Paul Masvidal
Co-founder of Cynic
Co-founder of Cynic, Paul Masvidal played guitar on Death's landmark Human album. His work spans progressive music, film, television, and experimental solo projects, all rooted in exploration and sound.
"Since these guitars first came onto the scene they have been defined as headless, and the term has become the catchphrase for them. I have always felt that word implies something is missing, which feels limiting. With the Masvidalien MIII I see an opportunity to expand the language. I think of it as a Hybrid Guitar, not just headless but beyond it, not defined by subtraction but by the possibilities it opens."— Paul Masvidal
A Living Organism That Keeps Expanding
The story behind the Masvidalien MIII and its evolution from concept to reality
"Creating the Masvidalien MIII with Jeff and the Kiesel family at their Southern California factory was educational and eye opening. 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."— Paul Masvidal
The Hybrid Concept
The MIII occupies its own realm within the Kiesel line, a dimension defined by exclusive specs that set it apart. Its neck emerges from a hybrid construction process, achieving a near-equilibrium between wood and carbon fiber. The Focus pickup, developed for Masvidal, unites two blade-style single coils into a humbucker, channeling tones tighter and more precise than traditional designs, and is reserved solely for the Masvidalien. Even its contours speak to its singularity, with aesthetic carvings that diverge from the Kyber Headless. Sculpted scoops reveal a tasteful flow between body wood and top wood when viewed from the front.
California Inspiration
To mark the launch, Masvidal filmed a performance video that captures both the spirit of the MIII and of California. The video includes footage that Masvidal describes as his love letter to San Francisco, celebrating not only the evolution of the instrument but also the inspiration of California itself.
"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."— Paul Masvidal
