PRS Kestrel and Kingfisher?

[MarshallLaw]

These are some really nice looking basses. I'm generally a traditionalist when it comes to how my instruments look, but these are rare modern designs that I actually like a lot.

Who has owned or played either of these, and what did you think?

 

[Lesfunk]

I've played them. They're very nice.
I like the one with the humbuckers better

 

[3rdBass]

I went to a local store and played both models. Was all set to pull the trigger on a sunburst Kestral but they wouldn't cut me a deal. Found a Tortoise Kingfisher online for 1/2 the price of a new one. I've owned dozens of basses if you check my profile info and this is, without a doubt, the nicest bass I've owned for under $500. The neck width & nut are slightly larger than I'd like (compared to my Sadowsky Will Lee 1.45" nut) but still acceptable. Weight is slightly more than I'd want too but also but manageable. Materials, fit and finish are top notch. Sound is way huge and versatile with the twin humbuckers. Passive controls are simple yet effective. Hipshot tuners and bridge are my favorite. Try one, buy one, you won't be sorry.

 

[MarshallLaw]

Just from a little bit of looking and reading, I think I would go with the Kingfisher as well. If i want something with 2 J pickups, I'll get a Fender J. The tortoise finish looks nice!

 

[3rdBass]

List/ retail price is $795. You can easily find one for $500. This particular photo makes it look darker.

 

[Granddesign]

i'm putting my kingfisher up for sale this week

 

[joemer]

These are some really nice looking basses. I'm generally a traditionalist when it comes to how my instruments look, but these are rare modern designs that I actually like a lot.

Who has owned or played either of these, and what did you think?

I owned the Kingfisher and although the construction and workmanship are very good, I thought it was surprisingly thin sounding which was not what I expected with the 2 large humbuckers. Tried different strings and EQ settings but couldn’t get past that.

 

[phillybass101]

I have a couple of friends from the DMV who have and use them. Word is, they are really nice basses for the money.

 

[Rod Barchetta]

I owned the Kingfisher and although the construction and workmanship are very good, I thought it was surprisingly thin sounding which was not what I expected with the 2 large humbuckers. Tried different strings and EQ settings but couldn’t get past that.

I totally agree. I changed the pick ups to Seymour Duncan SSB-4, along with the pots and wiring. Now my Beauty is a BEAST! Beefy bottom with punch, clear highs, not tinny. Now it sounds like a BASS!

 

[Gustopher]

Had a Kestrel, loved it. Jazz pickups don’t work for me as much as P, so I let it go. But it was absolutely beautiful and well made, outstanding balance and hardware quality (hipshot).

 

[Clark Westfield]

I too had a Kestrel in the discontinued red.

Loved the look of the bass, but i too felt it was thin sounding.

Thick neck which kept clashing with my Fender J bass with is uber thin.

Sold it to make some money to finance my NYC Sadowsky.

Had it for 5 years, and hardly even miss it.

 

[Rdore2000]

I have a Kestrel but it rarely gets played because it's the worst of the basses I own. And the thinnest sounding complaint is legit. It's perhaps the best Asian made bass I own though. Also, annoyingly, I can't fix the intonation in it, however much I try because of the weird bridge.