I appreciate the feedback. I like the green screen because it’s better for adding text and editing and stuff. But I think I’ll start mixing some of these workshop videos into my other stuff.
Hey Dan I’m a 70 year old man getting ready to build my first guitar. I know nothing about woodworking so it may turn out to be a ukulele, but I love your videos, learning a lot. Keep up the good work. God Bless
I worked for 3M for a summer. I took their product tour. Their sandpaper is bar-none above the rest. They actually have a process where the grains of sand have perforations so that when they break, the grains break clean leaving a new sharp edge (similar to like a cracker perforation breaking off a perfect square). Very cool!
I sub to a lot of guitar modding channels. I get the most excited when you have a new video. This channel is fun and informative. I hope you reach a million subs by 2019.
Hey Dan, for finish sanding, I use Micro-Mesh pads or sheets. The pads are small, like 3x3", which are great for headstocks, homemade pickguards, etc. The sheets are bigger, and wrap around sanding blocks. There will be links below. The reason I like them so much is they are virtually indestructable, I've been using the same ones for over 3 years in my hobby shop. They get to extremely fine grit, and can give you a glass finish if you want. I advise anyone interested in checking them out to try the pads first. They come in a set of 9 or 10 different grits for around $10. Then if you like them, you can invest in the larger set (about $35-$40). As long as you don't abuse them, sanding lightly so as not to gum them up, you can rinse them off with water (they are wet/dry sanding sheets. For those who paint their guitars. If you haven't tried them, and ever want a high gloss finish, you'll love them. MICRO MESH SANDING SHEETS WOODWORKERS KIT www.amazon.com/dp/B000H6JDCS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_MPRuCbJ3CYJR9 Micro-Mesh Pen Sanding Kit www.amazon.com/dp/B0037MEIT2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_pSRuCb50N6D2M
This is a really good video and after 50 years of working with my hands in metal and woodwork I agree with all of your choices and recommendations. Your channel rocks and longer videos are great in my opinion. Well done Dan!
Your videos are great. I didn't have a lot of money when I got into guitar, so my guitar was pretty cheap and terrible. You inspired me to do diy fretwork on my cheap guitars, which has made them enjoyable to play. And now the DIY bug has bit and I am building up tools and plans to do some cheap kit builds. Much thanks for making this channel.
I love "cheap" guitars . Especially the older ones . After watching your vids I am going to start with an old Univox high flyer that a previous owner butchered by using a circilar saw to route a cavity for a generic mustang trem bridge in . I will cut and glue a mahogany block to fill in and restore it . Also , if the stock buckers sound bad I will try a set of p-rails . Thanks for all the great info and keep it going !
Please do more videos like this. Dont script them out. I like the rambling because it makes you seem more honest and makes me believe I can do what you do. Thanks much for your vids. I have one weird request. Can you go over your shed that you have in a video? I want to make my own workshop soon and I want a good idea of a good workplace. Size, accessories, and anything else you think you might need in Arizona that would make a comfortable work place year round. Thanks.
You do awesome work and videos! Super informative. Don’t worry about brambling to much cause after all it’s a diy channel and I’d rather listen to a bro just rumbling about what he‘s passionate about to learn about things and details that brought me to your channel in first place than a super scripted guy that I don’t understand. Keep your up your great work! Much love!
In the UK we call it soldering...soul-der-ing...different strokes for different folks...i was gonna say tomato tomato but doesn't look right..lol..you know what i mean....i use blu-tac to pick-up/remove any metal bits/filings etc on pole pieces ,i cover the pickups with Frog tape or low tac tape whilst working on bass/s just to play it safe...you can get perspex templates for most type pickups on Amazon or eBay for $10 or a little less each, i got a Musicman bass humbucker template & a Jazz bridge one for just under £20 ,$20 for both....good advice & information from you Dan...if someones first attempt to build or route guitar/bass with no pickguard i would recommend buying a pick-up template..i learned that one the hard way..lol
Definitely willing to watch the longer video to absorb more knowledge. Can't speak for everyone but I feel like the majority of people who watch you are here to learn so the length for me was great
I love your videos and im getting ecited about builing an intrument. But ive worked in big shops and inustrial environments a fair bit. The official sources on workplace safety like OSHA, recomend strongly against wearing gloves while operating power tools. They describe a risk of glove material getting caught in blades and rotating machinery, and dragging your hand into danger. Im of the opinion that you can make you own desisions on this stuff but i figured id mention the reasons i dont wear gloves while running certain equipment
Thank you. I'm not looking to go into business, but learn enough to help out my own band and be able to keep our instruments up and running [loudly]. I found this helpful, especially some things I thought I needed that I don't.
A lot of great info really quick- I didn't think you rambled at all! Your videos are very straight-forward and helpful. I appreciate the sober, yet free-wheeling approach. Thanks
Funny you say you hate sanding. I found that apart from the actual shaping of the headstock with a file, sanding has been my favourite part of my first kit build so far!
DUDE!! the exact perfect video I was looking for!!! I am starting to upgrade from the beginning, paint, components etc everything, an old guitar I have. Your video helped me a lot to know what I need! You did an amazing job and I thank you very much for that! ❤️
Thank you, this is the most helpful video I’ve seen on this topic. I am getting into my own guitar repair work, and contemplating guitar building. Starting with a kit.
Great video Dan! No worries about the length of the video - all good info. There is one piece of safety equipment worth mentioning, especially for a musician: Hearing Protection! Working on guitars requires the user to be very close to the power tools and hearing loss is cumulative. Best of all, hearing protection is probably the cheapest safety item available when using foam earplugs.
Hey man, I recently decided I wanted to build my own guitar from a kit. I stumbled across your videos and they are extremely helpful and there are so many good things that you point out while building guitars. Really appreciate the info and effort bro!
Dan, this video actually had a great deal of concentrated information. I made notes during it and have purchased several of your recommended items (through your links of course). Especially, your recommended soldering iron--I have never found one that worked satisfactorily. Thanks, brother.
Great vid! For adjusting or finishing your neck nut cut a 6 inch or so piece of each string gauge you use and wrap it in 1000 grit sandpaper to gently shape the slots. Saw this on another vid and it works great. Saves having 5o buy all the fret files if you don't do a lot of that type of work.
shop vac with hose mounted/clamped near where you're using the steel wool, never underestimate it, I use it on everything in my shop from woodworking to sharpening my mower blades. Never any issues with debris. Thanks for the video!
Good advice on the soldering. I was changing the pick up on my 89HM Strat and I used the wrong soldering tip and plumbing solder. I completely melted the selector switch because I got it too hot. Now that doesn’t work and the frets are all messed up as well. So now I may just take it out back, and since I am a guns and guitar guy too, blast it to pieces with my A.R. 15!
You're doing great... don't be so hard on yourself ....there are always going to be people who complain no matter what you do, that's their problem not yours. You don't need to be apologizing so much, you're doing fine. 🙂👍
Man Dan, I am so glad I found your channel. I am left handed but I am definitely gonna start building some guitars. You are so fun to watch. Thanks for all you do.
Dan, we all know how hard it is to ask people to do you a favour, and even harder if money is involved (I'm English....I know ALL ABOUT being embarrassed!). You really shouldn't be concerned about it. I imagine everyone watching ANY TH-cam videos is fully aware of Patreon & we're used to it now, so pointing us at an affiliate link is fine. You said you feel bad in front of the camera and get tongue tied. Don't worry about that...you come across very well, with a friendly, honest and open style that is very easy to listen to. As for pronunciation, I agree you should say words in the way you always have. The differences in how we express ourselves play an important role in how we sound, which gives rise to the rich tapestry of regional accents. So, while I was brought up to say SOLder, or AluminIUM etc, you say SOder and AlumINUM. It is (or should be) up to you. The point of communication is to pass on information. So long as everyone understands it doesn't matter about pronunciation. Keep up the good work, Dan. Cheers.
As a professional carpenter/contractor, I use Harbor Freight tools all the time. I purchased the same trim router, only to have the base plate warp on me. Major bummer. I ended up purchasing a Bosch trim router, because I love all things Bosch. But getting back to your comment on router bits and stuff like that, if you use them properly, as with any tool, they will work just fine. Even the higher end router bits will wear out.
Dont be so hard on yourself your vids are great man. I been pkayin 22 years and rebuilt my first guitar a year ago. Im about to build a couple i think cause of the awesome results ive had. I been scouring videos to see how others compare to what i think my methods will be and ive found a ton of great info. Your vids are way informative and youre great on cam. Thanks for all the info. I subscribed and gave a like. Keep up the awesome work man!!!!!
With the Dremel attachment. I took the drive shaft out and gave it a generous coating of lithium grease. Stays cooler much longer and keeps it from overheating.
LOVE this video! Thank you for the clear explanation! I'm currently building my first guitar from scratch, and so far I only needed a jigsaw, router, dremel and sander. I have some tools ordered to get the neck and frets perfect, but other than that I find I don't really need anything else. Yes, a band saw, oscillating drum sander, router table, planer etc. would be great, and would make it easier, but as you said, you don't really need them. Just a pointer on using gloves: you should NOT wear gloves when you're using a drill or router (or any power tool with high power spinning parts!!!) ! There's a real risk that your gloves get caught, and that will cost you your fingers. The injuries will be a lot worst if you ARE wearing gloves with those tools. When you use a dremel, (jig-)saw, sandpaper or ANY hand tools (anything lower powered, non powered or with no spinning parts), wear gloves!
My first eve DIY guitar kit arrived today. Strat style. I;'ve opened it and felt the body and neck. Seems like it's decent but may need some sanding. Going to be doing some work on that this weekend.
As a long time tech I definitely concur that steel wool is life. As long as you're careful it polishes amazing and its super cheap and a pack lasts quite a while
I use copper alligator clips as a heat sink when soldering electronics. You absolutely need to heat sink when soldering. Some solders require higher heat to flow properly, so heat sinks are essential.
Great videos. I just ordered my first kit. You have inspired me. I restore old firearms so I think I should have the skills to tackle a guitar kit. I have that same harbor freight router. I use it to finish 80% AR-15 recievers. It works great. I look forward to more of your vidoes. Regards from Nashville.
Pro tip: if you run into a situation where you need to remove solder, start by _adding_ fresh solder to the joint. The reason being that manufacturing facilities are mandated to use lead-free solder which is difficult to work with. Adding some fresh leaded solder will make it so much easier to melt and remove.
The longer video was fine with me! I was kind of bummed when it was finally over... it was all great information. Thanks for taking the time to put it together!
One suggestion: Luthiers (guitar builders) do NOT use Titebond II. It is far more subject to what is called "creep", and that means that under pressure, it can actually move. It doesn't hold as well under pressure as the original Titebond I. Stick with the original unless you want to have to redo glue joints. Good video, other than that.
I am finding your open minded thinking & ideas refreshing. I am sure StewMac does not care for them, but I think there are a lot of us budget minded musicians that can get by just fine with your save a buck philosophies. Great job. Thanks. Keep them coming...
Thank you man so far your channel has been the most helpful for me that I have found everybody else talks like you know what you doing I'm a beginner I ain't even started yet I need to know something so I know what to do and get great job man thank you very much
The 3M sandpaper is really good. I tend to buy rolls of paper for a half sheet sander as it's a convenient width. For finer grits (220 and higher) stearated paper doesn't clog as much. It's intended for removing finish but some woods can clog really fast and if you're getting a fine finish on wood it really helps.
Just subscribed. Watching this video about DIY tools. You mentioned using magnet on string to retrieve dropped metal items. You could get a mechanics pickup tool (magnet) from Lowes. It is around six bucks and is telescoping. You would get more control than using string.
Very informative video Dan. Don’t worry at all about the length of the video. It was fun taking a tour around your workshop. You could’ve benefited from a little bit of lighting for yourself and maybe setting your camera to track facial recognition for your focus but, all in all enjoyed it immensely! Keep up the great work.
Yeah I didn’t realize it was having trouble focusing on me. I actually did have the facial recognition on, but it was probably due to the low light that it struggled with focusing. I’ll install another light or two for future vids in the shop.
A very useful video indeed! If you don't live in the US you have to get alternative products or amazon links to be able to get similar stuff... But still it gives you somewhere to start thanks!
Very appreciative of this vid, I ha e learned a LOT from you in the past 6 months! Something I found to get a really nice mirror finish on frets and such is one of those 4 sided "nail buffing sponges", they run from 1200-3000 grit or something insane like that.
Great job Dan. I think this video will help remove some of the intimidation some people might feel about putting together a kit. Keep it up please. I added this video to my favorites list so I can be sure to come back to it and use your links as I buy stuff to build a kit.
OMG!! How did it take me this long to find your channel? Guns and guitars... my two favorite things! Excuse me... I have to go binge watch a bunch of videos. ;)
Great Vid!!! Yes it was long but very intensive info. Glad it was continuous. Appreciate your expertise and educating me with tooling and technique. Keep 'em coming. I like the unscripted version and in the shop. You appear to be in your element. Very encouraging thanks!
Dan, for the ferrules (Feh-ROOLES), you could use a screw type C-clamp. The only problem with using a C-clamp is that you may mar the headstock material if you’re a bit too liberal with it. You just have to be gentle and go slow.
Dan, I like to use "JJ's Gorgomyte Fret & Fingerboard Cleaning Clot" instead of "0000 steel wool" its a fine abrasive cloth so you don't have to deal with metal shavings. You can find it on amazon if you want to check it out.
Try finding some small alligator clips. If you place one or more if possible on the electronics they will act as a heat sink helping to protect the device from overheating. It's a tip I picked up from an old electronics repair guy.
Solder so - "LD" - er sold er, I used to say it like you do, but Mr. Carlsons Lab corrected me. He has a cool Amp mod to a low cost solid state FET amp to make a hybrid tube model that sounds great. Love your channel.
I really love your videos! I watch them over and over to make sure I didnt miss any steps. Im just about to get my first DIY guitar kit, mostly because Im a lefty and the selection isnt great for us. Thanks again :)
Very helpful video Dan. Been thinking about building my own guitars for awhile now. Btw, use a slide bolt lock to keep your door closed from the inside.
For a flat edge you can buy a flat edge gauge from harbour freight .it is for checking the surface of engine heads for auto motive it is machined for a perfect edge and is the length of most guitar necks .best of all for being machined perfectly it is no expensive .its blue with measurement and it has a slip on cover to protect the straight edge .i use one and there is nothing better.
Thanks for making this video Dan. You've basically created my Christmas List. I just queued it all up on Amazon and pressed 'buy' - no more unwanted gifts for me this year. My wife's pretty happy too as she's now totally off the hook. I wish she was as easy to buy for. You don't know how to build castles in the sky or unicorns do you? Really good call on the gloves and why they should be worn at all times. Safety kit is something as a motorcyclist I'm pretty keen on and so I went with your recommendation of the M-Pact pair - hey, you tested them and even compared them to your other, lesser, pair. Mate, you really should be getting sponsored by these companies. I just spent over £100.00 on 3M, M-pact, Bosch, Baroque etc. I pulled back from the £25.00 Deoxit d5 contact cleaner though and went for Servisol at £6.50 - we'll see if that was a good move. This spend is on top of almost £100.00 I spent on the Cherrystone headless guitar kit. This is the only kit available in the UK and its not very good but it does have a pre-glued neck which is in line with the bridge. I thought I'd give it a go after watching your vids. Here's a link to the kit on Amazon: bit.ly/HeadlessGuitar. I've already reviewed it and uploaded some naff pics about the issues too). So, £200.00 immediately spent because of your videos and that's just the start and I'm just one viewer. Keep making these videos. I admire the fact that you decided to record and share your own journey - literally learning along the way. It's great to see a normal guy achieve what you're doing and to be frank and honest about the cheap tools and components. Good luck with the custom basses Dan.
This is super useful mate. Thank you. I really want to see how did you put that floyd on that strat. As well as the locking nut on a neck with no locking nut and the 2 holes for the 2 point tremolo. Your channel is really useful dude, keep going.
Love it!!! Been wanting to do a kit build for a long while but just too apprehensive for one reason or another. The mystery of tools being one reasons, not so now👍🏻.. The soldering kit is the same as the one I bought from amazon last year lol.
The best part is where you're saying "Put on gloves really quick or give up music through injuries because you're lazy". I work in big halls with big machines in it and my colleagues always diss me because I look like mickey mouse with the ear protection while they're not understanding a thing anymore.
Wear all the protective gear you need. Don't underestimate skin protection. There is a huge difference between all the "care" products and "protective" lotions. I've seen people with such fucked up hands. One of them starts to bleed when makes a fist, cause the skin cracks like an dry river bed. And once it's gone, there is no way to get it back. Let them all talk...and you'll enjoy your favourite music and talking to grandchildren etc. when you're old. If you cut a lot of aluminum, don't breath in the dust and don't have too much skin contact with fine dust.
shout out to dan, try going up to 1000-2000 grit sand paper in sanding the back of your necks. i know you hate sanding so much but i swear, having that much patience and dedication to sanding gives you maximum playing surface that is almost buttery to the touch. although ive seen some luthiers and build hobbyists use scotch brite 0000 steel wool after rough sanding before they put the oil finish on. just my thoughts though. ive tried this on my builds and repairs, ive had no complaints so far.
1st time seeing your videos. bought the soldering gun. i have 3 other wellers and don't like any of them. I start soldering and then it won't heat up like the other places i just soldered and then i have a cold solder joint and more solder than i need on the pot. well, now I'M rambling. ok see ya. good job.
Really informative video! It's great to get tips for general guitar work and kit assembly. There's a lot of vids on making guitars from scratch and that takes a major investment in tools. I don't have the space or budget for that. But I can afford all the tools that you've demonstrated. I'm sure there's others out there like me. Of course it would be great to be able to build a guitar from a tree, but oh well. lol.
OK, I'm not trying to gush like a school girl getting a lolly pop, but dayum! You saved my ass. This video covered every question that I've been mulling over for several months now. Seriously. Yes, I intend on jumping heavily into kit building. Actually, I'm currently modding a cheap guitar that I picked up on Ebay and I'm at the fret leveling/crowning/polishing stage. Almost done and I've loved every painful second of it. After that, it's on to kits. I do have several questions that hopefully you have a second to help me out with. The first one is super important because at this stage in my current project, I'm delaying a little because I don't want to do the wrong thing or do something wrong. On the fret leveling, the neck I'm using was a brand new Mighty Mite Fender licensed neck. (Basically, its still new) When I originally got it, I found out that it needed to be leveled so I picked up some info and did a VERY light leveling on it. But then I didnt have the correct tools to do much more and I moved on. Put it away for later. Now is later. So in looking at the fret board I noticed that (yes, you can see it) the very highest frets, maybe 13-21 are higher than the frets from 12-1. I cant tell if the board is back bowed, but if so its not by much. I put a straight edge on it when I worked on it before and it seemed OK enough. But I just used a 3 foot metal ruler, cuz I dont have a proper notched straight edge. My question #1 is... How the hell do I deal with this "hump" at the high frets? Should I just level them until they no longer have any gaps when I put a fret rocker on them? ...and then from that point re-level all the frets (lightly) using sand paper and beam? ..or do I need an actual notched straight edge to continue? I've been chasing my tail on this one. ANY info would help. My question #2 is much easier. : ) I have a generic rotary tool and I was looking at routing and other attachments for it. Are these attachments pretty universal as far as fitting muti-brands of rotary tools go? I'm hesitating on buying attachments for it because I want them to fit. Sorry this comment was so dam long. I didnt like typing it much but we've gotta do what we've gotta do. Right? Thanks for any help you can provide, and you gained a subscriber. : ) Thanks
Hey man, great questions. For the neck, you need to watch my video on how to make your own pro luthier tools. It’s a great tutorial on how to make and use them. But the short version, you can use your metal meter stick to make a notched straight edge easily, and use it to straighten your neck. Then you’ll need to re-level your frets completely. Doing just the touch up method with a rocker I don’t think will give you the results you want. For the rotary tool, I’m pretty sure they all use the same attachments. My black an decker takes all dremel and generic brand accessories just fine. I imagine they all do.
You can make longer videos if you like a lot of us will enjoy them Nice shed maybe add some insulation and cover the walls though I do like the exposed timber Great to see you back
The workshop is a work in progress. At this point I’m just happy to have 4 walls and a roof! Eventually some insulation, drywall, and redirect some of the hvac from my house for climate control will be nice.
Don’t forget decent wire clippers man for prepping wiring. Also Liquitex do the best acrylic spray paints plus here in UK North West Guitars do a great Nitro finishing range. Man... have to disagree I love wet sanding the paint finish... addictive stuff. Not to sound weird but your channel reminds me a lot of “Dirt every Day”, you share the same passion as the do, but instead for Jeeps however very similar on screen. Nice work
Yo dude you should shoot in your workshop more often it looks so much more genuine and professional than the green screen in my opinion
joshua yeah it is more professional I think your right..but the green screen seems to fit dans personality...my 2c
I appreciate the feedback. I like the green screen because it’s better for adding text and editing and stuff. But I think I’ll start mixing some of these workshop videos into my other stuff.
@@GunsandGuitars take a picture of the shop and green screen it behind you
@@GunsandGuitars This dudes right ^^^
@@mrpotat680 is right about that dude being right..... (Blazing Saddles :D )
Hey Dan I’m a 70 year old man getting ready to build my first guitar. I know nothing about woodworking so it may turn out to be a ukulele, but I love your videos, learning a lot. Keep up the good work.
God Bless
Thanks!
How did that turn out?
I see 2 years ago you’d planned to build your 1st guitar. How has did it turn out?
...So 4 years on, how's it going?
Are you still alive?
Dont apologize when giving out free information
Dude, I don't mind the workshop background! Nothing wrong with the green screen but this has more DIY atmosphere :)
I worked for 3M for a summer. I took their product tour. Their sandpaper is bar-none above the rest. They actually have a process where the grains of sand have perforations so that when they break, the grains break clean leaving a new sharp edge (similar to like a cracker perforation breaking off a perfect square). Very cool!
I gotta buy everything from everyone of those links just because of how Dan is the nicest person ever amaright
Best comment so far. Thanks!
Guns and Guitars anytime my guy
I sub to a lot of guitar modding channels. I get the most excited when you have a new video. This channel is fun and informative. I hope you reach a million subs by 2019.
Thanks me too! Haha
You need clamps if you have to glue something.
Shoot!!!! I totally forgot to show the clamps! Duh you are so right. Dang it.
Guns and Guitars Well I guess your life doesn’t depend on the clamps but they are extremely useful
How many? I'm thinking at least 10000000.
Raymond Davis You can never have too many clamps?
M 27 will my GFs nipples clamps work?
Hey Dan, for finish sanding, I use Micro-Mesh pads or sheets. The pads are small, like 3x3", which are great for headstocks, homemade pickguards, etc. The sheets are bigger, and wrap around sanding blocks. There will be links below.
The reason I like them so much is they are virtually indestructable, I've been using the same ones for over 3 years in my hobby shop. They get to extremely fine grit, and can give you a glass finish if you want.
I advise anyone interested in checking them out to try the pads first. They come in a set of 9 or 10 different grits for around $10. Then if you like them, you can invest in the larger set (about $35-$40). As long as you don't abuse them, sanding lightly so as not to gum them up, you can rinse them off with water (they are wet/dry sanding sheets. For those who paint their guitars.
If you haven't tried them, and ever want a high gloss finish, you'll love them.
MICRO MESH SANDING SHEETS WOODWORKERS KIT www.amazon.com/dp/B000H6JDCS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_MPRuCbJ3CYJR9
Micro-Mesh Pen Sanding Kit www.amazon.com/dp/B0037MEIT2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_pSRuCb50N6D2M
Thanks so much. You’re the shop teacher I’ve never had. Learning so much from you. Thanks again!
This is a really good video and after 50 years of working with my hands in metal and woodwork I agree with all of your choices and recommendations. Your channel rocks and longer videos are great in my opinion. Well done Dan!
Thank you and thanks for the feedback!
Your videos are great. I didn't have a lot of money when I got into guitar, so my guitar was pretty cheap and terrible. You inspired me to do diy fretwork on my cheap guitars, which has made them enjoyable to play. And now the DIY bug has bit and I am building up tools and plans to do some cheap kit builds. Much thanks for making this channel.
Glad I could inspire!
You rock Dan thanks for the great 51 lefty p bass you made for my son.
It sound and plays awesome.
Glad you guys are still loving it! I watched that link you posted on that video of your son jamming it. It sounded great! He’s a great player too!
Dennis Radle a
I love "cheap" guitars . Especially the older ones . After watching your vids I am going to start with an old Univox high flyer that a previous owner butchered by using a circilar saw to route a cavity for a generic mustang trem bridge in . I will cut and glue a mahogany block to fill in and restore it . Also , if the stock buckers sound bad I will try a set of p-rails . Thanks for all the great info and keep it going !
Please do more videos like this. Dont script them out. I like the rambling because it makes you seem more honest and makes me believe I can do what you do. Thanks much for your vids. I have one weird request. Can you go over your shed that you have in a video? I want to make my own workshop soon and I want a good idea of a good workplace. Size, accessories, and anything else you think you might need in Arizona that would make a comfortable work place year round. Thanks.
You do awesome work and videos! Super informative. Don’t worry about brambling to much cause after all it’s a diy channel and I’d rather listen to a bro just rumbling about what he‘s passionate about to learn about things and details that brought me to your channel in first place than a super scripted guy that I don’t understand.
Keep your up your great work! Much love!
I forgot the coffee and accidentally made a bass
In the UK we call it soldering...soul-der-ing...different strokes for different folks...i was gonna say tomato tomato but doesn't look right..lol..you know what i mean....i use blu-tac to pick-up/remove any metal bits/filings etc on pole pieces ,i cover the pickups with Frog tape or low tac tape whilst working on bass/s just to play it safe...you can get perspex templates for most type pickups on Amazon or eBay for $10 or a little less each, i got a Musicman bass humbucker template & a Jazz bridge one for just under £20 ,$20 for both....good advice & information from you Dan...if someones first attempt to build or route guitar/bass with no pickguard i would recommend buying a pick-up template..i learned that one the hard way..lol
Definitely willing to watch the longer video to absorb more knowledge. Can't speak for everyone but I feel like the majority of people who watch you are here to learn so the length for me was great
I love your videos and im getting ecited about builing an intrument.
But ive worked in big shops and inustrial environments a fair bit. The official sources on workplace safety like OSHA, recomend strongly against wearing gloves while operating power tools.
They describe a risk of glove material getting caught in blades and rotating machinery, and dragging your hand into danger.
Im of the opinion that you can make you own desisions on this stuff but i figured id mention the reasons i dont wear gloves while running certain equipment
Thank you. I'm not looking to go into business, but learn enough to help out my own band and be able to keep our instruments up and running [loudly]. I found this helpful, especially some things I thought I needed that I don't.
A lot of great info really quick- I didn't think you rambled at all! Your videos are very straight-forward and helpful. I appreciate the sober, yet free-wheeling approach. Thanks
Funny you say you hate sanding. I found that apart from the actual shaping of the headstock with a file, sanding has been my favourite part of my first kit build so far!
DUDE!! the exact perfect video I was looking for!!! I am starting to upgrade from the beginning, paint, components etc everything, an old guitar I have. Your video helped me a lot to know what I need! You did an amazing job and I thank you very much for that! ❤️
Thank you, this is the most helpful video I’ve seen on this topic. I am getting into my own guitar repair work, and contemplating guitar building. Starting with a kit.
Great video Dan! No worries about the length of the video - all good info. There is one piece of safety equipment worth mentioning, especially for a musician: Hearing Protection! Working on guitars requires the user to be very close to the power tools and hearing loss is cumulative. Best of all, hearing protection is probably the cheapest safety item available when using foam earplugs.
Great point!
Hey man, I recently decided I wanted to build my own guitar from a kit. I stumbled across your videos and they are extremely helpful and there are so many good things that you point out while building guitars. Really appreciate the info and effort bro!
Dan, this video actually had a great deal of concentrated information. I made notes during it and have purchased several of your recommended items (through your links of course). Especially, your recommended soldering iron--I have never found one that worked satisfactorily. Thanks, brother.
Great vid! For adjusting or finishing your neck nut cut a 6 inch or so piece of each string gauge you use and wrap it in 1000 grit sandpaper to gently shape the slots. Saw this on another vid and it works great. Saves having 5o buy all the fret files if you don't do a lot of that type of work.
shop vac with hose mounted/clamped near where you're using the steel wool, never underestimate it, I use it on everything in my shop from woodworking to sharpening my mower blades. Never any issues with debris. Thanks for the video!
Good advice on the soldering. I was changing the pick up on my 89HM Strat and I used the wrong soldering tip and plumbing solder. I completely melted the selector switch because I got it too hot. Now that doesn’t work and the frets are all messed up as well. So now I may just take it out back, and since I am a guns and guitar guy too, blast it to pieces with my A.R. 15!
You're doing great... don't be so hard on yourself ....there are always going to be people who complain no matter what you do, that's their problem not yours. You don't need to be apologizing so much, you're doing fine. 🙂👍
Dan! You deserve a referral kickback! Don't apologize. Hopefully your viewers will give you the props, I know I will.
Don't apologize for getting a bump from links dude. you earn it.
Man Dan, I am so glad I found your channel. I am left handed but I am definitely gonna start building some guitars. You are so fun to watch. Thanks for all you do.
Dan, we all know how hard it is to ask people to do you a favour, and even harder if money is involved (I'm English....I know ALL ABOUT being embarrassed!). You really shouldn't be concerned about it. I imagine everyone watching ANY TH-cam videos is fully aware of Patreon & we're used to it now, so pointing us at an affiliate link is fine.
You said you feel bad in front of the camera and get tongue tied. Don't worry about that...you come across very well, with a friendly, honest and open style that is very easy to listen to.
As for pronunciation, I agree you should say words in the way you always have. The differences in how we express ourselves play an important role in how we sound, which gives rise to the rich tapestry of regional accents. So, while I was brought up to say SOLder, or AluminIUM etc, you say SOder and AlumINUM. It is (or should be) up to you. The point of communication is to pass on information. So long as everyone understands it doesn't matter about pronunciation.
Keep up the good work, Dan. Cheers.
As a professional carpenter/contractor, I use Harbor Freight tools all the time. I purchased the same trim router, only to have the base plate warp on me. Major bummer. I ended up purchasing a Bosch trim router, because I love all things Bosch. But getting back to your comment on router bits and stuff like that, if you use them properly, as with any tool, they will work just fine. Even the higher end router bits will wear out.
Just buy some where you change the blades and not the whole router bit.
Dont be so hard on yourself your vids are great man. I been pkayin 22 years and rebuilt my first guitar a year ago. Im about to build a couple i think cause of the awesome results ive had. I been scouring videos to see how others compare to what i think my methods will be and ive found a ton of great info. Your vids are way informative and youre great on cam. Thanks for all the info. I subscribed and gave a like. Keep up the awesome work man!!!!!
Out of all the videos you've done, this is the one that I needed the most. Thank you
Don't worry about the time it takes to explain this stuff. It's SUPER interesting & details matter. Take 2 hours if you need to. Great video. Thanks.
With the Dremel attachment. I took the drive shaft out and gave it a generous coating of lithium grease. Stays cooler much longer and keeps it from overheating.
LOVE this video! Thank you for the clear explanation!
I'm currently building my first guitar from scratch, and so far I only needed a jigsaw, router, dremel and sander. I have some tools ordered to get the neck and frets perfect, but other than that I find I don't really need anything else. Yes, a band saw, oscillating drum sander, router table, planer etc. would be great, and would make it easier, but as you said, you don't really need them.
Just a pointer on using gloves: you should NOT wear gloves when you're using a drill or router (or any power tool with high power spinning parts!!!) ! There's a real risk that your gloves get caught, and that will cost you your fingers. The injuries will be a lot worst if you ARE wearing gloves with those tools.
When you use a dremel, (jig-)saw, sandpaper or ANY hand tools (anything lower powered, non powered or with no spinning parts), wear gloves!
My first eve DIY guitar kit arrived today. Strat style. I;'ve opened it and felt the body and neck. Seems like it's decent but may need some sanding. Going to be doing some work on that this weekend.
As a long time tech I definitely concur that steel wool is life. As long as you're careful it polishes amazing and its super cheap and a pack lasts quite a while
I use copper alligator clips as a heat sink when soldering electronics. You absolutely need to heat sink when soldering. Some solders require higher heat to flow properly, so heat sinks are essential.
Spot on with the sandpaper advice...for sure.
Great videos. I just ordered my first kit. You have inspired me. I restore old firearms so I think I should have the skills to tackle a guitar kit. I have that same harbor freight router. I use it to finish 80% AR-15 recievers. It works great. I look forward to more of your vidoes. Regards from Nashville.
Yes, love these videos. My next kit I’m saving up for is going to be a PRS kit. Super excited to get that one going
Pro tip: if you run into a situation where you need to remove solder, start by _adding_ fresh solder to the joint. The reason being that manufacturing facilities are mandated to use lead-free solder which is difficult to work with. Adding some fresh leaded solder will make it so much easier to melt and remove.
One of the best half hours on TH-cam. Thanks.
The longer video was fine with me! I was kind of bummed when it was finally over... it was all great information. Thanks for taking the time to put it together!
One suggestion: Luthiers (guitar builders) do NOT use Titebond II. It is far more subject to what is called "creep", and that means that under pressure, it can actually move. It doesn't hold as well under pressure as the original Titebond I. Stick with the original unless you want to have to redo glue joints.
Good video, other than that.
I am finding your open minded thinking & ideas refreshing. I am sure StewMac does not care for them, but I think there are a lot of us budget minded musicians that can get by just fine with your save a buck philosophies. Great job. Thanks. Keep them coming...
Thank you man so far your channel has been the most helpful for me that I have found everybody else talks like you know what you doing I'm a beginner I ain't even started yet I need to know something so I know what to do and get great job man thank you very much
Yes, definitely 3M products for anything involved with adhesion, sanding or cutting. More money, but so worth it! Another great video, thanks man.
The 3M sandpaper is really good. I tend to buy rolls of paper for a half sheet sander as it's a convenient width.
For finer grits (220 and higher) stearated paper doesn't clog as much. It's intended for removing finish but some woods can clog really fast and if you're getting a fine finish on wood it really helps.
Good tip. I’ll look into those! You know how much I hate sanding....
Just subscribed. Watching this video about DIY tools. You mentioned using magnet on string to retrieve dropped metal items. You could get a mechanics pickup tool (magnet) from Lowes. It is around six bucks and is telescoping. You would get more control than using string.
Very informative video Dan. Don’t worry at all about the length of the video. It was fun taking a tour around your workshop. You could’ve benefited from a little bit of lighting for yourself and maybe setting your camera to track facial recognition for your focus but, all in all enjoyed it immensely! Keep up the great work.
Yeah I didn’t realize it was having trouble focusing on me. I actually did have the facial recognition on, but it was probably due to the low light that it struggled with focusing. I’ll install another light or two for future vids in the shop.
A very useful video indeed! If you don't live in the US you have to get alternative products or amazon links to be able to get similar stuff... But still it gives you somewhere to start thanks!
Dude, you are so helpful, I look here first to see if you suggest any and buy them so you get a kickback. Thank you for your channel!!!
Dremel helped me alot with sanding
Very appreciative of this vid, I ha e learned a LOT from you in the past 6 months! Something I found to get a really nice mirror finish on frets and such is one of those 4 sided "nail buffing sponges", they run from 1200-3000 grit or something insane like that.
Great job Dan. I think this video will help remove some of the intimidation some people might feel about putting together a kit. Keep it up please. I added this video to my favorites list so I can be sure to come back to it and use your links as I buy stuff to build a kit.
Thanks man, I appreciate it!
Great video Dan...glad to see you rambled on because of that coffee....great advice
Hey dan my strat diy kit just arrived im going to make a rivers cuomo strat
Sticker Happy how did that go? I got plans for a rivers strat, probably just with a sh4 in the bridge though
Saul Goode Guitars pretty well actually the problem is the kit is not a hardtailed strat
You can block the whammy bridge with a block of wood. That sort of makes it a hardtail.
Ultran0L99 I freaking love Weezer
I use the same sandpaper , I bought some recently . use 400 on the neck and finishing on the body .
Something I would recommend is if you flame the guitar before you stain it, you get a nice black grain.
I flames that strat I showed in the video before dying it, and it looks like way nicer wood than basswood now! Good tip
That would be cool to see in a future video.
Very informative rambling. God bless you Dan!
OMG!! How did it take me this long to find your channel? Guns and guitars... my two favorite things! Excuse me... I have to go binge watch a bunch of videos. ;)
Great video Dan. I bought my first bass kit because of your videos. Thanks for all the good info and I will keep watching!!
Your channel rocks dude... Thanks for taking the time...
Great Vid!!! Yes it was long but very intensive info. Glad it was continuous. Appreciate your expertise and educating me with tooling and technique. Keep 'em coming. I like the unscripted version and in the shop. You appear to be in your element. Very encouraging thanks!
Dude, thanks! This was super helpful. Waiting on my first kit to deliver, Flying V bass!
Dan, for the ferrules (Feh-ROOLES), you could use a screw type C-clamp. The only problem with using a C-clamp is that you may mar the headstock material if you’re a bit too liberal with it. You just have to be gentle and go slow.
Dan, I like to use "JJ's Gorgomyte Fret & Fingerboard Cleaning Clot" instead of "0000 steel wool" its a fine abrasive cloth so you don't have to deal with metal shavings. You can find it on amazon if you want to check it out.
i enjoyed the longer rant
Try finding some small alligator clips. If you place one or more if possible on the electronics they will act as a heat sink helping to protect the device from overheating. It's a tip I picked up from an old electronics repair guy.
This video is awesome, thank you for taking the time. I'm just getting into building guitars and thi sc made life so much better.
You can use the old sanding sponges as a "sanding block" with the sanding sheets for the contoured areas of the build
Solder so - "LD" - er sold er, I used to say it like you do, but Mr. Carlsons Lab corrected me.
He has a cool Amp mod to a low cost solid state FET amp to make a hybrid tube model that sounds great.
Love your channel.
I really love your videos! I watch them over and over to make sure I didnt miss any steps. Im just about to get my first DIY guitar kit, mostly because Im a lefty and the selection isnt great for us.
Thanks again :)
Very helpful video Dan. Been thinking about building my own guitars for awhile now. Btw, use a slide bolt lock to keep your door closed from the inside.
The MOST USEFUL guitar youtuber: guns and guitars
Consistent source of well articulated information. Good job man.
For a flat edge you can buy a flat edge gauge from harbour freight .it is for checking the surface of engine heads for auto motive it is machined for a perfect edge and is the length of most guitar necks .best of all for being machined perfectly it is no expensive .its blue with measurement and it has a slip on cover to protect the straight edge .i use one and there is nothing better.
Thanks for making this video Dan. You've basically created my Christmas List. I just queued it all up on Amazon and pressed 'buy' - no more unwanted gifts for me this year. My wife's pretty happy too as she's now totally off the hook. I wish she was as easy to buy for. You don't know how to build castles in the sky or unicorns do you?
Really good call on the gloves and why they should be worn at all times. Safety kit is something as a motorcyclist I'm pretty keen on and so I went with your recommendation of the M-Pact pair - hey, you tested them and even compared them to your other, lesser, pair.
Mate, you really should be getting sponsored by these companies. I just spent over £100.00 on 3M, M-pact, Bosch, Baroque etc. I pulled back from the £25.00 Deoxit d5 contact cleaner though and went for Servisol at £6.50 - we'll see if that was a good move.
This spend is on top of almost £100.00 I spent on the Cherrystone headless guitar kit. This is the only kit available in the UK and its not very good but it does have a pre-glued neck which is in line with the bridge. I thought I'd give it a go after watching your vids. Here's a link to the kit on Amazon: bit.ly/HeadlessGuitar. I've already reviewed it and uploaded some naff pics about the issues too).
So, £200.00 immediately spent because of your videos and that's just the start and I'm just one viewer.
Keep making these videos. I admire the fact that you decided to record and share your own journey - literally learning along the way. It's great to see a normal guy achieve what you're doing and to be frank and honest about the cheap tools and components.
Good luck with the custom basses Dan.
Man, I love the long videos. I think for me it’s like a tv show cuz I don’t watch (much) cable. So keep um coming. Haha
This is super useful mate. Thank you. I really want to see how did you put that floyd on that strat. As well as the locking nut on a neck with no locking nut and the 2 holes for the 2 point tremolo. Your channel is really useful dude, keep going.
Love it!!! Been wanting to do a kit build for a long while but just too apprehensive for one reason or another. The mystery of tools being one reasons, not so now👍🏻.. The soldering kit is the same as the one I bought from amazon last year lol.
The best part is where you're saying "Put on gloves really quick or give up music through injuries because you're lazy". I work in big halls with big machines in it and my colleagues always diss me because I look like mickey mouse with the ear protection while they're not understanding a thing anymore.
Wear all the protective gear you need. Don't underestimate skin protection.
There is a huge difference between all the "care" products and "protective" lotions.
I've seen people with such fucked up hands. One of them starts to bleed when makes a fist, cause the skin cracks like an dry river bed. And once it's gone, there is no way to get it back. Let them all talk...and you'll enjoy your favourite music and talking to grandchildren etc. when you're old.
If you cut a lot of aluminum, don't breath in the dust and don't have too much skin contact with fine dust.
Whaaat..?
Great video and you can ramble all you want. Great info.
This video is awesome. My rick bass is going to be so good once it arrives and I and start using all your tips.
shout out to dan, try going up to 1000-2000 grit sand paper in sanding the back of your necks. i know you hate sanding so much but i swear, having that much patience and dedication to sanding gives you maximum playing surface that is almost buttery to the touch. although ive seen some luthiers and build hobbyists use scotch brite 0000 steel wool after rough sanding before they put the oil finish on.
just my thoughts though. ive tried this on my builds and repairs, ive had no complaints so far.
After 320 grit I do 3-5 coats of tung oil with 0000 steel wool buffing between coats. It’s the smoothest, I swear. Thanks for the tip though!
Half hour vids are great. Keep it up.
This is "bottom line" extremely helpful - I've learned heaps from the YT Channel. Thanks and g'day from Oz.
1st time seeing your videos. bought the soldering gun. i have 3 other wellers and don't like any of them. I start soldering and then it won't heat up like the other places i just soldered and then i have a cold solder joint and more solder than i need on the pot. well, now I'M rambling. ok see ya. good job.
oh yeah, the background music is a little annoying.
Really informative video! It's great to get tips for general guitar work and kit assembly. There's a lot of vids on making guitars from scratch and that takes a major investment in tools. I don't have the space or budget for that. But I can afford all the tools that you've demonstrated. I'm sure there's others out there like me. Of course it would be great to be able to build a guitar from a tree, but oh well. lol.
OK, I'm not trying to gush like a school girl getting a lolly pop, but dayum! You saved my ass.
This video covered every question that I've been mulling over for several months now. Seriously.
Yes, I intend on jumping heavily into kit building.
Actually, I'm currently modding a cheap guitar that I picked up on Ebay and I'm at the fret leveling/crowning/polishing stage. Almost done and I've loved every painful second of it. After that, it's on to kits.
I do have several questions that hopefully you have a second to help me out with.
The first one is super important because at this stage in my current project, I'm delaying a little because I don't want to do the wrong thing or do something wrong.
On the fret leveling, the neck I'm using was a brand new Mighty Mite Fender licensed neck. (Basically, its still new)
When I originally got it, I found out that it needed to be leveled so I picked up some info and did a VERY light leveling on it. But then I didnt have the correct tools to do much more and I moved on. Put it away for later.
Now is later. So in looking at the fret board I noticed that (yes, you can see it) the very highest frets, maybe 13-21 are higher than the frets from 12-1. I cant tell if the board is back bowed, but if so its not by much. I put a straight edge on it when I worked on it before and it seemed OK enough. But I just used a 3 foot metal ruler, cuz I dont have a proper notched straight edge.
My question #1 is... How the hell do I deal with this "hump" at the high frets?
Should I just level them until they no longer have any gaps when I put a fret rocker on them? ...and then from that point re-level all the frets (lightly) using sand paper and beam? ..or do I need an actual notched straight edge to continue? I've been chasing my tail on this one. ANY info would help.
My question #2 is much easier. : )
I have a generic rotary tool and I was looking at routing and other attachments for it.
Are these attachments pretty universal as far as fitting muti-brands of rotary tools go? I'm hesitating on buying attachments for it because I want them to fit.
Sorry this comment was so dam long. I didnt like typing it much but we've gotta do what we've gotta do. Right?
Thanks for any help you can provide, and you gained a subscriber. : )
Thanks
Hey man, great questions. For the neck, you need to watch my video on how to make your own pro luthier tools. It’s a great tutorial on how to make and use them. But the short version, you can use your metal meter stick to make a notched straight edge easily, and use it to straighten your neck. Then you’ll need to re-level your frets completely. Doing just the touch up method with a rocker I don’t think will give you the results you want. For the rotary tool, I’m pretty sure they all use the same attachments. My black an decker takes all dremel and generic brand accessories just fine. I imagine they all do.
You can make longer videos if you like a lot of us will enjoy them Nice shed maybe add some insulation and cover the walls though I do like the exposed timber Great to see you back
The workshop is a work in progress. At this point I’m just happy to have 4 walls and a roof! Eventually some insulation, drywall, and redirect some of the hvac from my house for climate control will be nice.
Don’t forget decent wire clippers man for prepping wiring. Also Liquitex do the best acrylic spray paints plus here in UK North West Guitars do a great Nitro finishing range. Man... have to disagree I love wet sanding the paint finish... addictive stuff. Not to sound weird but your channel reminds me a lot of “Dirt every Day”, you share the same passion as the do, but instead for Jeeps however very similar on screen. Nice work