Description
Leo Jaymz DIY TL Lefthand Style Electric Guitar Kit: A Close Look
Building your own guitar? That’s the whole appeal of the Leo Jaymz DIY TL Lefthand Style Electric Guitar Kit (Model DLH0051). For anyone intrigued by DIY projects but short on woodworking patience, this kit sets a manageable challenge. Short version: it’s a rewarding build, but not without its quirks.
First Impressions
The mahogany body is the first thing to stand out. It’s beautifully polished and even pre-coated with a base varnish, which makes painting a breeze. The maple neck and fingerboard feel solid and smooth, though there is a bit of fret sprout (more on that later). The kit comes with all the necessary components, including pickups, wires, screws, and even a strap, all neatly organized. The 25.5-inch scale length is a standard that delivers great playability.
But here’s where things get interesting. Everything has to be assembled by hand. No shortcuts. No pre-drilled holes that magically make the neck and body fit together perfectly. A true DIY experience.
The Good Stuff
Once assembled, the Leo Jaymz TL Lefthand Kit is a looker. The solid mahogany body not only feels substantial but also gives the guitar a warm tonal quality. The maple neck has a nice grain pattern, and the 6mm pearl dot inlays add a touch of elegance. The inclusion of copper foil paper to reduce noise is a small but thoughtful touch.
The best part? The hardtail bridge system. It’s simple, effective, and doesn’t require much fiddling once set up. The guitar’s single-coil pickups sound decent for a kit at this price point. They’re not going to blow you away, but for practicing or experimenting with tones, they’re pleasantly passable.
The Challenges
Not everything went smoothly. The instructions are vague, to put it kindly. The wiring setup takes a fair amount of time to work out. The kit is specifically designed for lefty players, but the diagrams don’t really cater to that.
Also, the tuners are basic at best. They work, but if you’re planning on any serious playing, you’ll want to upgrade them. The nut is another weak point. It’s a cheap plastic piece worth replacing with a bone nut almost immediately. There’s also a minor misalignment of the neck pocket, which is fixable, but a hassle.
A Quick Comparison to Competitors
Ready built left handed alternatives include the Donner DST-100BL kit and the LyxPro left hand kit. Compared to other DIY guitar kits, like the Solo or Fretwire models, the Leo Jaymz kit holds its own in terms of wood quality and overall design. The mahogany body is a definite step up from the basswood you’ll find in some cheaper kits. However, the electronics and hardware don’t quite measure up to what competitors offer. Kits like the Fretwire’s Tele-style guitar include better tuners and pickups straight out of the box.
That said, the Leo Jaymz kit excels in its simplicity and affordability. You’re not just paying for a guitar; you’re paying for the experience of building one.
Is It Worth the Cost?
Leo Jaymz also sells a right handed version of the same build, the TL style kit, and both appear under left handed guitars. Considering the price, it’s hard to argue against the value. Sure, you’ll need to invest in better tuners, pickups, and maybe even a new nut if you want a professional-grade instrument. But if you’re in it for the joy of creation and don’t mind a few upgrades, this kit is a steal.
Design and Build Quality
Whether to buy left handed at all is the first question, and the guide on left handed guitars for beginners takes it up. The Leo Jaymz TL Lefthand Kit is well-designed, with an emphasis on durability. The mahogany body feels sturdy, and the maple neck is smooth and playable after some sanding and oiling. However, the hardware, while functional, feels cheap and is definitely where costs were cut.
In the end, assembling this guitar is like solving a satisfying puzzle. It’s not just a guitar, it’s a project, a learning experience, and a conversation starter. If you’re in the market for a DIY kit, the Leo Jaymz TL Lefthand Style Electric Guitar Kit is worth checking out.
Pros
- Mahogany Body: Solid and polished, giving the guitar a warm tone.
- Maple Neck and Fretboard: Smooth and attractive with pearl dot inlays.
- Pre-Varnished: Reduces painting prep time significantly.
- Customizable: Great platform for upgrades like tuners and pickups.
- Copper Foil Paper: Included to reduce noise, a thoughtful touch.
Cons
- Low-Quality Tuners: Functional but not reliable for serious players.
- Poor Instructions: Vague and not very lefty-friendly.
- Plastic Nut: Cheap and needs replacement for better sound quality.
- Neck Pocket Alignment Issues: Requires some adjustments during assembly.
- Basic Pickups: Decent for a kit but lack punch and clarity.
What Comes with the Product
- Solid mahogany guitar body with pre-drilled cavities.
- Maple neck with a maple fingerboard.
- Single-coil pickups.
- Pre-wired electronics and all necessary wires.
- Screws and bolts for assembly.
- Hardtail bridge system.
- Guitar strap and strap locks.
- Copper foil paper for noise reduction.
- Assembly manual.
Warranty & Support Information
The Leo Jaymz DIY TL Lefthand Style Electric Guitar Kit comes with a limited warranty, typically covering manufacturing defects. While details vary depending on the retailer, most warranties don’t cover damages caused during assembly or modifications.
For support, you can reach out directly to Leo Jaymz customer service for guidance on assembly or replacement parts. They also offer email support for troubleshooting wiring or setup issues. Unfortunately, there’s no dedicated helpline, so responses may take time.
If you’re new to DIY kits, checking out online forums or YouTube tutorials can be immensely helpful. Many users in the guitar-building community are more than happy to share tips and tricks.
