Fesley 39′ LP Electric Guitar Kit with Humbucker Pickups Review: A Budget-Friendly Les Paul Alternative That Actually Rocks?

Every aspiring guitarist knows the feeling: you have the dream of standing on stage, a classic single-cutaway guitar slung low, churning out power chords or soaring blues licks. However, when you look at the price tags of the legendary “big name” brands, that dream often feels like it’s locked behind a very expensive vault. For years, the entry-level market was flooded with guitars that looked the part but played like pieces of driftwood. Finding an instrument that balances affordability with actual playability is the ultimate challenge for beginners and hobbyists alike.

We’ve all been there—buying a cheap instrument only to find the frets are sharp enough to draw blood, the electronics hum like a refrigerator, and the neck is as warped as a piece of damp plywood. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it’s a progress-killer. If your gear is fighting you, you won’t want to practice. That’s why we were so eager to get our hands on the Fesley 39′ LP Electric Guitar Kit with Humbucker Pickups. We wanted to see if this kit could truly provide a gateway into the world of rock and metal without the usual “budget guitar” heartaches. Before you pull the trigger, you can check the latest price and availability to see how it fits your current budget.

What to Consider Before Buying a Solid Body Electric Guitar

A Solid Body Electric Guitar is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for anyone looking to explore the vast landscapes of modern music. Unlike acoustic guitars, solid body electrics rely on pickups and amplification, allowing for a level of sonic versatility that is unmatched. Whether you want the crystal-clear tones of a jazz club or the saturated distortion of a stadium rock concert, the solid body electric is your primary tool. It solves the problem of volume control, feedback resistance at high gain, and physical comfort during long playing sessions.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daunting “first-time buyer” hurdle—someone who needs a reliable instrument to learn on but doesn’t want to reinvest in a year. It’s also perfect for the “noodler” or the bassist looking to expand their horizons. However, it might not be suitable for those who are strictly looking for the acoustic resonance of a hollow body or those who demand a professional-grade touring instrument with high-end boutique components right out of the box. For the latter, you’d be looking at spending four or five times the price of this kit.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Body Material & Weight: The choice of tonewood, like the Poplar used in the Fesley 39′ LP Electric Guitar Kit with Humbucker Pickups, affects both the sound and the physical strain on your shoulder. Poplar is known for being lightweight and balanced, making it ideal for younger players or those who prefer standing for long periods.
• Neck Profile & Playability: A modern “D” profile mahogany neck is designed for speed and comfort. Beginners should look for a neck that feels substantial enough to grip for chords but slim enough to allow their fingers to reach across the fretboard without strain.
• Electronics & Pickups: Humbucker pickups (H-H configuration) are essential for those who want a “thicker” sound. They are designed to “buck the hum” or cancel out electrical interference, which is a massive benefit when you start turning up the gain on your amplifier.
• Maintenance & Setup: Every guitar, especially one shipped across the globe, will likely need a “setup.” This includes adjusting the action (string height) and intonation. Look for a kit that provides the basic tools, like a sanding block or adjustment wrenches, to help you learn these essential maintenance skills.

Understanding these factors will help you determine if a budget kit is a stepping stone or a stumbling block. While the Fesley 39′ LP Electric Guitar Kit with Humbucker Pickups 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 Fesley 39′ LP Electric Guitar Kit with Humbucker Pickups

When the Fesley 39′ LP Electric Guitar Kit with Humbucker Pickups arrived at our studio, the first thing we noticed was the care taken in packaging. In the world of online musical instrument sales, shipping damage is a frequent nightmare. However, this guitar was well-protected. Out of the box, the matte sunburst finish is striking. It lacks the “plastic” feel of some cheap gloss finishes, instead offering a smooth, vintage-inspired texture that feels premium to the touch. It’s a full-size, 39-inch instrument that feels substantial without being the “back-breaker” that many traditional Les Paul style guitars are known to be.

Upon initial inspection, the neck joint appeared tight and well-fitted—a critical area where budget guitars often fail. We did notice the neck felt a bit dry, which is common for instruments that have been in a warehouse, but a quick application of fretboard oil would easily solve that. The included accessories—the gig bag, strap, and cable—are basic but functional, providing everything a beginner needs to start playing the moment they plug into an amp. Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of the performance, you might want to see its full feature set and user reviews to get a sense of the technical specifications.

A Deep Dive into the Fesley 39′ LP Electric Guitar Kit with Humbucker Pickups’s Performance

The Playability Factor: Neck Profile and Fretwork

In our hands-on testing of the Fesley 39′ LP Electric Guitar Kit with Humbucker Pickups, the neck was the absolute standout. Fesley has opted for a mahogany neck with a modern “D” profile. For those unfamiliar with neck shapes, a “D” profile is slightly flatter on the back than a traditional “C,” which provides a stable platform for your thumb and allows for faster movement across the fretboard. We found that this profile hits the “sweet spot”—it’s not so thin that your hand cramps during chords, but it’s not the “baseball bat” neck found on 1950s-era reissues.

The fretwork was another area where our expert findings were confirmed by user feedback. Usually, on a guitar at this price, you expect “fret sprout”—sharp metal edges sticking out of the side of the neck. We were pleasantly surprised to find that the frets on our unit were level and remarkably smooth. One user mentioned that the sides of the frets were as smooth as any they had ever played, and we have to agree. While the fretboard itself (made of Purpleheart) arrived a bit dry, a few minutes of playing or a quick wipe-down makes it feel very responsive. The 24.75-inch scale length, characteristic of the LP style, provides a slightly looser string tension than a 25.5-inch scale, making it much easier for beginners to perform string bends and reach complex chord shapes.

Sonic Versatility: The Dual Humbucker Powerhouse

The heart of the Fesley 39′ LP Electric Guitar Kit with Humbucker Pickups lies in its H-H (Double Humbucker) pickup configuration. We tested these through various settings, from crystal-clean blues to high-gain metal. The humbuckers provide a thick, meaty tone that single-coil guitars simply can’t match. On the neck pickup, we achieved some very warm, jazzy tones that sounded surprisingly sophisticated. Switching to the bridge pickup and adding some distortion, the guitar transformed into a rock machine. We found it handled “chugging” rhythms and pinch harmonics with ease, which is a feature that really sets it apart from other entry-level kits.

We did notice that the factory pickup height was a bit low, which made the output feel slightly weak initially. However, after a quick adjustment with a screwdriver—raising the pickups closer to the strings—the guitar really came to life. We encountered a user review from a veteran player who noted that the pickups were “decent enough to hit squeals and pinch harmonics” even with stock strings. This confirms our assessment: while these aren’t boutique pickups, they are more than capable of handling everything from Lamb of God riffs to smooth blues licks. If you’re curious about the tonal range, you can read more about the pickup specs and user feedback here.

Build Quality and Ergonomics: The Poplar Body Advantage

One of the most common complaints about Les Paul style guitars is their weight. Many traditional models can weigh upwards of 10 pounds, which is a lot for a beginner to handle. The Fesley 39′ LP Electric Guitar Kit with Humbucker Pickups uses a Poplar body, which brings the total weight down to a very manageable 7.38 pounds. We found this to be a massive advantage for ergonomics. Whether sitting or standing, the guitar feels balanced and doesn’t dive at the neck. The contoured body also helps it sit more comfortably against your ribs compared to the blocky designs of some other budget models.

The fixed bridge system (Tune-O-Matic style) is another win for beginners. Unlike guitars with tremolo systems (whammy bars), which can be a nightmare to keep in tune, the fixed bridge on the Fesley is rock solid. We found that once the strings were stretched and the intonation was set, the guitar stayed in tune remarkably well, even after aggressive playing. We did see one user report a gap at the neck joint, but in our evaluation and looking at the vast majority of user data, the construction quality is remarkably consistent. The matte finish doesn’t just look good; it also hides fingerprints and sweat much better than a high-gloss finish, keeping the instrument looking fresh even after a long practice session.

The “Total Package” Experience: Kit Value and Setup

Buying your first guitar is often just the beginning of the spending; you usually need a bag, a strap, a cable, and picks. The Fesley 39′ LP Electric Guitar Kit with Humbucker Pickups includes all of these, making it a “one-stop shop” for new players. We evaluated the included components and found them to be highly functional. The gig bag is thin, so we wouldn’t recommend it for checked luggage on a flight, but for carrying the guitar to a friend’s house or a lesson, it does the job. The included cable is a standard 10-foot lead that worked perfectly without any unwanted interference or crackling.

We must emphasize that this kit is a “player’s kit,” meaning it rewards a little bit of DIY spirit. Our experience, backed by numerous users, suggests that taking 30 minutes to adjust the string height and intonation turns this from a “good” guitar into a “great” one. Fesley even includes a sanding block and a manual to help with these tweaks. As one 30-year veteran player noted, “this guitar plays great and stays in tune without any issues,” making it a perfect backup or “couch guitar” for experienced players too. If you are looking for a comprehensive entry point into the hobby, you should check the latest bundle deals for this kit.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general sentiment surrounding the Fesley 39′ LP Electric Guitar Kit with Humbucker Pickups is overwhelmingly positive, especially when considering the price-to-performance ratio. Many users are shocked at the level of quality they received for under $200. We’ve analyzed dozens of reviews to provide a balanced look at the real-world experience.

One long-time player shared, “I own both a Gibson and an Epiphone Les Paul Special… its honestly right on par. To some extent, I enjoy playing it more.” This kind of praise is rare for a budget brand. Another user highlighted the weight, stating that being a pound lighter than other models made a “massive difference in comfort.” Many users also appreciated the clean look, noting that Fesley recently removed the logo from the fretboard, giving it a much classier, more professional appearance.

On the flip side, some users did encounter quality control issues. One buyer noted that their neck “wasn’t even screwed in all the way,” which is a serious but rare defect. Another mentioned that the “lattice on the neck was uneven,” affecting the centering of the strings. These reviews serve as a reminder that with any budget instrument, a thorough inspection upon arrival is necessary. However, the majority of users found that any minor issues—like rough fret ends or a dry neck—were easily fixed with the included tools or a simple setup. For those who want to see more testimonials, you can read the latest user feedback here.

Comparing the Fesley 39′ LP Electric Guitar Kit with Humbucker Pickups to its Top 3 Alternatives

1. Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack Vintage Sunburst

The Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack is the most direct competitor to the Fesley. While the Epiphone carries the prestige of being a “sub-brand” of Gibson, we found that the Fesley actually offers a more modern feel with its “D” profile neck and lighter Poplar body. The Epiphone pack often includes a small amplifier, which is a plus for those who have zero gear, but the guitar itself can sometimes feel heavier and more cumbersome for a young beginner. If you value the “brand name” on the headstock and need an amp included, the Epiphone is a classic choice, but for pure guitar playability and “bang for buck,” the Fesley gives it a serious run for its money.

2. Ibanez GIO GRX70QA Electric Guitar

The Ibanez GIO series is aimed at a slightly different player—the aspiring shredder. While the Fesley 39′ LP Electric Guitar Kit with Humbucker Pickups focuses on classic rock and blues vibes, the Ibanez features a thinner neck and a tremolo bridge. If you are strictly interested in playing fast lead lines and want a “pointier” aesthetic, the Ibanez is a fantastic alternative. However, the tremolo system on the Ibanez can be frustrating for a beginner to keep in tune compared to the rock-solid fixed bridge on the Fesley. We recommend the Fesley for those who want a more stable, classic-sounding instrument.

3. Fender Squier Affinity Telecaster Electric Guitar

The Squier Affinity Telecaster is the “other” classic choice for beginners. It features single-coil pickups, which offer a brighter, “twangier” sound compared to the Fesley’s thick humbuckers. The Telecaster is legendary for its durability and simple design. However, it lacks the “beef” required for modern metal or hard rock, which the Fesley provides in spades. If you are primarily interested in country, indie, or light pop, the Squier is an iconic choice. But if you want the power of a Les Paul and the comfort of a lightweight body, the Fesley is the more versatile option for heavier genres. You can compare the Fesley’s specs directly against these brands to see which one fits your style better.

Final Verdict: Is the Fesley 39′ LP Electric Guitar Kit with Humbucker Pickups Right for You?

After our extensive evaluation and a deep dive into user experiences, we can confidently say that the Fesley 39′ LP Electric Guitar Kit with Humbucker Pickups is one of the best “hidden gems” in the budget guitar world. It successfully bridges the gap between a “toy” and a real musical instrument. Its main strengths lie in its surprisingly high-quality fretwork, the comfortable “D” profile mahogany neck, and a lightweight poplar body that makes it a joy to play for hours. While you should be prepared to perform a basic setup or have a professional look at it to truly unlock its potential, the foundation of the guitar is rock solid.

We recommend this kit to any beginner who wants a classic rock look and a heavy, humbucker-driven sound. It’s also an excellent choice for experienced players looking for a reliable backup or a “modding platform.” It’s rare to find an instrument at this price point that doesn’t feel like a compromise, but Fesley has managed to deliver just that. If you’re ready to start your musical journey with an instrument that actually inspires you to play, we highly suggest you grab the Fesley 39′ LP Electric Guitar Kit while it’s still at this price point and start making some noise!