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Acoustic Electric Semi-Hollow Body Kits
Our acoustic-electric guitar kits bridge the gap between acoustic warmth and electric versatility. Each kit features a semi-hollow body with a central tone block for sustain and feedback control, paired with a routed soundhole and piezo or magnetic pickup system. Plug in for amplified performance or play unplugged for practice and songwriting.
What Makes These Kits Different from Solid Body Kits?
The hollow chamber inside the body produces natural acoustic resonance that you can hear without an amplifier. A solid center block running through the body adds sustain and reduces feedback at stage volumes. The result is a guitar that sounds warm and airy at low volumes but still cuts through a band mix when plugged in.
Who Are Acoustic-Electric Kits For?
Fingerpickers, singer-songwriters, and jazz players who want acoustic character with the option to amplify. These kits are also popular with builders who want to explore semi-acoustic construction. The build process teaches you about soundhole placement, bracing, and how air volume inside the body shapes tone.
What to Expect from the Build
Assembly follows the same process as our electric kits: attach the neck, install hardware, wire the electronics, and finish the wood. The main difference is care around the soundhole area during finishing. Tape off the soundhole before applying any finish to keep the interior clean.
Ready to Ship
🌍 Worldwide
Acoustic Electric Semi-Hollow TE-style Basswood Guitar Kit
Original price
$279.99 USD
Original price
$279.99 USD
-
Original price
$279.99 USD
Original price
$279.99 USD
Current price
$239.99 USD
$239.99 USD
-
$239.99 USD
Current price
$239.99 USD
Build Skill
5/10 — Intermediate
Build your own acoustic electric guitar with this TE-style semi-hollow DIY kit, designed to deliver warm acoustic resonance with added clarity and ...
View full details
Pre-Order
🌍 Worldwide
Acoustic Electric Semi-Hollow ST-style Basswood Guitar Kit
Original price
$279.99 USD
Original price
$279.99 USD
-
Original price
$279.99 USD
Original price
$279.99 USD
Current price
$229.99 USD
$229.99 USD
-
$229.99 USD
Current price
$229.99 USD
Build Skill
5/10 — Intermediate
Build your own acoustic electric guitar with this semi-hollow ST-style DIY guitar kit, designed for builders who want acoustic warmth, electric ver...
View full detailsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I play these kits without an amplifier?
Yes. The semi-hollow body produces enough acoustic volume for practice and quiet playing. For performance or recording, plug into an amplifier using the built-in pickup system.
What is a tone block and why does it matter?
A tone block is a solid piece of wood running through the center of the body. It connects the top and back plates, adds sustain to the electric signal, and reduces the high-pitched feedback that fully hollow guitars are prone to at loud volumes.
Are these true acoustic guitars?
These are acoustic-electric hybrids. They have an acoustic chamber for resonance but use electric guitar strings and hardware. They will not produce the same volume or projection as a full-size acoustic guitar, but they offer acoustic character with electric playability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tools do I need to build a kit guitar?
Depending on the type of guitar you buy you may only require tools and materials for finishing the guitar (painting) and soldering.
Screwdrivers, sandpaper and sanding block. Finishing supplies e.g. paint, stain, and clear gloss, ventilation mask, coping saw or jigsaw if shaping the headstock.
With this small list of inexpensive tools, you will be up and running and ready to build your electric guitar in no time.
Recommended reading: Luthier Tools for DIY Guitar Kits.
Does the kit include everything to build a working guitar?
Our stock kits contain all necessary parts (unless stated otherwise on the product page).
How long does it take to complete a guitar kit?
It depends on the choice of finish. For instance, when you paint or stain a guitar you will need the surface to dry and harden (cure). This can take anywhere from 1 week to 3 months depending on your choice of finishing product.
You will find the guitar dries to approximately 90% very quickly but the final 10% takes some time. If you can't wait that long you could try tung oil or wax finish but bear in mind the finish won't be as durable and protect the guitar as effectively.
Do I have to solder the electronics?
Most of our kits require basic soldering. If you're new to it, check out our wiring guide here.
If you don't want to solder, or don't have the tools, our solderless guitar kits use plug-and-play wiring. No iron required.
What finishing options can I use on my guitar?
You can use stain, paint, or oil-based finishes. Learn more about finishing techniques here.
Our advice: use a reference. In most cases, this will be a guitar you particularly like the look of and want to create something similar.
To view the latest DIY guitars from our community follow us on Instagram and visit our Customer Reviews page.
How good will my finished kit guitar sound?
It's defined firstly by the components you use and secondly the workmanship that goes into putting it all together.
Watch the community section of our YouTube channel to learn how kit guitars sound.