Build your own DIY Offset Guitar

If you have taken even a passing interest in electric guitars, chances are you have heard the term 'offset guitars' in some capacity in recent years. 

And, while 'offset' may seem like the new buzz word in the electric guitar world, the truth is offset guitars have been around for more than 60 years, beginning with the Fender Duo Sonic® in 1956. 

The Fender® Offset series, which reintroduced many of these much-loved body shapes to the world in 2016, also served to increase the popularity of offset guitars.

I'm going to explain how to distinguish an offset guitar, dive into some of the history and show you how you can build your own offset guitar kit. 

So if you have been wondering what an offset guitar is, why they remain enduringly popular and how to go about building your own.

What is an offset guitar

While you may see some other qualifying features e.g. short scale length, lightweight body, hardtail bridge, etc. For the most part, an offset guitar is just a way of describing a guitar with an asymmetrical 'offset' body shape.

The simplest way to tell them apart from a standard body shape is by taking a closer look at the waist of the guitar. On a standard guitar e.g. a Telecaster® the waist is in perfect alignment. On an offset guitar, the waist is 'offset'.

Another simple way to tell an offset guitar is by looking at the bottom of the guitar (beneath the bridge). Offset guitars do not typically have a flat bottom as per a more standard body shape.

Over the years the offset body shape has mostly been associated with alternative music. This is largely due to guitarists such as Nirvana's Kurt Cobain (Fender Mustang®), Sonic Youth's Lee Ronaldo (Jazzmaster®) and John Frusciante using his Fender Jaguar® on the opening seconds of the now iconic.

Benefits of Offset Guitars

So why do so many guitarists love offset guitars? 

Aside from the popular pastel colors, many are finished in, the fact is an offset body offers a few advantages a regular guitar body doesn't. This includes:

Comfort

Guitars such as the Fender Jaguar®, Mustang® and Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster® due to their ergonomic design are very comfortable guitars to play. 

Much of this is due to the upper waist being moved a few inches closer to the neck of the guitar.

This makes playing in a seated position more comfortable as the guitar is more balanced and can comfortably sit on either leg depending on your preference while maintaining a comfortable position for the forearm of your picking hand.

Shorter Scale Length

While offset guitars are not defined by their scale length, the fact is many of the reissued models do have shorter scale lengths than standard.

A short scale length, means you don't need to stretch quite as much to play extended and complex chord shapes. Although, for those of us with larger hands they tend to feel a little cramped when playing.

Lightweight Body

Many of the reissued offset guitars are lighter in weight compared to a standard guitar shape. And while the difference may only be slight, consider the fact that when you play the guitar the strap pulls against the back of your neck and can begin to feel heavy if you have been playing in a standing position for any length of time.

Retro Cool

There's just something about an offset body style. Whether it's due to the history, or the fact that so many indie players love them, the fact is offset guitars give off that 'retro cool' vibe like no other guitar body style.

Offset Guitar Kits

If you have wanted to own your own offset guitar but are not particularly thrilled with the idea of paying up to $1300 for a reissue Fender Jaguar® the good news is Guitar Kit World offers a number of offset DIY guitar kits, that are a lot of fun to assemble and allow you to customize the guitar however you like.