Are you a musician who’s always wanted to build your guitar and have thought about getting a DIY Guitar Kit?
Or maybe you’re just curious and want to challenge yourself to build a guitar on your own?
Either way, a guitar kit is a great way to make and customize your very own guitar.
This guide will walk you through all the things you need to know about DIY Guitar Kits and we’ll also take a look at some of the best options on the market.
So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced guitar player, read on for all the info you need to make the right choice for your DIY guitar kit.
Why Should You Build Your Own Guitar?
There are plenty of reasons to build your own guitar.
Maybe you want to create something unique or customize it to your specifications.
Maybe you’re looking for a more affordable option than what’s available in stores. Or maybe you just love the satisfaction of DIY projects!
Whatever your reasons, a guitar kit is a great way to get started.
The process of assembling a guitar can be daunting at first, but it’s not as difficult as it seems.
There are also plenty of resources available today that will allow you to take your time and ensure that the steps you are taking are correct.
With the right tools and instructions, you can have your new instrument up and playing in no time.
Let’s take a look at the best DIY Guitar Kits available today.
Best Les Paul Model Guitar Kit Under $200
This Les Paul-style electric guitar kit from BexGears is a great option for anyone looking to build their guitar.
The body of the guitar is made from Okoume wood, and the maple neck has a composite ebony fretboard.
It also comes with a curved top mahogany veneer, 22 frets, inlay on fingerboard, and all-electric parts included.
One thing that sets this kit apart is the butter-colored pickguard– it’s a nice touch that gives your guitar an extra bit of personality.
All of the parts in this kit are pre-drilled, so you’ll have no problem assembling them.
After all the pieces are put together, the next step is to add your personal touch with a paint job.
But once it’s done and ready for action, there aren’t many guitars that will be able to compete with it as it’s personal to you.
The downside is that this kit does not come with instructions.
All in all, this is an excellent kit for anyone who wants to build their own Les Paul-style guitar.
Pros:
- Excellent kit for anyone who wants to build their own Les Paul-style guitar.
- Electric parts included.
- 22 maple neck with inlays.
- Curved top mahogany veneer.
- Pickguard included.
- Includes 3-way switch.
Cons:
- Does not come with instructions.
Saga Telecaster Model Guitar Kit
This Telecaster-style electric guitar kit from Saga is another great option for anyone looking to make their very own Tele.
The body of the guitar is made from solid mahogany, and all shaping and routing are complete and ready for further customization.
The maple neck has a pre-fretted fingerboard for fast, easy action, and the blank peghead shape awaits your personal touch.
The electronics are also complete and ready for installation, with no soldering required.
All hardware is heavily nickel-plated including the cord, strings, and tuning machines.
This kit also comes with a very detailed instruction manual, so you’ll be able to follow along with ease.
Overall, this is an excellent kit for anyone looking to make their own Telecaster-style guitar.
Pros:
- Solid mahogany body.
- Tele-style guitar kit.
- Ready for customization.
- Pre-fretted fingerboard.
- No soldering is required.
- Comes with easy to follow instruction manual.
Cons:
- Neck’s base is on the thick side which can be challenging to connect to the body.
StewMac Guitar Stratocaster Model Kit
This Stratocaster-style electric guitar kit from StewMac is an excellent option for anyone looking to build their own Stratocaster-style guitar.
The mahogany body and smooth neck are higher quality than other kits at this price.
The body of the guitar is made from mahogany, and the maple neck has a gloss finish with 22 medium jumbo frets.
The kit also includes all of the electronics needed to make your Stratocaster-style guitar fully functional.
This includes three single-coil pickups, a five-way selector switch, volume and tone controls, and a tremolo bridge.
All hardware is heavily nickel-plated for extra durability.
Best of all, this kit comes with illustrated instructions that will take you step-by-step through the entire build process so you’ll have no trouble at all putting your very own Stratocaster style electric guitar together.
On top of that included is a set of Dunlop guitar strings.
Pros:
- Mahogany body.
- Strat style kit.
- Gloss finish.
- Includes instructions.
- Heavy nickel-plated hardware.
- Comes with a set of Dunlop guitar strings.
Cons:
- The guitar neck may need to be additional sanded based on the cut of wood you receive.
BexGears SG Model Guitar KIT
This electric guitar kit from Bex Gears makes our list again as it’s a great option for anyone looking to build their own SG-style electric guitar.
All holes are pre-drilled, so you’ll have no problem assembling them.
After all the pieces are put together, the next step is to add your personal touch with a paint job.
The kit is available in right-handed versions only, and it also includes an adjustable truss rod.
All hardware is heavily nickel plated to give it a more finished look.
This electric guitar kit also comes with a pre-installed wiring plug making the installation process that much easier.
Pros:
- Pre-drilled holes.
- Strings included.
- Electric parts included.
- Curved top mahogany veneer.
- Pickguard included.
- Maple neck with adjustable truss rod
Cons:
- Tuning machines may need to be updated.
Leo Jaymz Semi-Hollow Guitar KIT
This electric guitar kit from Leo Jaymz is an excellent option for anyone looking to build their own semi-hollow-style electric guitar.
The mahogany body and neck are both high quality, and the flame maple veneer top gives your guitar a more finished look.
The guitar kit also is at a 24.72 scale and the neck has 22 frets.
All cavities on the body have been drilled out for pickups and control knobs, making this kit ready for customization right out of the box.
The kit also includes a Tune-o-Matic bridge, two humbuckers pickups, and all of the screws and wiring you’ll need to get your guitar up and running.
Pros:
- Mahogany body and neck.
- Wire cables and screws included.
- All cavities drilled for pickups and control knobs.
- Two humbucker pickups.
- Tune-o-Matic bridge.
- Flame maple veneer top.
Cons:
- Guitar Kit does not come with instructions.
BexGears Flying V Guitar Kit
Looking for a challenging and rewarding guitar project?
BexGears has the perfect solution.
These kits come with everything you need to build your own Flying V electric guitar, including an unfinished wood body, maple neck, composite ebony fingerboard, white pickguard, and all parts and electronic components.
The BexGears DIY electric guitar kit is perfect for anyone who loves working with their hands and wants to create a truly unique and one-of-a-kind instrument.
And because every kit is unassembled, you can really let your creativity runs wild in terms of finish and customization.
Pros:
- Build a unique and one-of-a-kind flying V .
- You can customize the finish of your guitar.
- Comes with everything you need for a DIY electric guitar.
- Maple neck and ebony fretboard.
Cons:
- Does not come with instructions. They are sent via PDF.
BexGears Left-Handed Guitar T Style Kit
Looking for a guitar that is uniquely yours?
Why not build your own with this left-handed guitar kit?
This great DIY kit includes everything you need to create your own Telecaster-style electric guitar.
You’ll get to customize every detail of your instrument, from the wood body and maple neck to the composite ebony fingerboard and white pickguard.
Plus, it’s easy to put together – even if you’ve never built a guitar before!
Whether you’re a lefty or just looking for something different, this kit is perfect for you.
So get creative and build the guitar of your dreams!
Pros:
- Left-Handedt-handed guitar DIY Kit.
- Ebony fretboard.
- White pickguard.
- Easy to put together.
Cons:
- Wood selection varies.
DIY Kits Frequently Asked Questions
Is building a guitar worth it?
If you like to tinker with your guitar’s hardware and enjoy customizing it, then building a kit may be worth the investment.
Building your own electric guitar will allow you to make adjustments to the electronics.
It will also allow you to customize how the pickups sound.
For instanced, you’ll have more control over things like adjusting string action, intonation, and the overall look of your guitar.
Can I build a guitar kit if I don’t have any experience?
Building an electric guitar kit is definitely something that can be done by a beginner.
There are plenty of kits that come with very detailed instructions, and most of the hardware is already pre-assembled for you.
All you need to do is follow the instructions carefully, and take your time during the assembly process.
What type of paint is used on DIY guitar kits?
When painting your electric guitar kit, it’s important to use a paint that will withstand wear and tear.
A good option would be to use lacquer or enamel paint as they both offer durability and it’s also important to make sure you apply several coats for an even finish.
Make sure you read the instructions of the guitar paint very carefully as it is a timely and detailed process.
What tools are needed?
If you’re interested in these guitar builds, you’ll need a few essential tools to get started.
First, you’ll need a screwdriver set to help with assembly.
Next, you’ll need a set of pliers for any adjustments that may be needed.
Finally, you’ll need a soldering iron to attach the electronics.
With these three tools, you should be able to complete most if not all of your DIY guitar project.
Of course, every kit is different, so it’s always a good idea to refer to the instructions before getting started.
With the right tools and a little patience, you can build your own guitar at home!
Final Thoughts on DIY Guitar Kits
There are plenty of great options when it comes to DIY electric guitar kits.
All of the guitar kits we’ve listed come with everything you need to get started, and they’re all very easy to assemble.
Building your own guitar is a great way to customize its look, sound, and feel.
So if you’re up for the challenge, then we recommend giving one of these kits a try.
Make sure that this is a fun experience for you and your family.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article and remember to always HAVE FUN!
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