kiesel

Kiesel is a German noun meaning flint, a hard variety of chert used historically for toolmaking and as a building material. In broader usage it can refer to any small, hard stone. The word has been adopted into various technical vocabularies and has also become a surname.

As a surname, Kiesel is of German origin. One notable figure is Lowell Kiesel, known by the stage name L. Kiesel, who founded the American musical-instrument company Carvin Guitars. The guitar division later adopted Kiesel as a brand name, continuing the maker’s tradition of high-customization electric guitars and basses.

Kiesel Guitars, the brand associated with this lineage, is recognized for offering extensive customization options and direct-to-consumer sales. While it continues to produce a wide range of instruments, the Kiesel name reflects its roots in the original Kiesel family and the enduring emphasis on bespoke configurations, finishes, and electronics for professional players and enthusiasts.