Albake21
Ibanez Nerd
Well that settles it, Kiesel finally has a rival. The only thing that kept me from Balaguer for so long was the traditional shapes, but this is a whole new level of awesome.
New Balaguer Model Diablo
- Thread starter sonoftheoldnorth
- Start date
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Millul
Well-Known Member
Tjos shape looks actually heaps better than any Kiesel shape, at least to me
HeHasTheJazzHands
Well-Known Member
View attachment 89995[/QUOTE]
Oh god, with the archtop it looks like a much better Washburn WM526.
I need one in green NOW.
Oh god, with the archtop it looks like a much better Washburn WM526.
I need one in green NOW.
Shoeless_jose
Well-Known Member
They still really need an explorer shape
groverj3
Bioinformagician
How have I never checked these guys out?
Time to spend a bunch of time speccing out guitars I'll never order.
If they're less douchey than Jeff Kiesel then I might even order something? That tool really turned me off of Carvin/Kiesel. In my formative years I really wanted a DC series neck-thru but that guy's personality is like nails on a chalkboard to me.
Time to spend a bunch of time speccing out guitars I'll never order.
If they're less douchey than Jeff Kiesel then I might even order something? That tool really turned me off of Carvin/Kiesel. In my formative years I really wanted a DC series neck-thru but that guy's personality is like nails on a chalkboard to me.
lewis
Well-Known Member
Oh dont worry in that respect. These guys are fantastic.
Joe seems a really nice dude anytime ive had social media interaction with him!
Wasn't sure as to cream vs white pickup bobbin but cmon mannnnn that's nice
And this one but with the 28.5 inch scale option jeeez
The only shapes I've ever liked from Balaguer were the Woodman, Growler, and kindamaybe Anomaly, so to see this nice of a shape from them is a very welcome addition to their lineup
And this one but with the 28.5 inch scale option jeeez
The only shapes I've ever liked from Balaguer were the Woodman, Growler, and kindamaybe Anomaly, so to see this nice of a shape from them is a very welcome addition to their lineup
mbardu
Well-Known Member
The more I look at the Diablo, the more it looks like a slightly different Magistra.
Were they trying to copy that shape specifically?
I'd really really like to see more reviews of what their semi-customs are worth. At easily 2k+ for basic builds made overseas, they certainly don't come cheap.
They have lots of options that I like, way more options than Kiesel in a bunch of areas actually. Like choice of scale lengths, choice of body carve, bindings, construction, wenge necks, location of truss rod control. Their metallic finishes look good. Lots to like on paper! Having an online that works is also cool.
Cons IMO: Headstocks are "meh", inlays are "meh" too. Can't get an oiled neck apparently, and if your custom guitar is a lemon you're pretty much stuck with it.
One important thing I'm not too sure about for their import semi-customs: what are the fret and fret materials choices? Not sure I've seen it on the builder.
Also, does anyone know if they're using the "good" luminlays?
Were they trying to copy that shape specifically?
I'd really really like to see more reviews of what their semi-customs are worth. At easily 2k+ for basic builds made overseas, they certainly don't come cheap.
They have lots of options that I like, way more options than Kiesel in a bunch of areas actually. Like choice of scale lengths, choice of body carve, bindings, construction, wenge necks, location of truss rod control. Their metallic finishes look good. Lots to like on paper! Having an online that works is also cool.
Cons IMO: Headstocks are "meh", inlays are "meh" too. Can't get an oiled neck apparently, and if your custom guitar is a lemon you're pretty much stuck with it.
One important thing I'm not too sure about for their import semi-customs: what are the fret and fret materials choices? Not sure I've seen it on the builder.
Also, does anyone know if they're using the "good" luminlays?
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ChrispyFinch
Well-Known Member
There, I made the best one. Now what do I win?
groverj3
Bioinformagician
Can't you just order this from Ola Englund?There, I made the best one. Now what do I win?
I thought the same when I first saw the body shape, but I think it's different enough for the market. At least, different enough to actually make me like the shape
I'm normally not too keen on "S-types with odd/rounder proportions that still try to be an S-type" but something about this is just slick.I too would like to see more reviews of Balaguer. I've criticized their finishes in the past, it's just preference but many of their satin/matte finishes look a bit "dull" compared to others on the market if that makes sense somehow, but the guitars themselves I've heard nothing but good things about. You're right about the price though, it's far past the point of production MIK/MII and moving past MIJ as well. Something like a MIJ Vola with a similar "S-type but different" body and unique hardware/electronics options (ie HSS 7 string) can be had for $1500 or less, though obviously less choices on finish and wood options. More reviews of Balaguer, especially niche builds with some of the oddball features they offer like 7 string P90s and extended scales, would be something I'd really want to see before committing.
Regardless, props to Balaguer for coming to market with so many options and continuing to expand upon them. They recently made a 7 string Jazzmaster with a P90 neck pickup that came out stunning, it's on their Instagram page and tagged photos as well.
feraledge
Heard the Good News about Maple Fretboards?
I think I like it, but y'all are messing with the wrong headstock.
The V/Moser comments were hilarious.
The V/Moser comments were hilarious.
trem licking
Well-Known Member
Don't sleep on that new cosmic sparkle either... Hubba hubba!
mbardu
Well-Known Member
Yep. If it's anything like the ones Aristides or Kiesel do ... it should be awesome
That finish in the wild:
Seabeast2000
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gunch
digidun digidun wakka wakka skree
I was making a plain mahogany one with blackhawks that was pretty slap but I broke the configurator 
KnightBrolaire
Pickup Connoisseur
I see your sad sparkly pointystrat and raise you a sparkly pointy tartarus.
mbardu
Well-Known Member
Doesn't fit in my guitar rack so it's out.
KnightBrolaire
Pickup Connoisseur
mbardu
Well-Known Member
My tartarus fits fine in my rack
Sure, if you insist- Good for you if yours works for you, but it wouldn't fit in mine which has to be in that orientation, with the guitars having to face that way (due to the setup of the room).
The Tartarus reverse offset would just have it lean the opposite way with its neck poking out and nowhere to rest.
And my sole wall hanger with limited space is already occupied by my "Explorer":
But I feel like this is derailing the thread maybe just a little bit
