Anyone else notice Kiesel's lack luster efforts to come up with new designs? The "new" models are just headless re-treads or re-configurations. When's the last time they introduced a new through neck model?
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Kiesel's lack of bass evolution
- Thread starter tercesyrev
- Start date
It doesn't look like they have a lot of excess production capacity to worry about. (Seems they sell enough of the current models) 
But - I have a feeling 21 is gonna be a good year...
But - I have a feeling 21 is gonna be a good year...
I'd like to see them put out an 8-string bass.
Even if their innovation efforts are 'lackluster', I don't see the imperative that they innovate if they feel that their sales on current models and options sustain them. They are a business and will hopefully make business-minded decisions. I feel that Kiesel customers are absolutely among the most open to innovation, so it may not hurt their bottom line much to try. Much less so than Fender, Gibson, Rickenbacker, etc. But, Kiesel will do what they will do.
Headless versions of current models is far more a risk than what previously mentioned bread and butter companies will do. So, I think they understand their customer base' desire for pushing boundaries a little.
Are you kidding me? Among bass manufacturers they are one of the MOST willing to try something different.
What, exactly, are you looking for from them?
What, exactly, are you looking for from them?
I'm sure that as a USA guitar and bass manufacturer, they are struggling. Over the years, Carvin/Kiesel has made some very, very over-looked instruments! Of VERY HIGH quality!
I am lucky enough to own a 1983 LB50, an 1987 koa 20 fret LB90, an LB90 24 fret, fretless and an XB75P 35.25 scale 5 string. Fantastic basses!
I am lucky enough to own a 1983 LB50, an 1987 koa 20 fret LB90, an LB90 24 fret, fretless and an XB75P 35.25 scale 5 string. Fantastic basses!
This. In comparison to whom do they lack innovation? Certainly not many of the major players in the market.
Looking at their website, they build beautiful custom basses with tons of finish and furniture options for reasonable prices. Compare that with Fenders "build a P or J bass with no options except color" page and tell me who's lacking innovation.
Kiesel's lack of bass evolution
gotta love those fenders...right?!
gotta love those fenders...right?!
I think they make really nice designs. Not sure what constitutes a breakthrough at this point. Maybe keyboards? Seriously, my 2020 P Bass has the exact same 7th on G dead spot that my 1973 has and that has the same dead spot as the 66 Jazz Bass. So let's say evolution is a slow process in bass guitars. Just give it time.
I've always thought they were good. I personally have a sapphire blue B4, and a 2010 BB70 in satin Copperhead metallic.
Kiesel's lack of bass evolution
gotta love those fenders...right?!
I'd have to agree with this. Fender hasn't done much innovating and it hasn't hurt them. Putting out new designs takes a lot of time, effort and money. Just doing the headless basses isn't as simple as you'd think. Again, time and money. What would you like to see that would be a big enough seller to warrant the time, money, and effort?
I've been drooling over a Kiesel for a while, but I do have 2 main gripes with them so far:
1) I haven't been able to find custom neck profiles/spacing. I love the slim neck of my 16.5mm Ibanez SR's and would love to have that playability on a Kiesel.
2) I can't see what it's gonna look like when I'm building out the options. It's just a bunch of radio buttons. It would be super cool to have an image that changed dynamically with the options selected to show their customers what it looks like. Could even do an estimated tone profile if they wanted to get fancy about it.
1) I haven't been able to find custom neck profiles/spacing. I love the slim neck of my 16.5mm Ibanez SR's and would love to have that playability on a Kiesel.
2) I can't see what it's gonna look like when I'm building out the options. It's just a bunch of radio buttons. It would be super cool to have an image that changed dynamically with the options selected to show their customers what it looks like. Could even do an estimated tone profile if they wanted to get fancy about it.
Not a lot of companies make short scale five- and six-string basses, let alone headless, active, and neck through. Do you mean they haven't innovated since introducing those designs?
In heavier music, it seems Kiesel is becoming the standard for both guitarists and bassists, and those musicians are using a lot of new tech, like modelers and such. Inexpensive compared to small batch boutique shops, multi scales, multi strings, headless, headstock variations, tons of tone wood and finish options. I think anyone with the money to get a higher end instrument would be foolish to not look at a Kiesel.
I'd argue Kiesel is leading the evolution and others are playing catch up.
I'd argue Kiesel is leading the evolution and others are playing catch up.
drumvsbass
Commercial User
- Aug 20, 2011
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What's new pussycat! whaaaoooowhoaaaaaaaoooo.
I agree, but still waiting for them to offer a bass that makes me play better.
Considering that Kiesel will sell you a seven-string, headless, multi-scale, single-cutaway bass with a chambered body, I don't think "lack of evolution" is much of a problem.
They've actually put out a lot of new models. They're market niche is certainly the metal crowd and they cater to it. They're doing very well and have a backlog that they're pleased with.
