6 Best Alternatives to the Fistrock DIY Electric Guitar (2026)

Comparing key alternative specs

Fistrock Beginner DIY Kit Basswood Flame Maple Top

This Fistrock model swaps the ash burl top for a flame maple top, offering a different visual grain pattern. It retains the basswood body and rosewood fretboard found in the original. The dimensions differ significantly, with a height of 37.8 inches and a length of 12.2 inches, suggesting a different packaging or component arrangement. It targets beginners seeking a customizable build with quality tonewoods. If you prefer the look of flame maple over ash burl, this kit provides that aesthetic while maintaining the same beginner-friendly assembly process and unfinished surfaces for painting.

Fistrock DIY JS Style Guitar Kit Basswood Maple Neck

The JS Style kit changes the body shape from Tele-style to a Super Strat design, which alters the playing ergonomics and aesthetic. It uses a hard maple neck instead of the hard maple neck with rosewood fretboard found in the original, though the body material remains basswood. The overall size is 27 inches in length, slightly shorter than the original 28-inch length. This model suits builders who want a JS-style instrument. You give up the classic Tele-style look and the rosewood fretboard texture, but gain a different body contour and neck feel that may suit modern playing styles better.

ModouString 24-Fret Basswood Guitar Kit

ModouString offers a basswood body kit with a mahogany neck, differing from the hard maple neck of the Fistrock original. It features a 24-fret board, providing extended range compared to standard configurations. The scale length is 25.5 inches, a traditional standard for many electric guitars. It targets builders who value a sturdy mahogany neck construction for their custom projects. You trade the rosewood fretboard and ash burl top for a mahogany neck and unique style. This option is ideal if you prefer the tonal characteristics of mahogany and want to utilize more frets for soloing.

Fistrock Tele Style Basswood with Ash Burl Top

This Tele-style kit is nearly identical to the original but uses engineered wood for the fretboard instead of rosewood. It maintains the basswood body with ash burl top and 6-string configuration. The dimensions match the original, with a length of 28 inches and width of 19 inches. It suits builders who want a classic aesthetic with a customizable finish but prefer engineered wood components. You give up the natural grain and feel of rosewood for a consistent engineered alternative. The hardware and body style remain the same, making it a direct substitute for those who do not mind the material change.

Fistrock DIY 7V-Style Guitar Kit

The 7V-Style kit diverges significantly with its unique body shape, differing from the Tele-style design of the original. It features a maple neck and rosewood fretboard, similar to some original specs but in a different context. The weight is 6.93 pounds, which is lighter than the double-neck option but heavier than typical single-neck kits. It offers versatile pickups for custom builders who enjoy crafting unique finishes. You trade the classic Tele-style look for a distinct 7V aesthetic. This model is for those who want a robust build with precise hardware setups and a different visual profile than the standard Fistrock offerings.

Fistrock Double Neck DIY Bass & Guitar Kit

This double-neck kit combines a guitar and bass in one build, a major departure from the single-neck original. It uses a basswood body and natural color finish. The weight is 15.9 pounds, significantly heavier than the original kit. It targets players who want two instruments in one build. You give up the simplicity and standard weight of a single-neck guitar for the versatility of a double-neck instrument. The kit includes components for both guitar and bass strings. This option is for those who do not mind the extra weight and complexity to achieve a unique dual-instrument setup.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Fistrock Tele Style Basswood Body with Ash Burl Top

Best for: beginners building a custom Tele style guitar

Body Material

Basswood with Ash Burl Top

Neck Material

Hard Maple

Fretboard Material

Rosewood

Number of Strings

6

Hand Orientation

Right Handed

Body Type

Tele Style

View on Amazon: Fistrock Tele Style Basswood Body with Ash Burl Top Affiliate link

This is a DIY electric guitar kit in the Tele style. It features a basswood body with an ash burl top. The neck is hard maple with a rosewood fretboard. It includes six strings and standard hardware. You get all parts in one box. This kit suits builders who want a classic look with a customizable finish. It requires basic tools like a soldering iron for assembly.

Pros

• Tele style body design with basswood and ash burl top
• Hard maple neck with rosewood fretboard for 6 strings
• Includes all necessary hardware and parts in one box
• Unfinished surface allows for custom painting or staining

Cons

• Requires extra tools like a soldering iron for assembly
• Body and neck arrive unfinished, needing your finish
• No amplifier or accessories included in the kit

Good fit if

• You want a classic Tele style guitar design
• You enjoy customizing your instrument's appearance
• You have basic soldering and assembly skills

Skip if

• You need a fully assembled instrument
• You lack tools for electronics work
• You prefer a pre-finished glossy look

Verdict: Fistrock Tele Style Basswood Guitar Kit offers a complete parts list for a classic build. It fits beginners who want to learn assembly and customize their guitar's finish.

2 Also great

Fistrock Beginner DIY Kit Basswood Flame Maple Top

Best for: Beginners wanting a customizable DIY build

Body Material

Basswood

Neck Material

Hard Maple

Fretboard Material

Rosewood

Number of Strings

6

Hand Orientation

Right Hand

Target Audience

Beginners

View on Amazon: Fistrock Beginner DIY Kit Basswood Flame Maple Top Affiliate link

This Fistrock DIY kit includes a solid body basswood construction with a flamed maple veneer top. It features a hard maple neck and a rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability. The kit is designed for beginners and comes with all necessary parts. You can customize the natural finish with paint or stain. Full instructions are provided, though you will need basic tools like a soldering iron.

Pros

• Basswood body with flamed maple veneer top
• Hard maple neck for stability
• Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playing
• Complete kit with all parts included
• Unfinished surface for custom styling

Cons

• Requires additional tools like a soldering iron
• No pre-applied finish or stain
• Heavier than the ModouString alternative at 9 ounces

Good fit if

• You want a custom look for your build
• You are a beginner looking for a complete kit
• You prefer a hard maple neck

Skip if

• You want a pre-finished instrument
• You do not have basic assembly tools
• You prefer a lighter build

Verdict: Fistrock DIY Guitar Kit Basswood Body offers a complete, customizable build for beginners. It suits those who want to stain or paint their own instrument using quality tonewoods.

3 Also great

Fistrock DIY JS Style Guitar Kit Basswood Maple Neck

Best for: Beginners building a JS-style guitar

Body Material

Basswood

Neck Material

Hard Maple

Fretboard Material

Engineered Wood

Number of Strings

6

Hand Orientation

Right Handed

Body Type

JS Style

View on Amazon: Fistrock DIY JS Style Guitar Kit Basswood Maple Neck Affiliate link

This Fistrock DIY kit uses a JS-style basswood body and a hard maple neck with a poplar laminated fretboard. It includes all necessary parts for assembly, though you will need extra tools like a soldering iron. The unfinished surfaces allow for custom painting or staining. It is designed for beginners who want to build their own instrument from sustainable tonewoods.

Pros

• JS-style body shape for classic aesthetics
• Hard maple neck for stable playability
• Poplar laminated fretboard for smooth feel
• Includes all hardware and components
• Unfinished surface allows custom styling

Cons

• Requires additional tools like a soldering iron
• Poplar fretboard is less durable than rosewood
• Assembly knowledge is necessary for success

Good fit if

• You want a JS-style body shape
• You prefer a hard maple neck
• You enjoy custom finishing your instrument

Skip if

• You need a pre-assembled guitar
• You lack soldering tools
• You prefer a rosewood fretboard

Verdict: Fistrock JS Style Basswood DIY Guitar Kit is a solid choice for beginners who want to build a JS-style instrument with a hard maple neck. It suits those willing to invest time in assembly and custom finishing.

4 Also great

ModouString 24-Fret Basswood Guitar Kit

Best for: builders seeking a mahogany neck and 24-fret board

Body Material

Basswood

Neck Material

Mahogany

Fretboard Material

Rosewood

Scale Length

25.5 inch

View on Amazon: ModouString 24-Fret Basswood Guitar Kit Affiliate link

This ModouString DIY kit uses a basswood body and mahogany neck for a stable, resonant build. It features a 25.5-inch scale length and a 24-fret rosewood fretboard for extended range playability. The bolt-on heel design simplifies assembly for beginners. You get a complete set of hardware and components. This configuration offers a professional feel and balanced tone for custom guitar projects.

Pros

• 25.5-inch scale length for standard tension
• Mahogany neck provides structural stability
• 24-fret rosewood fretboard for extended reach
• Bolt-on heel design for easy assembly

Cons

• Limited to one body style option in data
• No included electronics or pickups listed
• Requires separate finishing supplies

Good fit if

• You want a 25.5-inch scale length
• You prefer a mahogany neck for stability
• You need a bolt-on assembly design

Skip if

• You prefer a shorter scale length
• You want a pre-assembled instrument
• You need included electronics

Verdict: ModouString 25.5" Scale Basswood DIY Kit suits builders who value a traditional scale length and a sturdy mahogany neck construction for their custom instrument projects.

5 Best budget

Fistrock Tele Style Basswood with Ash Burl Top

Best for: Beginners wanting a customizable Tele-style build

Body Material

Basswood with ash burl top

Neck Material

Hard maple

Fretboard Material

Engineered wood

Number of Strings

6

Hand Orientation

Right Handed

Body Type

Tele Style

View on Amazon: Fistrock Tele Style Basswood with Ash Burl Top Affiliate link

This Fistrock kit offers a Tele-style build with a basswood body and an ash burl top. It includes a hard maple neck and engineered wood fretboard for a 6-string setup. You get single-coil pickups and a Tele-type bridge. The kit is unfinished, allowing you to customize the finish. It provides all necessary hardware for assembly.

Pros

• Basswood body with ash burl top
• Hard maple neck with engineered wood fretboard
• Includes single-coil pickups and hardware
• Unfinished surface for custom painting

Cons

• Engineered wood fretboard instead of solid wood
• Requires separate soldering iron for assembly
• Body and neck are unfinished

Good fit if

• You want a classic Tele-style look
• You prefer to customize the finish yourself
• You need a complete kit for beginners

Skip if

• You want a pre-assembled instrument
• You prefer solid wood fretboards
• You lack basic soldering tools

Verdict: Fistrock Tele-Style DIY Guitar Kit suits builders who want a classic aesthetic with a customizable finish. It is ideal for those ready to assemble a 6-string instrument with standard hardware.

6

Fistrock DIY 7V-Style Guitar Kit

Best for: Customizing unique guitar finishes and hardware

Body Material

Basswood

Neck Material

Hard maple

Fretboard Material

Rosewood

Pickup Configuration

HSH

Body Type

7V-style

Dimensions

12 × 1.69 × 39 inches

View on Amazon: Fistrock DIY 7V-Style Guitar Kit Affiliate link

This unfinished 7V-style kit includes a basswood body, hard maple neck, and rosewood fretboard. It features H-S-H pickups and a double-locking tremolo system. The pre-assembled wiring harness simplifies assembly by eliminating extra drilling. The uncut headstock allows for custom shaping. This kit suits builders seeking a versatile, professional-grade instrument with customizable aesthetics and reliable playability.

Pros

• H-S-H pickup configuration for versatile tones
• Double-locking tremolo system with whammy bar
• Pre-assembled plug-and-play wiring harness
• Precisely milled neck pocket for secure fit

Cons

• Completely unfinished wood requires painting or staining
• Uncut headstock needs manual carving
• Soldering iron required for final assembly

Good fit if

• You want to customize the guitar's finish
• You prefer H-S-H pickup versatility
• You need a stable double-locking tremolo

Skip if

• You want a pre-finished instrument
• You prefer a single-cutaway body style
• You lack soldering tools for assembly

Verdict: Fistrock 7V-Style DIY Electric Guitar Kit offers a robust build with versatile pickups for custom builders. It fits those who enjoy crafting unique finishes and precise hardware setups.

7 Best premium

Fistrock Double Neck DIY Bass & Guitar Kit

Best for: players wanting guitar and bass in one kit

Body Material

Basswood

Neck Material

Hard Maple

Fretboard Material

Engineered Wood

Number of Strings

4 & 6

Color

Natural

Weight

15.9 pounds

View on Amazon: Fistrock Double Neck DIY Bass & Guitar Kit Affiliate link

This Fistrock kit combines a six-string guitar and four-string bass into one double-neck basswood body. It includes twin hard maple necks with engineered wood fretboards and humbucker pickups. The unfinished natural finish lets you customize the look. You need basic tools like a soldering iron to build it. It weighs 15.9 pounds and offers two instruments in one box.

Pros

• Double-neck design with 6-string guitar and 4-string bass
• Hard maple necks with engineered wood fretboards
• Includes humbucker pickups and die-cast chrome hardware
• Unfinished basswood body allows for custom painting or staining

Cons

• Engineered wood fretboard instead of solid wood
• Heavy at 15.9 pounds for a double-neck instrument
• Requires external tools like a soldering iron for assembly

Good fit if

• You want a guitar and bass in one package
• You enjoy building instruments from unfinished parts
• You prefer humbucker pickups for thicker tones

Skip if

• You need a lightweight instrument for long gigs
• You want a solid wood fretboard
• You prefer a single-neck configuration

Verdict: Fistrock Double Neck DIY Guitar and Bass Kit fits players who want two instruments in one build. It suits those who do not mind a heavier weight or engineered wood components.

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