Build a One-of-a-Kind Guitar You'll Love Playing

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.

It depends on which warehouse fulfills your kit, shown on the product page before you buy. Orders from our U.S. warehouse to a U.S. address typically arrive within 1 to 2 weeks. Orders from our international warehouse arrive in 2 to 6 weeks. Pre-order and Custom Shop kits take longer (pre-orders about 3 to 6 months, Custom Shop about 8 months), with the timeline shown on the product page. Every order is tracked from dispatch to your doorstep.

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.

Safety note: rags used with an oil finish give off heat as they cure and can catch fire if left in a pile. Lay them flat to dry outdoors, or soak them in water, before you throw them away.

Our 30-Day Defect Coverage has you covered. Contact us with a photo or short video within 30 days and we'll make it right with a replacement part, a partial refund, or a full refund, whichever fits best. We've shipped thousands of kits and stand behind every one. For complete terms, see our Refund Policy.

Yes. We offer a 14-Day Satisfaction Guarantee on in-stock kits. If you haven't opened or started the build, return it within 14 days of delivery for a full refund (you cover return shipping). Custom Shop orders are made to order and are excluded, see our Refund Policy for their terms.