4 Best Electric Guitar Kits with Poplar, Compared

Quick picks

The best fit for you

• You want a versatile beginner kit with accessories Donner DST-200 39-inch Black Electric Guitar It features an HSS pickup configuration with coil-split options and includes a gig bag.
• You are building a complete eight-string guitar BexGears DIY 8 String Electric Guitar Kit This kit provides pre-drilled parts for a right-handed eight-string build with a poplar body.
• You need a full-size solid body practice kit CAHAYA 39in Solid Body Electric Guitar Kit It is a 39-inch solid body kit designed for beginners with essential accessories included.
• You want to build a seven-string project BexGears DIY 7-String Electric Guitar Kit It includes a poplar veneer body and maple neck for extended-range DIY assembly.

Our 4 picks

1 Best overall

Donner DST-200 39-inch Black Electric Guitar

Best for: Beginners seeking HSS versatility and included accessories

Body Material

Poplar (what this guide is about)

Neck Material

Canadian maple

Fretboard Material

maple

Pickup Configuration

HSS

Body Type

Solid Body

Target Audience

Beginners

View on Amazon: Donner DST-200 39-inch Black Electric Guitar Affiliate link

The Donner DST-200 is a 39-inch electric guitar featuring a poplar body and Canadian maple neck. It uses an HSS pickup configuration with a coil-split system for tonal variety. The 5-way switch offers seven modes, while the push-pull tone knob provides single-coil sounds. It includes a synchronized tremolo bridge and vintage-style tuners. This kit comes with a gig bag and cable, making it suitable for beginners seeking a complete setup.

Pros

• HSS pickup configuration with coil-split capability
• 5-way switch provides seven distinct tone modes
• Poplar body paired with Canadian maple neck
• Includes waterproof nylon gig bag and 10ft cable

Cons

• Standard 22-fret count limits high-note access
• Fixed 9.5-inch fingerboard radius offers less comfort for fast bends
• No included amplifier or pedal in the package

Good fit if

• You want a complete beginner kit with included accessories
• You prefer the tonal versatility of HSS pickups
• You are looking for a poplar body for balanced tone

Skip if

• You require a 24-fret neck for extended range
• You need a locking tremolo system for heavy dive bombing
• You prefer a maple fretboard over the included maple board

Verdict: The Donner DST-200 39in Poplar Electric Guitar delivers a versatile HSS setup with coil-split options for beginners. It suits players who want a complete package with a gig bag and cable included.

2 Best premium

BexGears DIY 8 String Electric Guitar Kit

Best for: right-handed DIY builders of 8-string guitars

Body Material

Poplar (what this guide is about)

Neck Material

maple

Fretboard Material

composite ebony

Number of Strings

8

Hand Orientation

right-handed

Color

Black

View on Amazon: BexGears DIY 8 String Electric Guitar Kit Affiliate link

This is an 8-string electric guitar kit from BexGears. It features a poplar body with a burl veneer top and an okoume core. The neck is maple, and the fingerboard is composite ebony. You get all parts pre-drilled for assembly. It includes strings and an electric cord. This kit is designed for right-handed players who want to build a complete, playable instrument from scratch.

Pros

• 8-string configuration for extended range
• Poplar body with burl veneer top
• Maple neck and composite ebony fingerboard
• Pre-drilled holes for easier assembly
• Includes strings and electric cord

Cons

• Right-handed only
• Requires DIY assembly
• Composite ebony fingerboard

Good fit if

• You want to build an 8-string guitar
• You prefer a poplar body
• You are a right-handed player

Skip if

• You need a left-handed model
• You want a pre-assembled instrument
• You prefer a standard 6-string setup

Verdict: BexGears 8-String DIY Electric Guitar Kit offers a unique 8-string build with a poplar body. It suits right-handed players who enjoy DIY projects and want a complete kit with pre-drilled parts.

3 Also great

CAHAYA 39in Solid Body Electric Guitar Kit

Best for: beginners needing a complete practice kit

Body Material

Poplar (what this guide is about)

Neck Material

maple

Fretboard Material

laurel

Included Amp Wattage

10W

Body Type

Solid Body

Target Audience

Beginners

View on Amazon: CAHAYA 39in Solid Body Electric Guitar Kit Affiliate link

This CAHAYA kit offers a full-size 39-inch solid body built from poplar wood. It features a maple neck and a laurel fretboard with 22 copper-nickel frets. The H-S-S pickup configuration includes two single-coils and one humbucker for versatile tones. The package includes a 10W amplifier, gig bag, and tuner. It is designed for beginners who need a complete, ready-to-play setup.

Pros

• Solid poplar body construction
• Maple neck with laurel fretboard
• H-S-S pickup configuration with 5-way switch
• Includes 10W portable amplifier
• Comes with gig bag, tuner, and strap

Cons

• Limited to 10W amplifier output
• Only 22 frets on the neck
• Laurel fretboard material is less common than rosewood

Good fit if

• You are a beginner looking for a complete starter kit
• You want a solid poplar body for warm tones
• You need a portable 10W amplifier for practice

Skip if

• You require a 7-string or 8-string configuration
• You prefer a burl poplar veneer top
• You need a larger amplifier wattage for stage use

Verdict: CAHAYA 39in Poplar Electric Guitar Kit is a practical entry-level option for beginners. It provides all essential accessories and a versatile pickup setup for learning and practice.

4 Best budget

BexGears DIY 7-String Electric Guitar Kit

Best for: DIY builders wanting a seven-string poplar guitar

Body Material

Poplar (what this guide is about)

Neck Material

Maple

Fretboard Material

Composite Ebony

Number of Strings

7

Hand Orientation

Right-Handed

Color

Black

View on Amazon: BexGears DIY 7-String Electric Guitar Kit Affiliate link

This is a seven-string electric guitar kit designed for builders who want extended range. The body uses a poplar veneer over okoume wood, paired with a maple neck. You get a composite ebony fingerboard and a black finish. The kit includes all parts, pre-drilled holes, strings, and a cord. It is a right-handed model only. You receive a PDF instruction manual if needed.

Pros

• Seven-string configuration for extended range
• Poplar veneer top over okoume body
• Maple neck with composite ebony fingerboard
• Includes all parts, strings, and cord
• Pre-drilled holes for easier assembly

Cons

• Right-handed orientation only
• Requires DIY assembly
• No physical manual included

Good fit if

• You want to build a seven-string guitar
• You prefer poplar body tonal characteristics
• You are comfortable with DIY assembly

Skip if

• You need a left-handed model
• You want a pre-assembled instrument
• You prefer six-string configurations

Verdict: BexGears DIY 7-String Poplar Electric Guitar Kit is for builders seeking a seven-string project. It offers a complete parts list with a poplar veneer body and maple neck. You get a functional kit for extended-range playing.

Specifications side by side

How to choose the right poplar guitar kit

1. Check string count needs

   Start by deciding how many strings you need. Standard six-string kits work for most beginners. The Donner DST-200 uses a standard setup. If you want extended range, look at seven or eight-string options. The BexGears kits offer these variants. Verify the string count matches your goals. Seven strings add lower tones. Eight strings require more fretboard space. Choose the count that fits your playing style and skill level.

2. Verify pickup configuration

   The pickup layout shapes your sound. The Donner DST-200 features an HSS configuration. This setup combines humbucker and single-coil pickups. It offers versatile tone options for beginners. Coil-split options add further variety. Check the specs to see if the kit includes these features. A solid body kit like the CAHAYA model may have different setups. Match the pickup type to the genres you want to play.

3. Confirm body type

   Body construction affects resonance and weight. Most kits in this guide are solid body designs. The CAHAYA model is explicitly labeled as a solid body. Solid bodies reduce feedback and sustain notes clearly. This is ideal for practice and learning. Verify the body type in the specs. Avoid semi-hollow or hollow options if you want a standard electric sound. The poplar material adds to the tonal character of these solid designs.

4. Assess target audience

   Some kits are built for specific players. The Donner DST-200 and CAHAYA model target beginners. They include accessories like gig bags and cables. This makes them complete practice packages. The BexGears DIY kits target builders. They require assembly and may lack accessories. Decide if you want a ready-to-play instrument or a building project. Check the target audience label to ensure the kit matches your experience level.

5. Review neck material

   The neck material impacts feel and stability. The BexGears kits specify a maple neck. Maple is known for its brightness and smooth finish. It provides a sturdy foundation for the strings. Check the specs to see if the neck material is listed. A maple neck can affect the overall tone of the guitar. Ensure the neck material suits your preference for feel and sound response during play.

Frequently asked questions

See also

• best electric guitars under 150
• best electric guitars under 200