Select and Build Your Own Guitar Kit – Electric, Bass or Acoustic

Assembling your own guitar is not just a rewarding project—it’s an opportunity to create a personalized instrument while learning valuable guitar tech skills. Whether you want to build your own guitar kit from scratch or start with a DIY kit, having a clear understanding of the tools and components you need will make the process much smoother. Here’s a guide for different budgets, plus some personal advice on getting started, including where I went wrong on my first project and how you can avoid common mistakes.

Assembling a Guitar Kit: My Personal Journey

Assembling a guitar kit is very near and dear to my heart as a guitar journalist. In the spring of 2018, I tried and failed to assemble a Trini Lopez-style guitar and got my first real introduction to guitar tech skills. That guitar would later become the subject of my first-ever article on electric guitars. The experience taught me that assembling your own guitar—whether from a build your own guitar kit or custom parts—is incredibly valuable. However, I wouldn’t recommend going into your first kit project blind, like I did. With a bit of guidance, you can avoid a lot of headaches and start developing the essential skills needed for guitar building and maintenance.

Start Off Cheap If You Want To Take Risks

When you’re new to assembling, going with a budget kit offers a low-risk environment. I started out with a sub-$200 kit, which gave me the confidence to try different techniques. Want to experiment with wood burning or custom painting a guitar? It’s much easier to take risks when you’re not working with expensive parts. For example, if you’re thinking of cutting a custom headstock, do it on an affordable kit before attempting it on a high-end Warmoth build.

Don’t Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

When I started to build a guitar kit, I jumped into a guitar kit project that was well beyond my skill level, leading to several costly mistakes. If you’re new to DIY guitar kits, don’t rush into complex builds. Instead, start with a kit that has pre-drilled holes, pre-wired electronics, and minimal customization needed. Some kits even come with finished bodies and necks, which is a great way to ease into guitar building without overwhelming yourself.

Make Sure You Invest In The Proper Tools

While it’s tempting to cut costs when building a guitar, don’t skimp on the tools. A quality soldering iron with adjustable heat settings is a must. I made the mistake of using a low-quality soldering iron on my first kit, and it made wiring a frustrating experience. Likewise, invest in a good drill, screwdriver set, and appropriate sandpaper for finishing. Cheap tools can strip screws, damage your electronics, or cause a poor finish. So take stock of your tools, and make sure that you have good ones that can get the job done.

Don’t Be Afraid To Fail

While it’s important to take care, guitar tech skills are learned through trial and error. My first attempt at a do it yourself guitar build was far from perfect, but each mistake taught me something new. Thankfully, there are so many tutorials and resources on how to build a guitar kit. You can use these to help you troubleshoot problems as they arise, along with detailed DIY guitar kit instructions and support. Even if the resulting DIY guitar build is not as amazing, remember that many aspects of guitar building are reversible. If you’re ready to dive in, embrace the learning process and enjoy creating a guitar that’s truly your own, customized by your hands.

Electric Guitar DIY Kit Guide

Electric guitar DIY kits are popular among hobbyists because they offer a straightforward introduction to guitar building. These kits usually include everything you need to assemble a working guitar, from the body and neck to electronics and hardware. Here are the different types of kits you may encounter:

• Bolt-On Neck Kits: The most common type, where the neck is attached to the body with screws. I view them as the easiest for beginners.
• Set-Neck Kits: The neck is glued to the body, which requires more precision but provides better sustain.
• Through-Neck Kits: The neck runs through the entire length of the body, offering superior sustain and stability, though these are the most challenging to assemble.

What to Look For in an Electric Guitar Kit

• Quality of Materials: Choose solid woods like Alder, Mahogany, or Basswood for the body, and durable woods like Maple or Mahogany for the neck. Fretboards made from Rosewood, Maple, or Ebony offer the best playability and durability.
• Hardware and Electronics: Pay attention to the quality of pickups, tuners, and the bridge. Higher-end kits may offer branded components, and wiring kits should come with clear instructions.
• Fit and Finish: Make sure the body and neck fit well together, as poorly cut kits can lead to extra work.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Rushing the Build: Take your time with wiring and finishing to avoid structural and sound quality issues.
• Skipping Pre-Assembly: Always dry-fit components to check alignment before final assembly.
• Ignoring Setup: Proper setup, including truss rod adjustment and intonation, is critical for a well-functioning guitar.

Build Your Own Electric Guitar Kit

If you’re asking yourself – what electric guitar should i buy, and you want something personal, then go the DIY guitar kit route.

Electric guitars are a great entry point for DIY projects because of the variety in components and customizations available. Here’s how you can build an electric guitar kit across different budget levels.

A. Low Budget ($120 – $150)

Starting with a basic kit, like the Solo Music Gear Electric Guitar Kit, is a great way to get your feet wet. These kits come with a Basswood or Poplar body and a Maple neck, but be prepared for some extra sanding and fitting work.

• Pros: Affordable and perfect for beginners.
• Cons: Budget tuners and pickups may need upgrading for improved sound.

B. Medium Budget ($300 – $400)

For those ready to take it a step further, the StewMac LP-Style Guitar Kit is a solid choice. It offers better materials, such as a Mahogany body with a Maple cap, and improved pickups.

• Pros: Higher-quality materials and pre-routed body make assembly easier.
• Cons: Requires intermediate skills, especially in finishing and setup.

C. High Budget ($600 – $800+)

For seasoned DIY builders, Precision Guitar Kits provide premium materials, including Alder or Mahogany, with plenty of customization options for the neck, fretboard, and pickups.

• Pros: Professional-grade components with minimal setup required.
• Cons: Advanced woodworking skills needed, and the cost is higher.

Another option is to make your own guitar kit, which allows for more control over every aspect of the build, but this will require advanced wood working skills.

---

Acoustic Guitar DIY Kit Guide

Acoustic guitar DIY kits are more complex due to the intricate construction required for proper resonance and tone. Typically, these kits come with pre-bent sides, a pre-cut neck, and a soundboard with pre-installed bracing.

Types of Acoustic Guitar DIY Kits

• Dreadnought Kits: The most common shape, offering balanced sound with a good mix of bass and treble.
• Parlor Kits: Smaller body size, focusing on mid-range tones, ideal for fingerstyle playing.
• Jumbo Kits: Larger body for a powerful bass response, perfect for strumming and loud, resonant tones.

What to Look For in an Acoustic Guitar Kit

• Quality of Wood: Look for Spruce or Cedar tops for the soundboard, with Mahogany or Rosewood for the back and sides to improve resonance.
• Precision of Pre-Cut Parts: Ensure the components fit together well, particularly the neck joint, which requires precision for proper assembly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Poor Bracing Installation: Incorrect bracing can severely affect the guitar’s tone and structural integrity.
• Rushing Glue-Up: Allow adequate time for glue to dry when attaching the top, back, and neck.
• Skipping Final Sanding: Proper sanding is essential for achieving a smooth surface before finishing.

DIY Acoustic Guitar Kit Builds

A. Low Budget ($150 – $200)

The C. B. Gitty Acoustic Guitar Kit is a good entry point for an acoustic build, with laminated Spruce or Mahogany tops. It’s affordable but lacks the rich tones of solid wood.

• Pros: Good for beginners looking to understand acoustic builds.
• Cons: Laminated wood affects tonal quality, and fitting can be tricky.

B. Medium Budget ($500 – $600)

The Martin Build Your Own Guitar Kit offers solid Spruce or Cedar tops and Mahogany or Rosewood backs and sides. This results in much better tonal quality.

• Pros: High-quality sound and craftsmanship.
• Cons: Intermediate skills required, particularly for glue-ups and bracing.

---

Bass Guitar DIY Kit Guide

Bass guitar DIY kits allow you to build an instrument that forms the foundation of a band’s sound. These kits include larger components and often require extra attention to neck stability and pickup placement.

Types of Bass Guitar DIY Kits

• Bolt-On Neck Kits: Similar to electric guitar kits, bolt-on necks are easier to assemble.
• Set-Neck Kits: Less common for bass guitars, but they offer improved sustain and stability.
• Short Scale vs. Long Scale Kits: Short-scale (30″) basses are easier to play, while long-scale (34″) basses provide fuller tones and better string tension.

What to Look For in a Bass Guitar Kit

• Wood Quality: Solid woods like Alder or Ash produce a full-bodied sound. Look for Maple necks with Rosewood or Maple fretboards for durability.
• Pickups and Electronics: High-quality pickups are crucial for bass tone. Brands like EMG or Seymour Duncan are reliable options.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring Neck Setup: Proper neck relief and string height are essential to avoid fret buzz and ensure playability.
• Inaccurate Pickup Placement: Pickup placement is key to achieving the desired tone, so be precise in your measurements.

Bass Guitar DIY Builds

Bass guitar kits are similar to electric guitars but require extra attention to neck stability and pickup placement.

A. Low Budget ($150 – $180)

The Solo Music Gear Bass Guitar Kit is a simple, affordable option, featuring Basswood bodies and Maple necks. However, you may need to upgrade the pickups for better tone.

• Pros: Great for beginners.
• Cons: Basic components that may need upgrading later.

B. Medium Budget ($350 – $450)

The Fretwire Jazz Bass DIY Kit comes with Alder or Mahogany bodies and mid-range pickups that provide better tonal clarity. It’s perfect for intermediate builders.

• Pros: Higher quality parts and pickups.
• Cons: Requires careful attention to detail, especially with wiring and setup.

---

Make Sure You Invest in the Proper Tools

While it’s tempting to cut costs when building a guitar, don’t skimp on the tools. A quality soldering iron with adjustable heat settings is a must. I made the mistake of using a low-quality soldering iron on my first kit, and it made wiring a frustrating experience. Likewise, invest in a good drill, screwdriver set, and appropriate sandpaper for finishing. Cheap tools can strip screws, damage your electronics, or cause a poor finish.

Essential Tools

Here’s a list of essential tools and materials that can make your guitar-building process easier and more professional:

• Screwdrivers: Phillips and flathead, in various sizes for different components.
• Soldering Iron and Solder: Crucial for wiring pickups and electronics.
• Wire Cutters and Strippers: To trim and prepare wires for soldering.
• Pliers: Needle-nose pliers for handling small components.
• Allen Wrenches: For adjusting the truss rod and other hardware.
• Clamp: To hold parts in place during assembly.
• Sandpaper: Use various grits for smoothing and finishing wood.
• Electric Drill and Bits: For drilling pilot holes and mounting hardware.
• Painter’s Tape: Protect areas during painting or finishing.
• Ruler or Calipers: For precise measurements, especially when positioning hardware.

Finishing Materials

• Wood Stain or Paint: For coloring the guitar body.
• Clear Coat or Lacquer: Protect the finish and ensure longevity.
• Polishing Compound: To achieve a smooth, glossy finish.
• Cloth Rags: For applying finishes and polishing.

Electronics Setup

• Multimeter: For testing electrical connections.
• Heat Shrink Tubing: To insulate soldered connections.
• Pickup Height Gauge: Ensures proper pickup height adjustment for the best sound.
• Wiring Diagrams: Always follow diagrams specific to your pickup configuration.

Assembly and Setup

• String Winder: Makes restringing the guitar easier.
• Nut Files: Essential for adjusting string slots in the nut.
• Fret Leveling Kit: For ensuring level frets, which is crucial for playability.
• Action Gauge: Set string action height for comfort and playability.
• Intonation Tool: For setting the intonation.
• Neck Relief Gauge: Measures neck relief for optimal playability.

Miscellaneous

• Guitar Stand: To hold the guitar securely during assembly.
• Work Mat: Protect your work surface and the guitar from scratches.
• Tuning Fork or Electronic Tuner: For initial tuning setup.
• Cleaning Supplies: Guitar polish and fretboard conditioner for maintenance.

---

Conclusion

Building your own diy guitar kit is an exciting and educational project, whether you’re starting with a simple budget kit or a high-end custom build. The key is to find the best guitar kits that match your skills and needs and to invest in the right tools to make the assembly process smoother. With patience and persistence, you’ll develop valuable guitar tech skills that will serve you well in future projects. Remember to start simple, take risks when you feel ready, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes—after all, that’s part of the journey.