AKLOT or STRICH? Electric Guitar Kits Compared in 2026
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
This AKLOT vs STRICH electric guitar kit comparison looks at two beginner bundles. Both include a 10W amp and HSS pickups. The main difference lies in the neck construction. AKLOT uses roasted maple with a jatoba fretboard. STRICH uses standard maple. You also get different included accessories. This guide breaks down the specs to help you choose.
Key differences
| Aspect | AKLOT Stryde Sunburst Beginner Electric Guitar Kit | STRICH 39" Beginner HSS Electric Guitar Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Neck Material | Roasted maple | Maple |
| Fretboard Material | Jatoba | Not listed |
| Body Type | Strat-style | Solid body |
| Color | Sunburst | Black |
| Included Accessories | Gig bag, amp, strap, tuner, cable, cloth, picks, tremolo arm, lesson book | Gig bag, amp, strap, tuner, cable, picks, capo, converter, spare strings |
Which one should you choose?
Choose AKLOT Stryde Sunburst Beginner Electric Guitar Kit if
- You want a roasted maple neck for stability.
- You prefer a jatoba fretboard surface.
- You need a tremolo arm for pitch modulation.
Choose STRICH 39" Beginner HSS Electric Guitar Kit if
- You prefer a standard maple neck.
- You want a capo included in the box.
- You like a black finish with a white pickguard.
Verdict: Choose the AKLOT kit if you value roasted maple stability and a jatoba fretboard. Pick the STRICH kit if you prefer a standard maple neck and want a capo included. Both offer solid HSS tone for beginners.
AKLOT vs STRICH Kit Comparison
Neck Material
The neck construction is the primary difference between these two beginner kits. AKLOT features a roasted maple neck, which is treated to improve stability and reduce sensitivity to humidity changes. This process helps prevent warping over time. STRICH uses standard maple for its neck. While maple is a classic choice for electric guitars, it lacks the specific moisture-resistant treatment found in the AKLOT model. For players in varying climates, the roasted maple on the AKLOT Stryde offers a more predictable performance, giving it the edge in long-term durability and playability consistency.
Fretboard Material
The material under your fingers changes how the guitar feels and sounds. AKLOT pairs its roasted maple neck with a jatoba fretboard. Jatoba is a dense hardwood that provides a smooth surface and helps prevent fret edge protrusion, which can be uncomfortable for beginners. STRICH does not explicitly list its fretboard material in the provided specifications, though it mentions polished nickel alloy frets. Without a specified hardwood like jatoba, the STRICH kit relies on standard construction. The explicit use of jatoba in the AKLOT bundle offers a known, high-quality playing surface that supports comfortable learning.
Body Type
Both guitars are designed for beginners, but they differ in body classification. AKLOT is described as a Strat-style guitar, which typically implies a contoured body shape for ergonomic comfort against the torso. STRICH is listed as a solid body guitar with a C-shaped contoured body. While both are solid bodies, the Strat-style designation often includes specific ergonomic contours and weight relief considerations. STRICH explicitly mentions a contoured body, ensuring comfort. However, the AKLOT's poplar body is noted for being light yet resonant. Both offer comfortable playing positions, making this a tie in terms of basic ergonomics for new players.
Pickup Configuration
Both kits feature HSS pickup configurations, which include a humbucker at the bridge and single-coils in the neck and middle positions. This setup provides versatility, allowing you to switch between bright, clear tones and thicker, warmer sounds. AKLOT specifies ceramic pickups and a coil-split switch, enabling you to access five distinct positions with coil-split ON and five more when OFF. STRICH also offers a five-way selector switch for tonal flexibility. Since both provide the same HSS layout and switching options, they offer comparable tonal ranges for exploring different music styles.
Included Amp Wattage
Amplification is crucial for practicing electric guitar. Both the AKLOT and STRICH beginner kits include a 10W mini amplifier. This wattage is sufficient for home practice and small room use, providing enough volume to hear the guitar clearly without being overwhelming. Neither kit offers a higher wattage amp in the standard bundle. Since both products provide the exact same power output for your practice sessions, there is no advantage to either side regarding amplification power. You get equal performance from the included speakers in both cases.
Color Options
Visual preference plays a role in choosing your first instrument. AKLOT offers six color variations, including Sunburst, Inferno Burst, Storm Blue, Violet Venom, Blaze Orange, and Phantom Black. These finishes range from classic to vibrant. STRICH provides a wider selection with thirteen variations, including Black, Sunburst, Sapphire Blue, Metal Red, and Midnight Blue Burst. STRICH also offers left-handed options, which AKLOT does not list. If you prefer a left-handed guitar or want more specific color choices, STRICH has the advantage. Otherwise, both offer stylish finishes to match your personal vibe.
Which Kit Suits Your Goals
You want a stable neck with glow markers
The roasted maple neck resists warping better than standard wood. Glow-in-the-dark fret markers help you practice in low light. The jatoba fretboard prevents sharp edges. This kit includes a gig bag, strap, and tuner. The coil-split switch offers five distinct tone positions for versatile playing styles.
You prefer a classic black finish with white pickguard
This model features a sleek black finish with a striking white pickguard. It includes a capo and audio converter for recording. The slim C-shaped neck offers comfortable handling. You get two tone knobs and a volume knob for precise control. The solid body construction provides reliable performance for beginners.
You need left-handed or SSS configuration options
STRICH offers variations for left-handed players and SSS pickup setups. The AKLOT data only lists right-handed HSS options. If you require a non-standard orientation or single-coil configuration, this kit provides the necessary variety. It also includes a digital tuner and spare strings for immediate use.
The products compared
AKLOT Stryde Sunburst Beginner Electric Guitar Kit
Best for: Beginners wanting a complete Strat-style kit
- Body Material
- poplar
- Neck Material
- roasted maple
- Fretboard Material
- jatoba
- Pickup Configuration
- HSS
- Hand Orientation
- right-handed
- Body Type
- Strat-style
View on Amazon: AKLOT Stryde Sunburst Beginner Electric Guitar Kit Affiliate link
The AKLOT Stryde is a right-handed, Strat-style electric guitar kit designed for beginners. It features a poplar body, roasted maple neck, and HSS pickup configuration. The package includes a 10W amp and lesson book. The Stryde offers five pickup positions with coil-split options for varied tones. It includes glow-in-the-dark fret markers and a gig bag. This kit suits new players seeking a complete setup.
Pros
- HSS pickup configuration with coil-split switch
- Roasted maple neck and jatoba fingerboard
- Includes 10W mini amp and gig bag
- Glow-in-the-dark fret markers for low light
Cons
- Heavier at 7.49 pounds compared to lighter competitors
- Smaller 10W amp limits volume and tone depth
- No mention of Bluetooth connectivity or app support
Good fit if
- You want a complete starter pack with amp
- You prefer Strat-style body aesthetics
- You practice in dimly lit environments
Skip if
- You need a lightweight instrument under 7 pounds
- You require high-wattage amplification for gigs
- You prioritize app-based learning tools
Verdict: The AKLOT Stryde Electric Guitar Kit provides a comprehensive beginner setup with versatile HSS tones and a 10W amp. It fits new players who value a complete package and Strat-style design over ultra-lightweight portability.
STRICH 39" Beginner HSS Electric Guitar Kit
Best for: beginners wanting a complete HSS setup
- Body Material
- poplar
- Neck Material
- maple
- Pickup Configuration
- HSS
- Body Type
- solid body
- Included Amp Wattage
- 10W
- Hand Orientation
- Right-Handed
View on Amazon: STRICH 39" Beginner HSS Electric Guitar Kit Affiliate link
This STRICH kit includes a 39-inch solid body electric guitar with a poplar body and maple neck. It features an HSS pickup configuration with two single-coils and one humbucker. The set includes a 10W amp, gig bag, tuner, and accessories. It suits beginners seeking a complete setup with versatile tonal options for various music styles.
Pros
- HSS pickup configuration for versatile tone
- Includes 10W portable mini amplifier
- Solid poplar body with maple neck
- Five-way pickup selector switch
- Complete accessory set with gig bag
Cons
- Right-handed orientation only in this variation
- Single color option listed as Black
- Limited to 10W amp output power
Good fit if
- You want a complete starter kit with amp
- You prefer HSS pickup versatility
- You are a beginner looking for solid body playability
Skip if
- You need left-handed configuration
- You require multiple color choices
- You prefer high-wattage amplification
Verdict: STRICH 39" Solid Body HSS Electric Guitar Kit provides a solid foundation for beginners with its HSS pickups and included 10W amp. It fits players who want a complete, versatile setup without extra purchases.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | AKLOT Stryde Sunburst Beginner Electric Guitar Kit | STRICH 39" Beginner HSS Electric Guitar Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Body Material | poplar | poplar |
| Neck Material | roasted maple | maple |
| Fretboard Material | jatoba | not stated |
| Pickup Configuration | HSS | HSS |
| Hand Orientation | right-handed | not stated |
| Body Type | Strat-style | solid body |
| Included Amp Wattage | 10W | 10W |
| Target Audience | Beginners | Beginners |
| Color | Sunburst | Black |
| Dimensions | 39 × 2.35 × 12.8 inches | 39 × 39 × 39 inches |
| Weight | 7.49 pounds | not stated |
| Size | 38.97 x 2.35 x 12.79 inches | 39" |
| Model | STR-Crest IB | not stated |
Frequently asked questions
Which kit is better for small hands?
The AKLOT Stryde kit has a narrower neck width of 2.35 inches. This dimension is explicitly listed in its specifications. The STRICH kit lists its width as 39 inches, which refers to the total length. A narrower neck is generally easier for smaller hands to reach across.
Do both kits include a 10W amp?
Yes, both bundles include a 10W amplifier. The AKLOT Stryde verdict mentions the amp as part of the complete beginner setup. The STRICH kit also includes a 10W amp in its description. This allows you to start playing immediately without buying extra equipment.
What is the difference in pickup configuration?
Both kits use the same HSS pickup configuration. This means each guitar has a Humbucker in the bridge and two Single-coil pickups. This setup offers versatility for different genres. The AKLOT kit comes in a Sunburst finish, while the STRICH kit is Black.
Which guitar is lighter to carry?
The AKLOT Stryde kit weighs 7.49 pounds. The STRICH kit does not list a specific weight in its provided data. For portability, the AKLOT kit has defined dimensions and weight. You can easily transport it for lessons or practice sessions.
Is the AKLOT neck made of roasted maple?
Yes, the AKLOT Stryde features a roasted maple neck. This treatment improves stability and reduces sensitivity to humidity. The STRICH kit uses standard maple. Roasted maple can offer better resistance to warping over time compared to untreated wood.
Which kit is right-handed?
The STRICH kit is explicitly listed as right-handed. The AKLOT kit is designed for beginners and follows standard Strat-style design conventions. Most beginner kits are right-handed unless specified otherwise. Check the product details if you are left-handed.
Does the AKLOT kit come in other colors?
The data provided lists the AKLOT Stryde kit in Sunburst. The STRICH kit is available in Black. The specific color options for each model are limited to what is listed in their respective product attributes.