Kiesel Guitars proudly introduces the Masvidalien MIII, the debut Kiesel signature model from Paul Masvidal, guitarist and composer known for his work with Cynic, Death, Æon Spoke, and Mythical Human Vessel.
Built in Kiesel’s California factory, the MIII was designed with strength, resonance, and playability at its core. Inspired by Kiesel’s Kyber model, which Masvidal was already connected to, the MIII began as a natural extension of that instrument but quickly evolved into something uniquely its own, a Hybrid Guitar that expands on the Kyber’s spirit and opens new creative ground.
“Creating the Masvidalien MIII with Jeff and the Kiesel family at their Southern California factory was educational and eye opening,” say Masvidal. Every step taught me something new, from experimenting with strength and resonance in the neck to noticing the subtle details that make a guitar feel alive against the body. Even obstacles opened new doors, leading to the discovery of a pickup voicing that surprised us with its sound. Working with Jeff was a unique experience. I could bring in ideas from my perspective, and he would ground them in what was possible, or reveal a new path I had not considered. The back and forth shaped the guitar in ways I could not have reached alone.”
“Through it all I learned the value of patience, of showing up and letting the instrument itself guide the process. What emerged is both personal and universal, a guitar designed for playability, balance, and substance. Guitars evolve as musicians and styles evolve, so this work is like a living organism that will keep expanding. These instruments honor the classic reference points left by the great master luthiers while embracing the infinite possibilities ahead. For me, the MIII is a symbol of that evolution.”
To mark the launch, Masvidal filmed a performance video that captures both the spirit of the MIII and of California. Shot with spontaneous, off the cuff moments to reflect the true feel of the instrument, the video also includes b roll footage that Masvidal describes as his love letter to San Francisco, the city where he now lives. For Masvidal, the guitar and film together celebrate not only the evolution of the instrument but also the inspiration of California itself. The video can be seen below.
Masvidal co-founded Cynic as a teenager, recording several demos before being invited to play guitar on Death’s landmark Human. Cynic would go on to release records that reshaped progressive music, including Focus, Traced in Air, and Ascension Codes. Beyond Cynic, his work spans film, television, and experimental solo projects, all rooted in exploration and sound.
The Masvidalien MIII continues this spirit, merging playability, resonance, and thoughtful design in collaboration with Kiesel’s Escondido based team.
Paul Masvidal is a groundbreaking guitarist, songwriter, and co-founder of Cynic, a pioneering progressive metal band known for its innovative fusion of metal, jazz, and experimental music. Widely respected as a groundbreaking guitarist and songwriter, Masvidal has collaborated with major artists across genres, adding to his legacy as an innovative musician. Over time, he has become a well recognized figure in the metal and progressive music community, with countless younger artists and musicians citing him as a key influence in both technical ability and creative vision.
Known for his philosophical and spiritual approach to art, exploring themes of the dream-like nature of reality, consciousness, and the search for deeper truths, his music transcends labels, resonating with fans of both the metal world and beyond, thanks to his ability to combine technicality with emotional depth.
Masvidal played guitar on Death’s influential album, ‘Human,’ and helped shape the genre with Cynic’s acclaimed 1993 release, ‘Focus,’ often regarded as a seminal record in progressive metal. Following ‘Focus,’ Cynic expanded their sound with albums such as ‘Traced in Air’ (2008), and explored more experimental territory with EPs ‘Re-Traced’ (2010) and ‘Carbon-Based Anatomy’ (2011), which reimagined Cynic’s music with atmospheric and ambient textures. Cynic continued to evolve with the full-length album ‘Kindly Bent to Free Us’ (2014), which took a more raw, progressive rock trio direction, further solidifying their role as innovators in the genre.
In 2022, Cynic released the futuristic concept album ‘Ascension Codes,’ a deeply philosophical record that explores themes of cosmic consciousness, spirituality, and transcendence, showcasing Masvidal’s continued creative evolution.
In addition to his work with Cynic, Masvidal has produced a solo trilogy, Mythical Human Vessel, and led the alternative project Æon Spoke. He gained significant attention for his personal coming-out story in the LA Times, advocating for LGBTQ+ representation in the metal community in 2014, where he courageously shared his journey as a gay man in the metal scene, shattering stereotypes and inspiring fans worldwide.during a time when coming out was still taboo. A dedicated vegan, Masvidal promotes conscious living and mindfulness, further extending his creativity through his jewelry line, Masvidalien, inspired by metaphysical concepts.
Masvidal has also collaborated with various artists and composed music for TV and film, including the award-winning The Tiger Hunter. He has also launched two signature guitars with Strandberg and now Kiesel, cementing his place as a guitarist whose influence is felt by players across a wide spectrum of genres.
For the last two years, he has been actively touring with Cynic, including the 30th anniversary memorial tour for Focus, bringing the band’s music to audiences around the world with renewed energy and resonance. Alongside Cynic, he has also continued to perform as a solo artist. His solo performances offer a meditative experience, blending acoustic and electronic elements to create intimate, reflective soundscapes. Widely respected, Masvidal continues to influence generations of musicians with his technical prowess and philosophical approach to art.
Click image to watch the video
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