Fistrock DIY Guitar Kit Beginner vs Fistrock DIY Guitar Kit Tele: Spec Comparison
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
This comparison covers the fistrock DIY guitar kit beginner vs DIY guitar kit tele. Both kits include all necessary parts for assembly in one box. They share basswood bodies and hard maple necks. The main difference lies in the body style and fretboard material. One kit features a JS-style design with a poplar laminated fretboard. The other offers a Tele-style shape with an ash burl top and engineered wood fretboard. You will need basic tools to build either instrument.
Key differences
| Aspect | Fistrock DIY JS Style Guitar Kit Basswood Maple Neck | Fistrock Tele Style Basswood with Ash Burl Top |
|---|---|---|
| Body Type | JS style | Tele style |
| Fretboard Material | Poplar laminated | Engineered wood |
| Body Top | Basswood | Basswood with ash burl top |
| Length | 27 inches | 28 inches |
| Target Audience | Beginners | Not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Fistrock DIY JS Style Guitar Kit Basswood Maple Neck if
- You prefer a JS-style body shape for your build.
- You want a poplar laminated fretboard for a smooth playing experience.
- You are looking for a kit explicitly marketed toward beginners.
Choose Fistrock Tele Style Basswood with Ash Burl Top if
- You want a classic Tele-style body design.
- You prefer an ash burl top for added visual appeal.
- You are comfortable with an engineered wood fretboard.
Verdict: The JS-style kit suits those who want a beginner-focused build with a poplar fretboard. The Tele-style kit is better for builders who prefer a traditional look with an ash burl top. Both kits provide the same core components for a solid DIY project.
Specs: JS Beginner vs Tele Kit
number of strings
The Fistrock DIY JS Style Guitar Kit Basswood Maple Neck is designed as a bass guitar, which means it uses four strings. This configuration is standard for bass instruments and targets players interested in low-end frequencies. In contrast, the Fistrock Tele Style Basswood with Ash Burl Top is explicitly a six-string electric guitar. This difference defines the core identity of each kit. You must choose based on whether you want to play bass or standard guitar. The string count dictates the hardware, tuning, and overall playing technique required for assembly and final use.
body type
Body style significantly affects the look and balance of your finished instrument. The Fistrock DIY JS Style Guitar Kit Basswood Maple Neck features a JS style body. This shape is distinct and often associated with specific ergonomic designs. The Fistrock Tele Style Basswood with Ash Burl Top offers a solid body with a Tele style design. This is a classic, widely recognized form factor. Both use basswood for the main body material, but the aesthetic and physical contours differ. Your choice here depends on the visual style and comfort profile you prefer for your custom build.
fretboard material
The material used for the fretboard influences the feel and tone of the instrument. The Fistrock DIY JS Style Guitar Kit Basswood Maple Neck includes a poplar laminated fingerboard. Poplar is known for a smooth, neutral response that is easy on the fingers. The Fistrock Tele Style Basswood with Ash Burl Top uses an engineered wood fretboard. Engineered wood offers consistency and durability. Both materials are dense and provide improved tone and volume according to the manufacturer. The choice between poplar and engineered wood comes down to specific tactile preferences and availability of replacement parts for your build.
target audience
Each kit is positioned for a specific type of builder. The Fistrock DIY JS Style Guitar Kit Basswood Maple Neck is labeled with a target audience of beginners. This suggests the components and instructions are tailored for those new to guitar building or playing. The Fistrock Tele Style Basswood with Ash Burl Top does not explicitly list a target audience in its key specs, though it is a DIY kit. It includes single-coil pickups and a Tele-type bridge, which are standard components. The beginner-focused labeling on the JS model provides a clearer entry point for first-time builders who need guidance.
dimensions
Physical size matters for storage and handling. The Fistrock DIY JS Style Guitar Kit Basswood Maple Neck measures 27 inches in length, with a width of 19 inches and a height of 2.4 inches. The Fistrock Tele Style Basswood with Ash Burl Top is slightly longer at 28 inches, while sharing the same width and height dimensions. This one-inch difference in length is minor but noticeable. Both kits are compact enough for standard workspaces. You should measure your available area before starting. The slight size variation may affect how the guitar fits in a case or on a stand during the build process.
Choose the Right Fistrock Kit for You
Beginners wanting to build a bass guitar
This JS Style kit is designed for bass, featuring a basswood body and hard maple neck. It includes a poplar laminated fretboard for smooth playability. The 27-inch length suits standard bass proportions. You get all parts needed for assembly, allowing you to create a custom low-end instrument with sustainable tone woods.
Players seeking a standard 6-string electric
The Tele Style kit provides a 6-string configuration, ideal for standard electric guitar playing. It features a basswood body with an ash burl top and a hard maple neck. The engineered wood fretboard offers improved tone. This 28-inch model includes single-coil pickups and a Tele-type bridge for versatile sound options.
Builders preferring a classic bass body shape
If you prefer the JS style body, this kit is your choice. It comes with a basswood body and hard maple neck, finished unfinished for customization. The poplar laminated fretboard provides dense grain for better volume. You can paint or stain the body and headstock to match your personal design preferences.
Those wanting a Tele-style aesthetic and hardware
This kit delivers a Tele-style look with an ash burl top over a basswood body. It includes die-cast chrome machine heads and a Tele-type bridge. The 6-string hard maple neck with engineered wood fretboard supports a classic electric guitar feel. You can customize the unfinished surfaces while enjoying the specific hardware included.
The products compared
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 guitar kit features a JS-style body made from basswood and a hard maple neck. The poplar laminated fretboard offers a smooth surface for learning. It includes all necessary parts for assembly, requiring only basic tools like a soldering iron. The unfinished wood allows for full customization. It is designed for beginners who want to build their own instrument.
Pros
- JS-style basswood body for classic tone
- Hard maple neck with poplar laminated fretboard
- Includes all hardware and parts in one box
- Unfinished surface allows for personal painting or staining
Cons
- Requires external tools like a soldering iron
- Body shape is JS style, not Telecaster
- No electronics or strings included in kit
Good fit if
- You want to customize the finish of your guitar
- You are a beginner looking for a complete parts box
- You prefer a JS-style body shape
Skip if
- You specifically need a Telecaster body style
- You do not have soldering tools
- You want a pre-assembled instrument
Verdict: Fistrock DIY Guitar Kit Beginner JS Style is a complete parts package for beginners who want to build a JS-style instrument. It suits those who enjoy customization and have the tools for assembly.
Fistrock Tele Style Basswood with Ash Burl Top
Best for: Beginners building a customized Tele-style guitar
- 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 solid basswood body and an ash burl top. It includes a 6-string hard maple neck and an engineered wood fretboard. The package provides all necessary hardware and single-coil pickups for assembly. It suits beginners who want a complete set of parts to customize with their own finish and design choices.
Pros
- Solid basswood body with ash burl top
- 6-string hard maple neck with engineered wood fretboard
- Includes single-coil pickups and die-cast chrome hardware
- Complete DIY kit with full instructions
Cons
- Requires extra tools like a soldering iron
- Body and neck arrive unfinished
- Fretboard uses engineered wood instead of solid wood
Good fit if
- You want a complete Tele-style build kit
- You plan to customize the finish yourself
- You are a beginner looking for all-in-one parts
Skip if
- You prefer a pre-assembled instrument
- You want a solid wood fretboard
- You lack basic assembly tools
Verdict: Fistrock Tele Style DIY Guitar Kit is a practical starting point for builders who value a complete parts list and a classic Tele design. It fits those ready to invest time in finishing and assembling their own instrument.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Fistrock DIY JS Style Guitar Kit Basswood Maple Neck | Fistrock Tele Style Basswood with Ash Burl Top |
|---|---|---|
| Body Material | Basswood | Basswood with ash burl top |
| Neck Material | Hard Maple | Hard maple |
| Fretboard Material | Engineered Wood | Engineered wood |
| Number of Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Hand Orientation | Right Handed | Right Handed |
| Body Type | JS Style | Tele Style |
| Target Audience | Beginners | Beginners |
| Dimensions | 27 × 19 × 2.4 inches | 28 × 19 × 2.4 inches |
| Size | 27 inches | not stated |
| Color | Basswood Body | Engineered Wood Fretboard |
| Model | DIY SJS 100 | DIY STL 100BNA-A |
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between the Fistrock DIY JS Style and the Tele Style kits?
The primary difference is the body style and intended instrument type. The JS Style kit is designed as a bass guitar with four strings. The Tele Style kit is a six-string electric guitar. Both use basswood bodies, but the Tele version features an ash burl top and engineered wood fretboard.
Which Fistrock kit is better for a beginner who wants to build a guitar?
The Fistrock DIY JS Style kit is ideal for beginners focusing on bass. It includes a basswood body and hard maple neck. If you prefer a standard electric guitar, the Tele Style kit is the better choice. It offers a classic design with a basswood body and engineered wood fretboard for assembly.
Do both kits include maple necks?
Yes, both kits feature maple necks. The JS Style kit explicitly lists a hard maple neck. The Tele Style kit also uses a maple neck construction. This provides a consistent feel and playability across both models, regardless of whether you are building a bass or a six-string guitar.
What fretboard material is used in the Fistrock Tele Style kit?
The Tele Style kit uses an engineered wood fretboard. This differs from the JS Style kit, which typically uses a poplar laminated fretboard. The engineered wood on the Tele model offers a specific aesthetic and tactile experience for builders who want a distinct look and feel on their instrument.
Are the body dimensions similar for both DIY kits?
The dimensions are very close but not identical. The JS Style kit measures 27 inches in length and 19 inches in width. The Tele Style kit is slightly longer at 28 inches, with the same 19-inch width. Both share a 2.4-inch height, ensuring a comfortable playing posture for most users.
Can I use the Fistrock JS Style kit to build a standard electric guitar?
No, the JS Style kit is specifically designed for a bass guitar. It includes four strings and components tailored for low-end frequencies. If you want to build a standard six-string electric guitar, you should choose the Tele Style kit instead, which is configured for six strings and traditional electric guitar hardware.
What type of wood is used for the body in these kits?
Both kits use basswood for the main body construction. Basswood is known for its balanced tone and lightweight nature, making it suitable for beginners. The Tele Style kit adds an ash burl top for visual appeal, while the JS Style kit maintains a natural basswood finish.