Music Man Kaizen Very Detailed Review

[@Arfonfree]

Kudos to Musicman for coming up with a guitar that is not a visual clone of an LP or Strat.

[@patrickmcpartland1398]

I'd say this is more tosin than music man in the design department, but I will give them credit for letting artists do what they want with out any limitations. The st Vincent models are great for that too, and gave my very small girlfriend a guitar that didn't look like my 6 string dingwall bass on her.

[@RightNotesWrongTone]

This guitar looks like a modern version of an albert lee imo

[@K50ATTACK]

It’s a clone of ass tho

[@TheRtyfghcvb]

I hate both LP and Strat. Enough is enough. Nothing interesting anymore!

[@kipponi]

​@@TheRtyfghcvbYeah first designs never are best. Next designer can improve some faults. This Kaiser should have Floyd rose bridge. Otherwise it is greatly own style guitar.

[@waynewilson312]

This is one guitar I really hope to see an import version of. The quality at sterling is, in my experience, pretty great. I just can’t justify a $4,000 guitar to play 000010011001000100 riffs in my bedroom, but if sterling could make one in the $1,500-$1,800 range then I’d be a buyer.

[@morgothbauglir906]

Yes please. I would 100% buy a sterling version.

[@ChainsawChristmas]

Especially if it's getting the same style (even if lesser quality) hardware. I like the tuners and would be very interested in trying that infinity radius fretboard! But not for $4k. Also don't care if it has fishmans since i really don't think they're all that great compared to a nice set of Dimarzios or SDs.

[@LilRoute]

@@ChainsawChristmas The pickups in the Kaizen aren't Fishman Fluences, they're EBMM HT pickups

[@calbrockocat8728]

In an age of guitar conformity, it's great to see builders bravely taking those steps too far...for some.

[@TheShinyShow]

I like to see them try different stuff. We're in a golden age of trying new things really with multiscales, compound radii, headless, this thing with the "infinite radius", so it's nice to see compared to the typical "look we made it exactly the same as we did in the 50's"

[@ebee3522]

You mean making an uncomfortable overpriced pos?

[@davidp6007]

Yes, the spirit is good but 4K....is piss taking man.

[@bulico06]

It's so wild it is beautiful. Nice to see something different.

[@bretolson8484]

Thanks for putting in your time to spotlight this model. I agree on all points you made and I’m a more traditional player with curiosity for these new designs.

[@GlennMichaelThompson]

Electric guitar's been around for over 70 years. It's great to see some forward thinking in guitar design from a larger manufacturer.

[@Lucas_Salles]

Music Man is probably the most innovative mainstream guitar company nowadays. The Bongo, Albert Lee, St. Vincent, Mariposa, Majesty and now this one are all incredibly innovative and unique!

[@davidramos4317]

Not really.

[@thewrongneighborhood7847]

none of those guitars innovated anything lmao

[@HatOnAHat]

This is a really neat guitar with some very innovative features. Thanks for covering this, Phil.

[@jpizzleforizzle]

Using some dip switches for the pickup selector would be an awesome way to make stock wiring customizable without soldering or rewiring.

[@lazyboydtown]

Whenever I see a "modern" Fender, Musicman or G&L, I can't help but contemplate on whether Leo Fender would have singed up on it. With the exception of that bridge I think he might have signed up on that design. Also, I had no idea that roasting the entire body is a thing. Great job as usual Phil..

[@dezertson2011]

Leo Fender was constantly innovating. Complete myth that he would been like Fender and kept everything almost the same for 50 years.

[@ChrisEck13]

He may or may not have put a guitar like this into production, but I highly doubt he would have had any of his guitars come stock with Gibson tuners.

[@Davix-tt9sh]

Both Musicman and G&L were literally funded and backed by Leo after he left Fender, I guess he was pretty ok with them

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

I'm very much a traditional guitar style guy, but for a modern guitar this looks really good! Some interesting and cool features as well.

[@aldahirlopez3757]

that guitar has to be one of the most interesting looking guitars ever

[@bretolson8484]

I agree, and believe it is within a new body style “generation”. I can see echoes of the St Vincent mashed with synth and toy guitars of the ‘80’s. It’s daring, and seems comfort was part of the thinking in design, not just an “art piece”.

[@smeagle3295]

Agreed.

[@yeesenchai]

Looks good, the change to the headstock and the contours of the body from the st vincent, perfect.

[@zz-.-]

Got the /75 spectraflare 7 and it’s a 1 of a kind guitar. Highly recommend. Super unique.

[@donttalktome4696]

I think the angles trick the eye into ignoring the fanned frets. I could be wrong.

[@ilikeblackguitars]

I do like the Tuners being underneath the headstock and it is a nice looking guitar for me it would take a while getting used to but man what a ride it would be

[@lookingbehind6335]

Until this video, I have never seen that type of tuners. Being able to mount them anywhere opens headstock shape ideas. Especially since Gibson is trying to sue competition out of business.

[@mikeshaw4951]

@@lookingbehind6335 Probably be a no-brainer for replacement Firebird tuners.

[@ferdberfle5069]

Good job on the review! I like the looks and the straight string pull idea. Unfortunately at that price it is WAAYY out of my league!

[@ipuya]

It's not for me but i love that they are introducing new shapes with innovative designs, and thanks for getting a scoop on this and sharing with us!

[@JimDewdGuitars]

this was the kaizen review I was waiting for! thanks Phil!

[@sanehumanbeing7019]

The output jack location makes perfect sense if you have an angled plug on your cable. There is a lot about this guitar that makes sense.

[@officialWWM]

Man, that thing is awesome! That’s what I love about Music Man, they aren’t afraid to think outside the square.

[@nugeforprez]

definitely one of the guitars of all time

[@ebee3522]

You’re kidding right??

[@rexrathtar3893]

It's... interesting. I like how the form is planned out with a clear intention to improve function, rather than just being to look kewl. Not my kettle of fish (I struggle enough with six strings!), but I can appreciate the attempt to innovate and the care and attention to detail that went into creating it.

[@DrKevGuitar]

Something you mention re: cavity shielding, yes Music Man have always used conductive paint in the cavity before shooting the color coat.

[@serfillustrated4018]

I like it!! It definitely takes some design influence from the St Vincent guitar.

[@lilybeejones]

I want the purple one because it looks like Gengar, the Pokémon. Also I'm a big MusicMan fan. Probably would spend that money on the St. Vincent, but it's still cool.

[@jettsom]

This is like a modernized JP/Majesty guitar, pretty cool!

[@retrocny5625]

I actually really dig this shape. There's something about it that I like. I typically am not a fan of pointy guitars, star body guitars, etc... the furthest I'm willing to go in that area is like an explorer or snakebyte shape. But this shape gives me a sort of retro sci-fi futuristic vibe. Think 80's sci-fi movies. It's definitely more out there than a traditional double cut shape, but I really dig this. I wish the headstock was designed a little more similar to the body. Compared to the body, the headstock shape looks a little too much like the traditional Music Man shape. Still, I like it though. Not sure I like it enough to buy one, but I'd definitely pick one up and play it if I see it in a shop...and who knows what happens from there.

[@gazzy_burns]

Congrats on getting this, I love Musicman!

[@HandOfMetal]

Really nice and futuristic looking guitar. I think I like that deep blue and silver color the most. Sadly it's out of my price range.

[@thesmellycatjazz]

I'm super interested in this. I literally stopped what I was doing to watch this video

[@stephanematis]

Ah! The infamous overnight at Sweetwater deep dive! It was worth it Phil, this is an intriguing piece of kit well worth sharing.

[@MrTraewilliams]

I think it is so cool that Music Man is doing the smart thing and working with an artist knowing that people like to play different guitars. I wish Fender and Gibson would do this and give/work with an artist say like Samantha Fish with maybe a SG or Firebird signature and she could have a Jaguar or Thinline Tele at the same time. I know Gibson started working Kirk Hammett while he is still with ESP but maybe work with artist that haven't been rock gods for 30+ years. Love the channel 💯✌🤟🤘

[@DaviSiqueiraSilva]

It's really a shame that the tremolo is not fully floating on these guitars. I hope they offer a fully floating model once the definitive versions get to the stores.

[@andreaarmenti773]

At the same time i understand why they didn’t. The jp15, and majesty have the floating trems and they wanted to do something different.

[@Dm3qXY]

yeah.. for that price range, whoever affords to buy one, would probably have other guitars to customize the heck out of.. this one is mostly for the factory features. good to see they introduce some new stuff to a market comfortable with the "old ways" for too long. in time, the approach and parts might become more common, thus fit for experimenting around with switching parts.

[@YesItsReallyKeith]

gorgeous ! and musicman is quality !!!!

[@larsheuker]

Its actually very 80s looking, i can totally see ibanez making this back in the day, like the maxxas or those extremely pointed ones i forgot the name off

[@Sticky_Tea]

The Xiphos 👍🏻

[@ebee3522]

And the Thompson twins using huh?

[@luthieruin]

That is an amazing instrument. I would actually like to see a hardtail version.

[@rcyalater...2305]

Me as well. But at least it's not Floyd-esque

[@luthieruin]

@@rcyalater...2305 Very true

[@darwinsaye]

Great demo. Guitar is pretty much opposite of everything I like in a guitar though, but it seems good for those who like that kind of style. Biggest eyebrow raising moment though, was when you said you were going to proceed with the “overdrive” demonstration, and then clicked on some kind of definitely-Not-overdrive metal distortion, haha 👍🏻

[@derekchapman5167]

You're too kind; I think it looks awful, it's the sort of design that'll age badly. It's aimed squarely at a marketplace, to which it'll more than likely appeal, but outside of that it'll just be another "odd" guitar that costs far too much and looks daft.

[@timcummiskey1178]

I love my JP7. I'll have to check this out. Thanks Phil!

[@cpamiseso]

Dude! I'm quite sensitive to audio source (and relative pitch), I notice that you pan your voiceover tilting left-right (or right-left), and that is cool :D

[@WillfulThinker]

Are there ANY guitar brands on the market right now that offer a model with the multi-scale range of that one? That is exactly the range I've wanted for years (24.75" to 25.7").

[@johnbaird2095]

Checked Thomann and Sweetwater, none.

[@lucasvarela9632]

It sounds like a great scale length. Just got my strandberg and it’s taking some time to get used to 26.5-27.5

[@remsangachhakchhuak1738]

It's custom looking while being classy too. Nice guitar and I think it will be a great guitar.

[@atin8996]

Awesome review, Phil. I'd love to see more 7string guitars on the channel. Also im glad we are still seeing some innovation despite the "vintage" craze. I feel like we need more innovation and crazy ideas in the industry. It spurs more new ideas and solutions and we discover more options to keep things fresh and progress the world of guitar.

[@krymsix574]

The body shape has carves and shaping that is reminiscent to a set of guitars Ibanez made for Ryan Shuck ages ago when he played with the band Orgy in the early to mid 2000s. This sort of angular strat shape seems to be made by a few different manufacturers now.

[@BagusWibisono]

I need review like this, thank you buddy!

[@housethegrate6093]

Great presentation, Phillip.

[@Jonathan_Doe_]

Says the strings have no break angle, immediately cuts to a picture showing the strings do have a break angle (@1:19). They have no side to side break angle (which will improve tuning stability as stated), but they do have a downwards break angle over the nut, because they’d rattle like hell if they didn’t.

[@jimihendrix1575]

Love the shape. Looks like it might be hard to palm mute with that bridge design, but it's not in my hands so that's just an observation. I wonder how Gibson will go about suing this model? They'll find a way.

[@groovefretboard]

That infinite radius is really cool. Guitar sounds so perfect. I would add that my collection. The trem could use work tho. Could use more tone knobs. Good review

[@6oundStudio]

check out inspector katana guitars. they are production models with basically same body form

[@_EightySix]

That is the first guitar related to Tosin that I've liked. That thing is sick. I'm going to get one.

[@JeffRatliffhome]

The bottom half of the body reminds me of the St. Vincent. I'm surprised you didn't mention it, but maybe it's just me. Glad to see something original. For the first time I'm thinking about getting a 7 string.

[@6stringsandapick]

Throw in some filtertrons, make it a hollowbody, take off a string, paint it orange, and add a Bigsby and I'm in! In all seriousness, I'd love to see the infinity neck radius on just about any guitar, I hope that some other models try this feature.

[@nisterror]

🙄

[@lookingbehind6335]

Gibson would sue them for those changes.

[@nisterror]

All the "proposed changes" mentioned defeat the purpose of the Kaizen guitar. Kaizen means continuous improvement. Doing those changes literally takes the guitar back in time. Additionally those old style guitars already exist.

[@TheDrunkenScoundrel]

Nice job.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@dylanlamarre3768]

I love Abasi's music, but I don't play his genre at all. So when I first saw the Kaizen I didn't even click into the details because guitars tailored for that genre haven proven to be very specific to that sound. However, your review changed my opinion of that guitar. Like you said it's very well thought out from an ergonomics and mechanical point of view. I would want a guitar at this price point to become my main axe, but the pickups tones are still very specific to his genre, so I'm very hesitant despite its excellent design.

[@FoundryStreetJason]

I love the look of this guitar!!!

[@clanofhousecats8079]

I'm a Music Man freak, went in line for this at sweetwater the day it was announced. Didn't know you can't bend the bar up at all? Kinda bummer. For the money, I think I'd rather have another Majesty, possibly an 8-string model. Would really like to know if the magnets in the pickups are Ceramic or Alnico?

[@franknicastri9201]

A great looking and sounding instrument. As has been said it's a breath of fresh air in the current market. Love it or hate it it's well crafted. The attention to detail down to the cavity cover is really cool. I can't wait to see more collaborations between abasi and music man. Tosin really is a genius of design in my book.

[@SBanas]

This looks amazing!

[@strat0871]

Very nice, I'll wait for the 6 strings model.

[@lizardspit2508]

✨Nice review Phil 🤘

[@adriankyletorres8456]

Sir Phil! That is so nice. Also have you seen Ten32 Guitars? Its really cool. Love your vids!!!

[@niclastname]

They made the multiscale bridge pickup mistake. You gotta slant the bridge pickup with the bridge or the low strings sound muddy. You're essentially moving the bridge pickup further away form the bridge pretty significantly (on the low strings) by slanting the bridge and not the pickup.

[@SunMasterXIV]

I love the Steinberger tuners - I have them on two guitars.

[@t3hgir]

Saw some comments nitpicking the 25.5 scale on the low B, why not increase it to 26.5 or 27'' for the lowest string ?

[@thesmellycatjazz]

He said 25.7 on the low B, which is a weird number

[@mustard87]

@@thesmellycatjazz The 25.7 comes from the angle of the nut and bridge required for the scale of the high E to be 24.75 (Gibson scale) and the low E to be 25.5 (Fender Scale).

[@smeagle3295]

Thanks Phil!

[@FTF96]

I absolutely love and covet this guitar, it’s almost everything I ever wanted in a Guitar … almost. If it wasn’t for that PCB where you’re stuck with MM’s preset pickup configurations, I’d buy one today. The fact I can’t easily rewire/reconfigure the pickups to my taste is sadly a dealbreaker

[@goregore6259]

Reminds me of those Greco Tusk guitars. From the early 80s, made in Japan.

[@g3ng4rb0i3]

Thanks for the info cus I was curious but I'm good.

[@yuliefelice5643]

How can we adjust the floating bridge on this guitar? Mine came in today and the bottom strings are touching the bridge pickups making the strings buzz.

[@Gornflyin]

I do like this guitar, but for that kind of money, I'd expect a whole lot more. Should be neck through, roller nut, and full floating trem. Maybe have at least 2 gloss paint options as well.

[@DEADMEDIC]

It’s like a Roswell rhoads equivalent of a jazz master

[@MelodyMaker218]

Freaking sweet man!

[@multimike2030]

I've been waiting on a multiscale guitar with a tremolo bridge that isn't kahler or a straight floyd rose (like Rusty Cooley's Ormsby sig), i just wonder why Floyd Rose or even Gotoh don't do a multiscale floating bridge. It can't really be that difficult (not a guitar builder obviously) for a company to design one like this, can it? I'm willing to bet if more multiscale guitars with tremolos came out, the modern guitar community would be all over them.

[@Guitar-Geek]

Phillip go and check Parker guitars, if you forgot how exotic and sophisticated production model could be.

[@markxnx9846]

I have never seen anything quite like this in a production model ... have you ever seen Hamer Impact bass? i'm sure it's inspires Kaizen's body design

[@guitar6333]

of all the different designs and shapes out there the strat , tele 335 and les paul still are the only ones that look right to me and i think will still be the most popular in the next 20 years

[@wadeguidry6675]

Music Man are great values for the money, if you can afford one.

[@carlosanvito]

I wonder if the middle position places one bridge coil and one neck coil in a humbucking configuration and the trim pots are there to balance the pickups to minimize hum?

[@davidstill4321]

Looks like something "Jet Screamer"would pull out.Maybe somebodys been watching the Flintstones?I think it looks cool.Maybe they will make some with regular necks.If they did that and it had a mice feel Id buy one!

[@hrod9393]

I do like the shape. I like satin finish. I like the maple neck. I have a Synyster Gates and also like the Jazzmaster bodies. I like the head stocks. I'm not so sure I need the 7 strings though... Oh yea... the price is OBSCENE, so , its a no for me....

[@donaldwrissler9059]

The shape minus the conturing is very Ibanez (Xyyos?) and Jackson Warrior. Not a bad thing just not what I conjure up in a Music Man line of thought. The choices that make modding impossible would be a serious strike against for me.

[@lookingbehind6335]

Yes, it does look like inspiration come from Ibanez. Hopefully that keeps Gibson from claiming patent infringement. Unless Gibson uses the “they copied a design from a company that copied our design” argument. 🤣

[@suzannecoholic1467]

the scientist in me finds it very intriguing. the angles remind me of an air force stealth fighter jet. it costs a pretty penny - I'd have to try it out before considering a big spend, but I might just love it.

[@GaveMeGrace1]

Thank you

[@sachalevesque6740]

Great demo! Although for 4K, I would have expected a much more quality finish (cavity paint, some ferrules for the screws, metal knobs, etc.)

[@thomasmims7850]

remember though that it's just a prototype! surely the production models aren't like that

[@sachalevesque6740]

@@thomasmims7850 🤞🏻

[@FabrizioPeretti]

Is there a way to get the auto split in center position on a lespaul?

[@casmirmitton1497]

I'm looking for a 25.5" blue Telecaster and my price range is 500 CAD below... What Brand of guitar is my best bet?

[@zipcheckcheck]

I'm so glad this is out of my price range because I don't have space for another guitar.

[@johnconiglio9278]

Give them a lot of credit for trying a new guitar design. All of the big companies are to afraid to do it. If they made a string thru version, I would be more interested. If you're going to spend over $3,000 on a guitar, you might as well get a custom shop model.

[@mylogify]

I'd probably go for a Majesty for couple of more money, If I wanted something from Musicman, and had the money, for the nice looking finish, and for everything in general.

[@cchavez248]

I like this guitar but I'm not sure if I'm going to like the price, haven't seen that yet!

[@jonasulfsfalt4451]

Hey! Do you breath between the lines?

[@DrTruckster]

If this would be a 2.5k guitar I'd seriously consider buying one since it's unique and cool in my opinion. But 4k? Nah I'm good.

[@griff4366]

This seems to be heavily inspired by the old Guild X-79's, but the Guild had a headstock more suited to the shape.

[@TheShinyShow]

Does Phil have a video on Quartersawn vs Flat-sawn?

[@Jopeymessmusic]

It's a weird hybrid of the old Albert Lee signature and takes obvious inspiration from the Majesty and weirdly enough I see a bit of Synester Gates old schecter vibes, although that could just be the long horn perspective I personally have. It's a weird mish mash but I suppose if it has a specific market, maybe it'll be fine.

[@mgreene300]

would be interested in a Sterling 6 string version.

[@ChrisEck13]

Are those real Steinberger tuners? It seems odd to me that EBMM would choose to put Gibson parts stock in one of their guitars.

[@gorlagOv]

I was surprised they didn’t use the traditional music man nut.