How to Refinish A Guitar | I Like To Make Stuff

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  • Опубліковано 23 січ 2019
  • In this video I am refinishing one of my first guitars. Come see how I transformed this faded paint job into a custom 2-tone sunburst finish.
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    I can't remember what color this guitar was when I bought it, but this 1978 Fender Musicmaster has seen some amateur paint jobs in its lifetime. I painted it orange with some white stripes that have dulled and yellowed over time. My friend even had a random band autograph the body. Now before you freak out about "defacing" a Fender guitar, know that the Musicmaster is the less-expensive, student version of the Fender Mustang (which I have also refinished). And with all this old guitar has been through, stripping this old girl down to the bare wood isn't a blasphemous act.
    After removing the strings, the neck, the pick guard, and the electronics, I sprayed the body with paint stripper. A few minutes later, took a scraper and started removing the many layers of paint and finish. I used an orbital sander to remove the last bit of old paint and I was left with the solid wood body.
    A good finish begins with a smooth surface. So after I scraped off all of the old paint, I began sanding the body with an orbital sander. I began with 120 grit and worked my way up to 220. When the body was smooth to the touch, I applied a few coats of sanding sealer. This acts as a pre-finish coating that help fill in some of the grain lines and is easier to sand smooth than traditional lacquer.
    After a few rounds of sanding sealer, the body was super smooth and I was ready to apply the sunburst finish.
    For this Musicmaster, I am planning a two-color burst using Vintage Amber in the center mixing with a Cherry Red at the edges. These colors come from canned, tinted lacquers. A company called ColorTone makes all of the finish that I am using on this project. There are several colors of lacquer available, but I chose the red and amber combination.
    I started with the Cherry Red on the outsides of the body. To protect the rest of the guitar from unintentional overspray, I cut out a cardboard template and taped it to the front and back of the guitar as a sprayed. I applied several coats of the red that faded toward the unsprayed center. After I was happy with the tone and coverage of the red, I use the Vintage Amber to cover the center section and feathered it into the red edges.
    I sprayed many layers of each finish, sanding in between coats. The lacquer dries very quickly, so I was able to make a lot of headway in a day's time. I was really happy with the color blend and the smoothness of the finish. I chose to use the satin finish, but if you wanted a glassy surface, you could chose that finish. To get a straight-from-the-factory glossy shine, you will have to wet sand between coats and buff the final coat to a high gloss.
    If you are happy with the pickups and the electronics setup, then the hard part is over, just reinstall everything as you found it and get jamming. In my case, I wanted to replace the existing pickups (one original and one bad modification) with some nicer aftermarket Telecaster pickups. I used the wiring diagram that came with the set and soldered the new components into the old switches and potentiometers. I had to modify the body a bit to accept the new electronics, but all of that would be hidden by the pick guard.
    I bought a sheet of pick guard material and traced the profile of the old old onto the new sheet. I marked out all of the screw holes and knob placement, because most of that wouldn't change. Using the scroll saw, I cut out the pick guard shape and the new holes for the pick ups. I added a small chamfer to the edges of the pick guard after all of the holes were properly cut to give it that layered look found on most guitars.
    Now that the body is finished, the electronics are working, and the pick guard is on, it's time to reattach the neck and string up the guitar. I used the same 4 screws and the Fender neck plate to reattach the two components. I reinstalled the bridge back in the same spot using the same screws. I restrung the guitar and tested it out. Everything was working great and it looked amazing!
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    How to Refinish A Guitar | I Like To Make Stuff
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,8 тис.

  • @sarova2000
    @sarova2000 5 років тому +3246

    * after the refinish *
    - Hey, mate, who did you say that signed my guitar?
    - The Beatles
    - Oh.

  • @sullivanmcclanahan5638
    @sullivanmcclanahan5638 5 років тому +664

    you can either refinish this guitar with a lot of effort to make it look epic
    or you can play punk rock

  • @billrowse2266
    @billrowse2266 4 роки тому +1043

    I was actually really into the vibe of the guitar before the refinish.

    • @bradydyson65
      @bradydyson65 4 роки тому +85

      Sames. Had a really good, road-worn, retro look.

    • @devilsoffspring5519
      @devilsoffspring5519 4 роки тому +36

      If you like guitars that look like they've been through a war, you can actually buy them like that. They cost a fortune, though :)

    • @devilsoffspring5519
      @devilsoffspring5519 4 роки тому +14

      @@Name-lq1rk I meant buying them new, as a "road worn" model. You can get actual worn out guitars at pawn shops, but if they've really got serious mileage on them, you'd probably have to have the frets replaced.

    • @fredwalker2254
      @fredwalker2254 4 роки тому +5

      Needed new pickups though

    • @freedom6046
      @freedom6046 4 роки тому +23

      Yeah it had character before he painted it lmao. Now it just looks like his other one hanging on the wall.

  • @FranciscoGomes11
    @FranciscoGomes11 5 років тому +347

    you should build an entire guitar from scratch 🤘

  • @imodium438
    @imodium438 5 років тому +111

    when you see all the work that goes into refinishing a guitar, it makes me appreciate the factory produced guitars so much more.

    • @devilsoffspring5519
      @devilsoffspring5519 4 роки тому +15

      Especially considering that some really cheap ones have nice finishes :)

    • @nitroxylictv
      @nitroxylictv 4 роки тому

      Fender Custom Shop guitars.....
      takes months to make one guitar.... and they cost $5,000+

  • @susskinsgamer
    @susskinsgamer 5 років тому +139

    20 points for doing a really nice job, -1 point for not playing it for us. You have been bested by Mike Boyd, my friend.

    • @kylebraydon5684
      @kylebraydon5684 5 років тому +8

      C’mon man, just because you paint a house doesn’t mean you have to live in it !

  • @digable_celestial_dwarfs6778
    @digable_celestial_dwarfs6778 5 років тому +529

    *I'm gonna teach you how to refinish a guitar...*
    ( _proceeds to make a pickguard for 9 hours_ )

    • @tomsanders9491
      @tomsanders9491 5 років тому +9

      IT ONLY TOOK ME 30 YEARS TO MAKE IT LOOK EASY.

    • @mayonnaiseman9718
      @mayonnaiseman9718 4 роки тому +5

      It takes time
      I learned from personal experience
      Making a pickguard isnt the easiest thing and since Im a guitarist.....well yeah

  • @harryharrison8301
    @harryharrison8301 4 роки тому +226

    Ok
    lets be honest
    the guitar looked like mac n cheese when he used the paint stripper

  • @stewmac
    @stewmac 4 роки тому +119

    Nice job!

  • @ThePippin89
    @ThePippin89 5 років тому +107

    Hi Bob. Little tip for 2 colour bursts. Spray the centre colour first. Then take your cardboard template and instead of putting it straight on top pop some thumb taks into it. Then you can put it on top of the guitar sat on the heads of the taks. Then spray from above with your outside colour and you will get a really natural and smooth fade!

    • @TheOsfania
      @TheOsfania 5 років тому +3

      ThePippin89 great advice. I was going to suggest this, but I'm glad you did. Kudos.

    • @anthonystark5412
      @anthonystark5412 5 років тому +2

      ThePippin89
      Aah, that's very clever! Thanks for the advice!

    • @grunions9648
      @grunions9648 5 років тому +2

      Wow that's a fantastic idea, and very timely. I'm going to do exactly that.

    • @michaeldowning1713
      @michaeldowning1713 5 років тому +2

      I’ve used this technique, works great! Very even fade.

  • @mythicguitarcompany4826
    @mythicguitarcompany4826 5 років тому +148

    24:34 I am a professional, and he's right. I am in the process of refurbishing an original 1968 Gibson SG in nitrocellulose lacquer. It's taken me about 6 weeks of painting, 2 weeks to let it cure enough to level sand, and 2 weeks of sanding and buffing so far. When im done with that, it will still need to cure for another 2 weeks. This is pretty standard procedure around my shop. I have well over 300 hours in this guitar and it is GLASS smooth. I still have another 8 hours worth of sanding and polishing before it is PRS quality and i can re-assemble it, set it up, etc.

    • @tomsanders9491
      @tomsanders9491 5 років тому +21

      I AM A MASTER FINISHER. I HAVE 45 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WITH EVERY FINISH AVAILABLE FOR EVERY SUBSTRATE. I AM CERTIFIED FOR ALL FINISHES. I RECOMMEND USE AN INFRARED LAMP TO CURE ANY FINISH IN LESS THAN AN HOUR. IT IS USEFUL FOR METHYL CELLULOSE, NITRO CELLULOSE, AND ACRYLIC LACQUERS. I HAVE ALSO REFINISHED GUITARS AND PIANOS FOR HIRE, BUT I PAINT EVERYTHING.

    • @stephenbowyer7269
      @stephenbowyer7269 5 років тому

      So, this guitar must be worth beaucoup bucks when you are finished. That is the problem, not many guitars are worth that much love opposite buying new.

    • @leathernluv
      @leathernluv 5 років тому +7

      @@stephenbowyer7269 I have a $99 Kramer that is one of the best guitars I've owned. I've owned many-thousand-dollar guitars. You love what you love. I love women while my best friend of 30 years loves guys. If you love it, it's priceless, and no amount of money is... Oh, who am I kidding? I wouldn't put more tha $700 into my Kramer.

    • @ryanswint6026
      @ryanswint6026 5 років тому

      Do you ever use any wax to help give it a glossy shine?

    • @MythicGuitarCompany
      @MythicGuitarCompany 5 років тому +3

      @@tomsanders9491 I'The reason I dont used lamps for nitrocellulose, is because it can be humid here, and when spraying coats, as you know, it traps the water molecules in the paint as it floats through the air. I want the stuff to have the longest open time possible so the water can evaporate out. In fact I typically use retarder or thinners to make it take LONGER to cure. I'm not saying lights are a bad idea, but for me, they aren't the best option given the environment I'm working in.

  • @gabrielsaldana7426
    @gabrielsaldana7426 5 років тому +65

    Hey, you should try building your own guitar from scrap or a kit. That would be awesome to see

  • @MaltandMake
    @MaltandMake 5 років тому +206

    I've got no real interest in making a guitar but I'm definitely going to take those painting techniques and use them for something else so thanks for sharing!

    • @IsaacRossMusic1
      @IsaacRossMusic1 2 роки тому

      But the guitar did have a cool, worn, vintage look to it. And the original single coil pickup would still sound pretty good too but I guess the guitar was worth refinishing it and replacing some things.

  • @willmartoni4970
    @willmartoni4970 5 років тому +30

    I never plan to do this but I enjoyed watching you do it.

  • @storjoel
    @storjoel 5 років тому +4

    I love that you include all those trial and errors, those are what we learn from. Thanks for the vid!

  • @Skulllywag
    @Skulllywag 4 роки тому +6

    I've always used clear plexiglass to make my pick guards. Had one that I took a fine brush, and white paint, and drew some some skulls and some scroll work on the back side, then shot over the designs and whole back with black paint. The top side came out looking awesome. No matter how sloppy your paint spray on the back side, it always looks smooth as glass on the top side.

  • @bobbyfischer7609
    @bobbyfischer7609 5 років тому +17

    Great video. Sent it to my dad who is a vintage guitar junkie. Bit tip: there is a flush cut router bit with a bearing at the top (closest to router) to follow the same sidewall as the pickup holes allowing you to exactly match the existing holes without carving anywhere outside the existing hole profile. It’s meant for template routing but can be used to deepen an existing recess. Bob, you probably knew that but I am just sharing for others.

    • @Iliketomakestuff
      @Iliketomakestuff  5 років тому +2

      Good tip.

    • @mariannasanfilippo5819
      @mariannasanfilippo5819 Рік тому

      @@Iliketomakestuff My brother had a guitar that he turned into a clock witch I have now and he put some kind of tape on it. I wanted to know. How do I remove the tape without ruining the finish before painting it?

  • @chuchuchip
    @chuchuchip 4 роки тому +119

    Would have been nice to hear what it sounds like.

    • @do00p
      @do00p 4 роки тому +3

      I would have put a Midi Pickup in. If i had cows to kill. Moo Lah at VACAVILLE - the walking paychecks on probations' slavery

    • @RELIN-Q
      @RELIN-Q 4 роки тому +17

      d ja are you alright

  • @hhattingh
    @hhattingh 5 років тому

    Very satisfying to watch. I am sure with all the guitar fanatics out there you can probably run a whole channel on refinishing guitars and never run out of material for it. Thank you for sharing.

  • @DrummerGrrrl
    @DrummerGrrrl 4 роки тому

    Verrrry nice paint job. That's why I'm watching this. I'm an abstract acrylic painter, drummer, and bass guitar player. I've always wanted to paint a guitar or bass body.

  • @MattHeere
    @MattHeere 5 років тому +238

    Scuff sand and you won't even get down to the wood, but the stripper will work at lot faster. Plastic scrapers are your friend when working on soft wood. Your results are great though Bob!

    • @Iliketomakestuff
      @Iliketomakestuff  5 років тому +7

      Thanks!

    • @owenjones2418
      @owenjones2418 5 років тому

      I love it

    • @camjohnholtz3987
      @camjohnholtz3987 5 років тому +5

      You said stripper😂😂😂😂😂😂

    • @rianrushwood1426
      @rianrushwood1426 5 років тому

      Cam Johnholtz really, just really. That is the definition of a ten year old joke.

    • @blarghblargh
      @blarghblargh 5 років тому

      @@rianrushwood1426 if you check his channel, looks like he's 9 or something. So that's probably a compliment

  • @mustanglover06
    @mustanglover06 5 років тому +5

    Only one thing missing… you playing! Awesome resto! I play guitar, and my old teacher built guitars. Great video, and rock on!

  • @fabianvanderelst9643
    @fabianvanderelst9643 5 років тому +1

    That video has been in my recommended for literally MONTHS now, and I will now watch it.
    Ironically, this fits perfectly, because I want to refinish an instrument and maybe I can learn some things here 😂

  • @theftking
    @theftking 4 роки тому

    Ooooh I have a 1962 Musicmaster my father gave me. His had a humbucker modded on too but we had it removed. Love that guitar, even if all the paint chipped off long ago and the body is just a slab of wood.

  • @woochyna
    @woochyna 5 років тому +72

    Very good work. The only thing I would add is shielding underneath the pickguard and in the cavity in order to create a Faraday cage. You could've used copper tape or even aluminium tinfoil from your kitchen.

    • @Iliketomakestuff
      @Iliketomakestuff  5 років тому +13

      Yeah, good point. The new pick up wires were shielded, but yeah, you should totally line the cavities.

    • @woochyna
      @woochyna 5 років тому +2

      @@leonardodic3po607 True, but this is a simple mod that goes a long way. I presume that this guitar won't see any modding in at least 10 years or ever, but it's a bit easier knowing in the back of your head that you don't have to do as much once you decide to change something in the cavity whenever you decide to make changes.
      This could just be my OCD because I am a guitar player that mods his instruments fairly often and hates lining cavities in his guitars :)

    • @ichbrauchmehrkaffee5785
      @ichbrauchmehrkaffee5785 5 років тому +4

      @@leonardodic3po607 The point of the shielding is not to get rid of pickup hum (shielding doesn't do anything to prevent that). The job of the shielding is to isolate the electronics from electromagnetic interference.
      Without it, your signal line in the guitar will act as an antena and pick up all sorts of shit like electromagnetic waves from a transformer. This is also the reason why instrument cables are coaxial (signal line in the middle, surrounded by the shielding).
      If you use speaker cables, which is highly adviced not to do, you'll probably get some massive humming comming out of your amp.

    • @SeanBZA
      @SeanBZA 5 років тому +3

      You can get spray on shielding, and even just using graphite spray will make a big difference. Graphite spray is a lot cheaper than the nickel spray, and is almost as good as metal, though you will have to place a nice copper strip glued to the case to make a good contact to it. Plus you can spray plastic and get a reasonable amount of hum reduction. Just hasve to watch out for compatability between plastics and paints with the carrier solvent used in the screening sprays though, they do cause wrinkling on plastics and dissolve a lot of paint types as well.

    • @waldobean7534
      @waldobean7534 5 років тому +1

      I have a massive interference on my homebuilt les Paul. I will try the aluminium foil trick. Maybe solder a ground wire to it. Thanks for the tip

  • @donttakemeserious
    @donttakemeserious 5 років тому +9

    Hey Bob, I just wanted to say that I really loved what you did with this guitar! It looks super cool and it has inspired me to refinish my old guitar. 😁

    • @IsaacRossMusic1
      @IsaacRossMusic1 2 роки тому

      but I kinda dig the look of the old finish, it have a cool, vintage, road-worn vibe to it. But I guess it needed to be fixed up anyway.

  • @joerjr18
    @joerjr18 5 років тому

    Thank you for doing this. It was really help full. I too got a second hand guitar in the 70's and it made its way back to me. My son and I are looking to refinish it.

  • @PeterFisherDuke
    @PeterFisherDuke 5 років тому

    great music selection too! I enjoyed watching that process, gave me a new appreciation for the beauty in these things, thank you for that!

  • @dangerrrnick5005
    @dangerrrnick5005 5 років тому +637

    Waited the entire video to hear a clip of some playing. Nice job otherwise.

    • @terranovnicek1567
      @terranovnicek1567 5 років тому +47

      Not everyone is confident enough to broadcast their ability to the entire world

    • @arando4359
      @arando4359 5 років тому +14

      Terran Ovnicek true. And the video is about refinishing, not about pickups or tonewoods or anything like that.

    • @ez_o_nator4736
      @ez_o_nator4736 5 років тому +35

      @@terranovnicek1567 then why'd he put a photo of him playing it 8n the thumbnail. I'm not asking the man to shred all I'm saying if a man owns multiple guitars he can at least play smoke on the water for us

    • @ez_o_nator4736
      @ez_o_nator4736 5 років тому +4

      @@arando4359 then why'd he put a photo of him playing it 8n the thumbnail. I'm not asking the man to shred all I'm saying if a man owns multiple guitars he can at least play smoke on the water for us

    • @arando4359
      @arando4359 5 років тому

      EZ_O_NATOR to show it from a better angle? I don’t see the issue here.

  • @BradAngove
    @BradAngove 5 років тому +68

    Nice work Bob. It turned out pretty good, and you’ve got decent cab skills.
    Side note: you get the factory gloss more from polishing rather than just adding a bunch more coats.

    • @whatskraken3886
      @whatskraken3886 3 роки тому +1

      cool to see you here!

    • @jamesfoo8999
      @jamesfoo8999 3 роки тому +1

      Actually it's both. high grade sand, another coat, high grade sand, another coat. the more you do that you build up a sheen on each layer and the final polish is like glass

    • @Nit2315
      @Nit2315 3 роки тому +1

      @@jamesfoo8999 Nitrocellulose lacquers doesn't adds up in layers

    • @blenderhead7356
      @blenderhead7356 3 роки тому

      Oh boy. Now that I know he didn't polish it, I'm not going to watch the rest of it.

  • @CursingBear
    @CursingBear 5 років тому +2

    Great Video!! I LOVE guitar rebuilds! Even if it’s a Harmony Les Paul Style junk .. if someone made it theirs .. it’s Art And It’s Awesome!! Spread The Love And Music!!

  • @Gosuminer
    @Gosuminer 5 років тому +1

    So satisfying to see this guitar being reborn. Awesome job.

  • @oxwilder
    @oxwilder 5 років тому +94

    he's gonna be pissed when he realizes he forgot to mark the hole for the pickup switch

    • @m1trek860
      @m1trek860 4 роки тому +2

      Oh I just realized I see what you mean

    • @CaptainRudy4021
      @CaptainRudy4021 4 роки тому +1

      Apparently you missed 19:30

    • @toversnoleu8769
      @toversnoleu8769 4 роки тому

      sharp brain lol. took me minute to figure out what you said!

    • @tomseadon9965
      @tomseadon9965 3 роки тому

      Nice catch!

  • @CosminNeagu
    @CosminNeagu 5 років тому +15

    I really like this channel, he really does what I like!
    Keep it up Bob, try to make one of those kit guitars or a custom amp or something, you do great stuff!

  • @kennyrees2114
    @kennyrees2114 3 роки тому

    Totally awesome! Another quick win you can add is shielding in the pickup cavities.

  • @stephenpirie8900
    @stephenpirie8900 5 років тому

    Watching you do it was relaxing. Me doing it, not so much. But videos like this, do inspire.

  • @iamblaine
    @iamblaine 5 років тому +23

    I love seeing old guitars given a new lease of life

    • @Iliketomakestuff
      @Iliketomakestuff  5 років тому +5

      Me too, I've refinished a few and they look so nice.

  • @WhiteRaven___
    @WhiteRaven___ 5 років тому +32

    Was highly disappointed that we didn't get to hear it at the end lol but I guess that wasnt the point of the video. Great job though!

  • @fatabeeno
    @fatabeeno 5 років тому

    Wow, that's a great job ! I'll bet it sounds great, too. Thanks for making this video.

  • @garethcole8416
    @garethcole8416 5 років тому +1

    Fascinating to watch, and really well presented. Nice job!

  • @MakeBrooklyn
    @MakeBrooklyn 5 років тому +53

    That came out great! If you wanted a factory gloss finish, you'd be applying lacquer and sanding it back for weeks and then finish wet sanding up to 8 thousand or so before switching to automotive buffing compounds. It takes forever.

    • @Iliketomakestuff
      @Iliketomakestuff  5 років тому +18

      I bet it would look awesome, but I really like that satin finish

    • @xenod1066
      @xenod1066 5 років тому +6

      You can make it pretty nice without going too insane. It was easier than I thought.
      You don't have to sand between every single coat.You don't have to hit every grit #.
      Maybe #600 between coats. Wet sanding makes it easy. Final sand with 800,1200,2000 ish,
      buff with McGuires Mirror Glaze and a buffing wheel on a drill or cheap auto polisher.
      Looks like glass. :)

    • @soyburglar1878
      @soyburglar1878 5 років тому

      I Like To Make Stuff Satin/Nitro finishes are huge right now, anyway, with the popularity of “relic-ed” or road-worn guitars.

  • @FrankTurk
    @FrankTurk 5 років тому +23

    OK, this is the second or third video on this channel I have watched, and I love this style of how-to video because you aren't a perfect craftsman and you show us how to deal rationally with mistakes in a project as it develops. At the same time, you don't waste my life with unscripted chatter. Love this channel, and love this project.
    Suggestion 1: you had the right idea 100% to you a mask over back and front to create the burst. My opinion is that you should have trimmed the masks in about 25mm (1 inch) all around to get the outer darker ring to extend where you wanted it to go. The trade you made back to the lazy susan was exactly right. In any case, I think your 2-tone experiment turned out super.
    Suggestion 2: the reason the guitar was so noisy to start was that it did not have the grounding wire that runs from the bridge hardware to the control cavity. This was obvious in the diassembly, and it was a glaring omission in your re-assembly. To fix that, take off the bridge hardward and sand a space on the bottom to "shiny," (meaning: no rust or paint). Get a length of black wire about 250mm (10 inches) and strip the ends about 20mm (3/4 inch). Tin the ends with solder to avoid any random strands. Run the ground wire through the hole under your bridge to the controls cavity (I can see the hole is already there in the video). The end which sticks out under the bridge needs to lie flat under the bridge touching the surface you polished up, and the contact has to be solid/tight. The other end of the ground wire ought to have connection to the back of your pots (usually: the back of the tone pot). If you do that, I will bet a cup of coffee your hum disappears 99.9%.
    Great project, great channel.

    • @squirlmy
      @squirlmy 5 років тому

      Dude, "Suggestion 2" shows a glaring omission. I mean, that's bush league stuff. Thousands of dollars worth of woodworking equipment and... after all that time spent on the pickguard which has nothing to do with "refinishing"? Call it out for what it is. And your use of the term "suggestion": WTF? is this guy in 3rd grade? 25 minutes of our time wasted. He should have just bought a new guitar, and made a video about that!

    • @FrankTurk
      @FrankTurk 5 років тому +1

      @@squirlmy Well, it's a glaring omission to someone who works on guitars all the time. It may not be that to someone who is primarily a hobby woodworker.

    • @Aidames
      @Aidames 4 роки тому +1

      @@squirlmy Wow, way to be a complete jerkwad while adding nothing constructive to FX Turk's comment. Job well done!

  • @kgeo753
    @kgeo753 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you for this video. I've decided I am happy with the current color of my bass.

  • @parkerbiskup8458
    @parkerbiskup8458 5 років тому +1

    Video quality has improved a ton! It has not gone unnoticed

  • @MosriteCharlie
    @MosriteCharlie 5 років тому +3

    Nice job! As with any project, having the right tools and space to work is essential to obtain similar results. You might have mentioned the spray booth which is necessary for using nitro cellulose paints and a mask to prevent inhaling vapors.

  • @iamblaine
    @iamblaine 5 років тому +223

    you've probably been asked this before, but have you ever considered building a guitar from scratch?

    • @howan2508
      @howan2508 5 років тому +4

      He’s made a shovel guitar before

    • @iamblaine
      @iamblaine 5 років тому +3

      @@howan2508 I am aware, I found this channel when he made it for Rob Scallon

    • @Iliketomakestuff
      @Iliketomakestuff  5 років тому +86

      I've thought about it. Josh is currently making a bass from pieces of a kit. I would probably do the same, make the body and buy the neck because I don't have time to make that part perfect.

    • @davidkleinman4920
      @davidkleinman4920 5 років тому +4

      I Like To Make Stuff that would be awesome! I would love to see you make one.

    • @tenorman24
      @tenorman24 5 років тому

      Yesssss!

  • @mgamga9476
    @mgamga9476 5 років тому

    I've finished a lot of guitars in the past I've never done any kind of sunburst looks very good one day I will try. Great job on cutting your own pickguard. One of my first guitars ever was a Mustang and you mention it in the video. Wish I still had it. I was 10 yrs old when I had it in 1976. Oops now you know how old I am.

  • @beaubrummelmotorizedbicycles
    @beaubrummelmotorizedbicycles 5 років тому +1

    Fantastic job, good tips and build. One very good tip I will add is, assemble your pick guard first, dry fit everything before finishing guitar. That way no chance of marring up a perfect finish. Also this tip works for kit guitars as well. Make sure everything fits proper first, believe me some kits are close but no cigar.

  • @Herbyvoure
    @Herbyvoure 5 років тому +4

    Dude!!! Slingshot 57 was honestly one of my favorite bands in highschool!!! Lol

  • @TheCoastkid2
    @TheCoastkid2 5 років тому +60

    as soon as I buy all this wood-working equipment, I'll refinish a guitar worth $150.00 when I'm done.....

    • @panzerlieb
      @panzerlieb 4 роки тому +10

      It’s a ‘78 Fender Musicmaster. They’re worth a little bit more than that.

    • @professorbooty0311
      @professorbooty0311 4 роки тому

      Arby Cook waaaayyy more

    • @Aidames
      @Aidames 4 роки тому +3

      @Malchik Blue So tell us, what is the problem with the finished guitar? It's not like it was in pristine original condition when the video started. As stated, it's been refinished multiple times already.

    • @Eternity909
      @Eternity909 4 роки тому +1

      @@professorbooty0311 I've seen refinished CBS era fender bodies and necks go for sub 250.

  • @NeliMusicc
    @NeliMusicc 5 років тому

    I've been wanting to experiment with finishing my cheap guitar for ages just because, so thanks for the inspiration and education on that x

  • @an0nym0us3_6
    @an0nym0us3_6 Рік тому

    I'm refinishing a Les Paul and this will help a lot. Thanks Gordon Freeman!

  • @gneldr
    @gneldr 5 років тому +7

    I honestly think the cherry burst looks killer. Nice job! Would have loved to hear you playing it, just for a little bit.

  • @carguy7884
    @carguy7884 5 років тому +28

    Realy nice finish
    Keep up the good work as always

  • @zinstein007
    @zinstein007 5 років тому

    Love your video, clear and understandable. Thanks for sharing your expertise with us, really appreciate that.

  • @gmjsimmons
    @gmjsimmons 5 років тому

    As a hobby I have fret levelled and refinished some cheap guitars with a good result. My buddy asked me to work on his dad's 57 musicmaster that was in pieces when I got it. I had never worked on a valuable guitar before and pretty much obsessed about it. Most of the old vintage parts still worked, so I was able to give him his dad's guitar back with a new finish in playable form. He was happy. For me it was so nerve wracking that I will never do it again. I will stick to cheap guitar parts. My job did not look anywhere as good as yours. Loved you video.

  • @omegaelixir
    @omegaelixir 5 років тому +3

    I waited for this subconsciously!!!!!!

  • @ilikeextentioncords2403
    @ilikeextentioncords2403 5 років тому +14

    I want to see all of your guitars!!!! Oh yeah yeah

  • @TheRockinDonkey
    @TheRockinDonkey 5 років тому

    I like the way it turned out. I especially like the color you chose.

  • @fiskfisk33
    @fiskfisk33 4 роки тому +2

    That tablesaw to hand proximity in the intro gives me the chills

  • @Judesmood118
    @Judesmood118 5 років тому +12

    Your content ALWAYS gets better produced, presented, everything. Every episode. You are an incredible creator! Can more kids stop watching let’s plays and start watching your channel?

  • @kjemradio
    @kjemradio 5 років тому +4

    To get a mirror gloss finish you have to use wet/dry 800, 1000, 1500, and 2000 grit sandpaper (use high quality papers that do not clog as quick as cheaper sandpaper does (3M makes really good stuff).
    The way I leaned to final sand clear is to spray 12 to 15 coats 9no need to sand between as the layers below will blend into each other. Start with 800 grit in circular motions. Once that's complete move to 1000 grit in a straight motion (length of the body/ or with the grain) to remove the swirls from the previous. Next more to 1500 again in circular motions and finally finish with 2000 in a straight motion. Each step will require you to remove the dust. Also at any stage you are looking to create a hazy look. Any high spots will still look glossy under a light and at eye level from the sides. You don't have to do this wet, but it keeps the dust down though it is messier.
    Finally using swirl remover and a buffing wheel (or a lot of elbow grease) polish to that gloss shine. Any burn through (meaning you went to hard and removed paint) will have to be touched up. Also black guitars will show every single flaw in the finish so prep work is essential.
    Take your time with the process because once you see the results you'll be really impressed. In fact you can go beyond the factory finish and make yours pop more.

    • @beamerstrumpet
      @beamerstrumpet 5 років тому

      I agree with just about everything noted above, I just would like to add a few hints and suggestions. Using a orbital car buffer (look at Harbor freight for best priced 6 in buffer, then buy a 5 and 3 inch backing plate. ***DO NOT USE THE PADS YOU SEE AT HF. *** (I only use them for non-wood counter tops) is the best advice to keep from "burn through" forget swirl remover. I am a detailer on the side and love paint correction. My advise is skip the swirl remover all together and do it all the way. Take it to 3000 then a high end compound (NOT TURTLE WAX CRAP) Use a pro level product not enthusiast grade (what you find at Walmart and on most auto store shelves, with the exception of NAPA). Cut with a medium cutting pad (using a 3 in backing plate is best for this size project) The pad color depends on manufacture.(Buff & Shine or Lake country orange flat pad) remember do not overload your pads a little goes a long way. After that, I would use a white then green flat pad (either of the companies above) and a high grade polish. to finally seal it, you can choose Wax, (my favorite is the POXY form HD) or best yet, ceramic coat it.

    • @reckless-ramblers
      @reckless-ramblers 3 роки тому +1

      @@beamerstrumpet
      Thanks Scott & KJ
      Finishing a guitar is tough work, lots of trial & error, and finding what works best. I get humored by some of the dings given to the guy making the video, some are pretty spot on funny. But reading through the comments people offer up what works for them and for me sometimes I get more from the comments than the video.

  • @gameroftheyear1000
    @gameroftheyear1000 4 роки тому

    Very unorthodox methods of going about of restoring a guitar but hey it works and it worked out really well! My compliments!

  • @dongonzulman6478
    @dongonzulman6478 4 роки тому

    I love the way it came out, looks super cool

  • @MarkKMake
    @MarkKMake 5 років тому +7

    You did a great Job Bob! The outcome looks fantastic.

  • @tommesheijnis2892
    @tommesheijnis2892 5 років тому +8

    Yeah I looked up the serial number on my yamaha RGZ custom when I bought it, turns out it was the 18th guitar on the 3rd of august 1988.

  • @timallnutt4287
    @timallnutt4287 5 років тому

    great video, I admire your honesty, mistakes can be learned from! Finished result looks nice.

  • @Garanon5
    @Garanon5 5 років тому +1

    Great video. I was expecting some ehow level of instruction but I was pleasantly surprised

  • @jlars231
    @jlars231 5 років тому +8

    Can you do a video where you buy a cheap second hand guitar and so something cool with it? Like revitalise it or even cut it up and make it into art or furniture :)

  • @Keefterdam
    @Keefterdam 5 років тому +3

    Wet sand finish with norton 600 and then polish with polishing compound.

  • @MacQ1955
    @MacQ1955 5 років тому

    Nice. I think your results are nothing to be ashamed of. I'm in the process of restoring a '63 Musicmaster that somebody tried to turn into a black guitar. I am thinking of doing the maroon burst of that era. Thanks for the video.

  • @thor2015
    @thor2015 5 років тому +2

    Lifted from an article on sanding sealer:
    "A word of warning is in order. The stearates make sanding sealer rather soft. If you put a hard, brittle finish, like lacquer, over a thick, soft one, like sanding sealer, it is much more likely to chip and crack. For that reason, if you use sanding sealer, stick to one or two coats at the most, and plan to sand most of it back off. For the same reason, and because it tends to shrink as it cures, it is not advisable to use sanding sealer instead of pore filler."
    Now, granted this is not the typical sanding sealer that Big Box Lumber stocks but personally I prefer grain filler over sanding sealer if I am going to apply color and clear coats on top. But this is personal preference. I think your guitars turned out great and I loved watching the video.

  • @roberto3420
    @roberto3420 4 роки тому +3

    Good work Bob, what about a guitar playing demostration?

  • @AmRadPodcast
    @AmRadPodcast 5 років тому +3

    Thanks for this video. I was wondering if nitrocellulose was available for diy’ers.

  • @tomopie4296
    @tomopie4296 3 роки тому

    Major learning curve.....Thanks for not throwing a hissy fit!

  • @hansvl1363
    @hansvl1363 5 років тому

    This was amazing! loved every second of it..

  • @NuclearSoda
    @NuclearSoda 4 роки тому +14

    You really should use protective gear. Especially when using paint. The fumes are really bad for you.

  • @joshuapontious6385
    @joshuapontious6385 5 років тому +3

    Ugh. I need to send you my Mustang to refinish. I really like the way this turned out.

    • @Iliketomakestuff
      @Iliketomakestuff  5 років тому

      You can do it too!

    • @joshuapontious6385
      @joshuapontious6385 5 років тому

      I Like To Make Stuff not in my housing at seminary!

    • @jackstrong9483
      @jackstrong9483 5 років тому

      @@joshuapontious6385 I refinish guitars hit me up on instagram Tucker Custom Shop

  • @flaviusrotarita6666
    @flaviusrotarita6666 3 роки тому

    Wow , what an awesome video , I really liked that. That's awesome

  • @alexg9222
    @alexg9222 4 роки тому

    Cool project, you made something hard seem really easy and fun!
    Thanks!

  • @a.dejesus792
    @a.dejesus792 5 років тому +17

    Do you have anything about refinishing a surfboard. I recently purchased a surfboard at a garage sale for $5 and it need to be refinished.
    Can you help out.

    • @Harrison_Easter
      @Harrison_Easter 5 років тому

      A. De Jesus would love to see that

    • @Iliketomakestuff
      @Iliketomakestuff  5 років тому

      I have no idea, sorry

    • @Harrison_Easter
      @Harrison_Easter 5 років тому +3

      I Like To Make Stuff what about an electronic desk with like inbuilt wireless charging, cable management, rgb with a panel with buttons (arduino) am can we have some more 3D printing stuff

    • @taranturtle1842
      @taranturtle1842 5 років тому +1

      I'd think just a normal refinish like sand a lot of laquer or paint

    • @Yonatan24
      @Yonatan24 5 років тому +1

      @@Harrison_Easter Get wireless charging into your surfboard and just use it as a desk.
      I know it's a different person that asked.

  • @akosslive03
    @akosslive03 5 років тому +114

    23:19 NOW THATS A LOT OF DAMAGE!!

    • @Raincloudprism
      @Raincloudprism 5 років тому +1

      Lol

    • @SuperDoge
      @SuperDoge 5 років тому +3

      We have a 2319

    • @leathernluv
      @leathernluv 5 років тому +3

      2319 is the code in Monsters Inc for human contamination! LMFAO! Damn, I'm a father.

    • @henkelarssonvm9471
      @henkelarssonvm9471 5 років тому

      leathernluv yeah, the guy before you said so, you know, 4 months before you

  • @jim.mcintosh
    @jim.mcintosh 5 років тому

    I like that you took people through all the learning/trial and error.

  • @renanfc6149
    @renanfc6149 5 років тому +2

    I only realize this video has 25 minutes when I finished. Amazing!

  • @Stoney_Eagle
    @Stoney_Eagle 5 років тому +29

    You made your old guitar pretty but you don't give us a little show...
    At least do us that fafour of showing what you got man😉

  • @FOMI1970
    @FOMI1970 5 років тому +3

    Like 99% of your viewers and subscribers the only enjoyment in music is just by listening to it , though this video was slightly longer this time yet very usefull , I enjoyed watching it and really learned something from , by the way you should rename this one to( guitar restoration) :-)

  • @sxnthwave
    @sxnthwave 5 років тому

    The whole paint stripping process was really satisfying to watch in my opinion

  • @charleshoernemann8661
    @charleshoernemann8661 5 років тому +1

    Great job, Bob! I really like the look of it, but that Mustang looks even better to me. How refreshing to see how you can "de-relic" guitars...keep up the good work! 👌

  • @ckortjester
    @ckortjester 5 років тому +8

    Instead of spray adhesive for the pickguard, why not just screw it to the board template? You already have the holes drilled. I'm also in the process of building a guitar. What is the time between coats of sealer, color, and clear that you made? I heard "every 30 minutes or so" but was that for the clear only or all three?

    • @AgentWest
      @AgentWest 5 років тому

      A rule of thumb for paint is if you are not sanding then wait until it's tacky, but does not come off on your finger. Since this is the kind of finish that hardens by literally drying (instead of chemically hardening, like automotive paints) it probably can dry even more before spraying the next coat since solvents from the new layer would soften up the previous layer enough to stick to it. Since Bob said that the lacquers he used are identical, only two were tinted, it's safe to say that waiting 10-15 minutes past the "tacky, but does not come off on your finger" is a safe bet for all three. In this case it's better to be on the safe side and let it dry a little too much than not enough so you won't end up with a sticky mess that takes a week to dry.
      If you plan to sand, then wait until you think it's dry and try a small spot. If the sand paper clogs with a bunch of gummy bits then it's not dry enough. It depends on the temperature, but an hour is usually enough, especially if it gets to dry outside in the sun.

    • @ckortjester
      @ckortjester 5 років тому

      Not sure how the weather will hold up in the cold winter, but thank you for the response. What exactly does sanding between layers do? Get more of a shine and smoothness since it flattens the surface before the next coat?

    • @AgentWest
      @AgentWest 5 років тому

      Not necessarily more shine right away, but better adhesion of the following layer (especially with automotive/catalyzed paint) and a smoother surface. If you want a really shiny surface you have to sand it up to 1500 grit (or higher number, finer) sand paper and then buff it with special pastes. You can just buff the paint without sanding, but it's not advised since most of the time there will be imperfections like dust particles or overspray that will stand out on a polished surface and ruin the look.
      Going back to your original question about a pick guard, the reason why tape/glue is better than screws is because running a bit into a screw will destroy the bit where with tape or glue the bit would just cut through. In rare cases aluminum or brass nails or screws can be used since a typical wood bit will cut soft metals.
      The easiest way to copy one would be to double-sided-tape the old one to the piece of material and use a trading bit in a router to copy the outline perfectly. If your bits have the same issue as ones in the video (bearing not flush against the cutting edge) then space the 'template' and the material with some blocks, then you can even champher the edge without un-sticking everything.

    • @brimtlgtr
      @brimtlgtr 5 років тому

      @@ckortjester I think sanding between coats gets rid of any imperfections, such as if the finish develops a ridge or any dust that might get onto the workpiece and get stuck to the finish. There are more descriptive videos and online tutorials about finishing wood.

    • @MonkyMonk729
      @MonkyMonk729 5 років тому

      @@ckortjester Yeah, like the others mentioned, sanding between coats flattens the surface, particulary the areas of rough overspray, which is important to achieving a quality finish. An important thing to note is that with lacquer, unlike oil based enamel paint, each new coat "reactivates" the surface lacquer of the previous coat. I'm not sure that "reactivates" is the proper term, but what happens when the wet lacquer you are currently spraying hits the dry lacquer already on the surface of guitar, some of the dry lacquer from previous coat (or coats) actually becomes wet again. This means that each new coat sort of melts into the existing coats. So scuffing the surface to allow the next coat to adhere better isn't necessary with lacquer. You essentially end up with a single coat of lacquer that builds thicker with each spraying. With oil based enamels, each coat dries and remains dry when the next coat is sprayed over it, so if you spray it ten times, there are ten distinct coats of enamel. Just to help illustrate this distinction between lacquer and enamel paint, say you have 2 guitars and you spray one with 10 coats of enamel and the other with 10 coats of lacquer. You would probably never actually do this, but for the same of example, let's say each coat of both enamel and lacquer was a different color. (For example, the first coat of each was red, the second coats were yellow, the third coats were blue, etc.) When you were done, if you sawed each guitar in half and looked at a magnified cross section of the enamel paint that you just sawed through, you would see 10 distinct layers of 10 distinct colors. You would see the thin band of red of your first coat, then the distinct band of yellow of your second coat and and so on. It would look as if you stacked 10 sheets of different colored construction paper together. Looking at the cross section of lacquer on the other hand, instead of seeing distinct bands of red and yellow, you will see a red zone fading into an orange zone fading into a yellow zone. The orange zone is where the 1st and 2nd coats melted together.
      This bleeding together effect of lacquer makes it very easy to work with compared to enamel. If you spray too much lacquer and it starts to run, you can simply tilt the body the opposite way and the run will stop and you can watch it flatten out as the coats beneath it melt. Lacquer is very forgiving in that respect. If enamel paint runs, there's no way you'll get it to dry flat. You'll eventually have to sand out the run which is a pain in the ass and a time suck. Lacquer flows across the surface and levels very nicely. However it becomes very important, especially if you are going for a high gloss "mirror" finish, that on at least the last few coats, you sand the entire front and back of the guitar using somewhere in the range of 180 - 220 grit paper on a flat sand block. Wet sand light with long strokes across the entire surface at all different angles. That surface may look flat without doing this, but you'll find out after your final sanding, once you've worked your way up through 3000 and start to use a rubbing compound... as that mirror gloss emerges... If you didn't use a flat sanding block for at least the last few coats... its like looking at fun house mirror. Reflections are all distorted and wavy because the surface, although it appears super smooth, it wasn't flat. Because lacquer flows so easily, the surface can become wavy so it's super important to knock it down flat with a sandblock after those final coats. Another thing with lacquer to be aware of is that it dries to the touch very quickly. However, especially the more coats you use, it can take weeks or months to actually cure. Be really careful handling the guitar in the hours and even days after your final coat. Even though the surface is dry, the lacquer is not cured and you can easily put a deep thumbprint in the finish is enough pressure is applied.

  • @sr2racing391
    @sr2racing391 5 років тому +89

    not going to foil the cavity? itll make it sound 10x better.

    • @tomthelampy
      @tomthelampy 5 років тому +3

      Hey, what difference does foil make? Is it something I should add to my electric?

    • @ichbrauchmehrkaffee5785
      @ichbrauchmehrkaffee5785 5 років тому +23

      @@tomthelampy The electrics inside the guitar (that includes the guitar cable going to the amp) are very sensitive to electromagnetic radiation. It's not going to do any damage, but it will cause some obnoxious humming when the guitar is plugged in and isn't fully shielded.
      That's why all the electrics need to be fully surrounded by a conductive material which is then connected to ground.
      nstrument cables are allways shielded, so you don't need to worry about that, aside from actually using an instrument cable and nothing else!
      The shielding blocks (most of) the electromagnetic radiation (coming from any transformer, for instance) and does a ton of work when it comes to dehumming your guitar sound.

    • @tomthelampy
      @tomthelampy 5 років тому +1

      @@ichbrauchmehrkaffee5785 Thanks :)

    • @micmathers1
      @micmathers1 5 років тому

      I was wondering if someone noticed. But ya, foil tape or conductive paint. It's for shielding.

    • @MagnusGuldbrandsen
      @MagnusGuldbrandsen 5 років тому +9

      The pick-ups he used were Fender Noiseless, so i don't think he'll have a problem with hum... But you're right, if it was traditional single coils, then foiling the cavitiy would be a great thing to do if you're already doing refinishing work :)

  • @bodiedominguez
    @bodiedominguez 4 роки тому

    Great instructional videos, keep 'em coming.

  • @jasonnantze438
    @jasonnantze438 5 років тому

    Great I'm sure the new finish just loved the routing and tape

  • @tonyfdesign
    @tonyfdesign 5 років тому +9

    Cool project-looks good. You should use a mask when spraying nitro. Nasty stuff.

  • @bleakdecember8400
    @bleakdecember8400 5 років тому +7

    I'd like to see you refinish an acoustic guitar as well.

  • @stu.c13
    @stu.c13 5 років тому +1

    For temporary work holding use a piece of masking tape on both surfaces and super glue the tape to each other. It will give good work holding and is easy to peel off.
    Also always do a dry run on fitting objects in to cavities before you start working on finish, it just saves so much time and heartache.

  • @BatEatsMoth
    @BatEatsMoth 5 років тому

    I sold my old Dean Edge 6 to some guy who wanted to make a project out of it. He showed me a photo of the work he did on it the day after he received it. He did one of those dip jobs on it with white, blue and black paint. It looks so much better than the original amberburst finish.

  • @eliosaile1689
    @eliosaile1689 5 років тому +4

    21:47
    Cool Beans!

    • @forby_
      @forby_ 5 років тому

      COOL BBEANS!!!

  • @JoshMakesStuff
    @JoshMakesStuff 5 років тому +46

    I wonder if he saw the "cool beans" that I wrote in the neck pocket. FIRST!

    • @temporary6230
      @temporary6230 5 років тому +1

      2nd great vid

    • @caesar2164
      @caesar2164 5 років тому +8

      looks like he mirrored it into one of the deeper pickup pockets: 21:45 :)

    • @DavidPlass
      @DavidPlass 5 років тому

      Saw it!

    • @stumorrison27
      @stumorrison27 5 років тому

      I saw that too

  • @lemagreengreen
    @lemagreengreen 5 років тому +2

    A good way of getting an even sunburst is to do the outer ring and then make a second piece of cardboard the same shape but 1" smaller in all dimensions. You then centre this piece but use blocks to hold it about 3/4" above the surface, allows a pretty even bleed. Can mess with the dimensions/height of the smaller piece for different styles of sunburst.
    This is a good job you did, I really like the look

  • @adrechsel
    @adrechsel 3 роки тому

    Awesome tutorial - just what I need for the refinishing job I’m about to embark on!