Leo Jaymz DIY ST Style Electric vs Leo Jaymz DIY TL Style Electric

Design and build quality

Both the Leo Jaymz DIY ST Style Electric and the Leo Jaymz DIY TL Style Electric are constructed as bolt-on neck DIY kits designed for builders seeking a hands-on assembly experience. The core construction materials are identical between the two models, featuring a solid mahogany body paired with a maple neck. This combination is standard for electric guitar kits in this price range, offering a balance of sustain and brightness. The mahogany body on both units has been deeply polished and sprayed with a bottom varnish before shipping. This pre-finishing step reduces the workload for the buyer, as extensive body painting is not required to achieve a protected surface. Both kits include all necessary wire cables and screws for assembly, ensuring that the basic hardware components are present upon unboxing.

Body and Neck Specifications

The physical dimensions of the neck and body are consistent across both the ST and TL style models. Each guitar features a 25.5-inch scale length, which is a standard measurement for this category of electric guitar, providing familiar tension and spacing for players accustomed to standard electric designs. The necks are constructed from maple and feature 21 frets, allowing for a standard range of playability across the fretboard. The bolt-on neck design facilitates easier adjustment and potential future replacement if needed. Both models utilize a shaped headstock equipped with one-sided machine heads, ensuring consistent tuning stability mechanisms regardless of the body style chosen. The cavity drilling for pickups and control knobs is pre-completed on both kits, removing the need for complex woodworking tools during the build process.

Fingerboard and Playability

A key distinction between the two kits lies in the fingerboard material. The ST Style model is equipped with an ebony fingerboard, while the TL Style model features a maple fingerboard. Ebony is generally denser and offers a smoother surface texture, which some players prefer for faster playability and a distinct aesthetic look with the 6mm pearl dot inlays. The maple fingerboard on the TL model provides a brighter tonal characteristic and a traditional look that matches the maple neck. Both fingerboards feature 6mm pearl dot inlays to assist with fret navigation. The 21-fret configuration on both necks ensures that the playability range is identical, though the feel under the fingers will differ due to the wood species used for the playing surface.

Electronics and Assembly

The assembly process for the electronics represents the most significant functional difference between these two kits. The TL Style model features a plug-in design for all wires. This specification eliminates the trouble of welding, making the kit more accessible to builders without soldering experience or equipment. The ST Style model utilizes standard wiring configurations which typically require soldering to connect pickups and control knobs. Both kits mention that the thickened single side can be pasted with copper foil paper. This allows the builder to effectively reduce noise by sticking the foil to positions such as the wires compartment and the pickup groove. However, the plug-in system on the TL model streamlines the connection process significantly compared to the traditional wiring method required for the ST model.

Hardware and Components

Hardware specifications are largely shared between the two guitars. Both units come with one-sided machine heads mounted on a shaped headstock. This configuration simplifies string changes and maintains a consistent aesthetic profile. The inclusion of all necessary screws and wire cables in both boxes ensures that no additional hardware purchases are needed for basic assembly. The control knob cavities are drilled on both bodies, ready to accept standard potentiometers and switches. While the specific pickups are not detailed in the provided data, the cavities are prepared to accept standard electric guitar pickups suitable for ST and TL style configurations respectively. The machine heads are designed to fit the specific headstock shape provided with each kit.

Included Accessories

The TL Style kit offers a more comprehensive package regarding included accessories. Specifically, the TL model includes a guitar strap as part of the kit contents. Furthermore, it includes Guitar Strap Locks with a Security Quick Retainer System. These accessories add immediate value and functionality, allowing the player to use the instrument safely upon completion of the build without purchasing additional gear. The ST Style kit includes all wire cables and screws necessary for the guitar itself but does not list a strap or strap locks in its feature set. For a DIY builder, the inclusion of security hardware for the strap adds a layer of convenience and safety that is absent from the ST model package.

Price and Value

Pricing for these two kits is very competitive, with only a one-dollar difference separating them. The ST Style model is listed at $85.99, while the TL Style model is listed at $86.99. Given the minimal price increase, the TL Style model offers additional tangible value through its included strap, strap locks, and the labor-saving plug-in electronics design. The ST Style model offers a slight cost advantage for buyers strictly focused on the lowest entry price or those who specifically prefer the ebony fingerboard material. Both models provide a solid mahogany body and maple neck at this price point, which represents a standard value proposition for entry-level DIY guitar kits. The value calculation depends on whether the buyer prioritizes the fingerboard material or the ease of assembly and accessories.

Which one should you buy?

Choosing between the Leo Jaymz DIY ST Style Electric and the TL Style Electric depends on your priorities regarding assembly difficulty and material preferences. If you lack soldering equipment or experience, the TL Style model is the recommended choice due to its plug-in wire design that eliminates welding. It also provides better immediate value with the included strap and security locks. However, if you prefer the feel and aesthetic of an ebony fingerboard or specifically want the ST body style, the ST Model is a viable option at a slightly lower cost. Both kits share the same core build quality with solid mahogany bodies and maple necks, ensuring that the foundational instrument quality remains consistent regardless of the style selected.