DIY Guitar kits

[Triumphman]

Any one done one?
Fairly obvious that they need better components and a full fret dress etc etc
But on YouTube some have done lovely builds

[Geek99]

there's a lot of past threads on this topic - you can get a pretty good idea from reading those.

[Roger2611]

I have a semi complete Pitbull Rick bass, it just requires wiring and painting now but the standard neck joint was a complete joke and would not have lasted five minutes, I had to do some serious carpentry work on it to make it useable, the bridge was wrong (again the right bridge needed more carpentry work) the pickups were wrong, again more woodwork...I now have a playable bass with a decent action that looks about right....would I recommend the kit....not a chance!

[SpondonBassed]

[quote name='Triumphman' timestamp='1509970257' post='3402904']
Any one done one?
Fairly obvious that they need better components and a full fret dress etc etc
But on YouTube some have done lovely builds
[/quote]

I've built my own bass from a kit;
http://basschat.co.uk/topic/308684-ibanez-tribute-kit/

I enjoyed the whole experience and I love the way it sounds. Bonus.

[SpondonBassed]

[quote name='Roger2611' timestamp='1509992258' post='3403109']
I have a semi complete Pitbull Rick bass, it just requires wiring and painting now but the standard neck joint was a complete joke and would not have lasted five minutes, I had to do some serious carpentry work on it to make it useable, the bridge was wrong (again the right bridge needed more carpentry work) the pickups were wrong, again more woodwork...I now have a playable bass with a decent action that looks about right....would I recommend the kit....not a chance!
[/quote]

I'm still finessing my Pitbull Ibanezish bass. Not as bad as yours sounds but I need to shim the neck to allow a better range of adjustment at the bridge. The output jack socket and a few screws were replaced with better components.

I felt I got decent value for money. I would not expect any kit to go smoothly without some fitting work to bring it all together. The word [i]fitting[/i] in this instance implies minor woodwork and metalwork.

After I had bought mine I discovered that there also is a UK supplier with what looks like a similar Ibby look-alike. I'd try that one next and save on the £60 odd import duty.

[EliasMooseblaster]

I bought a Precision kit from Brandoni about sixteen years ago and it's been a reliable part of my setup ever since. For about seven or eight years it was my main gigging bass, and there was a brief window of a few months in which it was (gasp!) my only bass.

Obviously they won't rival a custom build from a good luthier, but you can get a lot of bass for your buck.

[Nicko]

I fail to understand why anyone would want to build a bass from a kit. The price of the kit is so low that the components must be the poorest quality available and you won't know whether you like either the feel or the sound of it until you invested the time and effort in building it..

[Dad3353]

[quote name='Nicko' timestamp='1510236581' post='3404891']
I fail to understand why anyone would want to build a bass from a kit. The price of the kit is so low that the components must be the poorest quality available and you won't know whether you like either the feel or the sound of it until you invested the time and effort in building it..
[/quote]

But for some (not all, but some...), that 's the fun part, or a large part of it. I build model aircraft from sticks of balsa. It's just as inexpensive to buy a ready-to-fly 'plane, and less tools to be obtained, but I like building 'em. Same with guitars etc. Our Eldest is currently learning 'hands on' about making his own guitar, from scratch. Will it rival his Nighthawk..? Maybe not, or at least, not at the first attempt, but he'll have the satisfaction of having made it himself, warts'n'all. A kit can bring pleasure, whether or not it rivals a bought instrument, new or used. Not for everyone, but some folks are like that..

Edited November 9, 2017 by Dad3353

[ahpook]

[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1510239704' post='3404925']
A kit can bring pleasure, whether or not it rivals a bought instrument, new or used. Not for everyone, but some folks are like that..
[/quote]

Very much so, making stuff is fun.

[Jimothey]

I’m making 2 at the mo a precision that I’m modifying in to a ‘51 telecaster bass style but with split p bass pickups (so really it’s more like a Mike Dirnt Precision) so I’m filling the original routed holes to re rout them neater as the pickguard now won’t cover but I can’t decide whether to do a shorter pickguard with metal control plate or to make a ‘72 style longer pickguard? And a P/J style Jazz bass

I’m just enjoying making them exactly how I want them to look

I don’t know if anyone will be interested but I’ll post some pics when I’ve finished them to get peoples opinions

[Dan Dare]

I agree that kits can be made up of pretty cheap components. By the time you've replaced the iffy stuff, you may as well buy the parts individually (from Allparts, Warmoth et al). That way, you can choose everything yourself and not be saddled with replacing the stuff the kit seller got at the lowest price and still get the pleasure of building your instrument yourself. It can often work out no cheaper than buying something ready made, though.

[Nicko]

[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1510239704' post='3404925']
But for some (not all, but some...), that 's the fun part, or a large part of it. I build model aircraft from sticks of balsa. It's just as inexpensive to buy a ready-to-fly 'plane, and less tools to be obtained, but I like building 'em. Same with guitars etc. Our Eldest is currently learning 'hands on' about making his own guitar, from scratch. Will it rival his Nighthawk..? Maybe not, or at least, not at the first attempt, but he'll have the satisfaction of having made it himself, warts'n'all. A kit can bring pleasure, whether or not it rivals a bought instrument, new or used. Not for everyone, but some folks are like that..
[/quote]

I completely get the building something from scratch idea. I just don't get the kit approach.

[Dad3353]

[quote name='Nicko' timestamp='1510315717' post='3405517']
I completely get the building something from scratch idea. I just don't get the kit approach.
[/quote]

For someone wishing to gain a first-time experience, and willing to accept that the result may need 'tweaking' or later upgrading, all the parts are there, and likely to be compatible, at least. Are there better ways..? Yes, even so far as to make one's own body from scratch, with the shape one wishes. There are some very inexpensive kits out there; not everyone can afford a Warmoth as an experiment. It's all good, really; each will find his/her own level of satisfaction.

[gs_triumph]

I'll bet the kits aren't that bad in terms of quality when compared with low to mid range basses available in the shops.

By the time the company adds the labour to put it all together and painting parts etc and then adds a profit onto that, before passing it on to a distributor with all their costs who then adds a profit, who passes it to a retailer with all their costs and adds a profit... That doesn't leave much room for material costs in the first instance.

Fair enough economies of scale come in to play but the material costs can't be too dissimilar.

[Jimothey]

[quote name='Nicko' timestamp='1510315717' post='3405517']


I completely get the building something from scratch idea. I just don't get the kit approach.
[/quote]

The end result is the same, you end up with a bass finished in the style you want, both of them will have no resale value what so ever, I would love to build a bass from scratch but I simply can’t afford the cost of sourcing the materials and hardware compared to a kit that has every thing included for a fraction of the price

I’m a carpenter/furniture maker by trade so I have the skills, knowledge and tools to do a scratch build but not every one has so a kit build for some people is the only option as all you need to build them is a drill, soldering iron and very basic woodworking tools and with some kits you don’t even need a soldering iron to install the electrics

[SpondonBassed]

[quote name='Nicko' timestamp='1510236581' post='3404891']
I fail to understand why anyone would want to build a bass from a kit. The price of the kit is so low that the components must be the poorest quality available and you won't know whether you like either the feel or the sound of it until you invested the time and effort in building it..
[/quote]

Until you try one, yes.

[SpondonBassed]

[quote name='Jimothey' timestamp='1510254084' post='3405123']
I’m making 2 at the mo a precision that I’m modifying in to a ‘51 telecaster bass style but with split p bass pickups (so really it’s more like a Mike Dirnt Precision) so I’m filling the original routed holes to re rout them neater as the pickguard now won’t cover but I can’t decide whether to do a shorter pickguard with metal control plate or to make a ‘72 style longer pickguard? And a P/J style Jazz bass

I’m just enjoying making them exactly how I want them to look

I don’t know if anyone will be interested but I’ll post some pics when I’ve finished them to get peoples opinions
[/quote]

I am sure there will be interest. If you start a topic about your project in the Build Diary sub-forum especially.

[Norris]

About 2 years ago I bought the wood to make a telecaster from scratch. Around about the same time I bought my lad a Squier strat. They cost the same.

Two years later my telecaster is nearly finished. It has bought me a lot of enjoyment making it, and to be fair it's not your average telecaster either - bookmatched and carved flamed maple top, chambered ash back, birds eye maple neck, etc. It's been a labour of love. However I can fully understand that people don't have the time, patience or skill to make a guitar from scratch (and believe me I had very little skill when I started! ). A kit is an ideal way to make a guitar your own, to put your stamp on it. It's not always about the end result either - it's the journey and sense of achievement.

I will post up some pictures of my guitar when I'm done. I know it's not a bass, but I thought I'd gain some skills on a lesser instrument first. I have my bass in my head and it will be made from scratch - but I can't say when I'll finally get to play it - when it's ready

[T-Bay]

I have been looking at 6 string kits as they would be a perfect present for my father in law. Frustratingly I can see loads of headline prices between £40-50 but when you go the sites they are all £80 plus which is a bit much for a Christmas present.

[SpondonBassed]

On 11/12/2017 at 00:48, Norris said:

About 2 years ago I bought the wood to make a telecaster from scratch. Around about the same time I bought my lad a Squier strat. They cost the same.

Two years later my telecaster is nearly finished. It has bought me a lot of enjoyment making it, and to be fair it's not your average telecaster either - bookmatched and carved flamed maple top, chambered ash back, birds eye maple neck, etc. It's been a labour of love. However I can fully understand that people don't have the time, patience or skill to make a guitar from scratch (and believe me I had very little skill when I started! ). A kit is an ideal way to make a guitar your own, to put your stamp on it. It's not always about the end result either - it's the journey and sense of achievement.

I will post up some pictures of my guitar when I'm done. I know it's not a bass, but I thought I'd gain some skills on a lesser instrument first. I have my bass in my head and it will be made from scratch - but I can't say when I'll finally get to play it - when it's ready

"gain skills on a lesser instrument"

That made oi chortle!

I have no problem with guitar builds.  I wonder however if they might have a place in the Guitar sub-forum.  It might be that more guitar enthusiasts will see them there than at present.

I would be interested to hear you expand on the monetary value of the two instruments.  After an initial hit of depreciation, do you expect your lad's axe to gain value at some point down the line?  When you debut your hand made axe how would it compare on resale value?

I understand that you aren't making it to sell on but what do you reckon?

[SpondonBassed]

On 11/12/2017 at 11:15, T-Bay said:

I have been looking at 6 string kits as they would be a perfect present for my father in law. Frustratingly I can see loads of headline prices between £40-50 but when you go the sites they are all £80 plus which is a bit much for a Christmas present.

Have you considered a ukulele kit?

Having said that, the chap we bought from in North Derbyshire charged around £80 for Jack's first kit a few years ago.  Ken's choices of exotic wood are negotiable and I think Jack had specified some special bits as well.

Last time we met Ken, he had made his first solid body electric guitar.  He told us the year before that he didn't want to make anything with a truss rod.  I was delighted to see that he overcame that restriction on his talents.

I am not sure if he is doing guitar kits for sale but I'd say it is worth asking as it's a couple of months since we spoke and Ken has only two speeds; full-tilt and stop.  Now that he has done truss rods I'd say he might be of help in your search.

He's here;

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCELpkEwclPZ-AfFH_EAlbIw

He's always helpful but beware.  He can talk the hind legs off of a donkey!  Ken's a bassist too, so I'd recommend you see what he's about for yourself.  Mention Jack and me if you do get chatting and give him our regards.

Good hunting!

 

[T-Bay]

I

7 minutes ago, SpondonBassed said:

Have you considered a ukulele kit?

Having said that, the chap we bought from in North Derbyshire charged around £80 for Jack's first kit a few years ago.  Ken's choices of exotic wood are negotiable and I think Jack had specified some special bits as well.

Last time we met Ken, he had made his first solid body electric guitar.  He told us the year before that he didn't want to make anything with a truss rod.  I was delighted to see that he overcame that restriction on his talents.

I am not sure if he is doing guitar kits for sale but I'd say it is worth asking as it's a couple of months since we spoke and Ken has only two speeds; full-tilt and stop.  Now that he has done truss rods I'd say he might be of help in your search.

He's here;

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCELpkEwclPZ-AfFH_EAlbIw

He's always helpful but beware.  He can talk the hind legs off of a donkey!  Ken's a bassist too, so I'd recommend you see what he's about for yourself.  Mention Jack and me if you do get chatting and give him our regards.

Good hunting!

 

I have seen the ukulele kits but can’t really see him playing one to be honest. I have now worked out that I can get all the parts needed apart from the body for a sensible price so will probably do that. The body is a lot of work but needs less specialist tools.

[SpondonBassed]

40 minutes ago, T-Bay said:

I

I have seen the ukulele kits but can’t really see him playing one to be honest. I have now worked out that I can get all the parts needed apart from the body for a sensible price so will probably do that. The body is a lot of work but needs less specialist tools.

Good thinking that man!

[Norris]

8 hours ago, SpondonBassed said:

"gain skills on a lesser instrument"

That made oi chortle!

I have no problem with guitar builds.  I wonder however if they might have a place in the Guitar sub-forum.  It might be that more guitar enthusiasts will see them there than at present.

I would be interested to hear you expand on the monetary value of the two instruments.  After an initial hit of depreciation, do you expect your lad's axe to gain value at some point down the line?  When you debut your hand made axe how would it compare on resale value?

I understand that you aren't making it to sell on but what do you reckon?

If I costed my build out in labour alone I'd never be able to afford it!

The Squier should hold it's value of thereabouts. It was around £300. I spent that in wood for my build, not including any hardware. There again spread over two years and paid mainly out of gig ("pocket") money, it's not too noticeable. 

The building forum seems to have opened up a bit recently. When I started there were no guitars, or I'd have done a thread