
Take care to file and trim the fret ends to ensure they are comfortable. In our experience, this is where most kit guitars fall down. On that note, it's worth spending a little extra time on the frets. If you make a mistake with the neck angle, alignment or fretwork, your guitar may never play correctly. This isn't a flatpack closet you can't throw caution to the wind and dive right in. Also, make sure you follow the instructions to the letter. To ensure the guitar plays as good as it can, you need to be precise, so it's essential that you slow down and make sure you are accurate while putting it together. We know you want to get rocking as fast as humanly possible, but there is no need to rush.

The biggest and most important piece of advice we could give would be to take your time. (Image credit: Future) Tips for building a kit guitar

If you are unsure what you may need to complete the job, be sure to check with the manufacturer of the kit. More complex builds may require guitar specific tools such as clamps, fret hammers, fret files, fretboard leveller, and fine-gauge wire strippers. For the entry-level kits from Thomann and Gear4Music, at the very least, you'll need a soldering iron, a selection of crosshead screwdrivers, and a tape measure or ruler. Like we said above, the tools - and expertise - needed really depends on which kit you go for. Now, while it's more common to see electric guitars as DIY kits, you can pick up acoustic guitar options and even basses in a variety of different styles. You can always start with a cheaper guitar kit and work your way to the high-end kits – learning new skills as you progress through the price points.

So, bear in mind your own skill level and choose a kit that you feel is achievable.
DIY CARVIN GUITARS INSTALL
Some come with all the electrics ready to go and require nothing more than screwing the neck to the body, some require you to solder all the electronics yourself, with more advanced kits needing you to glue the fingerboard to the neck, install a truss rod and even glue on the top. Each kit includes all the parts needed to build a successfully playing instrument, but the complexity of the build does depend on which kit you go for. (Image credit: Future) What are DIY guitar kits?Īs the name suggests, a DIY guitar kit is just like a standard guitar but with some assembly required. This Jazzmaster-inspired kit offers fantastic value for money for anyone looking for their first kit build - and it's definitely more interesting than the standard Strat kits everyone usually starts with. If you hail from the UK or Europe and you're looking for a quick project that isn't too involved, it's hard not to recommend the Harley Benton JA Electric Guitar Kit.
DIY CARVIN GUITARS PLUS
They offer the opportunity to not only learn about how an instrument is put together, but can also give you the chance to fully customise your new instrument to suit your needs – not to mention, it's a fun way to spend a weekend.īelow you'll find a few of our favourite options, covering different styles, price points and levels of difficulty, plus some tips, tricks and advice for those taking the plunge. The other two? Probably but not what they're charging now.The DIY instrument market has exploded in recent years with build-it-yourself options for every type of musician, and it's easy to see why these project guitars have gotten so popular. I still say a thousand bucks for a Fender is rediculous. They are pretty reasonable compared to PRS or Fender or Gibson and I'd put them up against them no problem whatsoever. Also I have a carvin Bunny Brunel 5 string Bass and it's the best bass I've ever played. The guy I bought it from bought it from the in stock area at Carvin. Not totally stratty but not bad for flipping a switch. I've got mini switches to cut the humbuckers back to single coils and they have a nice single coil sound. Ebony fingerboard just like my old LP custom. Mahogany neck-thru body with quilt maple top and Carvin humbuckers. I bought mine used and it had most of the options I wanted. It's not bullet proof and needs the same work other guitars do occasionally but it's fantastic.
