Allan Holdsworth Talks about his Headless Kiesel Guitars

Allan Holdsworth talks about his signature Kiesel HH Headless Guitar. These are available with a fixed bridge or a trem bridge with either 1 or 2 pickups. Allan has had Kiesel Guitars/Carvin Guitars build his signature models since 1995. The latest Kiesel HH1X is everything Allan has wanted in a guitar, the latest 2016 models include a more chambered body, high strength carbon fiber rods added to the neck and the new Kiesel Holdsworth signature pickups.
For more information on Allans signature models:
www.kieselguita...
For more info on the new Kiesel Holdsworth pickups:
www.kieselguita...
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[@itzed]

Master of the string saxophone.

[@russell_szabados]

Khurram Aziz : I'm sure Allan Holdsworth would love to hear that he was the reason you took up sax. I've read more than a few times that he really wanted to be a horn player.

[@blackie75]

i remember him actually saying he never really liked playing guitar, and he wished he taken up one of the horns, maybe sax lol

[@heavyduty263]

Ed Mathews yep

[@heavyduty263]

Mox_au yeah He said that in the VCR guitar video. Pretty strange.

[@faisar_azis0505]

Master of wholetone and chromatic so.

[@davelocke]

Absolutely devastated to have just learnt of his passing. A Musical genius, Rest in Peace.

[@timpenfield5]

shit

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

same here he was a truly talented guitarist and musician!

[@emberducati9237]

Watching this video and it still stings, even after all these years. Truly a singular voice on the guitar

[@murderface15g13]

Even Meshuggah wouldn't have their signature sound in not for Allan Holdsworth. Thank you for everything, Allan.

[@Trohawkk]

Why

[@avakinlifeuser6888]

Why

[@alessioforlani]

Absolutely true.

[@GrooveDuude]

Per is a big fan of Allen. Covers his songs occasionally.

[@jinxie1080]

@Rensi To add to that, Per Nilsson, the guitarist who replaced Thordendal on some Meshuggah tours, is another metal player who's basically a fusion player at heart (a disgustingly talented one at that). The man has cited Holdsworth as his main influence and his virtuoso playing is very obviously influenced by AH kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJO9Y2qEbrFmfbM

[@megadawg342]

Allan died today, April 16, 2017. RIP AH, you will never be forgotten.

[@seanrickman70]

Allan wrote and played great compositions. He kept me company while I grew up listening to his music. My father Phil Upchurch took me to his house in Tustin, CA and I hung out with Allan after Secrets was released. I was in his home studio playing his SynthAxe and Steinberger. I ran into him in other cities and hosted his band in my hometown years later. It's not often you get to meet and experience someone you admire. Later on I went on to support Shawn Lane on drums and many others. What a trip. Great Cat. Allan!!!

[@MetalheadNation]

Huge fan! Your performance on Powers Of Ten Live is one of my favorite drum performances ever! You and Shawn, and Coluita and Allan are two of my favorite drummer-guitarist combos ever!

[@GordiansKnotHere]

I've always respected and admired Allan's playing. Whenever I see him I stop and pay attention. Seems to me that all the great ones find their own "WAY' and express it and that's what makes them stand out. That is the mark of a true artist. It seem to be in short supply now-a-days... Thanks!

[@spuriousblurting7902]

Holdsworth will never die. His spirit and his genius will live forever through his music, reverberating throughout the cosmos.

[@lunastrat]

It is strange for me to see him like this. I went to his house a few times years and yeas ago when he lived in a geodesic dome house between the OC and San Diego. We drank (a lot) and, even though I play guitar, I'm also an avid cyclist and Allan was too. I remember sitting with him at the kitchen table, with bike parts scattered about, just talking bikes. He was such a tinkerer. Anything that he used, if he could mod it to make it better, he would try. I hope you all will hear more about this side of him that few knew about. I know that he cycled with a group out there, maybe some of those guys can add to this.

[@Trohawkk]

Cool

[@stoOberp]

Thanks for sharing man!

[@mthomps56]

Thank you for sharing this! Really

[@Mike_D_5150]

Cool story!

[@bernardogui3933]

Dan Luna amazing story, thank you.

[@laney50w]

RIP Allan....You will be truly missed...

[@TheMaxPower82]

His overdriven tone, paired with his out-of-this-world legato skills is an ineffably beautiful combination. This man was and will always be a giant in the history of music.

[@trygveknudsen3809]

Incredibly sad to hear of Allan's passing tonight. Had the pleasure of meeting him in 1993. An incredibly nice person and an astonishing musical genius.

[@RH-xs8gz]

Such a humble guy for one of the greatest guitarists ever. He is missed.

[@BenNCM]

I love the way he never lost his Yorkshire accent.

[@mj9663]

The man had a very strange accent, Northern spliced American accent.. What a guy.

[@bengreenbank]

@@mj9663 I’m from about 10 miles away from Allan. His accent was really hard to place, sounds like thick working class West Yorkshire but not like anyone you actually hear in normal life

[@nuke97]

When I finally understood his musical genious and wanted to catch him live he left this world. I was crushed and still am about it but its great to see his work recognized by a whole new era of virtuosos who also see him as a musical god.

[@FullDayMusicInstruction]

I absolutely love EVERYTHING about my 2 HH2x's. Literally, a perfect instrument. And the best playing guitars I've ever owned.

[@volumedown_6891]

+Sjonesmusic Do you know how much does it weight? I'm looking for the guitar that weighs less than a Stratocaster.

[@allgoo1964]

volumedown _ says: "Do you know how much does it weight? I'm looking for the guitar that weighs less than a Stratocaster." == Lighter. 6.5 lbs Typical Strat weighs 7-8 lbs.

[@ziggyscatworld]

@6:05: That moment hit my eyes in such a misty way. Personally had the great honor meeting, becoming friends with Allan Holdsworth back in the early '80s. Went to countless gigs (all three Stone clubs) in the S.F. Bay Area for many years. First, being his debut 1982 IUO gig/tour at The Stone. In San Francisco. Allan had the most profound musical impact in my life. During that era of my music career. We all dearly miss his presence. The world was a much better place...when Allan was alive. R.I.P., always.

[@terran236]

listening to him play makes me want to listen to his music. Awesome musician

[@MrThomas1958]

+Iridescent Noise THE MASTER !

[@UseYourNikesBro]

I'm just now starting to really get into Allan' s music, I love this man, he needs to be known by every guitarist

[@paulwiley7533]

As a Ritchie Blackmore fanatic and an admirer of Schenker , Moore etc I thought I knew a lot about quality guitarists but am ashamed to say have never heard of Alan Holdsworth. What an incredible player

[@deeboy5588]

You might want to look up SHAWN LANE. Shawn was also a phenomenal player. He was also a close friend of AH. Hope you enjoy.

[@tristanxalexander]

I know Misha from Periphery is a huge fan of Allan and around 4:12 I can hear how Allan’s playing influenced the solo for Blood Eagle. This guy is a giant bolder thrown into a pond and the ripples of his influence will resound for eternity. What a phenomenon.

[@chichogallo5088]

Thank Allan Holdsworth , R.I.P.

[@scottmatheson2390]

I love watching how Alan picked (yes sadly I'm using the past tense) The pick doesn't so much pluck the string but rather "insinuates" its way across the fretboard in a fluid yet perfectly energy preserving manner that you often see among the very best guitar technicians.It's a real pleasure to watch him play on these videos.

[@loopeygoopey]

That is not a proper usage of the word insinuates, even metaphorically lmao

[@Quinceps]

He's hammering all the time, isn't he?

[@geraldfriend256]

@@Quinceps Mostly. Picks about one note for every four and hammers or slurs the rest. Smoothest legato ever.

[@michaelvalkevich6085]

I never tire of hearing AH noodle around! And it's a great testament to Jeff Kiesel and the team at Carvin to have a legend like Allan endorse their workmanship. Very good points about the balance of the instrument and the dynamics!

[@jfo3000]

Also Mark Kiesel, who oversaw Allan's earlier Carvin models and initiated the relationship.

[@RedRose4711]

The world will never see another genius like Allan. He was in a league of his own. I miss him.

[@KingTabor]

Wow, the opening song was perfect for Maestro Allan

[@Headbanger9000]

Marcus Vinnas Allan Holdsworth is too good to be playing gay Djent nonsense

[@KingTabor]

I was being ironic

[@synthonaplinth5980]

Agreed, it didn't fit him at all.

[@ParkerPPipe]

I had no idea how funny this guy is. He’s got a hilarious disposition and demeanor

[@GCKelloch]

Sadly, Alcohol had ravaged his brain and body at this point, but he still had his humor. He was a formidable cyclist, and quite healthy most of his life.

[@Hologhoul]

@@GCKelloch Alcohol is part of who some people are, you can't separate someone from their leanings. It is what it is.

[@GCKelloch]

@@Hologhoul Didn't say I could. Just sad that it happened. I wouldn't say alcohol is part of who some people are. It doesn't make sense biologically, or psychologically. It really comes down to mind over matter and stress coping. I've known several "alcoholics" that stopped drinking. One has to believe it is important enough to stop drinking, at least stop drinking too much. One then has to believe they can do that, and they also have to accept at a core level that they can't continue to drink too much while choosing to not drink too much. Sometimes hypnosis works for that. It depends on various factors, but alcohol is not part of who someone is. That's just an excuse to drink that can lead to being an "alcoholic".

[@metastash]

Allan Holdsworth was an absolute legend and such a cool guy to boot. He remains one of my absolute favorite players - he sold me on these guitars - I have one of the v1 Carvin's he mentions in the beginning with the older style pickups as well as one of the new HHTX models under the Kiesel brand and I adore them both - of my dozen or so guitars they are consistently my favorites for playability, ergonomics, sound, stability etc. And while the headless look is polarizing I have to say, I think it looks amazing - so unique and stylish.

[@Funkstar124]

He played guest Guitar for Level 42 on their "Guaranteed" album in the 90's with some fantastic playing on it. Shame this legend has gone. We are running out fast!

[@zer0ed779]

Dude just sold that guitar and Kiesel far beyond a level he could possibly know. True charisma. What a gentleman and true super grand master of the art. R.I.P.

[@JoeKataldo]

What a beast, I am glad I had a chance to see him perform live a few times.

[@Broadfieldpoint]

AH is to music what Albert Einstein is to physics. He is one of a kind. He wrote his own tonal vocabulary.....

[@EgoShredder]

Allan did not steal other people's work like Einstein did though....

[@EgoShredder]

@TermsofService True but some people do it in a very dishonest way, and other just do it by accident / more organically.

[@MetalSupporter95]

@TermsofService wtf

[@gedofgont1006]

@TermsofService So you think Holdsworth's music is "a joke"? Think you might be in a class of your own there, buddy!😂😂🤝

[@gedofgont1006]

@TermsofService As long as you think so!😜🤝

[@stellarch4986]

RIP Dear Allan Holdsworth. We will miss you greatly.

[@Hologhoul]

It's fascinating how one of the absolute greatest guitarists of all time, a unique, utterly incredible talent, was so warm, humble and likeable. A one-off and a true legend.

[@lautaromontecinos8223]

Just beauty in your playing dear Allan, you will be with us for ever!.

[@vaughnkavon3993]

I met Allan at the Carvin store in Hollywood when he performed and played his Carvin signature Holdsworth model. An amazing guitar player ( have many of his albums) and an excellent guitar designer as well. I think he has hearing that goes beyond normal people and is able to discern the most minute sounds and tones. I own a Holdsworth model and it really does sound better than a solid body in many ways. Maybe I'll get the headless model.

[@TheJML1975]

What’s your favourite album? Or what would you recommend to someone, who’s just getting into his music?!

[@std882]

RIP - Mr. Holdsworth. You will be greatly missed.

[@benjamincoletti3267]

So humble for such a master..such a gentleman

[@joemusicman64]

I love those notes he hits at the end of his noodling. Like at 4:31 and 6:50. That's his signature thing. Beautiful note choices as always.

[@jfo3000]

He was one of the first, maybe the first guy that I heard ending phrases on the fifth scale degree, back on the U.K. album. That note just hit me. Resolved but not with a root. And those lower notes you linked sound incredible with his tone.

[@jacobtapianieto9655]

The notes in the low register definitely sound like a saxophone.

[@necrophagist00]

What he plays at the beginning is just amazing!

[@FURDOG1961]

1:06 Fret material 2:03 Tall fret 3:39 Natural sustain and misconceptions about heavy solid body guitars and sustain verses light chambered guitars. 5:07 Scale length and balance of the guitar.

[@DMH031956]

Rest In Peace Allan. We heard of your passing today 04/16/2017. Our sincerest condolences to your family. You will be missed. And you will live on in your music.

[@DingusMcBrungus]

I miss this ol' boy like you wouldn't believe

[@MrEarname]

Saw him play at Tone Merchants in OC, after All Night Wrong came out? That's a great album! Turns out he lived across the freeway from me in North County San Diego. Thank you Allan for your music. I'm still listening.

[@jeshely]

Wow, nice guitar, in some of those passages he played it sounded almost like a violin. Thank you Allan for all the beautiful music you left us with.

[@stephanobastiani4734]

The most creative, innovative and talented guitarist that has ever existed! Period. He is the only one who has amazed and mystified every other guitar masters. And a great TRUE human being! My idol ! RIP Sir Holdsworth

[@demostraativo]

Rest in peace Allan!!

[@AudioAtmos]

Oh how I wish we could still witness in person an “Allan noodlefest”! Miss his genius more than ever. RIP

[@MHFL-cf1yu]

What a lovely down to earth man. Truly inspiring.

[@greatmusic382]

I first personally met Allan in 1982, with Eddie Van Halen ( truly wish it had been 1972 ). To the point of this video, ... yes, will soon definitely be purchasing one of these guitars... absolutely a gem and a beauty. Also calling out for all of us to support Allan and his projects and playing as much as possible. Thank you for posting. Thank you Kiesel! Thank You Allan! best best always, Randall Evans

[@gopetogle]

God bless you Allan Holdsworth!

[@felipealonso8409]

RIP Maestro! Want one of these soon!

[@ObsidianLife]

One and only. I bought "Searching for the Uncommon Chord" book when I was a kid and could not comprehend his ability to hit those chords on a Fretboard. He was beyond one of a kind...

[@anthem7777]

i have that as well its hard work lol

[@NandanoBlackett]

What an absolute legend! RIP Brother!

[@wladekwloszcz3803]

i know Allan lives on in so many of us who love and appreciate his art.

[@funkaphobia]

My favorite guitar player for decades now. Fortunately his music is here for remembrance !!!!!!!!!

[@jmanuelzapata8928]

you are deeply missed Mr. Holdsworth

[@panoramicmusic8494]

It is hard to fathom all the gifts he gave us.

[@joebloggs1444]

He was amazing...met him once back in 82...will never forget that...and his amazing influence on my playing...see you one day Al...👍😎

[@jeffdawson2786]

I can’t watch a video of Allan without getting emotional.

[@t3hgir]

same but you want to really get emotional watch the video of EVH visiting Jason Becker...

[@dolcevita9531]

Alan.... a real special person. Rest In Peace ❤️🎸🎶👼🏻

[@JimGardner]

I love how he calls the most amazing improvisation we've heard him play in along time "noodling". WANT ONE!

[@KieselGuitarsTV]

+Jim Gardner amazing doesn't even begin to describe Allan's playing.. truely one of a kind! Give our guys a call and we can help you customize one for yourself!! (858) GUITARS

[@benaberry578]

hey look who is here!!!

[@JimGardner]

bena berry xxx

[@God4445]

Never heard of him, never seen someone so confident. The guy looks the other way when he plays, how awesome. you can just tell the guy was special.

[@TomWGuitar]

RIP to an absolute genius of the guitar.

[@MarkJKLawrence]

4:00 Allan goes to another place and the music flows out of him.

[@ThrashRoC]

Thank you , God , that i had the PLEASURE to listen to Allan Holdsworth , the greatest Guitarist ever ....SUCH a Genius !!!

[@rockstarjazzcat]

I like that his talk is bookended by metal onslaught. "Bob's your uncle" indeed! Stay healthy Mr. Holdsworth.

[@Rapterr15]

I own one and it is absolutely fantastic!!! Can't recommend it enough.

[@jameslabs1]

Allan you where funny and nice when I met you in New York many years ago. Thanks for not laughing to much when I ask you for lessons. I appreciate you work even more now than back then. Thank You for the inspiration. - Jim Sullivan

[@wendelllanders8439]

Thank you Allan for everything you have done for music and the great humility you have show throughout!!You we’re an inspiration to us all!!God Bless!!

[@jperryfan]

saw Allan with UK at the Palladium In NYC in 78. Had no idea how he did i what he did but I knew it was unique to him and I dug it a lot. RIP Allan and Thanks1

[@thelunarcrush]

"Allan Noodle Fest" all day long ! thank you Allan

[@shawnpenney7385]

Rest In Peace Allan.

[@srwarrior134]

Just came from the Scales instructional video he has. I realized Mr.Holdsworth's knowledge goes beyond music theory. His perspective to music and guitar is very intertwined, deep and abstract! Monster musician Well binging on these videos is one way to stay humbled

[@iangarner8857]

Allan was a complete genius. His knowledge of music theory was incredible. Seemed like a really likeable Yorkshireman. RIP Allan from a fellow Bradford resident.

[@GCKelloch]

His own brand of theory based on scales he created-- some of which oddly spanned two octaves. Not technically correct, but that's part of what made him uniquely brilliant.

[@iangarner8857]

@@GCKelloch shame he passed away so suddenly

[@muelleici]

RIP M. Holdsworth

[@edoardozampetti4601]

Allan you have been and always will be my guitarist hero... always.. even in 20 years..

[@Chiefgroover]

IN 100 years time people will look back at what Allan did with wonder, and say "he was so far ahead of his time". Nobody mastered the fretboard like Allan. R.I.P.

[@rickjason215]

I like the way he said “in my opinion”. As if anyone would argue with him. If I get that guitar, will I be able to play like him?

[@RudyG]

R.I.P. gracias por tu música.

[@mravanteguarde]

RIP allan! You're one of the greatest guitarist ever!

[@raykanoon7705]

so sad that you are gone Allan.

[@SPLIFFZPUFFZ]

Allan always so mad chill... inspo.

[@Gregorypeckory]

Great video Allan! A "two hour Allan noodle fest" sounds great to me; bring it on any time! It is a gorgeous guitar, and sounds incredible, and will probably be my next one! As usual, your phrasing is pure liquid euphoria! Thanks for the many years of entertaining, inspiring, majestic music! Please don't stop touring entirely! I'm like a junkie without my fix-useless without you!

[@ccolumby8518]

I wish! I do still love it !

[@robertlouisstevenson8305]

One of a kind,16 men of tain is a masterpiece,youll be missed sir

[@KristoferDahl]

Rest in peace master!

[@mike42441]

Allan, great video! It's always special to hear you play, even if it's just noodling!!

[@IRISHguitarist777]

Loved the Carvin guitars,they were stunning, So sad to see Carvin gone,l am always on the lookout for second hand Carvins,they were stunning guitars,the quality was off the charts. Unreal.

[@Chrishagen]

RIP Allan. You can tell his health was not good here. His face really swelled up compared to videos of him a couple of years earlier. A genius, his music will live on eternally.

[@julienpregent4397]

He is totally right about the dynamics... great sounding guitar. RIP

[@sacredgeometry]

Not a fan of his music but a massive fan of him as a person. What a fantastic dude and a clearly phenomenal player and musician.

[@testuser247]

sorry for you

[@sacredgeometry]

@@testuser247Why? There is plenty of better music out there. Its not like I am starving for good music to listen to.

[@testuser247]

not everyone is equipped to appreciate AH music but dont worry about it I am sure 80% here only pretend they like it@@sacredgeometry

[@marcobiasion1068]

He still plays better than I ever will, even when he's had too much beer.

[@nojyeloot]

Freaking love AH. What a master of his instrument.

[@MrPyroguru]

3:42 He starts shredding awesomely!

[@MassoneDeviato]

Allan Holdsworth lives!!

[@betterthantelly2993]

Beautiful sounding guitar in the hands of the master.

[@AsianEYEGaming]

REST IN PIECE my dad and I will remember u

[@alastairbruce3351]

Bob is indeed your Uncle. Great to see Allan so enthusiastic!

[@andrewmcallister5219]

Still my favorite video on KZbin

[@brannonevans3685]

When we lost AH, we lost a one of a kind for sure. Love headless guitars. They are light, easy on the back, and no neck dive. The older I get, the more I appreciate that in a guitar.

[@ALEXanderrus]

You was 1 of the best R.I.P.