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Hollow Body Guitar Kits
If you have always wanted an archtop jazz or hollow body electric guitar, you may be interested in building one yourself. Here are some of the DIY hollow body guitar kits that you can use to build your own DIY project.
Most hollow body guitar kits represent great value for money considering the amount of work required to build them is quite a bit more involved than for a standard electric guitar.
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For example, the sides of the guitar's bodies are laminated, then planed (thicknessed) and shaped using a bending iron. The timber itself often requires soaking in warm water first to ensure maximum pliability and is then set in a mold. The bodies also require bracing or struts for additional support. For all intents and purposes, these guitars are more similar in construction to an acoustic guitar.
Semi-hollow body electric guitar kits such as the TE Thinline, are less involved, however, and are essentially a routed solid timber body with a cap then placed on the top face of the guitar.
Solid-body electric guitar kits in comparison are shaped, solid pieces of timber and require far less time to produce.
Build your own hollow body guitar kit
In the following guide, we’re going to a look at the most popular hollow and semi-hollow kit guitar shapes currently available based on overall sales volume over the years here at Guitar Kit World.
Having sold hollow body kit guitars and assembling a number of my own over the years I’ll also provide some useful tips and tricks regarding finishing and assembly, as wiring a hollow body electric guitar is a different proposition to that of an ST or TE style kits for example.
1. Double-Cut Semi-Hollow Body Kits
Double-cut semi-hollow body kits are among the most versatile options in the hollow and semi-hollow guitar family. While technically not full hollow body guitars due to the presence of a solid center block, they still retain many of the tonal characteristics and visual appeal of hollow body instruments. Their semi-hollow design offers a great balance between resonance and feedback resistance, making them a popular choice for jazz, blues, and rock players.
These kits are especially ideal for DIY builders who want a lighter-weight guitar with some of the warmth of a hollow body, but the reliability and feedback control of a solid body.
E35-style Hollow Body Kits
This classic semi-hollow double cutaway body features a slim 43.5mm depth, giving it a sleek profile without sacrificing tonal depth. With upper and lower bouts measuring 310mm and 415mm respectively, and a waist width of 248mm, the E35-style body provides excellent comfort for seated or standing play. Its symmetrical double-cut design allows for easy access to the higher frets, making it ideal for lead players and soloists.
Thin (43.5mm) Double Cutaway Body
Offset Semi-Hollow Body Kits
The OH-style kit stands out thanks to its offset double cutaway body and more modern, contoured design. While specific body dimensions are unavailable, its PR-inspired silhouette and ergonomic body carve offer excellent playability and balance. This kit comes with all required hardware and electronics, and features a beautifully figured maple top that’s perfect for staining or bursting. It’s a great option for players who want something distinctive that blends the classic feel of a semi-hollow with a fresh modern aesthetic.
Offset Semi-Hollow Body Guitar Kit
Construction
In most cases when purchasing a hollow body guitar kit, the top, bottom and sides of the guitar will be constructed from marine ply with a center block consisting of either Maple or Mahogany running through the center of the body with binding running along the top of the guitar and in some cases the back and neck.
The bridge is typically a Tune-O-Matic style bridge, although you will at times also see a trapeze style bridge utilized.
The set neck is typically maple or mahogany depending on the vendor you purchase from, with rosewood fretboard and either dot or trapezoid mother of pearl inlays.
The pickups will typically be generic covered humbuckers, with two volume and two tone pots, along with a three-way pickup selector.
Assembly and Finishing Tips
Assembly is much the same as other electric guitar kits with one important distinction. As the hollow body does not come with a back control plate, all electronics wiring must be completed via the F-holes on the top face of the guitar. The wiring itself is simple enough, however when it comes time to assemble the pots and pickup selector in place things can get a little trick
While threading the pots and selector switch can be tricky when first starting out, if you utilize a guidewire (e.g. a semi-flexible wire attached at one end to the pots and threaded through the volume and tone holes) assembly becomes a much simpler proposition.
Fitting the neck requires an understanding of scale length, as the hollow body is a set neck guitar and will require precise placement to ensure correct intonation.
If you are unsure of how to do this properly, please refer to this article.
Finishing Options
Obviously, the finish is subjective. If you prefer a sunburst finish, the following article will be useful for you.
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Alternatively, if you prefer the look of BB King’s Lucille, then a solid black also looks particularly good, as seen below on the first of my hollow body guitar kit projects.
2. Single-Cut Hollow Body Kit Guitars
Jazz archtop guitars, such as the single-cut semi-acoustic guitars, first appeared in 1949 and continue to be produced to this day. As one of the longest-running production guitars in the world, they have been the instrument of choice for jazz legends like Pat Metheny and Joe Pass. While best known for jazz, these guitars have also found a home in blues and rock, making them incredibly versatile for a range of musical styles.
We currently offer three distinct variations of this classic single-cut hollow body design, each with its own characteristics in terms of body depth and cutaway style.
L5 Hollow Body Kits
- Body Depth: 83mm
- Cutaway Style: Venetian Cutaway
- Dimensions: Lower bout – 415mm, Waist – 250mm, Upper bout – 310mm
The L5 kit features a full, resonant body with a rounded Venetian cutaway, known for its smooth, elegant curve. This traditional style offers a warmer aesthetic and is ideal for players who prioritize a classic jazz look and feel. With its deeper 83mm body, it delivers rich acoustic resonance and tone.
Fat (83mm) Venetian Cutaway Body
E75 Hollow Body Kits
- Body Depth: 83mm
- Cutaway Style: Florentine Cutaway
- Dimensions: Lower bout – 384mm, Waist – 235mm, Upper bout – 275mm
The E75 is a slightly more compact version with the same 83mm depth but features a Florentine cutaway, which is sharply pointed and more modern in appearance. This design provides easier access to upper frets and is preferred by players who seek a bold look while retaining the depth and tonal body of a jazz guitar.
Fat (83mm) Florentine Cutaway Body
L3 Hollow Body Kits
- Body Depth: 43.5mm
- Cutaway Style: Venetian Cutaway
- Dimensions: Lower bout – 415mm, Waist – 248mm, Upper bout – 310mm
The L3 stands out with a much thinner body at 43.5mm, offering a lighter build while maintaining the large archtop shape. It retains the rounded Venetian cutaway for a smooth appearance. Its reduced depth makes it more comfortable for extended play and slightly less prone to feedback, making it suitable for players transitioning from solid body to hollow body styles.
Thin (43.5mm) Venetian Cutaway Body
Construction
These hollow body kits are constructed from laminated woods to reduce feedback, a common issue in fully hollow electric guitars.
The construction features a set neck and a hollow body with binding, supported by a center block made of either maple or mahogany for added strength and sustain.
Assembly and finishing tips
Assembling the jazz archtop hollow body requires accessing the electronics via the F-holes. Being another set neck guitar you will also be required to take into account scale length.
Watch Ken's video series on how he builds his individualized DIY guitar using one of our E75 DIY kits.
The main point of difference is the trapeze style bridge which requires changing strings 1 or 2 strings at a time to save the assembly falling out of position, which in turn requires the intonation is reconfigured.
Finishing Options
The majority of these type guitar’s are seen with a nice sunburst (tobacco burst) finish. If you are wanting a similar look, please take a look at our "How to Apply a Sunburst Guitar Finish" guide.
3. Semi Hollow Body Kits
While semi-hollow body kits aren’t technically full hollow body guitars, they share many of the same benefits — such as reduced weight, added resonance, and a warm, open tone. Because of this, we believe they deserve a place in this guide.
Semi-hollow guitars offer the perfect middle ground: they maintain the comfort and feedback resistance of solid-body designs, while incorporating hollow chambers that enhance tonal character and reduce overall weight. If you’re looking for a hollow body feel without fully departing from solid-body performance, these are worth serious consideration. We currently offer four styles of semi-hollow kits:
LP-style Semi-Hollow Kits
Our single-cut LP-style semi-hollow kit is a long-time favorite. It blends classic looks and construction with a lighter, chambered body and figured maple top. Often available with set or bolt-on necks, this model delivers thick, singing sustain with a touch of air — ideal for blues and classic rock.
ST-style Semi-Hollow Kits
A semi-hollow take on the iconic double-cutaway design. These kits offer a familiar shape but with improved comfort, reduced weight, and a more resonant tone thanks to the hollowed chamber beneath the top. A great choice for players looking for a versatile build with classic styling.
TE-style Semi-Hollow Kits
This semi-hollow version of the classic single-cut design offers the same vintage simplicity, but with a warmer, slightly woodier tone and lighter weight. Excellent for clean tones, blues, and twangy leads, and a favorite among players who want something classic but just a bit different.
PR-style Semi-Hollow Kits
A modern semi-hollow take on a sleek double-cut platform. With its curved top, comfortable contours, and balanced tone, this kit is perfect for players who want a blend of modern looks, smooth playability, and enhanced sustain.
Construction
All our semi-hollow kits start with a solid body that’s chambered internally before being topped with mahogany or maple cap. Some models feature a maple veneer too. This adds both visual appeal and tonal complexity. Depending on the model, you’ll find either bolt-on or set neck configurations.
These kits are lighter than their solid-body equivalents, and the hollow cavities contribute to a more open, resonant tone — perfect for players seeking warmth, articulation, and clarity.
Assembly and finishing tips
As with full hollow-body kits, semi-hollow models usually do not feature a rear control cavity. Wiring must be completed through the F-holes, so we recommend using the guide wire technique to route your electronics — it takes a little time but is quite manageable with patience.
If your kit includes a figured maple top (80mm+), it’s an excellent candidate for staining. For veneer tops (1-3mm), be gentle with staining and allow proper drying time between coats to avoid any warping. Solid caps can be stained more aggressively and offer more forgiveness for layering and sanding between coats.
4. Semi-hollow Body Bass Kits
Hollow body basses emerged as an evolution of hollow body electric guitars, which gained popularity in the jazz and blues scenes of the 1950s. The design typically features a fully hollow or semi-hollow wooden body with one or two f-holes, sometimes none, reminiscent of acoustic instruments like double basses or cellos.
Construction
Hollow body bass guitars are typically made from thin sheets of wood (often maple, spruce, or mahogany) that are bent and shaped to form the curved top, back, and sides of the instrument. Many hollow-body basses have a solid wood center block running down the middle of the body for added stability and sustain. Internal bracing is added to reinforce the structure and influence the tone. Depending on the design and model, some hollow body guitars also have f-shaped sound holes that are cut into the top of the body to allow sound to project. The image above shows a violin bass model with no sound holes.
Assembly and finishing tips
Use high-quality wood glue and ensure proper clamping when joining the neck and body of a hollow body guitar. Take note that this type of guitar has thin sheets of wood so when sanding, apply moderate pressure only to avoid damaging the body as well as the veneer (if the model has a veneer) and sand all surfaces smooth before assembly and between finish coats. You should also consider applying a sealer coat to protect the wood and prepare it for finishing.
5. Acoustic Electric Semi-Hollow Kits
These semi-hollow electric kits bring you the best of two worlds: the vibrant acoustic character from a piezo system and the tonal versatility of an active 4-band EQ. If you’re looking for a guitar that easily transitions from unplugged strumming to amplified performance, these kits are for you.
We currently offer two distinct semi-hollow designs:
ST-style Acoustic Electric Kits
The ST-style acoustic-electric guitar kit features a double-cutaway semi-hollow body inspired by the popular S-style shape. A rounded soundhole is routed into the body’s center, giving the guitar an acoustic aesthetic, while the included piezo pickup and 4-band EQ module offer tonal flexibility once plugged in.
This kit is ideal for those seeking an acoustic vibe without sacrificing electric playability.
TE-style Acoustic Electric Kits
Based on the iconic T-style shape, this single-cutaway semi-hollow kit follows the same design principles: a routed cavity with a centrally placed soundhole and active electronics. It includes a 4-band EQ preamp, under-saddle piezo, and a pre-installed battery compartment.
The TE-style option leans into simplicity and vintage charm, making it a great platform for clean builds or modern mods.
Construction
Both acoustic-electric kits feature:
• Semi-hollow body with central acoustic-style soundhole
• Bolt-on neck design for straightforward assembly
• Pre-routed cavity to accommodate piezo pickup and EQ system
• Pre-wired 4-band EQ with volume control and integrated battery box
The electronics system is plug-and-play, removing the need for soldering. Simply install the piezo pickup under the saddle, connect it to the EQ unit, insert a 9V battery, and you’re good to go.
The top wood is suitable for staining or painting, and the unfinished headstock allows for custom shaping.
Assembly & Finishing Tips
Assembly follows the same process as most bolt-on kits, with added focus on piezo and EQ placement. Key points include:
- Install the bridge carefully, ensuring the piezo pickup fits securely beneath the saddle slot.
- Connect all electronics before final mounting—wiring is simple and tool-free.
- Secure the EQ panel and battery compartment into their pre-routed cavities.
- Use a light stain or solid color depending on preference, keeping electronics protected during finishing.
For full step-by-step instructions, refer to our Acoustic Electric Guitar Kit with Equalizer Assembly Manual.
Summary
The information presented above should provide some insight into what hollow-body guitar kits are all about. As someone who has built several of these guitars personally, I would say that even a complete beginner should have no problem assembling one of these guitars and achieving a great result.
Our manuals have detailed instructions for each of these DIY kits, which are found here: DIY Guitar Kit How-To Instructions.
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