Mods anyone can do to their Fender Strat. Sharpen My Axe

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  • čas přidán 27. 05. 2016
  • #knowyourgear #sharpenmyaxe #mcknightrepair
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    Tools used in this video
    Radius Gauge with slots
    stewmac.sjv.io/15JN59
    Fret Rocker
    stewmac.sjv.io/Xx7exX
    Precision Notched Straightedge
    stewmac.sjv.io/Ea7Na2
    The Music Nomad gauge I use
    imp.i114863.net/vn2d0v
    Digital Caliper
    stewmac.sjv.io/vnYanv
    Digital Multimeter
    stewmac.sjv.io/Yg7agP
    Nyon test Socks
    amzn.to/3Te2jPy
    Clip On Tuner in this video
    imp.i114863.net/RyVm3b
    My Favorite set up tools
    stewmac.sjv.io/RyQ2nX
    Fender locking Tuners
    imp.i114863.net/OML2N
    Switch Craft Mono Output jack
    imp.i114863.net/RMDvg
    Fender bone nut. You can find them for less on other web sites but here is the part.
    shop.fender.com/en-US/parts/st...
    Here are some other products from a dealer I trust and buy from online
    imp.i114863.net/c/2224555/791...
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Komentáře • 1,7K

  • @andrewsrea
    @andrewsrea Před 8 lety +523

    I've repaired and built guitars since the 70's and have see a lot of bogus stuff on the internet. Your advice and tips have a lot of fact and integrity, which is why i subscribed to your channel a few weeks ago. Keep up the good work!

    • @PhillipMcKnight
      @PhillipMcKnight  Před 8 lety +40

      Thank you

    • @KUDGHAT1
      @KUDGHAT1 Před 5 lety +5

      Whole world should understand one thing that is a guitar is priced on the longevity of its action anything else is bullshit could be a 1870 luthier too

    • @ramencurry6672
      @ramencurry6672 Před měsícem +1

      All his mods are definitely good. Although sometimes it may not be necessary. Like changing the nut is not always needed. Cheap plastic nuts are not always bad and many great vintage guitars have them

  • @sudoku6177
    @sudoku6177 Před 8 lety +640

    "grab on to the nut where you can get as much meat as possible"
    - Phillip Mcknight

    • @qyurryusss
      @qyurryusss Před 8 lety +24

      ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

    • @benjaminvoss7987
      @benjaminvoss7987 Před 6 lety +38

      "Or buy at least 2 nuts, so if you mess up the first one you know what you're doing with that second one..." Now if those aren't some good words to live by I don't know what is.

    • @Maleantillo
      @Maleantillo Před 6 lety +3

      Sudoku legend

    • @rb032682
      @rb032682 Před 6 lety +5

      I thought that "buy 2 nuts" advice from Phil was directed at me. lol
      And with 2 nuts, you have twice as much meat.
      The "grab on to the nut......." instruction is a classic line. That may become Phil's signature "catch phrase".

    • @XChristianNoirX
      @XChristianNoirX Před 6 lety +9

      I just lubed my nuts today.

  • @ninjaboy1098
    @ninjaboy1098 Před 4 lety +84

    My dad bought locking tuners (strat) for my squire affinity tele and it didn’t fit and since he is such a dad he pulled out his power drill and drilled holes in my headstock to make it fit. Now it stays in tune for like an eternity and it plays great 👍.

    • @FrankEly28
      @FrankEly28 Před 3 lety +2

      Damn lol

    • @ninjaboy1098
      @ninjaboy1098 Před 3 lety +40

      @@Jordan-rb28 idk man you just built different I guess

    • @axe2grind911a
      @axe2grind911a Před 3 lety +5

      It always amazes me when people rave about locking tuners. Far more important is the nut. This is where most tuning issues occur when the nut binds the string from slipping back into place. The ONLY time locking tuners come into play is when doing extreme dive bombs to the point where the strings go slack. This is the ONLY time when the wraps can become loosened on the posts. Normal bends (upward) will not affect the wrap tension and therefore make locking tuners irrelevant. BTW, locking tuners without a TUSQ XL or serious helping of nut lube will still go out of tune!

    • @ninjaboy1098
      @ninjaboy1098 Před 3 lety +1

      @@axe2grind911a Ive only heard a few people rave about locking tuners... most of them don’t even know what they look like...

    • @VoidSixx
      @VoidSixx Před 3 lety +5

      @@axe2grind911a Locking tuners are pointless on a guitar that you're going to be doing extreme divebombs on because that guitar will have a locking nut. Nut tuning issues can also be improved with a little graphite from a pencil, tuners can't. Stability is only half the appeal for locking tuners, the other is significantly faster string changes.

  • @jeffprice1003
    @jeffprice1003 Před 4 lety +14

    Great video. You do a good job explaining your work. I've set up hundreds of guitars and have one comments on the nut installation. Folks, do NOT glue the nut in before you're sure it is perfect. In the video, Phil drops in a stock Fender nut that's a little too wide for the slot and sticks out. Make sure you've sanded the ends of the nut so it's perfectly flush before you install it. Sanding it later is really hard to do. Second, get the nut slots perfect before you glue it in. You need to do this with the strings at full tension, and sand the slots one by one. A Strat or Tele is fully playable without the nut being glued at all, so be sure it's right before you glue it. That's all. Otherwise, great tips.

  • @Exterminate265
    @Exterminate265 Před 5 lety +12

    I really admire what you do.
    It's hard to find people who will properly walk through the steps necessary to do the guitar repairs yourself.
    You are also one of the first I've come across who is not a rude snob.
    When I take it to music stores (local and Guitar Center), they just want a quick buck out of me for stuff my guitar does not need.
    I remember taking my acoustic to my local music store to have the truss rod adjusted because it was bowing and I did not want to risk damaging the neck. He straightens it then suggests leaving it with him so he can charge me $60 to do more stuff to it. While suggesting this, he has his other employee set up the price tag on my guitar case and everything. It was ridiculous. I told him I was not interested and he ultimately let me go after I paid for guitar strings to cover what I initially brought it in for.
    Simple repairs shouldn't cost a fortune and I should not have to fight to decide what I want to do with my instrument.
    Keep doing what your doing!

  • @jaybarrett629
    @jaybarrett629 Před 6 lety +89

    14:20 that's a lot of trust right there.

    • @nehemiahzo_
      @nehemiahzo_ Před 4 lety +5

      Would be a shame if someone just
      *YEET*

  • @2000SkyView
    @2000SkyView Před 5 lety +24

    Tuning machines should be that easy to change on ALL guitars!

  • @misterpig124
    @misterpig124 Před 7 lety +325

    "I will flash the part right now" *nothing happens*

  • @EdDanaGuitar
    @EdDanaGuitar Před 8 lety +89

    The sandpaper on the string is the BEST tip I've seen in ages! This solves a nut repair problem I have that I didn't want to but a nut file for one slot! Good tip Phillip! Awesome as always! Best tips overall in ages!

    • @endoalley680
      @endoalley680 Před 8 lety +11

      I would perhaps consider using a slightly narrower string than the string you wind up using. You don't want too much slop.

    • @bbnatedogg
      @bbnatedogg Před 8 lety +2

      You want the opposite actually if you don't want your strings to bind and go out of tune.

    • @bbnatedogg
      @bbnatedogg Před 8 lety

      I would recommend using a string slightly larger than the string used for that slot, like the next one up. Also, they sell cheap sets on FeeBay for under 20 bucks that work well if you're only doing a few nuts.

    • @endoalley680
      @endoalley680 Před 8 lety +3

      bluesboynate If the grooves get too deep you need to file the face of the nut down to a proper height, The sand paper makes the cut quite a bit wider than the string. You can buy rolls of different string sizes with sand already attached. (Stew Mac) Which I think works better. Like dental floss.

    • @bbnatedogg
      @bbnatedogg Před 8 lety

      Endo Alley You're right about the sand paper. I would err on too big, but I've never used this method. I got a set of small files on FeeBay for 18 bucks.
      BTW, they are round.

  • @voltagevillain7342
    @voltagevillain7342 Před 8 lety +6

    This is great, thank you. I have a lacquer finish vintage 60s MIM that with these easy changes is now a very nice guitar indeed. Great explanation. Thanks.

  • @paulg2100
    @paulg2100 Před 4 lety +1

    Your videos are absolutely great!! So easy to follow, straight to the point, clear speaking voice. Really helped me out and actually had good angles from the camera so we could see every detail. Thanks

  • @russburke5318
    @russburke5318 Před 4 lety +2

    Thanks, Phillip! Loving my MIM Strat and these are just the “first mods” tips that really get to playability regardless of the music you intend to play. First rate advice!

  • @lisan1010
    @lisan1010 Před 4 lety +5

    You are the best Phillip, can't thank you enough for your generosity sharing these videos

    • @bruceypop9312
      @bruceypop9312 Před 3 lety

      I have learned so much from Philip, and he comes across so genuine and real.

  • @kevinpaul1719
    @kevinpaul1719 Před 8 lety +745

    People will mess with a $30,000 dollar car but they are afraid to work on a $400.00 dollar guitar. I can't figure that out?

    • @awesomepants8864
      @awesomepants8864 Před 5 lety +212

      I feel like there’s more sentimental value when it comes to guitars

    • @bjdenil
      @bjdenil Před 5 lety +72

      Very good point! There seems to be more mystery with the guitar for a lot of people though... Many of us learned to work on cars growing up but likely were not working on guitars. Part of the reason so many of us love Phil is he De-mystifies it a little for us.
      I only mess with the car when I know what I'm doing otherwise I pay a guy to do it. Similar thing with guitars... Also time can be a factor for me. Sometimes a specialist (with the right tools) just does it better.

    • @bjdenil
      @bjdenil Před 5 lety +59

      @@awesomepants8864 True. I sold my first car with no regret I would never consider selling the 1st guitar.

    • @alexmurphy5289
      @alexmurphy5289 Před 5 lety +58

      My guitars are worth more than my car..

    • @patrickclark3337
      @patrickclark3337 Před 5 lety +22

      Because most guys think they're a mechanic or have mechanical knowledge but know nothing about electronics or guitars and how they are put together.

  • @Greenmantislives
    @Greenmantislives Před 5 lety

    Your videos are the most informative, concise and clear that I’ve seen. Please keep up the amazing work that you are doing for the community. I will even gladly sit through an ad to help support your efforts.

  • @MrDandanhesourman
    @MrDandanhesourman Před 7 lety

    I absolutely love the knowledge you share. I just bought a Strat and am learning to play. Your videos are so packed with good information! Thank you, for taking the time to share your knowledge!

  • @kylelikeskjvbible
    @kylelikeskjvbible Před 7 lety +270

    My Mexican Strat sounds amazing and plays amazing. Best guitar ever.

    • @retrogaming4u865
      @retrogaming4u865 Před 5 lety +6

      💕I have worked on mines as well I wanna start polishing my frets and buy luthier tools to make my frets more smooth also wanna buy new tuners and a Vintage Bone Nut to replace thee other

    • @rushfanjames2112
      @rushfanjames2112 Před 4 lety +5

      Karl Beerman The Mexican Strat is the best quality out of all the “budget Strats”. They are put together very well in fit n finish.
      I still have mine from many many years ago.

    • @ialien2077
      @ialien2077 Před 4 lety +15

      @@retrogaming4u865 So, you're a miner?

    • @macmuggo5459
      @macmuggo5459 Před 4 lety +1

      iAlien we all are really

    • @surfczar
      @surfczar Před 4 lety +2

      Must be from the 90's

  • @stankfanger1366
    @stankfanger1366 Před 8 lety +118

    Mr. McKnight, you are _The Man_, sir.

  • @NytronX
    @NytronX Před 4 lety +7

    3:27 - If you have a gloss finish, you have to take an exacto knife and slowly score away the finish between the nut and the neck. If you don't, you risk chipping the finish.

  • @666strings4
    @666strings4 Před 8 lety +1985

    I don't even have a strat...why am a watching this ?

  • @John.VanSwearingen
    @John.VanSwearingen Před 8 lety +27

    Your video quality and editing has improved massively. Great info as always, but way more enjoyable to watch!

  • @Snowy0123
    @Snowy0123 Před 6 lety +9

    I go for a dry fit on the nut first paying really close attention to the string height at the nut. Nuts come cut high from the factory and usually require some lowering of the slots but I sand the bottom of the nut on a flat surface to lower it if I'm fitting a new nut. .

  • @stevecuthbert8856
    @stevecuthbert8856 Před 8 lety

    I like all of the home fixes you show to improve the guitar performance. Not having to pay a shop to do those easy things pay off immediately. More money stays in my pocket to buy more stuff. Thanks Phillip.

  • @TheBigMclargehuge
    @TheBigMclargehuge Před 8 lety +454

    That doesn't make sense though, it's always hot when someone touches the shaft.

  • @Mister-Pink
    @Mister-Pink Před 8 lety +37

    Thats fantastic. Thanks for the advice. Would like to know your thoughts on changing the Bridge too?

  • @greghilinski6571
    @greghilinski6571 Před 7 lety +3

    That was a really great video Phil. I get concerned when people go right for the pickups without augmenting some of the softer spots on the imports. Not to say they are bad because they are really not but you have correctly highlighted some great upgrades to make the guitars sound better. Kudos.

  • @JARGrecords
    @JARGrecords Před rokem +1

    As usual, a very informative video.
    first thing i did was swap the tuners too, then got carried away and fitted custom shop 69 pups and pots,, Hg saddles, and deglossed her ! couldn't stand the toyish plastic gloss poly stuff. Then i learnt about neck relief and action It's very comforting and rewarding to work on your instrument!

  • @Avedis-G
    @Avedis-G Před 4 lety

    No frills and right to the point. Perfect. Thanks

  • @TomTobin67
    @TomTobin67 Před 8 lety +9

    Back in the early 2000's, I bought a set of locking tuners that had a built in string cutter in each tuning machine. I think it was Planet Waves or something like that. The tuners worked well but it would always cut the strings too short. :(

  • @EarleMonroe
    @EarleMonroe Před 3 lety +20

    10:08 Did anyone else notice that he says which is hot and which is ground, and then immediately says it backwards?

    • @Luckyrider1958
      @Luckyrider1958 Před 3 lety +1

      he's checking to see if you paid attention. you passed the test.

    • @EarleMonroe
      @EarleMonroe Před 3 lety

      @@Luckyrider1958 I want my prize 🎸😏

    • @demonrouge3338
      @demonrouge3338 Před 3 lety

      He’s going a mile a minute. He sounds out of breath too 😂

  • @michael_caz_nyc
    @michael_caz_nyc Před 6 lety +1

    Great & Informative Instructional video. You get such a feeling of Satisfaction ( when you work on your guitars - yourself ), and you know the job was done correctly. The only thing I would Add is: - I recently Changed my String Trees and my Guitar stays in Tune - and made a significant difference, when using the wammy bar.

  • @GASMan-57
    @GASMan-57 Před 7 lety

    Great instructional video! I'm subscribing. I liked the pace with which you covered many upgrades. It wasn't so much the ideas for the upgrades, which I was already familiar with, but the ease at which you knocked off all those upgrades. Inspired me to get more of my upgrades done.

  • @hazenstribling2646
    @hazenstribling2646 Před 8 lety +95

    My first electric guitar was a 2000 Chinese made squire. I did, and still do, love the neck. I was going to buy a new MIA strat, but then I had the brilliant idea of upgrading almost everything on the guitar. I got a new input jack and a completely new pickguard and wiring kit from Sigler Music with seymour duncans. Then I installed licking tuners, a new bridge assembly, and brushed steel saddles. My guitar now sounds and feels. better than my friend's MIM strat.

    • @jamesgarcia7034
      @jamesgarcia7034 Před 7 lety +21

      Hazen Stribling ...how about a bit more information on those
      "licking" tuners??
      They sound really useful...

    • @kennywowie
      @kennywowie Před 6 lety +4

      Tuners that lick, what will they think of next? Be sure to upgrade to the hot-lickers when available. I'm still looking for THOSE.

    • @guitarworks2546
      @guitarworks2546 Před 6 lety +8

      yes....Licking tuners are a great upgrade to a guitar that already sucks....just don't tell your girlfriend

    • @JosephCummings0101
      @JosephCummings0101 Před 6 lety +1

      Please, please, PLEASE... Make sure to get licking tuners, and not lacking tuners!

    • @Tombrosapien
      @Tombrosapien Před 5 lety +4

      MIA is Made In Africa right?

  • @brucewayne5488
    @brucewayne5488 Před 8 lety +5

    Jesus dude, how do you not have more subs. This is amazing stuff

  • @JUN01985
    @JUN01985 Před 6 lety

    Vids like this are one of the reasons i subscribe. F'ing awesome, keeping explanations simple, but VERY clear about the finer details. Great video.

  • @danielchildsrecordingartist

    Thank you Phillip for this great and explanative video. For the first time I feel like someone explained setup in a way I could understand.

  • @StamKakasUnited
    @StamKakasUnited Před 6 lety +11

    IS THAT THE VOICE OF STEVE CARELL??!! 😂 great video btw

  • @Changtent
    @Changtent Před 8 lety +168

    8:06 "fine end of my cuticle file is probably 12,000 (grit)". I checked my cuticle file by counting the grit specks on a square inch of it, and I only had 11, 458 grit specks. Should I return my cuticle file and complain that I was 'ripped off'?

    • @Changtent
      @Changtent Před 8 lety +5

      JJk, Just Joking dude. Great video thx.

    • @russbrinn
      @russbrinn Před 6 lety +29

      yes...you were ripped off...... the cuticle file business is rough and tough. Lying to the consumer is the norm. You can complain if you want but it is probably best to leave it be. .

    • @kidritalin1
      @kidritalin1 Před 4 lety +2

      Those Chi-Comms are always cutting corners. It's probably not even real grit!

    • @danielmcgillivray6744
      @danielmcgillivray6744 Před 4 lety +1

      Once a guitar does what it's supposed to do, and the price is right, I don't fix something that isn't broken, and every guitar has its own feel, if I don't get along with one from day one, then I'll get a new one, many times I've gotten the same exact model etc.., and it plays great, always leave the guitar store completely satisfied

  • @anotherstart1
    @anotherstart1 Před 2 lety +1

    Always enjoy your videos Phil. Real informative and your calm demeanor are entertaining

  • @sudburyman8775
    @sudburyman8775 Před 8 lety +1

    The cuticle file works beauty, thanks!

  • @montys8th
    @montys8th Před 8 lety +36

    Oh wow that MacGuyver nut file. So simple yet so awesome. Thank you so much Phil.

    • @jamesgarcia7034
      @jamesgarcia7034 Před 7 lety

      TimB4305 ...and he didn't even need to use his penny, or gum wrapper...amazing...

    • @ACB487
      @ACB487 Před 7 lety

      TimB4305 I was wondering if you could use one of the lower gauge strings to help file the nut, that way the added width of the sandpaper could be lessened. I don't really know what I'm talking about though, I have yet to upgrade my tele. Any thoughts?

    • @gabor222
      @gabor222 Před 6 lety +1

      Usually I create nut files from feeler gauges (the ones that are used to check ignition spark plugs and valve clearence in vehicles). I just cut some teeth in them with a dremel. It is useful in cases when you don't want to widen the slots just wnt to make them deeper.

    • @greengenie7063
      @greengenie7063 Před 5 lety

      Aristo Brizzolara He is not using sandpaper... he is using emery paper. They are completely different abrasive papers! But as everyone can see - it's not a very clever idea, because the abrasive immediately cracks and falls off the emery paper. Why he calls it 'sandpaper' is rather worrying...

  • @ergbudster3333
    @ergbudster3333 Před 8 lety +28

    I have a bit of a theory that's different from what many folks think. I've been playing for a long long time, like more than 55 years. Way back when I was poor I had to do a lot of stuff myself but now that I got a couple bucks I always try to support the hardworking dedicated luthiers so they can keep doing what they do. They are artists and very committed to their craft (at least the ones I know are) so I don't mind at all throwing a few bucks on them to take care of my stuff. That whole do it yourself trip is ok for youngsters but at my age it just cuts into the time I could be in my studio doing what I love most. Just my thoughts. Cheers all.

    • @WorldGoods
      @WorldGoods Před 8 lety +17

      k

    • @oecologica
      @oecologica Před 6 lety +1

      Okay.

    • @mattgilbert7347
      @mattgilbert7347 Před 6 lety

      Agree 100%

    • @mattgilbert7347
      @mattgilbert7347 Před 6 lety

      Except for the part about having done it yourself in the past. Doesn't apply to me. But I DO agree about paying people who I trust to do this for me. I would DESTROY that guitar in under 20minutes, guaranteed.

    • @TheTeaDubz
      @TheTeaDubz Před 5 lety +1

      @@editorjuno This is exactly why I started learning to do my own work. I have NEVER let someone else touch my guitar and been pleased with the results or the turn time. Where I live there are only a few "techs" that take 3 weeks for a setup and they do a shit job. I have never received my guitar back from a tech and had a good intonation job. I have never received my guitar back from a tech and had any of their work look good either. The fact of the matter is nobody cares about my guitars more than me and as far as I have found nobody I pay knows any better than I would after a little bit of research for my specific ailment.

  • @thebird404
    @thebird404 Před 7 lety

    Another good video Phillip thanks, you have given me the confidence to fit a fender bone nut in my mim 70's reissue strat. Hi from the UK

  • @jakemartin3454
    @jakemartin3454 Před 6 lety

    Set the neck of my MIM strat and lowered the pups - yes I could notice the increase in sustain and quality of the tone in general. Probably going to pass on the lockers but definitely get the bone nut! Thanks for the great, simple, economical, DIY, and relevant info!

  • @Mrsitarman
    @Mrsitarman Před 8 lety +7

    Nice job of explaining! And good camera work as well. I'm in total agreement that the first thing to do is get your guitar playing well, which also includes seeing up the action, then take some time to listen to the best pickups made and how they are wired enough to be able to really hear them and identify what you like the best. It may not be the more expensive ones pending on what style of music you are into... all of which is very subjective! Us old guys usually like vintage sounds.

    • @remotexpolde
      @remotexpolde Před 5 lety +1

      I`m 31 and get a little nauseous when I hear an Ibanez,... Lol.. Felt the same when I was 18. (Been playing the same 68` Teisco Del Ray hollow body bass (which suits my Carol Kaye~ish playing style} ..with the strings it came with. ( And previously through a 1969 OLIVER powerflex 5OO} ever since. (Missed out on a drop dead beautiful\beat up 69` Cranberry Tele Bass... ((which I later learned a friend scooped up for a hundred bux. O.O.}} ~ haven't seen one since. I think Good ears hear Good sound, No matter how many times we orbit the Sun. Cheers!

  • @rpman4787
    @rpman4787 Před 8 lety +3

    another economical option for nut file is and acetylene torch tip cleaner. They have enough cleaning wires to fit all of the slots!

  • @rolandosoto4545
    @rolandosoto4545 Před 11 měsíci

    He’s all action and complimented talk, he is just awesome. Thanks for your videos. Starting to work on my own guitars.

  • @jamesgarcia7034
    @jamesgarcia7034 Před 7 lety

    Kudos bro, nice video, very professional, very clear, with minimal extraneous talking...
    keep up the good work...

  • @leftyfusion88
    @leftyfusion88 Před 5 lety +7

    Some knob somewhere on CZcams will want to argue that the toothpick wood type that you choose will ultimately effect your tone. There will likely be a series of "toothpick tone wood" videos(being prepared as I type this). Then the opposition will make their own series to disprove this. Then a series of Tightbond glue v Gorrilla glue v interior v exterior v paintable/stainable v construction adhesives v mastic v comparing tone wood toothpicks v........ This will go on forever until we all perish from the earth.

    • @bazwillrun
      @bazwillrun Před 5 lety +2

      and dont forget how the make of masking tape you use will also make a huge difference to how the frets react to the filing process....

  • @TheJoeWentzProjectTV
    @TheJoeWentzProjectTV Před 8 lety +4

    This is super informative!! Thank you for sharing!!

  • @BeardoComputes
    @BeardoComputes Před 6 lety +1

    Thanks man, this video was great. My goal is to one day find a cheap used SG and upgrade/restore it as a gift for my son.
    I have a lot of experience tinkering with electronics and computers, but have never worked on a guitar. Your instructions as well as your explanations of why you do things the way you do made a lot of sense to me. Im as worried now about how daunting a task this is 😁

  • @markhumphrey4834
    @markhumphrey4834 Před 5 lety

    Good job on video,to the point,no bullshit ,and camera got it all perfect.I wish all how to videos were like it.

  • @StillLivinginthewoods
    @StillLivinginthewoods Před 8 lety +5

    Awesome video, great tips. Throw a high mass trem block in there and you're good to go.

    • @ajpeagle
      @ajpeagle Před 8 lety +1

      telling people to replace the nut is not a good idea, you need good nut files and skills to do it well. Also the USA std and the Mex std have the exact same nut.

    • @EvilSean62
      @EvilSean62 Před 8 lety

      if hes using the actual string and thin paper it should be fine ... the pro files are wide to allow for string guages ... so use finest strings and thinnest emery .. should be less than you need allowing for play.... or am i wrong ?

  • @monday3272
    @monday3272 Před 3 lety +2

    I clicked the thumbnail then heard a whisper saying "Go practice" 😂

  • @drutgat2
    @drutgat2 Před 6 lety

    Many thanks Phillip. This was very informative, and to the point, as always.

  • @bradmatthews7124
    @bradmatthews7124 Před 6 lety

    Gidday Phil. Thanks a ton for your video. Just bought a 2017 Fender Standard Stratocaster (MIM) and pretty much mimicked your suggestions. Started with an Arctic White, Maple neck Strat, added Fender Deluxe locking tuners, Vintage Reissue bone nut, Switchcraft 1/4" Output Jack, replaced neckplate for a Fender "F" logo plate and had the instrument professionally setup, which included action, intonation and tremolo bridge adjustment (left it floating for "appropriate" trem use). This guitar is a joy to play. Again, thank you for your excellent information and advice, Brad (Adelaide, South Australia)

  • @christisgod3354
    @christisgod3354 Před 8 lety +82

    Glad I didn't spend a trillion dollars on nut files. Sandpaper around a string, brilliant. Thanks Phil.

    • @Pgcmoore
      @Pgcmoore Před 5 lety

      same
      subbed!

    • @johngrant5749
      @johngrant5749 Před 4 lety +2

      Unfortunately makes the groove too wide

    • @johngrant5749
      @johngrant5749 Před 4 lety +1

      james crowe see the discussion below with about 60+ replies. Re using nut files for correct width

    • @johngrant5749
      @johngrant5749 Před 4 lety

      james crowe nut files. About 18. Inherited from a luthier so no idea of maker.

    • @johngrant5749
      @johngrant5749 Před 4 lety

      james crowe you misunderstand. The remark was putting abrasives around the strings will make the slot wider than the string

  • @themasterunknown
    @themasterunknown Před 8 lety +10

    Would love the second installment to this series, i'm upgrading my squier and I just need some good pickups and I'll be finished!

    • @PhillipMcKnight
      @PhillipMcKnight  Před 8 lety +7

      Working on it right now. Its called mods to squire that anyone can do and undo.

    • @themasterunknown
      @themasterunknown Před 8 lety

      Phillip McKnight Love it!

    • @patrickteague271
      @patrickteague271 Před 4 lety

      Phillip McKnight can’t find the video would loveeee a telecaster version that would be amazing!!

  • @richarduv
    @richarduv Před 3 lety

    Good info , thanks ! I got a MIM at a pawn shop a few years back . Put Spurzel locking tuners , Seymour Duncan Fury pickups , changed the springs on the tremolo . Now I'll do the nut and input jack .

  • @sullivankingston7505
    @sullivankingston7505 Před 4 lety +1

    Some of this tips..useful such as in the part of nut slotting. I never thought use 400 grit of sandpaper combine with electric guitar string will work as nut slotting...great tip, Philips. Thank you!

  • @simonanderson5725
    @simonanderson5725 Před 7 lety +3

    14:20
    "Hit the table"

  • @dylan.606
    @dylan.606 Před 7 lety +5

    Thanks man, the guy at guitar center just tried to charge me like $50 to replace the nut parts and labor.

    • @dhrpro1
      @dhrpro1 Před 5 lety

      Dylan Taylor Yea me too, really getting tired of paying to much

    • @MikaelLewisify
      @MikaelLewisify Před 3 lety

      Why would you ever let GC repair your guitar?

  • @kikalunas7449
    @kikalunas7449 Před 5 lety

    Great tips especially for filing nut without need for nut files, thanks for sharing this useful info!

  • @patrickkeenan6331
    @patrickkeenan6331 Před 7 lety

    Great information that could apply to more than the Fender! Thank you!

  • @SnapPunchRobert
    @SnapPunchRobert Před 8 lety +5

    I also would like a video on proper intonation. Would be much appreciated.

  • @TooLooze
    @TooLooze Před 8 lety +7

    Another great video. I wonder how many people bother to adjust the pickups on their strat before getting need better ones?

    • @jamesgarcia7034
      @jamesgarcia7034 Před 7 lety

      TooLooze ...good point, they may be too low, or too high, to give the best sound possible...

  • @honkytonkinson9787
    @honkytonkinson9787 Před 3 lety +1

    Manufacturers should consider adopting Fender tuners as a universal design!
    Having to drill on a guitar headstock is nerve wracking so I really love how Fender does their tuners!
    That string and sandpaper trick! Thank you!!

  • @boatingforbeginners7949

    What a fab, Useful & informative video. Thankyou

  • @PhantomRenegades94
    @PhantomRenegades94 Před 8 lety +5

    Hey Phillip, thanks for the video. I have a dumb question, will the Fender locking tuners fit onto a modern MIM Telecaster the same way they fit onto the MIM Strat in this video?

  • @94nolo
    @94nolo Před 7 lety +336

    I start off by getting a new neck and a new body, then all new hardware. Bam.

    • @kaedeschulz5422
      @kaedeschulz5422 Před 6 lety +1

      Nolan Milnes A new neck? Why?

    • @ethanbilby9173
      @ethanbilby9173 Před 6 lety +54

      i think he's just saying don't get a mexi strat

    • @Haiasiriku
      @Haiasiriku Před 6 lety

      Nolan Milnes 🤣😂😂

    • @Dragonblaster1
      @Dragonblaster1 Před 6 lety +20

      Nolan Milnes Me too. in 2005, I had a Mexi Strat, then got a US Strat body in chrome blue, a US Strat Maple Neck with Plex setup, a US Strat bridge/trem, US Strat tuners, string trees and knobs, and US Strat electronics.
      Then I sold the Mexi Strat.

    • @johnl7822
      @johnl7822 Před 6 lety +10

      dude i have the mexi tele baja and the neck is awesome better than most of usa neck

  • @stevepethel6843
    @stevepethel6843 Před 3 lety

    Phillip thanks for a video you are a master of guitars. That was fantastic substitution wrap sand paper around string for nut file. The ground is the sleeve and the tip hot... solder on all parts first. You taught me a lot in one educational perfect video. You are ...The man...May. God continue to bless you and thank you you were a great help to me today sir. By now

  • @1RobHunter1
    @1RobHunter1 Před 2 lety +1

    SUBSCRIBED - no nonsense advice and quality reviews.

  • @robertclarkguitar
    @robertclarkguitar Před 5 lety +8

    Will you sand the overhang on the new nut? Seems wide.

  • @jonatansexdoer96
    @jonatansexdoer96 Před 4 lety +6

    "can you see the number 3?"
    That's a number 4

  • @toothybj
    @toothybj Před 7 lety

    Thank you so much for posting this! I've played (mainly messing around) for a loooong time. I have a 30 year old Fender Squire that doesn't sound great and could use some TLC. I like your tips, including replacing the bone nut, adding locking tuning nuts, and some minor sanding/cleanup, and i'll probably replace the pickups. The Seymour Duncan SH4 Humbuckers look to be good replacements for the cheap originals.
    Thanks again!!

  • @robertlee6781
    @robertlee6781 Před 5 lety

    Great fret sprout info. My Classic Vibe needs some love in that department.

  • @yugrusretep
    @yugrusretep Před 8 lety +3

    great stuff! being an novice solderer I would like to have had a clearer view of the process which was blocked by the hand.

  • @jtemprile
    @jtemprile Před 3 lety +3

    Great video - I would have put the felt washer on the locking strap post before drilling it back - also better NOT to use a drill and to do it by hand as you may screw up the finish if you go too hard.

  • @_clauscarstensen
    @_clauscarstensen Před 6 lety

    Thank you for this video! I bought a Squier Bullet Stratocaster via Amauzon, and - even though it is amazingly well in shape, and plkayability and overall quality is amazing for such a low-price version: I will follow your advice, great job!

  • @DaisyHollowBooks
    @DaisyHollowBooks Před 5 lety

    I always learn something new watching your channel. Thanks.

  • @diegotobar6839
    @diegotobar6839 Před 8 lety +7

    I thought I was the only one that did the toothpick trick!

    • @Yamagatabr
      @Yamagatabr Před 8 lety

      He edited the video. So the actual toothpick is ACTUALLY in there filling the hole?? Or he uses it just to put glue?
      THanks :)

    • @raunchymac
      @raunchymac Před 8 lety +1

      Leaves the toothpick in there with glue on it to take up space so the screw for the new straplock bites better.

    • @Yamagatabr
      @Yamagatabr Před 8 lety +1

      Thankyou :)

    • @hirokokueh3541
      @hirokokueh3541 Před 6 lety +1

      in Asia, we use chopsticks to fix all kinds of wood stuff.

  • @JankyChris
    @JankyChris Před 8 lety +3

    How would there be a hot/ground line when the guitar puts out an AC signal? Wouldn't that mean that both wires can be either pole...?

    • @PhillipMcKnight
      @PhillipMcKnight  Před 8 lety

      the term hot is just openly referred to as the signal. It is on every wiring schematic so we do not want to change the terms that are already in play. But Yes you can flip them, but depending on each wiring situation it could have a positive or negative sounding result.

  • @hissori2978
    @hissori2978 Před 3 lety

    You are a genius for coming up with using the strings with sand paper.

  • @codeblue27
    @codeblue27 Před 5 lety

    Thank you Sir, Phillip. You saved me money, I changed my strings yay, next month strap lock.

  • @charles752
    @charles752 Před 7 lety +6

    Can you do a full fretless conversion?

  • @Reubentice76GTR
    @Reubentice76GTR Před 7 lety +20

    No need for that much glue for the new nut.

  • @mikezeestraten7000
    @mikezeestraten7000 Před 6 lety

    Glad you mentioned cold solder, and the pre tinting. I like a mechanical connection, though with soldering wires.

  • @SCALEBEASTS
    @SCALEBEASTS Před 3 lety

    The part showing how the hot and ground of the jack is very very handy, thank you!

  • @michaelbentley4182
    @michaelbentley4182 Před 8 lety +6

    Sorry for incorrect spelling of Phillip - Regards, Michael

  • @chrisc7707
    @chrisc7707 Před 7 lety +32

    Why do so many people not understand that the jack on the guitar is an output jack? Is your guitar a speaker? Can you hook up an mp3 player to it or something?

    • @skoobie2962
      @skoobie2962 Před 7 lety +5

      I was thinking the exact same thing. Every time he called it an input jack i winced a little.

    • @Birdkillersteve
      @Birdkillersteve Před 5 lety

      It’s just an industry thing. techs always called it that and I guess it stuck?

    • @BruceLyeg
      @BruceLyeg Před 5 lety +7

      They call them that because that's what they're called. It doesn't matter what they do or what they're on, they're an input jack because the 1/4" plug gets plugged IN to them. It has nothing to do with the signal.

    • @jefflevy3557
      @jefflevy3557 Před 5 lety +2

      @@BruceLyeg so Bruce . . . the two jacks on, say, a Tube Screamer . . . would you call BOTH of them "input jacks" because you stick plugs into both of them? No. One's an input, the other's an output because you're thinking about SIGNAL FLOW. And does the signal go into or come out of a guitar? Right. That's why it's called an output jack by anyone who knows what they're talking about. By the way, the word "jack" ALL BY ITSELF means you stick a plug into it. You're welcome.

    • @BruceLyeg
      @BruceLyeg Před 5 lety +1

      @@jefflevy3557 go to an electronics supply shop and ask for a 1/4" input jack and a 1/4" output jack, see if they reach into two different boxes to get them. 🙄

  • @mikecarbone828
    @mikecarbone828 Před 2 lety

    Greetings Phillip!
    Thanks for sharing your tips for improving the Mexican made Stratocaster/Telecaster for your viewers. Many of the Indonesian, and Chinese made Fender instruments can also benefit from upgrades such as these.
    Thank you for posting these videos!
    Please have an excellent and awesome day! ☀️✨

  • @honour123
    @honour123 Před 7 lety +1

    Thanks!!! I've a Mexi Strat that I've wanted to do some upgrades to for some while now but I find going to a luthier rather expenisive. These are really helpful and handy tips for the average Joe to do at home. Guess what upgrades I will be doing in the next few days :) SUBSCRIBED!

  • @pixelshady6143
    @pixelshady6143 Před 8 lety +4

    will you do one for The epiphone/gibson Les paul

  • @furiousdonut3551
    @furiousdonut3551 Před 7 lety +11

    I bought a squire strat for $4.00 and restored it.

  • @guitarhiker4449
    @guitarhiker4449 Před 7 lety

    Cool mods and great instruction ! Thanks

  • @GeorgeMilkasIgore
    @GeorgeMilkasIgore Před 4 lety +1

    Why am I seeing this 4 years after??
    I have a squier with Jameson lollar pickups that sounds and plays fantastic.. but the instrument needs these upgrades exactly.
    Thanks a lot for this video!!

  • @sodiumtetraborate3392
    @sodiumtetraborate3392 Před 8 lety +3

    My old tele is clicking for some reasons,I don't know why,can someone help me because its driving me crazy!! (Its pretty old and thats all i have)

    • @PhillipMcKnight
      @PhillipMcKnight  Před 8 lety

      Is it clicking when you strum?

    • @Farfeincouger
      @Farfeincouger Před 8 lety +3

      have you tried turning it off and turning it back on again?

    • @sodiumtetraborate3392
      @sodiumtetraborate3392 Před 8 lety

      +Phillip McKnight its clicking even if i don't strum and when i turn the tune knob down it will stop.I think the problem is in the pickups im not sure though.

    • @sodiumtetraborate3392
      @sodiumtetraborate3392 Před 8 lety

      +GlideOn yes i tried unplugging and plugging it back its just clicking.

    • @stephen8078
      @stephen8078 Před 8 lety

      try it with different amps and in as many different power sources as you can . Then youll know for sure if its a problem with your guitar . Ive heard some weird sounds come out of amps that were used in buildings with shitty power grids .

  • @Rwecosher
    @Rwecosher Před 8 lety +5

    Sarder? Might be called solder.

    • @henseleric
      @henseleric Před 5 lety

      It's gonna be a full-time job correcting every American tech that says "sahder" -because that's the correct pronunciation in the majority of the 'States. Good Luck!

  • @TheShawngeetar
    @TheShawngeetar Před 8 lety

    I watched this whole video and didn't know it was Phil until the end. He's a great player and probably the most knowledgeable guitar gear professional I've ever met.

  • @sauceLegs
    @sauceLegs Před 4 lety

    Years later and still helpin out noobs! Thanks Phil