You just brought an even bigger smile to my face, My 'custom' knob removal tool is a cocktail fork with the center tine bent up and back along with a thin piece of mahogany. If ya ever get the the Seattle area ... there's a chunk of salmon and a lovely beverage waiting.
I'm sure Dave didn't do this, but for those watching who intend to use the micro-tilt. It's very important you don't over-tighten. One of the reasons for the widespread mythology that micro tilts cause ski jump and 3 bolt necks are unstable is because Fenders in the 1970s had massive poorly aligned neck pockets, nobody humidified their instruments(they still don't), and when people used the micro tilt, they CRANKED the bolts back on. This combination of factors deforms the neck and causes lumps and ski jump and all kinds of nasty stuff. It's perfectly safe to use the micro tilt, just make sure not to over-tighten!
One time, while playing out with my old band, both myself and the singer (he was playing a 12 string, I was on a 6) broke our G strings during the same song! "sorry folks, we have to take a short break, we have to replace our broken G strings" ... got a good laugh, true story.. band name was "White Mans Junk".. we didn't take ANYTHING too seriously ;)
Hey Dave! Thanks for proving we don't need a block of wood for the trem. I emailed those FU-Tone folks after you mentioned them in an earlier vid. They never wrote back. Glad I didn't buy their product!! Thanks for this video!!
I like the mint green on Olympic white. Looks good. I have that on my Precision but it’s bright white. I do like the tortoise shell too. My Strat is Olympic white (and is turning yellow with time) with a bright white pickguard. I really don’t use the trem. So that’s how I do it. I told a guy that the springs need to be parallel and and he about stroked out! Telling me how wrong I was. He said the triangle with the spring in the middle was how it should be. I said that way the middle spring wasn’t under tension and did nothing. He was not convinced. Couldn’t comprehend the concept. Told me all guitar makers do it that way. So they’re wrong? I said you do you bud. He was still bent out of shape. 😆
@@PaulCooksStuff Nah! If it were so, then you would need wiggle room in _both_ directions. The cut-outs almost form a triangle. Er, a 2-sided triangle.
Dave you shouldn't use power tools. Also you shouldn't tune the guitar while its flat. Also you should ignore me because I'm kidding. Haha. Thanks for another upload! Cheers from Minnesota
Speaking about "no rules, only guidelines". Yeap, the guitar is a DYNAMIC instrument, and ESPECIALLY the Stratocaster (guitars with floating tremolos). I have grown to learn to hate so many people in this world, that is so stuck up on all the details/the exact numbers that they forget the complete package and what the construction is suppose to do/functioning as - AND - add in the owners/users preferences. Sometimes I wonder why these people is even bothering with guitars, when they can't even connect to it's "soul"?!? Or should I say don't even want to/are not capable of it. And yes, there are no problems using a power tool to dismantle a used guitar. I personally don't put it back together though, using power tools. I want to "feel" those threads in the wood thru my fingers, to know when I am in the right position not to "break" them. When You build a new guitar, with no threads in the wood.....that's another story, that is when You create the threads.
Dear Dave or does anybody know? If you were to disconnect the wiring for the tone knobs/circuits, and just keep the volume knob or knobs, would the the overall sound be more clear and add a little sustain? Not sure but I vaguely remember Mick Thomson from Slipknot saying something like that many years ago. Thank you for any response.
The mint green pickguard on the Olympic White looks beautiful. Does any know of any other videos similar to this showing a mint green pickguard put onto a White American Pro ii strat? Not a fan of the tortoise colour that comes stock. Love the look of the Fender AV ii 1961s but prefer the specs of the American Pro ii. Great vid Dave
I can't remember where I saw it, but a piece of cloth slipped under the knob, then twisted around tight pulls it right off. It should be pulled straight up, pushing it to the side by levering on one side only makes it harder!
I watch to the end always. Love the bass line after the video. I have a Strat with a push button that I have no idea what it does. I will send you a picture on Patreon. Why do I have a Strat???? I’m a bass player!
@@Jester-Riddle no. It turns on the bridge pickup when the 5 way switch is in position 4 & 5. It gives more tonal options. Google “Stratocaster push button”
Dave, it helps if you jiggle the knob with your fingers as you “spoon” under it so that the knurled plastic stuff doesn’t get too stripped. But it’s your shop, “no rules, only guidance”, sorry to interrupt. 😇
PS: don’t you miss the good old days when a pack of new strings came with an extra 1st and 2nd string? Unless that was just an American thing in the 70s that went the way of denim suits and platform shoes. 😆
Love you man! I always watch to the end of your video's,. Anywhere I can hear some of your Penny Black albums? Interested in buying a cd but would love to hear a track or two if possible.
Also, I just noticed the owner went from a guitar with differing colors between the pickguard and pickups / knobs to one that is monochrome (or all the same color). Fender does that already with large amounts of their line, and someone does this with one of the few that isn't already. I don't get it. I like things to stand out from each other.
Sometimes when you look under the lid of a customer’s guitar and look at the electrics you have to do a George Takai(Sulu) and say ...........ohhhhhhhhhhhh mmmmmyyyyyyy. I had that this weekend. Re-doing it all. Heat-shrink people. It is your friend.
Hi Dave..... I wish Fender would just make 1 USA-built yearly guitar Per Strat or Tele. I stay clear of Signature Models, Anniversary, Reissues or such, these days. Your thoughts On this?
Yes, they use power tools in the factory, when they are setting the screws the first time on virgin wood. Anytime you use a power tool on wood afterward, you are weakening the threads. Sorry but you are wrong! Oh and, you put the tone knob on the volume pot and the volume knob on the tone pot
Thinking I want an American strat I have an 83 sg special the ones that should have been called epiphones this strat really sounded good idk what there using inside these I think mine has Tim Shaw humbuckers
Too many clumsy people using the wrong sized driver (or a knife) and gouging the finish when they slip due to their impatience and incompetence ! Slot headed screws are much nicer looking than cross heads, especially on older style instruments, they have a very classic and simple look to them and come in nicer finishes too !
@@ian-c.01 Indeed, but for a working instrument Philips, Pozidrive or hex/Allen are the only sensible choices, I'd hate to be counting on a Torx driver out in the wild, even if they do work great.
@@MrCheesywaffles I don't think I've seen many guitars that use Torx screws, they are mainly used where you don't need to remove parts very often. The trouble with cross head screws is there are so many types, Phillips, Pozidrive and JIS are all slightly different and using the wrong driver can damage them especially when they are tight. Good hollow ground flat blade drivers in slot head screws rarely do any harm if you take care.
Dave are you sure we're doing 4/64s at the 17th fret. Not being a troll just curious. Cuz I struggle with my fenders.I like lower action but it doesn't really work.
I dunno about you, but I'd be terrified to try that on brittle ancient plastic. A cloth slipped under the knob and twisted helps you pull it straight up and off, allowing your other hand free to support the pickguard, hopefully feeling it bend before it goes crack!
You sure use Ernie Ballsack strings a lot, is that your choice? Or the owners? Personally, I’m an elixir guy, they last and stay bright for a long time.
"Isn't this fun?", yes, Dave, that's why we're here.
Yeah, I tell ya, never had so much fun. Just watching! Like that built in neck tilt. 1st time I seen that
Yup.Better than catching a migraine actually working on a guitar.
I agree with just adding springs ... Sounds better ... Sticking wood in just dampens the sound .
You just brought an even bigger smile to my face, My 'custom' knob removal tool is a cocktail fork
with the center tine bent up and back along with a thin piece of mahogany. If ya ever get the the Seattle area ...
there's a chunk of salmon and a lovely beverage waiting.
Great use for a cocktail fork ... and less likely to ripple the bottom edge of the control knob.
Hoisting one too you Dave, cheers. Thanks for helping give me the courage to work on my own gear. ✌️
Jeez, all these years I've always removed the pick guard loaded with the parts. never again. Thanks Dave!
I'm sure Dave didn't do this, but for those watching who intend to use the micro-tilt.
It's very important you don't over-tighten. One of the reasons for the widespread mythology that micro tilts cause ski jump and 3 bolt necks are unstable is because Fenders in the 1970s had massive poorly aligned neck pockets, nobody humidified their instruments(they still don't), and when people used the micro tilt, they CRANKED the bolts back on. This combination of factors deforms the neck and causes lumps and ski jump and all kinds of nasty stuff.
It's perfectly safe to use the micro tilt, just make sure not to over-tighten!
im not a strat fan, but this a nice strat getting a professional set up from the best setup man. great video dave!! i loved it
One time, while playing out with my old band, both myself and the singer (he was playing a 12 string, I was on a 6) broke our G strings during the same song! "sorry folks, we have to take a short break, we have to replace our broken G strings" ... got a good laugh, true story.. band name was "White Mans Junk".. we didn't take ANYTHING too seriously ;)
12 string? That's cool. Was it a Rickenbacker or a 12 string acoustic. Just curious, Rickenbackers are crazy instruments. Funny story either way.
You slew me with the red-headed step child comment, Dave.
Yes, we watch your videos to the end, not like blue videos where they put 8 minutes on there for the quick climax brigade.
In spite of your OCD, you still managed to get the knobs on the wrong pots.
Lol
HAHAHA!!!
Nice catch, I see the OCD is contagious(?)lol
Cheers to you, Dave, love watching your videos with a cold beer, thanks for the great channel!
Thank you kindly
you da best most human entertaining lovable guitar tech in the universe.
As always ...good job Dave
After all these years I still laugh every time at Ernie Ballsack :) Thanks Dave !!!
Hey Dave! Thanks for proving we don't need a block of wood for the trem. I emailed those FU-Tone folks after you mentioned them in an earlier vid. They never wrote back. Glad I didn't buy their product!! Thanks for this video!!
I like the mint green pickguard but I would also need to replace the back cover with same color.
I ALWAYS watch to the very end, Dave - my OCD kicking in! 😎
I like the mint green on Olympic white. Looks good. I have that on my Precision but it’s bright white. I do like the tortoise shell too. My Strat is Olympic white (and is turning yellow with time) with a bright white pickguard. I really don’t use the trem. So that’s how I do it. I told a guy that the springs need to be parallel and and he about stroked out! Telling me how wrong I was. He said the triangle with the spring in the middle was how it should be. I said that way the middle spring wasn’t under tension and did nothing. He was not convinced. Couldn’t comprehend the concept. Told me all guitar makers do it that way. So they’re wrong? I said you do you bud. He was still bent out of shape. 😆
I agree they should be parallel, though I've got a Samick Strat whose backplate has two diagonal cutouts for you to look at the springs! Why? NFI.
@@Ndlanding to adjust the claw screws without taking the backplate off?
@@PaulCooksStuff Hey, I just looked and you can do that! However, why would the slots be diagonal?
@@Ndlanding I'm guessing it's a tolerance wriggle room thing, claws not always screwed in dead centre, or screws at weird angles. Maybe.
@@PaulCooksStuff Nah! If it were so, then you would need wiggle room in _both_ directions. The cut-outs almost form a triangle. Er, a 2-sided triangle.
Dave, you spoonulated the knobulator!
🥄 Dave’s Deknobulator.
🍻 Cheers!
... must make a nice ripple effect on the control knobs over time ... Not the tool for me. But, hey, it's only a guideline, not a rule !
I like it way better with the mint guard but I would have been pretty weirded out by putting the tort back plate back on there too lol
Patience is a virtue
So learn it while you can
It's seldom in a woman
And never in a man.
Something my mum use to say all the time 😬
Cheers Dave, I always watch to the end, it's my OCD kicking in.
Dave you shouldn't use power tools. Also you shouldn't tune the guitar while its flat.
Also you should ignore me because I'm kidding. Haha. Thanks for another upload! Cheers from Minnesota
Always the G string!
We should have a T-shirt with this.
Cheers, Dave----can't wait until the pubs re-open here in England,(5,or6weeks)so I can cut down on the drinking ,haha!
love these kind of classes..
I much prefer the original pick guard! Love that rosewood fingerboard.
I'm wondering if tortoise shell pick guards are made from the actual shells of tortoises ?
Thanks for describing your pickup clearance measurement tool! Gonna make one myself out of a long Allen wrench! :)
Speaking about "no rules, only guidelines". Yeap, the guitar is a DYNAMIC instrument, and ESPECIALLY the Stratocaster (guitars with floating tremolos). I have grown to learn to hate so many people in this world, that is so stuck up on all the details/the exact numbers that they forget the complete package and what the construction is suppose to do/functioning as - AND - add in the owners/users preferences.
Sometimes I wonder why these people is even bothering with guitars, when they can't even connect to it's "soul"?!? Or should I say don't even want to/are not capable of it.
And yes, there are no problems using a power tool to dismantle a used guitar. I personally don't put it back together though, using power tools. I want to "feel" those threads in the wood thru my fingers, to know when I am in the right position not to "break" them. When You build a new guitar, with no threads in the wood.....that's another story, that is when You create the threads.
Nothing wrong with using power tools if you're careful.
I'd rather take the screws out or put them in manually. Less likely to strip that way.
@@zbaby82 so if you had 20 guitars to fix in 2 days. Are you going to still use the screwdriver?
No, never ever on a guitar. Others yes but not on mine, no no.
You can slip with a manual tool as easily as with a power tool.
@@216trixie I suppose your talking about your self.
"Ernie BALLSACK" lol
Never fails to make me giggle
Listen to Dave rattling off those non metric fractions!!
Love it.
... as he says, these guitars (and lumber) is generally made in imperial ... so it makes sense.
I tend to call it farts and craps.
Har de har har.
There's something satisfying about watching you set up a guitar, Dave.
No rules only guidelines - that should be on a t-shirt Dave.
I need it, yes please.
@@nickhouse2048 I agree
It would be better if you just encouraged those around you to think that way.Too many , these days, seem to think opinions are facts.
@@markferguson3745 Get it Mark! 👍
"Cause I'm not that guy" - Deep thoughts from Dave
I'm guessing the owner will put the original pick guard back on before selling it - with the Fender sticker. If so, no need to replace the back plate.
Dear Dave or does anybody know? If you were to disconnect the wiring for the tone knobs/circuits, and just keep the volume knob or knobs, would the the overall sound be more clear and add a little sustain? Not sure but I vaguely remember Mick Thomson from Slipknot saying something like that many years ago. Thank you for any response.
The mint green pickguard on the Olympic White looks beautiful. Does any know of any other videos similar to this showing a mint green pickguard put onto a White American Pro ii strat? Not a fan of the tortoise colour that comes stock. Love the look of the Fender AV ii 1961s but prefer the specs of the American Pro ii. Great vid Dave
That switch adds the middle pickup in all other main switch positions.
Thanks Dave for the lesson!
I usually watch your videos until the bitter (😆) end. Thanks!
this guitar is so cool I can't even express it
That spooning hurts! Well nice to see the truth, that is why I take care of my own by my own.
I can't remember where I saw it, but a piece of cloth slipped under the knob, then twisted around tight pulls it right off. It should be pulled straight up, pushing it to the side by levering on one side only makes it harder!
@@MrCheesywaffles That is the way to do it! A flat silky gift string works even better.
Sweet sounding guitar.
Dave I always watch till the end!and have a beer!Cheers,stay frosty,have a great weekend.
I watch to the end always. Love the bass line after the video. I have a Strat with a push button that I have no idea what it does. I will send you a picture on Patreon. Why do I have a Strat???? I’m a bass player!
... have you tried the Internet to find out ... !???
@@Jester-Riddle Doh! Yeah I did but didn’t have the proper Google query. I tried after I got your message and I found it! Thanks
@@artrogers3985 Was it a cut-out switch, like Buckethead uses on his Les Paul ... ? They are quite popular ...
@@Jester-Riddle no. It turns on the bridge pickup when the 5 way switch is in position 4 & 5. It gives more tonal options. Google “Stratocaster push button”
@@artrogers3985... so, it is the Gilmour mod then ... Enjoy !
Dave Does it Different... got to be a t-shirt in that....
I watch to the end each time, but i do have a diagnosis of OCD and always scroll back to the top before leaving a web page.
Love the vids Dave, keep em coming!
I like the contrast of the original pick guard. IJS
What a beautiful Strat!
There's one at L&M used right now
No intonation? No nations will be ruled today folks... :)
American Professional ll ? SWEET I want to pick up a American Professional ll Dark Knight With maple fretboard. The black with the blue is awesome!
Dave, it helps if you jiggle the knob with your fingers as you “spoon” under it so that the knurled plastic stuff doesn’t get too stripped. But it’s your shop, “no rules, only guidance”, sorry to interrupt. 😇
PS: don’t you miss the good old days when a pack of new strings came with an extra 1st and 2nd string? Unless that was just an American thing in the 70s that went the way of denim suits and platform shoes. 😆
Love you man! I always watch to the end of your video's,. Anywhere I can hear some of your Penny Black albums? Interested in buying a cd but would love to hear a track or two if possible.
th-cam.com/video/XbsZ7rCHf8s/w-d-xo.html
Babble is so correct Dave 👍
"Why did we use the tilt function?" Because it is there and useful. Use it!
Also, I just noticed the owner went from a guitar with differing colors between the pickguard and pickups / knobs to one that is monochrome (or all the same color). Fender does that already with large amounts of their line, and someone does this with one of the few that isn't already. I don't get it. I like things to stand out from each other.
Sometimes when you look under the lid of a customer’s guitar and look at the electrics you have to do a George Takai(Sulu) and say ...........ohhhhhhhhhhhh mmmmmyyyyyyy. I had that this weekend. Re-doing it all. Heat-shrink people. It is your friend.
No rules of course but I have my Strat pickups stepped with the mid and the neck going down about 0.050" each step.
It's all in the Goochmeter.
I watch till the end. Sometimes the best comedy is at the end.
Arts and crafts are skilled people making things from scratch
"Patience is a virtue" - Only doctors have patients. LoL
Cheers!
Cheers
What! No intonation for the nation! I'm crushed,
Instonation 😂
@@JECastle4 So right!
Hi Dave, you ever use a tuner post and dig your ear with it, just asking
No rules only guidelines, thats how life is fellas
That's how life was , and was intended to be.2021, we've got some people who would like to change that...
Yeah. That backplate has to go. The front looks nice.
Who needs a backplate? All of mine are piled in a drawer.
@@markferguson3745 you're right. One more reason to leave the cavity open. No feedback, no color mismatch.
Great video sir!
Cheers Dave 🍻
I'd keep that pick guard on tbh
Hi Dave..... I wish Fender would just make 1 USA-built yearly guitar
Per Strat or Tele. I stay clear of Signature Models, Anniversary, Reissues or such, these days. Your thoughts
On this?
Yes, they use power tools in the factory, when they are setting the screws the first time on virgin wood. Anytime you use a power tool on wood afterward, you are weakening the threads. Sorry but you are wrong! Oh and, you put the tone knob on the volume pot and the volume knob on the tone pot
Thinking I want an American strat I have an 83 sg special the ones that should have been called epiphones this strat really sounded good idk what there using inside these I think mine has Tim Shaw humbuckers
That's the strings I use there the best
The original pickguard was nice, but I kinda like the mint green better if I'm being honest.
Whatever happened to straight slot screws turned by hand in detail. LOL
Too many clumsy people using the wrong sized driver (or a knife) and gouging the finish when they slip due to their impatience and incompetence !
Slot headed screws are much nicer looking than cross heads, especially on older style instruments, they have a very classic and simple look to them and come in nicer finishes too !
@@ian-c.01 Indeed, but for a working instrument Philips, Pozidrive or hex/Allen are the only sensible choices, I'd hate to be counting on a Torx driver out in the wild, even if they do work great.
@@MrCheesywaffles I don't think I've seen many guitars that use Torx screws, they are mainly used where you don't need to remove parts very often.
The trouble with cross head screws is there are so many types, Phillips, Pozidrive and JIS are all slightly different and using the wrong driver can damage them especially when they are tight. Good hollow ground flat blade drivers in slot head screws rarely do any harm if you take care.
Dave are you sure we're doing 4/64s at the 17th fret. Not being a troll just curious. Cuz I struggle with my fenders.I like lower action but it doesn't really work.
Well, I gotta respect another guy who knows the spoon and leather trick for removing knobs.
I dunno about you, but I'd be terrified to try that on brittle ancient plastic. A cloth slipped under the knob and twisted helps you pull it straight up and off, allowing your other hand free to support the pickguard, hopefully feeling it bend before it goes crack!
You sure use Ernie Ballsack strings a lot, is that your choice? Or the owners? Personally, I’m an elixir guy, they last and stay bright for a long time.
Daddario fo lyfe and that’s real
I love the Elixir strings, much quieter when you’re moving around the fingerboard and they feel great.
Dave generally puts on what the Clients provide ...
@@WalrusDoom Dee-my-darios are a fine choice. Few players have their sweat disagree with their alloys.
I always watch to the end Dave, the devil is in the details right! Am I an exception?
I love the white with the tortoise guard.too bad he didn't like it
What colour was the tremolo cover on the flip side. If it's the same colour as the guitar why not just turn it over?
Right? Or leave it off.
What happened to the Solo telecaster build??
bot that baby buzzed!
that is a sexy guitar
I appreciate the reasons you change a pickguard the way you do; but, I did it that way once and lost a pickup spring like that. (just fyi.)
I also have good luck removing knobs by using an old credit card ...
@@magmanaz Good idea, softer than a steel spoon, less likely to leave marks!
Is adjusting the neck tilt the same as adding a shim?
Please don't forget to cut the string whiskers!
Dave sell me the pickguard and back plate !!!!!
11 holes right ?
Changing the pickguard turned it from a highly gorgeous guitar to a nice guitar.
i watch to the end.
After everything I've seen I's scared to buy a new bass , it seems like they just hack them together to make a sale.
I always stay to the end.
Active to passive switch from the push button??
I watched till the end lol
That's why I call it "Arts & Crap!"