Getting Started as a Luthier: 10 Tools Under $50 You Should Buy Today!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2025
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Chris shares his 10 favorite budget friendly tools to help you get your feet wet in the world of guitar repair and luthiery.
The Guitar Player Repair Guide: amzn.to/2ZQ8t1b
Guitar Neck Rest: amzn.to/3bHXEks
SkyScraper Fret Rocker AND String Height Gauge: amzn.to/3GYitXF
MusicNomad GRIP Drill Bit String Peg Winder: amzn.to/3CLMGXo
FretGuru String Action Gauge Guitar Ruler Precision 8-in-1: amzn.to/3k5kOpA
FretGuru Fret Crowning File °Dagger 2.0°: amzn.to/3GKFfSD
D'Addario Accessories Guitar/Bass Multi-Tool: amzn.to/3BLDPU6
Jiayouy Luthier Guitar Tool Metal Brace Repair Jack: amzn.to/2ZOJDPg
Jiayouy Guitar Fret Edge File: amzn.to/3mEAP7E
Fret Work Step-By-Step: amzn.to/3CKtIA6
We proudly use SurfPrep Sanders and Abrasives and we think you should too!
Click here to visit their website: www.surfprepsa...?aff=221
~~ (PSST, use code DRIFTWOOD at checkout to save 10% on your order!!) ~~
Here are a few of our favorite SurfPrep products we use in our shop every day:
3″ X 4″ Electric Sanding System Kits: surfprepsandin...
3” x 4” Abrasives: surfprepsandin...
Drum Sander Rolls: surfprepsandin...
RAD Pads Pro: surfprepsandin...
3” Abrasive Disks: surfprepsandin...
5” Abrasive Disks: surfprepsandin...
6” Abrasive Disks: surfprepsandin...
I'm currently trying to collect the tools needed for my first build. This video helps. It would be great to win. Thanks for all you do!
Congrats, Roger! You've been randomly selected to win. Shoot us an email at driftwoodguitarco@gmail.com so we can get your shipping details. Thanks!
Congratulations, Roger!!!!
@@DriftwoodGuitars don't you have set of clamps that are lowes branded name clamps lol just playing
I'm from a small, low income community in Appalachia and I'm moving back to teach guitar in an after school program at no cost to the students or their families. These tools and resources would help me keep my students instruments in good playing condition.
You're doing the lords work. ❤
I hope your program is doing well!
I’ve been teaching music at my counties Arts Council for 8 years now. The last year I’ve been in charge of keeping up all of the loaner stringed instruments. I’ve also been buying used stringed instruments that need repair and giving them away to our students when they’re ready. I could really use all of these items, not just for me, but to show my students how to maintain their own instruments. So if possible I’d love to enter for a chance to win this giveaway! Thank you for the awesome videos and information you give to all of us watchers!
I Will forfeit my entry in the giveaway to increase your chanses of winning.
@@fredrikhuhne474 thank you
I too will forfeit my entry to increase your chances of winning. I think this is a no-brainer... The tools should be presented to Michael to teach his class...
@@richmoeller7715 thank you 🙏🏻
I forfeit my entry for you as well!! Good luck!!
I started with the guitar player repair guide 2nd edition years ago and never looked back. I’ve been modding and repairing for over 17 years and that book was a godsend! Now I’m building my first scratch build solid body electric. I’ve even made my own fret end beveling file, neck rest, and other simple jigs. I own the fret guru crowning file 2.0 and it has been good to me but it’s definitely not a diamond file but for the money it’s absolutely worth it. I’ve re-crowned 40 guitars with it and it’s still holding up after a year of use! If your list would go to 11, I’d suggest the StewMac fret dressing file cause you’re gonna need that to really get those frets smooth on the edges without marring the fingerboard and it’s also under $50.
Love the channel and keep up your amazing inlay work!
Aloha from Las Vegas! Stumbled across your channel...enjoy your candid approach to literally opening up the world of luthier and the skill and commitment to craftsmanship it takes. Years ago I started acquiring what people considered broken or throwaway instruments (guitars, ukuleles, mandolins). I'd clean up what I could, file this, glue that, play them awhile and then give away the gift of music to someone that showed interest. Always loved working with wood but raising 6 kids never really had the time to develop the skills or dedicate the time to it. Fast forward, last child finished education and moved on and now as a part time substitute teacher I find I have the time! The timing of your channel is perfect for this old guy learning new tricks. Thanks
Guys!!! Thanks a TON for the kind words. I can co-sign on the Fret Guru tools. Bernie is a top notch guy. I've been using his files for years. The Stew Mac books on setups are gold as well.
We appreciate you guys always being so supportive!
Hell yeah man! Gotta support the team!
Player of 5 years here,
A little bit about me: I'm 18, from california, and the owner of 10+ different stringed instruments from 12 strings to a 1950s lap steel.
I've been learning and acquiring all the measuring equipment and cleaning products necessary when setting up my guitars or sometimes other peoples guitars. That Dan Erlewine book would keep me enthralled for many many hours. that neck rest would also make restringing my guitars a breeze to do.
I discovered your channel after youtube recommended that I watch you PRS deep dive video. From the first minute, I was hooked and subbed instantly.
I hope my comment gets picked, it would make my year as a player and as a tinkerer of my axes.
Thank you and have a great holiday season guys!
Thanks for running your channel. I really appreciate the content! I have been passionate about guitar building since high school but after a failed apprenticeship and depression, I decided to change and focus on a sales job to eventually earn enough money to do this as a hobby and then hopefully that takes over. Due to getting cancer and many failed startup attempts I've recently just quit my sales job and I'm officially giving this a crack.
I'm 29 now and don't have a workshop and therefore have been using the local community workshop.
I have a small bench in my garage that I'm currently using to practice on a guitar restoration and I would love these tools. They will definitely help me finish my current project and kickstart this new endeavor.
I really appreciate you consideration!
Thanks so much,
Ben
I discovered your channel a couple of months ago---and have been fascinated watching you work on your guitars. The list of items you've included here are priceless for an old guitarist like myself--so let me thank you for going over them. Of course, I'd be delighted to receive these tools, whether I win them from you or buy them little by little on my own.
I’m a 65 year old Professor nearing retirement and I am starting to build up my guitar tools for setting up a guitar as a hobby after retirement. Would love to own these. Thanks Bryan
Just added stuff to my "Christmas Wish List" on Amazon. Thanks from the best mediocre rhythm guitarist in Parker County, Texas!
I enjoyed this video. I am getting into repairing my own guitars. I have four that need repair and am just starting this journey. I appreciate all the information you have provided.
stopped playing 15 years ago after losing some left hand digits to a table saw. Your videos have inspired me to start repairing, and hopefully eventually building guitars. I remember how much my old tech meant to me, and would like to get back in touch with my musician friends.
Im half way through building a Bass guitar and i ts been over a year because i have to keep saving for tools i didnt know i needed. i only just found your chanel yesterday and im devouring your videos as fast as i can. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
My husband loves guitars…actually just about any music instruments. He introduced himself to a luthier in town and is now learning from him. Winning tools to use of his own would be awesome.
Super timely video for me. I’ve decided to start repairing more stuff during 2022 and hopefully building an acoustic during 2023. Thanks for the list and put me in the drawing!
I got my neck craddle and matt from music nomad its a great craddle at a good price the 2 came together a a savings
What a great list of must have tools glad to see skyscraper tools on your show I bought his fret rock and his notched straight edges plus the stuff is made hear .
HI guys, I may be starting a little late at 77, but I am interested in learning to fix my own guitars, I have been watching this channel, and almost every one I can find on lutherie and guitar repair for some time now, winning this collection would really help me take the next step. Thanks, Tim Tenold
I'll be 70 my birthday a veteran and I just started working on guitars a few months ago I set my own up and sitting a few friends up and doing a pretty good job cuz I've been watching a lot of different luthiers but I don't have any of them wonderful tools you're showing would appreciate it God bless America
So I just bought a Taylor Academy 12 because of your video. I love the honesty and transparency of your channel. Such a great intro into these tools and the possibilities!
Would love this kit. Just starting my first guitar restoration project on the guitar I learned on when I was 13 years old.
Great kit to start up setting up your guitars. I would love to have a kit like this when I first started working on my guitars.
Inspired by your videos I fixed a friends guitar the other day. Having watched your set up video I'm thinking about servicing my factory built Martin. Keep up the good work.
My partner and I have been getting into guitar building together. I would love these tools and will definitely have to look into them
I just started building a ukulele from stewmac a couple of days ago. Building and repairing is something that I want to do long term. This list just gave me a head start. While it would be great to 'get' them for free, I'll definitely pick them up myself.
I need that. 🙂 I am working on my first guitar. Just closed up the body and started on the neck. I have enjoyed your videos. They have taught me well. Thank you.
I just started getting into building and would love to have this head start.
I recently found your channel and became an instant subscriber. I do guitar setups and repairs for my own and friends guitars and appreciate all the knoledge you share. Your guitars are beautiful. I would like to enter for a chance to get those tools. I can't wait to see your video cutting in half the orangewood ava because I own one. Thanks so much for your content.
Having these tools would greatly help me moving forward with my guitar assembly. I have been sending my guitars to a local repair shop. Having this set of tools would be a great help.
I’ve built two stew Mac kits, and acoustic and an s-type. Both have turned out great, I can’t wait to build my next one. I’m considering a 335 style.
So did you know build the 335?
Hey I want that stuff! Keep up the great work guys!
thank you Chris and Matt. yes please i am interested . at present i am working on 2 classical guitars hoping next will be a 12 string . just waiting for warm weather as an old geezer i tend to hibernate during cold weather . not sure what will fallow after those .
I especially enjoyed your video on tonewoods and have recently started working on guitars and other stringed instruments..this would be a great addition to the meager and generally crappy tools I've been working with. Thanks.
Having this set of tools would be a great help with the set ups I do for my guitars... I'm planning on building my how electric guitar next year...
I've had to give up playing guitar due to a massive surgery, so I've dived deep into fixing and building them, I built my first kit jazzmaster recently, and these would deifnitely help. Thanks for all the info!
I totally agree when your starting out it’s hard to find tools to get the job done that aren’t junk. Also not trying to plug stew Mac but if your a member you can get the books a lot cheaper just throwing that one out there. Great videos as always hope you guys had a great holiday and 2022 is better than 2021!
I've been wanting to get into building guitars for a little bit now and this is some good info to help get started!
I just stumbled across your channel with this video - clearly I’ve been checking out guitar luthier videos! I’d love these tools to start the journey!
Hey guys. Love the channel and have learned so much. I am going to coming up on a 3 week hotel quarantine when I return to Hong Kong from my sisters wedding back in the states and I am planning on building an electric guitar kit while serving my sentence so to speak. These would make the process that much better.
I just saw this video today and have been searching for these very tools. I hadnt thought of the books yet. Any or all of the items would be helpful for the future of my restoring enjoyment. I really like the small jacks as I have a 7 string acoustic with cracked front. Cheers Gents!
I've been getting into wood working and I play guitar
I would love this tool kit as an intro to start working on and making guitars
I am a hack luthier but read, watch, and learn everything I can about the craft. Give the tools to someone else. I have most of them and no need to try and double-dip. Your vids mean more to me in my case. I will be getting the cork neck cradle. Looks versatile and handy to move with the guitar if you need to turn it around.
Been taken advantage of by so many bad Luthers I’m going to try this myself thanks for your help
I stumbled across this channel about a month ago. I cant tell you how informative/entertaining it is. its refreshing to see "real" people putting out "real" content. P.S. id like to own dat kit...... Cheers.
Hey I want these tools! I’m just getting into the luthier life started this past summer. My daughter and I built a telecaster together and have started some quite extensive modifications on a squier bullet strat. These tools would definitely help me in this new venture! BTW great video guys!!!
Hey, I want that. Just startet on my second electric gutar build from scratch here in Norway. And have a acustic stewmac kit on the way.
Just getting started building and/or repairing guitars and would love the tools.
I used ironing board for all of my repair work on my guitars. It is padded so you don't scratch the instrument and you can easily adjust the height of the board, not to mention you can fold it when you dont need it. PS: I am interested af in the giveaway! haha
Korky , you beat me to it. I've thought about the ironing board set up for quite a while, but haven't tried it yet. I'm glad it works for you & I know I'll try it. I'm retired & on s.s, & have to watch my pennies. I have at least 10 guitars that need repairs & a few are basket cases I got for free! I'm like you - these tools would be wonderful to have. I fix them up for people who can't afford one. Great minds think alike!
I would love that big box of goodies. 😊 Me and a friend are just in the planning stages of starting building guitars. Love your videos, watched them all, almost. 👍
Just helped me get my Christmas list together for my wife! I knew I wanted some new tools to help with building my first diy kit! Thanks so much!
What a neat offer, please count me in. Preparing to start building , so repairing will be a necessary evil. Made a set of 40 spool clamps and a guitar board modeled after the one StewMac sells with their vise. Trying to get as many ducks in a row as possible before taking a class. Just found your video on neck adjustments with the CNC model you made, very helpful. The tests you put guitars thru are well thought out, but sometimes painful to watch. Would hate to do it to one of my guitars but I understand the need to test them. Keep up the good work. I've learned a lot. Thanks
I really enjoyed this video. I've got a couple of items my wife can get me for Christmas. I also have a young son-in-law who wants to start working on and building guitars. I'd love him to get the tools to encourage him to start. Thanks.
I have been making it work with the most impractical tools for 10 plus years, mainly on my guitars and friends. So having proper tools, frees up my funds to save up for the more expensive tools. I am just starting to build guitars for others, plus considering opening up a shop to repair guitars for others.
Hey Chris, I love your show!
I wouldn’t normally be interested 🤦♀️ however, I started watching with my husband and became interested myself. He is an accomplished guitarist, and (with me on keys) we play and sing for different events, mainly focusing on church groups.
I appreciate the light-hearted way you conduct your show, and the friendly banter between you & Matt! Laughter is such good medicine!
My husband is retiring at the end of this year, and he’s looking for a hobby. He generally fixes his own guitar issues (he has “MacGyver” skills…..are you old enough to remember him 🤷♀️) So, if I should be chosen to receive all of those cool tools, and especially the books, I will give them to my husband and he will be elated!!
You guys keep doing what you’re doing because you’re knocking it out of the park!
Incredible gesture by you guys. I would love this. Been out of work with mental health issues. Would really help me hone my set up and repair game
Hey im christian from Germany and I'm close to finish my first guitar! I love the string tool and hope my neck will not mess up in the end . Good work how you both explain to bould your own guitar.
I want this! I'm going to be building an archtop guitar in the next couple months after I finish my second violin in a lutherie program
I’ve been learning a lot from TH-cam videos since lockdown started, so finding you guys has been a Godsend. I’ve picked some stuff from StewMac but have a way to go. I’ve been working on some cheap guitars but finally got the nerve to tackle my Les Paul’s frets. They came out good. I was surprised and felt pretty proud that I did screw it up. I love hearing and experts opinion. Looking forward to watching more of your videos
I'm just getting into lutherie, your videos have been so helpful!
I'm just getting into guitar repair. I have a class this weekend at Roberto Venn School of Luthiery in Phoenix Arizona. This would be an awesome start to my tool journey! Thanks
Good stuff! I've been doing more of my own setups lately. I would love all of these tools and books. If I don't win I'll just start buying them on my own.
Thanks for offering this. Trying to learn repair using tools that probably aren't ideal. This would get me headed in the right direction. Thanks for the videos. I try and let all the ads play (sorry, not the hour long ones though).
New subscriber and new to guitar repair myself. Decided I want to be my own tech and learn for myself. I appreciate the video. I'll throw my hat in for the stuff! I likely purchase the items in the future if not anyhow! Thanks for the video and the advice!
I would love to get the box! I love guitars and have played for a long time, and have recently got really interested in repairs and this would help a lot
I just finished my first electric guitar build and the one thing I couldn’t do is a proper setup as I don’t have the tools. I’m about to start my second and third tele builds and could definitely use these! Thanks for the great content.
Great video review of some really good quality tools. I'd love to have all those things. My grandfather not only repaired but built guitars but I was to young and never got the chance to be a part of all that before he was gone. I can't even play as of yet but I've finally got a nice acoustic and and electric to start on. And kinda in honor of him and just how I am the way they are would no doubt be fine but that's not me. Got a steinberger spirit and nothing in it is going to be factory but the bridge and the neck. About got it all buttoned back up. Kill switch, 5 way super switch, tone control for each pup and one volume. Added a switchable treble bleed in there too. I think it'll make up for its small size now. It's got lace Matt Pike dirty heshers and a lace single coil size humbucker in it now. Yeah I could put all that stuff to good use fellas. Plan on doing the same in a way to my electric acoustic later on. I don't go with the flow and why just settle for good when you can make something so much better with a little tlc.
Love StewMac. I do my own maintenance, setup and repairs. However, fretwork and nuts are difficult for me because I don't have the right tools. I have levelled a few tall frets, but crowning them took forever because I only had flat files.
Great video, thanks.! Been playing for over 50 years & would love some of those tools. Bought some cheap files off of amazon & they are ok to use, but I need more tools, a little at a time. Basic knowledge does help, though, as well as making certain tools I can use . Thanks for the good info. !
I’d love this kit! I’m just now getting into guitar building waiting on my first wood delivery to start building the neck, watching you guys has been fantastic, thanks for all you share with us.
I really enjoyed your video on the 10 tools. I have been teaching guitar for 30 years and have maintained my instruments for my entire career. Recently I began fixing guitars for students, friends and walk ins off the street.. I would love to be considered for your give away. Keep up the good work I'll be watching.
Would love to have any of those items! I now have a list for Christmas, thanks.
I have always wanted to fix my own guitars and would love to get some things needed to work on guitars. "I want that stuff" if you still have it. Love your sharing of knowledge!
As usual great stuff form the Driftwood Guitar guys. I have been trying to gather information to scratch build a tenor ukulele including tools and materials. I think you have picked out perfect starter set of essential tools. Thanks. Keep on smiling.
I have setup and repaired several guitars (my own and friends/family). I literally only have a 6" ruler and radius gauges as my guitar tools. Rolled up towels make great neck supports. I have allen keys, wire cutters, glues, polishes, sandpaper, and other basic tools to get the job done, but a lot of the stuff you have here would get me more into fretwork...maybe my next venture.
Watch all your videos, starting my first t-style build. The tools would be a great help.
Getting started in some self repairs on my instruments , love the book,
I’ve been getting into guitar building and repair the past few years with just a few tools. Had our daughter in June and I’ll just say funds are much more responsibly spent elsewhere now lol, so these tools would help keep my progress going!
Updating my Christmas list with your recommendations ! I agree about the guitar repair book - invaluable !!
I'm just barely getting started in interest in luthiery, but I'd love that stuff, it sounds like a great starting point for a guitar tech toolkit.
Really enjoying your content. Please keep it coming! This was the perfect video for where I am at.. have a few guitars and a son learning.. these things will be helpful..
I want that! Choosing Dan’s book as #1 is the best advice I have heard in a long time those getting started.
Hey , count me in. Been working on guitars as long as I've worked on my Schwinn stingrays. Can always use store bought stuff. Pretty much self taught been making tools like these and and of course they are never quite good as I would like.!! Never too old to learn!!
I use the tuning peg attachment on my "power screw driver" (power screwdriver from Harbor Freight for under $20) which does not have a lot of speed / power so I do not worry about tightening strings too fast or too much. These tools would be very helpful to me. I've learned much, developed confidence and skills watching your videos! I recently acquired a trashed acoustic guitar to "practice" such things as replacing frets and crowning. These tools would be a great benefit to me!
I would like all of that cool stuff. I have been making electric guitars for a few years for myself & my kids. These tools would be wonderful to get all the next guitars made better.
Great video guys! I'm adding these things to my Christmas list.
Just learning how to set up guitars, would love to have this kit.
Love your take on Guitar videos. As a new senior woodworker from north of you (not Georgia or Alabama) but wayyyy north in Canada
I'm getting into guitar building and could really use these tools. Thanks and Greetings from the Great White North
Bill
I'd like those items. I already put the book on my wish list and I'm only 1/2 way through the video. Thanks for the channel Chris & Matt.
Another good video! My dad just started playing guitar. I’d love to share these tools with him.
Hay! I want that... Been thinking and looking at inexpensive tools to get started working on my own first, then maybe start setting up guitars for others as a part-time thing.
I'd love the luthier tools, too! Been trying to do repairs at home and didn't know what tools to have. The starter kit would be awesome. Enjoy your channel and learning about guitar making.
Hey! I’m not sure if I “deserve” the tools or not, but I am an aspiring builder. It’s the only thing that I get really excited about. I’ve built a handful of parts-casters, and I’ve refretted a couple guitars with modified/handmade tools. I’ve started a build of an electric guitar. Additionally, we just bought a house, we move in at the end of the month, and for the first time in my adult life, I will have a workshop. So, I need tools to put in it. Thanks guys for all you do.
Hey I want that stuff!
Just starting out and buying my first specialty tools. Could definitely make use of this stuff, as I don't have any of these things yet.
Have been thinking about building my own guitar…have been inspired by my dad who has been building violins for a few years. Would love to start with some good tools. Love the videos…have learned a lot!
I would love the fret rocker, I'm planning to buy some tools to work on my guitars.
What a great list of luthier tools to get started and also to improve skill. I most definitely would love to have every single one of these tools! You guys earned my like and subscription for sure. Awesome content! Aloha!🤙🏽
Fret rocker is what I need. Never used one. I bet this works great for refret.
Have been doing setups and repairs for over 40 years. Can't recommend the Fret Guru stuff enough. Bernie's the best.
Recetly started tinkering with my electric guitar and very interested in becoming more accustomed with guitar repair work. Would love to have this kit :)