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X-style DIY Guitar Kits

Build your own DIY EXP-style guitar using one of these DIY kits. The EXP-shaped kits could be considered one of the easier to assemble DIY electric guitar kits with simple wiring, and the option for either set or bolt-on neck. The flat body and straight lines also make sanding and finishing a breeze compared to the more rounded contoured solid body or hollow body kits.

If you have never assembled or finished an electric guitar before, the EXP-shaped body makes for a good starting point. In fact, we have a complete run-through showing all of the steps involved in assembly right here:

Contact our support team at support@guitarkitworld.com if you have any further questions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Our stock kits contain all necessary parts (unless stated otherwise on the product page).

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.

Most of our kits require basic soldering. If you're new to it, check out our wiring guide here.
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.

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.

More Frequently Asked Questions

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