Kiesel's customer service sucks!

[Blackbird]

Actually it isn’t always that difficult to escalate a phone call to the top.

Yeah, no. You aren't calling Gibson in a tif and demanding to speak to Henry. You don't call Schecter and insist on yelling at Michael. It doesn't work that way. In any industry. No large corporation is giving their CEO or President's time to some pissed off customer on the phone. They pay people $8 an hour to deal with that.

Engage actually has a legitimate point. I was thinking the same thing when I saw that post...l.almost started to respond saying the same thing as Engage. REGARDLESS of how big the company is....if it is anywhere comparable to the size that Kiesel is....it is a given that they have employees to address customer service because Jeff simply doesn't want to deal with it for obvious reasons....lack of time for one. I would never expect to speak to him either.....would seem pretty unlikely in any case.

Funny story though, I once had an issue with a Suhr Custom Modern that I had ordered and was so pissed, that I asked for John Suhr and the receptionist actually put me through to him which shocked the hell out of me and him to from I gathered! lol She probably thought I was someone else that he was expecting a call from or something. As it turns out, he was just about to head out to the dentist when I got him. Needless to say, he resolved the issue and then some! I can't say enough good things about Suhr's customer service! Kiesel on the other hand, ....I will never buy another one of their instruments based on the issues I've seen people have with both their instruments and customer service. After seeing Jeff's reaction to customer issues, it makes me want to sell the Kiesels I have. But, I honestly am not ready to move them yet, as they serve a purpose for me right now. I will never buy another though.

 

[Code001]

John Suhr and Tom Anderson have personally responded to any questions I have had, both regarding inquiries regarding their specific guitars, as well as overall guitar building in general. You could argue that Tom is a small time business, but John pumps out tons of guitars. I think he qualifies as a major corporation.

 

[engage757]

Like with the OP, I tried calling Jeff directly and was told he doesn't take calls.

I was like what?! Who TF does this guy think he is?

He sure took my two grand though, 'we' just don't demand a call back from him, he feels its beneath him to do so.

Let's see him pull that shit with say Jason Becker or Craig Chaquico or Allan Holdsworth or Chris Letchford, these guys probably have his home phone and personal cell phone number.

What will happen I'm sure of is, with a continuing pattern of bad customer service and bad product critiquing with the word getting out, Kiesel guitars will go the way of its Carvin amps department and become nonexistent.

Mark my words, you'll see...

I'm planning on selling my never been played bass even if I take a slight loss and buying say maybe a custom Gretsch as I should have done in the first place.

I'm sorry man, but you don't get to call the owner of a major company and demand to speak to him. In no universe are you Jason Becker or Craig Chaquico or Allan Holdsworth (R.I.P.) or Chris Letchford, his signature endorsers.

I am sorry you had a bad time with Kiesel, I really am, but thinking you are going to call up a major corporation and speak to their owner is stupid and absurd.

Im sorry, but your commit is absurd..."Major Corporation"...please tell me your joking. He is a SMALL BUSINESS owner. You Kiesel fans are too funny.

Kiesel sells a LOT more than anyone in this thread knows about. Yes, a major company.
I'm not a Kiesel fanboy, I just know and have common sense.

 

[engage757]

John Suhr and Tom Anderson have personally responded to any questions I have had, both regarding inquiries regarding their specific guitars, as well as overall guitar building in general. You could argue that Tom is a small time business, but John pumps out tons of guitars. I think he qualifies as a major corporation.

With the inner workings of Suhr the last few years, it's a miracle you got through to him, but no, not very many will chances are. TA barely sells anything in comparison and Kiesel is selling a MASS amount of guitars in comparison to most companies that aren't the super big guys like ESP/Schecter, FMIC, Gibson, Yamaha or Hoshino.

 

[Blackbird]

John Suhr and Tom Anderson have personally responded to any questions I have had, both regarding inquiries regarding their specific guitars, as well as overall guitar building in general. You could argue that Tom is a small time business, but John pumps out tons of guitars. I think he qualifies as a major corporation.

Me too, as far as email goes. I was completely surprised though when the receptionist put me straight through to him without asking me what it was regarding. But, I've got answers from him via email several times. He even got back to me last Sunday night within an hour after asking him a question about the Aura.

 

[engage757]

I think that might be because John isn't the main one running anymore from what I heard? Heard it is his son and a couple other guys doing a ton now. John is a great guy.

 

[Blackbird]

John Suhr and Tom Anderson have personally responded to any questions I have had, both regarding inquiries regarding their specific guitars, as well as overall guitar building in general. You could argue that Tom is a small time business, but John pumps out tons of guitars. I think he qualifies as a major corporation.

With the inner workings of Suhr the last few years, it's a miracle you got through to him, but no, not very many will chances are. TA barely sells anything in comparison and Kiesel is selling a MASS amount of guitars in comparison to most companies that aren't the super big guys like ESP/Schecter, FMIC, Gibson, Yamaha or Hoshino.

I forgot to mention that this was about 4-5 years ago when I got him by phone, so yeah....I don't think it would happen that easy anymore.

 

[chondroguitars]

John Suhr and Tom Anderson have personally responded to any questions I have had, both regarding inquiries regarding their specific guitars, as well as overall guitar building in general. You could argue that Tom is a small time business, but John pumps out tons of guitars. I think he qualifies as a major corporation.

Me too, as far as email goes. I was completely surprised though when the receptionist put me straight through to him without asking me what it was regarding. But, I've got answers from him via email several times. He even got back to me last Sunday night within an hour after asking him a question about the Aura.

Dont be surprised,I have talked on the phone shooting shit with John Suhr for over an hour. I am not a dealer of his, nor was I looking to be, I wanted to talk with someone about a guitar I had gotten on a trade in. This is how he does business. I have heard the same thing about Tom Anderson.

 

[engage757]

I love both those companies so much. So hard to beat an Angel/Droptop/Modern in my book.

 

[Blackbird]

John Suhr and Tom Anderson have personally responded to any questions I have had, both regarding inquiries regarding their specific guitars, as well as overall guitar building in general. You could argue that Tom is a small time business, but John pumps out tons of guitars. I think he qualifies as a major corporation.

Me too, as far as email goes. I was completely surprised though when the receptionist put me straight through to him without asking me what it was regarding. But, I've got answers from him via email several times. He even got back to me last Sunday night within an hour after asking him a question about the Aura.

Dont be surprised,I have talked on the phone shooting shit with John Suhr for over an hour. I am not a dealer of his, nor was I looking to be, I wanted to talk with someone about a guitar I had gotten on a trade in. This is how he does business. I have heard the same thing about Tom Anderson.

Cool. Yeah, I've only emailed him a handful of times....I don't want to bug him. When I sent that email last Sunday, I thought the odds of him getting back that soon were not likely after coming off of NAMM. But, he answered within the hour. That's incredible to me!

 

[Blackbird]

I love both those companies so much. So hard to beat an Angel/Droptop/Modern in my book.

Man, I have got gas for an Angel so bad right now!! Prices are just so high though (not that they shouldn't be). I might pull the trigger one day though. The only T/A that I've ever had was a Drop Top that I bought off of Andy Wood, right as he switched to Suhr. Nice guitar, but the specs weren't to my liking. I'd love to pick up a used one, but it's near impossible to find one with a 1 5/8 nut width.

 

[Dispatch]

I'm sorry man, but you don't get to call the owner of a major company and demand to speak to him. In no universe are you Jason Becker or Craig Chaquico or Allan Holdsworth (R.I.P.) or Chris Letchford, his signature endorsers.

I am sorry you had a bad time with Kiesel, I really am, but thinking you are going to call up a major corporation and speak to their owner is stupid and absurd.

With all due respect, says who, you?

This isn't the military, there is no chain of command when you are the cash paying customer, this guy is just like you and me, no different, but chiefly because they are still a small company with only 50 employees, even though they have been in business since 1946.

That's exactly the egotistical belief that will close this company, as has been the demise of so many other companies for doing expressly that.

Not to mention those 'celebrities' I named aren't that many or that big in the industry and my money is just as green as any of them, that's why just like them if I'm wronged, I can sue Kiesel on an equal playing field in a court of law.

When/if Kiesel becomes a worldwide enterprise then yes, not getting through to speak to the head man is understandably difficult but even then not impossible, but with this guy, that's not the case.

Jeff Kiesel isn't Rupert Murdock, he's a small scale company, co-owner, who recently inherited the business.

They don't even have retailers or dealers you can buy the guitars through, you have to order them directly from Kiesel and in doing so they take personal responsibility for their products and its mistakes.

I don't think it's an unreasonable request when you were gracious enough to spend thousands of your hard earned dollars on them, although you didn't have to, the head guy could and should help you principally when you ask (not demand), for his help, in that no one else can or has the authority to make things right...

 

[engage757]

I'm sorry man, but you don't get to call the owner of a major company and demand to speak to him. In no universe are you Jason Becker or Craig Chaquico or Allan Holdsworth (R.I.P.) or Chris Letchford, his signature endorsers.

I am sorry you had a bad time with Kiesel, I really am, but thinking you are going to call up a major corporation and speak to their owner is stupid and absurd.

With all due respect, says who, you?

This isn't the military, there is no chain of command when you are the cash paying customer, this guy is just like you and me, no different, but chiefly because they are still a small company with only 50 employees, even though they have been in business since 1946.

That's exactly the egotistical belief that will close this company, as has been the demise of so many other companies for doing expressly that.

Not to mention those 'celebrities' I named aren't that many or that big in the industry and my money is just as green as any of them, that's why just like them if I'm wronged, I can sue Kiesel on an equal playing field in a court of law.

When/if Kiesel becomes a worldwide enterprise then yes, not getting through to speak to the head man is understandably difficult but even then not impossible, but with this guy, that's not the case.

Jeff Kiesel isn't Rupert Murdock, he's a small scale company, co-owner, who recently inherited the business.

They don't even have retailers or dealers you can buy the guitars through, you have to order them directly from Kiesel and in doing so they take personal responsibility for their products and its mistakes.

I don't think it's an unreasonable request when you were gracious enough to spend thousands of your hard earned dollars on them, although you didn't have to, the head guy could and should help you principally when you ask (not demand), for his help, in that no one else can or has the authority to make things right...

With no respect, the guy that used to work for him. You have no idea about the inner workings of Kiesel, Jeff's position or "inheritance" (HAHA), they are worldwide, you have no idea how many people they employ, or what their sales are, and you expect the owner of said worldwide, multi-million dollar company to answer the phone call of someone. You spending money does not entitle you to the time of man that owns the company. If it did, he wouldn't employ anyone. "No chain of command". Excuse yourself, you actually witnessed the "chain of command", just like most companies have.

"Ask". You didn't ask, you demanded, when you were upset, by your own admission, and then you joined a forum to come blast the owner of said company for having the sheer AUDACITY to not take the phone call from the pissed off guy on the phone. We see the type of person you are, and to be honest? It is pretty irrational.

You are not any of his artists, and you thinking you are on a level playing field with his friends, and business associates shows your disconnect. They are plenty big in the industry. Feel free to "Sue them in a court of law", and watch how "equal the playing field becomes". Hint: Best mortgage your house first.

Go away, you are entitled and arrogant, you are not entitled to the head of the company's time just because you demand it.

 

[engage757]

I love both those companies so much. So hard to beat an Angel/Droptop/Modern in my book.

Man, I have got gas for an Angel so bad right now!! Prices are just so high though (not that they shouldn't be). I might pull the trigger one day though. The only T/A that I've ever had was a Drop Top that I bought off of Andy Wood, right as he switched to Suhr. Nice guitar, but the specs weren't to my liking. I'd love to pick up a used one, but it's near impossible to find one with a 1 5/8 nut width.

yeah brother, an Angel built to your specs is a solid keeper. One you pass on to your kids. I have had several Andersons, and all were epic. As odd as it may sound, I really miss the Crowdster. If you aren't familiar with those oddballs, have a look. Weird guitars, but man do they sound GREAT. Not a big Christian music guy, but we did a tour where I filled in on bass supporting Crowder years ago, and that thing sounded killer, every night.

 

[Dispatch]

I'm sorry man, but you don't get to call the owner of a major company and demand to speak to him. In no universe are you Jason Becker or Craig Chaquico or Allan Holdsworth (R.I.P.) or Chris Letchford, his signature endorsers.

I am sorry you had a bad time with Kiesel, I really am, but thinking you are going to call up a major corporation and speak to their owner is stupid and absurd.

With all due respect, says who, you?

This isn't the military, there is no chain of command when you are the cash paying customer, this guy is just like you and me, no different, but chiefly because they are still a small company with only 50 employees, even though they have been in business since 1946.

That's exactly the egotistical belief that will close this company, as has been the demise of so many other companies for doing expressly that.

Not to mention those 'celebrities' I named aren't that many or that big in the industry and my money is just as green as any of them, that's why just like them if I'm wronged, I can sue Kiesel on an equal playing field in a court of law.

When/if Kiesel becomes a worldwide enterprise then yes, not getting through to speak to the head man is understandably difficult but even then not impossible, but with this guy, that's not the case.

Jeff Kiesel isn't Rupert Murdock, he's a small scale company, co-owner, who recently inherited the business.

They don't even have retailers or dealers you can buy the guitars through, you have to order them directly from Kiesel and in doing so they take personal responsibility for their products and its mistakes.

I don't think it's an unreasonable request when you were gracious enough to spend thousands of your hard earned dollars on them, although you didn't have to, the head guy could and should help you principally when you ask (not demand), for his help, in that no one else can or has the authority to make things right...

With no respect, the guy that used to work for him. You have no idea about the inner workings of Kiesel, Jeff's position or "inheritance" (HAHA), they are worldwide, you have no idea how many people they employ, or what their sales are, and you expect the owner of said worldwide, multi-million dollar company to answer the phone call of someone. You spending money does not entitle you to the time of man that owns the company. If it did, he wouldn't employ anyone.

"Ask". You didn't ask, you demanded, when you were upset, by your own admission, and then you joined a forum to come blast the owner of said company for having the sheer AUDACITY to not take the phone call from the pissed off guy on the phone. We see the type of person you are, and to be honest? It is pretty irrational.

You are not any of his artists, and you thinking you are on a level playing field with his friends, and business associates shows your disconnect. Feel free to "Sue them in a court of law", and watch how "equal the playing field becomes". Hint: Best mortgage your house first.

Go away, you are entitled and arrogant, you are not entitled to the head of the company's time just because you demand it.

I'd reply in kind but grandma always said, never make fun of the retarded...

 

[engage757]

I'm sorry man, but you don't get to call the owner of a major company and demand to speak to him. In no universe are you Jason Becker or Craig Chaquico or Allan Holdsworth (R.I.P.) or Chris Letchford, his signature endorsers.

I am sorry you had a bad time with Kiesel, I really am, but thinking you are going to call up a major corporation and speak to their owner is stupid and absurd.

With all due respect, says who, you?

This isn't the military, there is no chain of command when you are the cash paying customer, this guy is just like you and me, no different, but chiefly because they are still a small company with only 50 employees, even though they have been in business since 1946.

That's exactly the egotistical belief that will close this company, as has been the demise of so many other companies for doing expressly that.

Not to mention those 'celebrities' I named aren't that many or that big in the industry and my money is just as green as any of them, that's why just like them if I'm wronged, I can sue Kiesel on an equal playing field in a court of law.

When/if Kiesel becomes a worldwide enterprise then yes, not getting through to speak to the head man is understandably difficult but even then not impossible, but with this guy, that's not the case.

Jeff Kiesel isn't Rupert Murdock, he's a small scale company, co-owner, who recently inherited the business.

They don't even have retailers or dealers you can buy the guitars through, you have to order them directly from Kiesel and in doing so they take personal responsibility for their products and its mistakes.

I don't think it's an unreasonable request when you were gracious enough to spend thousands of your hard earned dollars on them, although you didn't have to, the head guy could and should help you principally when you ask (not demand), for his help, in that no one else can or has the authority to make things right...

With no respect, the guy that used to work for him. You have no idea about the inner workings of Kiesel, Jeff's position or "inheritance" (HAHA), they are worldwide, you have no idea how many people they employ, or what their sales are, and you expect the owner of said worldwide, multi-million dollar company to answer the phone call of someone. You spending money does not entitle you to the time of man that owns the company. If it did, he wouldn't employ anyone.

"Ask". You didn't ask, you demanded, when you were upset, by your own admission, and then you joined a forum to come blast the owner of said company for having the sheer AUDACITY to not take the phone call from the pissed off guy on the phone. We see the type of person you are, and to be honest? It is pretty irrational.

You are not any of his artists, and you thinking you are on a level playing field with his friends, and business associates shows your disconnect. Feel free to "Sue them in a court of law", and watch how "equal the playing field becomes". Hint: Best mortgage your house first.

Go away, you are entitled and arrogant, you are not entitled to the head of the company's time just because you demand it.

I'd reply in kind but grandma always said, never make fun of the retarded...

Sounds like you missed the part about manners and not being an ignorant spoiled brat. Noticed you passed over every point I made, you know, from someone that DOES know about that which they speak. My point is well-proven. If you can't be right, be wrong at the top of your lungs. I am sure your next post will be on another forum somewhere, screaming about how Tim Cook or Michael Ciravolo didn't answer your calls when you were displeased with their products.

Grow up, and do it fast, you wouldn't show your name and face on this, meaning you wouldn't do it in person, so don't be an idiot on a forum because you think no one can figure out who you are.

Be an adult.

 

[Kirk from Metallica]

With no respect, the guy that used to work for him. You have no idea about the inner workings of Kiesel, Jeff's position or "inheritance" (HAHA), they are worldwide, you have no idea how many people they employ, or what their sales are, and you expect the owner of said worldwide, multi-million dollar company to answer the phone call of someone. You spending money does not entitle you to the time of man that owns the company. If it did, he wouldn't employ anyone. "No chain of command". Excuse yourself, you actually witnessed the "chain of command", just like most companies have.

"Ask". You didn't ask, you demanded, when you were upset, by your own admission, and then you joined a forum to come blast the owner of said company for having the sheer AUDACITY to not take the phone call from the pissed off guy on the phone. We see the type of person you are, and to be honest? It is pretty irrational.

You are not any of his artists, and you thinking you are on a level playing field with his friends, and business associates shows your disconnect. They are plenty big in the industry. Feel free to "Sue them in a court of law", and watch how "equal the playing field becomes". Hint: Best mortgage your house first.

Go away, you are entitled and arrogant, you are not entitled to the head of the company's time just because you demand it.

This exact response and attitude is the reason people have an issue with Keisel's customer service, and I can see why folks on other forums, groups have actually personally called you out in attribution for it. Bragging about working for a company regularly called out for horrible customer service, and then bashing the people who've had legitimate issues is just bad form. Maybe like minds attract, who knows, but your attitude about it is shit. Same way you are whenever anyone calls out or has any criticism about any company you shill for. Maybe you should be the one to "grow up".

 

[engage757]

With no respect, the guy that used to work for him. You have no idea about the inner workings of Kiesel, Jeff's position or "inheritance" (HAHA), they are worldwide, you have no idea how many people they employ, or what their sales are, and you expect the owner of said worldwide, multi-million dollar company to answer the phone call of someone. You spending money does not entitle you to the time of man that owns the company. If it did, he wouldn't employ anyone. "No chain of command". Excuse yourself, you actually witnessed the "chain of command", just like most companies have.

"Ask". You didn't ask, you demanded, when you were upset, by your own admission, and then you joined a forum to come blast the owner of said company for having the sheer AUDACITY to not take the phone call from the pissed off guy on the phone. We see the type of person you are, and to be honest? It is pretty irrational.

You are not any of his artists, and you thinking you are on a level playing field with his friends, and business associates shows your disconnect. They are plenty big in the industry. Feel free to "Sue them in a court of law", and watch how "equal the playing field becomes". Hint: Best mortgage your house first.

Go away, you are entitled and arrogant, you are not entitled to the head of the company's time just because you demand it.

This exact response and attitude is the reason people have an issue with Keisel's customer service, and I can see why folks on other forums, groups have actually personally called you out in attribution for it. Bragging about working for a company regularly called out for horrible customer service, and then bashing the people who've had legitimate issues is just bad form. Maybe like minds attract, who knows, but your attitude about it is shit. Same way you are whenever anyone calls out or has any criticism about any company you shill for. Maybe you should be the one to "grow up".

Oh look mom, another forum troll that joined to whine. This one gets his rocks off thinking it's funny to be Kirk Hammett. Lame on another level.

You know nothing of me, my background or anything else, so don't bother there. Truly, the opinion of four forum trolls in a decade in this industry mean absolutely nothing to me. I will, however, call out bullshit when I see it, and believe me, if there is anyone that can truly rag on a company, it might be the guy that quit for reasons you will never EVER know about. For the second time now, since your reading comprehension sucks dear troll, I am sorry he had an issue with Kiesel. Why don't you try calling a large company and demanding to speak to their CEO, see how far it gets you?

No one bragged dingleberry, just said that the dude up above has absolutely no idea of that which he speaks, and called in an entitled rage, demanding to speak to the owner of a company, and now is joining forums, to freak out about it, and call said owner names because he didn't answer HIS call. HIS. Nah, forget that they said Jeff doesn't take calls, it is a personal affront to him and HIS grace for "graciously buying an instrument".

If you are defending that than you are just as stupid as he is. Stop trying to attack me feebly, it just makes you look like a jackass. This thread isn't about me and the 4 trolls that have no life, it's about a company that I have no stake in at all, but know the workings of, enough to call out this child on his hissy fit.

If you can't see that than you need some help.

 

[engage757]

Anyway, to get BACK on topic, that sucks that a few guys have had issues with Kiesel. I hope it gets rectified. But don't muddy the water around the real issues with nonsense. Stay on topic. I don't know why I spent this much time arguing with two trolls that are probably the same person, but either way, some of this crap needed to be called out. I'm not debating any real issues they might have, I didn't see them, wasn't there, no idea, but the "Calling Jeff" rant? Is ridiculous. Inarguably ridiculous.

 

[Blackbird]

I love both those companies so much. So hard to beat an Angel/Droptop/Modern in my book.

Man, I have got gas for an Angel so bad right now!! Prices are just so high though (not that they shouldn't be). I might pull the trigger one day though. The only T/A that I've ever had was a Drop Top that I bought off of Andy Wood, right as he switched to Suhr. Nice guitar, but the specs weren't to my liking. I'd love to pick up a used one, but it's near impossible to find one with a 1 5/8 nut width.

yeah brother, an Angel built to your specs is a solid keeper. One you pass on to your kids. I have had several Andersons, and all were epic. As odd as it may sound, I really miss the Crowdster. If you aren't familiar with those oddballs, have a look. Weird guitars, but man do they sound GREAT. Not a big Christian music guy, but we did a tour where I filled in on bass supporting Crowder years ago, and that thing sounded killer, every night.

Yeah, I've seen those Crowdsters and always thought they looked strange...never played one though. I'm sure everything Tom makes is great. Anyhow, I'd like to think that an Angel will be in my future one day.....maybe with one of those cool "surf" finishes.