To assemble one of our DIY guitar or bass kits, you’ll need some luthier's tools like a screwdriver, sandpapers, and a clamp (for neck fitting), string spreader, fret eraser, string action gauge, filler blade, masking tape, etc. Precision work will benefit from our luthier's tools set. All our kits are fully solderless, so no soldering iron is required. For finishing, you can use one of our several painting sets and customize your instrument. Otherwise, our pre-painted kits abolish the steps of grain filling, sanding, first coats, etc..

You can go for a wide variety of finishes depending on your style and tools:

• Natural Finish: Showcase the natural grain of the wood using our Tru-Oil full set for a warm satin look, or use a clear coat for a glossy finish.
• Sunburst: Create a gradient color effect starting from a light center to darker edges. Choose from classic vintage sunbursts or go for popular variants like Cherryburst, Honeyburst, or Tobacco Burst.
• Opaque Colors: Achieve a solid, vibrant look that completely covers the wood. Available in a wide color spectrum in our product range.
• Ceruse: A technique where white or colored pigments fill the grain, offering a textured and sophisticated look.
• Highlight Grain: Enhances the wood's texture using color contrast and depth for a premium result.
• Translucent Finish: Lets the grain shine through while adding a tint of color. A great middle ground between natural and opaque.
• Multi-color Finishes: Combine 2 or 3 colors for burst effects, fades, or custom patterns.
• Topcoat Types Choose your final look: satin for a smooth and soft touch, glossy for shine and depth, or matte for a modern understated feel.
• Sticker Skins: For a totally different approach, our exclusive wide-range of skins let you apply vintage, psychedelic, or minimal designs directly to the body surface without painting.

Yes, upgrading parts like pickups, tuners, and bridges can greatly enhance tone and playability. We offer a selection of premium upgrade components designed for ergonomy, compatibility and long-term durability. Whether you're looking for locking tuners, high-output pickups, precision-cut nuts, or solid bridges, we've got the essential guitar parts to take your instrument to the next level.

Building a guitar or bass kit typically takes 10 to 25 hours, depending on finish and pace. Our pre-drilled bodies and solderless wiring speed up the process. A simple build can be completed in a weekend, while detailed finishing may require additional drying time.

Absolutely! The kits are designed for all skill levels with pre-wired electronics and clear guides. Starter kits labeled "easy" are perfect for first-timers beginning their luthiery journey. While some others are labelled "Intermediate" or even "Advanced" if you're looking for a building challenge and a special guitar body shape...

No prior experience is required! The kits are pre-drilled/pre-routed and solderless, and come with detailed instructions and a list of recommended tools to guide you in building an instrument with exceptional sound & a unique look. Skills in carpentry, lutherie/instrument making or electronics can be a help, especially for higher-level kits, but we are committed to ensuring that all our products are accessible to everyone.

We select only premium tonewoods known for their acoustic excellence and durability. Our catalog includes carefully sourced Canadian maple, mahogany, swamp ash, rosewood, and ebony; each chosen from certified, trusted suppliers who share our commitment to quality and responsible forestry. Every piece of wood is hand-picked for optimal tone, grain beauty, and structural integrity. In addition, we partner with Reforest'Action to plant trees for every kit sold, helping restore ecosystems and offset our environmental footprint. Ethical sourcing and customer satisfaction go hand in hand at The Guitar Fabrik. Because a great-sounding instrument shouldn’t come at the expense of the planet.

We offer a wide-open price range to suit all budgets: from low-cost guitars starting around £100, to high-end kits and components approaching £300. Whether you're testing the waters or going all-in on a premium build, there's something here for you.

Not at all! From the little ones (with a bit of help from parents) to seasoned hands with a passion for music and craftsmanship, everyone can enjoy building and playing guitars. Whether you're a curious kid or a spirited silver-ager, creating your own instrument isn't just possible: it’s a must-do!

Of course! Every kit includes access to our step-by-step guides. If you get stuck, our dedicated support team is just an email or chat away. We also have a growing community of builders sharing advice, mods, and tips in our user forum and social channels.

Don't worry: mistakes happen! Our support team can guide you through troubleshooting most common issues, from stripped screws to finish touch-ups. We also offer replacement parts and can help you assess what needs fixing or swapping. Building your kit is a learning process, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Yes, we do! We offer a selection of left-handed DIY guitar and bass kits designed with mirrored body shapes, reversed headstocks, and correctly slotted nuts. These kits are just as customizable and high-quality as our standard range.

Yes! We ship our DIY kits and accessories worldwide. Shipping rates and delivery times are calculated at checkout based on your location. We carefully package all items to ensure they arrive safely, and we provide tracking for every order.