Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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.
NBD: Kiesel IC5 :-(
- Thread starter Bliff Curton
- Start date
https://www.kieselguitars.com/guitars-in-stock
Indeed.
But,
“IC5 Overview:
The Icon IC5 5-string bass features neck-through construction and ergonomically designed body for maximum playing comfort. Premium hand-selected woods add to the look and sound of the instrument. Kiesel Radium KRH humbucking pickups and 18v active/passive electronics with sweepable midrange provide excellent sound across the tonal spectrum along with plenty of punch. Icon series basses are engineered for the ultimate in comfort, playability and tone, and superior USA craftsmanship ensures your Icon will provide years of playing enjoyment.”
That last sentence is not fulfilled in the least.
Just to be sure clear, did you post earlier that you tried it without any electronics connected? That would eliminate the possibility of anything to do with the pickups, right?
Thanks
Tom
Damn....
Worst case scenario, rip out the electronics and pickups, stick a pair of Nordy Big Singles and Nordy 3-band...I bet you’ll be good to go.
Worst case scenario, rip out the electronics and pickups, stick a pair of Nordy Big Singles and Nordy 3-band...I bet you’ll be good to go.
You mean accoustic?
Yes, the problem is there when played accoustically.
Its there plugged in when in passive mode.
Its there when plugged in in active mode.
Yes, the problem is there when played accoustically.
Its there plugged in when in passive mode.
Its there when plugged in in active mode.
Except Im still going to be plagued by the problem of an harmonic sustain when trying to mute the notes.
Eighth and sixteenth note staccato sounds like im doing a pinch harmonic after each mute, or even if my plucking finger hits the lower string after plucking the higher string.
Eighth and sixteenth note staccato sounds like im doing a pinch harmonic after each mute, or even if my plucking finger hits the lower string after plucking the higher string.
I mean, everyone has their own opinion. But, their Ultimate Soft Case is awesome. Jeff even drop tested them on camera a couple of times, with a PB bass inside.
his thread is a little disconcerting. I have been vacillating on a Vader 6 for a few months but am concerned that I'm in Australia and if there is an issue it will be expensive and difficult to return it for repair.
I think I'll watch how this resolves out and trust my gut. No hurry, at current exchange rates it'll take me a year to save for it.
Hope it all works out for you Bliff.
I think I'll watch how this resolves out and trust my gut. No hurry, at current exchange rates it'll take me a year to save for it.
Hope it all works out for you Bliff.
I like the sound of my Carvin and my customer experience has been great, but, I have yet to need anything fixed or returned. I am not clear on the exact problem Cliff Burton is having. Sounds as though he is not happy with the sound. Since sound is subjective, I wouldn't expect a refund, however, if its something in the manufacturing process, then I would not even consider a Carvin since you live in Australia! If their customer service is half as bad as Mr. Burton claims, I'd stay far away. He paid $2,,200.00 for a Carvin. For the same price, he or anyone of us, can buy a US Jazz Deluxe, a Rickenbacker, or even a Mike Lull and never look back. I hope he gets it resolved but if I were looking for a new bass, I'd stick with the tried and true. Happy bass hunting.
Another update,
B-string is markedly quieter than the other strings.
2mm action buzzed so now setting it up with near-2.5mm action, which is on the higher end in my book.
B-string is markedly quieter than the other strings.
2mm action buzzed so now setting it up with near-2.5mm action, which is on the higher end in my book.
With stainless steel frets I'd recommend nickel roundwounds to bring to zing factor down to tolerable. I have one custom with stainless steel frets and I'll never do that again.
Have you played it with a band? From my experience their pickups sound kind of bland by themselves but sit in a mix really well.
Just had a conversation with a friend about doing something similar. If you're looking at "fixing" a bass that you don't like, you could just end up throwing several hundred dollars at a bass you may still not like. And contrary to conventional wisdom the extra money spent may have no positive effect on resale value. Something to consider. My "fixing" days are long behind me.
Just had a conversation with a friend about doing something similar. If you're looking at "fixing" a bass that you don't like, you could just end up throwing several hundred dollars at a bass you may still not like. And contrary to conventional wisdom the extra money spent may have no positive effect on resale value. Something to consider. My "fixing" days are long behind me.
Dude, I was juuuist contemplating this.
I olayed the Icon for an hour, playing along to Iced Earth - trying to get a scooped metal sound.
Watching Over Me, Damien — mid-driven growl.... I Died For You, Frankenstein — scooped power tone.
I couldnt get any note definition when I cut the mids.
Anyway, I got tired of the Icon and the headaches its causing me so I plugged in my Soundger 505BM.
There’s the sound I was trying to get for an hour and the SR did it with a flat EQ.
So I started debating if I should get new P/U’s for the ICon or just get new P/U’s for the Ibby.
A $500 bass shouldnt be competing with a bass 4x its price....but alas, it is.
Ive been considering EMG since they make their sound almost regardless of which bass they are in, so I figured maybe they would be best to ‘fix’ the Icon.
Maybe a P5(A?) and a TW.
For the Ibby, I was thinking USA Barts with Vol/Vol/3-band.
I'd never buy any of them anyway. I want a headless 6 to add to my collection of 4s and 5s but may just buy another Spirit 5, string it high C and add EMGs and a pivot plate.
My Keisel build is $US1900 or about $A3000 landed taxes paid. I'm looking forward to seeing what the actual issue is and how it's resolved before I make a decision.
That's very disconcerting that their sales manager handled the situation like that. I've only dealt with their customer service once many years ago (in the Carvin days) when I had a custom 7 string guitar order get lost in the shuffle. They threw in a free hard case, and knocked a couple hundred off the price for my troubles. I was plenty satisfied with that resolution. Not sure why they're being so difficult with you.
I guess at this point I'd wait and see what they say when they get the bass back, as long as it's not going to get you out of the window for a refund via your credit card company.
I've never had to pursue a refund via a credit card company, so I'm not sure what the best practice would be there. Wait for them to send that bass back to you first so you at least have some leverage? Maybe someone who has experience there can chime in.
Good luck. So far it sounds like you've been more than patient considering your investment here.
If you're happy with the tone of the Ibby, why the Jones-ing for new pickups and a pre?
From what I've read, the problems listed are almost entirely about the sound. That could be for a myriad of reasons, including subjective taste.
Im not surprised they're not offering a refund for the entire bass, regardless of non-returnable options.
I saw that there's a buzz when the action is set low, but again, unless that's a defect in workmanship, like a twisted neck or bad fret job, not sure why they would refund the whole bass.
Im not surprised they're not offering a refund for the entire bass, regardless of non-returnable options.
I saw that there's a buzz when the action is set low, but again, unless that's a defect in workmanship, like a twisted neck or bad fret job, not sure why they would refund the whole bass.
