Fistrock Double Neck 12-String Electric Guitar Kit Review: Build Your Own Iconic Dual-Neck Masterpiece

There is a specific kind of magic associated with the double-neck guitar. From Jimmy Page’s “Stairway to Heaven” to the progressive rock odysseys of the 70s, the visual of a 6-string and 12-string neck on a single body is the ultimate symbol of rock excess and versatility. However, for most of us, the price tag on a professional-grade double-neck is enough to keep that dream strictly in the “someday” category. We often find ourselves settling for separate instruments, constantly switching mid-set, and losing that seamless flow that only a dual-neck setup provides. The complication isn’t just the cost; it’s the lack of personal connection with a factory-line instrument. When you want that specific tone and that exact finish, buying off the shelf often feels like a compromise. We wanted to see if the Fistrock Double Neck 12-String Electric Guitar Kit could bridge the gap between a high-end dream and a budget-friendly reality, offering a hands-on experience that results in a professional-feeling instrument.

Before we dive into the gritty details of the build, you might want to check the latest price and availability for this comprehensive DIY kit.

What to Consider Before Investing in Electric Guitar Beginner Kits

Choosing an Electric Guitar Beginner Kit—specifically a DIY kit—is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for aspiring luthiers and musicians who want to understand the “soul” of their instrument. These kits solve the problem of high entry costs for exotic guitar styles while providing an invaluable education in guitar anatomy. Instead of just playing a tool, you are creating it. The main benefits are twofold: you get a high-quality instrument for a fraction of the retail price, and you gain the skills to maintain, repair, and upgrade your gear for a lifetime.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a desire for customization and a curiosity about how guitars function, such as a hobbyist, a retired engineer looking for a project, or a dedicated musician on a budget. It is particularly rewarding for those who enjoy “tinkering” and have basic tools like a screwdriver, sandpaper, and a soldering iron. However, it might not be suitable for those who want to play right out of the box without any effort. If you aren’t prepared to spend a few days sanding and finishing wood, you might consider a pre-assembled entry-level model instead.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: A double-neck guitar is significantly larger and heavier than a standard electric. The Fistrock Double Neck 12-String Electric Guitar Kit features a mahogany body that is wide and substantial; you need to ensure you have a dedicated workspace for assembly and a heavy-duty stand or case to hold it once finished.
• Capacity/Performance: Look for the quality of the electronics and the tonewoods. In this category, mahogany is the gold standard for sustain and warmth. You want a kit that provides humbucking pickups to handle the complex harmonics of a 12-string neck without excessive noise.
• Materials & Durability: Not all “budget” wood is created equal. While some kits use basswood or plywood, look for solid tonewoods like mahogany and rosewood. These materials don’t just look better; they age better and provide the structural integrity needed to support the tension of 18 strings.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Consider the level of “pre-work” done by the manufacturer. Pre-drilled holes and routed pockets are essential for beginners. Long-term maintenance will involve truss rod adjustments and nut filing, so having a kit that allows for these adjustments is a major plus.

While the Fistrock Double Neck 12-String 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 and the Unboxing of the Fistrock Double Neck 12-String Electric Guitar Kit

When the Fistrock Double Neck 12-String Electric Guitar Kit arrived, the first thing we noticed was the sheer weight of the box. At nearly 10 pounds, it felt substantial. Upon unboxing, we were greeted by two gorgeous mahogany necks and a massive, solid mahogany body. The wood was “raw” but sanded to a reasonable starting point. We found that all the hardware—the chrome Tune-O-Matic bridges, the die-cast tuners, and the humbuckers—was neatly organized in bags.

Initial assembly impressions were very positive. The routing for the pickups and the electronics cavity was clean, and the neck pockets felt tight. Compared to previous versions of DIY kits we’ve tested, the wood quality here is a significant step up. There were no instructions in the box, which is a common quirk of these kits, but the “plug and play” wiring harnesses suggested a relatively straightforward process. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a sense of how others managed their first day with the kit.

Deep Dive: A Comprehensive Performance Analysis of the Fistrock Double Neck 12-String Electric Guitar Kit

The Build Experience: From Raw Wood to Polished Art

We spent a significant amount of time evaluating the woodwork of the Fistrock Double Neck 12-String Electric Guitar Kit, as this is where the instrument’s character is born. The mahogany body arrived in a natural, unfinished state. We found that while the factory sanding was a good start, taking the time to sand it down to a 1500-grit finish made the wood feel like glass. This is a crucial step; mahogany has a beautiful grain, and we actually encountered a “tiger eye” grain pattern in one of the planks that made us decide against painting it in favor of a natural oil finish.

Shaping the headstocks is perhaps the most creative part of this build. The kit provides “paddle” style headstocks, giving you the freedom to cut them into a classic “Open Book” style or something entirely unique. We used a jigsaw and a spindle sander to create a custom profile. The wood is sturdy and doesn’t splinter easily, which speaks to the quality of the mahogany used. We also confirmed through user feedback that using boiled linseed oil or a mahogany stain with several coats of polyurethane yields a professional, high-gloss look that is surprisingly easy to achieve even for a novice.

Hardware, Electronics, and the “Plug-and-Play” Factor

One of the most intimidating parts of building a guitar is the electronics. We were pleasantly surprised to find that the Fistrock Double Neck 12-String Electric Guitar Kit uses a mostly “plug and play” system. The three 3-way selectors and the volume/tone pots are largely pre-wired, which is a massive benefit for those who aren’t comfortable with a soldering iron. However, we did notice that the wiring can be a bit tight in the cavity. We found it helpful to organize the wires with small zip ties to prevent interference.

The pickups are standard humbuckers. While they might not have the nuance of high-end boutique pickups, they provide a thick, punchy sound that works exceptionally well for classic rock. The 12-string neck, in particular, produces that iconic “chime” that is so sought after. We found the hardware—the Tune-O-Matic bridge and the chrome die-cast machine heads—to be surprisingly solid. They hold tune well, which is often a point of failure in cheaper kits. For those looking for a specific sound, the kit’s layout makes it very easy to upgrade the components later, but out of the box, it’s more than capable of holding its own on stage.

The Luthier’s Touch: Setup and Playability

No DIY kit is truly “finished” until the setup is done, and this is where we performed our most rigorous testing. The neck pockets on the Fistrock Double Neck 12-String Electric Guitar Kit are routed quite deep. To get the action exactly where we wanted it, we found it beneficial to install a 1-degree shim in the neck pocket. This is a common “pro tip” for bolt-on necks that ensures the bridge has enough room for adjustment.

The rosewood fingerboards felt great under the fingers, though they did require a bit of lemon oil to bring out their luster. We also spent time filing the nut slots, especially on the 12-string neck. The factory nut is a bit high, which can make the first few frets difficult to press. Once filed and polished, the playability was remarkable. We found that the 12-string neck didn’t feel overly bulky, and the transition between the two necks was smooth. It’s a “full-size” instrument with a 24.75-inch scale length, making it feel familiar to anyone used to a standard LP-style guitar. We highly recommend you view the technical specs to ensure it fits your physical playing style.

Sound Quality and Tonal Versatility

The ultimate test of any guitar is how it sounds plugged into an amp. The Fistrock Double Neck 12-String Electric Guitar Kit delivers a tone that is much more “solid and full” than many entry-level name-brand guitars. The mahogany construction plays a huge role here, providing a warm resonance that carries through the pickups. On the 12-string side, the octaves ring out clearly without becoming muddy. On the 6-string side, the humbuckers offer a satisfying crunch when the gain is turned up.

We tested the switching system thoroughly. Having three 3-way toggles allows you to switch between the 12-string, the 6-string, or both simultaneously (if you’re feeling adventurous). The electronics functioned perfectly in our test unit, with no grounding hum or scratchy pots. We found that by replacing the factory strings with a set of high-quality Slinkys, the guitar really came to life. It’s an instrument that rewards the effort you put into it; the more time you spend on the setup, the more professional it sounds. It’s truly a feature that really sets it apart in this price bracket.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general sentiment among users is one of high satisfaction, particularly regarding the value for money. Most builders agree that while the kit requires some “elbow grease,” the end result is a high-quality instrument. Many have noted that the wood quality exceeded their expectations, often being superior to what you’d find on mass-produced “budget” guitars.

One user, a 70-year-old retired engineer, mentioned: “This kit was fun and surprisingly, it sounds great. The hardest part is getting the paint the way you like it.” Another experienced builder shared: “All parts are included, well organized, and the routing of the body and positioning of neck pockets are accurate. The quality of the body and necks blew me away.” On the negative side, some users found the lack of instructions frustrating, and a few noted that the strings were not labeled by size, making the 12-string setup a bit of a puzzle. One user noted: “The wiring does kind of suck, but you can easily upgrade/rewire. It does play surprisingly good with very minor setup.” This balanced feedback confirms our findings: it’s a brilliant kit for a tinkerer, but it demands patience and a bit of research.

Comparing the Fistrock Double Neck 12-String Electric Guitar Kit to Top Alternatives

1. Stedman Pro Beginner Bass Guitar Bundle

The Stedman Pro Beginner Bass Guitar Bundle is a completely different animal, aimed at those who want to start their musical journey on the low end. Unlike the Fistrock DIY kit, this is a fully assembled package including an amp and accessories. It’s an excellent choice for a total beginner who wants to start playing bass immediately without the “work” of a build. However, for someone looking for the complexity and tonal range of a double-neck guitar, the Stedman doesn’t offer the same level of versatility or the satisfaction of a custom project. It’s a “starter pack,” whereas the Fistrock is a “builder’s project.”

2. RockJam Electric Guitar Kit with 10-Watt Amp

The RockJam Electric Guitar Kit is the quintessential “first guitar” for students. It comes with everything, including lessons. While it’s a fantastic value for someone who needs an amp and a guitar for under $200, it lacks the premium tonewoods (mahogany/rosewood) found in the Fistrock Double Neck 12-String Electric Guitar Kit. The RockJam is built for utility and learning the basics, while the Fistrock is built for performance and customization. If you are a parent buying for a child, the RockJam is safer; if you are a hobbyist looking for a serious instrument, the Fistrock is the superior choice.

3. Yamaha GigMaker EG Electric Guitar Pack

The Yamaha GigMaker EG is often considered the gold standard for beginner packs due to Yamaha’s legendary quality control. You get a very reliable, well-built single-neck guitar. Compared to the Fistrock, the Yamaha is much more “predictable.” You know exactly what you’re getting. However, it lacks the “cool factor” and the unique 12/6 string capability of the Fistrock. For the price of the GigMaker, you could build the Fistrock double-neck and have a much more unique, conversation-starting instrument. The GigMaker is for the risk-averse; the Fistrock is for the adventurous musician.

Final Verdict: Is the Fistrock Double Neck 12-String Electric Guitar Kit Worth Your Time?

After a deep dive into the construction, electronics, and playability of the Fistrock Double Neck 12-String Electric Guitar Kit, we can confidently say it is one of the best values in the DIY guitar market. The use of solid mahogany and rosewood provides a foundation that is far superior to most entry-level instruments. While the lack of instructions and the need for minor luthier work (like nut filing and shimming) might be a hurdle for absolute novices, these are also the steps that teach you the most about your instrument.

This kit is a dream for the “tinkerer” and the budget-conscious rocker alike. It allows you to own an iconic piece of rock history for a fraction of the usual cost, with the added pride of having built it yourself. The sound is full, the hardware is stable, and the customization options are endless. If you’re ready to spend a weekend with some sandpaper and a soldering iron, the result will be a “work of art” that plays as good as it looks. We highly recommend this kit to anyone looking to expand their tonal palette and their technical skills. To start your own build journey today, check the latest price and get your kit here.