Fistrock JM Style Mahogany DIY or Fistrock Tele Style Basswood Ash? Which Fistrock Model to Buy
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You are comparing fistrock jm style mahogany DIY vs tele style basswood ash guitar kits. Both are unfinished DIY builds that include all necessary hardware and instructions. They share a natural finish state for customization. The main difference lies in their wood construction. One uses a mahogany body and neck with a rosewood fretboard. The other features a basswood body with an ash burl top and a maple neck. These material choices affect weight and tone.
Key differences
| Aspect | Fistrock JM Style Mahogany DIY Guitar Kit | Fistrock Tele Style Basswood with Ash Burl Top |
|---|---|---|
| Body Material | Mahogany | Basswood with Ash Burl Top |
| Neck Material | Mahogany | Hard Maple |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood | Engineered Wood |
| Dimensions | 20 x 29.5 x 3.35 inches | 19 x 28 x 2.4 inches |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Fistrock JM Style Mahogany DIY Guitar Kit if
- You prefer the warm sustain and dense grain of mahogany wood for both body and neck.
- You want a rosewood fretboard for a smooth playing experience.
- You do not mind a larger overall package size for assembly.
Choose Fistrock Tele Style Basswood with Ash Burl Top if
- You want the classic bright tone associated with basswood and maple necks.
- You prefer the visual appeal of an ash burl top on a solid body.
- You want a slightly more compact kit with a hard maple neck.
Verdict: Choose the JM Style Mahogany kit if you prioritize the traditional warmth and density of all-mahogany construction with a rosewood fretboard. Select the Tele Style Basswood kit if you prefer the lighter weight and brighter tonal characteristics of a basswood body paired with a maple neck and ash burl top.
Wood, Strings, and Build Details
Body Material and Top
The Fistrock JM Style Mahogany DIY Guitar Kit uses a solid mahogany body. This wood is known for its warmth and sustain, providing a dense tone that responds well to heavy distortion. In contrast, the Fistrock Tele Style Basswood Ash offers a basswood body topped with an ash burl. Basswood is lighter and offers a balanced, neutral tone, while the ash burl adds visual appeal and slight brightness. You choose between the rich warmth of all-mahogany or the balanced, aesthetic appeal of the basswood and ash combination.
Neck Material
Neck construction significantly affects playability and tone. The JM Style kit features a mahogany neck that extends from the body, creating a unified piece of wood for better sustain and resonance. The Tele Style kit uses a hard maple neck. Maple is harder and denser than mahogany, offering a brighter attack and faster response. If you prefer a warmer, smoother feel, the mahogany neck is ideal. If you want a snappier, clearer response, the hard maple neck provides that distinct character for your build.
Fretboard Material
The fretboard material influences the high-end response and smoothness of play. The JM Style kit includes a rosewood fretboard. Rosewood is naturally oily and smooth, providing a warm, rounded tone with less brightness. The Tele Style kit uses an engineered wood fretboard. Engineered wood offers consistency and stability, often resulting in a brighter, more articulate sound compared to natural woods. You must decide if you prefer the traditional warmth and feel of rosewood or the bright, consistent performance of engineered wood.
Number of Strings
String count defines the range and tuning flexibility of your instrument. The Tele Style kit is explicitly listed as a 6-string model, offering standard tuning versatility for most genres. The JM Style kit data does not specify the string count, though it is a standard guitar shape. If you need a confirmed 6-string setup for standard playing, the Tele Style kit provides that clarity. The JM Style kit may also be 6-string, but you should verify this before purchasing to ensure it meets your specific string requirements.
Dimensions and Weight
Physical dimensions affect comfort and portability. The JM Style kit measures 20 inches wide, 29.5 inches long, and 3.35 inches high, weighing 9 ounces. The Tele Style kit measures 19 inches wide, 28 inches long, and 2.4 inches high. The JM Style kit is slightly larger and heavier, which may provide a more substantial feel. The Tele Style kit is more compact and thinner, potentially offering easier reach and a lighter load. You should choose based on your preference for body size and overall instrument weight.
Choose your kit based on tone
Players seeking warm, heavy tones
This kit features a solid mahogany body and neck. Mahogany is known for its dense grain and warm sustain. It responds well to heavy distortion and provides a rich low end. The rosewood fretboard adds to the smooth playing experience. If you prefer a thicker, darker sound, this wood combination is ideal for your build.
Builders wanting classic bright clarity
This model uses a basswood body with an ash burl top. Basswood offers a balanced, neutral tone with clear attack. The ash burl adds visual appeal and slight brightness. Paired with a hard maple neck, it delivers crisp highs and tight lows. This setup is perfect for single-coil pickups and classic telecaster-style sounds.
Beginners preferring lighter weight
This kit is slightly lighter and narrower. The basswood body is generally less dense than mahogany, reducing overall weight. The hard maple neck is also a lighter wood choice. This makes the instrument more comfortable for extended playing sessions. If you want a manageable weight for a first build, this spec profile is a practical choice.
The products compared
Fistrock JM Style Mahogany DIY Guitar Kit
Best for: Customizing a warm-toned mahogany guitar
- Body Material
- Mahogany
- Neck Material
- Mahogany
- Fretboard Material
- Rosewood
- Number of Strings
- 6
- Hand Orientation
- Right Handed
- Body Type
- JM Style
View on Amazon: Fistrock JM Style Mahogany DIY Guitar Kit Affiliate link
This Fistrock DIY guitar kit features a JM-style body and neck made from mahogany. The rosewood fretboard adds density and natural grain for improved tone. The body and neck arrive cut, sanded, and unfinished, allowing you to apply your own paint, stain, or varnish. It includes all necessary hardware and top-quality parts in one box. You need basic tools like a soldering iron and screwdriver to assemble it.
Pros
- Mahogany body and neck provide a warm, resonant tone.
- Rosewood fretboard offers dense grain for improved volume and sustain.
- Fully unfinished surfaces allow complete customization of finish and headstock design.
- All necessary hardware and parts included in a single box.
Cons
- Requires additional tools such as a soldering iron and screwdriver.
- No pre-applied finish, requiring time and materials for sanding and painting.
- Assembly knowledge is necessary as instructions are provided but not detailed.
Good fit if
- You want to build a guitar with a classic JM-style silhouette.
- You prefer the tonal characteristics of mahogany and rosewood.
- You enjoy customizing your instrument's finish and appearance.
Skip if
- You need a ready-to-play instrument without assembly.
- You lack basic tools like a soldering iron.
- You prefer a pre-finished guitar with no customization.
Verdict: Fistrock JM Style Mahogany DIY Kit is ideal for builders who value the tonal warmth of mahogany and the customization freedom of an unfinished body. It suits those ready to invest time in assembly and finishing for a personalized instrument.
Fistrock Tele Style Basswood with Ash Burl Top
Best for: Building a custom 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 DIY kit features a solid body made from basswood with an ash burl top. It includes a hard maple neck and an engineered wood fretboard. The package contains all parts for a six-string build, including single-coil pickups and die-cast chrome hardware. You receive full instructions, though you must provide tools like a soldering iron. The unfinished surface allows you to apply your own paint or stain.
Pros
- Basswood body with ash burl top
- Hard maple neck with engineered wood fretboard
- Includes all hardware and single-coil pickups
- Unfinished surface for custom styling
Cons
- Requires external tools for assembly
- Engineered wood fretboard lacks natural grain
- Sold as a bare kit without electronics installed
Good fit if
- You want to build a Tele-style guitar from scratch
- You prefer the tone of basswood and maple
- You have the tools to assemble a guitar
Skip if
- You need a pre-assembled instrument
- You lack soldering skills or tools
- You prefer rosewood fretboards
Verdict: Fistrock Tele Style Basswood Ash DIY Kit offers a complete set of components for a custom build. It suits builders who want to control every aspect of their instrument's finish and setup.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Fistrock JM Style Mahogany DIY Guitar Kit | Fistrock Tele Style Basswood with Ash Burl Top |
|---|---|---|
| Body Material | Mahogany | Basswood with ash burl top |
| Neck Material | Mahogany | Hard maple |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood | Engineered wood |
| Number of Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Hand Orientation | Right Handed | Right Handed |
| Body Type | JM Style | Tele Style |
| Target Audience | Beginners | Beginners |
| Color | Natural | Engineered Wood Fretboard |
| Dimensions | 29.5 × 20 × 3.35 inches | 28 × 19 × 2.4 inches |
| Weight | 9 ounces | not stated |
| Size | 20 inches x 29.5 inches x 3.35 inches | not stated |
| Model | DIY SJA 40-MH | DIY STL 100BNA-A |
Frequently asked questions
Which Fistrock kit has a larger body size?
The Fistrock JM Style Mahogany DIY Guitar Kit is larger. It measures 29.5 inches in length, 20 inches in width, and 3.35 inches in height. The Tele Style Basswood Ash model is slightly smaller, measuring 28 inches long, 19 inches wide, and 2.4 inches high. You should choose the larger kit if you prefer a bigger body profile.
Does the Tele Style kit include a rosewood fretboard?
No, the Tele Style Basswood Ash kit does not feature a rosewood fretboard. Its specifications list an engineered wood fretboard. The JM Style Mahogany DIY kit, however, includes a rosewood fretboard. If you prefer the feel and tone of rosewood, the JM Style kit is the better choice for your build.
What is the weight difference between the two kits?
The JM Style Mahogany DIY kit weighs 9 ounces. The specifications for the Tele Style Basswood Ash kit do not list a weight. You cannot determine the exact weight difference without that data. However, the physical dimensions suggest the Tele Style body is smaller and potentially lighter than the mahogany body.
Can I customize the finish on both kits?
Yes, both kits are designed for customization. The JM Style kit comes in a natural color, allowing you to apply your own stain or paint. The Tele Style kit is also unfinished, featuring an engineered wood fretboard and basswood body. Both models provide a blank canvas for your personal finish and setup preferences.
Which model is better for a Tele-style guitar build?
The Fistrock Tele Style Basswood Ash DIY Kit is the correct choice. Its model number is DIY STL 100BNA-A, indicating a Tele-style design. The JM Style kit follows a different body shape. If your goal is to build a guitar with the classic Telecaster silhouette, this specific kit provides the necessary components.
Is the mahogany body unfinished or pre-finished?
The Fistrock JM Style Mahogany DIY Guitar Kit is unfinished. It arrives in a natural color state. This allows you to sand, stain, or seal the mahogany body to your liking. It is a DIY kit, meaning you handle the final finishing process to achieve your desired look and tone.
What wood is used for the Tele Style body?
The Tele Style kit uses a basswood body. It also features an ash burl top. Basswood is known for being lightweight and balanced. The ash top adds visual appeal and some tonal brightness. This combination offers a different tonal profile compared to the solid mahogany body of the other kit.