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Kiesel Aries A2

#41
gt96g said:
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.
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Technically they start at $1999 if you want to compare to Dingwall NG2, as multiscale adds $200 to the build right off the bat. Also I strongly feel that you need at least a 3 piece neck, whether or not you are trying to mimic a Dingwall so I'd say they start at $2149. Add $200 if you want a preamp, which brings it to $2349. Still that's not bad at all and you've got about 25 colors to choose from.

I'm looking at a Dingwall NG3 4 string with no pickguard which is right at $2500. Once I configure an A2 to be close to equal it comes out to $2650. The NG3 has that faux-quilt top though but I don't consider that an upgrade.

However, the concern I have is about the jack location. I'm not sure how it would work with wireless systems like the Line 6 that I use which has a large plug-in transmitter.
 
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#42
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)
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I don't get why some of the in stock instruments are non-returnable. I guess it's okay if you live near Kiesel and can try before you buy.
 
#43
That is odd. I know that if you build one, there's a built in return window. Anytime you go outside the box and it becomes the "Option 50" (or whatever they call it now) it is unreturnable. I bet they consider it under this catch-all and by pushing orders aside to get yours faster, they upcharged and made it unreturnable. Just a guess, though.
 
#45
mmbongo said:
Technically they start at $1999 if you want to compare to Dingwall NG2, as multiscale adds $200 to the build right off the bat. Also I strongly feel that you need at least a 3 piece neck, whether or not you are trying to mimic a Dingwall so I'd say they start at $2149. Add $200 if you want a preamp, which brings it to $2349. Still that's not bad at all and you've got about 25 colors to choose from.

I'm looking at a Dingwall NG3 4 string with no pickguard which is right at $2500. Once I configure an A2 to be close to equal it comes out to $2650. The NG3 has that faux-quilt top though but I don't consider that an upgrade.

However, the concern I have is about the jack location. I'm not sure how it would work with wireless systems like the Line 6 that I use which has a large plug-in transmitter.
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It should. They using a strat jack and I'm sure Line 6 tested with strats.
 
#49
Dincrest said:
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).
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I wholeheartedly agree with the first statement, and actually said to myself that I wouldn’t want to buy from that guy…but I just love their JB’s. They sound great and feel/play incredibly. I A/B’d one with a Deluxe Jazz V, and it just blew the Fender out of the water. And you can build a pretty nice one for about $2k.
The Icon is another one I like…but I don’t care for any of the newer stuff though.
 
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#50
mmbongo said:
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.
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For this price there's no way I'd even consider an NG now
 
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#51
MultiScaleMale said:
It should. They using a strat jack and I'm sure Line 6 tested with strats.
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Oh it will fit in the jack for sure, but what I'm worried about is the jack sticking out the back. For instance on a Strat it sticks way out the front which is not really an issue because it's on the front. It's also not an issue on my Dingwalls because of the angle of the jack placement.
 
#54
Pelagic said:
That is odd. I know that if you build one, there's a built in return window. Anytime you go outside the box and it becomes the "Option 50" (or whatever they call it now) it is unreturnable. I bet they consider it under this catch-all and by pushing orders aside to get yours faster, they upcharged and made it unreturnable. Just a guess, though.
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It’s my understanding that instruments are non-returnable because of options that would make them difficult to re-sell. I can’t think of why rush orders would be included.
 
#55
Bass Viking said:
It’s my understanding that instruments are non-returnable because of options that would make them difficult to re-sell. I can’t think of why rush orders would be included.
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They can’t charge extra for a rush order when it’s in stock and the labor cost was spent. The rush fee should be non-refundable at least. It’s probably easier to make the whole instrument nonrefundable.
 
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#56
One thing I would add is that Dingwall really isn't a true custom shop. I consider a true custom shop being one that doesn't outsource any part of their builds which Dingwall does for their production models like the NG-3. They are built in Indonesia or something and shipped to them for final assembly. And nothing against Canada but I'd also rather purchase my instruments from a US-based company where the entire instrument is built in-house. So value to value, you'd want to compare the Dingwall Afterburner series to the A2. Kiesel is going to win every time for what you spend on a similar spec'd bass. That being said, I love the Dingwall basses but I own 2 Kiesel basses and never looked back. I'll likely add a third being the new A2.

Another note to those who whine about copying... face the facts.... everyone has copied a Les Paul, a Fender strat, and a slew of other models. Ibanez has copied just about all the competition. Welcome to the world! Just innovate and come up with better stuff!
 
#57
scarswebare said:
One thing I would add is that Dingwall really isn't a true custom shop. I consider a true custom shop being one that doesn't outsource any part of their builds which Dingwall does for their production models like the NG-3. They are built in Indonesia or something and shipped to them for final assembly. And nothing against Canada but I'd also rather purchase my instruments from a US-based company where the entire instrument is built in-house. So value to value, you'd want to compare the Dingwall Afterburner series to the A2. Kiesel is going to win every time for what you spend on a similar spec'd bass. That being said, I love the Dingwall basses but I own 2 Kiesel basses and never looked back. I'll likely add a third being the new A2.

Another note to those who whine about copying... face the facts.... everyone has copied a Les Paul, a Fender strat, and a slew of other models. Ibanez has copied just about all the competition. Welcome to the world! Just innovate and come up with better stuff!
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You see the irony in your statement of "Just innovate and come up with better stuff!", right. Or does that just apply to the side that did the design and research?
 
#58
MultiScaleMale said:
You see the irony in your statement of "Just innovate and come up with better stuff!", right. Or does that just apply to the side that did the design and research?
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Kiesel has done a ton of innovating themselves and been copied. It means just that for every builder! Don't get hung up on some other company copying. So everyone copies everyone essentially. When it comes to anything, the early bird gets the worm and typically going to always have a larger customer base for that particular item. So there is no irony, it's just the way the world runs. As an individual and business owner, I myself make custom parts for just about any/every brand of guitar/bass. However, when I make one design, I'm on to the next idea. And by "better stuff" I mean better versions of your own products.

It applies to everyone!
 
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#60
That back mounted jack seems specifically aimed at YouTube guitar nerds that play seated in classical position, but I'd like to be proven wrong. Pickup switching ripped straight from Dingwall, even though a large portion of 3x owners upgrade to a 6-position switch.

Ugly shape and way overpriced options.

You want no truss rod cover? +$50
You want Dunlop Straplok buttons? +$30
Want 37" instead of 36"? Price is up from +$200 to +300

I spec'd out something pretty basic multi scale without fancy woods and it came out at over $3000. Considering the stories I've read about them messing up custom orders and how much of a really great dude Mr. Kiesel is, I'll pass.
 
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