Owners have successfully installed Bare Knuckle Aftermath pickups by converting standard pickups to fit slanted configurations on the Kiesel DCM8.

The stock Lithium pickups are noted by some users to become mushy and lose clarity with high gain, contrary to their typically bright and clear reputation.

Kiesel offers the Chris Letchford, Zeus, and Osiris models as alternatives to the DCM8, all available in 8-string multiscale versions.

Bare Knuckle Aftermath pickups are favored over stock Lithiums for improved clarity and tone, especially noted by users switching from high output pickups like EMG X series.

Ormsby guitars are noted for offering Korean-made models to enhance affordability, making them a competitive choice against Kiesel in the US.

One owner reported a long wait time of 18 weeks for their Kiesel DCM8, while others have experienced shorter build times for different models.

First-time multiscale and 8-string players find the transition amusing, noting the drastic feel difference when switching back to 6-string guitars.

Owners appreciate the natural, elegant, and smokey aesthetic of the Buckeye Burl top, noting it appears like a mastergrade upgrade despite being a standard option.

The inclusion of purpleheart wood in the Kiesel DCM8 is highlighted as a striking and gorgeous feature, prompting interest in future builds with a purpleheart fretboard.

A Kiesel DCM8 custom build, with specific options, can cost around $2200, noted as a competitive price for its options.

Headless guitars are preferred for their lightweight and balanced design, enhancing playability for extended sessions.