Fistrock DIY Guitar Kit Beginner or Fistrock DIY Guitar Kit Basswood? Which Fistrock Model to Buy
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You are deciding between the fistrock DIY guitar kit beginner vs DIY guitar kit basswood models. Both kits feature a basswood body and a hard maple neck, providing a solid foundation for your build. They are unfinished, allowing you to customize the finish and headstock shape to your preference. The main difference lies in the body style and included hardware. One model is a standard JS style with a poplar laminated fretboard, while the other is a 7V-style kit with a rosewood fretboard and pre-wired electronics.
Key differences
| Aspect | Fistrock DIY JS Style Guitar Kit Basswood Maple Neck | Fistrock DIY 7V-Style Guitar Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Body Type | JS style | 7V-style |
| Fretboard Material | Poplar laminated | Rosewood |
| Pickup Configuration | Not listed | HSH |
| Electronics | Not listed | Pre-assembled plug and play harness |
| Target Audience | Beginners | DIY hobbyists, performers, educators |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Fistrock DIY JS Style Guitar Kit Basswood Maple Neck if
- You want a classic JS style body shape for your build.
- You are a beginner looking for a kit specifically marketed for first-time builders.
- You prefer a poplar laminated fretboard for a smooth playing experience.
Choose Fistrock DIY 7V-Style Guitar Kit if
- You want a 7V-style body with a rosewood fretboard.
- You prefer pre-wired electronics to avoid soldering during assembly.
- You want a double-locking tremolo system for pitch-bending effects.
Verdict: Choose the JS style kit if you want a traditional build with a poplar fretboard and do not mind handling the electronics yourself. Select the 7V-style kit if you want a rosewood fretboard, a double-locking tremolo, and pre-wired electronics for a simpler assembly process.
Fistrock DIY Guitar Kit Comparison
Target Audience
The Fistrock DIY JS Style Guitar Kit Basswood Maple Neck is explicitly labeled as a Beginner Kit. This designation suggests the package is tailored for first-time builders who need clear guidance and straightforward assembly steps. The instructions mention watching a video at the end of the picture to help with assembly. In contrast, the Fistrock DIY 7V-Style Guitar Kit does not specify a beginner focus in its attributes. It targets DIY hobbyists, stage performers, and educators. This broader audience implies the kit may assume more prior knowledge or offer more advanced customization options, such as the uncut headstock for carving a unique shape.
Pickup Configuration
A major difference lies in the electronics. The Fistrock DIY 7V-Style Guitar Kit comes loaded with H-S-H pickups, which stand for Humbucker-Single-Humbucker. This configuration offers versatile tones suitable for rock and metal styles. It also includes a double-locking tremolo system with a whammy bar for pitch-bending effects. The Fistrock DIY JS Style Guitar Kit Basswood Maple Neck does not list any pickups or electronics in its specifications or features. You would need to source and install these components separately, requiring a soldering iron and additional tools. This makes the 7V-Style kit more complete for immediate playability after assembly.
Fretboard Material
The fingerboard material affects play feel and tone. The Fistrock DIY JS Style Guitar Kit Basswood Maple Neck features a poplar laminated fretboard. Poplar is known for being dense with a natural grain, which can provide improved tone and volume. The Fistrock DIY 7V-Style Guitar Kit uses a rosewood fretboard. Rosewood is a traditional tonewood valued for its smooth feel and warm, rich tonal characteristics. Both materials come unfinished, allowing you to finish them as you prefer. However, rosewood is often preferred by players for its classic aesthetic and tactile properties compared to the more utilitarian poplar.
Body Type
The body shape defines the guitar's silhouette and balance. The Fistrock DIY JS Style Guitar Kit Basswood Maple Neck is a JS style body, which is a classic double-cutaway design inspired by famous solid-body guitars. It measures 27 inches in length and 19 inches in width. The Fistrock DIY 7V-Style Guitar Kit features a 7V-style body, which is a modern, aggressive shape often associated with extended-range or high-performance instruments. It measures 39 inches in length and 12 inches in width. The 7V style offers a distinct visual look and potentially different weight distribution compared to the traditional JS form.
Assembly Difficulty
Ease of assembly varies between the two kits. The Fistrock DIY 7V-Style Guitar Kit highlights plug-and-play electronics with a pre-assembled wiring harness. It states no additional drilling is needed, making it easier for first-time builders to finish assembly without complicated soldering work. The Fistrock DIY JS Style Guitar Kit Basswood Maple Neck requires you to source and install your own electronics. It explicitly notes that some tools, such as a soldering iron and screwdriver, are needed. If you do not know how to assemble this kit, you must watch the provided video. The 7V-Style kit reduces the technical barrier for beginners.
Customization Options
Both kits are unfinished, allowing you to paint, stain, or varnish the body. The Fistrock DIY JS Style Guitar Kit Basswood Maple Neck comes with an unfinished headstock that you can mark up or design. The Fistrock DIY 7V-Style Guitar Kit goes further by providing an uncut headstock. This lets you carve your own unique head shape, offering more creative freedom for visual customization. Both kits include all necessary parts and hardware in one box. However, the ability to shape the headstock from raw wood gives the 7V-Style model a slight edge for builders who want a truly one-of-a-kind instrument appearance.
Choose Your Fistrock DIY Guitar Kit
First-time builder seeking simple assembly
This model features pre-assembled plug-and-play electronics, eliminating the need for complex soldering work. You can finish assembly smoothly without additional drilling. The precision-milled neck pocket ensures a tight fit for stable playability. This design suits beginners who want a straightforward build process with professional-grade hardware included in the box.
Player wanting versatile rock and metal tones
It comes loaded with an H-S-H pickup set, delivering versatile tones suitable for rock and metal styles. The double-locking tremolo system allows for expressive pitch-bending tricks using the included whammy bar. You get chrome hardware and a white pearloid pickguard for a professional performance look right out of the package.
Beginner focusing on foundational learning
This kit is explicitly labeled for beginners, offering a straightforward JS-style build with a poplar laminated fretboard. You get all necessary parts in one box to learn assembly basics. The unfinished body and neck let you practice painting or staining. It is an ideal starting point for understanding electric guitar construction without advanced hardware.
Builder preferring a classic Strat-style shape
You choose this model for its classic JS style body and poplar laminated fingerboard. The basswood body and hard maple neck provide a familiar, sustainable tone. You can customize the unfinished headstock and body to your design. This kit is perfect if you prefer a traditional aesthetic and want to focus on finish customization rather than complex electronics.
The products compared
Fistrock DIY JS Style Guitar Kit Basswood Maple Neck
Best for: Beginners building their first custom 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 guitar kit features a basswood body and a hard maple neck with a poplar laminated fretboard. It is designed for beginners who want to build their own instrument. The kit includes all necessary parts and hardware in one box. You can customize the unfinished body and headstock to your style. The poplar fretboard offers improved tone and volume. It is a sustainable option for learning guitar assembly.
Pros
- Basswood body provides a sustainable tone wood foundation.
- Hard maple neck ensures a smooth playing experience.
- Poplar laminated fretboard improves tone and volume.
- All necessary parts and hardware included in one box.
Cons
- Body and headstock are unfinished, requiring your own paint or stain.
- Requires extra tools like a soldering iron and screwdriver.
- Poplar laminated fretboard is less durable than solid rosewood.
Good fit if
- You are a beginner looking to build your first guitar.
- You want to customize the finish of your instrument.
- You prefer sustainable wood materials for your guitar.
Skip if
- You need a fully assembled guitar ready to play.
- You do not have basic tools like a soldering iron.
- You prefer a solid rosewood fretboard over laminated poplar.
Verdict: Fistrock JS Style DIY Guitar Kit is a practical choice for beginners who want to customize their own instrument. It suits those who have basic tools and enjoy the building process.
Fistrock DIY 7V-Style Guitar Kit
Best for: Custom electric guitar building projects
- 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 electric guitar kit features a basswood body and hard maple neck with a rosewood fretboard. It includes HSH pickups and a double-locking tremolo system. The pre-assembled wiring harness allows for easy assembly without extra drilling. You get a versatile platform for customizing your own instrument, suitable for beginners or hobbyists looking to build a unique guitar.
Pros
- Basswood body with hard maple neck and rosewood fretboard
- HSH pickup configuration for versatile tones
- Pre-assembled plug-and-play wiring harness
- Double-locking tremolo system included
Cons
- Completely unfinished raw wood requires painting or staining
- Heavy at 6.93 pounds for a guitar kit
- Uncut headstock requires custom carving
Good fit if
- You want a customizable DIY project
- You prefer HSH pickup versatility
- You are comfortable with basic assembly
Skip if
- You need a ready-to-play instrument
- You want a lightweight guitar
- You prefer a fixed bridge
Verdict: Fistrock DIY Guitar Kit 7V-Style offers a solid foundation for builders who enjoy customization. It suits those willing to invest time in finishing and assembly to create a personalized instrument.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Fistrock DIY JS Style Guitar Kit Basswood Maple Neck | Fistrock DIY 7V-Style Guitar Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Body Material | Basswood | Basswood |
| Neck Material | Hard Maple | Hard maple |
| Fretboard Material | Engineered Wood | Rosewood |
| Pickup Configuration | not stated | HSH |
| Number of Strings | 6 | not stated |
| Hand Orientation | Right Handed | not stated |
| Body Type | JS Style | 7V-style |
| Target Audience | Beginners | not stated |
| Dimensions | 27 × 19 × 2.4 inches | 12 × 1.69 × 39 inches |
| Weight | not stated | 6.93 pounds |
| Size | 27 inches | not stated |
| Color | Basswood Body | Unfinished |
| Model | DIY SJS 100 | DIY SGEM 09-R |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Fistrock DIY JS Style suitable for absolute beginners?
Yes, the Fistrock DIY JS Style is explicitly labeled for beginners. It features a basswood body and a maple neck, offering a straightforward build foundation. The kit is designed for those who have basic tools and enjoy the assembly process without advanced technical requirements.
What wood is used in the Fistrock DIY JS Style body?
The Fistrock DIY JS Style uses a basswood body. This material is known for being lightweight and balanced, which is practical for custom builds. The kit includes a maple neck to complement the basswood construction for a standard electric guitar setup.
Does the Fistrock DIY 7V-Style kit include a fretboard?
Yes, the Fistrock DIY 7V-Style kit includes a rosewood fretboard. It pairs this with a maple neck and a basswood body. This combination provides a solid base for builders who want to customize their instrument's finish and hardware during assembly.
What are the dimensions of the Fistrock DIY JS Style kit?
The Fistrock DIY JS Style kit measures 27 inches in length, 19 inches in width, and 2.4 inches in height. These dimensions reflect the standard scale for this style of guitar kit, allowing you to plan your assembly space and tool requirements accurately.
Is the Fistrock DIY 7V-Style kit unfinished?
Yes, the Fistrock DIY 7V-Style kit is unfinished. This allows you to apply your preferred stain, paint, or clear coat. The basswood body and rosewood fretboard provide a neutral canvas for customization, ensuring the final instrument matches your aesthetic preferences.
Which Fistrock model is better for a first-time builder?
The Fistrock DIY JS Style is better for first-time builders. It is specifically targeted at beginners who want to customize their own instrument. The straightforward design with a basswood body and maple neck makes it a practical choice for those new to guitar building.
What neck material does the Fistrock DIY 7V-Style use?
The Fistrock DIY 7V-Style uses a maple neck. This is paired with a rosewood fretboard and a basswood body. The maple neck provides stability and durability, which is essential for maintaining intonation and playability after you complete the finishing and assembly steps.
Can I customize the finish on both Fistrock DIY kits?
Yes, you can customize the finish on both kits. The Fistrock DIY JS Style and the DIY 7V-Style are both unfinished out of the box. This allows you to sand, stain, or paint the basswood bodies to create a personalized instrument that suits your style.