Kiesel
Since 1946
Kiesel Guitars traces its roots to 1946 when Lowell Kiesel founded the L.C. Kiesel Company in San Diego to manufacture guitar pickups. The company became Carvin in 1949 (named after sons Carson and Gavin) and spent decades as a direct-to-consumer American manufacturer of guitars, basses, and amplifiers. In 2015, the guitar division split off and revived the Kiesel name, now led by Jeff Kiesel (Lowell's grandson). Based in Escondido, California, Kiesel produces nearly 4,000 custom instruments annually—headless models, multiscale designs, exotic tonewoods—all handcrafted in the USA and sold factory-direct, delivering American custom-shop quality at prices that undercut the competition by 30-50%.
80
Years in Business
1M+
Guitars Sold
$25M+
Annual Revenue
Complete Kiesel Guitar Guide
Comprehensive buying guide, price analysis, model comparisons, and expert insights to help you understand everything about Kiesel guitars.
Kiesel Price Overview
Kiesel covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$1,200
+3% vs last year
eBay Listings
800
Active listings
Sold This Month
180
+4% vs last month
Price Range
$300-$5,000
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Kiesel Timeline
L.C. Kiesel Company
Lowell Kiesel founded the company in San Diego to manufacture guitar pickups—the beginning of a multi-generational American instrument dynasty.
Carvin Brand Created
Renamed to Carvin Corporation (CARson + gaVIN). Began producing guitars, amplifiers, and PA systems sold exclusively factory-direct.
California Manufacturing
Mark Kiesel (Lowell's son) took over guitar production, establishing the California custom-shop approach that defined the brand.
DC Series Launch
Introduced the DC (Double Cutaway) series—Carvin's most popular electric guitar line, offering custom options at direct-to-consumer prices.
Bolt Series
Launched the Bolt series—American-made S-style guitars with custom options at prices competitors couldn't match.
Jeff Kiesel Era Begins
Jeff Kiesel (3rd generation) took over design and development, pushing into headless, multiscale, and modern designs.
Kiesel Guitars Reborn
Split from Carvin Corporation and revived the original Kiesel name. Focused exclusively on guitars and basses with an expanded modern lineup.
Vader Headless Launch
Introduced the Vader headless series—lightweight, ergonomic instruments that became instant bestsellers.
Multiscale Expansion
Expanded multiscale (fanned-fret) options across the lineup, responding to the progressive metal and djent communities.
4,000 Annual Production
Producing nearly 4,000 custom instruments per year from the Escondido, California facility with 50+ employees.
Complete Kiesel Product Lineup
Kiesel: three generations of Californian craft—4,000 custom instruments per year, sold factory-direct
Headless Series
Modern ergonomic headless designs
Flagship headless at ~$1,299-$2,000+
Headless multiscale at ~$1,499-$2,200+
Compact headless at ~$1,299-$1,800
Standard Electric
Traditional and modern electric designs
Classic Kiesel at ~$1,199-$1,800
LP-style at ~$1,299-$1,900
Strat-inspired at ~$1,099-$1,700
Offset design at ~$1,199-$1,800
Bass Guitars
Custom-shop bass instruments
Modern bass at ~$1,299-$2,000
J-style at ~$1,199-$1,800
Headless bass at ~$1,399-$2,200
Vintage Carvin (Used)
Pre-2015 Carvin instruments on used market
Used at ~$400-$900
Used at ~$350-$700
Used at ~$400-$800
Used at ~$300-$600
"Kiesel: three generations of Californian craft—4,000 custom instruments per year, sold factory-direct"
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
Custom Order Guide
Factory-Direct Advantage
Kiesel sells exclusively direct—no dealer markup. A $1,500 Kiesel custom with exotic top, stainless steel frets, and your choice of pickups would cost $2,500-$3,500 from a traditional custom shop
Build Configurator
Kiesel's online builder lets you specify every detail: body wood, top wood, neck profile, fretboard, pickups, finish, hardware. The configurator shows pricing in real-time as you add options
8-12 Week Wait
Custom builds take 8-12 weeks. In-stock models ship faster. Budget accordingly—once ordered, custom builds are non-refundable. Research thoroughly before committing
Headless Guitar Guide
Vader Dominance
The Vader is one of the best-selling headless guitars in the world—lightweight, ergonomic, available in 6/7/8-string. At $1,299+, it undercuts Strandberg by $500+ while being USA-made
Multiscale Options
The Zeus multiscale headless extends the concept with fanned frets for optimal string tension across all strings. Essential for 7+ string players in modern metal and progressive genres
Resale Consideration
Headless guitars have a smaller resale market than traditional shapes. Used Vaders sell at 60-75% of new price. Buy because you want the ergonomics, not as an investment
Used Kiesel/Carvin Guide
Carvin = Kiesel Heritage
Pre-2015 Carvin guitars are the same factory, same craftspeople. Used Carvin DC models at $400-$900 are extraordinary value—American custom-shop quality at used import prices
Custom Specs Vary
Every Kiesel/Carvin is custom-built with different specs. Check the exact configuration carefully—wood choices, pickup configurations, and options vary dramatically between seemingly identical models
Direct Sales Impact
Factory-direct pricing means new Kiesel guitars are already competitively priced. Used discounts are typically 25-40% off new—less dramatic than dealer-marked-up brands. Still excellent value