9 Best Electric Guitar Kits with Basswood, Compared
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You need reliable best electric guitar kits with basswood to build a solid instrument. We compared 9 options using only the specifications published on their listings. The Fistrock Beginner DIY Kit Basswood Flame Maple Top leads because it includes a flame maple top for visual appeal alongside the basswood body. This kit weighs just 9 ounces, making it easy to handle during assembly. Each pick here is ranked by how well its specs match common build goals. Use this guide to decide which kit fits your skill level and desired sound.
Quick picks
The best fit for you
- You want the most compact model on the list Fistrock Beginner DIY Kit Basswood Flame Maple Top It weighs only 9 ounces and stands 37.8 inches tall.
- You need a tremolo-equipped build without soldering Fistrock DIY 7V-Style Guitar Kit It features HSH pickups and a double-locking tremolo system.
- You want a lightweight semi-hollow Tele kit Fistrock Semi-Hollow TL DIY Kit Basswood/Maple It weighs just 7.15 pounds and comes with pre-assembled wiring.
Our 9 picks
Fistrock Beginner DIY Kit Basswood Flame Maple Top
Best for: beginners building a custom basswood electric guitar
- Body Material
- Basswood (what this guide is about)
- Neck Material
- hard maple
- Fretboard Material
- rosewood
- Body Type
- solid body
- Target Audience
- Beginners
- Color
- Natural
View on Amazon: Fistrock Beginner DIY Kit Basswood Flame Maple Top
This Fistrock DIY kit gives you a basswood solid body with a flame maple veneer top, a hard maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard. It includes all the parts you need to build your own electric guitar. The body and headstock come unfinished so you can customize the look. It is designed for beginners who want to learn assembly and finishing.
Pros
- Basswood body with flame maple veneer top for a classic look
- Hard maple neck and rosewood fretboard for smooth playability
- Unfinished body and headstock allow full customization
- All parts included in one box for convenience
- Sustainable tone woods used for fretboard
Cons
- Requires additional tools like a soldering iron and screwdriver
- No pickguard or electronics pre-installed
- Weight listed as 9 ounces may be a shipping weight, not guitar weight
Good fit if
- You are a beginner wanting to build your first electric guitar from a kit
- You want a basswood body with a flame maple top for a decorative finish
- You plan to paint or stain the body and headstock to your own design
Skip if
- You want a fully assembled guitar ready to play out of the box
- You prefer a kit with a pre-finished body or a different body wood
- You need a guitar with a tremolo bridge or locking tuners
Verdict: Fistrock DIY Beginner Kit Basswood Flame Maple Top is a solid choice for beginners who want to build and customize their own electric guitar with a basswood body and flame maple veneer.
Fistrock DIY JS Style Guitar Kit Basswood Maple Neck
Best for: Beginners building their first custom electric guitar
- Body Material
- Basswood (what this guide is about)
- Neck Material
- hard maple
- Fretboard Material
- poplar laminated
- Body Type
- JS style
- Target Audience
- Beginners
- Dimensions
- 27 × 19 × 2.4 inches
View on Amazon: Fistrock DIY JS Style Guitar Kit Basswood Maple Neck
This Fistrock DIY kit gives you everything needed to build your own JS-style electric guitar. It has a basswood body and a hard maple neck with a poplar laminated fretboard. The body comes cut and sanded but unfinished, so you can paint or stain it. Full instructions are included, but you will need a soldering iron and screwdriver. It is designed for beginners.
Pros
- Includes all necessary parts and hardware in one box
- Basswood body is cut and sanded but unfinished for custom finishing
- Hard maple neck with poplar laminated fretboard
- Unfinished headstock allows custom marking or design
Cons
- Requires additional tools like a soldering iron and screwdriver
- Fretboard is poplar laminated, not a traditional rosewood or maple
Good fit if
- You want a complete kit to build your first electric guitar
- You plan to customize the body and headstock with your own paint or stain
- You are a beginner looking for an affordable DIY project
Skip if
- You prefer a fully assembled guitar ready to play out of the box
- You want a kit with a traditional rosewood or maple fretboard
- You are not comfortable with soldering or basic tool use
Verdict: Fistrock JS Style Basswood DIY Guitar Kit is a solid choice for beginners who want a complete DIY kit with a basswood body and hard maple neck, offering room for customization.
ModouString 24-Fret Basswood Guitar Kit
Best for: DIY players wanting a 24-fret basswood guitar with a mahogany neck
- Body Material
- Basswood (what this guide is about)
- Neck Material
- Mahogany
- Fretboard Material
- Rosewood
- Scale Length
- 25.5 inch
This ModouString electric guitar kit gives you a basswood body, a mahogany neck, and a 24-fret rosewood fretboard. The 25.5-inch scale length and bolt-on heel make assembly straightforward. It is a full-size build that suits beginners and DIY players who want a lightweight, resonant guitar with a warm tone.
Pros
- Lightweight basswood body with balanced tone and sustain
- 24-fret rosewood fretboard for extended range and warm tone
- Mahogany neck provides stability and resonance
- Bolt-on heel design for easy neck attachment
- Complete kit includes all necessary hardware
Cons
- No flame maple top or ash burl top like some other kits on this list
- Only one color option in the base kit (Unique Style)
Good fit if
- You want a 24-fret guitar kit for extended soloing range
- You prefer a mahogany neck for added warmth and stability
- You are looking for a straightforward bolt-on assembly project
Skip if
- You want a double-neck guitar kit (bass and guitar)
- You need a semi-hollow body design
- You prefer a flame maple or ash burl top on your basswood body
Verdict: ModouString 24-Fret Basswood Guitar Kit is a solid choice for a 24-fret DIY build with a basswood body and mahogany neck, offering easy assembly and a warm tone at a full-size scale.
Fistrock Tele Style Basswood with Ash Burl Top
Best for: budget-conscious beginners wanting a customizable Tele-style build
- Body Material
- Basswood (what this guide is about)
- Neck Material
- hard maple
- Fretboard Material
- engineered wood
- Number of Strings
- 6
- Body Type
- solid body
- Dimensions
- 28 × 19 × 2.4 inches
View on Amazon: Fistrock Tele Style Basswood with Ash Burl Top
This Fistrock DIY guitar kit gives you a solid body Tele-style build with a basswood body and ash burl top. It includes a hard maple neck, engineered wood fretboard, single-coil pickups, and a Tele-style bridge. The body and headstock come unfinished, so you can customize the look. It is a good choice for a beginner-level build with all necessary parts included.
Pros
- Basswood body with ash burl top for a distinctive look
- Hard maple neck and engineered wood fretboard included
- Comes with single-coil pickups, Tele-style bridge, and die-cast chrome machine heads
- Body and headstock are unfinished for full customization
- All necessary parts and hardware are included in one box
Cons
- Fretboard material is engineered wood, not a traditional tonewood
- Some extra tools like a soldering iron and screwdriver are required for assembly
- No mention of included tools or assembly aids beyond instructions
Good fit if
- You want a Tele-style guitar kit with a basswood body and a decorative ash burl top
- You are a beginner looking for a complete kit with all parts included
- You plan to customize the finish and headstock design yourself
Skip if
- You prefer a traditional rosewood or maple fretboard over engineered wood
- You want a kit that includes all necessary tools for assembly
- You need a guitar with a finished body ready to play out of the box
Verdict: Fistrock Tele Style Basswood with Ash Burl Top is a complete DIY kit for beginners who want a Tele-style guitar with a basswood body and ash burl top, though the engineered wood fretboard and need for extra tools are trade-offs.
Fistrock Tele Style Basswood Body with Ash Burl Top
Best for: custom Tele style builds with an ash burl top
- Body Material
- Basswood (what this guide is about)
- Neck Material
- hard maple
- Fretboard Material
- rosewood
- Number of Strings
- 6
- Body Type
- Tele style
- Dimensions
- 28 × 19 × 2.4 inches
View on Amazon: Fistrock Tele Style Basswood Body with Ash Burl Top
This Fistrock DIY kit gives you a Tele style electric guitar with a basswood body and ash burl top. It includes a hard maple neck, rosewood fretboard, S-S pickups, a tele type bridge, and die-cast chrome machine heads. The body and headstock arrive unfinished, so you can apply your own paint, stain, or varnish. It suits a beginner builder who wants a complete parts set in one box.
Pros
- Basswood body with ash burl top
- Hard maple neck with rosewood fretboard
- S-S pickups with a tele type bridge
- Die-cast chrome machine heads
- Body and headstock come unfinished for custom finishing
Cons
- Requires extra tools such as a soldering iron and screwdriver
- Unfinished body and headstock need your own finishing work
Good fit if
- You want a Tele style kit with a basswood body and ash burl top
- You plan to paint, stain, or varnish the body yourself
- You want a complete set of parts without sourcing hardware separately
Skip if
- You want a finished guitar ready to play out of the box
- You prefer a non-Tele body style
- You are not prepared to solder and assemble components
Verdict: Fistrock Tele Style DIY Kit Basswood w/ Ash Burl Top is a complete Tele style kit with a basswood body, ash burl top, hard maple neck, and rosewood fretboard. It gives you a solid foundation for a custom-finish beginner build.
Fistrock DIY 7V-Style Guitar Kit
Best for: players seeking a tremolo-equipped, solder-free build
- Body Material
- Basswood (what this guide is about)
- Neck Material
- Hard maple
- Fretboard Material
- Rosewood
- Pickup Configuration
- HSH
- Body Type
- 7V-style
- Dimensions
- 12 × 1.69 × 39 inches
This Fistrock DIY kit gives you an unfinished basswood 7V-style body, a hard maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard. It comes with HSH pickups and a double-locking tremolo system. The wiring harness is pre-assembled, so you can build without soldering. It is a good choice for players who want a premium feature set and the freedom to customize the finish.
Pros
- HSH pickup configuration for versatile tones
- Double-locking tremolo system with whammy bar for pitch bending
- Pre-assembled wiring harness, no soldering required
- Unfinished body and uncut headstock for full customization
Cons
- Heavier than some kits at 6.93 pounds
- No assembly instructions included in the box; must request them via email
Good fit if
- You want a kit with a double-locking tremolo for expressive playing
- You prefer a pre-wired harness to avoid soldering
- You are comfortable requesting instructions separately
Skip if
- You want a lighter guitar kit under 6 pounds
- You need printed instructions included in the box
Verdict: Fistrock 7V-Style Basswood Guitar Kit stands out with its HSH pickups and double-locking tremolo, offering a premium feature set for DIY builders who want expressive playability and full customization.
Fistrock Double Neck DIY Bass & Guitar Kit
Best for: builders wanting a DIY guitar and bass combo
- Body Material
- Basswood (what this guide is about)
- Neck Material
- hard maple
- Fretboard Material
- engineered wood
- Number of Strings
- 6
- Body Type
- double neck
- Color
- Natural
This Fistrock kit lets you build both a 6-string guitar and a 4-string bass in one project. The double neck basswood body and twin hard maple necks are unfinished, so you can customize the look. It includes humbucker pickups, a 3-way toggle, and die-cast chrome machine heads. Some tools like a soldering iron and screwdriver are needed. It suits adventurous builders who want a unique two-in-one instrument.
Pros
- Double neck design combines a 6-string guitar and 4-string bass in one kit
- Basswood body and hard maple necks provide a classic tone wood combination
- Unfinished body and headstock allow full customization of paint and finish
- Includes humbucker pickups, 3-way toggle, and die-cast chrome machine heads
Cons
- Weighs 15.9 pounds, significantly heavier than single-neck kits
- Fretboard is engineered wood rather than a traditional hardwood like rosewood
- Some tools required (soldering iron, screwdriver) not included in the box
Good fit if
- You want to build both a guitar and bass from a single kit
- You enjoy customizing the finish and headstock design yourself
- You are comfortable with soldering and basic assembly work
Skip if
- You prefer a lighter, more standard single-neck instrument
- You want a ready-to-play instrument with no assembly required
- You expect a traditional rosewood or maple fretboard
Verdict: Fistrock Double Neck DIY Bass and Guitar Kit offers a unique two-in-one build experience with basswood bodies and hard maple necks, but its 15.9-pound weight and engineered wood fretboard are trade-offs for the double neck design.
Fistrock Semi-Hollow TL DIY Kit Basswood Maple Neck
Best for: DIY builders wanting a semi-hollow TL with tremolo
- Body Material
- Basswood (what this guide is about)
- Neck Material
- Hard maple
- Fretboard Material
- Rosewood
- Body Type
- Semi-hollow (TL style)
- Dimensions
- 12.6 × 1.77 × 37.4 inches
- Weight
- 8.25 pounds
View on Amazon: Fistrock Semi-Hollow TL DIY Kit Basswood Maple Neck
This Fistrock semi-hollow DIY guitar kit gives you a TL-style basswood body with a hard maple neck and rosewood fretboard. The unfinished wood lets you customize the finish. Its semi-hollow construction with a single F-hole delivers warmer resonance than a solid body. The Bigsby-style tremolo bridge adds vibrato. Pre-wired electronics simplify assembly, and the precision-milled neck pocket ensures a tight fit.
Pros
- Semi-hollow basswood body with F-hole for warmer, richer tone
- Bigsby-style tremolo bridge for expressive vibrato
- Pre-assembled plug-and-play wiring harness; no drilling needed
- Precision-milled neck pocket for tight fit and vibration transfer
- Unfinished body and uncut headstock for full customization
Cons
- Heavier than some solid-body kits at 8.25 pounds
- Requires soldering iron and screwdriver for assembly
- No printed instructions included; must request via email
Good fit if
- You want a semi-hollow guitar with warmer resonance than a solid body
- You enjoy customizing the finish and headstock shape from raw wood
- You prefer a tremolo bridge for vibrato effects
Skip if
- You want a fully assembled guitar, not a DIY project
- You prefer a solid-body guitar for maximum sustain
- You want a lightweight guitar under 7 pounds
Verdict: Fistrock Semi-Hollow TL Style Basswood DIY Kit is a solid choice for DIY builders who want a semi-hollow TL-style guitar with a Bigsby tremolo and the freedom to customize the finish.
Fistrock Semi-Hollow TL DIY Kit Basswood/Maple
Best for: customizers wanting a lighter semi-hollow Tele kit
- Body Material
- Basswood (what this guide is about)
- Neck Material
- Hard maple
- Fretboard Material
- Rosewood
- Body Type
- Semi-hollow (Tele style)
- Dimensions
- 1.69 × 3.25 × 12.6 inches
- Weight
- 7.15 pounds
View on Amazon: Fistrock Semi-Hollow TL DIY Kit Basswood/Maple
This is a semi-hollow Tele-style DIY kit with a basswood body, hard maple neck, and rosewood fretboard. The body comes cut, sanded, and unfinished, so you can stain, paint, or varnish it. The wiring harness is pre-assembled, and the neck pocket is precision-milled for a tight fit. It suits first-time builders and customizers who want a lighter, resonant guitar.
Pros
- Semi-hollow basswood body with F-hole keeps weight reasonable and adds resonant character
- Hard maple neck and rosewood fretboard in natural raw wood
- Unfinished body and uncut headstock allow full customization
- Pre-assembled plug-and-play wiring harness needs no soldering or drilling
- Precision-machined neck pocket for a tight, stable fit
Cons
- Instruction manual is not included in the box and must be requested by email
- Some tools, such as a soldering iron and screwdriver, are still needed for assembly
- No finish or paint is included, so you must supply your own
Good fit if
- You want a semi-hollow Tele-style guitar with a lighter body
- You plan to customize the finish, paint, or headstock shape
- You want an easier assembly with pre-wired electronics
Skip if
- You prefer a solid-body guitar for maximum sustain
- You want a fully finished and playable guitar out of the box
- You need a detailed printed manual included in the package
Verdict: Fistrock Semi-Hollow TL DIY Kit Basswood/Maple is a solid choice for a first DIY build, offering a lightweight semi-hollow body and pre-assembled wiring that simplify the process, though you will need to supply your own finish and request the manual.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Fistrock Beginner DIY Kit Basswood Flame Maple Top | Fistrock DIY JS Style Guitar Kit Basswood Maple Neck | ModouString 24-Fret Basswood Guitar Kit | Fistrock Tele Style Basswood with Ash Burl Top | Fistrock Tele Style Basswood Body with Ash Burl Top | Fistrock DIY 7V-Style Guitar Kit | Fistrock Double Neck DIY Bass & Guitar Kit | Fistrock Semi-Hollow TL DIY Kit Basswood Maple Neck | Fistrock Semi-Hollow TL DIY Kit Basswood/Maple |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Material | not specified | basswood | Basswood | basswood | basswood with ash burl top | Basswood | basswood | Basswood | Basswood |
| Neck Material | hard maple | hard maple | Mahogany | hard maple | hard maple | Hard maple | hard maple | Hard maple | Hard maple |
| Fretboard Material | rosewood | poplar laminated | Rosewood | engineered wood | rosewood | Rosewood | engineered wood | Rosewood | Rosewood |
| Pickup Configuration | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | HSH | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Number of Strings | not specified | not specified | not specified | 6 | 6 | not specified | 6 | not specified | not specified |
| Body Type | solid body | JS style | not specified | solid body | Tele style | 7V-style | double neck | Semi-hollow (TL style) | Semi-hollow (Tele style) |
| Scale Length | not specified | not specified | 25.5 inch | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Target Audience | Beginners | Beginners | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Color | Natural | Basswood Body | Unique Style | Engineered Wood Fretboard | Rosewood Fretboard | Unfinished | Natural | Unfinished | Unfinished |
| Dimensions | 12.2 × 1.89 × 37.8 inches | 27 × 19 × 2.4 inches | not specified | 28 × 19 × 2.4 inches | 28 × 19 × 2.4 inches | 12 × 1.69 × 39 inches | not specified | 12.6 × 1.77 × 37.4 inches | 1.69 × 3.25 × 12.6 inches |
| Weight | 9 ounces | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | 6.93 pounds | 15.9 pounds | 8.25 pounds | 7.15 pounds |
| Model | DIY SCT 01-R | DIY SJS 100 | not specified | DIY STL 100BNA-A | DIY STL 100BNA-R | DIY SGEM 09-R | DIY SBD | DIY STL 190-R | DIY STL 180-R |
| Size | not specified | 27 inches | Full Size | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified |
How to Choose the Right Basswood Guitar Kit
-
Check the number of strings
Most kits in this guide are designed for six-string electric guitars. This is the standard configuration for most players. You should verify the string count before buying to ensure compatibility with your hardware. The Fistrock Double Neck kit is an exception, offering both bass and guitar strings in one build. This unique option requires more space and effort. For most beginners, a standard six-string kit provides the best balance of versatility and ease of use. Stick to six strings unless you have specific needs.
-
Select the body type
You can choose between solid, semi-hollow, or double-neck bodies. Solid bodies like the Fistrock Beginner Kit offer a traditional feel. Semi-hollow models, such as the Fistrock Semi-Hollow TL DIY Kit, provide a lighter weight and different resonance. The Fistrock Semi-Hollow TL DIY Kit Basswood/Maple weighs just 7.15 pounds, making it easier to play for long sessions. Double-neck kits combine two instruments but add significant weight. Choose solid for classic tone, semi-hollow for weight savings, or double-neck for variety.
-
Review pickup configuration
Pickup types shape your sound significantly. Most kits use standard configurations, but the Fistrock DIY 7V-Style Guitar Kit stands out with HSH pickups. This setup offers a wide range of tones, from clean to high-gain. If you play rock or metal, HSH pickups provide the versatility you need. Standard single-coil or humbucker setups work well for blues or jazz. Check the product specifications to confirm the pickup layout. This decision affects your tonal palette more than any other component.
-
Compare neck materials
Neck material influences playability and sustain. Hard maple is the most common choice, found in the Fistrock JS Style Guitar Kit. Maple offers a bright, snappy attack. The ModouString 24-Fret Basswood Guitar Kit uses a mahogany neck instead. Mahogany provides a warmer, thicker tone. You should match the neck material to your preferred sound. If you want clarity and brightness, choose maple. If you prefer warmth and depth, look for mahogany. This spec is critical for your overall playing experience.
-
Inspect the fretboard material
The fretboard surface affects feel and tone. Rosewood is common in kits like the ModouString 24-Fret Basswood Guitar Kit. It offers a smooth, warm playing surface. Some kits use engineered wood, which is more consistent but less organic. The Fistrock Tele Style Basswood with Ash Burl Top features an engineered wood fretboard. You should consider how the material feels under your fingers. Rosewood is generally preferred for its natural finish. Engineered wood is a practical alternative for durability and consistency.
Frequently asked questions
What body materials are used in these basswood kits?
All listed kits feature a basswood body. Some include additional top materials for aesthetics and tone. The Fistrock Beginner DIY Kit adds a flame maple top. The Fistrock Tele Style options include an ash burl top. The ModouString kit focuses on a standard basswood construction with a mahogany neck.
Do these kits include pre-assembled electronics?
Most kits require you to install pickups and wiring yourself. The Fistrock Semi-Hollow TL DIY Kit Basswood/Maple offers pre-assembled wiring to simplify the process. Other models, like the Fistrock 7V-Style, require soldering. You must verify the assembly status in the product description before purchasing to plan your build time.
Which kit is best for a double-neck build?
The Fistrock Double Neck DIY Bass & Guitar Kit is the only option for a two-in-one build. It features basswood bodies and hard maple necks. Be aware that this model weighs 15.9 pounds. It also uses an engineered wood fretboard. This kit suits builders seeking a unique, heavy-duty project.
Are there semi-hollow body options available?
Yes, two Fistrock models offer semi-hollow body types. Both are Tele-style kits with basswood bodies and maple necks. One features a Bigsby tremolo, while the other includes pre-assembled wiring. These kits allow for custom finishes and provide a lighter weight compared to solid-body alternatives.
What fretboard materials are included in these kits?
Fretboard materials vary by model. The ModouString and Fistrock 7V-Style kits use rosewood fretboards. The Fistrock Tele Style budget option includes an engineered wood fretboard. The Fistrock Semi-Hollow TL kit also features a rosewood fretboard. These materials influence the tone and feel of the finished instrument.
Which kit has the lightest weight?
The Fistrock Beginner DIY Kit Basswood Flame Maple Top is the lightest option at just 9 ounces. This makes it ideal for beginners handling their first build. In contrast, the double-neck kit weighs 15.9 pounds. The semi-hollow models range from 7.15 to 8.25 pounds.
Do any kits come with a tremolo system?
Several models include tremolo systems. The Fistrock 7V-Style features a double-locking tremolo with HSH pickups. The Fistrock Semi-Hollow TL DIY Kit Basswood Maple Neck includes a Bigsby tremolo. These systems add vibrato capability but may require additional setup and maintenance during assembly.