visit to Kiesel

[Vrad]

Buying a guitar shouldn't be a crapshoot.

Does the name "Gibson" ring a bell?

It does ring a bell. And you can go to any GC in the country and try a bunch. It's a big difference from paying for something, having to wait a few months to even try it out, then shipping it back if it doesn't work out.

I see you have a Custom Shop Jackson, speaking of horror stories...

Nothing like a 2-3 year wait on a custom axe you never get to try, only to have it show up with 23 frets when it was ordered 24... Moral of the story - you always roll the dice with a custom order.

That's the first thing that popped into my head when this whole Kiesel shitstorm started..

 

[Chris O]

Buying a guitar shouldn't be a crapshoot.

Does the name "Gibson" ring a bell?

It does ring a bell. And you can go to any GC in the country and try a bunch. It's a big difference from paying for something, having to wait a few months to even try it out, then shipping it back if it doesn't work out.

I see you have a Custom Shop Jackson, speaking of horror stories...

Nothing like a 2-3 year wait on a custom axe you never get to try, only to have it show up with 23 frets when it was ordered 24... Moral of the story - you always roll the dice with a custom order.

That's the first thing that popped into my head when this whole Kiesel shitstorm started..

For the record - my Carvin I ordered a couple years ago was great as far as fit, finish, etc. I sold it due to GAS, not quality issues. Is was every bit as good as anything else I had in the same price range and higher.

 

[xzacx]

Moral of the story - you always roll the dice with a custom order.

Fair enough, and I agree about a custom always being a roll of the dice. But it's different when custom orders are the ONLY option. You don't have to roll the dice with Gibson or Jackson, or basically every other brand there is, if you don't want to. Their entire reputations aren't dependent exclusively on their custom shops. They're obviously part of the equation, but there are other options for those not willing to take a chance. But when is your business model is Kiesel's, there's just less margin for error. I've also never seen representatives from Jackson or Gibson come on here and belittle some who's guitar they botched.

 

[Racerxrated]

I don't think anyone is angry. Just reacting to one post Kiesel showing up with arrogant fighting words. lol

Anyhow...I'm a bass player too. Although I don't own one, I highly recommend trying a Dingwall bass if you are in to the fanned fret thing. I have had the chance to try them a few times. Tone for days and they are so easy to play. Buy used and you can probably resell for the same price.

This. If they had responded in a better way, i.e the customer is always right, instead of being defensive and arrogant it might have ended there and then.
Clearly, they screwed up and should have admitted it, apologized and moved on. But because it was a half ass apology, they reap what they sow.
Like any brand out there, some are really good and others not so much. If I see one used in a GC I'll make sure to give it a try.

 

[messenger]

I think the main lesson should be NEVER order ANYTHING with an option that clearly states the item will be non returnable with said option. As long as it's returnable what's the harm in giving it a chance?

 

[diagrammatiks]

This thread delivers

 

[Deanmachine]

Kiesel in the new Blades ...

 

[Atropos_Project]

Welcome to RT, where one persons bad experience means every product ever made by that company is awful.

 

[Tone Zone]

Welcome to RT, where one persons bad experience means every product ever made by that company is awful.

That about sums it up.

 

[Holy-diver]

Welcome to RT, where one persons bad experience means every product ever made by that company is awful.

and all the other people with issues
and the bad sounding guitars

 

[UltraGary]

Excellent point.

Moral of the story - you always roll the dice with a custom order.

Fair enough, and I agree about a custom always being a roll of the dice. But it's different when custom orders are the ONLY option. You don't have to roll the dice with Gibson or Jackson, or basically every other brand there is, if you don't want to. Their entire reputations aren't dependent exclusively on their custom shops. They're obviously part of the equation, but there are other options for those not willing to take a chance. But when is your business model is Kiesel's, there's just less margin for error. I've also never seen representatives from Jackson or Gibson come on here and belittle some who's guitar they botched.

 

[138]

And this is why I prefer to build my own guitar via Warmoth, USA customs etc..if it comes out F'ed up then I got no one to blame but myself. I guess in the end it comes down to being satisfied with what you're playing/paying for. How you get there is up to you.

 

[sahlomonic]

I'm gonna say this:


At what point do your eyes trick your brain into thinking a guitar is better than it really is? So many guys post about how how awesome this finish is, or how wild that finish is, or how the color really pops on this guitar, etc. Yet very few give actual review on the playability of their guitar.

Or you have guys that return a high quality playing guitar because of a miniscule finish flaw that can barely be seen.

Sure, Kiesel guitars are flashy, but why do some people seem to think more color/more sparkle = better playing guitar?


I have not played a Kiesel but I have heard more praise of their color options than I have of how their guitars actually play and feel. Sure I'd like to try one some day, but I'm happy enough with other brands out there to be honest.

EDIT: I'm not intending to bash on Kiesel at all, or happy Kiesel owners.

 

[just42dave]

love his stuff

 

[MYLILSS]

I'm gonna say this:


At what point do your eyes trick your brain into thinking a guitar is better than it really is? So many guys post about how how awesome this finish is, or how wild that finish is, or how the color really pops on this guitar, etc. Yet very few give actual review on the playability of their guitar.

Or you have guys that return a high quality playing guitar because of a miniscule finish flaw that can barely be seen.

Sure, Kiesel guitars are flashy, but why do some people seem to think more color/more sparkle = better playing guitar?


I have not played a Kiesel but I have heard more praise of their color options than I have of how their guitars actually play and feel. Sure I'd like to try one some day, but I'm happy enough with other brands out there to be honest.

EDIT: I'm not intending to bash on Kiesel at all, or happy Kiesel owners.

you are definitely right about the Kiesel guitars and owners having their finishes talked about more than playability.

It is hard to describe the playability for me, aside from it being effortless for me with my CT3. the guitar is a bare bones CT3 in a diamond white color with an ebony board and mahogany neck. the body is mahogany as well. looks wise it is very plain, but it practically plays itself. the 14 degree radius board, and neck shape are just what's comfortable to me. the neck profile to me is a bit fatter than a PRS wide thin, and slimmer than a wide fat profile. the frets on mine are stainless steel and the fret job is perfect in my opinion with nicely done edges. I own American made PRS guitars and some Ibanez prestige model guitars and even a Japanese evh wolfgang. the Kiesel model guitars may not work for everything but they are perfect for me, even the bare bones stripped down players. as for fit and finish I wont say it is better than my American PRS guitars, but it is certainly just as good in my opinion, with the models I have came across as well as own

 

[jsp]

you are definitely right about the Kiesel guitars and owners having their finishes talked about more than playability.

There have been lots of Carvin/Kiesel discussions here and I haven't noticed that at all.

 

[Shask]

I'm gonna say this:


At what point do your eyes trick your brain into thinking a guitar is better than it really is? So many guys post about how how awesome this finish is, or how wild that finish is, or how the color really pops on this guitar, etc. Yet very few give actual review on the playability of their guitar.

Or you have guys that return a high quality playing guitar because of a miniscule finish flaw that can barely be seen.

Sure, Kiesel guitars are flashy, but why do some people seem to think more color/more sparkle = better playing guitar?


I have not played a Kiesel but I have heard more praise of their color options than I have of how their guitars actually play and feel. Sure I'd like to try one some day, but I'm happy enough with other brands out there to be honest.

EDIT: I'm not intending to bash on Kiesel at all, or happy Kiesel owners.

you are definitely right about the Kiesel guitars and owners having their finishes talked about more than playability.

It is hard to describe the playability for me, aside from it being effortless for me with my CT3. the guitar is a bare bones CT3 in a diamond white color with an ebony board and mahogany neck. the body is mahogany as well. looks wise it is very plain, but it practically plays itself. the 14 degree radius board, and neck shape are just what's comfortable to me. the neck profile to me is a bit fatter than a PRS wide thin, and slimmer than a wide fat profile. the frets on mine are stainless steel and the fret job is perfect in my opinion with nicely done edges. I own American made PRS guitars and some Ibanez prestige model guitars and even a Japanese evh wolfgang. the Kiesel model guitars may not work for everything but they are perfect for me, even the bare bones stripped down players. as for fit and finish I wont say it is better than my American PRS guitars, but it is certainly just as good in my opinion, with the models I have came across as well as own

The SCB6 I have reminds me a lot of PRS guitars I have played with the Wide Thin neck. I love the feel of it. Medium C-shaped neck, 25" scale. It is very comfortable.

 

[Tone Zone]

I'm gonna say this:


At what point do your eyes trick your brain into thinking a guitar is better than it really is? So many guys post about how how awesome this finish is, or how wild that finish is, or how the color really pops on this guitar, etc. Yet very few give actual review on the playability of their guitar.

Or you have guys that return a high quality playing guitar because of a miniscule finish flaw that can barely be seen.

Sure, Kiesel guitars are flashy, but why do some people seem to think more color/more sparkle = better playing guitar?


I have not played a Kiesel but I have heard more praise of their color options than I have of how their guitars actually play and feel. Sure I'd like to try one some day, but I'm happy enough with other brands out there to be honest.

EDIT: I'm not intending to bash on Kiesel at all, or happy Kiesel owners.

Certainly doesn't apply to me, because the two I have are not flashy at all. I have the custom build Aries I ordered in Gunmetal Grey Metallic (gloss) and a used Aries I picked up in Seafoam Green (satin). The playability on these guitars is through the roof....they practically play themselves. The tone is great, but not the best I've ever experienced. If I were to rate them, I'd say playability: 9 and tone: 8 Overall, great guitars IMHO. Same goes for my Suhr Moderns....I've had a number of flashy Suhr Custom Moderns that were great, but I ultimately settled for the Suhr Satin Moderns (x2) that are pretty dull looking in comparison. Yet, I love everything else about them in terms of playability/tone...definitely my faves overall.

My actual used Kiesel Aries in Seafoam Green.



NOT my actual Kiesel Aries in Gunmetal Grey Metallic but basically the same, save for the Floyd.

 

[dfrattaroli]

Buying a guitar shouldn't be a crapshoot.

Does the name "Gibson" ring a bell?

It does ring a bell. And you can go to any GC in the country and try a bunch. It's a big difference from paying for something, having to wait a few months to even try it out, then shipping it back if it doesn't work out.

Right, but the point is, you have to try a bunch because QC is all over the place. And, you're picking one off the wall. The Kiesel is a custom order that you can return if you simply don't want it. No one else gives you 10 days to return a custom order for a full refund.

 

[dfrattaroli]

you are definitely right about the Kiesel guitars and owners having their finishes talked about more than playability.

There have been lots of Carvin/Kiesel discussions here and I haven't noticed that at all.

Yeah, that's not true. My 2 Kiesels look, play and sound great.