A Inside Look At The Kiesel Factory - Unedited And Raw!

[@GuitarVeasel]

I feel for the guitar builders, buffing for hours to make it perfect. Just so I can bash the body into my desk corner on the first day.

[@johncox2552]

😅

[@Cognitoman]

I did with my brand new Ibanez prestige 😂, 2200 guitar... no bs I did it with in 20 mins of playing and scratched the headstock 😂.... I just dropped my head in shame didn’t even get mad

[@stealingtomorrowband]

I recently bought a Warwick Thumb Nt and first hour smashed the headstock into metal part of my desk .. few weeks later i came super close to putting the headstock into the ceiling fan . Lol

[@evanward4303]

May as well get it over with

[@RKDriver]

Yeah but once that's happened, the guitar now has character and street cred. It's either that or they become case queens for life.

[@masonlieberman1]

YOOOO that's my bass at 35:48! It just arrived the other day yesterday, and it is ABSOLUTELY stellar.

[@gregmize01]

hell yeah!

[@cgnefarious5785]

Absolutely gorgeous. Now that you've had it for a while, how are you liking it?

[@masonlieberman1]

@@cgnefarious5785I. Love. It. It is AMAZING!

[@Zombie_13x33]

really? thats so cool. good design choices and i really like the color.

[@BrianSGuitars]

This might be the best tour of any factory ever produced!

[@adhaskym.a9536]

Why

[@Sammywhat]

@@adhaskym.a9536 If I could answer this... it's because it truly made me want to buy a Kiesel! However, that being said, one of my all time favorite "tours" is Goodall's acoustic tour. Those guitars are remarkable.

[@LucasSilva-rs7yl]

I agree, Jeff is such a cool guy, very charismatic

[@rafaelcoli4797]

Indeed

[@johncox2552]

I agree.

[@blaineadams7484]

That's about the best explanation of quarter sawn wood I've heard

[@PhillipMcKnight]

I agree!

[@lisah336]

Quarter sawn is more dimensionally stable. I've never heard woodworkers say it's stronger than plain sawn. The wood grain is typically aligned along the neck even in inexpensive guitars. I do agree quarter sawn is better for necks since stability is very important, but it's not a strength issue.

[@anejo333]

​@@curtisc9350I would watch that

[@zootallures1]

As the original owner of a 1997 Carvin DC-400 Anniversary, I can truthfully say the fit and finish of this guitar is every bit as good as my three American made PRSi and superior to my American Fender and Gibson guitars. I believe Keisel has only improved their quality since the company change in 2015. Great video, Phil. Much appreciated!

[@ShawnShipstad]

You are so totally correct.

[@robertfreeburg]

I've been a carvin /kiesel customer since 1973. ALWAYS good products. Kiesel rocks!!!!

[@Sushi_Dinner]

My friend's 1999 DC127 still feels and plays great, but he does have some clouding with his clear finish. Definitely one of the sturdiest guitars I've played.

[@aninfinitemindofmusicandreams]

Got an 07 DC400 used about a month ago. Stellar guitar. I'm definitely gonna order my own custom DC600 or Aries 7 one day. In the meantime, I may order the Scott Carstairs 7 string in blue

[@Arfshesaid457]

I'm glad I watched this. Absolutely fascinating. Jeff gives a good , warm impression and yes, the family vibe is great. Also Phillip thanks for focusing on information density rather than the joking around and showbiz chatter one has to endure on other channels.

[@Sushi_Dinner]

As long as you're not a regular person emailing him with questions or concerns. I emailed them asking what the nut width was on their 5 strings (only the 4 is listed on the website) and never heard back. There's countless horror stories out there too.

[@78matt]

@@Sushi_Dinner pretty common with buissiness owners they are maybe alittle out there in one way or another.

[@areallyboredguy5825]

@@78mattin this case he is just a later generation that inherited the business and doesn’t have the same care for customers as his ancestors had.

[@Ausf.D.A.K.]

@@Sushi_Dinner I'm sure they don't have time for stupid questions like these, which can easily be answered with a quick Google search.

[@greganderson5841]

Great video Phil. I've never seen so many amazing pieces of wood and such beautiful finishes on guitars in a single sitting. The range of different finishes and guitars is mind blowing. Hard to pick a favorite.

[@_patrikjay_]

I think I’ve seen every Kiesel factory tour vid, this raw, unedited approach was brill! Kiesel keeps pushing the boundaries and to do it it in Cali is an incredible achievement. Well done P.M & Kiesel! Well done

[@Broad_Street1]

Thank You Phil for taking us on this amazing tour with you. So very cool!

[@TheBentNote]

I think one of the most admirable traits of a CEO/owner is one that not only respects and treats his employees well, but also the fact he's so well versed in his business and the product and actually WORKS ON THE PRODUCTS. If someone told me that the owner participates in a lot of the hands on stuff coming out of the factory, I wouldnt believe it really. Not to knock owners who move away from that stuff to focus on other things, but that is such a flex for Jeff to be so involved and hands on. I love that so much about Kiesel and I don't even own one! But its reinforcement for me to check them out even more aside from their quality.. Great video, I love this kind of content.

[@activese]

Amazing raw but genuine, "video" Interview and tour, to a down to earth, humble straight hard-working CEO, family & guitar factory, never expected that attention and compromise to detail and quality, parts and process. And that he'll be so accessible, professional and proud of his work and workers, he seems to legitimately know and care for them as well as the customers satisfaction, regardless of so many variants and details requested by them. Impressive. I never knew that much about the brand and I had a very different impression about him, from one past interview. Thank you Phil.

[@johncarli2810]

Great video! I wasn't planning to watch the whole thing in one sitting but I really got drawn into it. Love how they operate and the fact that so many employees have been there so long says a lot about them as an employer.

[@kenmorgan9470]

My guilty pleasure is guitar factory tours. This was one of my faves.

[@gregmize01]

check out That Pedal Show's tour of G&L!

[@adamlong5478]

That was an AMAZING show!! Thanks for sharing this with us Phil... those guys are doing incredible work over there!Got me interested in them now! They are above and beyond the "norm"! Nice family too!🤘😎

[@Squareheaddude]

Wow. I really want a Kiesel now. Fantastic video. It was so much fun to see a guitar factory and all the steps that go into this instrument. Thanks Phil!

[@miserychannel69]

ask them to build you an explorer .. see what happens. lol

[@miserychannel69]

@@Fuzzybunny-ki1cw Agreed, I guess that's what happens when you're a spoiled brat that has a company given to him.

[@dakistle]

I love being able to see inside manufacturers' operations. This is fantastic.

[@jwv6985]

I have been a fan of Kiesel guitars for many years. Great guitars!

[@chriscam23041]

I know a lot of people give Jeff shit for how he presents himself in interviews. But he is so passionate and knowledgeable. You can tell he cares about his product, people and company. Great video Phil

[@Sushi_Dinner]

Also for how he and his customer reps handle questions and concerns. I've never heard of a good interaction from someone that had a concern or problem with their guitar. It seems like his response is, "Love it or else."

[@mariosangermano]

@@Sushi_Dinner Another stupid person.

[@RobTai]

This is so great by you Phil and so well presented by Jeff--really appreciate the attention to detail and how deep he dives into every subject!

[@Edje001]

Yes this is the best factor tour I have seen for years!

[@Flyright07]

Best advertising possible. I want a Kiesel after seeing the knowledge and care that goes into each of these instruments. Just blowing minds. They should do more factory tours. This is a clinic in marketing and branding.

[@tweakrr99]

Yeah this is really awesome stuff! I really appreciate the Kiesel ethos and the attention to detail they put into all of their products from low to high. Seems to be the sweet spot in terms of scale where they are still small enough to have complete control over each step of the process but large enough to have enough customer reach.

[@chrisggoodwin777]

I really appreciate all the extra stuff that's done because they feel it's the right thing to do. It's not the cheapest or easiest, but they feel it's right. The toughest decision is what my next build will be 😂

[@howardthrust]

Well done for ALL participants!! It took me a week to get a "contiguous hour" to watch this, but it CERTAINLY was worth it. It's quite clear that Kiesel is ALL ABOUT what they do; and this video captures it perfectly! The straightforward, confident passion embodied here is truly INSPIRING! My plan is to put in an order as Winter kicks into high-gear here in the E. Sierra to use as inspiration to make it to Spring...and then drive down and pick it up!!

[@kibscott6096]

That was so amazing to watch, it is the best factory tour I've seen, you could see and hear the care and commitment in everything he said, wonderful people, I think I was ready to order a guitar at every point being shown, lol guess i need to start saving. Very impressive. Thank you for sharing the video 🤘

[@MichaelMakowski2006]

Wow. Great tour video. Honestly not what I expected, but in a good way I think. Impressive operation, and they really do produce quality for such a complex landscape of options.

[@ZAYAZOfficial]

Amazing guitars. Amazing factory

[@leonardhirtle3645]

It’s obvious that Kiesel’s quality exceeds that of Gibson or Fender. They are works of art.

[@rbaker1423]

Fantastic tour, Phil. Best Kiesel tour by far. I could hang out in there for a long time.

[@JesseMichel]

Thanks for showing the true and amazing nature of Kiesel! Too many of the negative reviews are the super loud ones. Stoked to have you on the Kiesel team Phil!

[@vegasaxeman]

Pay attention to how Jeff treats his employees... WITH TOTAL RESPECT AND KINDNESS! THAT TELLS SO VERY MUCH ABOUT WHAT KIND OF MAN HE IS! Also, his knowledge about every single step that goes into every guitar is second to none! He's also a good family man! Thanks for an insightful post my friend! God bless and take care...

[@ebozyn]

Very respectful, with cameras on him. This is a general way to act when you're trying to sell products and you're in front of a camera. I would expect nothing less. A more accurate example would be how a person behaves, behind the scenes

[@robertfreeburg]

You are soooooo wrong about Jeff. He's a good man and treats his employees well.

[@ebozyn]

@@robertfreeburg i've never worked for him, so i can't say how he treats his employees. But as a customer, i know first hand how he treats his customers. And there are MANY, MANY similar revelations from other customers. And none of it good.

[@cardbored_]

@@robertfreeburg ok Jeff

[@jturquoise]

And also his customers Pay attention to that as well😅

One of the best guitar factory tours of all time. Jeff knows how to convey his years of expertise, knowledge and workmanship in this tour. Thanks Jeff & Phil!

[@ByGraceThroughFaith777]

This was a masterclass in how to ask questions and let the guest talk for as much as he wants. Amazing tour. 👏

[@StavK]

Got my first Kiesel this month, it is top notch pro quality all around and one that I’ll keep forever. This tour was awesome thanks Phil!

[@TheCandel34]

This is a great video! Thank you for doing this! I didn’t know much about Keisel and am really blown away. Very impressive stuff 👍🏼

[@jcoulter43]

Fantastic video tour Phil! Jeff is one of the best brand ambassadors I've ever seen. Some people don't like him for some reason, but I've always been impressed with him and his company's products. So great to see a thriving American company making compelling products to compete with the best in the world. God bless and rock on 🎸😎👍

[@0xyznx]

The best guitar factory tour I've seen this year.

[@MrJayArt]

I just ordered an A28, I cannot wait to see what it looks like! Seeing this video only made me want to order one more.

[@rossauce12]

Did you get it yet?

[@johngregory7329]

Hello Philip, In the 70 years that I have been here as. Bass player, this by far was the Best factory tour that I have ever seen. Excellent 👍👍👍👍 Job. Stay safe and well and keep Rocking, Signed John Zepbass Gregory from Munster Indiana.

[@MatthewSwasta]

Hey JD @ 11:52 nice Pallbearer t-shirt!!! Those guys are my buds from Arkansas. Devin (guitars) and my son-in-law grew up together. Awesome band. Been watching those guys grow formidable since the late 2000's. This is a very nice factory walk through. I have two Carvins, a 1991 Koa, arrived the day my second daughter was born, a 2009 Mahogany single cut, and a 2019 Kiesel SH-550 walnut (body and neck) with red cedar top...love them all!

[@engelsjn]

Wow, I’m super impressed. This really makes we want to try one of these guitars. Great video Phil. Thank you!

[@Silkaz7]

I used to not like Jeff years ago, but he seems to be mature and more likeable now. Kiesel is a fine guitar company, I see one of their headless guitars in my future.

[@athmaid]

He's still fine with banning people from their social media for speaking up against stupid decisions

[@coffeedudeguy]

35:04 that lavender on white does look reaaally nice. Those brass inserts in the control cavity had me sold

[@shaynew6894]

i just like Kiesel, they are so proud to build these amazing guitars, hope to see more of the paint department

[@natashanyxx9486]

Whoever came up with that blue sparkle burst single cut is a fucking genius. What a hell of an idea. That’s some next level shit right there! And with diamond shaped luminlay fret markers! Wow! Ok….that was my build. That was my first look at it. Kiesel does great work. I play their basses. Great video, Phillip- as always. 💜

[@westtnperio]

I love that he knows every employee’s name !! I realize it’s not a thousand employees but it still means a lot and show that he cares !

[@billydeewilliams9104]

Wha?! I know the name of all 120+ people who work in my office bldg. And I don't like all of them.

[@mariosangermano]

@@billydeewilliams9104 Another stupid person trying to cut down Jeff's motives for no reason except to be stupid. Good job.

[@rossauce12]

Bro he litterally said 1 or 2 peoples names. I guarantee. Everyone else name is jose and Pedro.

[@eddiebothwell2432]

This guy is awesome - so detailed

[@jeffkirpach4815]

Hi Phillip, this is the best factory tour video I've ever seen! Great host at Kiesel. It looks like a great factory with great people. And, man, those are some sweet guitars!

[@danthegeetarman]

I honestly have to say this tour game me a deeper appreciation for kiesel. I kind of wrote them off as ‘another overpriced boutique brand’ but they definitely do seem to offer custom guitars at reasonable prices for what you get. I also love the cool family atmosphere and vibe. I still can’t afford a new one, but maybe if I find a used one one day I’ll snag one

[@MattTee1975]

They aren't even overpriced - they are less expensive than Gibson, which have garbage build quality, comparatively.

[@danthegeetarman]

@@MattTee1975 I 100% agree. Gibson is garbage now and way overpriced. I’ve got several really nice Korean made Epiphones instead that blow any modern Gibson out of the water. If I was going to get a modern guitar, I’d definitely go Kiesel

[@dorcusmallorcus6450]

I never knew I wanted to watch an 80 min doc about making guitars, but . . . Looks like a beautiful business to be in, start to finish.

[@erikrummel6277]

What a great video!!!!! I want a Kiesel sooooo much more than I already did. What a cool place!!! Jeff’s explanations of why they do things was so genuine and passionate, really adds levels of depth to him, the company, and the products.

[@ItsVictoriaG]

1:05:06 Violinist first here - I swear people like me from the classical instrument world find Kiesel’s customization and “mild to wild” specs exotic and enticing and utterly novel. You buy one violin that matches your playing style. Electric guitars and especially Kiesels, you want all of the shapes and colors! So fascinating!

[@lorencing]

Just amazing!! I never had the chance to play a Kiesel but I have a feeling that I really should. The site is good, the custom features are obviously endless and I was expecting crazy high prices, but they are not. You really feel the effort and love put into these instruments. And an awesome interview, thanks Phill and thanks Kiesel.

[@nylesfrench3568]

Love That They Literally do every step in the building of a Guitar, sans cuttingthe tree. Very interesting and informative.

[@tmsglobal5848]

Thanks Phil! This was one of the best tours and interview! So nice of Jeff K!

[@williamtsol636]

The tour was awesome ! They build quality !! I'm buying one !! 👍

[@trevorgill3560]

I absolutely love seeing stuff like this ( I might even have a mail order catalog somewhere! I have and will want a Kiesel until I can own one. I got to tour the PRS factory at 13 and learned so much. Thanks for helping me continue on that path

[@felipousismix]

Great tour, and Jeff's passion and care for their team and products is second to none. Thanks, Phil!

[@TrevorrNourse]

This was fantastic, thank you for doing this Phillip and thank you Kiesel guitars...

[@stanleyeisel8883]

Wow! Fantastic video!!! I have a whole new appreciation for this GREAT USA company

[@jasons.3921]

What an incredible group of people there at Kiesel. Jeff has so many variables to tend to, and yet does it with such grace and precision. It truly is amazing the amount of their guitars built and sold annually. Great job Phillip asking the right questions and your overall interaction with Jeff. I watched this beginning to end.

[@terryeaster1]

I absolutely love my Carvin. It's about 20 years old now. I got EXACTLY what I wanted on it. The only thing I've changed it has been the strings and the strap locks. I can go years without a truss rod adjustment

[@Fxstdeuce05]

Just an amazing tour and look at how they do things. I wasn’t really familiar with Keisel, they are making beautiful guitars, with an amazing eye to QC and design. Truly impressive.

[@kevincothron5089]

Great video! They are doing some amazing things at Kiesel. Now I want one. I couldn't stop watching either.

[@kandlekulish1484]

This might be the best thing you have ever done. Thank you so much for your time. Well done.

[@arnyarny77]

at 33:00, that guitar is so nice i love the neck thru body guitars very beautiful. i love this company, wish i would have got a carvin back in the day.

[@TheMerc1950]

What an amazing ethic!! Do it because that's how it should be done! Love it!

[@picksalot1]

The level of customization, and quality control is amazing. Thanks

[@jackmcmahon1331]

The explanation of the Plek machine was fascinating and made perfect sense to me. I'm sold, great tour and articulation of their process. Great job.

[@Chris-yq7xv]

I still own my Carvin H-S-S Bolt Flame-Top w/Birds-eye maple neck, and Wilkinson tremolo that I bought new in 2004. It still plays and looks amazing. I paid $828.00 and is worth every penny! Unfortunately, I can’t afford a new Kiesel today but if you can, you won’t be disappointed at the quality and playability. I also bought new in 1984 (and still own) their X-60 tube amp with 6l6 tubes and Celestion G70-12 speaker. Sorry to see the amp and electronics division close. I would have liked to own their V-3m amp as well. BTW - great vlog on the tour of Kiesels shop/factory. Chris

[@hodaboy1]

Michigan here... really liked the part with the brass inserts for the backplate screws... I have a business restoring broken guitars and can't count the times I had to plug the plate holes. It is so common on guitars over twenty years in age that I purchased a bulk bundle of 1/16th inch dowels to plug the holes. and no.. I don't plug my business on other peoples channels. I'm just here to enjoy the content.

[@EricEdwards1]

Great video! Loved every minute.

[@rcplanebuilder]

OMG! 😳 As if my Kiesel Aries isn’t special enough already! To see it in the video at the 12 minute mark, being used for quarter sawn neck demonstration, feels amazing! And to even be able to read my name on the tag! 🤩 Wow, on top of wow! …Having a guitar designed exactly the way you want it on the Kiesel builder. And, then having it built exactly the way you want it by these guys, to absolute perfection. Is a truly amazing experience! Thank you guys! Incredible video!

[@istillremain9064]

I purchased a kiesel last year after you spoke highly of them. the wait for it was long but its now my main guitar. thank you phill!

[@justcruisen67]

Great Factory Tour Phillip.....maybe your best yet. I have had a increased interest in Kiesel since you got your Copper beast....It's nice to see the attention they give to each customer...I will admit the guitar builder is addictive...It's hard to settle on a finish I think I find one I like then change a couple things...this is a brand that I will end up getting once i settle on a design....It is easy to see how you have managed to build such a great working relationship with them!

[@CheBellaTelevisione]

Phil: thanks for this, I’ll admit I had a poor impression of Mr. Kiesel because of the coverage by Kdh, but this video really helped humanize him.

[@thseed7]

Love the "Use the highest quality materials and aiming for the highest quality finished guitars" attitude. Says a lot about Keisel as a company.

[@ryanbarker3978]

Thank you for this rad tour video, Phil! I'm actually the owner of that Flamed Koa K series around twenty five minutes in... WOW!

[@philjones8693]

Wasn't expecting a factory tour vid to draw me in like that. There's a lot of passion there - hats off to them!

[@EePingLiang]

Videos like this makes me appreciate guitar company more. In this case, salute to Kiesel guitars!

[@PipeCat1965]

Wow, I am so sold on this brand now. I love this guy's ethic and quality commitment. Great unplanned, raw tour.

[@pmarona3667]

Awesome tour, very informative. Kudos to Jeff for taking the family business to the next level.

[@TheSeandog1234]

People who hate on Jeff K should check this out. I get not liking his overall "vibe" if you will, but clearly Jeff is incredibly passionate about his business, his employees, and his customers. Let's not underestimate how absurd their customers can be at times. Just watch one of the Kiesel livestreams and you'll see questions that'll make your head spin. "Why can't you guys make me a fanned fret 8-string telecaster with a roasted plexi glass body???" The fact that they've been able to increase their quality and custom options while simultaneously keeping pricing competitive is amazing. They deserve all of their success.

[@s2frw]

Hahaha Jeff doesn’t give a fuck about the customers

[@mariosangermano]

@@s2frw Wow! Were you born stupid or was It a process over time. Either way you are the best stupid!

[@mrh32583]

This guy’s knowledge is impressive. Defiantly have a new outlook on Kissel guitars. Thanks for sharing

[@robbking68]

Best factory tour I’ve ever seen. I’m ordering my Kiesel today!!!

[@gscgold]

The fact everything is done in house is very cool. Love seeing this since I have a manufacturing background and love to see how stuff is made and set up.

[@eggordonxd]

Been seeing KZbinrs with kiesel guitars lately, this video pretty much shows everything why its the best go-to custom guitar that fits your preference

[@nrmrvrk]

Such a great tour! I couldn't stop watching it. It was a conversation between two guys who have extreme expert-level depth in their knowledge of guitars and how they're made doing a show-and-tell at a guitar factory. There were so many gorgeous finishes on those guitars. Jeff mentioned that "Monster Burst" wasn't on the builder so I Googled it and it looks amazing (of course) and now I wonder what else isn't on the builder that looks awesome.

[@bryanfarless9579]

Never played a Kiesel but I’m a fan now! Excellent tour, loved it the entire time!

[@michaelgriffin5304]

Really enjoyable video that absolutely flew by. Thanks for this, Phil! Thanks to Kiesel as well for the tour. Really makes you want to use the builder :P

[@rockgtr35]

I got a Kiesel Frank Gambale signature a few months ago. I customized the whole guitar. It arrived in immaculate condition and is absolutely gorgeous and plays flawlessly. I've bought MANY factory guitars. Even from the big boys for big dollars. I've never had a new guitar come out of the case as perfect as this Kiesel. I couldn't be happier with the guitar.

[@robzagar4275]

Excellent video Phil. Thank you for the super good tour ! Makes me think of Kiesel for my next guitar! I’m impressed!

[@Nikonfanboy1982]

As a woodworker and a guitarist, I loved this. Very cool stuff.. I was shocked to see the kiln. Also it makes me rethink my wood choices. I need to expand from just walnut.

[@edgelite]

That was great!! Thanks both of you. I visited the factory 11 years ago when my wife and I went to San Diego for our 20th anniversary. We went on the Fender tour and Taylor tour. I tried to get a tour at the then Carvin factory but sorry no tours. So it was great to finally see the place even if it wasn't in person. I've owned a used Carvin but I think someday I'll have to order me a new Kiesel maybe the Vader :)

[@XLTBlarg]

Holy shit. I live in San Diego, never knew they were local, but then again we do have Taylor nearby aswell. I wonder if they have a storefront where you can check out different options like you would going to a flooring, paint, or other home improvement shop.

[@vayabroder729]

@@XLTBlargThey used to have a showroom/shop there; I believe they are still there.

[@CanIPlayThisThing]

Best factory tour I have watched. Seems like such a great work environment.

[@ImNotOld_ImVintage]

With the attention to all of the little details from part selection to finishing, it's astonishing how little they are charging for their "base" models. All of that R&D has an enormous cost. Kiesel customers are getting a fantastic deal for a custom guitar.

[@davidwilkins5932]

Among possible factory tours, this is a real treat. I ordered a Carvin DC-150 back in the hazy days of 1988, and it’s great. Having recently spent time on the Kiesel site, I really like what they’re doing. Perhaps I’ll order one.

[@Gene_Cali]

Dang!, I had to wear a bib, I was drooling for these treasures. Thanks Phil, and Kiesel. Most Impressive.

[@Russell_Optics]

Great video ! I love watching behind the scenes video's on how things are made. He seemed very open to sharing how things are done and why they do certain things that others don't. Down to earth honest view of the facilities. I loved it.

[@amalgam5107]

Been on the fence but this has convinced me I gotta have a Kiesel. Jeff seems like a cool dude. Thanks to both you all for the awesome content.