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RIC-style DIY Guitar Kits

The jangle-tone guitar is one of the most distinctive sounds in popular music. That chiming, bell-like clean tone defined entire genres and continues to inspire players who want clarity and character in every note.

Our retro semi-hollow guitar kits capture that signature jangle with distinctive body shapes, through-body neck construction, and pickups voiced for bright, articulate cleans. These kits produce a tone that sits in its own space, different from any standard solid body or semi-hollow design.

Building a retro jangle-tone kit is an intermediate to advanced project. The unique body construction and specialized hardware require more attention to detail than a standard solid body build. The binding, body contours, and pickup mounting are all specific to this design, so take your time and follow the build guide closely.

Each kit ships with a pre-shaped body, neck, all hardware, pickups, and wiring. The distinctive look and unmistakable tone of a jangle guitar make this a standout build project for any guitar enthusiast.

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Body Construction

These kits feature semi-hollow construction with a distinctive body shape that contributes to the airy, chiming tone.

Pickup Voicing

The pickups in these kits are wound for bright, articulate clean tones with strong high-end presence and clear note separation.

Neck Construction

Through-body or set-neck construction provides sustain and resonance that complements the semi-hollow body.

Hardware Style

Vintage-inspired tuners, bridge, and tailpiece complete the retro aesthetic and functional design.

Frequently Asked Questions

What genre suits a jangle-tone guitar?

Jangle-tone guitars are a natural fit for indie rock, power pop, new wave, and any style that values bright, chiming clean tones. They also work well for folk-rock and alternative where you want clarity without acoustic warmth.

How difficult is this kit to build?

This is an intermediate to advanced build. The body shape, binding details, and specialized hardware all require more care than a standard solid body kit. Budget extra time for the assembly and take it step by step.

Can I get heavy tones from a jangle-tone guitar?

These guitars are designed for clean and mid-gain tones. You can push them into overdrive, but their strength is in bright, articulate playing. If you want heavy distortion as your primary tone, a solid body design will serve you better.

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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.

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