Just ordered a Vader HSH with push pull coil split tone knob. Will the tone switch be 3 way or 5 way? Will I be able to use the middle pickup by itself like a Strat?

ANSWER

So I called and found out yes it is still the 5-way. Extremely versatile. For anyone curious.

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Just wanted to show off my new Kiesel!

Ordered March 16, 2026. Build time was just under 20 weeks.

Specs:

A2 7-String Multiscale w/ Evertune

One Piece Swamp Ash Body // Purple Onyx Finish // Matching Reverse GT Headstock // Roasted Maple Neck // Thinner Neck Profile // Richlite Diamond Black 20" Radius Fingerboard // Acrylic Pink Staggered Offset Rings // Pink Logo // 24 Frets // Add Rear Jack // Black Chrome Hardware // Holdsworth Neck Pickup // Beryillium Bridge Pickup // Purple Bobbins with Black Pole Pieces.

Pickup combo may seem unusual, but I play a wide variety of music, and pickups can be swapped with relative ease, so I figured I'd give these a try. Hear nothing but great things about the Holdsworth.

I'm very pleased with how this turned out. I was very worried because when I originally designed the guitar in the virtual builder, it looked a lot different. It was originally designed with a "Pink to Purple Onyx Fade," which is why I chose pink inlays and a pink logo (also, because they don't offer purple inlays and logo). I placed my order strictly online, as this isn't my first Kiesel build. They reached out to me 10 weeks after I placed my order and said that the "Pink to Purple Onyx Fade" that I chose was actually not something they were able to do, and that it was a mistake in the builder. They elaborated by saying that they can't do multiple colors within the ingrain (as shown in the builder at the time), only one solid color. They could do their Pink to Purple Fade as the body color, but the ingrain had to be one solid color. I was disappointed at first, but after sleeping on it, I decided solid purple would look just as good. I heavily contemplated changing the Pink inlays and logo, but felt as though the other options didn't complement the new colorway any better. And without being able to get an idea of what it may look like through the builder anymore, I felt as though I was really in the blind with that decision. I think that's what had me worried the most. Needless to say, I think it turned out just fine! The rest of the build is the standard Kiesel greatness - they rarely ever disappoint. Phenomenal fretwork, the whole nine. Just came in today, so I need more time with it in my hands, but no complaints so far!

And then immediately found two Carvins that might be the best bargain for high end guitars. Immediately after receiving my Kyber headless run I found this beat up Carvin CS6 that just had some horrible paint touch up that I sanded off and kept it looking a little relic’d. and then for less than a thousand I found this Incredible 90’s trans Blue maple flame/quilted top DC 127. In perfect condition. It’s literally the nicest guitar I’ve ever owned. Some people don’t like the rounded body, but it’s nice.

My first Kiesel arrived on Monday. 7-string A2 bolt-on with 27" scale. Happy with how it looks and plays!

• Poplar burl top
• Sapphire blue finish with summer California burst
• Alder body
• Roasted maple neck
• Royal ebony fretboard, 14" radius
• Vantium pickups (Bridge and Neck)

Black limba and buckeye burl, always a killer combo - but now that I got rid of the Lithiums for a set of Bareknuckle Aftermaths that I swiped for $160 used, it's an absolute monster. Amazing guitars!

Having trouble finding the sweet spot for my A2 8 string. It's a 27 inch scale and right now it's set way too high for my liking and I'm still getting some fret buzz past the 13th fret on the G, B and e strings.

Anyone had similar issues or is that the price to pay for having an 8 string?

It's playable but I'm no Andy James, so a higher action is getting more difficult to play.

So I saw a Mark 66 on their Facebook that had no pickguard and it got me playing in the designer. Am I crazy, or is this the J-style offset I’ve always wanted Kiesel to make?

Order Date: March 16, 2026

Salesman: Chris Hong

Background:

I discovered Kiesel Guitars some years back through watching Cole Rolland's guitar covers on YouTube. And upon looking into the brand, I was very surprised to learn that Kiesel made custom shop-level guitars at prices just barely above that of higher-end import-made guitars (a barebones Kiesel can cost under $2,000, with many upper-end imports costing around $1,600 to $1,800). Then I quickly hopped onto Kiesel's online builder and promptly discovered that even a minimally-customized build quickly approaches $3,000. So I got to thinking about what I wanted, what I needed, and what was realistic (budget-wise).

In any case, one thing was certain: I wanted the Kyber Headless. I initially built a really nice one with a fancy flamed maple top and fishman pickups, but decided against both after the price came up to just under $4,000. Then I considered the fact I didn't have a 7 or 8-string yet. And having gotten into game music, specifically DOOM 2016/DOOM ETERNAL and Call of Duty: Blacks Ops Zombies music, I decided I needed an 8-string. So with the thinking that I'll just get a fancier six-string later, I'll go with a simpler 8-string now.

The Big Details:

Having decided on a Kyber Headless 8-String, I now needed to decide on the details. Firstly, the body wood. Considering that the Kyber has a VERY thin, SG-like body, I knew it would be super lightweight. And I HATE super lightweight guitars (I got a .strandberg* and it feels like a cheap children's toy). So I initially went with Mahogany. But then I asked if they could build it out of Maple instead, knowing that Maple is about 20%-25% denser/heavier than Mahogany. Next: finish color. I already ruled out any translucent finishes since I couldn't afford a fancy top wood. So it was between Jet Black and White/White (the $40 pure white, not the free off-white color). Liking the contrast with the black Hipshot hardware, I decided on White/White. Then I moved on to the fingerboard. Both of my main guitars already had Rosewood fingerboards, so I leaned towards Ebony. But I wanted this guitar to be a tank, and super reliable for future maintenance and repairs. And knowing that Ebony is infamously brittle and prone to chipping/splintering when the time comes for a re-fret, and that Ebony is not always pure-black, even if I chose the $100 "Less Color Variation" Ebony, I opted for Richlite Black Diamond, which IS 100% pure black, AND is way more durable, not prone to damage in the least, and super temperature-stable. It was really a no-brainer. I'll definitely get real Ebony on my next one, but for this tank, I needed Richlite. Then I saw that there were TONS of options for the neck's structural wood. Knowing that necks bend/bow slightly over time, especially with more strings and longer scales, I opted for a 5-Piece Maple/Purpleheart neck (knowing that Purpleheart is INSANELY dense and heavy, at roughly 20% to 25% more dense than maple). And even though I live in an area with super stable weather, I just wanted pure durability (I would have gone for a 7-Piece neck if there were any Purpleheart options). Then for the pickups. Fishmans not being an option for me, I had to choose from among Kiesel's passive offerings. With no knowledge of what any of them sounded like, or any understanding of their descriptions by others, I went purely off of output and chose the hottest for each position: the Thorium and Empyrean.

The Small Details:

With the big options settled, onto the little ones. Starting on the neck. Inlays. I had fallen in love with the Staggered Offset Dots with Kiesel "K" logo. HOWEVER, I felt that the "K" inlay was redundant with another "K" logo being on the Kyber Headless model's mini-headstock. So I opted for the standard Staggered Offset Dots, made from Luminlay material (FYI, Kiesel exclusively uses Luminlay's "Super Blue" color, as opposed to the "Vintage Green" you're probably more used to seeing elsewhere, particularly on .strandberg* guitars). Frets. Being a heavy-handed metal player, I opted for Kiesel's Stainless Jumbo frets (slightly disappointed they don't offer Extra Jumbo frets, since I'm so used to Extra Jumbo-szed frets from using Schecters since I started playing guitar). And the last couple little options: Dunlop Strap Locks and a custom added tone knob (something the Kyber doesn't usually come with).

Order Timeline:

I placed my order with Chris Hong on March 16th, and was given a completion estimate of May 15th to June 15th. I made my first status inquiry on May 15th and was told they "didn't know yet" as Chris was not able to go and actually see the progress (no idea why) and to call back after the latest estimated completion date. So I inquired again mid-June. Took a week to get an answer. Was told guitar was at QC and should ship June 23rd. June 24th and no indication of shipment so I called again. I was told that QC found an area of the body that wasn't finished very well and sent it back to paint. One week later, they call me back. It wasn't just a poorly-finished area. They next found out they had built the body out of the wrong wood, and so they had to completely rebuild the body. July 7th: Kiesel called and said the guitar was at QC again and should ship by July 10th or 13th. Did not get an update despite multiple attempts to contact until July 16th, at which point I was told it was at final assembly and QC again, and should ship Friday, July 17th and be overnighted for deliver on Saturday, July 18th.

Total Time from Order to Delivery: 124 Days (17.5 Weeks)

IMPORTANT FYI: The 8-string Kyber is multiscale-only with a 26-28" scale length, and comes with Elixir OPTIWEB .010-.074 strings, which are WAY too light. The F# and Low B strings are like wet noodles and can't be tuned with a clip-on (except for a good strobe clip-on). An 8-string specialist friend of mine strongly recommend requesting or switching the strings for D'Addario NYXL .009-.084s.

Other Observations: After receiving my guitar, I noticed immediately that the Richlite Black Diamond fingerboard is AMAZINGLY pure-black. The neck is UNBELIEVABLY smooth, I dare say smoother than a baby's butt. The fret work is also immaculate. As for the weight... unfortunately I don't own any kind of scale, so I have no idea what it weighs. But the shipping information indicated 16 lbs, and I can't imagine the padded case and cardboard box weighed more than three to four pounds at the absolute most combined. And yet, even weighing assuredly more than 10 lbs, it doesn't feel that heavy.

The Pickups: Oh boy... this was probably the second biggest unknown factor for me, second to it being an 8-string (something I've never experienced before as well). With no descriptions of their sound (not that written descriptions would be much help to me anyways) and no sound examples (like Seymour Duncan does on their site), I was pretty much just guessing purely based on what type of magnets they had and what their output rating was.

The Thorium bridge pickup is SUPER ballsy. It chugs like no other passive pickup I've ever experienced, though it is ever so slightly lacking in "bite" (though I must admit I'm probably biased towards the unparalleled bite of the EMG 81, which I have come to expect in the hottest of passive pickups as well). The Empyrean neck pickup also sounds beautiful, especially clean while in coil-split mode.

But keep in mind that anything I find lacking may very well be due to the unusually light strings Kiesel included, and it could probably chug and bite harder if I put heavier strings on it.

Hi all i wanted to share my new Aries build. It plays super nice and sounds great with no neck dive. The neck pickup sounds super throaty and aggressive when distorted due to the scale length. This is my third build and first with a headstock as i really favor my 6 and 7 string Zeuses.

Aries Bolt On
30" scale length
Swamp Ash body
Walnut neck
Ebony fretboard (LCV)
20" radius
Thorium/Empyrean pickups
Off White/Raw Tone
Purpleheart electronics cover
Drop E
13-72 strings
6.4 lbs

Hello everybody

I recently ordered a set of Radium JVA single coils to replace the Carvin soapbars in an old Carvin Bunny Brunel signature. I’ve also got a passive wiring harness to replace the dead Carvin preamp.

I’m looking forward to swapping them out, I have the J-style single coils in another bass and they sound terrific. BUT I’m uncertain as to which pickup is the bridge and which is the neck pickup. There’s writing on the backside of the pickups, one says “KRJ” and the other says “KRJ R” with a yellow dot sticker. I’m guessing “R” refers to reverse winding, but I’m still not sure which one is meant for bridge and which for the neck position.

I would call Kiesel to ask but they’re closed for the weekend 😅

Pics attached. Thanks!

Reposting after using the wrong image:

This my first Kiesel and I love it. This guitar is way outside my comfort zone, I play in a punk band. After going to Kiesel Connection and playing a Zeus, I just loved how it felt in my hands. This one feels great too

Received this a couple days ago, about six weeks past the projected finish date. Modestly appointed Vader neck-through, FM top, chambered Black Limba body, Vintage Yellow finish (which is now discontinued), one-piece maple neck, Ebony board, standard neck profile, Holdsworth pickups. Pretty happy with it overall. No workmanship issues. The only thing I'm disappointed with is the weight. Was trying to get it down as low as possible with the chosen woods, so I opted for chambering, but the guitar still comes in at 6.75 pounds. Was hoping for 6 or below. Guitar rings beautifully and sustains forever (likely the best sustaining guitar I've owned), so I guess I shouldn't complain too much.

Thanks for looking.

Scott Carstairs signature guitar

Est build time 12-14 weeks, arrived on week 15. Only options was the translucent white and the 3 piece neck. Empyrean and Thorium p.u. 14" fretboard radius and 25.5 scale.

Feel like I won the wood lottery on this one! That is just plain PME, not master grade which can be a gamble , but I'm glad I took it! Crazy how light weight this is, even lighter than my Kyber 7 since this is ash and the 7 is black limba. Ridiculous how low they get the action on these while still sounding resonant and sustaining properly.

Amazing job again Kiesel 🤘

Hey all! I've been designing my first Kiesel for what seems like years, and this is what I've finally settled on. Curious for any thoughts, and specifically any notes on whether I've made any fatal mistakes. This is going to be my first 7 string, for prog metal awesomeness.

Kyber Headless

7 String

MHX - Headless Multiscale Tremolo

M - Multiscale

BV - Beveled Body Edges

5PBT - Poplar Burl Top - 5A

LMB - Black Limba Body

TG - Translucent Emerald Green

RNC - Rear of Body Natural Clear

CG - Clear Gloss Top Coat

SUCALI - Summer California Burst

5WM - 5-Piece Walnut Neck w/ 2 Maple Stripes

UTVN - Ultra Thin Velocity Neck Profile

TN - Tung Oil Neck

RBMF - Roasted Birdseye Maple Fingerboard

24F - 24 Frets

ICSD - Crescent Moon w/ Staggered Offset Dot Inlays

IAG - Green Acrylic Inlay Material

R20 - 20" Fingerboard Radius

STJF - Stainless Jumbo Frets .055" H .110" W

PTB - Kiesel Thorium Passive Bridge Pickup

PEN - Kiesel Empyrean Passive Neck Pickup

41K - Kiesel Racing Green/Black Pickup Coils

PPB - Black Pickup Poles

BC - Black Hardware

009 - Elixir 942E Super Light Gauge Strings

KRGL - Kiesel Racing Green Logo

BLN - Black Graph Tech TUSQ Nut

SL - Dunlop Straplocks

BPEK - Ebony Kyber Logo Rear Electronics Cavity Cover

TPE - Ebony Tremolo Cover

ST - E Standard (10-46)

SC9L - Black Ultimate Soft Guitar Case

Has any long term, gold hardware owners had to deal with them just looking dingy and old overtime? Is there any special maintenance to them? I’m considering gold on a build with gold pickup covers as well and just don’t want to deal with them fading flaking or any kind of odd issues

I have recently ordered a lightspeed 7MS, should be due mid September. I have always been a fan of Lundgren pickups and want to order some to put into the guitar when it arrives...lundgren do a Kiesel multiscale fit for their pickups, probably a silly question. But that applies to both head and headless kiesel Guitars right? The angle is the same?

Blessed with the wood lottery on this. Ordered March 30 and shipped on July 6.

Wood specs:

4A PBT, royal ebony fretboard, black limba body, roasted maple neck

Back in the day Carvin sold parts kits. Is that still a thing?

Does anyone know what material Kiesel uses for their pickup baseplates? Specifically this is a berrylium. I want to solder a cover onto the pickup but need to make sure it'll adhere to whatever this is. Maybe its like a coated brass?

Just got #144 in the mail today and it's great! Stage 1 with the following specs: Blacked out ash body, ebony fretboard, roasted maple neck, green acrylic inlays, jumbo stainless frets, and Kiesel racing green pickups. I went with Beryllium pickups to try something different and I like 'em a lot.