If you’re ready to step up from budget starter kits and dive into the world of higher-end builds, this guide is for you.
In Best Premium DIY Guitar Kits in Solo Guitar (Top Premium Picks),
I break down the premium kits from Solo Guitars that offer better tonewoods, tighter tolerances, upgraded hardware,
and the kind of build quality serious players and modders want.
These aren’t beginner toys —
These are the kits you buy when you want your finished guitar to feel legit, sound pro, and look like it cost three times the price.
👉 This guide is part of my Solo Guitar Kits hub,
where I collect Solo-exclusive kit guides and comparisons to help builders choose the right kit.
⭐ Product Lead-In
Before you invest in a top-tier DIY guitar kit, you want to know exactly what you’re getting.
The tonewoods, the build quality, the hardware, the routing, and how well the finished guitar will perform once it’s set up and dialed in.
The two Solo kits below deliver premium wood selection, pro-level components, and the kind of fit-and-finish that lets you build a guitar you’ll be proud to keep for life…
Not just one that sits on a stand.
Solo Guitars Product:
🎸 Solo TCK-1M-FM DIY Electric Guitar Kit
(Flame Maple Top)
If you want a high-quality Tele-style kit that looks boutique right out of the box, this Flame Maple version is the one to beat.
Solo nailed the top carving, the body lines, and the overall build quality —
Making it a fantastic upgrade platform.
Why It’s Great:
✔️ Stunning flame maple top with a clean 3-piece body
✔️ Classic Tele bite with premium build potential
✔️ Smooth maple neck ready for finishing
✔️ Pre-routed perfectly for easy assembly
✔️ Ideal for pro-level mods and custom finishes
✔️ Solo’s consistently excellent CNC and part fitting
✔️ Great price for a true “premium entry-level” kit
Solo Guitars Product:
🎸 Solo LPK-75 DIY Electric Guitar Kit
(Spalted Maple Top)
If you want your finished guitar to look absolutely wild, the spalted maple top on the LPK-75 is an instant showstopper.
This kit feels far more “custom shop” than DIY, and offers one of the best upgrade platforms Solo Guitars makes.
Why It’s Great:
✔️ Eye-popping spalted maple top — every kit looks unique
✔️ Carved LP-style body with excellent shaping
✔️ Solo’s higher-difficulty rating means tighter tolerances
✔️ Perfect for premium hardware and pickup upgrades
✔️ Smooth mahogany-style warmth once finished
✔️ Amazing for exotic dyes, bursts, or natural finishes
✔️ Feels like a professional build when completed
⭐ Lead-In to the 10 Steps
Now that you’ve seen the two top premium picks from Solo, let’s break down the build process.
Premium kits deserve premium attention —
And these steps will help you avoid rookie mistakes, dial in accuracy, and get a pro-level final result you’ll be proud to show off.
🛠️ 10-Step Premium Build Process
1. Unbox Everything & Do a Full Parts Layout
Lay out the body, neck, hardware, electronics, screws, and plastic parts.
Premium kits often include more detailed routing, so take a minute to get familiar with the wood and carve lines.
Pro Tip: Snap a quick photo of the layout — super handy later.
2. Test-Fit the Neck Joint
Premium Solo neck pockets are tight on purpose.
Slide the neck in gently and ensure it seats flush on all sides.
Pro Tip: If it’s too tight, sand the pocket, not the neck.
3. Level & Smooth the Body
Premium tops (flame, spalted) deserve a clean sand job.
Work from 220 → 320 → 400 grit depending on finish type.
Pro Tip: Don’t sand through figuring — stay consistent and light.
4. Prep the Neck & Frets
Check the frets for high spots, ends, and overall smoothness.
Even premium kits benefit from a quick polish.
Pro Tip: Mask the fretboard edges before polishing. Cleaner and faster.
5. Choose Your Finish Style
This is where premium kits shine — literally.
-
Flame maple loves tigers-eye or amber bursts
-
Spalted maple looks killer with natural or light dye
-
Tele-style bodies love blonde, butterscotch, or transparent colors
Pro Tip: Always test dye on scrap wood before hitting your top.
6. Apply Your Finish (Stain, Dye, or Clear)
Use light coats, let each layer cure properly, and avoid heavy-handed application.
Maple tops blotch easily if rushed.
Pro Tip: For spalted maple, use sanding sealer BEFORE dye or clear.
7. Install the Hardware
Premium hardware fits tight — place the bridge, tuners, ferrules, and strap buttons carefully.
Pre-drill every single screw hole.
Pro Tip: Tape the drill bit to avoid going too deep.
8. Assemble the Electronics
Drop in pickups, wire the harness, and test everything BEFORE installing the pickguard or mounting rings.
Pro Tip: Plug into an amp and lightly tap pickups with a screwdriver to check function.
9. Bolt On the Neck & Set Initial Action
Attach the neck, set the truss rod to neutral, and bring the guitar to basic tune so the wood settles.
Pro Tip: Tune → adjust → tune → adjust. Never force it.
10. Final Setup: Intonation, Action, Pickup Height
Dial in:
-
String height
-
Neck relief
-
Pickup height
-
Saddle intonation
This is where a premium kit truly feels premium.
Pro Tip: Set pickup height by EAR, not specs. Every guitar is different.
⚡More Pro Tips (Because There Can Never Have Enough)
👉 Use a straightedge across the frets before doing any neck work.
This keeps your setup perfect right from the start.
👉 Tape the edges of your body when installing hardware.
Prevents accidental scratches during the build.
👉 Polish the flame top or spalted top with microfiber after each step.
You’ll spot imperfections earlier and get a cleaner final finish.
👉 Upgrade pickups last, not first.
Build it, test it, then decide if you want to drop in Seymour Duncans or another premium set.
👉 Let the guitar sit for 24 hours under full string tension.
Premium woods settle beautifully — and setups improve noticeably the next day.
🎯 Final Thoughts…
Premium DIY guitar kits from Solo Guitars offer something budget kits can’t:
better wood, cleaner routing, tighter tolerances, and a final instrument that feels custom-built.
Whether you choose the flame maple Tele platform or the spalted maple LP-style body, you’re getting pro-level foundation wood that’s worth your time, effort, and upgrades.
These kits are perfect for anyone who wants to build a serious stage-ready guitar without paying boutique-shop prices.
If you’re stepping up from the Amazon budget kits, this page is your upgrade path.
And if you want to go even more advanced, Solo has neck-through kits, exotic tops, and specialty models waiting for your next build.
Ready to Start Adjusting Your Tone?
Check out our other guides:
If you’re new to guitar kits:
Start with Step-by-Step Guide To Building Your First Electric Guitar Kit and Essential Tools Every Electric Guitar Kit Builder Should Have.
If you already own a kit guitar:
Jump into How To Properly Set Up Your Electric Guitar Kit For Intonation or Fixing Common Problems: Buzzing And Dead Frets.
If you’re chasing better tone:
Head to Understanding Humbucker Vs Single Coil Pickups In Kits or Playing With Tone Controls: Tips For Electric Guitar Kits and start experimenting.
Your Guitar, Your Build, Your Sound
You don’t need a custom shop or a tech on speed dial.
All you need is a little guidance, some patience, and a place to go that shows you what to do next.
Come on man… You got this.
GuitarCrafts is here to help you along the way.
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