If you’re wondering whether building a Kit Guitar Les Paul is a worthwhile endeavor, the answer is a resounding yes. Many guitarists quickly realize that factory-produced guitars often prioritize aesthetics over intrinsic quality. A significant portion of the cost associated with off-the-shelf guitars goes into achieving a visually appealing finish, sometimes at the expense of the underlying build quality. In essence, a commercially available guitar might be compared to a basic kit elevated by a professional-grade finish. This approach, while effective for mass production and visual appeal, may not always represent the best value for players seeking superior craftsmanship and tone.
When it comes to choosing a kit guitar Les Paul, opting for brands like Precision Kits (or their affiliated company, Fast Kits) can greatly simplify the building process and yield excellent results. These kits are known for their tighter manufacturing tolerances. This precision engineering is crucial, as it ensures that all components, from the neck joint and glue points to the tuners and bridge positioning, fit together correctly with minimal adjustments needed. While no kit is entirely foolproof, and errors can occur, issues are less likely to stem from inherent kit flaws and more often from common assembly mistakes rather than lack of advanced skills. Using proper clamping techniques and ensuring a stable setup during glue-up are essential for any guitar kit build, but particularly beneficial with kits designed for tighter fits.
Another key advantage of Precision guitar kits is the reduced amount of preparatory work required before finishing. Typically, these kits need only a fine sanding to be ready for paint or stain. In contrast, more budget-oriented kits often exhibit imperfections such as dents, chips, or a generally rougher surface, demanding more extensive preparation to achieve a smooth finish. Furthermore, while veneers can be a cost-effective method to enhance the visual appeal of guitars, especially in mass production, Precision kits offer a significant benefit for custom builds. With a solid wood construction, you retain the option to refinish your guitar kit Les Paul down the line. This is particularly valuable if the instrument develops exceptional playing characteristics and tone, but you wish to improve the initial finish quality. Refinishing a veneered guitar, however, poses considerable challenges due to the risk of damaging the thin veneer layer. Therefore, for non-production, player-focused instruments, solid wood kits offer greater long-term flexibility.
Adding to the appeal of Precision kits is the often-praised fretwork quality straight out of the box. Many builders report that the frets on these kits are well-installed and require minimal additional leveling. Conversely, with cheaper kits, a comprehensive fret leveling and dressing are commonly necessary to achieve comparable playability.
For those considering a kit guitar Les Paul project, exploring Precision/Fast kits is highly recommended. A strategic approach could be to look out for “blem” models offered by these brands. These are often sold at a reduced price due to minor cosmetic imperfections in the maple top or other less critical areas. While perhaps not ideal for creating a pristine replica of a specific vintage model, blemished kits are perfectly suitable for a wide range of custom finishes and offer excellent value. Choosing a quality kit from the outset sets the stage for a more enjoyable build process and a potentially superior instrument in the long run.
