Saber Finishes: Explained

Jeff Kiesel, President and third-generation luthier, has remained active in all facets of Kiesel Guitars since his childhood. Now, he is best known for his innovative work in the Custom Shop.

 

One of the standout Option 50 finishes he has developed is Saber, which was created to mimic its namesake. A multi-step process that accentuates and "electrifies" the grain of the wood, the finish particularly stands out on Flamed and Quilt Tops.

 

There are a variety of shades available, including purple and yellow, but there are three that take the top spots.

 

Here are its creator's top three Saber finish colors:

 

3. Blue Saber

Made to capitalize on Kiesel's already-brilliant finishes, Blue Saber takes the world's favorite color and enhances it to channel a classic Sci-Fi appearance.

 

What sets this particular finish shade apart from standard finishes is the contrast between the body wood and its grain. Rather than darkening the grain to a deeper degree, Blue Saber finishes typically provide complementary hues of blue. The color saturates the wood to a rich intensity while remaining sleek on the grain itself.

 

2. Red Saber

While Sabers are most notably seen as a top wood finish, they are also available as a Kiesel Treated Board, where the fingerboard is colored through a staining process. This is where Red Saber particularly shines.

 

Maintaining the same vibrancy as the blue variation, Red Saber presents an intense look that pops, especially on Jet Black.

 

1. Green Saber

The entire Saber concept was based on the color green, which allows for the perfect replication of the green saber seen in a 1983 Sci-Fi movie.

 

"The finish showcases a great shade of green with a slight hint of yellow," says Kiesel. When pairing with a top wood, it is recommended to go with Flamed Maple, as it is "more reminiscent of the movie," but it also looks striking on Quilt.

 

While the process itself isn't disclosed, every single one is done exclusively by creator Jeff Kiesel. Get Saber on your next build by contacting the Custom Shop Experts at 858-484-8277 or emailing sales@kieselguitars.com.