Looking Beyond the STRICH DIY Electric Guitar? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

How Alternatives Compare to STRICH

Donner DST-80 Beginner Electric Guitar Kit

The Donner DST-80 targets beginners who want a portable, all-in-one solution rather than a custom build. It features a 39-inch scale length and SSS pickup configuration, which contrasts with the STRICH’s full-size LP body and HH setup. This shorter scale may feel more manageable for smaller players. You get a complete starter kit in Shell Pink, prioritizing ease of setup over professional-grade volume or ergonomic depth. It is a practical choice if you value portability and simplicity over the warm, full-bodied tones of mahogany construction. It suits those seeking a ready-to-play instrument without the commitment of assembling a full-size guitar.

Donner 39-Inch Electric Guitar Kit

The Donner EC1167 offers an HSS pickup configuration and a right-handed layout, differing from the STRICH’s HH setup and DIY nature. At 39 inches, it is a compact option for beginners who prefer a standalone instrument over a bundled kit. It weighs 14.3 pounds, which is heavier than typical beginner models. The Sapphire Blue finish provides a distinct look compared to the STRICH’s natural wood grain. This model suits players who want a specific pickup arrangement and do not mind a heavier build. It is designed for right-handed users seeking a practical, ready-to-play experience rather than the hands-on assembly process of the STRICH kit.

Donner 30 Inch Kids Electric Guitar Kit

The Donner EC1377 is a 30-inch kit designed specifically for young beginners with small hands. Its compact size makes it unsuitable for adult players or those needing standard scale length. It includes an amp, offering a complete practice solution that the STRICH kit does not. The Green color and small dimensions prioritize accessibility for children over professional tonal characteristics. It is a practical starter choice for kids, focusing on ease of use and included accessories. You should pick this option if you are buying for a child who needs a manageable size, rather than seeking the full-size ergonomics and mahogany construction of the STRICH LP model.

Xvive A58 Wireless Guitar System Sunburst

The Xvive A58 is a wireless guitar system, not a guitar kit. It offers reliable wireless performance for live performers, prioritizing signal clarity and range. The Sunburst finish is a cosmetic detail on the transmitter/receiver units. This product serves musicians who need to move freely on stage without cable constraints. It is fundamentally different from the STRICH DIY kit, which requires assembly and focuses on tonal construction. You would choose this if you already have a guitar and need wireless capability. It does not provide a buildable instrument or mahogany body, serving a completely different purpose in a musician’s setup.

GLARRY 39" Left-Handed Beginner Kit with 20W Amp

The GLARRY gl-ST is a 39-inch left-handed kit, catering to players who cannot use standard right-handed instruments. It includes a 20W amp, providing a complete package similar to other Donner kits. The Green color and compact size offer portability, differing from the STRICH’s full-size LP design. It is a ready-to-play solution for left-handed beginners who value convenience over professional-grade volume. The included accessories make it suitable for those seeking an easy start. It is not ideal for players needing standard scale length or the warm tones of mahogany. This option is best for left-handed users wanting a portable, bundled experience rather than a DIY build.

Leo Jaymz Beginner Electric Guitar Kit

The Leo Jaymz JSTK-009 is a 39-inch kit with an SSS pickup configuration, differing from the STRICH’s HH setup. It features a Blue-Black Fade finish, offering a distinct aesthetic compared to the STRICH’s natural wood look. Designed as a compact starter kit, it suits young players or those seeking convenience. It includes a complete package for quiet practice, prioritizing ease of use over professional stage readiness. The dimensions make it a practical entry point for beginners. It is not suitable for those needing full-size ergonomics or the warm tonal profile of mahogany. This model is ideal for players who value a compact, all-in-one solution for learning.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

STRICH LP Full Size DIY Electric Guitar Kit

Best for: building an LP-style guitar with pre-finished wood

Body Material

Mahogany

Neck Material

Maple

Fretboard Material

HPL

Body Type

LP-Style

Pickup Configuration

HH

View on Amazon: STRICH LP Full Size DIY Electric Guitar Kit Affiliate link

This full-size LP-style kit gives you a solid mahogany body, a maple neck, and dual HH pickups. The neck and body arrive pre-adjusted with a clear protective lacquer coating already applied. It includes all essential hardware, a strap, and an instrument cable, making it suited for players who want to build their own instrument from pre-finished components.

Pros

• Solid mahogany body paired with a maple neck
• Dual HH pickup configuration for full-bodied tone
• Polished clear-coat lacquer applied to body and neck
• Pre-adjusted neck-to-body fit for accurate string spacing

Cons

• Available only in a single Natural Finish color option
• Package does not include a practice amplifier
• Uses an HPL synthetic fingerboard rather than traditional wood

Good fit if

• You want a mahogany LP-style body with dual HH pickups.
• You prefer pre-finished tonewoods with protective lacquer already applied.
• You plan to assemble your guitar from included hardware components.

Skip if

• You need an all-inclusive bundle containing a practice amplifier.
• You want factory paint or color choices beyond natural wood.
• You prefer a traditional wood fretboard instead of HPL material.

Verdict: STRICH LP Full Size DIY Electric Guitar Kit delivers mahogany construction and pre-aligned parts for players building an LP-style instrument without doing their own clear-coating.

2 Best budget

Donner DST-80 Beginner Electric Guitar Kit

Best for: beginners seeking a complete, portable starter kit

Body Material

Manchurian Ash

Pickup Configuration

SSS

Included Amp Wattage

5W

Target Audience

Beginners

View on Amazon: Donner DST-80 Beginner Electric Guitar Kit Affiliate link

The Donner DST-80 is a 39-inch beginner electric guitar kit designed for comfort and ease of use. It features a Manchurian Ash body and a classic SSS pickup configuration for bright, dynamic tones. The package includes a 5W amplifier with Classic and Overdrive settings, making it ready to play out of the box. This kit suits players seeking a complete, affordable setup with essential accessories included.

Pros

• Manchurian Ash body for lightweight comfort
• SSS pickup configuration for versatile tones
• Includes 5W amplifier with two settings
• Complete kit with gig bag and tuner

Cons

• 5W amplifier limits volume for larger spaces
• 39-inch scale may feel small for adults
• No wireless capability or Bluetooth connectivity

Good fit if

• You want a complete beginner kit with everything needed
• You prefer a lighter, smaller scale guitar
• You need a guitar with classic SSS tone versatility

Skip if

• You require a full-size 25.5-inch scale guitar
• You need high-volume performance without external amps
• You prefer a Stratocaster-style body shape

Verdict: Donner DST-80 39-inch Electric Guitar is a practical, all-in-one starter kit for beginners who value portability and ease of setup over professional-grade volume or full-size ergonomics.

3 Also great

Donner 39-Inch Electric Guitar Kit

Best for: Right-handed beginners wanting HSS pickups

Pickup Configuration

HSS

Hand Orientation

Right Handed

Dimensions

41.7 × 5.51 × 11.8 inches

Weight

14.3 pounds

View on Amazon: Donner 39-Inch Electric Guitar Kit Affiliate link

This 39-inch right-handed electric guitar kit features a Sapphire Blue finish and HSS pickup configuration. Measuring 41.7 inches in length and weighing 14.3 pounds, it offers a full-size build for beginners. The HSS setup provides versatile tone options, making it suitable for players seeking a standard beginner instrument with multiple sound capabilities.

Pros

• Right-handed orientation
• HSS pickup configuration
• 39-inch full-size body
• Sapphire Blue color

Cons

• Heavier at 14.3 pounds
• Includes only the guitar kit
• No amplifier included

Good fit if

• You prefer right-handed play
• You want an HSS pickup setup
• You need a full-size instrument

Skip if

• You require a left-handed model
• You want a complete kit with amp
• You prefer a lighter instrument

Verdict: Donner 39-Inch Electric Guitar Kit is a solid choice for right-handed beginners who want an HSS pickup configuration and do not mind a heavier build. It suits those seeking a standalone instrument rather than a bundled package.

4 Also great

Donner 30 Inch Kids Electric Guitar Kit

Best for: young beginners with small hands

Pickup Configuration

single-coil

Body Type

ST-Style

Target Audience

Beginners

Color

Green

Dimensions

30 × 11 × 30 inches

View on Amazon: Donner 30 Inch Kids Electric Guitar Kit Affiliate link

This Donner 30-inch electric guitar is an ST-style kit designed for children. It weighs 5.97 pounds and features a 35cm neck length with a 4.3cm fingerboard width. The green finish includes a matte lacquer surface to reduce friction. The S-Style single-coil pickup provides full tone. The kit includes a gig bag, strap, cables, picks, and a 20W amplifier with distortion and clean channels.

Pros

• Lightweight 5.97 pound build reduces physical burden
• 30-inch scale length fits smaller hands
• Includes 20W amplifier with distortion and clean channels
• Matte lacquer surface reduces forearm friction
• Comes with gig bag, strap, and online lessons

Cons

• 30-inch scale length limits string tension and pitch stability
• Shorter scale requires tuning up one or two notes for stability
• Smaller body size is not suitable for adult players

Good fit if

• You are buying for a child with smaller hands
• You need a lightweight guitar for young beginners
• You want a complete kit with an included amplifier

Skip if

• You require a full-size 25.5-inch scale
• You are an adult player seeking standard proportions
• You prefer higher string tension without retuning

Verdict: Donner 30 Inch Green Kids Electric Guitar is a practical starter kit for children. Its small size and included amp make it a solid choice for young beginners. It is not suitable for adult players or those needing standard scale length.

5 Best premium

Xvive A58 Wireless Guitar System Sunburst

Best for: live performers needing reliable wireless range

Color

Sunburst

View on Amazon: Xvive A58 Wireless Guitar System Sunburst Affiliate link

The Xvive A58 is a wireless guitar system designed to replace cables on stage. It operates on the 5.8GHz ISM band to maintain signal integrity. You get a working range of over 100 feet with less than 5ms latency. The rechargeable transmitter and receiver provide up to 5 hours of battery life. This kit suits players who need reliable wireless performance without interference.

Pros

• 5.8GHz frequency for clear signal broadcasting
• Over 100 feet of working range
• Less than 5ms latency for distraction-free play
• Up to 5 hours of battery life
• Supports up to 4 pairs simultaneously

Cons

• 5-hour battery life limits long sessions
• No mention of frequency switching options
• Includes only one transmitter and receiver

Good fit if

• You need a stable wireless connection on stage
• You want to avoid cable clutter during performances
• You play in environments with multiple wireless systems

Skip if

• You require all-day battery life without recharging
• You need to connect multiple guitars at once
• You prefer wired connections for zero latency

Verdict: Xvive A58 Wireless Guitar System offers reliable wireless performance for live players. It fits musicians who prioritize signal clarity and range over extended battery duration.

6 Best left-handed

GLARRY 39" Left-Handed Beginner Kit with 20W Amp

Best for: left-handed beginners needing a complete kit

Body Material

basswood

Hand Orientation

left-handed

Included Amp Wattage

20W

Target Audience

Beginners

Color

Green

Dimensions

39.2 × 13 × 2.36 inches

View on Amazon: GLARRY 39" Left-Handed Beginner Kit with 20W Amp Affiliate link

This GLARRY electric guitar is built for left-handed players who want a complete setup right out of the box. It features a basswood body and neck for a warm, rock-oriented tone. The package includes a 20W amplifier, a portable gig bag, and all necessary accessories like a strap and tremolo arm. The 39-inch scale length offers a comfortable playing experience for beginners looking for a ready-to-use instrument.

Pros

• Left-handed orientation for specific player needs
• Includes a 20W amplifier for immediate practice
• Basswood construction provides a warm tonal character
• Comes with a portable gig bag for transport

Cons

• 39-inch scale length is smaller than standard full-size guitars
• Basswood body may lack the sustain of harder woods
• No wireless system included for untethered playing

Good fit if

• You are a left-handed beginner seeking a complete kit
• You need a portable setup with a built-in amp
• You prefer a compact 39-inch scale for comfort

Skip if

• You require a standard full-size 25.5-inch scale
• You are a right-handed player
• You need a premium tonewood like mahogany or alder

Verdict: GLARRY 39" Left Handed Electric Guitar offers a complete, ready-to-play solution for left-handed beginners who value portability and included accessories over standard scale lengths.

7 Also great

Leo Jaymz Beginner Electric Guitar Kit

Best for: beginners wanting a compact, complete starter kit

Pickup Configuration

SSS

Hand Orientation

right-handed

Body Type

ST-shaped

Included Amp Wattage

5W

Target Audience

Beginners

Dimensions

41.7 × 16.5 × 4.33 inches

View on Amazon: Leo Jaymz Beginner Electric Guitar Kit Affiliate link

The Leo Jaymz 39" kit offers a complete ST-shaped electric guitar setup for right-handed beginners. It features SSS pickups and a vintage tremolo bridge for classic tone. The package includes a 5W amplifier with aux input and headphone jack for quiet practice. You get a padded gig bag, capo, strap, tuner, and picks. This all-in-one solution removes setup barriers for new players.

Pros

• Includes 5W amplifier with headphone jack for silent practice
• SSS pickup configuration provides bright, dynamic tone
• Comes with padded gig bag, capo, strap, and tuner
• Ultra-slim C-shaped neck for comfortable handling

Cons

• 5W amplifier output is limited for loud performances
• 39-inch scale length may feel small for adults
• No wireless transmission capability included in the kit

Good fit if

• You want a complete starter package with amplifier
• You prefer a smaller 39-inch scale guitar
• You need quiet practice options with headphone output

Skip if

• You require a full-size 25.5-inch scale guitar
• You need high-wattage amplification for live stages
• You prefer HSS pickup configurations for heavier tones

Verdict: Leo Jaymz 39" Beginner Electric Guitar Kit is a practical entry point for young players or those seeking a compact instrument. It suits beginners who value convenience and quiet practice over professional stage readiness.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions