I definitely prefer the lower notes of the dingwall. The kiesel is just too flappy and woody for me. But the crispy high strings of the kiesel do lure me in. I’m in between here. Can’t decide.
Interesting.....as a Kiesel player , I actually have to give credit to that Dingwall....as stated by a lot of the other comments , the overall clarity definitely goes to the Kiesel, but I personally hear a nice metal style "growl" in the Dingwall that seems missing in the Kiesel ...
This is the best stock Kiesel pickups have ever sounded! I think the added top-end clarity of the Kiesel gives it an edge for chording and slap, but the midrange profile of the Dingwall would probably sit well in many mixes when playing supportive bass lines. Kind of reminds me of a very modernized J vs P situation.
That’s because the kiesel pickups are parallel humbuckers (very MM or j character) and the Dingwall pickups are basically a series wound split coil under the cover
I own a Dingwall CB3 6-string aswell as a Kiesel Zeus 6-string. As much as I have to give Dingwall the credit they deserve and I won't get rid of mine any time soon. Both in this video and my own playing, I always lean to the Kiesel when it comes to sound.
I play an NG3. While I do like the slap tone on the Kiesel and appreciate it's top-end chime, I think the Dingy has more substance and body in it's sound, as well as a certain organic woodiness to it's tone that I really appreciate.
I second this completely. I don't think I'll ever get rid of the dingwall for what it does amazingly well. If I wanted a multiscale "standard" bass tone, the Kiesel might be a good fit.
I almost never comment on anything, & I'm sure I don't even have to say this but dude, your Bass playing is F&$KING SICK!!! I have been playing for probably longer then you have been alive, & you just blow my mind & humble me.
How do I pick? I think the Dingwall probably fits in more genres but the Kiesel is more aggressive in the high end, which is really what it's made for. Dingwall has a lower mid focus, where Kiesel is all about that crazy high mid.
I am leaning Keisel on this one, I enjoy the clear almost bell like sound it has. Built about 300 different basses on their website, just never pulled the trigger, but honestly I would be super happy with either one....plan on owning both so...yeah
I liked some elements of the clarity of the Kiesel. My only concern was that clarity also gave the Kiesel low notes this odd sounding attack (at least in my opinion). The Dingwall didnt have the same clarity that the Kiesel seemed to possess in the middle and upper register but the lows of the Dingwall were so gnarly. The lows really are what I'd be chasing from a bass so overall I'd choose the Dingwall but if I had access to both I'd switch up to the Kiesel in a heart beat in the right context.
Winner? They are both sick basses! They both had there own sound qualities that were very cool. I hadn’t heard Kiesel was using the dark glass tone capsule. That’s cool! Thanks for the demo.
Great video and great comparison. For me the Kiesel is the winner. Clarity and punch of the Kiesel is more my taste than the Dingwall. I would love to see a comparison between the Kiesel A2 and a multiscale Spector.
I can't speak for the Kiesel, but I have an NG2, and the banjo frets make this the easiest bass ever for tapping. I liked the Kiesel tone better in the video, but nothing plays like a Dingwall!
I *think* most of the tonal difference is in the pickups. Split coils (yes, really) on the Dingwall Vs Humbuckers on the Kiesel. Stick some EMGs in a Dingwall and I expect a much closer sound to the latter.
Kiesel has the clarity which makes it sound more spectacular but that Dingwall has the midrange frequencies magic going on that likely makes it punch through dense mixes more easily.
basically bridge+middle vs bridge+neck. the A2 is wired the same as a newer NG3 unlike yours which is wired quite differently. It mainly boils down as to if you'd rather play a production model or customize one for yourself.
Overall, I’d say the Dingwall. There was personally something sonically unpleasant about the Kiesel’s handling of the B string. That said, from a sheer value standpoint, the Kiesel wins hands down and it’s not even close. I’d say if you don’t have a Dingwall it would be better for someone to buy a Kiesel because you can get so much more for the same price now, but if you already have a Dingwall, I think it’s the overall better bass and you wouldn’t need a Kiesel for something better.
Such similarly spec'd basses and while I won't say it's a "winner" necessarily I have to say nothing sounds like a Dingwall. To my ear it sounds like a "mixed" bass tone whereas the Kiesel might need some tweaks to fit into a rock mix. :)
I have a Carvin LB70 4 string. Bought it new in 2001. First thing I noticed was the super glassy high mid sound it had, which was perfect for gritty metal bass. This Kiesal sounds exactly the same.
I’ve always wanted both but I must say this video put my lean way towards Kiesel if I could get just one right now. I’d love to see Warwick v Spector or Warwick v anything really, if you haven’t done so already. Great content, amazing musician! Cheers!
As an Ibanez EHB fan and owner, I can just set back and eat the popcorn 🤣 I was pleasantly surprised how clear that Kiesel sounds, but that one offset machine head is a huge turn off... Dingwalls always sound soulless and sterile, but they look menacing though.
I went two days ago to Basscentral in Orlando to try as many extended scale basses as possible I try the Dingwalls. but end up buying the Spector with the fishman system. the sound was way superior. I would love to try one of those keisel or even the Ibanez.
Been saving for a Dingwall d roc because I prefer passive. But now that the time is approaching I've discovered Kiesel and Overload. Both brands are very comparable but this model is super aggressive.
That Kiesel would be buried in a full band setting the tone is so scooped. Sounds great in comparison but the hollowness of the tone just wouldnt carry in a heavy mix. I also feel that this comparison did not go into pickup selection. I actually feel this video is heavily in favour of the Kiesel but to me it sounded empty and with proprietory size pickups good luck trying to change them...
Couple of interesting tidbits as a Dingwall owner myself: The Dingwall FDN-3 pickups are just P style pickups in a soapbar housing. Also, you can get a neck replacement from Dingwall for $250 USD with tuners, frets, and nut filed for whatever gauge strings you want. Which means, pricing wise, the Dingwall is marked up way to much and you're paying for the name on a Chinese made bass.
Kiesel's pickups have a kind of Spector vibe that I am not a fan of, but that is a personal preference. As if the sound is already processed, compressed, highs are added, mids are scoped. If you compare Warwick and Spector, my impressions are very similar. It would be nice to compare the Spector dimension with a Dingwall and a Kiesel. I think Kiesel would sound similar to Spector. The Dingwall sound is a bit more raw and reminds me of classic basses like Fender. Also a Canadian ABZ or Afterburner with FDV pickups would be a better competitor if we compare custom to custom. For the price the Kiesel is a winner. However, Kiesel guitars are not very popular here in Europe because of the additional taxes, so the ABZ and A2 will be similarly priced, I think.
I do believe the bass you played is the winner. I really liked both basses and think they have their place but to me the Dingwall would work in more situations then the Kiesel. The Kiesel to me sounded lacking in the mids so "scooped" but that can be desirable though tends to disappear in mixes and live performances in my experience. The Dingwall definitely has the mids almost too much but I think it will sit in mixes easier and cut through a live mix well.
Both basses are sick, and both have unique sounds. The NG and A2 are both exceptionally clear and defined in their own regard. The NG is consistently clear, either clean or distorted. The pickups really focus in on the “fundamental”. The A2 is rich in sound, the chords especially sounded a lot more resonant than the NG. The pickups definitely accentuate the “overtones” more. The slap comparison was indicative of this, as it lost some clarity for that rich, “fat” sound. I personally like the NG purely because of its consistent clarity. However, that A2 is something special in its own right.
Personally think the Dingwall will end up cutting through a mix much better. The "clarity" the Kiesel has is sacrificing low-mid presence that matters more in a mix. Either way it's nothing that can't be fixed with good EQ so it's good to have some proper American-made competition.
I was hoping you'd go in depth of the differences. How the pickups differ between selections? Tone 0/50/100% Etc. But from these Kiesel is clearer and I always prefer that.
The Kiesel sounds so much more musical to my ear. The Dingwall has that plastic tone that reminds me of Spector, which I usually like when it comes to aggressive overdriven metal, but in this head-to-head there's no contest. A2 is the winner.
I'm curious, why not compare them with the same pickup selection? It sounds like the Dingwall is in bridge+middle mode, while the Kiesel is in bridge+neck mode. Either way, both great sounding basses, but pickup selection is everything, so this feels like comparing apples to oranges.
The Kiesel has more top end bite but sounds a little too scooped in the mids, has more low end too. It may sound nice when you are a soloist but this sound character gets lost in a busy mix easier. Of course there can be scenarios where it is useful because it gives space for other instruments.
Wow! That's crazy! I'm not sure there is a winner? I thought there might be less difference but to my ears the Kiesel sounds like it has more GANK in the hi and low mids while the Dingwall seems more balanced to me? Certainly neither will be mistaken for a P-Bass! 😀 Let's quote the Black Knight in Monty Python & The Holy Grail and call it a draw?🤣 Stay healthy Nate!-Brent, VT
Wow, the Kiesel A2 has quite a bright, punchy, and glassy tone. That can be dialed nicer with EQ, assuming Nate took both basses as equal and just plugged one in after the other. I just ordered a Kiesel Stef 8 string Snow guitar, and I mentioned as I called the next day about a few specs I needed to know, that I am considering a Dingwall 6 string bass, I love the Dark Glass sound. I was informed about the A2 with them and 3 pickups. USA made, that was all I needed to hear, as I prefer that anyway. I asked if they would build that in a Zeus, headless, we will see, but probably. I have previously asked Jeff Kiesel on their live Q&A about Fishman Fluence pups on a multiscale bass, sure, pay a programming fee, send it in to us..... This is my 5th Kiesel/Carvin instrument, and either a Zeus or A2 will be my 6th. Thanks Nate for this comparison
I like the low end on the Dingwall personally, but the high end on the kiesel is very clear. They each are very similar in sound tho. However, they do each have their own look and they're own sound for sure
Nate, In the market for a multiscale 5 string bass. Need a battle between the Spector Dimension 5 and the Dingwall Combustion 5 ASAP 😁. Slap and Metal (Darkglass of course). Love your Shootout video riffs!
I think the Dingwall demonstrates more fundamental bass tones than the "clarity" of the Kiesel. It's most apparent on the symmetrical chords demo. In a mix, more fundamental equals more definition and solid low-end. I can see that the preamp on the Dingwall was disengaged due to the position of the switch, but curious to know if the preamp was also disengaged on the Kiesel. That would make a big difference in the tone, since the Darkglass preamps color the tone greatly, even when the controls are set flat. I'll stick with my Dingwalls!
They both have a huge low end, as you would expect from the scale, but sounded really different otherwise. The Dingwall had quite a bit more midrange and is a little fuzzy in the high end, whereas the Kiesel sounded very hi fi, and the EQ seemed a bit scooped in comparison with the Dingwall. Given similar prices, I would lean toward driving up to Escondido (30 minutes away) and spec one out at Kiesel. But then, I already have a Dingwall D-Roc 5, so I am set for 34-37 scale for the moment. At least that's what I tell myself.
The Dingwall B string just sounded more musical to my ear. The K had something (overtone or muddy harmonic) showing up on the B string that didn’t sound as nice but it also had some cleaner sound on higher strings which I liked. Tough choice but in a mix, I like the aggressive tones of the Dingwall more.
I almost bought a Kiesel in June when I saw your “a dingwall slayer” video on the Kiesel A2 but I didn’t want to wait 6-9 months for it so I got a dingwall combustion. Very happy with it. I still have a soft spot for the Kiesel though but the owner doesn’t seem too lovely unfortunately
@@liamtahaney713 agreed. I may have possibly been able to convince myself to wait but not after seeing the big picture. Plus being left handed really makes it hard to find used basses
Dingwall has that pretty typical low tuned metal bass these days. But that Kiesel sounds more traditional I guess? Yet still has the benefits of the tight low end
I went to the Keisel factory a couple of years ago and was completely UNIMPRESSED with the build quality. The knobs all pointed in different directions (not flush with the body), and I couldn't find the center detent on the blend knobs. I played three different basses that day, and all three had fundamental problems that the guy said "Oh, we can fix that". I found the tone muddy and could not get the pickup blend to anything close to satisfying.
Getting the Kiesel way is worth it and it will not cost you the price of a Dingwall. People are waking up to the fact that's there is a lot of hype to the dingwall that just isn't true
Nothing sounds like a Dingwall!!! I like the look of the A2, but the NG3 has more punch and is deeper and defined on the low end. But the Combustion has more clarity and growl and grabs my ears more!!!!
I’ve toured with Dingwall Afterburners for over 12 years. They are tanks!!!!! Canadian Dingwall bass guitars are Unbeatable by any other multiscale bass. Hell they are top 5 in the world in my opinion. I don’t understand why people are comparing an American made custom instrument to an entry level Chinese import like the NG series. I’ve owned every generation of the combustion/NG series and none of them feel close to the quality of the Kiesel. Dingwall pickups can’t be beat even the cheap ones in the ng series. That being said the kiesel pickups are unique and have a very clear modern sound. I love them in the higher registers but they lack that fat bottom end. These are crystal clear pickups. If you make a mistake everyone will know. The kiesel A2 is built very well and feels super light. It is easier to play than the NG series in my opinion. Mine has a 7 piece neck and is worth it. The bass feels tiny and is just fun to play. The kiesel A2 is a bargain in my opinion. I paid 3200 for mine with all custom options. I love this bass. I would say even if you already own a Canadian Dingwall an A2 would be a great addition to the family. They are completely different but it’s a cool tool to have
I have lusted after a Dingwall for years, but I have to say, I really dig the clarity that Kiesel’s got.
Right? I'm shocked by how much i prefer the kiesel
until you learn about their rep@@TheSandlot14
I definitely prefer the lower notes of the dingwall. The kiesel is just too flappy and woody for me. But the crispy high strings of the kiesel do lure me in. I’m in between here. Can’t decide.
@@13_cmi just get both. Problem solved, lmao!!! : )
@@SandCannon fair enough, mate. : )
I bought my A2 because of this video. It does not disappoint. Thank you
Interesting.....as a Kiesel player , I actually have to give credit to that Dingwall....as stated by a lot of the other comments , the overall clarity definitely goes to the Kiesel, but I personally hear a nice metal style "growl" in the Dingwall that seems missing in the Kiesel ...
This is the best stock Kiesel pickups have ever sounded! I think the added top-end clarity of the Kiesel gives it an edge for chording and slap, but the midrange profile of the Dingwall would probably sit well in many mixes when playing supportive bass lines. Kind of reminds me of a very modernized J vs P situation.
My thoughts exactly. The kiesel sounds better isolated but I bet the middy tone of the dingwall helps you cut through the mix better.
That’s because the kiesel pickups are parallel humbuckers (very MM or j character) and the Dingwall pickups are basically a series wound split coil under the cover
@@codcade Knew about the Dingwall coil configuration but not the Kiesel. Makes perfect sense.
I own a Dingwall CB3 6-string aswell as a Kiesel Zeus 6-string.
As much as I have to give Dingwall the credit they deserve and I won't get rid of mine any time soon. Both in this video and my own playing, I always lean to the Kiesel when it comes to sound.
I think I like the low end of the dingwall a bit better, but for the higher notes the clarity of the kiesel is pretty amazing
I think that's what ultimately made me pick Dingwall as the winner. What's the point of a 37" B-string if you're focused on the high notes?
Im in love with the clarity of the Kiesel
Nate, please only if you can, get an Ibanez BTB805 ms, which is also 37 inch scale, I haven't seen reviews like you do, you're the best.
I play an NG3. While I do like the slap tone on the Kiesel and appreciate it's top-end chime, I think the Dingy has more substance and body in it's sound, as well as a certain organic woodiness to it's tone that I really appreciate.
I second this completely. I don't think I'll ever get rid of the dingwall for what it does amazingly well. If I wanted a multiscale "standard" bass tone, the Kiesel might be a good fit.
Such a good comparison! Now I don't know which I want. The Kiesel really impressed me
2 months later and I have 2 Dingwalls, haha. Incredible instruments
I almost never comment on anything, & I'm sure I don't even have to say this but dude, your Bass playing is F&$KING SICK!!! I have been playing for probably longer then you have been alive, & you just blow my mind & humble me.
How do I pick? I think the Dingwall probably fits in more genres but the Kiesel is more aggressive in the high end, which is really what it's made for. Dingwall has a lower mid focus, where Kiesel is all about that crazy high mid.
I am leaning Keisel on this one, I enjoy the clear almost bell like sound it has. Built about 300 different basses on their website, just never pulled the trigger, but honestly I would be super happy with either one....plan on owning both so...yeah
Lol
I liked some elements of the clarity of the Kiesel. My only concern was that clarity also gave the Kiesel low notes this odd sounding attack (at least in my opinion). The Dingwall didnt have the same clarity that the Kiesel seemed to possess in the middle and upper register but the lows of the Dingwall were so gnarly. The lows really are what I'd be chasing from a bass so overall I'd choose the Dingwall but if I had access to both I'd switch up to the Kiesel in a heart beat in the right context.
I have 2 Dingwalls and was never really happy with the sound. Kiesel meets my taste way better. Love the clarity.
I'm in the same boat. I can recommend switching the dingwall strings to d'addario nyxl. Much better, but still something lacks 🤔
A plus is the Kiesel is 100% American vs the Dingwall being Chinese/Canadian hybrid manufactured.
Man kiesel is killing it with that clarity. I love that tone
Winner? They are both sick basses! They both had there own sound qualities that were very cool. I hadn’t heard Kiesel was using the dark glass tone capsule. That’s cool! Thanks for the demo.
Great video and great comparison. For me the Kiesel is the winner. Clarity and punch of the Kiesel is more my taste than the Dingwall. I would love to see a comparison between the Kiesel A2 and a multiscale Spector.
The snarl and growl on that Kiesel is amazing! Question is who has the better neck profile? It can make a huge difference in playability.
That is a good question indeed! Hopefully Nate answers
I can't speak for the Kiesel, but I have an NG2, and the banjo frets make this the easiest bass ever for tapping. I liked the Kiesel tone better in the video, but nothing plays like a Dingwall!
@@linktechjjb I just got my NG3. I cannot beleive how nice this thing is to play
Great Video Nate! You really can't go wrong with either one mostly down to personal colors and woods. Great Basses!!! 🎸🎸🤘🤘
I *think* most of the tonal difference is in the pickups. Split coils (yes, really) on the Dingwall Vs Humbuckers on the Kiesel. Stick some EMGs in a Dingwall and I expect a much closer sound to the latter.
That Kiesel sounds MONSTEROUS
I think I like the sound and looks of the Kiesel more. Richer tone all around but both sound good
And Dark Glass is well awesome on both
Kiesel has the clarity which makes it sound more spectacular but that Dingwall has the midrange frequencies magic going on that likely makes it punch through dense mixes more easily.
I love Kiesel. But the Dingwall has more of a midrange punch that I absolutely love.
basically bridge+middle vs bridge+neck.
the A2 is wired the same as a newer NG3 unlike yours which is wired quite differently.
It mainly boils down as to if you'd rather play a production model or customize one for yourself.
Overall, I’d say the Dingwall. There was personally something sonically unpleasant about the Kiesel’s handling of the B string. That said, from a sheer value standpoint, the Kiesel wins hands down and it’s not even close. I’d say if you don’t have a Dingwall it would be better for someone to buy a Kiesel because you can get so much more for the same price now, but if you already have a Dingwall, I think it’s the overall better bass and you wouldn’t need a Kiesel for something better.
Agreed about the low B.
Such similarly spec'd basses and while I won't say it's a "winner" necessarily I have to say nothing sounds like a Dingwall. To my ear it sounds like a "mixed" bass tone whereas the Kiesel might need some tweaks to fit into a rock mix. :)
My rotator cuff was indeed aggravated, but this is so awesome, thank you!
Both basses are stellar! But I have to say that the Kiesel's top end and overtones is giving it the edge here.
That Kiesel A2 was the most pleasing to me. That Dingwall sounded distorted in ways that were unpleasant.
I have a Carvin LB70 4 string. Bought it new in 2001. First thing I noticed was the super glassy high mid sound it had, which was perfect for gritty metal bass. This Kiesal sounds exactly the same.
I love dingwall, but kiesel got this one! Nice job man!
If you play hard and with a pick, the Dingwall is a MONSTER! but if you play with fingers and funk it up some, that Kiesel is sweet as hell.
Loved the sounds and looks of both basses but the zingy top end of the kiesel takes it for me. Cheers
I’ve always wanted both but I must say this video put my lean way towards Kiesel if I could get just one right now. I’d love to see Warwick v Spector or Warwick v anything really, if you haven’t done so already. Great content, amazing musician! Cheers!
I started out assuming that the Dingwall would walk away with it, but the clarity and separation of the Keisel complexly won me over.
Leggo!
The Dingwall sounds great but that Kiesel tone is supreme!
I had considered both basses before settling on the Dingwall. I'm still happy with my purchase ;)
pretty impressed with that Kiesel tone
As an Ibanez EHB fan and owner, I can just set back and eat the popcorn 🤣 I was pleasantly surprised how clear that Kiesel sounds, but that one offset machine head is a huge turn off... Dingwalls always sound soulless and sterile, but they look menacing though.
I went two days ago to Basscentral in Orlando to try as many extended scale basses as possible I try the Dingwalls. but end up buying the Spector with the fishman system. the sound was way superior. I would love to try one of those keisel or even the Ibanez.
I really didn't expect to prefer the Kiesel. Great sound.
Been saving for a Dingwall d roc because I prefer passive. But now that the time is approaching I've discovered Kiesel and Overload. Both brands are very comparable but this model is super aggressive.
2:23 what in the fuck was that
The Kiesel sounds lovely! I really like the clarity
Both great,ive i had to choose it would the big k .
That Kiesel would be buried in a full band setting the tone is so scooped. Sounds great in comparison but the hollowness of the tone just wouldnt carry in a heavy mix. I also feel that this comparison did not go into pickup selection. I actually feel this video is heavily in favour of the Kiesel but to me it sounded empty and with proprietory size pickups good luck trying to change them...
Couple of interesting tidbits as a Dingwall owner myself: The Dingwall FDN-3 pickups are just P style pickups in a soapbar housing. Also, you can get a neck replacement from Dingwall for $250 USD with tuners, frets, and nut filed for whatever gauge strings you want. Which means, pricing wise, the Dingwall is marked up way to much and you're paying for the name on a Chinese made bass.
I love your material. I will support you soon. 💯
Thank you for this. There is a clear difference.
i have loved the dingwall for ages but i think i love the kiesel even more. those pickups are just incredible
Kiesel's pickups have a kind of Spector vibe that I am not a fan of, but that is a personal preference. As if the sound is already processed, compressed, highs are added, mids are scoped. If you compare Warwick and Spector, my impressions are very similar. It would be nice to compare the Spector dimension with a Dingwall and a Kiesel. I think Kiesel would sound similar to Spector. The Dingwall sound is a bit more raw and reminds me of classic basses like Fender. Also a Canadian ABZ or Afterburner with FDV pickups would be a better competitor if we compare custom to custom.
For the price the Kiesel is a winner. However, Kiesel guitars are not very popular here in Europe because of the additional taxes, so the ABZ and A2 will be similarly priced, I think.
I do believe the bass you played is the winner. I really liked both basses and think they have their place but to me the Dingwall would work in more situations then the Kiesel.
The Kiesel to me sounded lacking in the mids so "scooped" but that can be desirable though tends to disappear in mixes and live performances in my experience. The Dingwall definitely has the mids almost too much but I think it will sit in mixes easier and cut through a live mix well.
Both basses are sick, and both have unique sounds. The NG and A2 are both exceptionally clear and defined in their own regard.
The NG is consistently clear, either clean or distorted. The pickups really focus in on the “fundamental”.
The A2 is rich in sound, the chords especially sounded a lot more resonant than the NG. The pickups definitely accentuate the “overtones” more. The slap comparison was indicative of this, as it lost some clarity for that rich, “fat” sound.
I personally like the NG purely because of its consistent clarity. However, that A2 is something special in its own right.
Personally think the Dingwall will end up cutting through a mix much better. The "clarity" the Kiesel has is sacrificing low-mid presence that matters more in a mix. Either way it's nothing that can't be fixed with good EQ so it's good to have some proper American-made competition.
Damn. That Kiesel is a beast!! No contest there 🤤
dingwall is more melodic and suits better in the mix while the kiesel is a very clear bright performer with solo attributes. both nice.
High register playability is not a general multiscale thing, where the neutral fret is rather. I designed 9th for that reason.
The ng3 is just so perfect
I was hoping you'd go in depth of the differences.
How the pickups differ between selections?
Tone 0/50/100%
Etc.
But from these Kiesel is clearer and I always prefer that.
I am always a Dingwall boys... until now. Kiesel got more clarity that grab my heart
I Love Dingwall, but Kiesel is an absolut killer!!!!
Man that Kiesel sounds amazing especially in the upper register. I own a Dingwall but I may have to look into the Kiesel
The Kiesel sounds so much more musical to my ear. The Dingwall has that plastic tone that reminds me of Spector, which I usually like when it comes to aggressive overdriven metal, but in this head-to-head there's no contest. A2 is the winner.
I'm curious, why not compare them with the same pickup selection? It sounds like the Dingwall is in bridge+middle mode, while the Kiesel is in bridge+neck mode. Either way, both great sounding basses, but pickup selection is everything, so this feels like comparing apples to oranges.
The Kiesel has more top end bite but sounds a little too scooped in the mids, has more low end too. It may sound nice when you are a soloist but this sound character gets lost in a busy mix easier. Of course there can be scenarios where it is useful because it gives space for other instruments.
Well I think I like the Dingwell more it just sounds a little more versatile and full while the other bass sounds good it just seems a little thin
Wow! That's crazy! I'm not sure there is a winner? I thought there might be less difference but to my ears the Kiesel sounds like it has more GANK in the hi and low mids while the Dingwall seems more balanced to me? Certainly neither will be mistaken for a P-Bass! 😀 Let's quote the Black Knight in Monty Python & The Holy Grail and call it a draw?🤣 Stay healthy Nate!-Brent, VT
Wow, the Kiesel A2 has quite a bright, punchy, and glassy tone. That can be dialed nicer with EQ, assuming Nate took both basses as equal and just plugged one in after the other. I just ordered a Kiesel Stef 8 string Snow guitar, and I mentioned as I called the next day about a few specs I needed to know, that I am considering a Dingwall 6 string bass, I love the Dark Glass sound. I was informed about the A2 with them and 3 pickups. USA made, that was all I needed to hear, as I prefer that anyway. I asked if they would build that in a Zeus, headless, we will see, but probably. I have previously asked Jeff Kiesel on their live Q&A about Fishman Fluence pups on a multiscale bass, sure, pay a programming fee, send it in to us..... This is my 5th Kiesel/Carvin instrument, and either a Zeus or A2 will be my 6th. Thanks Nate for this comparison
Really hard for me to choose! I think I prefer the Dingwall overall but, they both sound amazing.
I like the low end on the Dingwall personally, but the high end on the kiesel is very clear. They each are very similar in sound tho. However, they do each have their own look and they're own sound for sure
Damnit Nate, but I like both!
I love the bite that the Kiesel has. But the low end of the dingwall is nice
Nate, In the market for a multiscale 5 string bass. Need a battle between the Spector Dimension 5 and the Dingwall Combustion 5 ASAP 😁. Slap and Metal (Darkglass of course). Love your Shootout video riffs!
Very different but both winners. I like the metal styles better on the Dingwall while the Kiesel sounds smoother and thicker on the funky parts
Seems the Kiesel sounds cleaner than the Dingwall.
Tighter sounding than the Dingwall.
I say go for the Kiesel.
I think the Dingwall demonstrates more fundamental bass tones than the "clarity" of the Kiesel. It's most apparent on the symmetrical chords demo. In a mix, more fundamental equals more definition and solid low-end. I can see that the preamp on the Dingwall was disengaged due to the position of the switch, but curious to know if the preamp was also disengaged on the Kiesel. That would make a big difference in the tone, since the Darkglass preamps color the tone greatly, even when the controls are set flat. I'll stick with my Dingwalls!
They both have a huge low end, as you would expect from the scale, but sounded really different otherwise. The Dingwall had quite a bit more midrange and is a little fuzzy in the high end, whereas the Kiesel sounded very hi fi, and the EQ seemed a bit scooped in comparison with the Dingwall. Given similar prices, I would lean toward driving up to Escondido (30 minutes away) and spec one out at Kiesel. But then, I already have a Dingwall D-Roc 5, so I am set for 34-37 scale for the moment. At least that's what I tell myself.
The Dingwall B string just sounded more musical to my ear. The K had something (overtone or muddy harmonic) showing up on the B string that didn’t sound as nice but it also had some cleaner sound on higher strings which I liked. Tough choice but in a mix, I like the aggressive tones of the Dingwall more.
And now every Dingwall lover will have to buy a Kiesel !!!
that Kiesel is definitely a winner, it has warmth clarity and a wider range of undertones.
I peered the tone of the Kielsel, but I’d would be interesting to which sat better within a mix.
I dig them both but I'll give a nod towards Kiesel that time is my personal preference.
Yoo Kiesel really provides some tough competition for the Dingwall! The slap especially sounded a lot better on the Kiesel than the dingwall imo
I almost bought a Kiesel in June when I saw your “a dingwall slayer” video on the Kiesel A2 but I didn’t want to wait 6-9 months for it so I got a dingwall combustion. Very happy with it. I still have a soft spot for the Kiesel though but the owner doesn’t seem too lovely unfortunately
The best thing kiesel could do for themselves as a brand is get Jeff Kiesel away from their PR/marketing
@@liamtahaney713 agreed. I may have possibly been able to convince myself to wait but not after seeing the big picture. Plus being left handed really makes it hard to find used basses
Just bought your Bass book. Keep it up.
Battle of the 34-37s! Dingwall vs Kiesel A2 vs Spector NS Dimension vs ESP B-1005MS vs Mayones Patriot VF37
Dingwall has that pretty typical low tuned metal bass these days. But that Kiesel sounds more traditional I guess? Yet still has the benefits of the tight low end
You can't just spring this type of hard hitting journalism on people first thing in the morning.
I thought I would say dingwall, but the Kiesel sounded much better.
Which do YOU like better? Tone? Playability?
Thanks for the cool demo. 👍
For the next battle, fretless Wal vs fretless Sting Ray vs neckless Steinberger!
Freaking awesome! Kiesel is the winner for me.
Dude! Kiesel sounds good! A Dingwall slayer ! What a beast 🔥
I went to the Keisel factory a couple of years ago and was completely UNIMPRESSED with the build quality. The knobs all pointed in different directions (not flush with the body), and I couldn't find the center detent on the blend knobs. I played three different basses that day, and all three had fundamental problems that the guy said "Oh, we can fix that". I found the tone muddy and could not get the pickup blend to anything close to satisfying.
I have a dingwall but I do also want a kiesel so bad.
I don't think it's worth it, they're gonna cost you the double of a Dingwall, or even the triple
Getting the Kiesel way is worth it and it will not cost you the price of a Dingwall. People are waking up to the fact that's there is a lot of hype to the dingwall that just isn't true
@@steffomca762 they're pretty much the same price, plus the Kiesel is US made.
The Kiesel wins IMO. Could you compare it with the Spector Dimension??
Nothing sounds like a Dingwall!!! I like the look of the A2, but the NG3 has more punch and is deeper and defined on the low end. But the Combustion has more clarity and growl and grabs my ears more!!!!
I’ve toured with Dingwall Afterburners for over 12 years. They are tanks!!!!! Canadian Dingwall bass guitars are Unbeatable by any other multiscale bass. Hell they are top 5 in the world in my opinion. I don’t understand why people are comparing an American made custom instrument to an entry level Chinese import like the NG series. I’ve owned every generation of the combustion/NG series and none of them feel close to the quality of the Kiesel. Dingwall pickups can’t be beat even the cheap ones in the ng series. That being said the kiesel pickups are unique and have a very clear modern sound. I love them in the higher registers but they lack that fat bottom end. These are crystal clear pickups. If you make a mistake everyone will know. The kiesel A2 is built very well and feels super light. It is easier to play than the NG series in my opinion. Mine has a 7 piece neck and is worth it. The bass feels tiny and is just fun to play. The kiesel A2 is a bargain in my opinion. I paid 3200 for mine with all custom options. I love this bass. I would say even if you already own a Canadian Dingwall an A2 would be a great addition to the family. They are completely different but it’s a cool tool to have
i didnt even know kiesel made basses, but so far the kiesel sound so much better