Kiesel Vader VB5 Experience?

[slim231990]

Hello to all ye string slappers, and greetings from the IL state! This is my first post on TB, and I'm looking for a little advice and guidance. I'm a 7 string guitar guy who just started playing bass for the last two years. My original bassist decided he wanted to be a drummer lol. So long story short I decided to pick up the bass duties. Now I'm hooked lmao. My biggest problem with bass is the extreme neck dive I seem to experience on every bass I've tried out. I own a kiesel vader 7 string and have been thinking about the vader bass and the headless design getting rid of neck dive. So if there's anyone who has one, or tried on out lmk what you think.

1) How's the weight distribution?
2) Sound of radium HB or SC pickups?
3) 34' or 30' scale?
4) Overall thoughts?

 

[mmbongo]

Well I don't have a Vader, I have an Osiris 5 string which is a bolt on headless with a different body shape. I went with the Osiris because I prefer a bolt on and I like a bigger body. Otherwise, they are essentially the same thing. I took delivery in September.

Quick history on me....I'm a sucker for boutique basses. I've been through all the 'store bought' stuff, event he higher end stuff (heck, note my user name!) and none of it does it for me. Point being, I've had nothing but high end basses since the 90's so I have a nice portfolio to directly compare. In addition to my Keisel, I also have three Roscoes, a Warwick Streamer, a Carvin Bunny 4, and two USA Spectors. I've owned and sold more basses than I care to count! I actually wanted a headless Roscoe Century, but at 2 times the cost of a Kiesel, it's just not possible right now.

Straight to the point here, keeping in mind the other basses that I own....I was completely shocked at how much I love this Kiesel. I honestly did not expect it to be THIS good. I've had various Carvins over the years so I know what they are all about and had an idea what to expect. The biggest shocker to me was how much they have improved the electronics. The pickups and preamp are phenomenal. I opted for the split coil P bass pickup in the neck, and single coil soapbar in the bridge. I fully expected to replace the electronics at some point as I have done on every Carvin I've had, but there is no point now. Their new electronics are top notch.

I've had various headless Steinbergers over the years (around 6 of them) so again, I kind of knew what to expect with headless. If you've never had headless, it can be strange at first. You don't have to put fourth ANY effort holding the neck up anymore. It literally sticks up in the air right where you need it. It's a bit strange having the weight of the instrument actually all on the bridge side and it just naturally sits in a playing position without having to touch anything. In all, mine weighs 8.5 pounds. I went with the ash body and 5 piece maple/mahogany neck. I think it can get lighter with different woods, and a Vader will probably be lighter anyway.

Keep in mind that Kiesel is having a price increase on Jan 1st, so order now. I also feel strongly that a multi laminate neck is 100% worth the price. You can get a 3 piece neck for like $180 extra. That's the only upgrade I feel that HAS to be done.

I need better pics, but here is mine.

 

[slim231990]

Wow! What a beaut! Yea I totally agree with the quality of Kiesel and their new electronics. I was the type of guy who always swapped out pickups on my guitars, but I will never change the pickups on my V7's. They just sound so good. It's like Jeff got tired of people buying their products and swapping pickups lol. Nice to hear the same about the bass pickups. Debating on calling them tomorrow.

 

[arbiterusa]

So if there's anyone who has one, or tried on out lmk what you think.

1) How's the weight distribution?
2) Sound of radium HB or SC pickups?
3) 34' or 30' scale?
4) Overall thoughts?

I live close to the factory so have tried out quite a few. Kiesel, one way or another, is going to get some of my money in 2020.

Point by point:

1. Awesome. As is the case with most any headless. I'm a longtime Steinberger player but don't want to take mine out anymore as they're pretty irreplaceable. The weight distribution of the Vader is great. I could play one for eight hours straight if needed. That being said, I have an issue with the Vader: due to where they've put the top horn (strap button at the 15th fret) the neck sticks out from the body a bit further than normal. Same problem I have with my Rockbass. I don't like that, it's not comfortable, and am seriously considering as a better alternative the Osiris that mmbongo above has, as the strap button is at the 12th fret and it hangs in a far more "centered" manner.

2. Both are good, I liked the single coil better but if it were my only bass I'd get the humbuckers. Bit more versatile.

3. 34" no question. Tone is way better.

4. Kiesel is making great stuff now. I'd buy a Vader if it was all they had on offer, but they also have that Osiris and I just like that body hang/placement better. No matter what you end up getting, I would be dead certain to make sure you specify with your sales guy that, whatever you get, it qualifies for the 10-day try/return policy, because they have a LOT of options that make it so that 10 day policy does not apply. I'm not willing to do that. These basses are cheap for any custom maker but they are not cheap in the grand scheme of things, and their resale is simply awful. Everyone makes a dud now and then. I'm not willing to get stuck with one or eat a huge fiscal loss. They have improved their instruments to a shocking extent, so much so I wouldn't have thought it possible, but nobody makes greatness 100% of the time. They've got a dud hanging in their showroom right now. So make certain with your salesguy that you can send it back if it sucks. Odds of that are remote. The last Vader I played I damn near bought on the spot, but I gotta have a fretless and, of course, it wasn't.

 

[ronin614]

My thoughts on the Vader are that it's a phenomenal bass. Mine is a walnut body with a one piece maple neck (5 string) and an ebony fingerboard with active/passive and humbuckers. It comes in at exactly 8 lbs on my bathroom scale. You may be able to get the weight down a little more with different wood choices. I've had two extensive shoulder surgeries within the last two years (53 weeks apart), and this bass causes me no problems at all.

There is ZERO neck dive. I play mine at about a 45 degree angle, and it stays there. The fretwork is perfect and the set-up right out of the box was spot on. The neck is a thin/flatish (if that's actually a word) profile front to back with 19mm string spacing. As previously mentioned, due to the body shape, the strap button is around the 15th fret, so the neck is shifted a little to the left (if you're a righty, which I am not.) I don't have a problem with it at all.

The gigbag seems to be built to withstand being run over by a tank. That thing is solid.

 

[Emile640]

If you are not aware of it, they just started offering the vader bass in multiscale, 33" to 35" string length for the fan.

 

[slim231990]

Well guys I pulled the trigger on a VB5. I was pretty sold on a Kiesel bass before this post, and you guys didn't help with the G.A.S. , so I went ahead and got my order in last day of the year. Kudos to "mmbongo" for the heads up on the price increase! And don't worry.... you guys are gonna get your NBD fix. I will necrobumb this tread with a link to a NBD thread when she comes in. Thanks for all the input from you guys!

 

[Emile640]

Well guys I pulled the trigger on a VB5. I was pretty sold on a Kiesel bass before this post, and you guys didn't help with the G.A.S. , so I went ahead and got my order in last day of the year. Kudos to "mmbongo" for the heads up on the price increase! And don't worry.... you guys are gonna get your NBD fix. I will necrobumb this tread with a link to a NBD thread when she comes in. Thanks for all the input from you guys!

Mind posting your spec sheet so we can drool over it?

 

[slim231990]

Here ya go! Was shooting for basic jazz bass woods. Cant beat the ole Maple and Alder combo. I used to have one of these amazing vehicles, and somehow it showed up back into my life this last year. So long story short I took it as a sign and decided to go with sapphire blue and name it after the ole girl "BIG BLUE". Hope you guys enjoy!

Custom Shop Instrument Details:
Base Price: $ 1,349.00
VB5 - Kiesel Vader 5-String Headless Electric Bass
Right Handed
$ 40.00 - TB - Translucent Sapphire Blue
$ 0.00 - -CG - Clear Gloss Finish (Standard)
$ 0.00 - -MA - Maple Neck/Alder Body (Standard)
$ 0.00 - -EF - Ebony Fingerboard (Standard)
$ 0.00 - ID - Dot Inlays
$ 50.00 - IA - Abalone Inlay Material
$ 0.00 - -STF - Stainless Med-Jumbo Frets .048" H .103" W (Standard)
$ 0.00 - -R14 - 14in Fretboard Radius (Standard)
$ 0.00 - -BC - Black Hardware (Standard)
$ 0.00 - -BLK - Black Pickups
$ 0.00 - BL - Black Logo
$ 0.00 - -D50 - Dunlop Super Bright Nickel Roundwound .040 .060 .080 .100 .120
$ 70.00 - SC10B - Black Ultimate Soft Bass Case

 

[slim231990]

Lmao sorry didnt know all the pics went thru. None are the original bus, but better looking refrences.

 

[diablo_man]

Damn, I should really read the whole thread before typing up a long recommendation post, didnt see you have already put in an order!

Cant wait to see it, I love my Kiesels and Carvins.

 

[diablo_man]

So make certain with your salesguy that you can send it back if it sucks.

Even if the 10 day no questions asked return policy doesnt apply(certain top woods, finish options can void it) you can still return it if its defective in any way. That isn't a get out of jail free card for them to ship you a broken instrument, it just means you cant return it for reasons like "I actually dont like the colour that I asked for" or "actually, headless isnt for me, take it back"

 

[Herrick]

I have an issue with the Vader: due to where they've put the top horn (strap button at the 15th fret) the neck sticks out from the body a bit further than normal.

It was a bit odd and uncomfortable at first. But when I started using the bottom strap peg (the one on the side with the controls) it felt a lot better.

 

[slim231990]

Once again appreciate all the feedback guys! 22 days into the build and I'm stoked lol chugga chugga chugga BIG BLUE

 

[musicman7722]

I am cosidering the short scale version of a Vader 5. Has anybody played one? wondering how the low B is??

 

[slim231990]

I am cosidering the short scale version of a Vader 5. Has anybody played one? wondering how the low B is??

Couldn't find a video of a 5 string shorty, but maybe this can help you. This is like the only video I could find of a shorty VB. He plays it more like a guitarist, but at least its some kind of reference.

 

[A9X]

Once again appreciate all the feedback guys! 22 days into the build and I'm stoked lol chugga chugga chugga BIG BLUE

I'll watch with interest as I'm keen on a VB6, and as I live in Australia, I'm unlikely to be able to play one, so am looking to get as many opinions as possible, especially on ergonomics, fit and finish etc.
I've done a few build specs, but they'll all be 5 piece maple/purpleheart neck with either walnut or maple (I already asked) wings and a clear finish. Only thing I haven't decided on is SC or HB PUs.

 

[musicman7722]

Couldn't find a video of a 5 string shorty, but maybe this can help you. This is like the only video I could find of a shorty VB. He plays it more like a guitarist, but at least its some kind of reference.

Thanks for the effort of looking. The bass itself reminds of what a Hohner Jack could have been if it was done well. I owned quite a few of them and loved them.

I play a Stienberger Synapse 5 right now.

 

[musicman7722]

I just placed an order for a short scale 5 iver in Medium Blue. Start the clock
$1504 shipped with no options take.

Custom Shop Instrument Details:
Base Price: $ 1,399.00
VB4 - Kiesel Vader 4-String Headless Electric Bass
Right Handed
$ 0.00 - GB - Grabber Blue
$ 0.00 - -CG - Clear Gloss Finish (Standard)
$ 0.00 - -MA - Maple Neck/Alder Body (Standard)
$ 0.00 - 300 - 30 Inch Short Scale Length (No Charge)
$ 0.00 - -EF - Ebony Fingerboard (Standard)
$ 0. 00 - ID - Dot Inlays
$ 0.00 - IMP - White Pearl Inlay Material
$ 0.00 - -STF - Stainless Med-Jumbo Frets .048" H .103" W (Standard)
$ 0.00 - -R14 - 14in Fretboard Radius (Standard)
$ 0.00 - -BC - Black Hardware (Standard)
$ 0.00 - -BLK - Black Pickups
$ 0.00 - WL - White Logo
$ 0.00 - -D50 - Dunlop Super Bright Nickel Roundwound .040 .060 .080 .100 .120
$ 70.00 - SC10B - Black Ultimate Soft Bass Case

 

[Herrick]

Nice, mang. I hope The Wait goes by quickly for you.