Kit Built Guitars - anyone tried them

[GarethFlatlands]

[url="http://www.kitbuiltguitars.co.uk/guitarkits/jazz-j-bass-build-your-own-bass-guitar-kit.html"]http://www.kitbuiltguitars.co.uk/guitarkits/jazz-j-bass-build-your-own-bass-guitar-kit.html[/url]

These look interesting but seem a bit too cheap to be good. Has anyone tried them? I got some paypal money and wanted a jazz and also a project to work on, but I lack the woodwork skills to do much more than assemble a kit. And even that might be beyond me!

[prowla]

I've never tried a kit - I think they will be cheapo.

I have built a bass from parts, though, getting body, neck, pickups, etc. separately and assembling them; it's not to difficult for a Fender-based instrument where they bolt together. You can also swap and change if you feel like it; I've started with a Squier P-bass and only its body is left now - I may change it, but I kindof like it.

I've also got a more up-market one, which was made from parts, but I bought as-is.

This is them.

Edited February 5, 2017 by prowla

[GarethFlatlands]

Love that fretless! Did you go with warmoth or similar or just scour BC and eBay for the parts?

[Grangur]

[quote name='GarethFlatlands' timestamp='1486295862' post='3230606']
[url="http://www.kitbuiltguitars.co.uk/guitarkits/jazz-j-bass-build-your-own-bass-guitar-kit.html"]http://www.kitbuiltg...guitar-kit.html[/url]

These look interesting but seem a bit too cheap to be good. Has anyone tried them? I got some paypal money and wanted a jazz and also a project to work on, but I lack the woodwork skills to do much more than assemble a kit. And even that might be beyond me!
[/quote]

Here's the first of a series of videos that you might find interesting

http://youtu.be/EJzvQFWwO9w?list=PLp6z5fUMeeAZngXaTKxTKgHvM_pUxeH2z

Edited February 5, 2017 by Grangur

[GreeneKing]

[quote name='Grangur' timestamp='1486299785' post='3230639']


Here's the first of a series of videos that you might find interesting

[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DEJzvQFWwO9w&ved=0ahUKEwix1JPUgfnRAhVjI8AKHct4BWQQtwIIGjAA&usg=AFQjCNEsro2IonobGGNX0wyoey-300W5mw"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJzvQFWwO9w&list=PLp6z5fUMeeAZngXaTKxTKgHvM_pUxeH2z[/url]
[/quote]

Caution? I got a warning on trying to view that.

[prowla]

[quote name='GarethFlatlands' timestamp='1486299490' post='3230637']
Love that fretless! Did you go with warmoth or similar or just scour BC and eBay for the parts?
[/quote]
The orange fretless started as Squier Affinity P-bass project which someone had started on and gave up (they sprayed the body orange); I got it for £51 on ebay, in bits. I got some better pickups (£35), put on a Badass II bridge I had in a box of bits, made a wiring loom with CTS pots, Sprague cap, Switchcraft socket from ebay (£25), bought the Mighty Mite neck (including machines) off a colleague who'd upgraded his bass (£50), got a Hipshot D-tuner/Xtender for £55 online and put some Fender flatwound strings on it £20 in a local shop). Add in a few sundries like screws and a neck plate and it owes me under £300 (and also leaves me some leftover parts). If I replace the body (and I'm in no rush to, because it's not bad, actually and a decent body will cost as much again as the rest of it!), then I'll reassemble it as original and flog that on.

The aqua fretted one I got as-is, at a price well below the value of the parts; someone else had built it but then sold it on to a shop. There's a separate thread on that, so won't repeat.

The thing is, though, both of those basses are really good and they are assembled from parts from different suppliers and manufacturers; it's just a matter of fitting them together and you can chop and change or customise as you like.

If you're not confident on setting up the neck & action, then you can get a guitar tech to do that.

I've also built a (Strat) partscaster from bits, including a bare-wood body I've stained a nice dark oak colour, which I'm very happy with (though it's probably not worth a lot).



The body cost me £25 on ebay (and the stain & finish probably cost as much again), the neck was £10 from a local shop and machines for it were £35 (I could've got cheaper on ebay, but I decided to support the local shop), the bridge is a Chinese Floyd Rose which had a fault so they refunded me in full (£0!) but I replaced the trem arm with a Schaller one (£8.95), a couple of Strat pickups out of my parts box (turns out they are really good ones!) and an Iron Gear humbucker (£35), and sundry other bits. I haven't decided whether to stick with the Squier neck (which is actually rather good) and put the locking nut on it, or to go with something more droopy or pointy.

Again, all pretty easy to do (except drilling the holes for the Floyd Rose bridge mounts and opening things out a bit with a file). Staining the wood took a lot of time, but it was really rewarding seeing the end-product.

I'm also working on resurrecting a copy bass (whose name may not be mentioned), and that's coming along nicely. With that one, the only serious thing I've had to do was tidy up a 2nd jack socket hole (which the seller had rather roughly drilled/gouged) with my Dremel.

So, to summarise, it is not hugely difficult to build a guitar from parts, there is relatively little risk in doing so, and in the worst case you may well be able to sell on the parts if you lose interest and give up or mess something up (perhaps losing the value of the particular component you've stuffed up, probably a hit on the wallet the equivalent of a takeaway and a beer).

Incidentally, I found myself watching James May's "The Reassembler" last week and got a certain point where I thought to myself "hang on - you've got some bits yourself to solder and put together, so why don't you do that instead of sitting here watching someone else doing the same blooming thing???", so I switched off the telly and got on with it.

Edited February 5, 2017 by prowla

[Grangur]

[quote name='GreeneKing' timestamp='1486302034' post='3230662']
Caution? I got a warning on trying to view that.
[/quote]

Thank you - I've corrected it.

[GarethFlatlands]

Thanks for the video link, looks like my fears about the cost were justified. Prowla has given me some food for thought, might be worth a long haul approach getting bits when they become available and putting it all together over time.

[T-Bay]

Why do you want to do it? If you want to have a bit of fun and learn how to make one then I think they are great value. I have seen videos on YouTube where people have got them sounding nice with a few upgrades. If they did a headless one I would be very tempted.

[GarethFlatlands]

That's part of it but as I've never done any DIY at home (rented accommodation for years so no need) I own very few tools. Anything in the kit that would need work, I'd probably have to go and buy and learn to use them. That's the main thing stopping me taking a punt at the moment.

[T-Bay]

You have to start somewhere. I have built motorbikes, cars, kit cars and even a hovercraft. I haven't had a days instruction in any of it, just had a go and learned as I went along. I recently picked up a bass as a project (thread on here) and had a go. You will get a great deal of satisfaction from doing it. The kits aren't stupid money and as they have everything you need are a good way to dip a toe in so to speak.

[prowla]

[quote name='T-Bay' timestamp='1486312783' post='3230805']
You have to start somewhere. I have built motorbikes, cars, kit cars and even a hovercraft. I haven't had a days instruction in any of it, just had a go and learned as I went along. I recently picked up a bass as a project (thread on here) and had a go. You will get a great deal of satisfaction from doing it. The kits aren't stupid money and as they have everything you need are a good way to dip a toe in so to speak.
[/quote]
Now, a hoverbass - that would have been impressive!

[prowla]

FYI, there's a Fender Mex Jazz body on ebay right now, which I might've bought if I didn't have a few balls in the air already...

[T-Bay]

[quote name='prowla' timestamp='1486317859' post='3230848']

Now, a hoverbass - that would have been impressive!
[/quote]
Have you seen Colin Furze and his bass and other projects? Wouldn't surprise me if has plans to make one.

[prowla]

[quote name='T-Bay' timestamp='1486321013' post='3230888']
Have you seen Colin Furze and his bass and other projects? Wouldn't surprise me if has plans to make one.
[/quote]
Gotta get me one of them! [url="https://youtu.be/xwWw9g0EgHA"]https://youtu.be/xwWw9g0EgHA[/url]

[Rexel Matador]

[quote name='GarethFlatlands' timestamp='1486312360' post='3230798']
That's part of it but as I've never done any DIY at home (rented accommodation for years so no need) I own very few tools. Anything in the kit that would need work, I'd probably have to go and buy and learn to use them. That's the main thing stopping me taking a punt at the moment.
[/quote]

Regarding tools, one possibility would be to see if there is a hackspace near you. If you're not familiar with the concept, they are communally run maker spaces, where you can become a member for a modest subscription (often you can decide how much depending on how much you can afford, how much you use it etc), and then you can go there and use all manner of expensive tools that you wouldn't otherwise be able to afford. *Also* you will probably meet people there who can give you advice on how to use them.

I used to be a member of one in Brighton and dabbled in guitar building there. I used jigsaws, bandsaws, sanders, drill presses, blowtorches, routers etc etc, that I would never have been able to afford otherwise. I've now found one in Newcastle and am excited to get involved again. If you are, as your profile suggests, in Sheffield, I just had a quick google and it seems there's definitely one there.

[Shockwave]

I bought their SG bass kit a few years back. Sent it back as the three point bridge was routed not inline with the neck pocket. The next one had the same issue so had to send that back as well. Pity, a full scale SG bass is my kinda thing.

[GarethFlatlands]

[quote name='Rexel Matador' timestamp='1486326985' post='3230945']
I used to be a member of one in Brighton and dabbled in guitar building there. I used jigsaws, bandsaws, sanders, drill presses, blowtorches, routers etc etc, that I would never have been able to afford otherwise. I've now found one in Newcastle and am excited to get involved again. If you are, as your profile suggests, in Sheffield, I just had a quick google and it seems there's definitely one there.
[/quote]

Never heard of Hackspace but it's a fantastic idea. I am indeed in Sheffield and the one there is around 10 minutes drive away. I also have a friend who does guitar maintenance and techs for various bands who I'm sure would let me have a day or 2 in the workshop if requested.

[quote name='Shockwave' timestamp='1486329682' post='3230971']
I bought their SG bass kit a few years back. Sent it back as the three point bridge was routed not inline with the neck pocket. The next one had the same issue so had to send that back as well. Pity, a full scale SG bass is my kinda thing.
[/quote]

That's a bit more worrying. Maybe their QC has improved in the intervening years but it still seems like a gamble.

[kumimajava]

[quote name='T-Bay' timestamp='1486309413' post='3230758'] Why do you want to do it? If you want to have a bit of fun and learn how to make one then I think they are great value. I have seen videos on YouTube where people have got them sounding nice with a few upgrades. If they did a headless one I would be very tempted. [/quote]

Not on that website, but plenty of headless kits around (either via eBay or AliExpress):

[url="https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Afanti-Music-Headless-style-DIY-electric-Bass-kit-guitar-kit-AWT-064/32363623252.html?spm=2114.30010308.3.1.zwImbK&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_2_10065_10068_10501_10503_10000032_119_10000025_10000029_430_10000028_10060_10062_10056_10055_10000062_10054_10059_10099_10000022_10000012_10103_10000015_10102_10096_10000018_10000019_10000056_10000059_10052_10053_10107_10050_10106_10051_10000053_10000007_10000050_10084_10083_10000047_10080_10082_10081_10110_10111_10112_10113_10114_10115_10000041_10000044_10078_10079_10000038_429_10073_10000035_10121-10503_10501,searchweb201603_9,afswitch_2_afChannel,single_sort_1_default&btsid=d228b0ff-029c-4870-a599-d5022f9ad7b7"]https://www.aliexpre...99-d5022f9ad7b7[/url]

[url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Headless-Bass-Guitar-DIY-Kit-Unfinished-Project-Luthier-B-Stock-/311794548459?hash=item4898673eeb:g:PUoAAMXQh8NTdNZS"]http://www.ebay.co.u...UoAAMXQh8NTdNZS[/url]

I expect they all probably come from the same place, with similar quality. That eBay option, in that listing, is b-stock, but I expect they'd have an a-stock in, as well, if you'd get in touch. Curious to see pics, if you do go ahead

(hope it's ok to post links - apologies if not. Obviously, I'm not affiliated with either vendor)

Edited February 6, 2017 by kumimajava

[T-Bay]

[quote name='kumimajava' timestamp='1486364365' post='3231049']


Not on that website, but plenty of headless kits around (either via eBay or AliExpress):

[url="https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Afanti-Music-Headless-style-DIY-electric-Bass-kit-guitar-kit-AWT-064/32363623252.html?spm=2114.30010308.3.1.zwImbK&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_2_10065_10068_10501_10503_10000032_119_10000025_10000029_430_10000028_10060_10062_10056_10055_10000062_10054_10059_10099_10000022_10000012_10103_10000015_10102_10096_10000018_10000019_10000056_10000059_10052_10053_10107_10050_10106_10051_10000053_10000007_10000050_10084_10083_10000047_10080_10082_10081_10110_10111_10112_10113_10114_10115_10000041_10000044_10078_10079_10000038_429_10073_10000035_10121-10503_10501,searchweb201603_9,afswitch_2_afChannel,single_sort_1_default&btsid=d228b0ff-029c-4870-a599-d5022f9ad7b7"]https://www.aliexpre...99-d5022f9ad7b7[/url]

[url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Headless-Bass-Guitar-DIY-Kit-Unfinished-Project-Luthier-B-Stock-/311794548459?hash=item4898673eeb:g:PUoAAMXQh8NTdNZS"]http://www.ebay.co.u...UoAAMXQh8NTdNZS[/url]

I expect they all probably come from the same place, with similar quality. That eBay option, in that listing, is b-stock, but I expect they'd have an a-stock in, as well, if you'd get in touch. Curious to see pics, if you do go ahead

(hope it's ok to post links - apologies if not. Obviously, I'm not affiliated with either vendor)
[/quote]
I have seen the guy in Ireland selling them, unfortunately that one has a cracked neck. I have just finished my last project so will see what comes up in the near future, if I get one I will start a thread on here.

[kumimajava]

[quote name='T-Bay' timestamp='1486365625' post='3231053']
I have seen the guy in Ireland selling them, unfortunately that one has a cracked neck. I have just finished my last project so will see what comes up in the near future, if I get one I will start a thread on here.
[/quote]

Sounds good Off to see whether there are pics of your previous project, meanwhile

[EliasMooseblaster]

[quote name='GarethFlatlands' timestamp='1486295862' post='3230606']
[url="http://www.kitbuiltguitars.co.uk/guitarkits/jazz-j-bass-build-your-own-bass-guitar-kit.html"]http://www.kitbuiltg...guitar-kit.html[/url]

These look interesting but seem a bit too cheap to be good. Has anyone tried them? I got some paypal money and wanted a jazz and also a project to work on, but I lack the woodwork skills to do much more than assemble a kit. And even that might be beyond me!
[/quote]

I have no experience of the kits from KBG, but the Precision copy which I have owned for about 15 years, and which was my main bass for the majority of those years, was built from a kit. Essentially, it's like doing a parts build, except that all the parts come to you in the same box, so you don't get much scope to customise what you get.

I got mine from a company called Brandoni - no idea if they're still active. I stripped it down and gave it a refurb a few years ago, but apart from that brief period, it's remained in active service throughout and it's an excellent instrument. (There are some "before" and "after" photos up at
[url="https://thecrowfrombelow.wordpress.com/2015/07/22/precision-bass-refurb/"]https://thecrowfrombelow.wordpress.com/2015/07/22/precision-bass-refurb/[/url])

[BigRedX]

[quote name='EliasMooseblaster' timestamp='1486475528' post='3232100']
I have no experience of the kits from KBG, but the Precision copy which I have owned for about 15 years, and which was my main bass for the majority of those years, was built from a kit. Essentially, it's like doing a parts build, except that all the parts come to you in the same box, so you don't get much scope to customise what you get.

I got mine from a company called Brandoni - no idea if they're still active. I stripped it down and gave it a refurb a few years ago, but apart from that brief period, it's remained in active service throughout and it's an excellent instrument. (There are some "before" and "after" photos up at
[url="https://thecrowfrombelow.wordpress.com/2015/07/22/precision-bass-refurb/"]https://thecrowfromb...on-bass-refurb/[/url])
[/quote]

From what I've seen of Brandoni (and yes AFAIK they are still going) they are in completely different league to the kit linked to in the OP.

[EliasMooseblaster]

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1486482628' post='3232175']
From what I've seen of Brandoni (and yes AFAIK they are still going) they are in completely different league to the kit linked to in the OP.
[/quote]

What do you base that on? My Brandoni kit was bare, unfinished wood (I found their website; it looks like they still are), as is the kit in the OP link. The only main differences I can see are that the Brandoni was alder rather than ash, the headstock came ready-shaped, and they were nice enough to do all the wiring and tape the pickup to the scratchplate for ease of assembly.

[BigRedX]

My experience with Brandoni is from a guitarist who had a NOS Vox guitar made up from parts that they supplied, and AFAIK that was the main bit of their business. If they also do bog standard kits I wasn't aware of that.