Introduction
The Ernie Ball Music Man Kaizen, designed in collaboration with virtuoso Tosin Abasi, is shaking up the electric guitar world. With its futuristic multi-scale design, radical infinity radius fingerboard, and cutting-edge ergonomics, this instrument aims to push the boundaries of what’s possible for modern players. But does it truly deliver an evolution in guitar design, or is it just a niche experiment? Let’s dive into the details and find out.
Key Features & Specifications
- Body Material: Basswood or Alder (depending on finish)
- Neck: Roasted Maple with a Sculpted Heel Joint
- Fingerboard: Ebony or Rosewood
- Frets: 24 Medium-Jumbo Stainless Steel
- Scale Length: Multi-Scale (24.75″ – 25.5″)
- Pickups: Custom Music Man HT (High Output) Humbuckers
- Bridge: Music Man Floating Tremolo
- Tuners: Schaller Locking Tuners
- Controls: 3-Way Pickup Selector, Volume & Tone Knobs
- Finish Options: Various Custom Colors
- Price: Starts around $3,999 USD
Design & Build Quality
One of the most striking aspects of the Kaizen is its radical multi-scale fretboard. Unlike traditional fan-fret guitars, the Kaizen features an “infinity radius” design, where the frets subtly curve along the length of the neck. This results in a uniquely ergonomic feel, offering improved playability and wrist comfort—especially for extended sessions or technical playing styles.
The contoured body ensures excellent balance, and the sculpted heel joint allows easy access to the upper frets. Whether you’re playing seated or standing, the Kaizen feels lightweight yet solid, a testament to Music Man’s exceptional craftsmanship.
The neck profile is another standout feature. Its asymmetrical carve allows for effortless movement, making it ideal for players who require speed and precision. The roasted maple neck provides additional stability and resistance to temperature changes, ensuring long-term durability.
Hardware & Electronics
The Kaizen is equipped with custom Music Man HT humbuckers, designed to deliver a dynamic and powerful tone. These pickups have been fine-tuned to provide exceptional clarity, warmth, and articulation, making them ideal for genres ranging from progressive metal to jazz fusion.
The 3-way pickup selector provides versatility:
- Neck Position: Smooth and warm for clean tones and lead playing.
- Middle Position: A balanced blend with enhanced note articulation.
- Bridge Position: Aggressive and cutting for high-gain applications.
The floating tremolo bridge allows players to execute dive bombs, flutter effects, and subtle vibratos with ease while maintaining excellent tuning stability. Schaller locking tuners further enhance the instrument’s reliability, making it a great choice for touring musicians.
Sound & Performance
With its multi-scale design, the Kaizen is particularly well-suited for players who require tight low-end response while maintaining bright, singing highs. This makes it a compelling option for extended-range techniques and complex chord voicings.
- Clean Tones: The Kaizen delivers crisp, articulate cleans with a natural sustain. Chords ring out beautifully, and the ebony or rosewood fingerboard adds warmth to the overall sound.
- Overdriven Tones: The pickups handle gain exceptionally well, providing a tight bass response, defined mids, and soaring highs.
- Lead Playing: The guitar’s ergonomic design makes fast runs and sweeping arpeggios effortless. The frets are meticulously dressed, ensuring smooth bending and vibrato control.
Another advantage of the Kaizen is its balanced string tension, thanks to the multi-scale layout. The lower strings have increased scale length, adding clarity and precision to extended-range playing without feeling overly rigid.
Versatility Across Genres
While the Kaizen is heavily marketed toward progressive and modern metal players, it offers plenty of versatility:
- Jazz & Fusion: The warm, articulate neck pickup makes it a great choice for players who incorporate clean chords and complex harmonies.
- Rock & Blues: The guitar’s dynamic response makes it excellent for expressive playing, and the tremolo bridge allows for emotive bends.
- Ambient & Experimental Music: The clear sustain and note separation make it perfect for players who use effects-heavy rigs and looping techniques.
Comfort & Playability
A guitar can sound great, but if it’s not comfortable to play, it’s not going to be a long-term favorite. Fortunately, the Kaizen excels in this department. The contoured body and lightweight construction make it an instrument that feels natural, whether playing for 30 minutes or several hours.
Neck Profile & Fretboard Radius
The infinity radius fingerboard is a major selling point. Unlike traditional radiused fretboards, which have a fixed curvature, the Kaizen’s fretboard gradually shifts along the length of the guitar. This results in natural hand positioning across all frets, reducing strain and improving ergonomics.
For guitarists who rely on fast legato playing, sweeping, or complex picking patterns, this feature alone could be a game-changer. Extended range players will appreciate the effortless transition between registers.
Who Is It For?
The Kaizen isn’t your standard rock or blues guitar—it’s built for guitarists who embrace modern, extended-range techniques and progressive styles. If you’re a fan of Tosin Abasi, instrumental music, or advanced fretboard concepts, this could be your dream guitar.
However, its unique design choices may not appeal to traditionalists who prefer a more vintage-style feel. The high price point also makes it a premium investment, best suited for serious musicians looking for a next-level instrument.
Comparisons & Competitors
If you’re considering the Kaizen, here are a few alternative guitars to compare:
- Strandberg Boden – Another ergonomic, multi-scale guitar with a headless design. Great for progressive players.
- Ibanez TOD10 (Tosin Abasi Signature) – A more affordable option with a similar modern aesthetic and playability.
- Kiesel Aries Multiscale – A customizable, high-performance guitar with similar extended-range capabilities.
While each of these options has its strengths, the Kaizen stands out due to its infinity radius fretboard, exclusive Music Man pickups, and next-gen ergonomic enhancements.
Final Verdict
The Ernie Ball Music Man Kaizen is a bold step forward in guitar innovation. While its futuristic design and premium price tag might not appeal to traditionalists, it offers unparalleled comfort, playability, and tone for modern musicians. If you’re looking for something truly unique to elevate your playing, the Kaizen is worth serious consideration.
Internal Links
Final Score: 9/10 – Innovative, futuristic, and built for next-gen guitarists.
