Who Makes The Best Guitar Kits?

[@CANNIMAGINE]

I built 3 Harley Benton kits during covid lockdown. They are inexpensive and of decent quality, especially for folks like me who use my own pickups, tuners, etc to finish the kits. I did a PRS style a LP style and a Jaguar style.

[@bernardo9202]

Do you know from the guitar kit on the LP style of guitar, what is the comparsion on their line up, is it a lower grade like the 200 or 400 or like mid tier 450 or 500 kit or even the higher tier 550 and above?

[@darylhudson777]

I watched several of the Crimson Guitar videos I love the expert attention to details. He doesn't skimp and in today's modern world I appreciate it so much more. I usually try to buy all American-made products so Crimson Guitar is an exception because they are top-of-the-line.

[@ChrisWilliams-cb9kt]

Only done one but Crimson Guitars did an excellent custom kit for me. My spec throughout. Quality woods, accurate neck pocket, frets, inlays etc. all spot on.

[@BradAngove]

Awesome!

[@ChrisWilliams-cb9kt]

@@asimhussain8716 it wasn’t cheap but it was custom spec.

[@landofahhs_1]

Nice job covering kits you have used and are familiar with. I thought you were fair and honest in your discussed points. I appreciate reviews where the reviewer doesn't appear to be rehearsed, but just frankly speaks their mind...thank you!

[@BradAngove]

Thanks Paul. You may have noticed this over time, but for better or for worse my videos are never rehearsed haha.

[@jimmyjoe1871]

I just finished a Korina Explorer from precision guitar kits. It is a fantastic instrument. I didn’t cut any corners though. Hide glue, nitro finish, faber tonelock hardware, OX4 pickups. Easily rivals a custom shop Gibson.

[@flobeeonekinobee2353]

Did you find the glue?

[@Coda6766]

​@@flobeeonekinobee2353 oh ur cheeky! 🎉

[@Torgo63]

Thanks for the video, it's just what I needed. I just finished a 335 kit from Stewmac, and am looking at my options for my next build. I agree that Stewmac's prices are a bit high, but I ordered when they were having a $90 off sale, so making the purchase was less difficult. The 335 turned out beyond my expectations, both by how it looks, and how it plays. I also learned a whole lot (by making mistakes). I had never painted a guitar before, not to mention doing a 3 color burst.

[@pugforce8315]

what kind of finish did you use? was it too difficult for a first time?

[@Torgo63]

@@pugforce8315 It wasn't too difficult at all. I made mistakes due to lack of experience it being my first time. I learned things like that overspray can go all the way to the other side of the guitar, gotta mask off everything. Also, you can't fix paint defects when it's still wet, let it dry then fix it. For the painting, I didn't want a Tobacco sunburst, so I got the Cherry Sunburst paint kit from Stew Mac. I also wanted the sides to be Gloss Black, so I got a can that, and a can of Sunburst Black (to fade in from the edge). I made a YT slideshow video if you want to see the kit progress (it ends before I set the intonation and final polish which I will update soon). If I do a guitar again like this, I will get an extra can of Clear Gloss, because if you make mistakes you are going to need more.

[@jake-gk1jy]

My strat style Muslady kit I bought through Walmart of all places arrived in great shape and was a two piece mahogany body. The neck pocket was very good although I did have to drill my neck bolt holes but that's ok. The CNC work was very clean for a kit guitar and overall the quality was very good for 100 bucks. Would buy again

[@christophercarroll]

Hey Brad, I just got one of StewMac’s offset kits. Definitely worth picking one up while they are on sale for $185. Cheers!

[@BradAngove]

Nice!

[@christopherhester2845]

I built my first LP kit from Stewmac. I immediately replaced all the hardware. I would say it took it from playing like a $300 to a $600 guitar. It is not my Les Paul, but it sounds great and stays in tune.

[@hollierthanthou83]

As an Aussie, and the cost of international postage, it's difficult to try a lot of manufacturers out there. But we do have Pitbull Guitars, and they are very nice quality, great service, and the customization options are great!

[@franknicastri9201]

As a fellow Aussie I also love Pitbull. Great quality and great customer service!

[@scottbegg7459]

Being from New Zealand I too have tried Pitbull Guitars and was well pleased with the quality of these kits. Service was unbelievable . from Australia across the sea to NZ to my door in less than 48 hours everytime

[@tsikoutsikou]

I've bought from Pitbull, currently living in Poland, especially because of the customizations that they offered, as you mentioned. Found out that they're really nice people as well!

[@woodskid4ever]

Are Pitbulls made in Australia?

[@franknicastri9201]

@@woodskid4ever manufactured in China I believe but everything else is here.

[@TaxPayingContributor]

Finishing my second Muslady. Learned a lot from your channel and created a beautiful looking green flame gold burst LP. After another hundred dollars for upgraded parts, she just ain't the first one I grab. My Tele is green birds eye maple with edge bindings and gold hardware. Kits are fun to do and marginally pleased with these two experiences

[@davidspeller4344]

I built a Strat using a XGP body and Neck from Guitar Fetish. the quality and fit was far better than I expected. The body was Alder and the Neck Maple. fret ends were rounded and polished. I only wish they offered medium jumbo or jumbo frets. I found that they are often out of stock on items. (the hardware I used was from Solo Guitars - a Xmas gift from my son) I recommend at least the body and the neck from them!

[@joncaradies3155]

Not really a kit per say but I've bought a couple unfinished bodies and necks from Warmoth and thought they were great !!! The roasted maple necks are especially beautiful in workmanship and the way they feel .

[@geoffdewar8845]

A friend of mine who is a player recommended Solo for my first DIY kit. It turned to be a good choice. Your "How To" videos were so helpful and I thank you for that. Two Tele Style builds, one Jazzmaster Style and a 12-string Strat Style have all been successes. I am now about to start my 5th build, their 335-Style semi-acoustic kit. I am looking forward to the task. You can learn so much by tackling a DIY kit. I would like to tackle a Harley Benton kit. I hear good things about their kits. Note: your opinions have always been well presented. Thanks.

[@BradAngove]

I’m glad to hear your solo builds have gone well.

[@hatintec]

BYO is my choice. Both their Import and Made in USA Custom Shop kits are great quality. Custom Shop Kits are some of the best, and they can be ordered with the options the builder selects. That are not cheap, mass produced. They are best-quality, USA made. Try one of each, you’ll fall in love.

[@BradAngove]

Thanks for the tip.

[@davehallas-g6x]

Hi Brad, I have been watching your videos on various guitar kits, as a Christmas present this year 2023 my good lady bought me the Guitar Works Solo Telecaster Pro Kit from Guitar4Music here in the U.K. Wow, what arrived was not what i was expecting, the kit was well boxed, well presented and very much first class, everything fitted perfect, the drill holes was spot on and the hardware was good, from opening the box to completion of the build took just 3 hrs excellent for a first time, i would certainly give it my No1 build kit, ***** Thanks Brad, Keep up the Good Work.

[@BradAngove]

Thank you, that’s good to know.

[@paulwatson]

I think the company is Gear4Music

[@pipelineaudio]

We were looking for kit guitars for a guitar building class for a music school and your mention of Solo looks like it fits perfectly, I sent them a message, can't wait to hear from them.

[@BradAngove]

Wonderful. I hope the class goes well.

[@randynicholsonsr560]

I built a Telecaster from Solo and was very impressed.

[@BradAngove]

Glad to hear it

[@rickgold6664]

Thanks again, Brad! Appreciate your time involved with making your videos. Even the comment section is good! 😀

[@BradAngove]

Thanks Rick

[@alar7743]

@@BradAngove There is no one higher - Warmoth guitars - the highest quality - it's a pity only for Fender products - I collected 6 guitars for myself and about 10 for my friends

[@BradAngove]

@alar7743 awesome. That’s a lot of guitars.

[@Mossy5150]

I bought an offset headstock 5150 kit from KNE Guitar and everything came really nicely packaged, ready to finish and assemble. I bought most of the hardware and additional parts from Solo, and added a pariah 1986 pickup. The tremolo fit perfectly and everything was wonderfully aligned without any additional woodworking.

[@BradAngove]

Great to hear

[@matthewlee8917]

Precision Guitar Kits in Canada. Bought my son a Tele kit for this Christmas and it's crazy nice.

[@mohbeans]

I bought two solo guitar kits and was pleased to find out that their return policy worked without a hitch. The downside was that I had to return both kits. The Les Paul kit in spotted Maple had very little spalting. It was mostly clear maple. The 335 neck fit poorly in its pocket and was also returned. Thanks for the recommendation.

[@BradAngove]

Glad the service was good at least.

[@christopheraaron8299]

I've built 2 strats, one from random parts I ordered and one from a kit. I ended up not using most of the hardware from the kit because I wanted some upgrades, like locking tuners, roller saddles, roller trees and a bone nut. I also got a nice blue pearl pickguard (I painted the guitar blue.) The kit guitar was from a company called RSW and it's rather nice quality. Basswood body, maple neck, maple fretboard, Fender shaped headstock. I'd say it's about the same quality as my Squier Affinity Strats.

[@mind140]

I've bought 3 or 4 Precision kits and they are the best I've come across by far.

[@NickSelfridge]

I’ve built precision guitar’s single cut Junior and currently working on their double cut Junior kit as well, for the price and quality, like $350 after shipping, the single cut is my best guitar and I have a good feeling about the double cut.

[@BradAngove]

They seem quite reliable for quality. I’m sure the double cut will be good.

[@markusbe.musicfromtheunder2497]

I just completed a Harley Benton kit. I'm surprised how well it came out and how well it plays. Vey good quality. The more work you put in the greater the reward! I got cool guitar, that plays and sounds pretty good. Going to try a StewMac next. * * * * THANKS BRAD.... for the inspiration and sharing your expert knowledge with us new builders. Cheers! Markus

[@BradAngove]

Cheers Markus. I’m glad it came out well.

[@markusbe.musicfromtheunder2497]

@@BradAngove Thanks to you!!! You ARE a great teacher! Love your channel. Gonna try a SOLO branded one as well....

[@hdcat61]

Good video, I look forward to learning more about the kits mentioned and have begun following your channel

[@heartofoak4503]

I'd highly recommend BYO guitars, I have 2, a Jazz bass and a Jaguar...awesome kits and great support

[@johnpecoraro1720]

I worked for them years ago, their custom kits are very high quality.

[@boogrbear788]

Haven't used them yet. But got my eye on a body they have. Great site with a lot of options. I recommend anyone looking at guitar kits to have a look.

[@E.T.musics]

Hi im not an expert but i made one P bass guitar kit from harley benton. İt felt super cool the body the electronics and everrything. Especially for the price. İ recommend Harley benton and Thomann. But Crimson guitars as you mentioned like one of the best i think :) because i follow their channel just for fun. That guy is an awsome luthier. Thanks i like your videos

[@BradAngove]

Thank you Emre

[@kevmac1230]

I've built five or six kits, mostly basses.Two were Solo and they're pretty good.

[@ebandcamp]

I have the same spalted maple LP that turned out outstanding from SOLO from your recommendation ! Thanks . I trashed all the chrome hardware and went with gold , Emerson electrics with a treble bleed I added , Lumberbucker p/ups ( sound amazing and fairly inexpensive ) Gohto locking tuners with amber pearloid tuners , I found amber knobs that go to 11 , stained and oil neck and gold mirror rear covers . Polyurethaned the top and head stock walnut stained the sides and back . Sounds and plays amazing .

[@BradAngove]

Nice! That sounds like an awesome project.

[@sh4969]

The Kit I came across was a book on how to chop down a tree and sweat out the water depending on how much water you want in the wood for the build. But now I would go on a Crimson guitar 5 day building course

[@BradAngove]

That would be awesome. I’d love to take Ben’s course one day.

[@rturney]

Precision Guitar kits are great. You'll get very high quality wood and precision NC machining. Their fretwork is top notch. I've built two of their Les Paul Jr kits.

[@dogslobbergardens6606]

They're pretty much all built on precision CNC machines. Nobody's sitting around with hand saws and chisels building any of these things. Including the vast majority of the Big Name Brand guitars. The fretwork, binding if applicable, and wood is where the real differences are, for sure.

[@BradAngove]

There are definitely different levels of CNC machining out there though.

[@heres2ya]

they have some great kits, but i can't see spending $600+ on a body and neck, when you can actually buy a USA strat for about the same money as doing one of their builds.

[@hkguitar1984]

Precision Guitar Kits are the only brand I'd even consider. What is a person's time worth? I've repaired enough cheap-o kit guitars that its obvious that most cheap-o kits are a waste of a person's time and efforts. I'd place the Precision Guitar Kits at the quality level of Fender or Gibson concerning materials used and fret work.

[@Heartwing37]

Got a great TS from GKW! Beautiful, but I did my own upgrades and customization!

[@michaelrosebud]

You are right...Stew Mac prices are quite high, and they do not give discounts, that is why I buy from All Parts in Texas....

[@karlcarpenter771]

Built a Solo PRK-1, and for the most part it was a complete breeze to finish and assemble. Used leather dye for the back and sides, and an indigo burst with Rit dye on the flamed top. Finished with tru-oil and a paste wax finish. My previous experience included neck refinishing because poly necks are horrible, and regular maintenance of my own guitars.

[@jeffmckinnon5842]

Good comment. People don't realize how bad Poly finishes are for the transmission of the vibrating strings, until they actually strip and refinish a guitar body. It is an awful job to have to go through, but it gives new life, to a piece of lumber that has been dipped in plastic.

[@larrywhitley3359]

I did a fret wire for my very first build. I was not happy with it, the laminate top was so thin, that I sanded right through it. It had a high and low spot on on the top and I tried to work them out but it didn’t work out well. I was really disappointed with it. I now prefer to build from scratch, but I do have a SRP crimson guitar kit that I’m waiting to get here. I’ve been waiting for a while now but I believe it will be here this month. Thanks for your channel I really enjoy it. Yes the CG kit was expensive.

[@GPO_Studios]

I did a Mustang kit from FretWire as my 2nd kit build, and was a bit disappointed as well. The neck pocket was not right, and the placement of the bridge screws was questionable. (Manufacturers: we would rather you leave stuff like that to the builder if you can't do it absolutely correct yourselves!). My first kit was a Tele style from StewMac, which had great build quality in comparison, although I originally received an LP-style kit from them by mistake, so it took an extra week or so to get the product I actually ordered. For a couple hours I thought about keeping the (more expensive) LP style one, but I'm so happy with how the Tele turned out that I have absolutely no regrets.

[@dogslobbergardens6606]

Yeah, the veneers they use for figured tops are VERY thin. Be real, real careful sanding them. Like, don't do it normally, just go straight to the final grit and use an extremely light touch. You're not going to get the same smoothness as doing it properly, but you can sort of hide that in the finishing.

[@gregkelly9732]

Hi Brad, I wanted to mention Guitar Kit World. They make very nice looking kits. I recently purchased 2 from them. They had a BOGO sale. Great opportunity to get them. I haven't built them yet because I've been in the hospital. But I do look forward to building them soon!

[@BradAngove]

I hope your build goes well once you get it.

[@tombruno3969]

Hey Brad! I feel like Warmoth definitely needs to be mentioned here, they have so much customization and basically you can piece together a kit

[@dogslobbergardens6606]

Yeah, and end up spending two grand on a guitar nobody else will ever want.

[@KeganVanSickle]

@@dogslobbergardens6606 Yep. You buy a Warmoth, you buy it for life, or take a huge hit.

[@rodneywatkins4731]

@@dogslobbergardens6606 why.? Whats wrong with Warmoth?

[@BradAngove]

Yeah, warmoth was definitely worth mentioning. High quality for sure. And of course high price point.

[@tombruno3969]

@@dogslobbergardens6606 not sure where you are getting 2 grand from, I spent $600 for my mahogany Flying V body and maple neck w/ ebony board.

[@jonathanray4598]

I took a stock 2011 Gibson les paul 60s tribute guitar ( mostly hollow) put it face down and routed out every hollow space in it and filled it up with steel run off tabs from work...this added 10 extea pounds plus the pounds of pennies I put on the top ( 3D effect ). I filled the neck pickup, and toggle switch area with steel too. Then I installed a single gibson bridge mini humbucker ( new ) with a single volume knob, all wired with vintage braided wire and painted the guitar black ( the body ) before added the pennies to the surface on the top. I plan on adding a gibson t6 fine tunning tail piece in time. This guitar blows les paul customs and standards out of the water now! This cannon weighs in at 18 lbs now and has massive chords and sustain.

[@BradAngove]

18 lbs! Wow. Might as well strap a piano to yourself haha.

[@danieldunn293]

Purchased two StewMac kits, strat and tele. Both were on sale and worth every penny.

[@BradAngove]

Excellent

[@clarkbabin9799]

I've priced Stew Mac and do agree they are a bit proud of their products and its reflected in the prices. Your better off buying a whole kit they suggest for what ever style your interested in. To go in and select parts individually your getting into new assembled guitar range.

[@jeffmckinnon5842]

You are so right. Most DIY guitar projects are an effort to build something "Better" than the wall hangers that we don't ever use. I have a drawer full of those crappy parts, taken out of other guitars. Why would I want to buy more... That would be a deal breaker for me

[@pops71]

Great video, thank you. The other brand you didn’t mention, but imho invented the DIY guitar is Warmoth.

[@BradAngove]

Yeah warmoth makes awesome partscaster stuff and diy parts. IM not sure they do kits per se, and I don’t really have any experience with them because of their price point, but I know their work is high quality.

[@Johnny.D]

my first kit was a solo way back in 2011. then a guitarfetish LP which wasn't too bad but I had to shim the neck pocket.

[@billsguitargarage]

I have built Crimson's Fan Fret uncut kit. What a fantastic build. Kit was great. It was actually my 2021 GGBO Kit Build entry.

[@BradAngove]

Nice! I can’t wait to do mine.

[@golflre7179]

Ty! Excited to get started.

[@BradAngove]

Cheers

[@thomasowens5824]

Very interesting, what about bass ?

[@BradAngove]

Good question. I’ve never done one. Dan from Guns and Guitars could probably give you a better idea of who Does a good bass.

[@thedude7450]

I have built 2 kits from Solo. 1st one was pretty decent and I posted a positive review and they put it on the website within hours. The 2nd guitar not so good. It seems like I was sold a B-Stock item for regular price. The headstock looks like it was dropped and broken in half. You can see where they glued it back together. Also, on the back of the body, at the neck joint, a piece was chipped off and they filled it in with non-matching wood. Unfortunately, there is no option here to post pictures. Since I am using wood filler and intend on painting it a solid color I’m gonna build it anyway, but I definitely feel the company was being dishonest by allowing this to go out the door at full price. And when I posted a not so stellar review on the site they refused to post it. My review has been “awaiting approval” for about a month now.

[@juliengoguen17]

Same here. I've built the double neck telecaster and one of the LP's kit.

[@briankmavpro5246]

My last build was a PVX kit. Came out great with a really nice flame top.

[@BradAngove]

Nice; those look like good kits.

[@allenstroo5414]

I have personally built 4 PGK kits! And all 4 were phenomenal! No issues at all!

[@BradAngove]

Glad to hear that!

[@xXGamerGod20Xx]

Just recently built a leo jaymz guitar. Got the BC beast style. And it wasn't bad for the price. Definitly didn't use the strings that came with it.

[@mveitchmunich]

I had great luck with both Fretwire and Bad Cat. I did the Fretwire 12 string 335 kit and the Bad Cat Firebird. Pango Firebird was difficult as the wood was almost petrified but it came out great. I agree with Guitar Fetish who I love for their pickups and clearance section. They should really line up someone else to supply their kits.

[@BradAngove]

Glad to hear you’re experienced with them were good.

[@spoddie]

No mention of Warmoth. I haven't bought one of theirs yet, I like the way they do a rear route of guitars that normally top route - I hate covering beautiful wood with an ugly piece of plastic. I'm planning to get a rear route batter boxed J bass soon.

[@jburtonca]

I 2005 I bought a Warmoth J bass body. It was alder with a AAA quilted maple top and rear routed. Putting a pickguard over that beautiful top would not make sense. I finished it using ruby red aniline dye from Lee Valley and nitro clear coats. I put a graphite neck on it and installed a 2TEK bridge. The neck fit perfectly and I attached it with stainless steel machine screws and inserts. The electronics were a John East U-Retro with EMG pickups and 18 volt power. It is a beautiful bass.

[@TommySG1]

I’m surprised Warmoth wasn’t mentioned as well here but maybe because they aren’t really a ‘kit’ type of seller. You of course can purchase everything you need from there but they don’t really sell kits. It’s more of a special piece by piece and I’m not sure if I’m explaining this very well either ahah! Warmoth is outstanding quality and I put their quality right up there with an American made Fender if not even better than…..

[@spoddie]

@@jburtonca Sounds like a nice bass! I put EMGs in my J Bass and the battery is squashed under the metal control plate, not optimum. So I'll probably get the same as you, alder with flame maple top, but get them to do a tobacco burst for me. Korina seems nice too with a tobacco burst.

[@haldasinger6440]

I built a tele kit from Guitar Fetish and it was great. Super lightweight. Neck lined up fine, was straight and felt great. I upgraded all the hardware so can't say what the parts were like.

[@BradAngove]

Nice

[@danandratis]

Very informative video, thank you Brad - Cheers

[@toasteroverdrive1097]

Got 2 GTS LP kits. 1st one I glued the neck rigth away, did came out great, nice frets. 2nd one I waited before gluing the neck. It develloped a small hump at the 15 fret. An Epiphone switch is better than the boxy ones. They both had slim 60 neck profile.

[@kevintaylor5079]

Warmoth parts are so expensive you might as well buy a nice high end guitar .I have great playing guitars that cost less than a Warmouth neck .

[@ronaldplagens6382]

Glad I watched this. Waiting on 2 Solo kits

[@BradAngove]

Nice

[@alanwalker1698]

I love my Precision Double cut Jr kit

[@ronznine7870]

Stew-Mac. He's right about them. Great supplies if you don't mind doubling your price with shipping & handling. Check out what they charge just to pack and ship a couple of spray cans.

[@jeremyklein9679]

I can't say that I have much to compare to, but I've built 2 Guitar Kit World kits and was very happy with them. They were both set necks, and the necks fit great and aligned well without having to adjust the pocket. There was also virtually no sanding needed when I took them out of the box. They have nice verniers, decent hardware, and a variety of options, even within a single style if guitar. Also plenty of lefty options (which is great for me). The only flaw I noticed was a little bit of glue from the binding on the body of the Guitars that I didn't really notice until after i stained the guitars.

[@BradAngove]

I’ll have to check them out. Haven’t seen anything from there before.

[@briw4647]

ive found sometimes its not just the quality, its the finishing. ive bought some cheap kits and very expensive kits. the only difference the expensive kit was finish sanded

[@Nverinder716]

I've used two, and I've had great experiences with both. Solo provided me with my first kit (an SG) and probably my current favorite, which is their SBK-150 .strandberg*-like headless. I've also been picking up kits from Pitbull in Australia, and have been super happy with them, especially on my custom 335 which is just about finished up. Also, while I haven't used their kits, Guitar Fetish has a massive variety of the various hardware you need to throw together really unique kits. My 335 custom is fully kitted with GF parts including pickups, bridge and trem, and even a wiring harness.

[@nfabulous2932]

I actually did the same thing as you. i started with the SG kit from Solo, and now im using a Solderless Ash top Telecaster kit.

[@Pegasus4213]

At the end where you give your three best guitar kits, I couldn't hear the name of the third one. You need to insert words onscreen or in the links below! Thanks, I love Solo-finished body kits! Their finished body for Les Paul is just great!

[@nicokarsen6131]

Warmoth, I have 4 now. These guitars are the best guitars I have ever touched let alone owned.

[@BradAngove]

Nice

[@jeffmckinnon5842]

DIY doesn't get any better than Warmoth, but they aren't cheap, so I wouldn't really recommend them for a "first time" builder, unless they are rich!

[@nicokarsen6131]

​@@jeffmckinnon5842 $500 body and neck. then over time buy parts. Tuners and bridge 40 each. Wait a month, pickups. Pots are cheap. Gives you time to build. Why blow $200 on a bleh kit when Warmoth is world class.

[@RuthlessMojo]

I recently built a Haze Jazzmaster Kit. The neck and heel joint was really tight, the body required no extra sanding and the hardware was very decent when it came to quality. It came with no solder electronics and two P90 pickups that actually sound great. They had vintage spec brass back plates on them as well. Nice kit. Pitbull Guitar also sell some decent kits and have a good range of kits.

[@franknicastri9201]

Interesting you had a great experience with Haze. In my experience they're terrible.

[@RuthlessMojo]

@@franknicastri9201 I imagine the QC isn't the best in the cheaper brands. Sometimes it's dependent on who's doing QC. You may have one person who's very meticulous and another who's not. I've seen that in name brand quitars too. I can't attest to others experience but the kit I got was great.

[@bobbydrex5268]

I've done a jazzmaster kit from harley benton and it was pretty good for only $80

[@BradAngove]

Nice

[@HigzyTeflon]

Solo Guitars. I have dealt with them twice now. I got my Seymour Duncan Invader bridge pickup for my ESP Eclipse and most recently a Seymour Duncan Hot Rails for my US Strat. Customer service was fantastic -- thanks @ Dave Marocco for the freebie selector switch tip I asked for and also the picks and sticker -- looks great on my Strat case. Plus, I like that they are local (Markham, ON) and only took 3-4 days for deliveries to arrive in Toronto.

[@BradAngove]

Yeah they’re a great company. Almost everyone I talk to about them says the customer service is awesome.

[@acecomet]

Solo are really good, i m building my second one tomorow🤙

[@royshroud9536]

Precision is amazing from options they offer to fit and finish!

[@SkipBrown-o7d]

Thank you for you Brad for recommending Solo Guitars I am about to get a 335 kit from them and I agree with you on Solo one place I would recommend to you would be Guitar Kit World

[@BradAngove]

Thank you for the recommendation

[@frankryan8100]

I’ve done fretwire and bargain musician kits. Both do their woodwork well and the necks and fret work were better than expected. The hardware is lacking on both so I upgrade that stuff. But the wood and fit? Love them both… until I have to apply the finish which I hate/suck at. Thanks Brad but man you make it look easy!

[@BradAngove]

Thanks Frank. I may have to try those some day.

[@artwise1415]

check out Carvin. I got to choose every part, Pups sound great. It's a beautiful strat. I took some high end parts, like ebony board. It cost me $550 altogether. But's its good as any Made in USA and cost a lot less..

[@BradAngove]

I didn’t realize they still did kits. That’s good to hear.

[@ceruleanguitars6281]

I have done a few kits and have only once (the first time) used any of the hardware that they come with. Now I usually stay on the lookout for a model I want or an interesting shape that looks fun, or a really good mod platform and plan a build around a body and neck using some of the parts I already have. Since I stock up on parts a couple of times a year it's, so far, not a problem. I guess I just need a good, reliable, source for stuff I might need without long waiting periods. We shall see. Looking forward to your next build....

[@dogslobbergardens6606]

Kits are cool but it's really starting to look like HB and others' finished budget guitars are finally good enough that you may as well just buy one of those and paint it however you want. You can get models with good Gotoh hardware for under 300 bucks, and they get very good to excellent reviews. Makes it hard to justify going through the extra work of assembling a kit that comes with cheapo hardware you're going to replace anyway, and spend another hundy or two in the process.

[@jthonn]

@@dogslobbergardens6606 You are absolutely right. You kind of feel like a fool buying a cheap kit when you can buy the guitar cheaper from Glarry or of the sort and they throw in the cheesy soft case, strings, pics and crap. I do it for the fun, but the kits are getting to pricey.

[@lucentguitars]

Pitbull have some good stuff and great customer service. I'm not a fan of veneered kits because of glue spots but plenty of choices for paint grade stuff

[@rtyler1869]

Just had my kids buy me a Kit from Artist Guitars in Australia. Not sure who the manufacturer was but will let you know the quality when I open on Christmas Day

[@BradAngove]

That’s exciting. I hope it is well made.

[@markmilligan8773]

Hey bud that was a great video. Especially for me in UK as crimson is well outside my price range and custom build uk might suit.

[@BradAngove]

Cheers Mark

[@Gannon_The_Great]

Big fan of the wilkinson kits, Quality build, pickups, and have the patented fender headstocks. (not bad for price)

[@michaelhumphreys7882]

Thanks Brad, a very useful steer from someone who knows👍

[@BradAngove]

Cheers Michael

[@dekion261]

what I can't understand is why a company will have some kits routed for the floyd rose locking trem, and another on the same site will be routed but not have the pivot holes drilled for the mount inserts. same company i believe, not a site acting as a vendor.

[@BradAngove]

That is a bit odd. Do you recall which site?

[@kmalcolm5352]

Worth noting that shipping and currency plays a part in this. I’m in Canada so a $300 kit from the states becomes a $400 kit with duty and exchange. Solo has pretty much filled the stewmac market in Canada as they’re in Ontario and have almost as many cool tools and parts. Importing from the UK or Oz is another matter. But generally the mass-made Chinese kits are all the same. Solo does good quality control and offers seconds and a really good customer relations program. But I’d never pay exchange and duty for a MIC anything.

[@BradAngove]

Makes sense

[@Flyextreme90713]

In earlier videos, you were going to show the build...still waiting...still searching. i.e. ESK-75 for one...???

[@BradAngove]

Yes I still have that kit. I haven’t built it yet, but I’m hoping to get to it at some point. I have others in the queue that I plan to do first though. I’m not a huge fan of that style.

[@Flyextreme90713]

@@BradAngove No worries. Seems that there's a waiting list for that one anyway.

[@Flyextreme90713]

@@BradAngove Not my favorite but, I love all styles, just in different ways. I still think that this style deserves a spot in almost any well balanced collection.

[@richsackett3423]

The ES-175 kit I got from Guitar Kit World was excellent. The rest of the catalog was appealing quality stuff. Got sick and tired waiting for Solo to restock (4+ months). A couple phone calls saying "soon" then I bailed.

[@BradAngove]

Yeah, they had a real supply chain issue for a while there. Especially before they built their new bigger warehouse.

[@michaelknight4041]

There's a 175 KIT?? 😳. Oh man! I got to get one! Or two

[@ricksigurdson2016]

To me an uncut kit means a trip to the lumberyard. Solo's templates are good well done using mdf.

[@IndyRockStar]

all the parts I've every bought Musiclily has been of good quality and more importantly always fit!

[@bengordon7635]

I also just picked up a fade Gibson 60s 8.10 lbs solid body ,,,,, going to add the studs for a real Abr-1 .. Spray a thin coat of Period correct thin Nitro gloss . and put real aged celluloid inlays ...... the 60s faded series you can shave the binding on neck for a real vintage feel ,,,, so many options with the Gibson faded series . lots of light weight ones ,, The neck angles on kits are the problem for a Gibson style guitar they cannot copy gibson angles copy write protected

[@stu-j]

Crimson kits are fantastic and super top end quality and a great company and who uses the crappy hardware anyway? I built a hardtail strat for a friend from guitar build uk and it was top quality stuff and turned out great.

[@BradAngove]

Excellent!

[@M5guitar1]

I used a Solo Les Paul neck to build a Rickenbacker 350V replica. About 75% into the build...great neck.

[@BradAngove]

Glad to hear it

[@hotcakesman]

my 1st kit was an Aeirsi kit and honestly despite the crappy hardware.. the body has been amazing. One of the best players I own

[@BradAngove]

Glad to here it. I’ll have to check them out

[@APK-pn4qh]

I bought a BYO Guitars Custom Shop "Shredder" kit - a pretty accurate 5150 build with the body shape almost perfect and the proper longer Kramer 84 / 5150 style banana headstock - not the shorter Baretta type "beak". 400 bucks plus delivery and taxes to Ireland so a little over 500 bucks all in. I've wanted a 5150 since 1984 so I bought it and built it. Turned out amazing but was a lot of extra unforseen work because the predrilled holes were not perfect, and the neck needed a shim to get the Floyd to sit right for adjustments etc, the whammy claw screws were too short.... A good few little things that needed fixes and replacing here and there. Not a great kit but a good kit and saved me about a grand on buying an EVH Striped 5150 here in Ireland. Would I recommend it? If you live in the States (far cheaper delivery obviously) and know your way around building a guitar then yes, but otherwise probably not.

[@philrohtla6458]

I did the Shredder kit as well, and it is quite good. The neck is thicker than I normally like, and their fret choices are odd (e.g. the jumbos aren't as tall as the mediums). Overall, however, the quality is good, and you can buy just the body and neck of you want to add your own hardware. The base hardware was gatbage, and is now all Gotoh on mine. Lastly, their Eruption pickup is the cheapest good Brown Sound pickup that I have met.

[@APK-pn4qh]

@@philrohtla6458 I upgraded to their Tonerider Octane and I was really surprised at how good the pickup was for the price. Overall a pretty good kit.

[@jjulch]

Precision Guitar Kits in Canada makes the best. Hands down. No fretwork needed, neck fits like a glove.

[@Steve68858]

In Australia we don't have the choice you have in the US Brad. International postage pretty much precludes us from ordering from overseas. We have Pit bull guitars which has a huge choice and I have built one of their models but was not overly impressed.

[@BradAngove]

Ya, I think shipping plays a large role. I’m not in the US, so I sometimes have difficulty getting things from there too. Only about half the brands I mentioned were American though.

[@Xpyburnt_ndz]

Gr8 vid Brad! Thnx!

[@BradAngove]

Thanks Chris

[@moGear6253]

i did not use pore filler, i did not get a squege, i did not get copper ground tape still weighting on S.M... i did sand the body first befor sealing it i could not get the nuts on thread on machine tunners iv got about 12 cote's of clear i did not use 360 sand paper i started off with 400 wet then went stright to 1000 then 2000 grit wet or dry .. the body is mohagny neck is maple the wood and routing im very happy with the quality of the wood i think is top shelf the frets them self are not jumbo frets hoping this is not going to be a big deal.. just wish they had a beter quality control on missing item's ...every thing i read about the kit said you probably have most of the tool .. well i did not expect to buy a hammer to knock the frets in, or a Nut file set or expencive fret files... they are very expencive and a one time kit build i could not see buying expencive tools ... i kust wanted a quality guitar like a gibson or fender to play.. pant and kit was over 300 dollars.. then pay to have it set up ... thanks

[@jeffmckinnon5842]

Having no tools or experience, or desire to learn basic set-up skills... Do you believe that buying a "better kit" might have lead to success? I've built a thousand kitchens, because I'm old and I learned from my mistakes so that I wouldn't repeat them. It made no difference who was to blame. I had to pay for them all, because I owned the shop. So I learned very fast that recognizing my own limitations is a great asset to have, even if my pride was hurt. This only cost you a few hundred bucks, which is a bargain, but only if you learn from it.

[@TiagoGarrinhas]

Pitbull is great! I’ve built a few kits, they were awesomely well built. Highly recommended 😉

[@BradAngove]

Good to hear!

[@the_algorithm]

No mention of Warmoth?

[@finnancahill2644]

They don’t really make kits, just parts

[@wonicles]

Precision kits all the way. Built a Korina Flying V and a Korina explorer from precision. Both are amazing, and I would gladly put the quality of wood, fit, and frets/fretboard up against anything out there.

[@AntmanFelix]

Man I see their kits and have been tempted in ordering a V. One day I will pony up the cash to do a build. The customizations that they offer seem endless!

[@dogslobbergardens6606]

I wish they'd offer rear-routed models. I love the V and Explorer shapes, but I hate having to use a pickguard to cover up that big rout on the front. Looking at their prices, you're also getting real real close to a point where you could just buy something pretty decent (maybe used) and simply paint the thing.

[@BradAngove]

I think you can order them rear-routed. Picking up a used guitar is always an option. Not quite like a kit build, but some people prefer that.

[@cc5053]

My PGK made-to-order M7 just arrived. The leather dye for staining will be here this week. I'm looking forward to the build.

[@cc5053]

@@dogslobbergardens6606 Look at the "made to order" section of their website. There is a drop down menu that shows various options.

[@mattlisa69]

I'm still working on a muslady, I'm about to put the neck and bridge in for alignment. I'm not confident 🤣

[@BradAngove]

I wish you the best of luck sir.

[@billyshelton78]

BYO custom shop guitar kits are supposed to be pretty good. Their Les Paul jr double cutaway is popular..

[@jessebrigden2920]

I'm doing a precision kit right now. It's excellent. Their customer service could use a tweak or two though.

[@BradAngove]

Haha fair enough. I don’t think they have many people. It’s a small operation.