The Complete Kiesel Guitar Price Guide 2026: Three Generations of California Custom

Last updated: February 2026

In 1946, Lowell Kiesel founded the L.C. Kiesel Company in San Diego to manufacture guitar pickups. Three years later, he renamed it Carvin—CARson + gaVIN, after his sons. For nearly seven decades, Carvin sold guitars, basses, and amplifiers exclusively factory-direct, cutting out the dealer markup that made American instruments expensive. In 2015, the guitar division split off. The Kiesel name returned. Jeff Kiesel—Lowell's grandson—now leads the company from Escondido, California, where nearly 4,000 custom instruments leave the factory each year. Headless Vaders. Multiscale Zeus. DC Series. All handcrafted in the USA. All sold direct. The result: American custom-shop quality at prices that undercut the competition by 30-50%.

Kiesel doesn't do dealer networks. They don't do mass production. They do custom orders—your wood, your pickups, your specs—built in California and shipped to your door. This guide breaks down Kiesel pricing from the Vader headless to vintage Carvin finds, and explains why factory-direct might be the smartest way to buy an American guitar in 2026.

Kiesel Guitar Market Overview 2026

Kiesel occupies a unique position: American custom-shop manufacturing with factory-direct pricing.

Key Market Statistics:

• Average Used Kiesel Price: $1,200 (up 3% from 2025)
• Active Listings: Approximately 800 guitars currently for sale
• Monthly Sales Volume: Around 180 guitars sold per month
• Price Range: $300 (vintage Carvin) to $5,000 (custom builds)

The factory-direct model means new Kiesel guitars are already competitively priced. Used discounts run 25-40% off new—less dramatic than dealer-marked-up brands, but still excellent value. Vintage Carvin instruments (pre-2015) offer extraordinary value at $300-$900 for American-made quality.

Understanding Kiesel's Philosophy

Three Generations of California Craft

1946-1970: Lowell Kiesel

• Founded company for pickup manufacturing
• Carvin brand created 1949
• Established direct-to-consumer model
• No dealers—factory to player

1970-2011: Mark Kiesel

• Took over guitar production
• California custom-shop approach
• DC Series launched 1985
• Bolt series (S-style) 2000

2011-Present: Jeff Kiesel

• Third generation leadership
• Headless, multiscale, modern designs
• Kiesel name revived 2015
• Vader launch 2017
• 4,000 instruments annually

The Factory-Direct Advantage

Kiesel sells exclusively direct. No Guitar Center. No Sweetwater markup. No dealer margin. 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. The savings are real—30-50% on comparable quality.

Carvin Heritage

Pre-2015 Carvin guitars are Kiesel heritage. Same factory. Same craftspeople. Same quality. The name changed; the instruments didn't. Used Carvin DC models at $400-$900 represent extraordinary value—American custom-shop quality at used import prices.

Headless Series Pricing: $1,299-$2,200+

Modern ergonomic designs for progressive and metal players.

Vader (~$1,299-$2,000+)

Specifications:

• Body: Swamp ash, alder, or exotic options
• Neck: Maple, roasted maple, or exotic
• Fingerboard: Maple, ebony, or exotic, 24-28 frets
• Scale: 25.5" (multiscale optional)
• Pickups: Kiesel Lithium or custom options
• Bridge: Headless Hipshot
• Finish: Gloss, satin, or matte
• Available: 6, 7, and 8-string

Why It Dominates: The Vader is one of the best-selling headless guitars in the world. Lightweight. Ergonomic. USA-made. At $1,299+, it undercuts Strandberg by $500+ while offering comparable quality. The 8-string option appeals to modern metal and djent players.

Zeus (~$1,499-$2,200+)

Specifications:

• Multiscale (fanned-fret) headless
• Optimal string tension across all strings
• 6, 7, or 8-string
• Essential for extended-range players
• Kiesel Lithium or custom pickups

Delos (~$1,299-$1,800)

Specifications:

• Compact headless design
• Lighter weight
• 6 or 7-string
• Entry to Kiesel headless

Used Headless Values: $900-$1,500 (excellent condition)

Standard Electric Pricing: $1,099-$1,900

Traditional and modern designs with full custom options.

DC Series (~$1,199-$1,800)

Specifications:

• Body: Double-cutaway design
• Woods: Ash, alder, mahogany, or exotic
• Neck: Maple, mahogany, or roasted
• Fingerboard: Maple, rosewood, ebony
• Pickups: Kiesel or Seymour Duncan options
• Bridge: Fixed or tremolo
• 24 frets
• Scale: 25.5"

The Classic Kiesel: The DC has been Kiesel/Carvin's most popular model for decades. Double-cut design. Full custom options. At $1,199-$1,800 new, it delivers American quality that competitors charge $2,000+ for.

Aries (~$1,299-$1,900)

Specifications:

• Single-cut LP-style body
• Mahogany or exotic body options
• Set-neck construction
• Humbuckers or P90 options
• Traditional tone, Kiesel quality

Solo (~$1,099-$1,700)

Specifications:

• S-style (Strat-inspired) body
• Bolt-on or neck-through options
• HSS, SSS, or HH configurations
• Tremolo or hardtail
• Versatile for all genres

Crescent (~$1,199-$1,800)

Specifications:

• Offset body design
• Modern ergonomics
• Alternative/indie aesthetic
• Full custom options

Used DC/Aries/Solo Values: $800-$1,400 (excellent condition)

Bass Guitar Pricing: $1,199-$2,200

Custom-shop basses with same factory-direct value.

Vanquish Bass (~$1,299-$2,000)

Specifications:

• Modern bass design
• 4 or 5-string
• Kiesel pickups
• Full custom options

Icon Bass (~$1,199-$1,800)

Specifications:

• J-style body
• Traditional bass tone
• Custom options
• American craftsmanship

Vader Bass (~$1,399-$2,200)

Specifications:

• Headless bass design
• Lightweight
• 4 or 5-string
• Modern ergonomics

Vintage Carvin (Used): $300-$900

Pre-2015 Carvin instruments—extraordinary value on the used market.

Carvin DC Series (~$400-$900 used)

Specifications:

• Same design as Kiesel DC
• American-made in California
• Various pickup configurations
• Typically 80s-2000s era
• Often undervalued vs. Kiesel-branded

Carvin Bolt (~$350-$700 used)

Specifications:

• S-style American-made
• Bolt-on construction
• Various configurations
• Exceptional value

Carvin LB Bass (~$400-$800 used)

Specifications:

• Carvin bass models
• American construction
• Often overlooked
• Great value for bass players

Carvin AC Acoustic (~$300-$600 used)

Specifications:

• Carvin acoustic line
• American-made
• Discontinued—collector interest

Why Vintage Carvin Matters: Same factory. Same craftspeople. Pre-2015 Carvin = Kiesel heritage. At $300-$900, you get American custom-shop quality at used import prices. The best value in American guitars.

Where to Buy Kiesel Guitars: Platform Comparison

Marketplace Analysis

Kiesel Direct (kieselguitars.com) (Average Price: $1,500)

• New custom orders only
• Build configurator with real-time pricing
• 8-12 week build time
• 0% appreciation (retail)
• Best for: New custom builds

Reverb (Average Price: $1,100)

• Best used Kiesel/Carvin selection
• Knowledgeable community
• 4.0% price appreciation year-over-year
• Best for: Used Vader, DC, Carvin finds

eBay (Average Price: $950)

• Good for vintage Carvin
• Auction format
• 3.5% price trend
• Best for: Carvin DC, Bolt, budget finds

Forums / TalkBass (Average Price: $1,050)

• Enthusiast community
• Direct seller contact
• 3.0% growth
• Best for: Specific configs, Carvin heritage

Tips for Buying Kiesel/Carvin

1. Custom Specs Vary: Every Kiesel/Carvin is custom-built. Check exact configuration—woods, pickups, and options vary dramatically between seemingly identical models
2. Carvin = Kiesel: Pre-2015 Carvin is same factory, same quality. Don't overpay for "Kiesel" when "Carvin" is identical heritage
3. Build Configurator: For new purchases, use Kiesel's online builder. Pricing updates in real-time as you add options
4. 8-12 Week Wait: Custom builds take time. Non-refundable once ordered. Research thoroughly
5. Headless Resale: Smaller resale market than traditional shapes. Used Vaders at 60-75% of new. Buy for ergonomics, not investment
6. Stainless Frets: Common Kiesel option. Check if equipped—affects value and playability

Kiesel vs. Competitors

How Kiesel compares to other custom and modern brands:

Kiesel Advantage: Factory-direct saves 30-50%. Full custom options. USA-made. Headless and multiscale at accessible prices.

When Others Win: Strandberg for specific headless ergonomics. Ibanez Prestige for Japanese craftsmanship. PRS for dealer network and brand recognition.

Kiesel vs. Traditional Custom Shops

Kiesel Custom Advantage: Same American craftsmanship. Full custom options. Half the price or less. Factory-direct eliminates dealer margin.

Famous Kiesel/Carvin Players

Artists who have used Kiesel and Carvin instruments:

• Allan Holdsworth: Carvin signature models
• Steve Vai: Early Carvin use
• Yngwie Malmsteen: Carvin guitars
• Frank Gambale: Carvin and Kiesel
• John Petrucci: Carvin (pre-Music Man)
• Tosin Abasi: Kiesel headless influence
• Progressive metal community: Vader and Zeus widely adopted
• Session musicians: DC and Aries for versatility

Investment Potential: Which Kiesels Hold Value?

Moderate Value Retention

New Kiesel:

• Factory-direct means already competitive pricing
• Used typically 25-40% off new
• 60-75% retention for excellent condition
• Headless models: smaller resale market

Custom Builds:

• Highly personalized specs may limit resale
• Popular configurations hold better
• Standard options easier to sell

Exceptional Value (Used Market)

Vintage Carvin:

• Often undervalued
• American quality at $300-$900
• Growing recognition of Carvin = Kiesel heritage
• DC and Bolt particularly strong value

Note: Kiesel guitars are instruments for playing. The value proposition is American custom-shop quality at fair prices—not collectible appreciation. Buy for the instrument, not the investment.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Kiesel

For Beginners ($300-$600)

Recommended Models:

• Used Carvin Bolt: American S-style at $350-$700
• Used Carvin DC: American double-cut at $400-$900
• Used Carvin AC: Acoustic at $300-$600

What to Prioritize:

• American-made quality
• Playable condition
• Configuration that suits your style

For Intermediate Players ($600-$1,200)

Recommended Models:

• Used Kiesel DC: At $800-$1,200
• Used Kiesel Solo: S-style at $700-$1,100
• Used Vader: Headless at $900-$1,300
• Used Carvin (excellent): Premium examples $600-$900

What to Prioritize:

• Body style (DC, Solo, Vader)
• Pickup configuration
• Neck profile and scale

For Serious Players ($1,200-$2,500)

Recommended Models:

• New Kiesel Custom: Configure exactly what you want
• Vader with options: Headless at $1,299-$2,000+
• Zeus Multiscale: For 7/8-string at $1,499-$2,200+
• DC or Aries Custom: Full options at $1,199-$1,900

What to Prioritize:

• Use the build configurator
• Wood combinations
• Pickup choices
• Stainless frets, etc.

For Extended-Range Players (7/8-String)

Recommended Models:

• Vader 7 or 8-string: $1,399-$2,000+
• Zeus Multiscale: Optimal for extended range
• Delos 7-string: Compact option

What to Prioritize:

• Multiscale for 7+ strings
• Scale length
• Pickup configuration for low strings

The Custom Order Process

How Kiesel Custom Works:

1. Build Configurator: Online at kieselguitars.com
2. Select Base Model: DC, Aries, Vader, etc.
3. Choose Options: Body wood, top wood, neck, fingerboard, pickups, finish, hardware
4. Real-Time Pricing: Configurator updates price as you add options
5. Place Order: 8-12 week build time
6. Non-Refundable: Custom builds are final sale. Research before ordering

Popular Options:

• Exotic tops (quilted maple, etc.)
• Stainless steel frets
• Roasted maple neck
• Hipshot locking tuners
• Fishman Fluence or Seymour Duncan pickups

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the difference between Kiesel and Carvin? A: In 2015, the guitar division of Carvin Corporation split off and revived the Kiesel name (Lowell's original 1946 company name). Pre-2015 Carvin guitars are the same factory, same craftspeople. Carvin = Kiesel heritage. The amplifier and PA division remained Carvin.

Q: Why is Kiesel cheaper than other custom shops? A: Factory-direct sales. No dealer markup. No Guitar Center margin. Kiesel sells only from their California facility. The 30-50% savings come from cutting out the middleman.

Q: How long does a custom Kiesel take? A: 8-12 weeks typically. In-stock models ship faster. Custom builds are built to order—plan accordingly.

Q: Are used Carvin guitars good? A: Excellent. Pre-2015 Carvin guitars are American-made in the same facility that now builds Kiesel. At $300-$900 used, Carvin DC and Bolt models offer extraordinary value—American custom-shop quality at used import prices.

Q: How does Kiesel compare to Strandberg? A: Both offer headless designs. Kiesel Vader at $1,299+ undercuts Strandberg by $500+ and is USA-made. Strandberg has distinctive body ergonomics. Both excellent—Kiesel wins on value, Strandberg on specific design philosophy.

Q: Can I try a Kiesel before buying? A: Kiesel sells direct only—no dealer network. Used market (Reverb, etc.) offers try-before-buy if you find local sellers. Some dealers carry limited stock. The trade-off for factory-direct savings is less opportunity to play before purchasing.

Conclusion

Kiesel represents three generations of California craft meeting modern retail reality. Lowell Kiesel's 1946 vision—quality instruments sold direct—continues under Jeff Kiesel's leadership. Nearly 4,000 custom instruments leave Escondido each year. Headless Vaders. Multiscale Zeus. DC Series. All American. All custom. All sold without the dealer markup that makes competitors expensive.

The Vader at $1,299+ delivers headless ergonomics and USA craftsmanship at prices that undercut Strandberg significantly. The DC Series continues the Carvin legacy with full custom options at $1,199-$1,800. And for the savvy used buyer, vintage Carvin at $300-$900 offers American quality that simply doesn't exist at that price from any other source.

From San Diego in 1946 to Escondido in 2026, the Kiesel family has built guitars the same way: direct to the player, custom to the spec, American to the core. The name changed. The philosophy didn't.

For the most current pricing and custom options, use the Kiesel build configurator at kieselguitars.com. Used market prices fluctuate—check Reverb and eBay for current values.

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