The Truth Behind CNC and Guitar

If you follow Kiesel Guitars on social media, chances are that you’ve come across a CNC process video. After watching, you may think that this step diminishes the craftsmanship of the instruments that Kiesel is known for. However, this isn’t the case.

Prior to the late 1980s, Kiesel Guitars, then known as Carvin Guitars, instruments were carved out of the wood by hand from start to finish. First, the body wood was picked out. Then, if it was a multi-piece body, the wood was glued and clamped together to ensure an unbreakable bond. When the bonding was set, a template of the body shape was traced out onto the wood piece. Finally, a rough shape was cut using a bandsaw. These are processes that are still used by Kiesel Guitars to this day.

Where this process deviates is in the next step: the CNC. There are a multitude of reasons why the machine increases the quality of the build. First, it ensures a consistent body shape. By having a machine cut the rough outline, beveling, and pickup routes, every Kiesel instrument is guaranteed to come out at the same high quality. This way, the meticulous engineering and design that went into the shape and features shine through in every guitar and bass.

Next, it also lowers the cost and build times of Kiesel instruments. By opting for the CNC, luthiers can spend more time on the final sanding and smoothing of the guitar or bass. The build time is drastically cut down by weeks, and the savings passed onto the customer are substantial.

One of the biggest misconceptions about the CNC machine is the supposed reduction in craftsmanship; the custom shop luthiers craft the final product, creating the signature feel and look that Kiesel is known for. The CNC essentially creates a defined “rough draft” for the custom shop; then, the luthiers use their skillful, fine-tuned precision to form the instrument. In fact, the CNC is an industry-wide tool that is used by every other sizable or large guitar manufacturer!

The CNC has revolutionized the guitar-manufacturing industry. Kiesel Guitars and nearly every other smaller and larger guitar company capitalize on the benefits. This process will be a staple within the industry for years to come.