Electric Guitar Kit T-Style : A great project for someone wanting to learn more about electric guitars

I have to say I ordered this kit not expecting much of it. I just wanted to play around with it to see if I can get a guitar that plays. I got much more than I expected. I actually use the guitar with my band and the fact that I assembled it myself makes for a great story. I'm not a professional, but still. I don't see myself as much of a handyman but I love building stuff and I've built stuff like furniture (much to my wife's dismay).

I'd say that assembling the guitar is a little more difficult than building Ikea furniture but much more fun.

PROS

* The most attention was given to (IMO) the most important part of the guitar - the neck. It still shows that it is a neck of a cheap guitar but it works

* Maybe I was lucky with the kit I got but I only had to adjust action and then the guitar's intonation was great. The neck is straight, frets at the position they are supposed to be - no need for truss rod adjustment or bridge adjustment. That got me really surprised because I generally have to do the adjustments to every new guitar I get.

* The pickups work surprisingly well for the price - they do hum, they're singles, I guess. I expected I would have to replace them but now I'm kinda on the fence whether that is really necessary.

* It's a solderless kit - makes for an easier build. I actually do own multiple soldering irons, so I wouldn't mind that, but it can be a great deal for someone not experienced in that particular field

* Although the wood isn't the greatest quality, it actually resonates really well and has a surprisingly good tone

CONS

* Some of the pre-drilled holes are drilled rather unprecisely. The ones belonging to the bridge (where it really counts) were OK, but you have to make your peace with the fact.

* The pickups would hum less if there were some shielding

* The manual won't tell you which screws to use for what. But it can actually be fun figuring it yourself (which was my case)

REMARKS

* You should paint the guitar. The wood is sealed quite nicely. I used 3 coats of color lacquer and 2 coats of colorless lacquer (I used a brush, I really can't use spray paint in a flat, especially with two small children)

* You should cut the head. The original doesn't look too good and could make the guitar head-heavy

* Okay, the wood on the body isn't the greatest but let's be reasonable

SUMMARY

If you are a guy or a girl who likes to build stuff, challenge themselves and likes electric guitars, go for this kit. It was a great experience, I learned a lot about electric guitars, e.g. that there is a reason that the Tele design stood the test of time.