Humidification and Kiesel Guitars
For 70 years, Kiesel Guitars have been building high-quality guitars, basses, pickups, part necks and accessories for pro and hobbyist musicians alike. The Kiesel Guitars custom shop is preferred by some of the biggest artists on the planet such as Jefferson Starship, The Bangles, Missing Persons, Frank Zappa and Steve Vai, Jason Becker, Craig Chaquico, Allan Holdsworth, Frank Gambale, Neil Zaza, Lee McKinney, Brian Bromberg and Roy Vogt.
The Kiesel Guitars manufacturing facility uses state of the art milling machines and craftsmen to create their purpose-built and custom-built guitars in an environmentally controlled facility. Mark Kiesel contacted Q Applied Systems to discuss their humidification needs in the manufacturing area. After an onsite assessment and walkthrough a new MicroCool IBEX series high pressure fog humidification pumping system was recommended and ultimately installed. 
Kiesel Guitars uses a variety of woods in their guitars. The handling and processing of the wood is an important contribution to the tone and quality of the final product. During the manufacturing process wood can be sensitive to changes in humidity including shrinking and cracking. Digital calipers capable of measuring to 1/1000 of an inch are used to ensure quality control. A tolerance example is that inlays and frets installed on a neck board will not shrink. The humidity control of the area keeps the wood stable during this advanced manufacturing stage helping to maintain quality control and reducing waste
About MicroCool
MicroCool has been the leader in the high pressure fog humidification and adiabatic cooling industry since 1980. The MicroCool IBEX system provided a single, compact and energy savings
system easily capable of the current and future needs of Kiesel Guitars. MicroCool manufacturers high pressure fog humidification systems for a wide variety of applications. A central pumping station and closed loop water system serves multiple zones with different set points through a variety of nozzle based distribution options. Nozzle distribution systems, designed for optimal performance, are suitable for both in-room and central air handling unit applications. Reverse Osmosis water is provided for clean applications that cannot tolerate “dusting” that occurs with city or softened water-for-humidification. In addition, MicroCool systems are equipped with automatic purge sequences and UV light sterilization to maintain clean hygienic water throughout the system. Click here to see a short video MicroCool humidification systems and capabilities.
Today, Kiesel Guitars operate in a modern facility in Southern California, and employs over 50 people. Mark and Jeff Kiesel run the day-to-day business as well as design all the models and have come up some pretty amazing new features and finishes. They’re constantly improving the products and their custom shop builds over 5,000 custom guitars and basses each year. If you’re ever in the area and have the chance, stop by the Kiesel Guitars showroom in Escondido, CA.
Q Applied Systems is a manufacturers’ representative of HVAC and moisture control equipment and systems as well as fume and dust collection products throughout Southern California and Baja Mexico. We specialize in the application of engineered systems and equipment for commercial and industrial markets. Applications include pharmaceutical, hospital, biotech, high-tech, manufacturing, plus other specific and challenging processes that require engineered products.
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