Crafting your own guitar is a dream for many musicians, and the allure of building a Flying V – an iconic symbol of rock and roll – is particularly strong. This journey from a box of parts to a stage-ready instrument is not only rewarding but also surprisingly accessible with a quality Flying V Guitar Kit. This review dives into the experience of assembling a Solo flying v guitar kit, highlighting the quality, ease of customization, and the sheer thrill of creating your own rock machine.
The foundation of any great guitar build starts with the components, and in this regard, the Solo kit delivers right from the unboxing. The shipment was impressively fast and the packaging meticulous, ensuring every piece arrived in perfect condition. It’s clear from the outset that attention to detail is a priority. Alongside the kit, additional upgrades were chosen to elevate the final product: Solo vintage aged tuners, conversion bushings, CTS pots, a bell-shaped truss rod cover, and a Switchcraft jack – all indicative of a commitment to quality hardware.
Examining the body and neck revealed excellent craftsmanship. The body boasts clean routing for all cavities and the neck pocket, demonstrating precision in manufacturing. Crucially, all drilling was accurate, a testament to the kit’s design. The neck itself was remarkably straight with smooth, level frets, requiring only a light polish to achieve a professional shine. The dry fit test further confirmed the kit’s high tolerances. The neck angle and alignment were perfect, and all pre-drilled holes lined up flawlessly, making the initial assembly process smooth and encouraging.
To inject personal style and a vintage vibe, several body modifications were undertaken. The wood was aged to impart character, and a subtle wear pattern was applied to the edges and back to simulate the natural wear of a well-loved instrument. A few carefully placed dents and scratches added to the authentic, played-in feel. A practical modification was inspired by Stratocaster designs: routing a channel between the neck and bridge pickups, extending to the control cavity. This clever addition allows for a fully loaded pickguard, simplifying wiring and future maintenance or modifications – a thoughtful touch for any serious guitar builder. The neck modification was simpler, plugging the tuner screw holes to accommodate the vintage Kluson-style tuners, a nod to classic aesthetics.
The electronics are the heart of any electric guitar, and upgrading these components can significantly impact the sound and reliability. Solo CTS Imperial A500K volume and B500K tone pots, featuring brass shafts and sleeves, were chosen for their superior quality and smooth operation. A .022 cap was paired with the tone pot, a standard and versatile choice. The inclusion of a Switchcraft 1/4” mono jack guarantees robust and dependable connectivity. A 3-way toggle switch from Gretsch, sourced from Solo, handles pickup selection. For pickups, Alnico 5 Old School models were selected, with an 8.0K output in the neck position and a hotter 9.2K in the bridge, both featuring nickel covers for a classic look. These specifications promise a powerful and articulate tone, suitable for the Flying V’s rock and roll heritage.
The finish is where the guitar’s visual personality truly emerges. To age the chrome and nickel hardware, ferric chloride acid was employed, creating a convincing aged patina. For the wood finish, the original polyseal was completely removed, providing a clean canvas. Two coats of Varathane Weathered Wood Accelerator were then applied to achieve a sought-after “barn wood” aesthetic, lending a rustic and vintage charm. Four coats of Saman flat water-based varnish followed, providing protection and a subtle sheen. The headstock face was stained black, a classic touch that complements the overall design. Between each coat of stain and varnish, and again at the very end, grey 3M pads were used for buffing, ensuring a smooth and professional final finish.
The final assembly process was remarkably straightforward, a direct result of the kit’s precise manufacturing tolerances. Setting up the guitar was equally easy. The 2-way truss rod functioned flawlessly, allowing for a comfortable, low action without any fret buzz. Only minor adjustments to the nut slots were needed to achieve optimal playability. The finished flying v guitar kit not only looks stunning but also delivers on sound and playability, making it an inspiring instrument ready for stage or studio. This project underscores the quality and user-friendliness of Solo guitar kits, empowering anyone to build their dream guitar.
