The Kiesel Website www.kieselguitars.com Review Index 0:00 Intro 5:24 Where is it made? 5:41 What does it sell for? It looks like it sells for about $1350 6:14 Who do I think is the right type of player for this guitar? 6:55 Is this a Pro level guitar? 7:28 What does the neck feel like? And what are the measurements? 9:16 What materials are used to make it? 9:50 What is the best feature? 10:37 What should your expectation be out of the box? 11:36 Is there a learning curve? 13:21 What is included with it? 14:54 How does it sound? 18:19 My final thoughts Black Ops KYG shirt. Inter Discount Code DEALFORYOU for 15% off teespring.com/know-your-gear-in-grey?tsmac=store&tsmic=know-your-gear-shop-2&pid=2&cid=2397
Great review on a great guitar ! I own 3 Carvins and i am sold on this brand that is now Kiesel i dont own a headless but after watching this review im thinking its time to start saving my cash for one !
yeah considering their popularity they could invest in a new website that's not like 2008 standard :D I mean nowadays you can made websites in literally minutes.
@@MilianMalivukMusicIf you guys are talking about Kiesel's online builder; consider that their website builder is the front end of a manufacturing system / supply chain system that allows us to input thousands, perhaps millions of combinations of features on a guitar. So it's a large, system-wide proposition to change the website's builder. When you change a piece that integral to the system, if the initial bugs are big enough, your factory can be totally shut down for awhile. This happened at a company that I worked for that also made a customer configured (custom) product. They were shut down for three weeks. This can be a major financial hit for a manufacturing concern. Most likely there is a fairly high degree of risk when overhauling a manufacturing "configurator", which is what their online-builder is. Keisel is one of a handful of companies that I can think of that allow anyone to view their configurator, usually only employees enter orders into a configurator, so working in their configurator is actually a special privilege IMO.
Don't get why is Gibson doing this s***, why can't they play nice, people will still buy their stuff if they build quality instruments, and to enforce design for generic shapes of guitar bodies after so much time seems like publicity stunt. Kiesel is a great company, the only thing for us in Europe is the customs tax makes them hard to get, after all trade wars, they increased the tax as far as I'm aware for american musical instruments, which is so sad.
@@radiradev2387 Gibson is trying to bully other companies, who are eating Gibsons lunch, into doing things that benefit Gibson, indirectly or directly. It's because Gibson is now run by corporate lawyers who are beholden to their stock holders, and who have to justify their own existence. They know nothing about guitars or the music industry or its history, and don't do their homework. They're entirely interested in increasing profits, to the exclusion of all else, and their method of choice is to cut costs, instead of innovating or just making their existing products really better (robo-tuners are NOT better). Of course there's NO WAY they're going to cut costs without cutting quality, while still building guitars in the US. With something like a guitar, which is ultimately a hand-built product (regardless of how much CNC is used), the quality is directly related to the skill level of the luthiers building them (skill == $), quality of the materials used (better materials == $), and time taken to get things right (time == $). When they cut costs, which cuts quality, it makes their guitars less attractive when compared to similar guitars from other builders. Other (especially smaller) builders know that you don't go into business building guitars to get rich these days. Building very high-quality, innovative guitars is effectively art, and the product is meant for artists. The latest owners of Gibson should find somewhere else to invest their money, and either let Gibson sink or swim on its own, based on the merits of their products, not the skills of their lawyers. What Gibson SHOULD ABSOLUTELY be doing is suing the manufacturers of Chibson counterfeits, but they can't because the countries of origin just don't care at all to crack down on something that is bringing $ into their countries and putting their people to work. So, Gibson does what they think is the next best thing and they go after the ones they THINK they can bully into submission. However, guys like Jeff Keisel aren't stupid. They know Gibson doesn't have a leg to stand on, and will ultimately tell them to go pound sand, at least the ones who can afford the lawyers bills to do so. The ones who don't have deep enough pockets will capitulate, which is what Gibson wants. The ultimate goal of the Cease and Desist orders Gibson sends out is to scare the guitar companies into either not making guitars that directly compete against Gibsons, or to pay big $ to license the shapes from Gibson. Of course the costs of the licensing deals are ultimately meant to either put more $ into Gibson's pockets, or to remove competition from the other companies making competing guitars. What they don't seem to understand is that NOBODY NEEDS A GUITAR SHAPED LIKE A GIBSON. These days there is absolutely NOTHING special about Gibson guitars. Not in their quality. Not in their functionality. Not in anything but the Gibson name, and frankly the Gibson name has been on the decline for many years now. In many cases names are what a company trades on. In the Bose R&D building there's a big sign in one of the hallways that says (and I forget the exact wording) "BOSE: The best NAME in sound". Not the best SOUND, the best NAME! People who don't know any better, and want to impress their friends, buy Bose because of the name. Unfortunately for Gibson, most people who buy high end guitars (ignoring the dentists and lawyers who buy them because they think they're cool, like Bose products) DO KNOW BETTER. A guitar, for an artist, isn't meant to impress his friends. For an artist a guitar is a tool that has to sound, feel, look, and perform the way they want. There are a thousand very high quality guitars available these days to choose from, and only a very small percentage come from Gibson. This isn't the 1950's when the choices were limited to Gibson, Fender and a couple of other small players. Gibson is pissing in the wind if they think they're going to save their business by doing anything other than making very high quality guitars that people want to play. From a strictly business perspective it makes sense to protect the company by going after companies who are doing business illegally, like the Chibson builders, and maybe builders that are effectively copying their products directly. However, this is assuming Gibson has done what they need to do to protect their designs, trademarks and such, but the reality is that for the most part they DIDN'T put those protections in place in a timely manner, and they screwed themselves. Too bad. So sad. DEAL WITH IT! From a real music business perspective, Gibson is shooting itself in the foot. They're effectively alienating their customer base, eroding the Gibson name, trading the quality of their product for a quick $ and spending tons of $ in the courts, instead of in their R&D departments where it could actually do some good. It's a common story that rarely ends well...
The most exciting thing I always hear from Keisel guitars is how well they’re made and how beautiful they are. Congratulations on your new acquisition Phil and thanks for sharing the review, it sounds perfect!
Based on the few that I've played, the guys at Kiesel take a great amount of pride in their work. Every one was fantastic, with perfect fit and finish.
What a great gesture from Kiesel! Not a fan of headless guitars, but a SUPER fan of companies with their ears to the street. I come to you for product reviews and I'm glad they showed you the respect due! That guitar is beautiful, the color combination is incredible.
I've been playing guitar for 52 years and have had 40+ guitars - Gibson, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Hofner and my favourite guitar ever is the Carvin Bolt I got in 2001.
Phil, I haven't watched you channel forever , probably the first guitar channel I watched. Congrats on guitar you deserve it + USA made just "made" my day.
Made in Escondido, CA (San Diego county). I live near there and yes went to see their showroom in 2018. Great guitars. Did buy a t-shirt! They should ask what size and include a t-Shirt with each guitar. You are a walking billboard! Win win.
The Kiesel family has been making phenomenal guitars for decades. I am glad to see them still killing it in their craft. I think Jeff has a great vision and will take the company to new heights. You can find these guitars at great prices on the used market. I would buy a used Carvin/Kiesel over a new import any day of the week.
I noticed that in your price estimation you selected “roasted flamed maple neck” which is a $500 dollar option - I believe the neck on yours is standard roasted maple which is $100 and may inflate your estimate. Awesome looking guitar though, I appreciate your content!
@@Racquetballerkevin don't listen to this quack, he has probably never even played one, no idea why he's hating but he won't even tell you why, to me that sounds like he's talking out his ass. Now I have met Jeff and bought numerous guitars and every single one have them have been amazing instruments straight out of the box, they always come in tune, setup and the most gorgeous finishes on them. You can't go wrong with a Kiesel man there awesome
I really enjoyed your review. I own a SH550B which is my main gigging guitar. It is a very versatile guitar (because of the split coil option). Kiesel quality is exceptional and I am ordering a Theos.
Congratulations Phil! As a long time Carvin/Kiesel fan, I’ve wanted to hear your take on one. Also a fan of headless guitars, so it looks like all the stars are aligning for a new Kiesel order. Probably a Zeus or a Holdsworth. And that roasted neck is calling my name. It even looks buttery smooth. Again, congratulations Phil! It’s a match made in heaven.
Have a 2008 Carvin SH575. It's a work of art!!! It's not my favorite guitar for reasons not related to Carbon/Kiesel but definitely the best built! I highly recommend Kiesel!
A freind just bought one last year and it was a alan holdsworth model. I have never seen better quality. The paint was out standing and flawless. It has the straightest neck in the industry. It is top notch and makes gibsons look like teisco.
I would love to see a DC600 review. I've been torn trying to decide on my next guitar and I always come back to the DC600 and would love to see it get the full Philip McKnight treatment to help me make up my mind
Great review. I liked that you went through a variety of clean and dirty tones. In most other Kiesel video reviews, the player is playing with high-gain lead, heavy crunch rhythm, or clean with a lot of chorus/delay effect.
I got to play a Delos at the Kiesel factory while waiting on my DC-600 and still thinking about it. One of, if not the best sounding guitars I've ever played. Absolutely great feel and balance. Loved it. Sounded killer too.
Glad you are digging the HD. I have six Kiesel's now and more to come in the future. I have one headless, an Osiris Multiscale 7 string (OM7), and I love it. And yes, better tuning stability on a headless is a real thing. If you favor bolt on necks an Aries would be my suggestion. I have an Aries and the comfort of the bevel can't be beat. If neck through, try the classic DC model. I have two DC's, DCM8 and DC700. Great neck access and just a solid guitar all the way around. My only issue with the model is the volume pot is too close for my taste, but some like it like that. Next time I get a DC I will have them delete the tone knob and move the volume to tone position.
Just because you were being awesome to Kiesel, they are being awesome back. Love the guitars, I am a big fan. They make traditional design and really progressive design. Jeff and his company are something special.
This is just my opinion....I prefer reviews, and channels in general, that are independent of the products they are reviewing. This feels like a paid advertisement, full disclosure does not change that. Keep up the good work. I appreciate the videos.
@Phillip McKnight - Thanks for the review of the Delos. I'm very tempted to get the Zeus Headless....... I wonder if they will make one for me with the 14" radius fretboard? A 20" radius is way to flat for me.
Looks like Kiesel just rolled out the Phil McKnight signature model. The lack of headstock does look a bit too 80’s for me. Guess I’m getting old. After watching the Guitologist video about Kiesel’s fight with Gibson I have become a huge fan. I am building guitars on their site now, trying to figure out what to get. I’ve become a fan of the company and want to support them.
Kiesel curently has a sale on the CS6 for fans who want to support them due to this whole "Cease and Desist" Gibson letter. It would be awesome if you reviewed a CS6. All the guitars look so great though, you coudn't go wrong reviewing any of them. The ones that intrigue me the most: AE185, California Carved Top, Aries, and Zeus.
Pretty sure Kiesel will be my next guitar. I just bought a PRS 24-08 and before it even showed up at my house I was showing my wife guitars on the Keisel website and was like...welp I found where I'm going next. She says "how many guitars do you need?" All of them. All the guitars.
I just bought my 3rd Kiesel and my first used one. I have to agree that the tuning stability is one of their huge draws. I can pick up one of my Kiesel basses or my Kiesel guitar and I know it's going to be in tune even fighting with midwest weather and no humidifier in my house. Now begins the slow process of selling off all the instruments I no longer play because the Kiesels are in every way better. . .
Phil, love the reverse review! Righteous! I’ve got a HOLDSWORTH model, bought it 5 years ago, just got a Vader in Dec. 2019, with the roasted neck. I love the roasted neck! Stable, great tone playability, aesthetics. I could go on and on! I love my Kiesel’s! I’ve got Fender’s, Gibson’s, Steinberger’s, Jackson, Charvel, but I love my Kiesel’s!
I want one! Damn, that's a beautiful instrument. So glad they did this for you, you deserve it. Sounds great in your hands. Does anyone still use the old Steinberger Trans Trem system? Loved how you could whammy whole chords with those things, such a unique sound.
That Delos is sweeeet,...I love it,...I've been a Carvin/Kiesel fan for about 45 years,...I've never bought one of their guitars simply because of the prices,...But I've watched many, many videos of players playing those guitars,...I own a V3 half stack with vintage Celestion 30's,...a SX300 half stack with Carvin's 12 inch speakers,...but never owned a Carvin or Kiesel Guitar,...That guitar,...is sweeeeeeeeet,...I want it,...badly,...
Ciao Phil, would really Hope You can review the kiesel Aires, cs6 or ct6 , the Jason Becker model and a bass, Quick question do the headless modells take regular strings or do You Need double ball strings?... Agree with You could ad something else in the case...even a cleaning cloth... Great video as Always...
If you want to check out more headless definitely check out the Zeus. Singlecut bolt on design, I own 4 and LOVE them. Also the Aries, Crescent, Type X, Type V (coming soon!), and the SCB. Yes I am a Kiesel fan boy lol...My icon picture is the first Zeus I ever bought.
Phil, adding the numbered questions has really helped focus your review. Not that things were bad before, but this ensures everyone's question is addressed and not forgotten or rushed. Only addition I had was # What does the bridge feel like, Sharp, Well Rounded, easy to mute, feels like a Strat..... etc. Big Kudos on this one . Great guitar, except for the pickguard ( I just dont like them Sam I Am).
14:02 the guitar IS the thank you card. kidding aside, thats a beautiful guitar i have a suhr classic pro in sonic blue that looks exactly the same as this light blue finish.
Another awesome video, thank you Phil. I’m kind of wishing they would have given you a link for us to purchase perhaps with a small discount right from your site, but otherwise, the guitar rocks..
Loved this revue! Thanks so much! Kiesel (Carvin) are one of my favorite companies. That Delos looks and sounds SO sweet! I'd love to know your thoughts on their headless tremolo system-tuning stability, ease of use, etc. Also, what are some good hard cases for this model? Keep up the good work!
Very Nice Guitar. My FAVORITE Always #1 Super Strat, Maple fb, HSS, Hot Lead-Split Coil Switch & Vintage 57 62 Single Coil Sound. For the Quack, A Guitar for Any Situation. Sound's like Kiesel Nailed It. ❤🇺🇸😁
After seeing your review last year. I finally bought one the week of the black friday sale. I got the Delos as well with a tremolo. Everything was great except for the holdsworth pickups. Getting those swapped out with some Utopias. Can't wait to get it back with the new pickups.
I hope Ned Steinberger is getting royalties for all of these headless guitars that are selling these days. Hats off to the pioneer of headless guitars. They are great. As were the original Steinbergers from the 80's.
I have come to love Kiesel/Carvin again, due not in small part to the ex ++ build on the headless Holdsworth that I recently purchased...I had a DC (early 80's vintage) many years ago- which I greatly underrated as my 'utility back up'...Anyway, as Allan said in an interview before he passed- "Once you go to headless, it's very VERY hard to go back!" My journey began with a Newburg Steinberger. Keisel outdoes that!
The Kiesel Website
www.kieselguitars.com
Review Index
0:00 Intro
5:24 Where is it made?
5:41 What does it sell for? It looks like it sells for about $1350
6:14 Who do I think is the right type of player for this guitar?
6:55 Is this a Pro level guitar?
7:28 What does the neck feel like? And what are the measurements?
9:16 What materials are used to make it?
9:50 What is the best feature?
10:37 What should your expectation be out of the box?
11:36 Is there a learning curve?
13:21 What is included with it?
14:54 How does it sound?
18:19 My final thoughts
Black Ops KYG shirt. Inter Discount Code DEALFORYOU for 15% off
teespring.com/know-your-gear-in-grey?tsmac=store&tsmic=know-your-gear-shop-2&pid=2&cid=2397
Great review on a great guitar ! I own 3 Carvins and i am sold on this brand that is now Kiesel i dont own a headless but after watching this review im thinking its time to start saving my cash for one !
Kiesel guitars are great, and I love their guitars. but not their website.
刘颐平 i know super outdated
@@User15275-g I've the same complaint. It's really not user friendly.
yeah considering their popularity they could invest in a new website that's not like 2008 standard :D I mean nowadays you can made websites in literally minutes.
Yeah
@@MilianMalivukMusicIf you guys are talking about Kiesel's online builder; consider that their website builder is the front end of a manufacturing system / supply chain system that allows us to input thousands, perhaps millions of combinations of features on a guitar. So it's a large, system-wide proposition to change the website's builder. When you change a piece that integral to the system, if the initial bugs are big enough, your factory can be totally shut down for awhile.
This happened at a company that I worked for that also made a customer configured (custom) product. They were shut down for three weeks. This can be a major financial hit for a manufacturing concern.
Most likely there is a fairly high degree of risk when overhauling a manufacturing "configurator", which is what their online-builder is.
Keisel is one of a handful of companies that I can think of that allow anyone to view their configurator, usually only employees enter orders into a configurator, so working in their configurator is actually a special privilege IMO.
Super excited for this one, Kiesel is killing it these days. To bad to hear what their going through with Gibson.
@Dissonant Timbres They are! You can call in and put in an order for a Type V!
Yea that’s horseshit!
Is Gibson suing kiesel because it was Gibsons idea to snap headstocks off first? 😂
Don't get why is Gibson doing this s***, why can't they play nice, people will still buy their stuff if they build quality instruments, and to enforce design for generic shapes of guitar bodies after so much time seems like publicity stunt. Kiesel is a great company, the only thing for us in Europe is the customs tax makes them hard to get, after all trade wars, they increased the tax as far as I'm aware for american musical instruments, which is so sad.
@@radiradev2387 Gibson is trying to bully other companies, who are eating Gibsons lunch, into doing things that benefit Gibson, indirectly or directly.
It's because Gibson is now run by corporate lawyers who are beholden to their stock holders, and who have to justify their own existence. They know nothing about guitars or the music industry or its history, and don't do their homework. They're entirely interested in increasing profits, to the exclusion of all else, and their method of choice is to cut costs, instead of innovating or just making their existing products really better (robo-tuners are NOT better). Of course there's NO WAY they're going to cut costs without cutting quality, while still building guitars in the US. With something like a guitar, which is ultimately a hand-built product (regardless of how much CNC is used), the quality is directly related to the skill level of the luthiers building them (skill == $), quality of the materials used (better materials == $), and time taken to get things right (time == $). When they cut costs, which cuts quality, it makes their guitars less attractive when compared to similar guitars from other builders. Other (especially smaller) builders know that you don't go into business building guitars to get rich these days. Building very high-quality, innovative guitars is effectively art, and the product is meant for artists. The latest owners of Gibson should find somewhere else to invest their money, and either let Gibson sink or swim on its own, based on the merits of their products, not the skills of their lawyers.
What Gibson SHOULD ABSOLUTELY be doing is suing the manufacturers of Chibson counterfeits, but they can't because the countries of origin just don't care at all to crack down on something that is bringing $ into their countries and putting their people to work. So, Gibson does what they think is the next best thing and they go after the ones they THINK they can bully into submission. However, guys like Jeff Keisel aren't stupid. They know Gibson doesn't have a leg to stand on, and will ultimately tell them to go pound sand, at least the ones who can afford the lawyers bills to do so. The ones who don't have deep enough pockets will capitulate, which is what Gibson wants.
The ultimate goal of the Cease and Desist orders Gibson sends out is to scare the guitar companies into either not making guitars that directly compete against Gibsons, or to pay big $ to license the shapes from Gibson. Of course the costs of the licensing deals are ultimately meant to either put more $ into Gibson's pockets, or to remove competition from the other companies making competing guitars. What they don't seem to understand is that NOBODY NEEDS A GUITAR SHAPED LIKE A GIBSON. These days there is absolutely NOTHING special about Gibson guitars. Not in their quality. Not in their functionality. Not in anything but the Gibson name, and frankly the Gibson name has been on the decline for many years now.
In many cases names are what a company trades on. In the Bose R&D building there's a big sign in one of the hallways that says (and I forget the exact wording) "BOSE: The best NAME in sound". Not the best SOUND, the best NAME! People who don't know any better, and want to impress their friends, buy Bose because of the name.
Unfortunately for Gibson, most people who buy high end guitars (ignoring the dentists and lawyers who buy them because they think they're cool, like Bose products) DO KNOW BETTER. A guitar, for an artist, isn't meant to impress his friends. For an artist a guitar is a tool that has to sound, feel, look, and perform the way they want. There are a thousand very high quality guitars available these days to choose from, and only a very small percentage come from Gibson. This isn't the 1950's when the choices were limited to Gibson, Fender and a couple of other small players. Gibson is pissing in the wind if they think they're going to save their business by doing anything other than making very high quality guitars that people want to play.
From a strictly business perspective it makes sense to protect the company by going after companies who are doing business illegally, like the Chibson builders, and maybe builders that are effectively copying their products directly. However, this is assuming Gibson has done what they need to do to protect their designs, trademarks and such, but the reality is that for the most part they DIDN'T put those protections in place in a timely manner, and they screwed themselves. Too bad. So sad. DEAL WITH IT!
From a real music business perspective, Gibson is shooting itself in the foot. They're effectively alienating their customer base, eroding the Gibson name, trading the quality of their product for a quick $ and spending tons of $ in the courts, instead of in their R&D departments where it could actually do some good.
It's a common story that rarely ends well...
The most exciting thing I always hear from Keisel guitars is how well they’re made and how beautiful they are. Congratulations on your new acquisition Phil and thanks for sharing the review, it sounds perfect!
Based on the few that I've played, the guys at Kiesel take a great amount of pride in their work. Every one was fantastic, with perfect fit and finish.
What a great gesture from Kiesel! Not a fan of headless guitars, but a SUPER fan of companies with their ears to the street. I come to you for product reviews and I'm glad they showed you the respect due! That guitar is beautiful, the color combination is incredible.
I've been playing guitar for 52 years and have had 40+ guitars - Gibson, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Hofner and my favourite guitar ever is the Carvin Bolt I got in 2001.
You need to try a musicman you will not stop playing.
Phil, I haven't watched you channel forever , probably the first guitar channel I watched. Congrats on guitar you deserve it + USA made just "made" my day.
Didn't even talk about the carbon fiber rods in the neck which is now standard on all their guitars! That's pretty cool!
What an awesome gift from a great company. Your playing keeps getting better by the way.
Made in Escondido, CA (San Diego county). I live near there and yes went to see their showroom in 2018. Great guitars. Did buy a t-shirt! They should ask what size and include a t-Shirt with each guitar. You are a walking billboard! Win win.
Great review! Congrats Phil! She's a beauty!
The Kiesel family has been making phenomenal guitars for decades. I am glad to see them still killing it in their craft. I think Jeff has a great vision and will take the company to new heights. You can find these guitars at great prices on the used market. I would buy a used Carvin/Kiesel over a new import any day of the week.
For another Kiesel to try, get a hold of an Aries. Jeff said it's their most popular model, and you seem to like super strat guitars.
That's crazy. I love that they made that for you. You've earned it.
I noticed that in your price estimation you selected “roasted flamed maple neck” which is a $500 dollar option - I believe the neck on yours is standard roasted maple which is $100 and may inflate your estimate. Awesome looking guitar though, I appreciate your content!
As it turns out, Kiesel makes that same mix up too.
@@JohnnyMrHattersmith oh snap
Excellent review. Nailed all the important points
I’ve had my eye on one of these since they came out. I might finally go through with it as my first kiesel after this...
kebotrans doesn’t affect the guitars
@@kebotrans how is that? He Jeff seems to be pretty cool in his interviews. Not calling you out at all just asking for further clarification.
@@kebotrans I will have to check that out i had no idea, thanks.
@@Racquetballerkevin don't listen to this quack, he has probably never even played one, no idea why he's hating but he won't even tell you why, to me that sounds like he's talking out his ass. Now I have met Jeff and bought numerous guitars and every single one have them have been amazing instruments straight out of the box, they always come in tune, setup and the most gorgeous finishes on them. You can't go wrong with a Kiesel man there awesome
Those guitars are so addictive. Being able to spec everything out is so much fun. Beyond all that, they're also fantastic guitars.
Just got myself a zeus with hss configuration...plays amazing. I share your thoughts 100%. Great review!
Wow great sounding pickups. I was blown away.
Kiesel's build quality and play ability is amazing!
That Kiesel is absolutely beautiful.... just wow
I really enjoyed your review. I own a SH550B which is my main gigging guitar. It is a very versatile guitar (because of the split coil option). Kiesel quality is exceptional and I am ordering a Theos.
My kiesel Aries is far and away my favorite guitar. It’s so comfortable, completely effortless to play, and the beryllium pickups are outstanding
Supporting Kiesel
I have about 13 Kiesel's. This company is on top of it's game.
Kiesel absolutely on another level! Love your videos as always!
Gorgeous...! My next purchase
Congratulations Phil! As a long time Carvin/Kiesel fan, I’ve wanted to hear your take on one. Also a fan of headless guitars, so it looks like all the stars are aligning for a new Kiesel order. Probably a Zeus or a Holdsworth. And that roasted neck is calling my name. It even looks buttery smooth. Again, congratulations Phil! It’s a match made in heaven.
Black Friday best time to get a kiesel
I’ve had a Vader for a few years now and I still get excited when playing it. I can’t wait for my next Kiesel
Great review. Thanks!!! I want an Osiris
Have a 2008 Carvin SH575. It's a work of art!!! It's not my favorite guitar for reasons not related to Carbon/Kiesel but definitely the best built! I highly recommend Kiesel!
A freind just bought one last year and it was a alan holdsworth model. I have never seen better quality. The paint was out standing and flawless. It has the straightest neck in the industry. It is top notch and makes gibsons look like teisco.
What a cool company. I think Kiesel is my next guitar. Thanks for a great review
Hey Phil- I'll take that Solar off your hands to make room for that Kiesel. Nice review.
Sounds fantastic! Very inspirational playing, great job!
I would love to see a DC600 review. I've been torn trying to decide on my next guitar and I always come back to the DC600 and would love to see it get the full Philip McKnight treatment to help me make up my mind
Great review. I liked that you went through a variety of clean and dirty tones. In most other Kiesel video reviews, the player is playing with high-gain lead, heavy crunch rhythm, or clean with a lot of chorus/delay effect.
I got to play a Delos at the Kiesel factory while waiting on my DC-600 and still thinking about it. One of, if not the best sounding guitars I've ever played. Absolutely great feel and balance. Loved it. Sounded killer too.
Wow what a cool thing for them to do :) have always had a high opinion of Carvin and the job that Jeff is doing with Kiesel is impressive
Glad you are digging the HD. I have six Kiesel's now and more to come in the future. I have one headless, an Osiris Multiscale 7 string (OM7), and I love it. And yes, better tuning stability on a headless is a real thing. If you favor bolt on necks an Aries would be my suggestion. I have an Aries and the comfort of the bevel can't be beat.
If neck through, try the classic DC model. I have two DC's, DCM8 and DC700. Great neck access and just a solid guitar all the way around. My only issue with the model is the volume pot is too close for my taste, but some like it like that. Next time I get a DC I will have them delete the tone knob and move the volume to tone position.
Wow! Very cool of Kiesel to not only have been making you a guitar but to know you so well!
Just because you were being awesome to Kiesel, they are being awesome back. Love the guitars, I am a big fan. They make traditional design and really progressive design. Jeff and his company are something special.
Your playing is getting better Phil. Cool ass guitar!
Really digging the new review format. Great video Phil 🤘
Good things happen to good people. Congrats Phil
Congrats... You deserve it. Great video as usual...
What a killer instrument! The Carvin's and Kiesel's I played are top notch
I can't turn my eyes away from this guitar.. or pretty much any Kiesel for that matter.
This is just my opinion....I prefer reviews, and channels in general, that are independent of the products they are reviewing. This feels like a paid advertisement, full disclosure does not change that. Keep up the good work. I appreciate the videos.
I would probably spec that guitar exactly the same! You have great taste!
Excited to watch this video Phil, gonna be a good one!❤️
Good review, thank you!
great review. I have a Zeus, i love it. Rock solid guitar.
I sincerely think this may be the first kiesel I buy when I can finally afford one. It really seems to be the best of all worlds
@Phillip McKnight - Thanks for the review of the Delos. I'm very tempted to get the Zeus Headless....... I wonder if they will make one for me with the 14" radius fretboard? A 20" radius is way to flat for me.
I never thought I'd be into headless guitars but I really like the look of this...great video Phil!!
Try one you will be hooked.
Damn I just ordered a vader 6 string last month. Hurry up Kiesel can't wait to get my hands on it
Looks like Kiesel just rolled out the Phil McKnight signature model. The lack of headstock does look a bit too 80’s for me. Guess I’m getting old. After watching the Guitologist video about Kiesel’s fight with Gibson I have become a huge fan. I am building guitars on their site now, trying to figure out what to get. I’ve become a fan of the company and want to support them.
Kiesel curently has a sale on the CS6 for fans who want to support them due to this whole "Cease and Desist" Gibson letter. It would be awesome if you reviewed a CS6. All the guitars look so great though, you coudn't go wrong reviewing any of them. The ones that intrigue me the most: AE185, California Carved Top, Aries, and Zeus.
Awesome guitar, congrats! I'd love to see a review of the Crescent and Ares models. 🎸
Pretty sure Kiesel will be my next guitar. I just bought a PRS 24-08 and before it even showed up at my house I was showing my wife guitars on the Keisel website and was like...welp I found where I'm going next. She says "how many guitars do you need?" All of them. All the guitars.
Kiesel makes the best guitars.
Congratulations Phil.
That is a beautiful guitar and you have impeccable taste in specs. Most of my guitars are also blue 🤘
Great guitar! Kiesel is killing it. Custom guitars at non-custom prices.
I just bought my 3rd Kiesel and my first used one. I have to agree that the tuning stability is one of their huge draws. I can pick up one of my Kiesel basses or my Kiesel guitar and I know it's going to be in tune even fighting with midwest weather and no humidifier in my house. Now begins the slow process of selling off all the instruments I no longer play because the Kiesels are in every way better. . .
I wasn't totally convinced until you plugged it in. Really like the sound of the pups.
Phil, love the reverse review!
Righteous! I’ve got a HOLDSWORTH model, bought it 5 years ago, just got a Vader in Dec. 2019, with the roasted neck. I love the roasted neck! Stable, great tone playability, aesthetics. I could go on and on! I love my Kiesel’s!
I’ve got Fender’s, Gibson’s, Steinberger’s, Jackson, Charvel, but I love my Kiesel’s!
I want one! Damn, that's a beautiful instrument.
So glad they did this for you, you deserve it. Sounds great in your hands.
Does anyone still use the old Steinberger Trans Trem system? Loved how you could whammy whole chords with those things, such a unique sound.
Nice review Phil. The guitar sounds great!
Yess!!! Got me the JB version, numbers guitar
That Delos is sweeeet,...I love it,...I've been a Carvin/Kiesel fan for about 45 years,...I've never bought one of their guitars simply because of the prices,...But I've watched many, many videos of players playing those guitars,...I own a V3 half stack with vintage Celestion 30's,...a SX300 half stack with Carvin's 12 inch speakers,...but never owned a Carvin or Kiesel Guitar,...That guitar,...is sweeeeeeeeet,...I want it,...badly,...
by the way,...loved your ideas about making several different "fake" head stocks or sock puppets,...made laugh and think,...
Ciao Phil, would really Hope You can review the kiesel Aires, cs6 or ct6 , the Jason Becker model and a bass, Quick question do the headless modells take regular strings or do You Need double ball strings?... Agree with You could ad something else in the case...even a cleaning cloth... Great video as Always...
If you want to check out more headless definitely check out the Zeus. Singlecut bolt on design, I own 4 and LOVE them. Also the Aries, Crescent, Type X, Type V (coming soon!), and the SCB. Yes I am a Kiesel fan boy lol...My icon picture is the first Zeus I ever bought.
She sounds great, Phillip, congratulations. And I believe your guitar is in the guitar gallery :)
Phil, adding the numbered questions has really helped focus your review. Not that things were bad before, but this ensures everyone's question is addressed and not forgotten or rushed. Only addition I had was # What does the bridge feel like, Sharp, Well Rounded, easy to mute, feels like a Strat..... etc. Big Kudos on this one . Great guitar, except for the pickguard ( I just dont like them Sam I Am).
Very cool!
I'd be interested in seeing a video of you restringing this one.
They are easier to restring than traditional guitars thats for sure ,surprisingly easy
Not bad at all to restring. Key is to not over tighten the locks at top of Headstock. I broke high E once from over tightening.
I have no concept of how it works. I have never seen it in person.
I think there are Vader ones and they string up the same
Jose Pineda I have never seen how any headless guitar restrings. This is the first headless that I could see myself playing.
14:02 the guitar IS the thank you card. kidding aside, thats a beautiful guitar i have a suhr classic pro in sonic blue that looks exactly the same as this light blue finish.
Another awesome video, thank you Phil. I’m kind of wishing they would have given you a link for us to purchase perhaps with a small discount right from your site, but otherwise, the guitar rocks..
I will never understand the headless guitar for anything other than a ,"Travel Guitar". Glad you like it Phil. 😎🎸👍
You have to play one. Very comfortable. I have four sold one. Have three more being made.
@@charliewelch328 I have , I just can't get past the look of them , thanks though. 😎
Monster tones! Especially the neck position pickup. I really liked that tone.
That guitar looks killer Phil, absolutely love it!!!
Jeff seems to be the coolest dude. I can’t wait to get my first Kiesel it’s gonna take a few years of saving to afford one but man I can not wait.
Loved this revue! Thanks so much! Kiesel (Carvin) are one of my favorite companies. That Delos looks and sounds SO sweet! I'd love to know your thoughts on their headless tremolo system-tuning stability, ease of use, etc. Also, what are some good hard cases for this model? Keep up the good work!
Very Nice Guitar. My FAVORITE Always #1 Super Strat, Maple fb, HSS, Hot Lead-Split Coil Switch & Vintage 57 62 Single Coil Sound. For the Quack, A Guitar for Any Situation. Sound's like Kiesel Nailed It. ❤🇺🇸😁
I like it, it looks good.
After seeing your review last year. I finally bought one the week of the black friday sale. I got the Delos as well with a tremolo. Everything was great except for the holdsworth pickups. Getting those swapped out with some Utopias. Can't wait to get it back with the new pickups.
Cool guitar, Kiezel sounds like a stand up gr8 company, a friend had a Carvin back in the 90s it was awsome!
Your guitar preferences are certainly understood after watching your videos.
I'm sold these guitars sound and look amazing.
Ooh ,the neck pickup is fire 🔥🔥🔥
I hope Ned Steinberger is getting royalties for all of these headless guitars that are selling these days. Hats off to the pioneer of headless guitars. They are great. As were the original Steinbergers from the 80's.
Steinberger is actually starting a lawsuit against all the headless guitar manufacturers for not being “Authentic”
@@chadbouterse8617 Really? At one point the Steinberger brand was sold to Gibson. Not sure if that has changed. But if not, there you go!
Sounds good. Nicely in tune.
Wonderful guitar and review!
Me at the beginning of this video: This guitar looks weird, I don't like it.
Me at the end: This guitar looks awesome, I want one.
What a blessing. They made it just for you! 👍🏼
What an awesome guitar. You're a very lucky guy. Congrats!
I have come to love Kiesel/Carvin again, due not in small part to the ex ++ build on the headless Holdsworth that I recently purchased...I had a DC (early 80's vintage) many years ago- which I greatly underrated as my 'utility back up'...Anyway, as Allan said in an interview before he passed- "Once you go to headless, it's very VERY hard to go back!" My journey began with a Newburg Steinberger. Keisel outdoes that!