BexGears TL Electric Guitar Kit Review: Is This the Best DIY Project for Budget-Minded Musicians?

For many of us, the allure of the “Tele” style guitar is undeniable. It’s the workhorse of the music industry, known for its “twang,” its simplicity, and its iconic status in rock, country, and blues. However, if you have ever looked at the price tags of high-end American-made models, you know that entering the world of premium T-style guitars can be a financial hurdle. Many aspiring players and hobbyists find themselves caught between two worlds: buying a cheap, poorly-made factory guitar or saving up for years for a professional instrument. We found ourselves in this exact position, wanting to understand if there was a middle ground—a way to own a highly personal, resonant instrument without breaking the bank. This is where the BexGears TL Electric Guitar Kit enters the conversation, promising a complete building experience that allows you to see its full feature set and user reviews before embarking on your own luthier journey. The problem isn’t just about cost; it’s about the lack of connection many players feel with mass-produced budget gear. By building it yourself, you solve the mystery of what’s under the hood, but the complication lies in finding a kit that actually fits together without requiring a workshop full of professional tools.

What to Consider Before Buying Electric Guitar Beginner Kits

An Electric Guitar Beginner Kit is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for individuals who want to bridge the gap between being a passive listener and an active creator. These kits provide the fundamental architecture of an instrument while leaving the final “soul” of the guitar—the finish, the setup, and the fine-tuning—in the hands of the player. For many, this category of product serves as an educational tool, teaching the mechanics of string tension, electronics, and woodworking. It turns a purchase into a hobby, providing a sense of accomplishment that a pre-assembled guitar simply cannot match.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a limited budget but possessing a healthy dose of curiosity and patience. It is perfect for the “tinkerer,” the woodworking hobbyist, or the parent looking for a meaningful project to complete with a child. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who need a stage-ready instrument by tomorrow morning or those who have no interest in manual labor. If you want a “plug and play” experience immediately, you might consider a pre-assembled budget model, but you will miss out on the deep technical knowledge gained during a build.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: When working with a kit like the BexGears TL Electric Guitar Kit, you need a dedicated workspace. While the guitar itself is a standard TL scale, you must account for the space required for sanding, painting, and drying. A well-ventilated area is essential if you plan on using nitrocellulose or polyurethane finishes, as these require days of “off-gassing” in a controlled environment.
• Capacity/Performance: In the world of guitar kits, performance is dictated by the quality of the “bones”—the wood and the neck fit. You should look for kits that offer tonewoods like Okoume or Basswood that provide a good resonance-to-weight ratio. The electronics in these kits are usually entry-level, so consider if you want a kit that is easily upgradable in the future.
• Materials & Durability: Not all “budget” woods are created equal. Solid wood bodies, like the Okoume used here, are far superior to plywood or laminated alternatives found in ultra-cheap kits. Pay close attention to the fretboard material; composite ebony or treated maple offers better stability and resistance to humidity changes than untreated mystery woods.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The difficulty of a kit is often determined by how much “pre-drilling” has been done. For a beginner, a kit with pre-drilled bridge and neck holes is a lifesaver. Maintenance on a DIY guitar is actually easier in the long run because you will already know exactly how the truss rod, bridge, and intonation screws work.

While the BexGears TL Electric Guitar Kit is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the BexGears TL Electric Guitar Kit

Upon receiving the BexGears TL Electric Guitar Kit, we were immediately struck by the organization of the components. Unlike some other budget kits that arrive with loose screws rattling in the box, this kit features clearly labeled bags, each containing the specific screws for the tuners, pickguard, and bridge. It’s a small detail that speaks volumes about the manufacturer’s intent to make this accessible for first-timers. The Okoume body arrived sanded to a relatively smooth 180-grit, though we found that a bit of extra work with 240 and 320 grit was necessary to get it truly “stain-ready.”

The neck fit was a particular highlight. In many kits at this price point, the neck pocket can be sloppy, leading to poor sustain and alignment issues. However, the neck on our BexGears TL Electric Guitar Kit slid into the pocket with a satisfying “thunk”—tight enough to hold itself in place even without screws. The composite ebony fretboard looked dark and professional, providing a nice aesthetic contrast to the light-colored maple neck. We did notice that the provided strings and plastic nut were the weakest links in the chain, which is standard for the industry. To get the most out of this project, you can check the latest price and availability to see if it leaves room in your budget for a few minor hardware upgrades.

Deep Dive: Putting the BexGears TL Electric Guitar Kit Through Its Paces

The Foundation: Okoume Wood and Body Construction

In our evaluation, the standout feature of the BexGears TL Electric Guitar Kit is the choice of Okoume for the body. Okoume is often compared to mahogany because of its tonal properties—it’s warm, resonant, and has a beautiful grain that takes stains exceptionally well. However, it is significantly lighter than mahogany. During our build, we noted that the body was incredibly resonant; even before plugging it in, the guitar had a loud, clear acoustic ring. This is the mark of high-quality wood that has been dried properly. We found that the grain pattern was attractive enough to warrant a transparent stain rather than a solid paint color. Using a simple water-based dye, the grain “popped,” revealing a depth we didn’t expect from a kit at this price point. To ensure a professional result, we recommend a light sanding of the body once you receive it, as some minor factory “fuzz” can persist in the cutouts. This level of material quality is a feature that really sets it apart from the basswood or plywood bodies found in competing entry-level kits.

Neck Playability and Fretwork Integrity

The neck of the BexGears TL Electric Guitar Kit is arguably the most critical component for playability. We were pleasantly surprised to find that the maple neck featured a comfortable “C” profile that felt natural in the hand—not too chunky, but with enough substance to feel stable. One of our biggest concerns with budget kits is “fret sprout,” where the metal frets stick out from the side of the wood, cutting the player’s hand. In our test unit, the frets were surprisingly well-seated and smooth. While we did perform a minor leveling and crowning to get the action extra low, the guitar was playable “out of the box” once assembled. The composite ebony fingerboard is a smart choice by BexGears. It provides the dark, premium look of real ebony but is more stable and less prone to cracking than cheap rosewood. We found the surface to be smooth and fast, allowing for easy bends and comfortable chord transitions. For anyone worried about the “feel” of a DIY guitar, this neck should alleviate those fears.

Electronics and the Classic T-Style Twang

When it comes to electronics, the BexGears TL Electric Guitar Kit employs a standard S-S (Single-Single) pickup configuration. We went into the testing phase expecting to replace the pickups immediately, as that is common with budget builds. However, we found that the bridge pickup delivered a very respectable “bite” that captured the essence of the TL sound. It’s bright without being shrill and has enough output to drive a tube amp into a nice crunch. The neck pickup is warm and mellow, perfect for jazz or clean blues lines. The control plate comes pre-wired, which is a massive win for those who are intimidated by soldering. We only had to solder the pickup leads and the ground wire, a process that took less than ten minutes. While professional-grade pickups will obviously offer more clarity, these “stock” units are more than capable of handling practice sessions and garage band rehearsals. You can see more technical specs on the electronics here to decide if they meet your specific tonal needs.

Assembly Logic and User Experience

The actual assembly of the BexGears TL Electric Guitar Kit is where the “fun” factor really kicks in. We managed to get the hardware installed and the guitar “string-ready” in about two hours (excluding the time spent on finishing the wood). The pre-drilled holes for the bridge were spot-on, which is essential for proper intonation. We did encounter one small hurdle: the instructions for the string trees (the little clips on the headstock) were a bit vague. We had to rely on our expert knowledge and some online videos to ensure they were placed correctly to provide the right downward pressure on the strings. This is a common theme with DIY kits; while they provide all the parts, a little bit of research goes a long way. We also recommend replacing the included strings immediately with a high-quality set of 9s or 10s, as the “factory” strings tend to lose their luster quickly. Overall, the assembly process felt rewarding and logical, making us feel like true luthiers without the need for a CNC machine or a band saw.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general sentiment surrounding the BexGears TL Electric Guitar Kit is overwhelmingly positive, especially regarding its value-to-cost ratio. Many users have expressed surprise at the quality of the wood and the accuracy of the cuts. One user noted, “This is a surprisingly nice kit for the price… everything was there, and the appropriate screws were in plastic bags making it super easy to organize.” Another builder shared our enthusiasm for the neck, stating it was “probably the most comfortable neck of any kit guitar I’ve come across.” These reviews confirm our findings that the foundation of this kit is rock-solid.

However, the feedback isn’t without its critiques, which provides a balanced view. A few users mentioned that the tuning machines are the “weakest point,” with one buyer stating, “The tuning machines are pure garbage… I needed to replace them to keep the guitar in tune.” We found that while they work, they do have a bit of “play” in them. Another common point of discussion is the instructions, which some found too brief. As one user aptly put it, “The instructions are vague, but the YT content for DIY kits is [everywhere].” This reinforces our recommendation to use this kit as a learning platform rather than a “follow-the-manual” toy. Despite these minor gripes, the consensus is that for around $100-$130, you are getting an instrument that, with a little love, can rival guitars costing three times as much. You can read more of these authentic user experiences to see how other hobbyists handled their builds.

Comparing the BexGears TL Electric Guitar Kit to Top Alternatives

While we love the DIY aspect of the BexGears kit, it’s important to see how it compares to other entry-level options in the Electric Guitar Beginner Kits category.

1. Stedman Pro Beginner Bass Guitar Bundle

The Stedman Pro Beginner Bass Guitar Bundle is a different beast entirely, as it focuses on the bass guitar rather than the TL-style electric. This is a “bundle” in the truest sense, including an amp and accessories. While the BexGears TL Electric Guitar Kit requires you to build and finish the instrument, the Stedman arrives ready to play. We recommend the Stedman for those who want to jump straight into learning the bass without the woodwork. However, if you are looking for a six-string guitar and want to understand how your instrument works from the inside out, the BexGears kit offers a much deeper level of engagement and a higher quality of wood for the instrument itself.

2. RockJam Electric Guitar Kit with 10-Watt Amp

The RockJam Electric Guitar Kit is aimed squarely at the absolute beginner who wants everything in one box. It features a Strat-style guitar and includes a 10-watt amp. In comparison, the BexGears TL Electric Guitar Kit does not include an amplifier, but the quality of the guitar you end up with is significantly higher. The RockJam is a mass-produced, finished product with often lower-grade hardware. We found that the BexGears kit, once finished and set up properly, feels like a more “grown-up” instrument. Choose the RockJam if you need a gift for a child who might lose interest in a week; choose the BexGears if you want a project that results in a serious musical tool.

3. Yamaha GigMaker EG Electric Guitar Pack

Yamaha is known for their incredible quality control, and the GigMaker EG is no exception. This pack includes the Pacifica guitar, which is world-renowned as a top-tier beginner instrument. Comparing the BexGears TL Electric Guitar Kit to the Yamaha is a matter of “build vs. buy.” The Yamaha is more reliable and holds its tune better out of the box. However, it lacks the classic TL “twang” and the personal satisfaction of a custom finish. If you have no interest in sanding or soldering, the Yamaha is the gold standard. But if you want a guitar that is uniquely yours—with a custom stain and a hand-rubbed finish—the BexGears kit is the better path for the creative soul.

Final Verdict: Should You Build the BexGears TL Electric Guitar Kit?

After spending significant time with the BexGears TL Electric Guitar Kit, we can confidently say that it is one of the most rewarding budget projects available for guitarists today. Its strengths lie in its high-quality Okoume body, its surprisingly comfortable maple neck, and the sheer joy of the assembly process. While the hardware (especially the tuners and the nut) is entry-level, the “bones” of the guitar are excellent. It provides a perfect canvas for anyone from a first-time builder to a seasoned pro looking for a modding platform. We found that the resonant wood and the tight neck pocket provide a foundation that is well worth the investment of time and effort.

We recommend this kit to anyone who has ever looked at a guitar and wondered how it works, or anyone who wants a TL-style guitar but can’t justify the “big brand” price. It is a fantastic educational tool and a surprisingly capable instrument once it’s set up. To start your own musical journey and create an instrument that is truly your own, we highly suggest you check out the BexGears TL Electric Guitar Kit today and see where your creativity takes you. Happy building!