DIY Guitar Kit - Semi-Hollow Resonator (Paulownia, Chrome)

This DIY guitar kit allows you to build a resonator electro-acoustic guitar, designed for blues and jazz enthusiasts. Featuring a hollow body with a resonator cone and a mini humbucker pickup, this guitar is crafted from high-quality Canadian Maple with a Jatoba fretboard.

Guitar Build Levels and Challenges

The Semi-Hollow Resonator electro-acoustic Guitar Kit is the most challenging build in our entire range, making it ideal for advanced builders. The paulownia body is more porous than mahogany and requires grain filler coats, especially around the binding, which must be either carefully masked or removed before painting. Its curvy surface is not too difficult to handle, but attention is needed for a clean finish. The neck varies—mahogany requires a sealer, while maple does not need grain filler. Assembly is demanding: the set-in neck has an inclination, so once glued, it cannot be adjusted or removed. Accurate pre-gluing checks for alignment, inclination, and string action are crucial, as the acoustic-style bridge offers no post-glue height adjustments. The resonator cone and bridge are easy to install, and the solderless wiring system simplifies electronics, but fine-tuning the instrument is complex. The fixed acoustic bridge lacks levers for action or intonation adjustments, so techniques like tilting the bridge and adjusting the spider screw for height become essential. While the nut is removable for customization, final tone and playability heavily depend on getting the neck angle right before gluing.

Key Features

• Body: Electro-acoustic, Hollow Paulownia Wood, Double White Binding
• Neck: Canadian Maple with Jatoba Fretboard, 21 frets, White dot inlay
• Hardware: Chrome set with mini humbucker and acoustic pickup, solderless wiring

GUITAR KIT USER GUIDE GUITAR KIT USER GUIDE - ELECTRO ACOUSTIC

• The Guitar Fabrik
• Aug 9, 2024

We've got your back. Our step-by-step guide walks you through the full build process.

CUSTOMER BUILT SHOWCASE ACOUSTIC CUSTOM GUITAR SHOWCASE

• The Guitar Fabrik
• Mar 27, 2025

Discover how others brought their kits to life in the Customer Showcase.

FAMOUS GUITARS THE RESONATOR GUITAR : VOICE OF THE BLUES

• The Guitar Fabrik
• Nov 12, 2023

Dive deeper into this guitar’s legacy with our Model Review — featuring its history, style, and legendary players.

Specifications

*This product is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or in any way connected to Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, Gibson Brands, Inc., PRS Guitars, Rickenbacker International Corporation, Ibanez Guitars (Hoshino Gakki), Music Man (Ernie Ball, Inc.), Epiphone, Squier, LAG Guitars, Gretsch, Schecter Guitar Research, Jackson Guitars, ESP Guitars, or any other registered trademarks of these or other companies.