United States · Est. 1946
Kiesel Guitars
Formerly Carvin, Kiesel is one of the few American brands building fully custom guitars in the USA without boutique pricing.
About the brand
Kiesel Guitars traces its roots to 1946, when Lowell Kiesel founded Carvin Corporation. For decades, Carvin was synonymous with American guitars and amplifiers at reasonable prices. In 2015, the guitar division was rebranded as Kiesel, focusing exclusively on custom-order instruments.
Kiesel's model is unique in the industry: no physical stores, no distributors. Customers configure their guitar online, choosing tonewoods, hardware, fretboard, pickups and finish, and the instrument is built entirely at their plant in San Diego. The result is a 100% custom American guitar at a highly competitive price.
Their guitars are especially popular among metal and technical rock players who value ultra-fast necks, precision manufacturing, and the ability to get exactly the specifications they want. Models such as the Vader and the Osiris are particularly well-regarded in the community.
Key facts
- 100% manufactured in San Diego, California since 1946
- Direct-to-consumer model with no distributors or physical stores
- Full customisation: tonewoods, hardware, fretboard and finish
- Custom American guitars at prices competitive with Asian production
Iconic models
Kiesel Vader
Kiesel's headless model, designed for technical musicians seeking total customization with the most modern specs available.
Kiesel Aries
Kiesel's superstrat body design with exhaustive customization options, popular among rock and metal guitarists.
Kiesel Delos
Kiesel's semi-hollow model, which expanded the brand into jazz and classic rock with the same custom-shop philosophy.
Kiesel Zeus
Kiesel's extended-range model, available from 7 to 9 strings and renowned for its exceptional value in the custom guitar segment.
Notable guitarists
- Borja Mintegiaga