What body wood is used in the Guitarworks 12-string kit?

The body is made from unlacquered basswood, which provides a neutral canvas for finishes and is effective for high-gain tones.

Is the headstock pre-shaped?

No, the kit features an unshaped paddle headstock, giving the builder total freedom to mark up and cut their own custom shape.

What type of pickups are included?

The kit includes two single-coil pickups designed to provide a variety of tones across different musical genres.

What is the fret count on the neck?

The maple neck comes with 22 frets, offering a standard range for a full-size electric guitar.

Does the kit come with instructions?

Yes, it includes a comprehensive construction guide and is supported by online video accompaniment to ensure a smooth build process.

What genres of music is this guitar suitable for?

The dual single-coil setup makes it versatile enough for rock, pop, country, and jazz styles.

Is the body finished or lacquered?

The body is unlacquered, allowing the user to apply their dream finish, whether it be paint, stain, or oil.

Are the components included in the box?

Yes, the kit comes complete with premium grade components, including all necessary hardware and electronics for assembly.

How many strings does this guitar have?

This specific model is a 12-string electric guitar kit, providing the characteristic 'jangle' of doubled strings.

Is the neck material different from the body?

Yes, the body is made of basswood while the neck is made of maple, which is chosen for its sustain and stability.

Who is the ideal user for this product?

It is ideal for both guitarists looking for a 12-string instrument and luthiers who want an accessible DIY challenge.

What is the typical price for this DIY kit?

The kit is typically priced around £80, making it an affordable entry point for guitar building.

Gear article

Gear4Music Guitarworks Solo-Cutaway 12 String DIY Electric Guitar Kit

The Guitarworks Solo-Cutaway 12 String DIY Electric Guitar Kit is an entry-level project package designed for aspiring luthiers and musicians to assemble a full-size 12-string electric guitar. It features an unlacquered basswood body, a maple neck, and a versatile electronics configuration intended for genres ranging from rock to jazz.

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Overview and Construction

The Guitarworks Solo-Cutaway 12 String kit is designed as an accessible pathway into instrument building. The package includes all necessary hardware and electronics required to complete the build, supplemented by a comprehensive construction guide and online video tutorials. The body is constructed from basswood, which is provided in an unlacquered state to allow the user to apply their own custom finish.

A notable feature for customisation is the unshaped paddle headstock on the maple neck. This allows builders the freedom to design and cut their own unique headstock profile before finishing the instrument. The neck features 22 frets and is engineered for stability to cope with the increased tension of twelve strings.

Electronics and Componentry

The kit is equipped with two single-coil pickups, a standard configuration that provides a broad tonal palette suitable for various musical styles. The wiring and components are selected to be user-friendly for those new to guitar assembly. These premium-grade components are designed to ensure that the finished instrument functions reliably once the assembly process is complete.

Sound Character

The choice of basswood for the body material makes the guitar particularly suited for high-gain tones, as basswood typically offers a balanced response that handles distortion well. The 12-string configuration produces a naturally chorus-like, shimmering sound. The combination of the maple neck and single-coil pickups allows for clarity and sustain, making the instrument versatile enough for genres such as country, pop, jazz, and rock.

Target Audience

This DIY kit is primarily aimed at two groups: guitarists looking for an affordable 12-string electric option and hobbyist luthiers seeking a 'stress-free' assembly project. Because it is priced at approximately £80, it serves as a low-risk platform for learning the fundamentals of guitar setup, finishing, and basic maintenance.

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Frequently asked questions

What body wood is used in the Guitarworks 12-string kit?: The body is made from unlacquered basswood, which provides a neutral canvas for finishes and is effective for high-gain tones.
Is the headstock pre-shaped?: No, the kit features an unshaped paddle headstock, giving the builder total freedom to mark up and cut their own custom shape.
What type of pickups are included?: The kit includes two single-coil pickups designed to provide a variety of tones across different musical genres.
What is the fret count on the neck?: The maple neck comes with 22 frets, offering a standard range for a full-size electric guitar.
Does the kit come with instructions?: Yes, it includes a comprehensive construction guide and is supported by online video accompaniment to ensure a smooth build process.
What genres of music is this guitar suitable for?: The dual single-coil setup makes it versatile enough for rock, pop, country, and jazz styles.
Is the body finished or lacquered?: The body is unlacquered, allowing the user to apply their dream finish, whether it be paint, stain, or oil.
Are the components included in the box?: Yes, the kit comes complete with premium grade components, including all necessary hardware and electronics for assembly.
How many strings does this guitar have?: This specific model is a 12-string electric guitar kit, providing the characteristic 'jangle' of doubled strings.
Is the neck material different from the body?: Yes, the body is made of basswood while the neck is made of maple, which is chosen for its sustain and stability.
Who is the ideal user for this product?: It is ideal for both guitarists looking for a 12-string instrument and luthiers who want an accessible DIY challenge.
What is the typical price for this DIY kit?: The kit is typically priced around £80, making it an affordable entry point for guitar building.