• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Kiesel Aries A2

#21
I built one last night as a 6-string with a single sweet spot humbucker, a flamed maple top, blocks and an ebony board. I tried a few finishes and settled on a honey burst or something like it.

It came out very cool but was $3000 by the time I did everything I wanted to with it. So the price point is up there with a lot of cool stuff.

People are saying Dingwall, which certainly makes sense if you do the 3-pickup thing. The lower bout looks like a Skjold Firedrake to me.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: mikewalker
#23
logdrum said:
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.
Click to expand...

Dingwall licensed the fanned fret concept from Novak until the patent expired.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Waltsdog, J R Knots and mdogs
#25
Of course, this happens a week after I receive my Dingwall NG3!

Now, Kiesel is no stranger to multiscale instruments-- they've been doing them on 7-&-8-string guitars for nearly a half decade now, and looks like they started giving that option for bass last year or so-- but it's pretty obvious who they're trying to compete with, and there are a lot of individual features that combine to make those particular basses what they are.

If Kiesel did their research into what makes those instruments tick, this can be a real hot item for them-- the wait list for "the Multi-scale King" is beyond 2 years. If another shop can make a comparable instrument with equivalent quality, the musicians win!
 
  • Like
Reactions: jimb213 and comatosedragon
#27
Love or hate Jeff Kiesel himself (because, yes, he does often come across like a d-bag in his online presence), but Kiesel's been upping their game, especially with more electronics options (which were always a sore point when the instruments were still branded Carvin).

The Icon is still my favorite Carvin/Kiesel body shape. I used the builder to spec out a hot pink Icon 5 with a single humbucker in the sweetspot.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: comatosedragon and j.albert
#32
They literally began offering this bass the day after I finished building and paying for my 4 string multi-scale Vanquish. Oh well.

What strikes me as odd is that the website lists the average weight of a 4 string multi-scale vanquish as 9.15 lbs, and the weight of an A2 multiscale 4 at 7.6 lbs. This is with alder for both bodies, maple neck, ebony fretboard. Both basses have the same hardware (bridges, tuners) and the same electronics. The A2 has a third pickup, but still somehow averages 1 1/2lbs less?

How is that possible (i.e -- what am I missing?)
 
#33
comatosedragon said:
They literally began offering this bass the day after I finished building and paying for my 4 string multi-scale Vanquish. Oh well.

What strikes me as odd is that the website lists the average weight of a 4 string multi-scale vanquish as 9.15 lbs, and the weight of an A2 multiscale 4 at 7.6 lbs. This is with alder for both bodies, maple neck, ebony fretboard. Both basses have the same hardware (bridges, tuners) and the same electronics. The A2 has a third pickup, but still somehow averages 1 1/2lbs less?

How is that possible (i.e -- what am I missing?)
Click to expand...

Slimmed body and bridge?
 
#35
They start at $1799, cheaper than a Combustion or NG. I think Canadian made ding walls are absolutely beautiful but between their price and their typical applications, I never really figured I'd own one. I own a few high-end pieces, but I lean to more traditional instruments when making those purchases.

That said I could easily see taking a flyer on one of these at some point. I've had a custom Kiesel in mind for a few years. I've owned a couple acquired via trades and such and was always impressed by the quantity you get for the price. This A2 looks like an absolute winner to me.
 
#36
comatosedragon said:
They literally began offering this bass the day after I finished building and paying for my 4 string multi-scale Vanquish. Oh well.

What strikes me as odd is that the website lists the average weight of a 4 string multi-scale vanquish as 9.15 lbs, and the weight of an A2 multiscale 4 at 7.6 lbs. This is with alder for both bodies, maple neck, ebony fretboard. Both basses have the same hardware (bridges, tuners) and the same electronics. The A2 has a third pickup, but still somehow averages 1 1/2lbs less?

How is that possible (i.e -- what am I missing?)
Click to expand...
You always have the option to return it! ;)
 
#36
comatosedragon said:
They literally began offering this bass the day after I finished building and paying for my 4 string multi-scale Vanquish. Oh well.

What strikes me as odd is that the website lists the average weight of a 4 string multi-scale vanquish as 9.15 lbs, and the weight of an A2 multiscale 4 at 7.6 lbs. This is with alder for both bodies, maple neck, ebony fretboard. Both basses have the same hardware (bridges, tuners) and the same electronics. The A2 has a third pickup, but still somehow averages 1 1/2lbs less?

How is that possible (i.e -- what am I missing?)
Click to expand...
You always have the option to return it! ;)
 
#39
RGerhart said:
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
Click to expand...

Agreed on that description.
I bet it’s better designed than some of the newer Me Too Multiscale basses where an existing design was basically given fanned frets. I have zero interest because I have 2 Canadian Dingwalls. If I was considering a Combustion/NG - I would certainly explore this option.
 
#40
comatosedragon said:
Well, most of the time. I paid 10% extra to get a 'rush' on the build (move it up about 3 weeks in the queue); but I was contacted yesterday and informed that by putting a rush on the build, it is unreturnable.

I could see the rush fee being non-refundable, but the whole guitar??

(p.s. - I paid the fee)
Click to expand...
That’s odd. Are they trying to discourage rush builds?
 
  • Like
Reactions: comatosedragon

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back