Getting Started
Get started with your DIY guitar build: essential tools, step-by-step assembly guides & expert tips from Guitar Kit World.
Start Your DIY Guitar Kit Project
Hello, guitar builder! ✋Playing a guitar you’ve built yourself is one of the most satisfying things you can do. Visit our In Stock DIY Guitar Kits page to see what’s available now. If you’re a left-handed builder, we’ve got something for you here. To
What tools are required to assemble a kit guitar?
A list of tools that can help DIY Guitar Builders assemble and finish kit guitars to a high standard. The right tool for the job. Chances are, most of us have heard the saying, along with other gems such as measure twice, cut once repeated more than
What makes a guitar kit beginner friendly?
Interested in building your first guitar, but prefer to start with something simple?. In the following article, I’m going to explain what makes a beginner-friendly guitar kit. I’ll also introduce you to 5 beginner friendly guitar kits, and provide so
Guitar Kit Styles For Musical Genres
New to the guitar? Interested in assembling a guitar kit and learning to play but unsure which guitar kit options are going to best suit your needs?. While, assembly, cost, and aesthetic appeal will all play a role, for the most part, your choice of
Why are your Custom Shop kits more expensive than stock kits?
Our stock kits start from $179.99 and include free shipping to most countries.Stock kits are more affordable because we build, ship, and store them in batches, unlike our Custom Shop kits, which are produced and shipped individually.In terms of quali
Where are your DIY guitar kits made?
All Guitar Kit World DIY kits are manufactured in China by our long-term luthier partners to our own specs. We’ve worked with the same workshops since 2013 and every kit goes through quality checks before it leaves the factory. Where do orders ship f
Can I buy kit parts separately, or order a kit without hardware?
No, we do not sell guitar kit parts separately. Bodies, necks, hardware and electronics are not available on their own. Every kit is sold as a complete set so that all the parts are matched and ready to build into a working instrument. There is one e
Do you offer upgraded hardware sets?
No, at the moment, we don't offer hardware upgrade options. All the hardware, electronics, and other accessories used on our DIY kits are non-branded. For now, we recommend our advanced builders order our kits without hardware and then install their
Do you sell on Amazon, Ebay, Reverd or other marketplaces?
No. Guitar Kit World kits are sold exclusively through our official website: www.guitarkitworld.com. We do not have any other domain names. We do not sell on Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Reverb, AliExpress, or any other third-party marketplace. If you see our
Is everything included to build a working electric guitar?
Stock and Preorder kits: Body, neck, pickups/electronics, tuners, bridge, controls, screws and other model-specific hardware are included to build a fully functional DIY guitar. Any exceptions will be clearly stated on the product page. Custom Shop k
How good are your DIY guitar kits?
We stand behind the quality of our products and provide a limited warranty on all purchases.Read our Refund Policy to learn more.See what other builders say on our Customer Reviews page or follow us on social media:
Do you offer bolt-on and set neck guitars?
We offer bolt-on and set-neck DIY kits. We don’t currently offer neck-through kits. Check the “Specifications” on each product page to confirm the neck joint type.
Do you sell finished, painted, or completed guitars?
No. Guitar Kit World sells unfinished DIY guitar kits only. Every kit arrives unassembled, unpainted and unfinished, so the building and the finishing are yours to do. No. We do not sell finished, ready-to-play or fully assembled guitars. Every produ
How long will it take to have a playable guitar?
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 gui
Do you have printed handbook manuals for your kits?
Our DIY guitar kits don’t include printed handbook manuals, but we provide online tutorials with step-by-step videos covering assembly, wiring, finishing, and setup. If you get stuck, our Builder Success Team can help. Take a picture of the question
Do you really have the widest selection of DIY kits?
Yes. We stock one of the widest ranges online: classic and modern shapes, left-handed, bass, baritone, 4/7-string, veneer-top and blank kits, plus limited-run customs. If you don’t see what you want, tell us and we’ll try to source it.
What are your shipping costs?
Shipping is free to 100+ countries for our DIY guitar kits. See our Shipping page for details.
I can’t find the exact kit I’m after. How do I search better?
Try these quick paths:. US in-stock (ships to US only): browse US in-stock kits. Worldwide in-stock: browse worldwide in-stock kits. Left-handed: add /lefty to the end of either collection URL (e.g., …/guitar-kits/lefty). Blank kits (design your own
The kit I want is out of stock. Will it come back?
Often, yes, but many of our designs are limited runs. Check both US and International collections above, or contact us and we’ll recommend the closest in-stock option or note your interest for the next batch.
Are there budget-friendly ways to start?
Absolutely. We add in-stock kits that are on sale here: Guitar Kit Deals. Tips to keep costs down:
I’m new. Can I actually build one?
Yes! Many first-time builders start with our beginner-friendly models. Use our starter hub and guides:
How do I find left-handed kits?
Left-handed: add /lefty to the end of either collection URL (e.g., …/guitar-kits/lefty). All Custom Shop kits have left-handed versions: browse the Custom Shop.
Are finishing materials included?
No. You’ll purchase paint/stain/clear and a few common tools separately. Start with our DIY guitar kit project hub, and see the luthier tool list for what you’ll need.
Will aftermarket parts fit?
Most routes follow common sizes, but tolerances vary. If you’re planning specific third-party hardware, send us the model and we’ll confirm fit.
Do I have to solder?
Yes, most of our DIY kits need to be soldered. But some guitar kits are low-solder or use pre-wired assemblies. Check the product page, or browse our low-solder kits.
Do you offer support if I get stuck?
Of course. Send us photos/questions. Our Builder Success Team and community resources will help you finish strong.
Do you offer discounts or kit deals?
Check our current kit deals. You can also join our newsletter to stay up to date with our latest giveaways and promotions.
What ages are kits suitable for?
Builders under 18 should work with adult supervision. Finishing products and tools require care.
Do you sell gift cards?
Yes! Our digital gift cards are ideal when you’re unsure about body style, lefty/righty, or skill level. They’re delivered by email with a unique code and simple redemption instructions. Available in multiple amounts ($50 to $500), and usable at chec
Do you offer educator discounts or bulk pricing for STEM programs?
Yes. We partner with schools, universities, and makerspaces worldwide. Our DIY guitar kits are built for hands-on STEM, covering electronics, acoustics, design, and problem-solving. Qualified programs receive discounted pricing and a personalized kit
What is a Blank DIY Guitar Kit, and who is it for?
Blank kits give total creative control: custom body/headstock shapes, ergonomic cuts, pickup/layout choices, even weight relief. It’s ideal for ambitious beginners with tool access, intermediate builders, and STEM classrooms that want real design/eng
How Do Electric Guitars Work
If you are into building electric guitars (chances are since you are on a custom guitar building site you most likely are) like our community of DIY guitar builders then you probably have spent quite a bit of time tinkering with your guitar's look an
Why Build a DIY Guitar Kit Instead of Buying a Guitar?
If you’re asking yourself: “Why should I build a DIY guitar kit instead of buying a guitar like an Epiphone Les Paul or Fender Strat?”, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions new builders ask. The short answer: a DIY guitar kit gives
Where are you based?
The Guitar Kit World team is a group of guitar enthusiasts from the US, Australia, the Philippines, Kyrgyzstan, China and Canada who have been helping thousands of DIY guitar builders worldwide for more than a decade through quality DIY kits and prac
How to measure your scale length (and why it may look wrong)
Almost always, no. Nine times out of ten this is a measuring quirk rather than a fault with your kit. There are two versions of this worry, and both are normal:. Your neck measures shorter than the listed scale length. This is usually a measuring mis
Something on the website is not working. How do I report it?
If something on our website is not behaving, please tell us. Most site problems are quick to fix once we can see what you are seeing, and reporting one helps every other builder who would have hit the same thing. A lot of website oddities clear up in