Harley Benton has introduced its latest collection of DIY electric guitar kits, offering an attractive option for budget-conscious aspiring luthiers. Beyond conventional kits, the brand now presents a carve-your-own-body kit, providing enthusiasts with a blank piece of tonewood for creative exploration. Despite its initial resemblance to a rectangular, unadorned structure akin to a Bo Diddley Cornflakes box, this kit encourages imagination and customization.
The new lineup comprises five kits, all sharing the trademark affordability of Harley Benton guitars. The bass guitar kit is priced at $137, while the Square kit, requiring personal carving, is priced at just $105. The semi-hollow TL T-style kit is available at $108.
Each kit includes all the necessary components, offering a hands-on introduction to luthiery and covering tuners, hardware, and pickups. While these kits are not entirely blank slates, as Harley Benton has handled pickup routing and preparation for tuners, bridge, and electronics, they still provide an excellent opportunity for DIY enthusiasts.
Featuring bolt-on maple necks, these kits eliminate the complexity of traditional neck joint setups. This user-friendly approach allows even beginners to assemble the guitars without the expertise of seasoned luthiers. The kits ship with unstained wood, allowing a custom finish before assembly.
It’s advisable to exercise caution when allowing younger guitarists to handle finishing materials independently. However, under adult supervision, the painting process at home can become an enjoyable part of the assembly.
Additionally, left-handed T and S-Styles, along with an MB-style bass, have been introduced in the new kits. The Square kit comes with a dual-humbucker pairing. The T-styles, available in solid-bodied and thinline versions, feature dual single-coil pickups, while the MB bass is equipped with a single passive humbucker pickup. All kits include amaranth fingerboards with dot inlays.
For those interested in exploring the complete range, the kits are exclusively available through Thomann via Harley Benton’s website.
