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Bakersfield Sound Guitar Kits

Build your own Bakersfield Sound guitar with DIY kits. Inspired by Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, these guitar kits let you assemble and customize an instrument that fits your Bakersfield Sound sound. Choose from TE, ST, hollow-body styles, made to capture the tone and energy of the world’s most iconic instruments.

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Instructions to DIY your own guitar.

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Why Choose Guitar Kit World for Your Bakersfield Sound DIY Build?

Inspired by icons such as Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Brad Paisley, and Keith Urban, our DIY guitar kits let you bring the sound of Bakersfield Soundinto your hands. Every component, from body shape to tonewood is built for precision and playability. Whether you’re building your first guitar or your tenth, Guitar Kit World gives you the tools to create something timeless.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are your kits licensed by Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Brad Paisley, and Keith Urban or any guitar brands?

No. Our DIY guitar kits are not licensed, endorsed, sponsored, or approved by any guitar brands or artists, including Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Brad Paisley, and Keith Urbanor his estate. All references to artists or guitar styles are for educational and tribute purposes only.

The Bakersfield Sound guitar kits sold on Guitar Kit World are not official replicas or authorized replacements for branded guitars (e.g., TE, ST, and hollow-body, etc.). They are custom-made, unassembled kits designed for hobbyists and builders who want to craft unique, personalized instruments. All kits are sold “as is” and are not intended to be compatible with or interchangeable with parts from any official branded instruments.

What guitars are most associated with Bakersfield Sound?

Some of the guitars most closely associated with Bakersfield Sound include the TE, ST, and hollow-body.

Our DIY kits are inspired by these styles to help fans and builders create instruments that echo the tone and vibe of their favorite artists — purely for tribute and educational purposes.

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 Bakersfield Sound-style 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.

What finishing options can I use on my guitar?

You can use stain, paint, or oil-based finishes. Learn more about finishing techniques here.

Here is some advice that will help steer you in the right direction, 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.

Find a guitar image online with a finish you particularly like, print it out and reference it often.

When audio engineers first start out they are told to use a reference point in the form of a studio recording to get an impression of how the guitars should sound, this is exactly the same principle.

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.

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