The Aries Line: Explained
The Aries is the most versatile and diverse model offered by Kiesel Guitars. From bolt-on to acoustic-electric and more, the Aries can be customized to suit any type of player. Explore the ever-growing line of the Aries.
The Aries
The first edition of the Aries was introduced in 2015, marking a monumental moment for Kiesel Guitars. After its release, the Aries became Kiesel’s icon for the remainder of the 2010s and early 2020s.
The most prominent feature upon first look is the extreme top bevel. Not only does it lean into a modern and sleek aesthetic, but it also serves a purpose. The top contour conforms to the arm for maximum comfort, while the rear bevel acts as a form-fitting tummy cut. To create a consistent and free-flowing look, a slight but noticeable bevel is added to the lower horn, which also allows for easy fret access, while the back is completed with a minor contoured edge along the outline of the guitar.
The various bevels have proven to be so popular that the following Aries iterations and even other models, such as the Lyra, Zeus, and Osiris, follow suit. If these bevels don’t fit within the customer’s taste, the model is offered with a bevel delete.
There are an additional number of various features that greatly improved the Kiesel Guitar line. Some of these include a sculpted neck heel for easier upper fret access, expanded string configurations as seen in the 9-string Aries, and greater contrast between body wood, top wood, and body binding.
The A2 Guitar
Though the Aries was ahead of its time in design and features and still remains relevant, the A2 was created to showcase the various advancements within the custom shop. Created eight years after the original, the A2 has received critical acclaim akin to that of the Aries upon its launch. Furthermore, the model works as an addition, or alternative, to the Aries while increasing the functionality, playability, and comfort that its predecessor is known for. The guitar is available in either a bolt-on or neck-through design.
The advancements on the A2 guitar model include:
- Offset body that mimics a smaller, headless body size on the treble side and a full-size guitar on the bass side
- “Access” output jack located on the back of the instrument to keep your instrument cable out of the way
- Extra-sculpted, radiused neck heel for easier upper fret access and palm comfort
- Modified bevels to increase comfort and increase top surface area to showcase more of the top wood
- Improved neck pocket design that allows for more pickup configuration options
The AC2
The Acoustic Aries 2 utilizes the modern, sleek A2 body but carves out a separate niche in its physical and tonal properties.
Maximized chambering and the artistic sound holes lend themselves to optimizing acoustic qualities while also allowing the model to shine brightest when plugged in. Because of this construction, the increased feedback resistance enhances live-playing sounds. A preamp designed by Kiesel Guitars provides acoustic-like tones.
Foregoing the traditional acoustic-electric neck profile, the comfortable, standard Aries neck is equipped to mimic an electric guitar's playability.
The A2 Bass
The biggest shake-up to the Aries lineup has been the A2 bass. Though an Aries bass existed in the late 2010s, the model was later pulled from Kiesel Guitars basses. Now, the A2 bass exceeds its guitar counterpart in its advancements, as seen in options such as the Darkglass preamp.
The key feature upgraded to the A2 bass include:
- The “Tritium” bass pickups for a modern, progressive sound
- New multiscale scale length options
- Darkglass preamp option
- Offset body that mimics a smaller, headless body size on the treble side and a full-size bass on the bass side
- Extra-sculpted, radiused neck heel for easier upper fret access and palm comfort
The Neck-Through Aries (NA)
Bolt-on and neck-through instruments cater to different crowds, sounds, and tastes. Some of the major differences between the two are easier upper fret access, resonance, and sustain. So, with the original Aries being a bolt-on, the NA was introduced to appeal to another clientele.
As mentioned above, one of the differences between a neck-through and a bolt-on is the sound. Neck-through instruments typically vibrate stronger throughout the body and, when they reach the pickups, create a more vibrant and clearer tone.
NA2
The A2, 2023's most popular Kiesel guitar, followed the original Aries in its bolt-on construction. To reach a wider range of tastes, the Neck-through Aries 2, or NA2, was created as the sixth addition to the Aries series. The NA2 changes critical features to distinguish it from its predecessor, such as the seamless neck heel, tonal and stability differentiation, and the other benefits accompanying the neck construction.
The Aries has seen many iterations in its 8-year lifetime, with the Evolution of Excellence, the A2, and the Next Evolution, the AC2, taking the scene by storm.