Meet the Ernie Ball Music Man Kaizen, “a visionary instrument with an inspiring design, extraordinary ergonomics and absolutely killer tone and playability”
Seven-string, multi-scale model boasts patent-pending Heat-Treated pickup technology, futuristic body shape, Infinity Radius neck and much more
Designed in conjunction with Animals As Leaders virtuoso Tosin Abasi, the new Ernie Ball Music Man Kaizen is quite likely like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Given its design team, it’s not surprising that Guitar World Tech Editor Paul Riario calls it “one of the coolest and most compelling guitars I’ve had the pleasure to come across.”
The seven-string model features an alder body, roasted maple neck and ebony fretboard, and boasts a multi-scale design that measures from 24.75” at the high E to 25.65” at the low B. “This multi-scale design provides a supportive string tension for heavier and chunky rhythms on the bass strings along with a more elastic feel on the treble strings,” Paul says.
But the first thing you’ll notice when you pick up the Kaizen, Paul notes, is its futuristic shape. “Its angular body carves with no flat surfaces lends itself to extreme comfort and balance with no restricted fret access,” he says.
The guitar also sports what Ernie Ball calls an Infinity Radius neck – a strategically positioned conical radius, which “increases comfort while ensuring enhanced visibility of the fretboard.” There’s also a multi-scale modern tremolo “with a super-smooth throw and features spring dampeners to diminish any unwanted overtones,” and the guitar comes loaded with a custom HT (Heat-Treated) humbucker in the bridge position and a slanted neck mini-humbucker, both of which have been specially designed for the Kaizen. “These are articulate, high-output pickups,” Paul notes.
(Image credit: Ernie Ball)
His verdict?
“The Kaizen is without a doubt one of the most eye-catching and cutting-edge signature guitars I’ve seen from Ernie Ball Music Man since they introduced the revolutionary St. Vincent guitar,” Paul says. “It’s truly a visionary instrument with an inspiring design, extraordinary ergonomics and absolutely killer tone and playability. Once you pick it up I can say it’s difficult to put down.”
He continues, “There’s frankly nothing quite like it, and I believe it’s meant for modern players who are willing to eschew the traditional and focus on pushing the boundaries of technique and sound.”
The Kaizen is available in two finishes – Apollo Black (shown here) and Spectraflare. For more information, head to Ernie Ball Music Man.
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