Helping Builders Create Their Own Guitars

No experience needed. Most of our customers are first-time builders and get great results. Each of our kits includes a build difficulty score to help you choose confidently. We recommend first-time builders start with kits rated under 5, as these are designed to be the most beginner-friendly. Lower scores mean an easier build, while higher scores indicate more challenge. If you can follow instructions and use a screwdriver, you can successfully build one of our kits. Most people spend a few weekends on it and end up with a guitar they’re genuinely proud of.

Most of our kits include a pre-shaped body, a pre-shaped neck with frets installed, all hardware (bridge, tuners, pickguard, knobs, strap buttons), pickups, electronics, strings, and an Allen wrench set. Some kits are sold as blank bodies or partial builds, so what's included can vary. Custom Shop orders can also be tailored to your preferences, like choosing an unshaped neck if you want to carve your own profile. Every product page lists the exact components for that specific kit, so check there to know exactly what you're getting before you order.

For the basic build: a screwdriver, sandpaper (220-400 grit), a soldering iron for the wiring, and your choice of finish (stain, oil, or spray). A set of Allen wrenches is included. For a complete breakdown, see our tools for DIY guitar kits guide. Nice to have but not essential: a drill, clamps, and painter's tape. We provide written manuals, video instructions, and a builder success team who can help you with assembly, wiring, and even suggest different finishes. You're never on your own.

Yes. Most of our kits use standard sizing for body cavities, mounting holes, and hardware, so aftermarket pickups from brands like Seymour Duncan, DiMarzio, or EMG fit right in. Same goes for tuners, bridges, and nuts. Many of our builders play the kit as-is and love it, while others enjoy swapping in their favorite parts to personalize the sound and feel. That's the beauty of building your own, you can make it exactly how you want it.

It depends on the kit. We use mahogany, basswood, alder, and paulownia for bodies, and mahogany or maple for necks. Fretboards are typically rosewood, ebony, or pau ferro. Many of our kits feature flame maple or quilted maple tops. The specific woods are listed on every product page. Our builders regularly tell us the wood quality is what surprised them most, especially the grain patterns on our maple-topped kits.

Our kits are manufactured overseas and shipped directly to you. We work closely with our manufacturing partners on design specs, wood selection, and quality standards. Every kit design is developed by our team, and we provide the support, build guides, and warranty that you won't get ordering from a random overseas seller. If anything arrives damaged or defective, our support team makes it right.

Shipping times depend on your order type and location. For stock orders shipping from our US warehouse, most US customers receive their kit within 8 to 12 business days. Stock orders from our international warehouse typically take 4 to 6 weeks. Custom Shop and Pre-orders have their own timeline, the estimated ship date is listed on the product page. No matter where you are, you'll get a tracking number by email once your kit ships so you can follow it the whole way. We also offer free shipping to over 100 countries, including the United States.

You've got a lot of options, and that's part of the fun. Most builders use stain, oil finish (like Danish oil or Tru-Oil), or spray lacquer. Stain is the most popular because it's easy and lets the wood grain show through. If you're not sure which route to take, check out our guitar finish guide for help choosing the right option. We have finishing tutorials that walk you through each method step by step. You don't need a spray booth or expensive equipment, many of our best-looking builds were finished with a can of stain and a rag.

Reach out to our support team and we'll sort it out. If a part is missing, we'll ship a replacement. If something arrived damaged, send us a photo and we'll get you a replacement part or a new kit, whatever makes sense. We know how frustrating it is to be mid-build and hit a roadblock, so we try to respond quickly and get you back on track. You can also review full details in our refund policy.

Yes. We offer a 14-Day Satisfaction Guarantee. If you haven't opened or started building the kit, you can return it within 14 days of receiving your order for a full refund, you just cover the cost of return shipping. And if anything arrives damaged or defective, our 30-Day Defect Coverage has you covered with a replacement part or refund. We'd rather fix the problem than lose a builder. For complete terms, see our refund policy.