A classic bass design seen in Kiesel's JB is getting a contemporary update. The MJ, also known as the Modern J-Bass, removes the iconic pickguard for an unobstructed view of Kiesel's infamously-superior top woods. Other changes to modernize the bass includes a tasteful top bevel for aesthetics and comfort, our greatest variety of pickups options on a bass, and rear-routed controls to accommodate for more flexibility in control configuration.
$1,699
They've offered the JB4/5 with no pickguard (at least as a call-in) but it still retained the control plate which, while pretty traditional, still looked odd to me, mostly because the shape of the plate didn't look purposeful enough to be used alone.
Aesthetics:
- All of the same headstocks are available, but the standard one is different.
- The Modern has a bevel instead of the "drop top" style forearm contour, for both the aesthics of the carve, as well as opportunities for layering finishes/woods.
Function:
- The lack of that pickguard means that there are a few more pickup configurations available.
- The lack of a control plate means that you could, in theory, do more custom control layouts/configs.
- The bevel, while being an aesthetic choice, also may be more or less comfortable for some people...I tend to like them more, but with the rounded edge profile of the normal JB, it's less important to me, personally.
They've not yet completed any physical multiscale versions, but a Multiscale 5 is available...just no photos.
