Want to channel the raw power of AC/DC or the smooth sustain of Santana? The SG-style guitar is a timeless icon known for its lightweight body, aggressive tone, and sleek double-cutaway look. Building your own SG guitar kit not only saves money—it gives you full control over the look, feel, and sound of your instrument.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best SG guitar kits on the market today. Whether you’re a DIY beginner or an experienced luthier, these kits offer quality components, easy assembly, and serious tone potential.
Why Build an SG Guitar Kit?
An SG guitar kit gives you the core of a legendary guitar with the freedom to customize every detail.
Here’s why SG kits are especially popular:
-
Lightweight body: Easier to handle than Les Paul-style kits
-
Fast neck access: Thanks to the double-cutaway design
-
Simple assembly: Fewer routing complications
-
Classic look: Instantly recognizable silhouette
Plus, building your own guitar is fun and rewarding. You’ll gain insight into how your instrument works, and you’ll end up with a guitar that reflects your personal style and sound.
What to Look for in an SG Guitar Kit
Before buying, here’s what to check:
-
Tonewoods: Look for mahogany bodies and necks for traditional SG tone.
-
Pre-drilled holes: These save time and make assembly easier.
-
Hardware quality: Budget kits may need upgrades later—especially tuners and pickups.
-
Neck fit: Ensure tight, secure neck joints for sustain and tuning stability.
-
Fretwork: Even budget kits should have level frets that don’t require major filing.
Best SG Guitar Kits in 2024
These are the top SG-style kits for tone, quality, and overall build experience.
1. Solo Guitars SGK-10 DIY Electric Guitar Kit
Best All-Around SG Kit for Beginners and Intermediates
Solo Guitars has a solid reputation for offering quality DIY kits with clear instructions and solid components.
Key Features:
-
Mahogany body and neck
-
Pre-installed truss rod
-
Pre-drilled body for bridge and electronics
-
Unfinished for custom painting or staining
Why It Stands Out:
-
Great tonewood combination for classic SG sound
-
Excellent value and playability out of the box
-
Detailed documentation makes it beginner-friendly
Best For: First-time builders who want a dependable, affordable SG build with upgrade potential
2. TheFretWire DIY SG Electric Guitar Kit
Best Budget SG Kit with Classic Styling
TheFretWire offers affordable kits that are surprisingly well-made for the price. Their SG kit nails the iconic look with a good foundation for upgrades.
Key Features:
-
Basswood body with maple neck
-
Classic SG body shape and contours
-
Tune-o-matic bridge and stop tailpiece
-
All hardware included
Why It Stands Out:
-
Easy to assemble, great for casual DIYers
-
Good platform for mods and upgrades
-
Classic red-stain finish takes well on the wood
Best For: Players on a budget who want a project-ready SG without spending much
3. StewMac SG Style Electric Guitar Kit
Best Premium SG Kit with Pro-Grade Features
StewMac’s reputation in the DIY world is unmatched, and their SG-style kit lives up to their high standards.
Key Features:
-
Mahogany body and set neck
-
Pre-installed truss rod and frets
-
High-quality pre-machined parts
-
Vintage-style headstock and contours
Why It Stands Out:
-
Superior tonewoods and build quality
-
Set neck construction improves sustain and feel
-
Perfect for those who want a high-end finished result
Best For: Experienced builders or serious players looking for a gig-worthy custom SG
4. BexGears DIY SG Style Electric Guitar Kit
Best SG Kit for Custom Painting and Design
This kit offers a clean slate for creatives—perfect for guitarists who want to put their own visual spin on the SG design.
Key Features:
-
Solid wood body (usually basswood or mahogany)
-
All electronics and hardware included
-
Unbranded headstock for your own logo or decal
-
Unfinished body for custom paint jobs
Why It Stands Out:
-
Affordable with good tone potential
-
Great choice for paint, stain, or graphic design
-
Acceptable hardware out of the box
Best For: Artists and modders who want full creative control of their guitar’s look
5. Pit Bull Guitars SG-1 Kit
Best for Global Buyers and Modders
Based in Australia but shipped worldwide, Pit Bull offers a wide variety of kits—including a solid SG that’s highly customizable.
Key Features:
-
Mahogany body and neck (some models)
-
Blackwood fretboard
-
Premium models with upgraded pickups and electronics
-
Pre-wired or solder-yourself options
Why It Stands Out:
-
Excellent online community and support
-
Lots of finish options (oil, dye, lacquer)
-
Detailed forum guides and builder gallery
Best For: International buyers or advanced builders who want unique hardware and wiring options
What You May Need to Upgrade
Even the best kits can benefit from upgrades. Here’s what to prioritize if you want a pro-level guitar by the end:
Component | Recommended Upgrade | Why It Matters |
---|---|---|
Pickups | Seymour Duncan, DiMarzio, or EMG | Better clarity, output, and tone |
Tuners | Grover, Gotoh | Improves tuning stability |
Electronics | CTS pots, Switchcraft jacks | Increased durability and tone clarity |
Nut | Graph Tech or bone nut | Smoother string response and tuning |
Strings | Quality set like D’Addario or Ernie Ball | Better tone and feel |
These changes can take a good $150 kit and make it sound like a $1000 guitar.
Tips for Building Your SG Kit
-
Dry fit everything first. Make sure everything fits before gluing or screwing.
-
Take your time finishing. Rushing a paint or stain job can ruin the whole look.
-
Label your parts. Most kits don’t have labeled hardware—organization saves frustration.
-
Sand carefully. Factory cuts can be rough—smooth out any jagged edges.
-
Check wiring before final assembly. Test electronics before sealing up the cavity.
Final Thoughts
Building an SG-style guitar kit is one of the most rewarding projects for any guitarist. You get a guitar that looks, feels, and sounds the way you want—plus the pride of saying, “I built this.”
Here’s the takeaway: Whether you choose a trusted kit from Solo, StewMac, or FretWire, your SG build can be a tone monster with just a bit of effort and attention to detail.
So grab your tools, unleash your creativity, and build the SG you’ve always dreamed of. It’s more than just a guitar—it’s your custom voice