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Carvin has been making custom electric and acoustic guitars & basses, as well as guitar and bass amplifiers, pro audio gear, mixers, speakers and other accessories for over sixty years. In recent years, we've added MIDI synth access guitars, classical guitars, customized guitar and bass amps, and a huge range of professional quality PA speakers, enclosures, power amps and other rack gear for live sound and studio applications.
Reviews (28)
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Ante B.
May 14, 2022
Poor customer service Very long wait time for guitar No return of initial deposit even if guitar isn't even built yet Do not recommend
Sam F.
Mar 22, 2022
Great instruments. Bought my #1 guitar from here a couple years ago. Worth it if you can afford it.
Christopher Molden
Dec 30, 2021
Does not allow shipping to an address other than the billing address, despite giving you the option. "Solutions" provided were completely unreasonable and provided for a larger "headache" than they were purportedly mitigating with this policy. Despite complying with customer service in a change of address with my bank, they STILL could not reinitiate the transaction to facilitate the purchase. Currently awaiting a refund for the initial transaction. Insane.
WiscoD
Nov 08, 2021
I've been a customer for close to 8 years now and let me say, you will not find a better quality guitar built to your specs than a Kiesel guitar! The quality is unmatched. The endless options become endless possibilities. By cutting out the distributors and retailers, your paying a fraction of the cost for an American made instrument! Jason Lee just helped me with my latest build and I couldn't be more excited!
Jimmy S.
Apr 21, 2021
This place really suck's! I ordered a preamp kit for my carvin electric acoustic guitar 178.80 from carvin guitars 2 weeks no part? So I call them for my part and the guy Joe says it has not been shipped! And i asked him why? And he said they are very busy and understaffed, so I asked for a refund and he said customer service was not in! So I called back Monday and spoke to Joe and I asked for a refund and he said ok it will be issued 4 to 5 buisness days!

But they were fast to take it out of my account the same day! And Joe same guy that said customer service was not in suddenly issues my refund? Wow! I guess they are not hurting! I will take my buisness elsewhere! They should not take your money before the item is shipped! Beware of this place! And I still have not received my Refund!.
Eric C.
Jan 28, 2021
I just recently purchased my second Type X, I found an 8 string X on the "Guitars In Stock" on the website already somewhat built to specs I wanted and for a great price too, since it was already built. After I made the purchase, Flock called me afterwards and I guess I lost the purchase by 8 minutes, no worries. Flock, who is Manager of the Showroom, offered me a killer deal to do a new build of the 8 string Type X with some room for options at no additional charge.

We changed up the finish a bit, kept the Black Limba top, doing a beautiful matte trans aqua burst over that, Lithium bridge humbucker, Beryllium neck humbucker, multi scale.just beautiful. However I did want to change up the neck and do a 3 peace Purple Heart. Flock suggested a Walnut/Purple Heart 3 ply, this was only a few extra bucks, but for a custom built-to-your-specs guitar, whats a few extra bucks?

He also threw in the free RUSH build for no additional cost. Flock and Kiesel are just amazing to work with, their craftsmanship, instruments, communications and customer service are second to none. I look forward to working with Flock again on assisting me in my growing collection of Type X builds. I will be calling in for a third X with a similar build to this one, only another 6 string. Do yourself a favor and call Kiesel, press 2 for the Showroom and ask for Jason "Flock".
Ken W.
Dec 10, 2020
I have had Kiesel build me two custom guitars. I went to their showroom and Flock collaborated with me on the custom builds. I had high expectations on the end result and was blown away at the quality and complete adherence to my custom designs. I have a collection of electric guitars and Kiesel exceeds my expectations compared to the "off the shelf" mass guitar manufacturers (Gibson, Fender, PRS, etc.) Kiesel will build whatever the customer wants, and delivers big!
Jonathan Casey
Oct 31, 2020
What can I say about Kiesel that hasn't already been said. These guys are not only amazing with customer service, but they may be building the best guitars on the planet. I've now owned my new Osiris for about 2 months, and it has become the best guitar in my collection bar none, and for a very affordable price. I can't wait until I order my next build!
Richard G.
Aug 26, 2020
Amazing First time Experience! where do I begin. This was my first time coming in to order a Kiesel guitar. Flock was a stand up guy from beginning to end. My first Kiesel guitar has exceeded all expectations. - Ordering: The initial appointment was great, safety and cleanliness were definitely taken into consideration in their showroom. I had a few different build Ideas, Flock was patient and guided me through the ordering process, and hooked me up with an awesome build. - Wait: Given the current covid situation, I definitely anticipated a delay(which was fine by me). Nope! guitar arrived exactly within the stated time frame I was given.

There was an issue with a cosmetic decision on the guitar, I was unreachable, the Kiesel guys made an executive decision which actually came out better than my initial idea. I now fully trust these guys on my next build. Delivery: I drove down to to SD to pickup the Guitar. It was beautiful, I inspected for any flaws and couldn't find any. Ownership: I've had the guitar now for 90 days and can honestly say I have not had any issues with the guitar, and it plays like a dream. I've had a few technical questions with setup, The guys over at Kiesel were prompt with their responses. definitely a customer for life!
Brendan C.
Apr 27, 2020
Why have you stopped selling guitar and bass kits? For almost three decades musicians on a budget used to be able to build a high quality instrument on a budget, the person I spoke with on the phone told me three decades doesn't constitute a tradition They offered no substantial explanation and tried to sell me a prefab instrument that would cost over twice as much. What a shame, how the mighty have fallen
Steve Shock George
Feb 29, 2020
If you're looking for a personalized axe to call your own, go here. These guys are awesome and a pleasure to deal with. Call first and make an appointment if you can. This is a boutique style guitar shop so expect a wait period for any custom orders. The cool thing is, it doesn't cost any more to customize your guitar the way you want it. In other words, there's no additional charges, just the sum of your chosen features and parts.
Jimmy E.
Dec 01, 2019
What a nice showroom! Large clean with 3 full walls of custom shop guitars. I always played the big names but the quality and craftsmanship at a much lower price. Call Chris, he can answer anything about guitars and help you build a custom just the way you want it.
Joey M.
Oct 11, 2019
I'm just a nobody that wandered in looking for a headless guitar for the traveling I'm about to be doing for work. I got there a few mins early and waited outside for the showroom to open. Jeff kiesel himself walks out and shakes my hand on the way to the tamale lady in the parking lot, on his way back in he basically asks if he can help me.

I tell him what I'm looking for and follow him into the showroom and he personally brings out 4 instruments that fit my description. I picked the one he said was his NAMM guitar that was set to the side for January. Then here comes Flock, who is one of the nicest, most personable dudes. He helped me out and answered any questions I had and got me plugged in to demo the guitar.

He gave me a great deal and made sure I was well taken care of. TL;DR- I showed up without an appointment and these guys treated me like a VIP. Best customer experience I have ever had. I will definitely be having them build me a custom in the future and will bring them as much business as humanly possible. Thanks guys!
Edward A.
Sep 24, 2019
Sell all of the les pauls and PRS that you have! Smoking axes, awesome sound! Players guitars! Makes you play better due to just plain quality!
Steve C.
Nov 14, 2018
I have bought 4 Carvin guitars, 4 Carvin amps, 2 Carvin basses and spent thousands of dollars on Carvin P.A. Equipment over the years. I had a repair issue and got JOE on the phone. I told him I had written/emailed, twice, about getting my bass serviced and no one had gotten back to me. He was rude and condescending. I told him I was a "Sponsored" Carvin artist to which he replied "Well, I'VE never heard of you." I wasn't seeking his recognition and didn't ask if he had heard of me.

I was pointing out that I was a loyal Carvin buyer who has spent quite a lot of money with that company. I have always loved this product and I have to say Joe transferred me to someone who had manners and was helpful. Had this been my 1st experience with your company, it would have been my last. I have been in music and sales for 40+ years. Great way to run off business. Steve-Austin, TX musician.
Ed S.
Jul 22, 2018
I have to say. amazing. The guitar I wanted was very specific. I gave Flock very specific and exacting details for my guitar. Note, the guitar I wanted was not the typical Kiesel build. The guitar Kiesel built for me is nothing short of perfect. A Strat style guitar with serious wood and hardware. Tone that can't be compared by any other guitar. Flock is an amazing person.

A serious guitar gear head and a real pro. When I picked up my guitar I was speechless. I went so far as mocking up the guitar I wanted in photoshop. When I open the case my eyes exploded. Kiesel made the exact guitar I specified. There is an energy at Kiesel. I now have a living and vibrant instrument. I've owned many guitars and will NEVER buy another unless it's made by Kiesel.

If you're looking for a guitar that's average go elsewhere. If you want a guitar that's a professional quality instrument. Get Kiesel. Tone. Exacting quality. Perfect customer service. Lastly; this guitar was a steal. It should cost 4,000 or more and has a value of 10x that. Thank you Kiesel. I'll be back for more!
Lucas S.
Mar 14, 2018
Was in California for spring break (I'm a teacher) and Drove over an hour to try out these guitars. Guy behind the counter seemed annoyed that I tried more than a few and told me they had to keep all the instruments in perfect condition and I should only try guitars I'm interested in. I came to try them all. It's not as if I was mishandling them, knowing that they're expensive I took extra care to put them back in the same spots.

He was annoyed that they got fingerprints on them. If you're that concerned then why even have them out? I loved the guitars. Extremely high quality instruments and I'll probably buy one eventually but just know the showroom guy acts more like a power tripping old man yelling at kids to get off his lawn (or in this case, not touch the guitars). Very unwelcoming, even after mentioning I was from Minnesota.
Steve R.
Feb 03, 2018
I am here shopping for a new custom guitar or a friend. Working with Vince, he is so patient, knowledgeable and thorough. Never felt rushed. Kept bringing different guitars out to make sure the perfect sound and feel would be achieved. Such a personal experience, Along with Flock the manager, made us feel like we were only customer on a busy day. Absolutely first class.
Sammy Fodor
Jan 10, 2018
Love this place! All of the staff members are kind and knowledgeable and they are very laid back. All of the instruments they make are amazing! The staff truly goes above and beyond! Also Jeff, if your reading this, give Flock a raise! He is an amazing salesmen. Everyone here treats you like family, no other guitar company will do that. If you want amazing instrument for a great price, go here! I just purchased a Vader and hope to purchase another guitar from here soon!
Ben Lewis
Dec 13, 2017
Very helpful, customer friendly. Guitars to your hearts content. If you live within 7 hrs, make a day trip and play, design, and /or order the guitar or bass of your dreams!
Gregory L.
Dec 04, 2017
This place is amazing. Some of the most beautiful guitars I've ever seen. I love that everything is made in the USA. I drove down to the show room for three hours with a huge smile on my face and when I got there jason the sales rep treated me like family and hook me up with the guitar of my dreams. I highly recommend this for all guitar aficionados and enthusiasts. These guitars are a work of art.
A. M.
Oct 19, 2017
Oh Wow! I'll begin when I made the call. Vince: "Great come on down we'd love to have you look around, need the address?" They have Customer parking in the back. Receptionist said are you here to look at the showroom? Vince welcomed me in, and I was blown away! I played about seven guitars. " I have to say, I am so stoked about Kiesel. I liked these guitars way more than I expected.

I liked them so much that I placed an order. Vince called Ricardo to ask some questions and Ricardo was happy to assist. Then he assisted a Bass player who had some things to go over. You can bet that these guitars won't be found anywhere else for even 3 times the cost! All kinds of guitars!, that were amazing. I called to ask some questions the next day, and they were answered by a gent whose name was Flock, a real good rep.jut like Vince and Ricardo.

They way exceeded my expectations! 6,7, or 8 strings, semi hollow, solid, chambered and in all variations. They have two rooms you can plug in to and find out what guitar or Bass you want. Prepare to be happy that you made the trip, I was and still am
Alex W.
Jun 06, 2017
I have not met Jeff Kiesel personally however I was given the wonderful opportunity to work with Flock at Kiesel Guitars to help me design a guitar to my playing style. Flock goes above and beyond in terms of customer service and his guitar knowledge expertise is incomparable. Being an experienced guitarist, but inexperienced in guitar hardware, designing your own guitar can be quite overwhelming. Flock not only could see that I was inexperienced, however was able to describe every little thing in such detail that I was able to understand every choice option I had available to me and how they would affect the sound or playability.

In no way did it seem like I was a bother having as many questions as I did. It more seemed as if he was excited to be put to the challenge in assisting me. Flock listens, he studies you, he watches your playing style, he analyzes every option, and will even steer you away from "Costly Hype Options" if he feels it is unnecessary to make sure the end product plays and sounds exactly the way you want it too. I could not be happier with the experience Kiesel Guitars has given me and the wonderful staff they have assisting their clientele.
Dan L.
May 28, 2017
I've been a fan of their guitars for a long time, but I drove up to check out their showroom to have the guy behind the counter complain about his job to a guy who was ordering a guitar & all but shoo me out for being a burden because I bothered to come in. So I drove more than an hour round trip for less than 15 minutes of disappointment. I still like their guitars, but I can't recommend to anyone that they make the same mistake.
Mischa Levine
Feb 26, 2017
Fantastic guitars. Friendly, laid back staff. A nice variety of amps and effects to play with. Electric guitar heaven.
Sean H.
Feb 24, 2017
Some of the best american made guitars for the money that you can buy. The detail and effort that goes into these guitars is superior to any brand name guitar that you can find at a guitar center, and they are pretty much the same price. Also the kits are top notch. This is one of the only places you can buy a complete guitar kit where if you have even the slightest idea of what your doing you can have a wonderful playing and sounding instrument. My wife and I made a bass from one of their kits that sounds incredible. We'll be making another one shortly.
Brent Ayala
Jan 16, 2017
Beautiful show room and friendly helpful staff that will answer any questions you may have. The jam room has a great selection of amps to play on so that you can really get the feel of these incredible instruments.
Chikinini G.
May 20, 2016
Pretty cool sales people. I would for sure order another custom guitar. I only have a couple of requests next time. 1. Add more headstock options on your guitar builder. You only offer pointy headstock on most models. 2. Thinner neck profile should be in every guitar option.