The Kiesel you all never saw...

[metalmaniac93]

Of course they suck. Except they don't. Like anything else, they're not for everyone. I have 2 and they're great. The Bolt+ I just got a few months ago is easily one of the best playing guitars I've ever had. I also have 2 Suhr Modern's. Would I give up my Suhrs for the Kiesels? No, but I'd be splitting hairs. But to say they suck is just clueless. One thing is for sure: There is no better value out there. None. Period.

I don't love the Lithium pickups but the djent dudes usually do. That said, yes, some of the wood/color combos people use are just stupid. But again, different strokes. The worst part of the guitar isn't the company or the product but the "off the charts" fan bois that spend what seems to be all day, on their forum. God forbid you have a customer service issue and you try and post about it on the site. Don't get me started on that.

I was in GC on Thursday and saw a used DC145 for $599 there. Red paint and an oiled mahogany neck, ebony board and HSH. Off the wall it was the best guitar in the building and sounded great. If you spec'd a guitar from anyone else, I doubt they'd let you send it back if you didn't like it and refund your money. Not too many manufacturers stand behind their product like that.

If you're looking for a pro level guitar and want something a little unique, you have to look at Kiesel.

Dave

I agree!!! I have an older Carvin Bolt+ and while it is not at the same quality as a Suhr, Anderson, CS Charvel, Luxxtone it is still a great guitar. The only Carvin I have kept as most of mine were NT and I am not a huge fan of NT. Now I did upgrade the pickups to MCPs, upgraded the cheaper Wilkinson to the Gotoh version and it sounds and plays even better.

 

[metalmaniac93]

Well, I've had my share of PRSs over the years, many of which were pre-factory, as well as my share of Suhrs, Andersons, McInturfs, USA Jacksons and the usual blending of Gibsons and Fenders. My current guitars are both Carvin CT624Ms and they are, without a doubt, the finest playing, best feeling guitars I've ever owned. The Kiesel lithium pickups have great articulation, are very responsive to picking dynamics, and sound PDG through my Bogner Shiva and my Landry LS100 G3. Not sure why Carvin/Kiesel gets such a bad rap, but it seems these opinions are usually generated by non-Carvin/Kiesel owners. All I can say is these guitars have ended my guitar GAS, and I haven't bought, nor desired, another guitar in over 3 years (and have no plans to do so in the near future).

 

[cecilbag]

I've owned a v220 for years. I've always found carvin to be great quality. Granted my carvin is an 86-87 but even the case is good quality. I think they're a great value but agree they aren't for everyone. But neither is fender because I've owned many fenders and never kept any I them except a John Cruz strat. The second I touched that guitar I knew I had to own it. Guitars are just hit or miss no matter if its a Gibson or an Epiphone, either have a chance at having that special something

 

[Racerxrated]

I've owned a v220 for years. I've always found carvin to be great quality. Granted my carvin is an 86-87 but even the case is good quality. I think they're a great value but agree they aren't for everyone. But neither is fender because I've owned many fenders and never kept any I them except a John Cruz strat. The second I touched that guitar I knew I had to own it. Guitars are just hit or miss no matter if its a Gibson or an Epiphone, either have a chance at having that special something

Exactly. Guitars are so personal, can't make a blanket statement on any of them. I've played Suhrs that I would easily pay 2k for, and a couple that I wouldn't pay 500 for. Just the way it is. Same goes for any and every brand.

 

[RaceU4her]

i have an old v220 as well i havent played in forever which this thread inspired me to pick up, im glad i did cause i forgot how great the thing plays. if everyone elses carvin plays as good as mine, i cant imagine someone not liking it