Dingwall VS Kiesel [ BASS BATTLE ]

[@johnnyz2378]

I have lusted after a Dingwall for years, but I have to say, I really dig the clarity that Kiesel’s got.

[@TheSandlot14]

Right? I'm shocked by how much i prefer the kiesel

[@cheveyo2403]

until you learn about their rep@@TheSandlot14

[@13_cmi]

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.

[@johnnyz2378]

@@13_cmi just get both. Problem solved, lmao!!! : )

[@johnnyz2378]

@@SandCannon fair enough, mate. : )

[@officialhellfiredenied2962]

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 ...

[@aarondavis5850]

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.

[@Facu_Roldan]

My thoughts exactly. The kiesel sounds better isolated but I bet the middy tone of the dingwall helps you cut through the mix better.

[@codcade]

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

[@aarondavis5850]

@@codcade Knew about the Dingwall coil configuration but not the Kiesel. Makes perfect sense.

[@CheloWiiU]

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.

[@gkmackmusic]

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.

[@CricketbugSessions]

Great Video Nate! You really can't go wrong with either one mostly down to personal colors and woods. Great Basses!!! 🎸🎸🤘🤘

[@iplaybass6690]

I am leaning Kiesel 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

[@papaidolatrine2499]

Lol

[@rix0r222]

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

[@Thurgor_Supreme]

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?

[@alexlozano1297]

I bought my A2 because of this video. It does not disappoint. Thank you

[@MythixMusic1]

Such a good comparison! Now I don't know which I want. The Kiesel really impressed me

[@MythixMusic1]

2 months later and I have 2 Dingwalls, haha. Incredible instruments

[@simic9664]

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.

[@Sierra-xi2ty]

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.

[@JordonBeal]

Agreed about the low B.

[@paulbaker2097]

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.

[@thefriedpiper]

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.

[@guillermovalderrama6242]

The Kiesel bass has a warwick-ish sound in my opinion. The top end is amazing but it's laking on the low end

[@ryanhuggard6907]

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.

[@LaziestBassist]

My rotator cuff was indeed aggravated, but this is so awesome, thank you!

[@dullrazor442]

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.

[@MythixMusic1]

That is a good question indeed! Hopefully Nate answers

[@linktechjjb]

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!

[@MythixMusic1]

@@linktechjjb I just got my NG3. I cannot beleive how nice this thing is to play

[@georgyj111111]

I have 2 Dingwalls and was never really happy with the sound. Kiesel meets my taste way better. Love the clarity.

[@silentshadowdnb]

I'm in the same boat. I can recommend switching the dingwall strings to d'addario nyxl. Much better, but still something lacks 🤔

[@LowEndSpammer]

A plus is the Kiesel is 100% American vs the Dingwall being Chinese/Canadian hybrid manufactured.

[@mattcheckleybass]

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.

[@mssanctuary9709]

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.

[@tieftontaube167]

Im in love with the clarity of the Kiesel

[@tanx0r]

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.

[@Funkslapinc311]

That Kiesel A2 was the most pleasing to me. That Dingwall sounded distorted in ways that were unpleasant.

[@LukeBass1000]

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. :)

[@Mr.Goldbar]

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.

[@klaymeister]

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.

[@jfh2112]

I love Kiesel. But the Dingwall has more of a midrange punch that I absolutely love.

[@soundwisestudios5340]

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.

[@wt_fclef11]

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!

[@GuyverJoe]

Both basses are stellar! But I have to say that the Kiesel's top end and overtones is giving it the edge here.

[@buhrrito]

I love your material. I will support you soon. 💯

[@eaf27]

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.

[@j.schultheiofficial2638]

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.

[@ColeMillward]

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.

[@myoptik3x103]

I started out assuming that the Dingwall would walk away with it, but the clarity and separation of the Keisel complexly won me over.

[@madmaskbass]

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...

[@Krilium]

I need them both! I have the Dingwall on the way. I already have 10 electric guitars, I'm afraid I'm gonna be collecting basses too. This Dingwall will be my fourth. I have a Fender J, Fender P, and a 6 string ESP (which was my first, bad idea to get a 6 string as your first btw). I am left handed though, so it's rare for me to find my IDEAL bass/elec-gtr, so naturally I snag them whenever I see one that suits me.

[@smokerman81]

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.

[@MaestorRasanen]

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.

[@thehachisquad246]

Man kiesel is killing it with that clarity. I love that tone

[@JoeJoel]

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.

[@bassman1290]

The Kiesel wins IMO. Could you compare it with the Spector Dimension??

[@Jazzyexplorer]

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

[@ChrisBennett-ph2kr]

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!

[@mephiston9]

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.

[@dietrichborst6614]

Dang that Kiesel is something. My wife has your bass books and has made a ton of progress the past year using it. She loves the wood and finish on this Kiesel but I can’t figure out what the options are, any chance you can help me out for a holiday gift for her?

[@thirteenthandy]

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.

[@Shwarzencofmenmozer]

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

[@SaxonOrion]

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.

[@sadpotato7029]

the highend on that kiesel tho, i wonder if string has something to do with it or maybe the preamp, that clarity is topnotch. im just wondering how they'd sound in a full mix, will the kiesel's topnotch highend clarity sound just as brilliant or will it be too distractive or perhaps might get buried in the mix with the low tuned heavy distorted guitars around it?

[@PeterGaspar-vm4cb]

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.

[@stevebadachmusic]

pretty impressed with that Kiesel tone

[@a-bass-player]

Kiesel nailed it. I have 4 Kiesel Basses - all are different. They are heavily in tune over an entire gig. The neck does not move at all and feels great after 8 years of intense playing (my first build)

[@The_Cavemaan]

I love dingwall, but kiesel got this one! Nice job man!

[@funkygas]

I peered the tone of the Kielsel, but I’d would be interesting to which sat better within a mix.

[@davidmskiba]

dingwall is more melodic and suits better in the mix while the kiesel is a very clear bright performer with solo attributes. both nice.

[@dr.falcon3520]

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.

[@fivestringraal]

High register playability is not a general multiscale thing, where the neutral fret is rather. I designed 9th for that reason.

[@overseer_grimal]

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.

[@FlightofElixirs]

Loved the sounds and looks of both basses but the zingy top end of the kiesel takes it for me. Cheers

[@david_onbass]

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!

[@redactedxx4219]

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.

[@deadmanwithpitchforkarms8376]

2:23 what in the fuck was that The Kiesel sounds lovely! I really like the clarity

[@barondavis5692]

Which do YOU like better? Tone? Playability? Thanks for the cool demo. 👍

[@andrewrobertson3737]

Both great,ive i had to choose it would the big k .

[@treed873]

I had considered both basses before settling on the Dingwall. I'm still happy with my purchase ;)

[@MrMydiligence]

The kiesel win for me. can you compare whith the overload ?

[@ragingjew8345]

That Kiesel sounds MONSTEROUS

[@Tawni.6269]

I dig them both but I'll give a nod towards Kiesel that time is my personal preference.

[@danielschenker9874]

I feel like the Kiesel sounds sounds a lot like a guitar, especially on the high notes. That makes me wonder if it might have a difficult time cutting through the mix.

[@KosmoBurns]

After having a Kiesel, I was on the fence about getting a Dingwall or the A2, ended up grabbing the Dingwall. Glad to see they're pretty close to eachother! Were both basses in passive in this video?

[@oscarrobayo7558]

Hi Nate, how its going? so in my opinion Kiesel is a winner is this battle cause its sounds so clearly and powerfull.... thanks for sharing and bya-bye

[@pwdt4r313]

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]

The best thing kiesel could do for themselves as a brand is get Jeff Kiesel away from their PR/marketing

[@pwdt4r313]

@@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

[@dacontrecontreras6046]

Even though kiesel is a dingwall copy, is it fair to compare a custom to an import model?

[@freshelfpie]

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.

[@hosdrummer6735]

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.

[@RichardHoogstad]

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

[@RulgertGhostalker]

REQUEST: could you do a EHX Spruce Goose Overdrive Demo ? there are no other demos but the EHX one where Tom does a short bass section through it .....just sort of looking for a warm tube like crunch pedal.

[@bustersiku]

I have a dingwall but I do also want a kiesel so bad.

[@steffomca762]

I don't think it's worth it, they're gonna cost you the double of a Dingwall, or even the triple

[@tonycarel1785]

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

[@6sentient]

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.

[@keithlangill9843]

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.

[@MatejErjavec]

i have loved the dingwall for ages but i think i love the kiesel even more. those pickups are just incredible

[@brentheathersimons7042]

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

[@ryanschindler923]

As a metal guitar player I'd have say the Dingwall sounded better for metal stuff where as the Kiesel had a more overall cleaner/clearer sound. Dingwall is just known for that gnarl and bite in it's tone that really cuts through a mix. round 1 - Dingwall round 2 - Dingwall round 3 - Dingwall round 4 - Kiesel round 5 - Kiesel round 6 - Dingwall round 7 - Kiesel round 8 - Kiesel round 9 - tied round 10 - Kiesel

[@ZRisyad]

I am always a Dingwall boys... until now. Kiesel got more clarity that grab my heart

[@rhyme4rhythm]

Just for my own knowledge in the comparison. Do they both have new strings? Same amps and effect settings on both?

[@Thurgor_Supreme]

There's a couple of 34-37s I rarely see on KZbin and I've always wanted to hear Aguilar pickups in a proper demo. Any chance you can do Mayones Patriot VF37 vs ESP B-1005MS?

[@shanesimons8987]

Kiesel for me, can you do a video on the Zeus 5 string multi scale?

[@zachjones1716]

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

[@JimmyDangerBones]

Thank you for this. There is a clear difference.

[@brentsullivan4352]

Man that Kiesel sounds amazing especially in the upper register. I own a Dingwall but I may have to look into the Kiesel

[@zombicidalmatt]

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

[@Sirupfreund]

Could you please show us what you get out of the Yamaha Attitude Billy Sheehan Bass! Greetings from Germany!

[@TheBeardofDOOM]

I really didn't expect to prefer the Kiesel. Great sound.

[@robertkerr9738]

To be honest I don’t really like either in totality. There are aspects of both I like at times, but I like and dislike the sound of each one equally. Can we see the new Spector NS Dimension 5 HP up against either of these?

[@SnootiestTitan1]

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

[@goldbullet345]

To my ears, the sound on the dingwall fits the bass, grungy tone whete as the kiesel has more of that clairity, chime & ping that a guitar player would like. So if i had to pick, id pick the dingwall cause the mid range fits the bass player mode, where as thw kiesel would be a better bass for soloing & playing the bass more like a guitar ( ya know what i mean )

[@acwild]

Through my speakers, the Dingwall has more mids. The Kiesel sounds scooped with a piezo-like quality. I’d be curious to hear the Kiesel with mids boosted. In the demo, it sounds like it would get buried in a mix.

[@scottm7720]

Wow, that Kiesel sounds killer! What was the other bass? (Joking)

[@solal94]

What's this army of giants song ? Can't find it on Deezer

[@richsbilliardsandmusicvenu5580]

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