know, is unique to Kiesel (though not far off enough to make strings hard to find). I'm also not a huge fan of a 2+4 headstock. I'd really enjoy trying it out, though.
I'm also puzzled by the stated pickup pan pot, and how that will work with the three pup option.
If you watch Nate Navarro's video demoing the bass, it's not a pan pot for the 3 pickup version. I believe it's the same 4 way options that the 3 pickup Dingwalls have; Bridge, Bridge//Middle, Bridge & Neck, Neck.
I really didn't have time to watch the whole thing, and that is not at all clear from puttering around with their website yesterday. I'm still wondering if the stated scale length might be another place where the website is in error. According to the builder function, both the 5 and 6 have a scale length spread of 37-34, when 37" longest string is selected (they also have an option for the 5 to have a 36-34).
edit: I just noticed you mentioned the Nate Navarro video, which I hadn't seen at all. Mea culpa, I was thinking about Kiesel's unveiling yesterday.
that ax has every possible feature that would only confuse the he[[ out of me...and yet, i think it's attractive! 
it's a good looking piece, IMO. i'm figuring keisel presumes to know the marketing targets.
it's a good looking piece, IMO. i'm figuring keisel presumes to know the marketing targets.
that ax has every possible feature that would only confuse the he[[ out of me...and yet, i think it's attractive!
it's a good looking piece, IMO. i'm figuring keisel presumes to know the marketing targets.
It's a Dingwall copy other than headstock and body. I guess those are the two aspects you can trademark, so from an Intellectual Property standpoint, it's not a copy. But the specs seem very close to Dingwall. Scale, rotary selections, number of pickups, pickup construction, choice of preamp. By Dingwall's waitlist is pushing two years, so there is a demand.
I like how the ad copy states that the design is "Rooted in advancements from the custom shop." Who's custom shop? Sheldon Dingwall's custom shop? If so, then yes, I agree.
Man, if I had the money for one of these...I'd probably buy an ABZ. I just can't with the videos of Jeff lambasting customers over legit issues, and I have a lot more confidence in Dingwall's QC and customer service. Now if they were a grand less...
Yeah, I've noticed that their website gets details wrong pretty regularly, and the builder doesn't handle certain option combinations very well.
I totally get it. I'd love to get another ABZ myself.
However, an ABZ starts around $4500 while these can be had for $2000. I had planned to buy a Combustion to play at places where I don't want to take my ABZ's but man these Kiesels are tempting for that.
A couple other random thoughts: I'm really iffy on the strat style jack in the back of the body. I also prefer the truss rod at the base of the neck IF there's a cutout for adjustment, like Dingwall, current Ibanez BTBs, Fender American, etc. Kiesel doesn't do that.
It looks like a combination of a Kiesel, Dingwall, and an ESP LTD. Case in point:
ESP LTD B-1005 Multi-Scale Bass Guitar - Natural Satin
ESP LTD B-1005 Multi-Scale Bass Guitar - Natural Satin
If you ever go to SoCal - make a trip to San Diego (Escondido) and drop by the Kiesel factory showroom. All Kiesel hesitation - lukewarm-ness will be sorted out. Leave the credit card with the SO if you do not want to make an impulse buy. The family can get lost at the San Diego Zoo or Legoland or get sunburn at one of the beaches out west.
Dingwall copied the fan-fret system from Novax Guitars. The patent expired but as per Novak he had been making fanfret guitars long time before he patented it.
Also Kiesel is basically a custom shop. You can change a lot of things so it will not be a Dingwall at all.
As for strings, they use Dunlop off the factory.
I like the idea of a 2 over 3 headstock - keeps the B string's tuner past the nut enough to avoid wrapping the fat part of the string around the tuner. But a 1 over 4 seems like (in conjunction with a long scale on the B string) it'd make an awkwardly long instrument even longer. I had a 5 in line Carvin many years ago (with a sharp point on the thing - it was the 80s). Playing small clubs, I was constantly poking things and people on stage.
With my headstock....easy there.
With my headstock....easy there.
