The Music Man Kaizen Is UnPlayable (For Me)

[@tj10777]

I played one at guitar center. I almost always play standing up, so I brought a strap with me. The Kaizen is extremely comfortable to play standing. The body carve is amazing. I love it, but the infinity radius is weird on my picking hand like you said. Jumping between strings just feels odd when doing fast picking runs and I was constantly missing the next string. If the Kaizen didn't have the infinity radius, it would be an instant buy for me.

[@andrefludd]

Glad to know I’m not crazy lol thanks for sharing

[@yourmomlovespenis]

You still go to guitar center? 🤔

[@rhymenocologist]

You and I have wildly different tastes in guitars. I have basically zero interest in owning most of the guitars you review, but I absolutely love your reviews on them.

[@andrefludd]

Thank you :)

[@mandanglelow1442]

And what are the guitars that you do enjoy if I might ask?

[@drewburgess525]

I’m the same way. I hate pointy guitars. I’m a romantic though, and practicality has rarely influenced any aspect of my life outside of a good excuse.

[@rhymenocologist]

@@mandanglelow1442 I'm way more traditional. Or cheesy 80s metal guitars. Ergonomic or artsy guitars, headless, and multiscale just don't do anything for me. I find a lot of the modern technical specs fascinating, though

[@mandanglelow1442]

@@rhymenocologist I asked because I'm an older player myself and I grew up on the holy trinity: Les Pauls, Strats and Teles. Then in the early nineties I got turned on to PRS and I bought a beautiful custom 24 in 1997 which became my number one guitar for quite a while. About 8 years later I had Carvin build me a custom guitar which is called the California single which is their version of a Les Paul. That guitar then became my number one guitar until about 3 years ago when I picked up a 2001 Brian Moore custom which at the time was at the absolute top of the guitar Innovation scene. I love that guitar and I would never get rid of it but it still hasn't knocked off my custom Kiesel. My point in all this is because I've been very interested lately in the strandberg seven strings with the fanfrets but I won't pull the trigger on something that I can't play first. I am personally very interested in anyone who can come up with new ideas for the guitar because no matter what shape or form they come in they're all still guitars and basically sound like a guitar. I've always found it interesting that the differences in guitars are so minor that you can put on many records between the 60s and the 2000s and defy anyone to tell you which guitar is being played and most likely no one would be able to anyway. Cheers

[@carloslonmoer6285]

The $4,000 price makes it unplayable for most people. I suppose if you're a professional though thats just the cost of doing business.

[@DrMurdercock]

its a "designer guitar" man....Like a designer purse, it doesn't do anything a 300 guitar wouldn't do......Over priced

[@Backingjamstudio]

5000 eur in europe with import taxes.... crazy pricing & overpriced ! Sorry musicman...

[@claesvanoldenphatt9972]

I think you mean ‘unpayable’.

[@watersnortmoment3734]

@claesvanoldenphatt9972 No, given the context, he meant what he said. Just holding a 4000 dollar guitar will make most people nervous, thus, for the most part, unplayable.

[@darenwalker2517]

I disagree. There's no level of virtuosity that requires this cost of guitar to accomplish their music. Nothing wrong with wanting a guitar like this. But Tosin could do a show on a $1000 axe and nobody would know the difference. And as long as it was set up perfectly, I don't think he would care either.

[@Wizzanker]

I have a fanned-fret 6 string Strandberg. You are right that it doesn’t make much difference on a 6 string. I think it is a bit more ergonomic as your hand goes up the fretboard, but it’s minor. I like it mostly for the aesthetics.

[@rolandolimon2260]

There is a sound difference. High strings will sound like Slash and AC/DC …. Lower strings with have the attack and clarity of Fenders

[@nino9273]

I don't really agree with that, the difference in tone between 24,75 or 25,5 inches is almost negligible, it's more the feeling that matters as a player. Strings on a longer scale length feel a bit tighter so to you they sound different, but probably nobody else will hear it.@@rolandolimon2260

[@swarthygiant1463]

@rolandolimon2260 that’s relative to what gauge you string it with. If you use a typical pack you will get that effect but you can use a more uniform set of strings with a multiscale if you want too

[@dahliasmiles7122]

I guess it's for extended range fanned fret players who want a 6-string but have gotten used to playing fanned fret

[@Exgrmbl]

That's right, the reason for the fanning on the Strandberg is ergonomic and not sonic.

[@averyhargrave7343]

i personally have considered getting a 6-string multiscale guitar for tuning in all 5ths. the difference between the lowest and highest strings becomes massive and i think fanned frets would help it feel more consistent.

[@ej1_drew]

that could be interesting 🤔

[@BallzReynolds]

This might be one of the only sensible uses of a multiscale. I’d be interested to hear your thoughts if you do it. I would choose a more aggressive multi scale like a 25.5-27 for that purpose.

[@averyhargrave7343]

@@BallzReynoldsI would also prefer a 25.5”-27” scale but i’m not sure if i’ve found a 6-string with that - i think the only ones i’ve found have been 25.5”-26.25”

[@vorpalblades]

I've been playing a seven string or 5 string bass with the 2 bottom strings tuned in 5ths for about 20 years. I haven't felt a need to tune the higher strings likewise.

[@grigoriraspoutine9298]

yes, it's cool when you wanna go full king crimson. It can help feeling more smooth with harder string gauges / low six string tunings.

[@seankeogh20]

man, this channel is just so good. Love how picky (in a great way) you are with every detail. Means alot to see someone talking about the necessary things!

[@andrefludd]

Thanks for the support

[@Tatted-ne7tu]

You’re reviews are so different from others. I very appreciate the unbiased content, presentation and ability to think outside the box. I wish I could take you with me when I’m guitar shopping.

[@thepagesaretorn]

Subtle multiscale helps when the neck is angled upwards to match the position of the elbow. I got my degree in classical guitar, and with it I got a chance to delve into alexander technique (essentially trying to assert ergonomic priority onto your instrument). Generally the forearm needs to be parallel to the fret, so the elbow rises and drops as you play in different positions. When you have multiscale, you can do this with less elbow movement, which now instead swivels rather than completely has to relocate.

[@EvilDragon666]

@andrefludd There's your answer! :)

[@spenserphoenix]

That makes complete sense. When Ibanez came out with their one way fan everyone, me included was sceptical but when I played it I was amazed at how comfortable it was. I play classical position but I get if people play with the guitar on their picking hand leg it might feel weird.

[@zz-.-]

Great review. I picked up a Kaizen 7 Spectraflare and it’s incredible. The neck is unique and super fast. The shape of the body is wonderful and the weight is great, super light and contours to my body. Distribution of weight is the best I’ve felt. Sound is incredible - full and sustains great. Don’t agree with your conclusion but love the detail you go into 🤘

[@andrefludd]

Glad you like yours!

[@frankiechan9651]

Rabea Massad's review described the infinity radius in a way that I have not seen in any others and allowed me to finally understand it. The fretboard has a radius - akin to any other fretboard. The difference is that the top of the curve is NOT centred down the middle of the fretboard - it is closer to the high e string side. If you have a look at the freboard - on the low E side, the thickness is less than on the high e side. Not sure if it's just the one radius or compound. I'm assuming single radius because the maths involved in a compound radius on top of the infinity radius would be hell to get right/consistent. While I've entertained the though of fan fret on a 6 string - I get your point and maybe it is better for something like a 7 or 8 string.

[@hisham_hm]

The background color changes for information vs opinion is GENIUS, I wish more youtubers did that... in all fields!

[@nostalgia-for-infinity]

I have both a Kaizen 6 and a Strandberg neck-thru. I find the Kaizen much more comfortable and playable... and I don't exactly know why. One thing I do like is the fact that the point where the multi-scale transitions on the Kaizen is in a much better place on the neck. I find the upper registers more difficult to play on the Strandberg because the multi-scale starts at the head, making the frets much more angled and closer together as you go down the neck. Whereas the Kaizen has the non-angled fret being in the middle of the fretboard, and thus everything is less slanted overall (if that makes sense!).

[@andrefludd]

Thanks for your perspective!

[@justinvzu01]

The zero fret being at 7 is actually quite low. Most guitars have it at 9.

[@nostalgia-for-infinity]

@@justinvzu01 yeah, I have seen that. I have never played one before so I can’t really compare it. I like it a lot better than the Strandberg placement at the nut though.

[@denny.h776]

The subtle fanned fret imo is NOT for drop tunings, but predominantly open tunings. It’s subtle enough to let people get away with certain string gauges and when tuning the ebg strings can be tedious meanwhile the lower strings are still good for smaller drops

[@K3150]

I don't have a multi-scale guitar but I have one of the Ibanez QX54QM headless guitars. All of the frets are slanted equally rather then it being multi scale so its a little bit different. The slanted frets look perfectly straight when you have the guitar in "classical" position, and it keeps my wrist in a more relaxed position. For years I have struggled with wrist pain while playing guitar due to a metal plate in my left wrist from an injury. With this guitar I am able to play for much longer periods of time and experience very little of the pain I use to experience. I am now in the market for a strandberg because I think having the straighter frets closer to fret 1 might be better then having them slanted all the way down the neck like this Ibanez. I think some multi-scale guitars where the frets closer to fret 1 start to slant away from the player like on the kiesel vader would probably put more strain on my wrist so I would probably never get one of those in multi-scale.

[@9unslin9er]

I bought an Ormsby 6 string fan fret specifically for drop tuning. I wanted to go Drop C without going thicker on the low string. It's hard sometimes to get the percussiveness on the bass strings, while still keeping the highs slinky.

[@stevenponce4893]

Best review yet. I believe (said this before) you make the best reviews, all the details makes me feel physically close to the instrument. It’s worth to mention that the script, the preparation and the passion are present on every vid. Thanks again Andre.

[@zoomzoom3950]

I also agree with your offset comparison. My fav Fender are Jags, I sold a Marr Jag and a MIJ Jag (among other guitars; now down to one Jag) to cover some of my costs. It's a modern offset for sure, IMO The fan frets are barely noticeable, more of an aesthetic IMO, keeping it consistent with the 7-string models. Even though the Kaizen 6 quickly became my favorite guitar (to near obsession lol), the Majesty is more versatile and effortless to play in comparison. The Kaizen 6 just works well for me / feels right...though difficult to explain. It's the, "when you find a guitar that works for you, you just know it" sentiment. Cheers!

[@zoomzoom3950]

WOW! Kaizen 6 is my favorite guitar! I purchased one (indigo blue), and had two more (white and mint) within a week, and just purchased my fourth (Kryptonite)! I plan to buy more once I sell other gear. Cheers! edit: a floating trem would be nice tho

[@andrefludd]

Very happy you commented. I knew it would be the best thing for someone and this confirms that for me.

[@dust17111]

Wow 16,000 on some guitars hmm 🤔

[@zoomzoom3950]

@@dust17111 sold four guitars to help cover some of the costs. 😎

[@zoomzoom3950]

@@andrefludd Thank you. I've had many guitar "honeymoons" over the years, within a few minutes of playing my first Kaizen, I was hooked. The very next day I was convinced, and started looking again; found the second (good deal for new), and another good deal for the third. I also heard rumors of new colors being released before the end of the year, and sure enough several new colors were released in October, - got another good deal on a new Kaizen 6 in the new Kryptonite color. Still selling gear for another Kaizen, or maybe another Majesty?

[@dust17111]

@@zoomzoom3950 I bet you did

[@Anesth3s1A]

I have a 33 inch scale, 29 fret guitar. That behemoth felt more comfortable than a Kaizen. Never really thought so much about it but your points makes A LOT of sense. ESPECIALLY ABOUT THE TUNERS, PEOPLE CALLED ME TOO NITPICKY. I'd say price point is too high for the guitar to not feel 100% for the player. It is still an amazing instrument but, not for me. Glad I returned it asap. Great breakdown man!

[@dlmyrs]

Maybe one day they’ll make one without the fanned frets. Other than that I think it’s great! Never had interest in the Kaizen before, but I think you sold me on it.

[@HKTimbo]

Agree you don’t need a Multiscale neck on a six string but I built one into my custom made OD 6 string and I love it. It just feels like it flows more naturally for my fingers when I’m playing. I guess it’s a personal thing for each player. Great review 👏🏻

[@simonpark843]

Thank you once again for an informative and well presented video. These guitars are outlandishly expensive here in Australia so I won't be trying one out, but it's always interesting to hear your detailed opinions and observations on this kind of high-end gear.

[@andrefludd]

Worst thing about Australia, bugs and import fees. But apart from that everything is perfect right? Lol

[@simonpark843]

@@andrefludd - very true...but you get used to the bugs.

[@larrylambert2727]

I'd be interested in seeing you checkout the Charvel Guthrie Govan model. It's really become the guitar I default to when something is difficult to play or need one for everything. It may look like a simple super Strat at first look, but the little refinement are all player-centric and the sum of them just gets the guitar out of your way and gives you about any tone you'd ever need to pull off a gig. It's truly sublime, imo.

[@andrefludd]

I’ve played it and every time I see one in a guitar store I play it until the staff gets annoyed lol. I’d I had endless money and space, it would for sure be in the collection. I love it.

[@hyperplayability6290]

One possible benefit of multiscale may be making stretching/certain chord voicings easier - I can't say for certain on guitar, but I definitely notice this on my multiscale bass Great in-depth review as usual!

[@andrefludd]

I do think a fan fret can be useful on a 6 string, but I’d assume the fan would need to be more dramatic to be VERY useful. Thoughts?

[@zoomzoom3950]

It's hardly noticeable to me; I can go from a Kaizen to a Majesty and back easily. I like the Kaizen neck profile and infinity radius feel, though I rarely look at my fretboard while playing, I use side markers extensively not fret markers.

[@samseitz9937]

It’s probably marketing. As the saying goes build a mouse and make people think they need mouse traps. Guitar marketing these days has gotten shrewd and very clever to make people think they NEED certain specs

[@zynosgd9982]

A more subtle fan fret is more of a confort thing than a string tension thing. For most people, it follows the natural position of the hand when playing barre chords and similar stuff. I don't own one but I've tried some and for me it works. It's nit that noticeable but I don't have to break my wrist as much to play certain chords

[@Stachtube]

I don’t like the way dramatic fans feel when playing lower strings by the nut.

[@GregMerritt-ws8tq]

What I wanna know is where you got that leg cushion. That's a solution to a posture problem that I didn't know existed.

[@Slothclawcolseslaw]

Vox made the SSC-33 and similar models in the 00’s that I believe had the body curved backwards subtly like that. They were actually pretty comfortable. No forearm contour though.

[@bruno_gatti]

Great video man! Really dig your style and approach. I also went through a bit of a phase of trying out different kinds of guitars, tried headless, multiscale, tremolo, hardtale etc etc. Ended up on a regular superstrat with a slim neck and blocked floyd rose haha. Just feels the most comfortable to me.

[@nj1255]

The closest thing I've seen to the Kaizen "infinity radius" is probably a bass that has a twisted neck. I can't remember the builder's name, but the concept was interesting as it made the headstock end being twisted downwards (when playing it) so that you don't have to wrap your wrist and hand around the neck as far, while at the same time making the body twist upwards towards you so you can still maintain a comfortable placement of your right-hand down towards the bridge. Very interesting concept, but completely unpractical for mass-production.

[@timtrolll]

Dingwall makes a bass with a twisted neck. I think it's one of the NG models but it's hard to find a definite answer

[@Mega_trav]

Commenting on the fan frets for a 6 string: it is about even tension, but I think it’s also about placing the frets in a position that allows more comfort at the wrist.

[@CoreyJohnsonMusician]

The subtle fan fret is ergonomic for how your wrist rotates as it goes toward your body. My Strandberg has helped me out so much with dealing with carpel tunnel.

[@DereIicious]

What gets me is how thin the body is and how big the neck is especially for the 7 string. My favorite guitar I've picked up is a kiesel thanos headless I currently own 2 it is much like a strandberg super nice

[@lunamatic9775]

I've come to the conclusion that multi-scale just isn't for me, but I also don't play 7+ string guitars. I'd still love to check one of these out because they look so striking.

[@youknowthatoneguy123]

See that RC Ormsby in the background 👀 I can't wait for your ormsby video review. I recently purchased one, and I love it. I'm curious as to your take on that brand.

[@badscrew4023]

A fun thought: if they ever make a cheaper "Sterling by Musiclan" version, that will certainly have a normal radius fingerboard. And you'll probably like it better 😂

[@Ccorleone1609]

I still have an OLP by Music Man Bass guitar at home. Best 400€ ever spent.

[@hexothalmaofficial]

First of genuine fan of your content! Love the way you lay out your reviews love the genuine responses while your playing holding the instruments and the counter questions and engagement with the viewers. Personally the fan fret is a must have not necessarily on just any guitar but almost every guitar and idk how to explain it but imagine your a big ish person but proportion wise your hands are massive and maybe less long arms lol and long torso no matter how i sit or stand with a straight fret guitar it’s uncomfortable to bar accross the fretboard while playing not that I can’t make my fingers do it but my arm has to twist weird on the low frets by the headstock and my wrist is getting put under weird tension while pickup a fan fret guitar even with extended scale lengths the feeling of barring those low frets and the position your hand is in feels more natural like it feels like the guitar should always be like that and specially when the instrument is designed well when you get up to those high frets for anything as well the fan fret follows the natural position your fretting hand is in while moving up and down the fretboard. While it is weird for sure specially in the first couple months- a year of playing only on fan fret guitars it is now something that is a must and I have straight scale guitars and they are fine but it’s that quality thing if it costs just a bit more to have it better quality and better designed why would I skimp on it? Like do you want a wagu steak or a regular steak or do you want a iPhone or an old fliphone it works but that doesn’t mean that the design couldn’t be improved and hence why I do prefer fan fret because of comfortably fretting with my left hand and moving up and down the fret board the angle follows my hand position and the added benefit of the extended scale length means having the guitar in weird tunings is much easier. Put that 6 string in standard c and you could get away with light strings that’s the whole point of fan fret mainly is tuning. If you ever tried to go super low on a normal guitar you’ve put thick strings on and it’s not always comfy well 9-59 which is standard ish pretty slinky for a 7 I play down in g or f I put brand new pack of 10-65 or something and god dam I can play below a 4 string bass tuned standard. So imagine your building a guitar and your like well do I want a 75 in g# or a 65 in double drop D? Easy choice there but say no more. When you tune weird you don’t realize how much the extend range on the other strings besides just the lowest string it can really help. Yeah obviously we do all have our own opinion like you said you don’t get why people would want that on a six string so that’s my two sense. One final note before everyone in the comments has a shitcunt attitude I just want to say that some people do only want to play 6 strings so for them playing a 7 string to downtune isn’t there thing so downtuning their 6 string is the only way they want to do it so while I myself find it odd to put multiscale on a 6 string that could be the right persons saving grace.

[@GregMerritt-ws8tq]

Cheers for the Sylosis riff during the tremolo problem footage. \m/

[@SkeledroMan]

I would like to see you try some of the john petrucci models. The sterling ones seem like some of the most comfortable guitars below the price of a strandberg. Also, wht do you think of the narrower string spacing of a music man vs the wider spacing on other guitars?

[@ObeseChess]

The big thing about fanned frets for me is that they’re more ergonomic - they match the way my wrist naturally twists as my arm moves up and down the fretboard and I find them more comfortable to play even if I’m not realizing any benefits in string tension from detuning.

[@palehorsenameddeath7731]

Great video and great information Thank you. My experience is the total opposite Out of the 180 guitars I own, this is the IMHO brought the electric guitar in to modern times. Everything else is simply over hashed 1950 designed. The shape and weight and the neck shape for me has been worlds apart. I have never played a fan fret until I bought my first Strandberg. I love the fan frets on the six string tuned to standard A440 tuning. For myself this is a guitar life changing instrument. I have been playing guitar for 50 years so this is not my first guitar. All and all everyone has different likes and playing techniques.

[@zz-.-]

totally agree 👌

[@thepeacefulenemy4026]

Hey thanks. I’ve been designing a similar body shape (minimal body material between forearm and bridge) and your title had me a little worried lol. Glad to know I’m on the right track after all.

[@ChrisBrown-oo4bf]

For me, because I play in the sit down classical position, the fan fret is a little more comfortable. Not a dealbreaker, just a personal choice.

[@BirnieMac1]

The direction they've thinned it on feels like the opposite of what it should be, having the thinner edge on the top would make it harder to grip without your thumb creeping too high Like having the thinner side on the side the thumb approaches from feels like it'd be ergonomically appropriate

[@maxpeck4154]

I had a set of those Steinberger tuners on an older Gibson Firebird and I liked them quite a bit for their precision and light weight. What I didn't like was how I'd make my fingers raw tightening the wing nut at the top tight enough so the plain strings didn't slip. I'm partial to split shaft traditional tuners. Locking tuners speed up string changes. That's it. A geared tuner in good working order with sufficient winds around the post does not contribute to tuning instability. Friction points such as improperly cut nut slots and bridge saddles do. Locking tuners are unnecessary.

[@rutledge123]

I have a few fanned fret 6 string guitars, I don't think i would go back it's not the tuning or the scale length that matters to me, its how the frets match my fingers when doing wide stretches on the neck, the slight angle is so much more comfortable and i find myself having to strain way less to get large chord shapes, but i have really tiny hands

[@pieflies]

This is interesting to me. I hadn’t heard of this benefit before now. That’s something I also struggle with for some songs due to my finger length so I’m keen to try it.

[@mrbadsound]

Couldn't help it @16:09 my head went straight to metheny's dream box. Album of the year for me

[@BramClaes]

Kudos for wearing an Oathbreaker t-shirt! Greetings from Belgium!

[@andrefludd]

big fan

[@Kazwell111]

You got expensive tastes in guitars. I give you props for not going down the traditional route, I don't get to see too many high end models on review sites. Looking forward to more episodes.

[@Paroketh]

Totally agree on your example about guitars and cars reviews, watching someone shredding like a beast doesn’t tell me anything useful. Ps: Oathbreaker shirt? What a great band 😍

[@andrefludd]

I wish they had more music coming

[@TaxEvader420]

From what I understand the slightly fanned frets aren't for tuning down but for tapping (with multiple fingers) in music like AAL, Covet or Polyphia. Since you can slightly angle your hand when playing on those upper frets. Personally I really like how it looks as a slightly modern touch and like to think it makes the guitar sound a little more unique as well :)

[@CarlosSaulRodriguezA]

first time in my life I've read about fanned frets being for tapping lmao... it is to give a better intonation, as fretted instruments are a bit "offset" in tuning...

[@justinvzu01]

​@@CarlosSaulRodriguezAAlso wrong. The main purpose is to have a longer scale length on the lower strings to keep tuning more stable and keep a higher tension on lower tuned strings. If it was for intonation true temperament frets would be less squiggly on multiscale guitars, which they aren't.

[@CarlosSaulRodriguezA]

the final goal and purpose it's the same, genius...it's not "more stable tuning" is "proper placement of aforementioned tuning".... A "tuned" instrument is "intonated"... "in-TONE-ated" therefore "in-TUNE"... you don't even understand where those words come from xD @@justinvzu01 edit: and yes, true temperament accomplishes that but taking minor and subtle accommodations and also with the benefit of having a set scale. If you want a "true temperament les paul" (impossible with that shorter scale, if you know you should know the famous "3rd-string-out-click-thing") then "squiggly frets" are needed, if you don't want a defined scale then multiscale, heck there is even fanned true temperament microtonal instruments....

[@5urg3x]

Multi scale 6 string guitars make a lot of sense actually. It allows you to get the sting tension you want to get without having to use heavier gauges. In other words, 9s on a Gibson scale feel totally different than 9s on a Fender scale. The fanning of the frets is so subtle that you barely even notice it, and it provides a lot of benefit for feel on the string gauges, especially for bending and tension.

[@qwasz123123]

Great vid, thanks. I really appreciate you showing the guitar support. I never knew that even existed.

[@thatsameenergy]

Always great reviews on this channel. Also the clarity between objective facts and subjective opinions is nice. Good job, man!!! Love your channel.

[@ryancarrollguitar]

Your attention to detail is fantastic.

[@ftx_arduous]

oh and the multiscale even though it is so light is for baritone scale.. the warm mids and lows will come through, just depends how well you want to drop D or C#? and how you converse with your guitar to back down to E...

[@michaelgotthardt4727]

Great job. You have saved me a butt load of cash. If they could make a Kaizen with the Axis neck, I would be so there. God Bless, keep up the good work

[@hustlinc3540]

Have you ever thought of designing your own perfect guitar? By now you have so much knowledge on ergonomics and which parts to use I am sure you would come up with a very interesting design. Also it would be a cool series to watch. Food for thought!

[@andrefludd]

That may already be in the works ;)

[@andrewfguitar8081]

Hi there! Awesome video, in reply to why a fanned fret might be desirable to some is simply the slight angle. I always play with my fingers angled/slanted, so fanned frets make chord shapes feel more natural! :)

[@andrefludd]

Thanks for your perspective!

[@ricopaxton]

Very good explanation, how you review guitars in comparison to cars -really like your channel. Cheers

[@andrefludd]

Thank you

[@onevoiceinc]

I just got in my new Sabre. The Kaizen just didn't speak to me personally. Loving the Sabre. Best guitar for recording... and I'm about to find out how it does live after this coming weekend.

[@eternum7056]

I was ordering a replacement neck for my first guitar and after watching this vid did so with infinity radius. Luthier really doubted my choice, but it ended up being just perfect shred machine

[@levelpeggy5885]

This is what reviews should be like - in that it's actually a review.

[@tracyholder840]

Fanned frets for me have always felt more ergonomic. My hand feels like it chords make more sense. It is hard to describe but that is why I like them on all of my guitars.

[@gitarmats]

This guitar for me falls into the category of "Cool, but not cool enough to consider buying for its price". But like you said, for some people this guitar might just be perfect.

[@honeybadger1810]

It’s worth a solid 2500. If it didn’t have the fanned fret, and regular tuners, it would be SUCH a sick metal shaped guitar.

[@angelopearce2420]

Great review.I would love that guitar

[@TobyKBTY]

I will say I appreciate how Music Man and Tosin incorporated very different and innovative specs in a modern guitar...but many of said specs are some things I simply can't get behind lmao. That radius and shallow fan-fret definitely sound like they aren't for me. I'd still love to try one though, because the Kaizen looks so amazing to me. Who knows, I've bought guitars with specs I know I wouldn't like (floating trems, very round radii, etc) but ended up loving them instead of leaving them to be trade fodder.

[@sauce_aux]

Fan fret seems to only really help out 7 strings and up, in my experience. Most 6 strings fare pretty well with standard fret layouts.

[@AFryingPan]

I have been waiting for this video

[@EarthisnotforSale]

Neat looking futuristic guitar, is that Ormsby RC One actually made by Perry, or is it made elsewhere?

[@norseman61]

I really like how you made it clear that, although this wasn’t the guitar for YOU, it is still an outstanding instrument quality-wise. You also have a knack for demoing guitars I have never heard of. This, along with your excellent presentation skills, makes your channel one of my favorites.

[@davidp7833]

Thanks Andre. Great, detailed review.

[@kiesta0740]

The reasoning here is that for most people, fanned frets don't really have a downside, so you might as well have them on a high end 6 string guitar like this. I think this kind of hybrid Gibson/Fender scale length would be an appreciated feature by someone like my (boomer) father who swears by the ease of bending on 24.75in and 25in guitars, or someone who does loads of crazy bends and doesn't want to use a less common string gauge like 8s.

[@realtruenorth]

Just curious, does Kaizen translate to "ugly as sin"? However, i dig the headstock.

[@dabbatecustomguitars]

Andre, FANTASTIC review. Very well thought out and extremely detailed. A+. Definitely made me hit the subscribe button based on your content alone.

[@andrefludd]

Thank you! Hopefully I can check out one of your guitars one day :)

[@dabbatecustomguitars]

@@andrefludd When my hobby/passion turns to a business (it will at some point) I'd be honored to send you a guitar and have you review it!

[@davidwoodhead7109]

I just got but seven string one. Was really worried because of this video but have to say i love it. Neck is amazing. Fan fret is amazing. No issues with radius. Pickups are amazing. Would love to get a 6 string if i see a good price.

[@yigit.bloom420]

will there ever be an ibanez experiment? i know thin necks are not your thing but az and azs series might be worth investigating. + im really curious about your toughts in the azs line since you like tele’s so much and i think it has a neck thats on the thicker side

[@andrefludd]

Idk about a whole experiment but I’ll def have Ibanez guitars on in 2024. They were the first guitar company I idolized back when i was a teen

[@slythespacecat]

this is my very first video from you, subbed! nice work mate, truly! I loved the changing background color for the opinions. Never seen that. Awesome idea! Much success man! 🤍

[@andrefludd]

Thanks for the sub!

[@thisguy2973]

When it comes to fanned frets for 6-string guitars, I think Ibanez’s approach lately of several 6-string models that have slanted frets makes more sense. They slant the frets towards your eyes for the entirety of the neck and it’s supposed to feel very natural. I think fanned frets on a 6 string would make sense if the high strings were Gibson scale length and the bass side was fender scale. 25”-25.5” makes no sense to me.

[@PavelGanzelinsky]

Being an owner of Kaizen 7, I want to note that Ernie Ball paid so much attention to the comfort of the instrument that it is not so even comfortable to play ))) it really took hours to get used to sit with the Kaizen and play stuff I played before ) But overall impression is good! The really made nice sounding and sick looking guitar. Just don’t compare it to other guitars.

[@omgdisfunny4852]

Getting a multiscale guitar forced me to completely change my hand position, and muting is so much more awkward now

[@kennytseguitar8574]

I think the only negative thing is way too expensive...I never knew Heimdall can play guitar so well

[@olivierpayette4284]

I mean it’s Musicman my dude, you pay for the quality

[@dandepuff]

Andre, what do you think about the tremolo itself? I've read that it only allows you to dive and it produces a knock when the springs pulls it back into position. I've played that type of tremolos on music mans before and that knocking drives me mad. Definitely a deal breaker for me! Thanks for the review, it's always fun to watch your videos :)

[@andrefludd]

Not my fav to be honest. Quality was good but I don’t like bend down only bridges.

[@angelloretto]

Hey Andre, you should try the Schecter AM-6 and the Nick Johnston, pretty sure you would love them

[@andrefludd]

2024 :)

[@freakinpro]

I have a nick johnston and it’s the first Strat I’ve ever enjoyed playing. Great guitar

[@robspectre1973]

Fanned frets are good on 6 string when you have short fingers. That slight shift is nice

[@FoiMal123]

I think on a 6 string fanned frets are more so for ergonomics. It's what manufacturers say anyway. I have never tried a fanned 6 string.

[@PaulOnGuitar]

Andre, I can explain the problems you are having with 'infinite radius' (although, it may be challenging in plain text without visuals). When you think of it, traditional radius implies that the centre of your fretboard is the 'highest point' of the radius while its sides 'slope down' if you look at the cross-section. However, this does not have to be the case for all designs. If you Google Torzal's Little Guitar neck twists, they all have a radius but 'rotate' its 'end points'. Imagine taking your PRS and slanting away from you. This will bring the 6th sting further away from your body while the 1st string closer to it, which will benefit you ergonomically since your left hand will not have to protrude further away to use bar chords or reach the low strings. This is exactly what Torzal guitars are all about. At the same time, your radius per se will not have a severe impact in this aspect since you are 'rotating' the fretboard plane rather than the radius itself. Kaizen does the exact opposite. Tosin slants the fretboard to move your 6th string closer to you while putting the 1st string further away to better 'see the fretboard'. However, this also forces you to bend your left hand more when reaching the 6th string or playing bar chords. This is 'anti-ergonomics' in its purest format. When you take another step, you can also arrive at the idea of combining different radii or using Oni e-string double-fanned-frets but that is another step towards the bottom of the rabbit hole of extreme ergonomics. =)

[@mylespetruskavich1553]

Regarding your comment about how you review guitars more on how they feel as opposed to how they sound, that makes sense to me as you can almost always just swap the pickups to tailor the sound more to how you would like it, whereas the ergonomics and feel of a guitar are largely fixed. Going back to your car review analogy, I’d rather know how comfortable it is to sit in the cabin and what the wheel feels like in my hands instead of listening to someone complain about the tires that came on the car. Great review on the Kaizen, critical while noting that the criticisms were based on preference and you weren’t necessarily hating on the guitar, just stating that it wasn’t for you.

[@technickn9n3]

fanned frets do way more for bass, since they already make longer scale guitars more standard, and the longer high strings slinky as u mentioned, agree with you

[@jasongultjaeff9397]

A good, detailed review. At least you explained what you didn't like and tried to explain. I think it looks cool, nicer than the Abasi, but I'm fairly sure not for me :)

[@OnemanShow-j4j]

For me the best thing about this guitar is the body shape, tuners and adapters!

[@johnmcminn9455]

"20 minute Adjustment period " to get used to a neck radius . So true

[@goodwill559]

5:18 i believe the use of Infinity in the Infinity Radius is more akin to the Infinity of an Infinity Pool design vs. Infinity in a mathematical sense

[@andrefludd]

I get your point, but the infinity pool is also a math reference. The idea being you can’t see where the pool ends since it looks infinite from certain angles.

[@goodwill559]

Yes, true - as optics is part of physics and physics is mathematical @@andrefludd 🔬

[@bennjaminfurtado3837]

The only reason I can think for the 24.9 scale is for an a high A string. For example a Devin Townsend tuning. Other than that I can't think of one.

[@ph0kused]

All things aside not being able to switch out pickups killed it for me.

[@jimsgarage4937]

Fanned fret on a 6 strings guitar allow you to go with a bigger string gauge for instance, I use 11-56 Daddario, and i like to shred, on the last 3 strings the slinkier it it the better it is for me. Nice Video Bro !

[@rockitbitz]

I screamed out loud when I saw those prices!

[@zoomzoom3950]

clearly you're not the target demographic.

[@roberthaskin1723]

I also feel like palm mutes on multi scale guitars feel/ sound weird. For reference I'm talking about 25.5-27 inch scale lengths... very interesting...I've never seen this brought up before...but yes it is a thing

[@claesvanoldenphatt9972]

“I’ve had this guitar against my body in several positions.” NSFW warning was not issued.

[@davidbrettmann6350]

Awesome review. Been wanting to try one of these out for a while. Thanks Andre!

[@alexr9564]

I heard that the slight angled frets make it easier to tap with your right hand