Dingwall VS Kiesel [ BASS BATTLE ] 

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

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.

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.

Part of me looks at Kiesel with disdain for basically stealing the design. The other part of me is glad to see someone sticking it to a bass company charging almost $3000 for a made-in-China Alder bodied bass. Unfortunately the Dingwall still sounds quite a bit better on the choppy B string stuff.

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

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.

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

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

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 love your material. I will support you soon. 💯

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.

Im in love with the clarity of the Kiesel

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.

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

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.

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

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

Thank you for this. There is a clear difference.

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

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.

Just bought your Bass book. Keep it up.

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

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.

Damn. That Kiesel is a beast!! No contest there 🤤

The ng3 is just so perfect

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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

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

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

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.

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.

Damnit Nate, but I like both!

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

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

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.

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

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

pretty impressed with that Kiesel tone

Leggo! The Dingwall sounds great but that Kiesel tone is supreme!

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.

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

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

Nate, you’re an incredible bass player! Incredible mastering of every imaginable technique you demonstrate is truly jaw dropping. Personally however i’m not so fond of these basses. They somehow sound very sterile to me. Whatever bass is presented i listen to, i always come back to the passive style instruments like jazz and precision basses. They cover the widest spectrum in sound and are most pleasant to listen to imho.

that Kiesel is definitely a winner, it has warmth clarity and a wider range of undertones.

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

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

I love the bite that the Kiesel has. But the low end of the dingwall is nice

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

COOL

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

I thought I would say dingwall, but the Kiesel sounded much better.

You can't just spring this type of hard hitting journalism on people first thing in the morning.

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.

I have Combustion, NG3 minus the Darkglass, and it is one hell of an axe. It is worth every penny. And can't recommend it more, if you have the cash, go for it!

There's a couple of 34-37s I rarely see on RU-vid 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?

For the next battle, fretless Wal vs fretless Sting Ray vs neckless Steinberger!

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.

Really hard for me to choose! I think I prefer the Dingwall overall but, they both sound amazing.

Ah, Nate... both sounded great, but Nate's playing is so good. And he likes it heavy.

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

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

Oh man I absolutely love My Dingwall, but the Keisel being strong through body took my heart! I’ve been saying that Dingwall needs to do string through body, I think I may have found my next bass!! I still like the tone of the Dingwall better tho

Freaking awesome! Kiesel is the winner for me.

Yoo Kiesel really provides some tough competition for the Dingwall! The slap especially sounded a lot better on the Kiesel than the dingwall imo

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.

Man thats tough Nate, the Dingwall sounds more clean and precise while the K has more of a woody tone.. both sound great in your hands tho.

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.

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 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

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

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?

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. :)

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

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 sounds far better throughout; fuller *and* clearer. Thanks Nate!

I love the Kiesel. Maybe the Dingwall sound is overplayed but the Kiesel sounded fresh and the Dingwall sounded familiar.

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

The kiesel has a clarity and high-end to it that I like, but I still think I like the Dingwall a bit more - especially in terms of looks

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

Dingwall Sharp and Clean but different color please 📊Include a poll in your video, so everyone can vote and see the score

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

For me the winner is the Kiesel A2, I just like the sound better. I would like to see Spector and Warwick in the next video.

Gotta go with kiesel on this one. So much clarity commin out of it, I though it fixed my eyesight.

Dingwall all the way. It just sounds so much beefier and well-rounded, while Kiesel sounded plastic-ish. My opinion.

Honestly would love to see the A2 compared to the Spector dimension basses.

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.

Anyone who prefers the Keisel has never mixed a record before. Sure, it sounds great in isolation, but it would take so much work to make it sit properly with other instruments. It's got that "RU-vid bassist fidelity that sounds cool when the bass part is twice as loud as anything else" vibe going on.

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

The Kiesel sounds better except in Round 6 and Round 9. I can't describe it well. It just kinda loses its Thunder. I suppose it'll cut through a mix, but it just isn't my thing. Thank you for making this video. I'm so glad I clicked on it. Kiesel wasn't even on radar for me.

Does that Kiesel have new strings on? Its got that bright zing to it