guitarSQUIRELL
New member
I'm looking for some opinions on Kiesel DC127s mainly. Do you have one, played one, liked it, loved it, anything to help me make up my mind. I'm looking at the Deep Orange Burst as the finish. Photo for reference. 
Kiesel Guitars. Opinions. What do you think of them.
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toowrongfoo
New member
Re: Kiesel Guitars. Opinions. What do you think of them.
LSS.
I have a "carvin" California carved top" Allow me to give some thoughts:
First and foremost, it's a stellar quality guitar. In fact, it's the most expensive guitar I own, and that is completely in-line with it's stellar everything.
Mine is a cali-carved top with some similarities to the pictured one you show. Mine is gold-top with a mahogany body and a maple top. The neck is mahogany (I explain that later) but has the older pups. I went with the "gambale" neck and whatever the bridge was at the time (which was the multiple) not like todays options.
The tone is unbelievable. And the playability is the same. These guys don't mess around. There was ONE instance that the bought expectations where different from the that that was expected (and it was drastic) ..... guess what? They accommodated.
Longish story short, If you call them, if you tell them what you want, they are gonna nail it.
LSS.
I have a "carvin" California carved top" Allow me to give some thoughts:
First and foremost, it's a stellar quality guitar. In fact, it's the most expensive guitar I own, and that is completely in-line with it's stellar everything.
Mine is a cali-carved top with some similarities to the pictured one you show. Mine is gold-top with a mahogany body and a maple top. The neck is mahogany (I explain that later) but has the older pups. I went with the "gambale" neck and whatever the bridge was at the time (which was the multiple) not like todays options.
The tone is unbelievable. And the playability is the same. These guys don't mess around. There was ONE instance that the bought expectations where different from the that that was expected (and it was drastic) ..... guess what? They accommodated.
Longish story short, If you call them, if you tell them what you want, they are gonna nail it.
Jeffrec
New member
Re: Kiesel Guitars. Opinions. What do you think of them.
I think Carvin (now Kiesel) puts out high quality guitars, etc. I don't have one of their guitars, but I do own a Carvin Nomad (1X12 50watt) and it's probably the best sounding amp I've ever had. Their guitars have always looked awesome
I think Carvin (now Kiesel) puts out high quality guitars, etc. I don't have one of their guitars, but I do own a Carvin Nomad (1X12 50watt) and it's probably the best sounding amp I've ever had. Their guitars have always looked awesome
Re: Kiesel Guitars. Opinions. What do you think of them.
I played about a dozen at NAMM last year. They were so pretty, and I really wanted to like them, but I didn't bond with them. I tried many models (solid, headless, semi-hollow, etc) and they just didn't have a unique voice to me.
I played about a dozen at NAMM last year. They were so pretty, and I really wanted to like them, but I didn't bond with them. I tried many models (solid, headless, semi-hollow, etc) and they just didn't have a unique voice to me.
Open lane
New member
Re: Kiesel Guitars. Opinions. What do you think of them.
Hated my carvin mts amp. Ny friend has a custom built carvin guitar and he loves it.
A couple months ago, i read people complaining about a decline in quality since kiesel came into the picture. That's pure hearsay, though.
Hated my carvin mts amp. Ny friend has a custom built carvin guitar and he loves it.
A couple months ago, i read people complaining about a decline in quality since kiesel came into the picture. That's pure hearsay, though.
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treyhaislip
Well-known member
Re: Kiesel Guitars. Opinions. What do you think of them.
Never played a Kiesel, but have played a couple of Carvins–very nice guitars.
If you want one and are special ordering there shouldn't be any problems–just be specific and let them take it from there.
Never played a Kiesel, but have played a couple of Carvins–very nice guitars.
If you want one and are special ordering there shouldn't be any problems–just be specific and let them take it from there.
Kamanda~SD
New member
Re: Kiesel Guitars. Opinions. What do you think of them.
Every Carvin I've played has been top notch. Haven't played a Kiesel, my only warning though is I've heard many horror stories about dealing with them (or more specifically Jeff himself)
Every Carvin I've played has been top notch. Haven't played a Kiesel, my only warning though is I've heard many horror stories about dealing with them (or more specifically Jeff himself)
guitarSQUIRELL
New member
Re: Kiesel Guitars. Opinions. What do you think of them.
I've been using the online builder to spec out what I want/need and just haven't pulled that trigger yet. My wife would kill me or worse if I did right now lol. Having to save up for something is worth it in my opinion. From what I've gathered, Jeff isn't that hard to deal with if you throw him the right kind of greenbacks. ����
I've been using the online builder to spec out what I want/need and just haven't pulled that trigger yet. My wife would kill me or worse if I did right now lol. Having to save up for something is worth it in my opinion. From what I've gathered, Jeff isn't that hard to deal with if you throw him the right kind of greenbacks. ����
Re: Kiesel Guitars. Opinions. What do you think of them.
My advice would be to continue playing with the online builder and research for yourself any of the spec options that you're not sure about.
Once you get everything hammered-out then make a the call and go through all the options with a sales-rep, making darned sure that all the codes and prices are matching-up at both ends.
I've read too many times where guys tried to just call in and then ended up with not exactly what they were wanting. (verbal confusion to blame)
When it comes to guitars with figured tops and trans/blended/burst finishes it becomes very important to hash-out exactly how you're wanting the edges and back.
Their policies on what the "standard" way is can change depending on the selected options or combinations.
Procrastination can be a good thing sometimes.
My advice would be to continue playing with the online builder and research for yourself any of the spec options that you're not sure about.
Once you get everything hammered-out then make a the call and go through all the options with a sales-rep, making darned sure that all the codes and prices are matching-up at both ends.
I've read too many times where guys tried to just call in and then ended up with not exactly what they were wanting. (verbal confusion to blame)
When it comes to guitars with figured tops and trans/blended/burst finishes it becomes very important to hash-out exactly how you're wanting the edges and back.
Their policies on what the "standard" way is can change depending on the selected options or combinations.
Procrastination can be a good thing sometimes.
Obsessive Compulsive
New member
Re: Kiesel Guitars. Opinions. What do you think of them.
Every time I hear "Kiesel" the story of the customer disheartened by his guitar whose aquamarine color not meeting expectation, and Jeff asserting that he either "live with it or sell it", comes to my mind.
I almost bought a Carvin long time ago; very nice options (locking tuners,original Floyd, neck thru, USA made, customized truss rod cover) for very affordable price, but couldn't afford to wait for 2 months.
Every time I hear "Kiesel" the story of the customer disheartened by his guitar whose aquamarine color not meeting expectation, and Jeff asserting that he either "live with it or sell it", comes to my mind.
I almost bought a Carvin long time ago; very nice options (locking tuners,original Floyd, neck thru, USA made, customized truss rod cover) for very affordable price, but couldn't afford to wait for 2 months.
toowrongfoo
New member
Re: Kiesel Guitars. Opinions. What do you think of them.
Well, the raw tone I'd like option 50, which puts the kabosh on that.
Well, the raw tone I'd like option 50, which puts the kabosh on that.
toowrongfoo
New member
Re: Kiesel Guitars. Opinions. What do you think of them.
Not that I doubt you, but aren't they all like that? I mean I've had cars that were lemons, appliances, software, they are all a bunch of self-serving blow-hards. Sometimes you just get lucky.
Not that I doubt you, but aren't they all like that? I mean I've had cars that were lemons, appliances, software, they are all a bunch of self-serving blow-hards. Sometimes you just get lucky.
Boogie Bill
New member
Re: Kiesel Guitars. Opinions. What do you think of them.
I've liked the few I've played, but it seems that they don't hold their value very well. Not played enough of them to know whether I'd like the neck profile. Not sure I'd invest in a new build.
Bill
I've liked the few I've played, but it seems that they don't hold their value very well. Not played enough of them to know whether I'd like the neck profile. Not sure I'd invest in a new build.
Bill
Re: Kiesel Guitars. Opinions. What do you think of them.
Why?
If there's anything wrong with the guitar they still have to cover it.
Option50 doesn't make it non-returnable,,,,,,,,at least not if they honor their own policy.
My bigger concern these days is that they might have taken on too much to ensure tight quality standards as the norm.
I only base that concern on the fact they've made so many changes and have greatly expanded their line.
They have dropped some models as well but overall it seems they must have increased the employee-count to some degree over what it was 5-6-7yrs ago.
With new employees comes the inevitable learning-curve,,,,,,,,and with the pressures of today's economy it becomes even less desirable to scrap or redo almost-finished units.
^Merely speculation, but none-the-less it would a concern for me at this time, especially if I was spending big on something all pimpy. lol
Why?
If there's anything wrong with the guitar they still have to cover it.
Option50 doesn't make it non-returnable,,,,,,,,at least not if they honor their own policy.
My bigger concern these days is that they might have taken on too much to ensure tight quality standards as the norm.
I only base that concern on the fact they've made so many changes and have greatly expanded their line.
They have dropped some models as well but overall it seems they must have increased the employee-count to some degree over what it was 5-6-7yrs ago.
With new employees comes the inevitable learning-curve,,,,,,,,and with the pressures of today's economy it becomes even less desirable to scrap or redo almost-finished units.
^Merely speculation, but none-the-less it would a concern for me at this time, especially if I was spending big on something all pimpy. lol
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toowrongfoo
New member
Re: Kiesel Guitars. Opinions. What do you think of them.
I'm not the luckiest guy, I don't want something that isn't right. But you're right, they still will cover it, you just can't return it in 10 days.
I think an A6 with raw tone black, birdseye maple neck, probably black hardware and the headstock like the fret board. Would be very nice. I'd like two tone (with the natural showing and the top black, like this:
Not sure if abalone inlays would be killer or gaudy. But the neck like this (hopefully sans-"K" but a double dot there)
Unsure about wood type. They were very helpful when I ordered my Carvin, but it wasn't Keisel at the time. I was thinking swamp ash, but might have to get a top wood to get the beautiful grain to stand out. I've heard the lithiums are very articulate, but might send them some duncans since it's already option 50. That way if I want to experiment with pups, it's easier I believe.
Something both showcase and uber killer to play, but not busting the bank too hard (the builder is at about 1400/1500, not too bad)
I'm not the luckiest guy, I don't want something that isn't right. But you're right, they still will cover it, you just can't return it in 10 days.
I think an A6 with raw tone black, birdseye maple neck, probably black hardware and the headstock like the fret board. Would be very nice. I'd like two tone (with the natural showing and the top black, like this:
Not sure if abalone inlays would be killer or gaudy. But the neck like this (hopefully sans-"K" but a double dot there)
Unsure about wood type. They were very helpful when I ordered my Carvin, but it wasn't Keisel at the time. I was thinking swamp ash, but might have to get a top wood to get the beautiful grain to stand out. I've heard the lithiums are very articulate, but might send them some duncans since it's already option 50. That way if I want to experiment with pups, it's easier I believe.
Something both showcase and uber killer to play, but not busting the bank too hard (the builder is at about 1400/1500, not too bad)
toowrongfoo
New member
Re: Kiesel Guitars. Opinions. What do you think of them.
Well, they don't hold their value, that is for certain. Mainly though because people order things so custom that they don't like it. I could still fetch a nice price with my goldtop because there isn't anything weird about it and it's sexy as hell (think LP you can reach the frets easier)
Mine sounds phenomenal. Very LP'ish which is exactly what I was going for.
Well, they don't hold their value, that is for certain. Mainly though because people order things so custom that they don't like it. I could still fetch a nice price with my goldtop because there isn't anything weird about it and it's sexy as hell (think LP you can reach the frets easier)
Mine sounds phenomenal. Very LP'ish which is exactly what I was going for.
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