How to Make a Guitar Nut from a Blank

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  • Опубліковано 22 кві 2020
  • Dan Erlewine and Elyse show you step-by-step how to make the perfect custom guitar nut from a blank. Elyse decided to make a guitar nut out of bone because it's light, durable and easy to work with. Elyse walks you through every detail you need to know to make your own perfect guitar nut from a blank. From removing the old nut, cleaning the nut slot, cutting and sanding, identifying and marking string spacing, proper slotting techniques, polishing the nut to get a jewel-like finish and finally installing the nut.
    Check out Elliot's guide to using the StewMac Safe Slot Nut Guard!
    • Slotting the perfect g...
    Unbleached Bone Nuts
    www.stewmac.com/item/6000-v
    Feeler Gauges
    www.stewmac.com/item/1811
    Luthier's Digital Caliper
    www.stewmac.com/item/0447
    String Spacing Rule
    www.stewmac.com/item/0673
    Gauged Nut Slotting Files
    www.stewmac.com/item/0821
    Nut and Saddle Vise
    www.stewmac.com/item/1816
    Luthier's File Set
    www.stewmac.com/item/0842
    Micro-Mesh Touch Up Stick
    www.stewmac.com/item/3707
    Titebond Original Wood Glue
    www.stewmac.com/item/0622
    - - - - - - - - - - - -
    StewMac has everything you need to set up, repair or build guitars.
    Everything is 100% guaranteed. Fast worldwide shipping.
    Shop StewMac: www.stewmac.com
    Facebook: / stewmac
    Instagram: @StewMac_Guitar
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 624

  • @MGC-1977
    @MGC-1977 4 роки тому +390

    I like how Dan showed how she could improve the nut and THEN showed us a similar one he made years ago. Instead of making her work look less than perfect, he showed that everyone starts at the beginning and can improve (even himself). It would be nice if all management could take this approach.

    • @aPandorasboxofmusic
      @aPandorasboxofmusic Рік тому +12

      Some might call this Dansplaining.

    • @bradulberg1982
      @bradulberg1982 7 місяців тому +1

      Good point …. I’m a journeyman electrician and keep that mentality daily with the apprentices I teach

    • @CaptainWrinkleBrain
      @CaptainWrinkleBrain 4 місяці тому

      This is key. Not just telling us “yep that’s good” but continually improving and admitting imperfections. I’d let anyone who could do that work on my instrument

    • @phantasm8180
      @phantasm8180 3 місяці тому

      who cares ?

    • @ThibautVDP
      @ThibautVDP 2 місяці тому +1

      leadership by example. it's good stuff.

  • @spike.strat1318
    @spike.strat1318 3 роки тому +33

    Could you imagine apprenticing with this legend? What a fantastic opportunity.

  • @blainetrain2299
    @blainetrain2299 2 роки тому +20

    I like the way both Dan & Elyse communicate with us. Easy to follow and understand the how-to's. Hope to see her teaching us again.

  • @R3loaded1313
    @R3loaded1313 Місяць тому

    What an amazing teacher. You know how to explain mistakes without breeding self doubt. She did an amazing job and id expect that with such a good teacher and a great learner. Good job Elyse, keep up the good work.

  • @joshuariveraflora
    @joshuariveraflora Рік тому +5

    How can you not love Stew Mac? These UA-cam lessons are super helpful and very practical.

  • @wilsonstrickland8967
    @wilsonstrickland8967 3 роки тому +43

    "You won't get it right on the first nut you make, but practice makes perfect." 😂

  • @rselp
    @rselp 4 роки тому +69

    I love Dan's style of teaching...so empowering and encouraging. Dan, you're a national treasure...a firm hand steering the ship!

  • @michaelpthompson
    @michaelpthompson 4 роки тому +114

    Always love Dan's style and expertise. Glad he's passing it along to a new generation.

    • @galenmarek8287
      @galenmarek8287 3 роки тому +2

      Yes. He’s like a library of encyclopedias full of knowledge. If I could only know what he’s forgotten about guitars in his lifetime, it would be a blessing.

    • @cyber-psych2503
      @cyber-psych2503 3 роки тому +4

      back in the day Dan published repair tips in the early Guitar Player magazine

    • @jamescashin5637
      @jamescashin5637 3 роки тому +1

      @@cyber-psych2503 Always the 1st page I'd go to!

  • @ivanreiss
    @ivanreiss 4 роки тому +316

    The old nice sweet-voiced man and his tattooed rad apprentice young lady. I mean, how cool is this team?!

    • @gunhedd5375
      @gunhedd5375 4 роки тому +2

      Jim R • Nope. Athens, Ohio. About 30 minutes from West Virginia. Home of Ohio University. Very pretty around there.

    • @oldtimetinfoilhatwearer
      @oldtimetinfoilhatwearer 4 роки тому +8

      The old nice sweet man was a rocker in his day. One of Mike Bloomfield's contemporaries, in fact I believe Mr. Erlewine Owned the Bloomfield burst and traded it to Bloomfield for his 54 Les Paul. He's a real interesting dude

    • @gunkanjima3408
      @gunkanjima3408 4 роки тому +1

      Gunhedd Crazy. Only a few hrs from my house

    • @patrickroozeboom6712
      @patrickroozeboom6712 3 роки тому

      About 9 minutes into the video, his voice over, his voice, reminded me of Johnny Cash.. 😂

    • @salatieljyrustumanan4929
      @salatieljyrustumanan4929 3 роки тому

      @@89schofe Probably someone who loves guitars and modding them professionally

  • @InGrindWeCrust2010
    @InGrindWeCrust2010 4 роки тому +2

    Dan Erlewine is a national treasure.

  • @vincentcarrocci4697
    @vincentcarrocci4697 4 роки тому +14

    I don't play guitar or work on them but I really love these StewMac videos. I have such an appreciation for the craftsmanship you all display in your work!

  • @TheKingBJ
    @TheKingBJ 3 роки тому +15

    1:57 When you knock out an ol' nut with yo homies

  • @rysiekleykam
    @rysiekleykam 4 роки тому +33

    This looks like a friendly workplace. Cheers to you guys

  • @jamesthe-doctor8981
    @jamesthe-doctor8981 4 роки тому +29

    What makes this such a great video in my opinion is that you had your apprentice show the world that making a nut from a blank isn't some mysterious, impossible feat, at least not for anyone possessing a little skill with tools and measuring. Thanks again, Dan, and please - more videos by Elyse!!!

  • @murrayc9615
    @murrayc9615 4 роки тому +2

    I'm always impressed with how well the Stewmac staff and students speak on camera. Their dialog is most likely scripted, but they do such a good job it makes them sound so professional. No hesitation, no shyness, no "umms" or "ahhs", no unnecessary slangs or expressions which would be distracting . I always enjoy seeing new videos even though I would never build a guitar myself.

    • @stewmac
      @stewmac  4 роки тому +4

      Thanks! They're actually not as scripted as you might think. We mostly work from outlines.

  • @blinddeadmcjones5255
    @blinddeadmcjones5255 2 місяці тому

    This is my favourite repair to do in the guitar shop i work at, i could do it forever

  • @sweetstonegypsy6673
    @sweetstonegypsy6673 2 роки тому +10

    This is one of the best demonstration videos I’ve ever seen. It moves quickly enough to cover a ton of ground, is incredibly well-filmed-I was able to clearly see how to do it, well-explained at every single juncture, and even includes the very special oversight, commentary, and counsel of a master. I’m going to watch it again, then order the couple of tools I don’t already have, and then begin to learn how to do this extremely important job correctly. Thank you!

    • @stewmac
      @stewmac  2 роки тому

      Glad it was helpful! Best of luck!

  • @iagobroxado
    @iagobroxado 4 роки тому +3

    This video was really awesome and inspiring. Congratulations Elyse and a quick recovery on your hand, Dan.

  • @Cre8tvMG
    @Cre8tvMG 2 роки тому +1

    I love all the info, but I also love the camaraderie and friendship and encouragement. That's a good company.

  • @gabevalencia2012
    @gabevalencia2012 4 роки тому +3

    Dan is an excellent teacher! I could watch him for hours!

  • @bwedwards67
    @bwedwards67 4 роки тому +1

    I’ve learned so much from Dan through his books and videos. He is a great teacher

  • @musicmatty67
    @musicmatty67 4 роки тому +1

    Congratulations and very impressive! Special thanks to Dan for educating all of us through the years🙏

  • @perrybolontzakis7626
    @perrybolontzakis7626 3 роки тому +2

    I am very fascinated for just looking at the making of a guitar with all the details that go in so amazing, i love just looking at it !!!!

  • @cameronjohnston4276
    @cameronjohnston4276 7 місяців тому

    Excellent video. And Dan seems to be a very good teacher/mentor. He really guided his "student" and treated her with a great deal of respect. I can't wait to watch more of these videos.Cheers!

  • @OhBHayes
    @OhBHayes 4 роки тому +3

    Love this channel! There’s something so relaxing about watching guitar repair.

  • @bcrater6400
    @bcrater6400 3 роки тому

    Dan is a national treasure. Great work Elyse.

  • @lifelongfan07
    @lifelongfan07 2 роки тому +1

    Congratulations Elyse! You and Dan the man work really well together! Dan seems very patient and he has taught you well!…

  • @thefilthygringo9228
    @thefilthygringo9228 2 роки тому +1

    Such an awesome resource for musicians. I can’t thank you enough for all of your videos they are so informative and very enjoyable to watch. Keep it up

  • @j.b.phillips6400
    @j.b.phillips6400 3 роки тому +4

    Thank you so much! You guys are great. Dan & Elyse are so cool with the teaching method! Great job Elyse, you're a pro and help me understand this for the Super Strat I'm building! Great filming too. Y'all rock!

  • @BeesWaxMinder
    @BeesWaxMinder Рік тому +1

    Gratulations Elyse!
    I hope you’ve kept up your studies and are doing well.

  • @gins8781
    @gins8781 3 роки тому

    A friend replaced the nut on my classical guitar as a gift. I had no idea of the craftsmanship involved. I appreciate his generosity so much more now. Thank you for this video!

  • @ryanwiseman9141
    @ryanwiseman9141 4 роки тому

    Glad to see you passing this down to next generation!! Great work!!

  • @orlandovflores
    @orlandovflores 4 роки тому +1

    Great video! Been watching a lot of these videos as a family member left me several guitars after they had passed. The videos have been very helpful.

  • @Isaac-Draper
    @Isaac-Draper 4 роки тому

    Dan seems like such a supportive man. I love these videos!

  • @pudekuf25
    @pudekuf25 4 роки тому +1

    CONGRATS ELYSE! Great job! Always love these stew Mac videos. I will be referencing this video alot just like I do all of Dan's videos. Thanks!

  • @joeharvie8362
    @joeharvie8362 5 місяців тому

    It's great to see an older tradesmen share is skills!

  • @tyronewarren6944
    @tyronewarren6944 6 місяців тому

    I love the recognition, the diploma. Heart warming.

  • @toneconsultant
    @toneconsultant 3 роки тому

    That might be the most detailed video I’ve seen them share. Nice job. I really like how she checked the nut height by pressing down on the 2nd fret. I hadn’t seen that done before.

  • @danjobrien
    @danjobrien Рік тому

    Gotta love Dan's intro - proud Papa style. Elyse can work on my guitars anytime - amazing work and tutorial - thanks !

  • @GrahamsYouTube
    @GrahamsYouTube 2 роки тому +1

    Great video and very constructive feedback which shows an expert craftsman and teacher

  • @gregmartin1757
    @gregmartin1757 4 роки тому +2

    Awesome to see dan passing along his knowledge and expertise to the younger generation.
    Nice job by young lady. Dan is a legend and a true national treasure.

    • @derick3482
      @derick3482 2 роки тому

      that looks young to you? she's 35 at least

  • @jamesdunn6333
    @jamesdunn6333 10 місяців тому

    high production value, friends! not only are you guys great at fixing guitars, you're awesome at telling people about it too!

  • @toneseeker4968
    @toneseeker4968 4 роки тому +5

    Great job, Elyse and Dan! Graduation congrats, Elyse! Love these videos... very interesting! I need to quit procrastinating and get new nuts on many of my guitars..

  • @lkgreenwell
    @lkgreenwell 4 роки тому

    This is a treat - and will remain so for the next few years

  • @brooksphillips2234
    @brooksphillips2234 7 місяців тому

    Man i would love to learn from someone with this kind of knowledge. I am learning the best I can to work on my Les Paul and Strat.

  • @AubryG
    @AubryG Рік тому

    Congrats for this teaching and transmission knowledge. Beautiful nut, you have some gold in your hands

  • @davidkhammer
    @davidkhammer 4 роки тому

    You guys make it look easy !! Dan is the man.

  • @GuitarMooseMusic
    @GuitarMooseMusic 4 роки тому +1

    I really value watching these videos more than most. I have to do most of my repairs myself and these videos give me the confidence to do them w/o fearing that I’m going to really mess up my guitar.

    • @RainStickland
      @RainStickland 4 роки тому

      It's very difficult to completely ruin a guitar. Even if you slice off a hunk of the body (on an electric, not acoustic), it makes absolutely no difference to how it sounds or plays. Now, you could always buy a really cheap guitar, or a build kit, and use that to practice on. Also, the easiest thing to learn for soldering is the output jack, so start there if you've never soldered before. Philip McKnight has some good videos, too, and has done videos for StewMac.

  • @attilakovacs6366
    @attilakovacs6366 4 роки тому

    The best tutorial video on this topic. I learned a lot. Thx for sharing!

  • @davethomas7222
    @davethomas7222 2 роки тому

    Super useful video. I re-fashioned the nut for a Peruvian nylon string I own using stewmac blanks, and watched this a few times before diving in.

  • @ashchase8340
    @ashchase8340 4 роки тому

    Dan is the Man, I learned from him many many years ago

  • @tobystrickland5986
    @tobystrickland5986 4 роки тому

    Thank you. I've just learned something today and I am grateful for the video.

  • @davecarsley8773
    @davecarsley8773 3 роки тому +6

    Elyse is extremely lucky. In the entire world, there is no better journeyman that she could be learning from.

  • @jonathanrossmusic2509
    @jonathanrossmusic2509 4 роки тому

    Awesome job, Elyse!

  • @rommeldesouza2963
    @rommeldesouza2963 2 роки тому

    Dan the Guitar nut specialist, great job guys.

  • @youboob1996
    @youboob1996 4 роки тому

    Great instruction and video production. Love watching these.

  • @darbuki13
    @darbuki13 2 роки тому

    Wow, she really is working out on that nut.
    I'm impressed.

  • @bafarrell82
    @bafarrell82 3 роки тому

    Great job Elyse!

  • @RetroPlus
    @RetroPlus 2 роки тому

    This is so useful! I can't wait to make my first actually decent nut, this has given me much more confidence

  • @marctamtonthat
    @marctamtonthat 4 роки тому

    Bravo Elyse ! Dan you're great.

  • @allkive
    @allkive 4 роки тому +1

    dude I wish I could work there, great video and nice explaining, Elyse did a great job

  • @ronmorey3475
    @ronmorey3475 2 роки тому

    I use those same Precision Brand feeler gauges. Love them! So much easier and quicker to stack when they are separate and organized like that.

  • @groovefretboard
    @groovefretboard 4 роки тому

    Stew Mac polish wheels are amazing! Best shine ever

  • @grasshoffers
    @grasshoffers 4 роки тому

    I was going to ask about recommended tools but was smart (for once) and looked at description. That is more thorough than ANYONE I have seen over the years on recommendation. Great video to share the knowledge. I have been trying to figure out where to start and this video popped into my feed!

  • @robbiekimpel
    @robbiekimpel 2 місяці тому

    When I was learning to make a bone nut, my teacher told me to buy a bunch of blanks and keep making one till I was satisfied with it enough to put it on my 1958 Fender Stratocaster,
    I think I made around 50 before I was happy with it. Its been on my guitar for 30 years!

  • @guerrillaradio9953
    @guerrillaradio9953 Рік тому

    Extremely helpful! I made an aluminum nut (had to be only 1/8" from headstock side to fretboard to not interfere with truss rods, but very strong) for my 15 string AliExpress extended range bass because the original was awful, and now it plays like a dream! Thanks for putting this craftsmanship knowledge out there for free. 🎄

  • @Erikisat
    @Erikisat 3 роки тому +1

    Really great tutorial! I’m going to give it a try making one thanks!

  • @fepatton
    @fepatton 4 роки тому +4

    Great video and very timely. I'm going to be making my first "from-scratch" nut for a mandolin I've been making and this will really help. I supposed I will actually be making my first two or three, if I'm honest... :-) Showing the "areas for improvement" was really helpful too.

  • @Ibaneddie76
    @Ibaneddie76 4 роки тому +3

    Man I want to apprentice under Dan the man! I've been building guitars for years but I would jump on that opportunity in a second and act like I've never touched a guitar just to learn from a master. I actually think making nuts is one of the funnest parts of a build, you can really get creative trying to find the best pitch and angle for the string path.

  • @anthonyrodriguez4055
    @anthonyrodriguez4055 3 роки тому

    I have six guitars and they all need new nuts! So this video was just what the Dr. ordered! Thank you! Stew Mack! Congrat's, Elyse!

  • @blazer6248
    @blazer6248 4 роки тому +1

    You're the man, Dan! Albert frickin King!?! ❤️❤️❤️

  • @JoshuaC923
    @JoshuaC923 4 роки тому +3

    Congratulations Elyse!

  • @hairburger62
    @hairburger62 4 роки тому

    Great segment & awesome team contrast! Could have been many dirty comments but I'm seeing people are being mature! Bravo people!!

  • @sharkman4928
    @sharkman4928 3 роки тому +2

    I wish my apprentices at work were as beautiful as Dan's!!! Great job Elyse!

  • @sunnys3325
    @sunnys3325 4 роки тому +1

    Congrats Elyse!! Great vid!! I like the way she talks🙂

  • @j.schaefer5622
    @j.schaefer5622 4 роки тому +1

    I learned a lot from Dan and its cool to see that hes passing his knowledge to the younger generation...

  • @gergemall
    @gergemall 4 роки тому +1

    You’re the best , nice to pass your knowledge on

  • @CharlesNotBronson
    @CharlesNotBronson Рік тому

    I'm an apprentice of a guitar tech as well. My task for today is to make a nut of a somewhat hybrid classical guitar out of nothing lmao. Thanks for this! I learned so much!

  • @maxsalasr
    @maxsalasr 4 роки тому

    Maaaan his eye for detail!! Love your videos Daaan

  • @skutterbuster666
    @skutterbuster666 2 роки тому

    Damn, girl is good.
    Nice to see Dan pick it apart too and point out the slight mistakes.

  • @patrickpalmer3374
    @patrickpalmer3374 3 роки тому

    I watched you a few times yesterday and cut in a nut in my new 200S yamaha, 30 hours later I'm still on the saddle and if it wasn't for the baking soda and super glue trick I wouldn't have noticed how I have a bad habit of over standing. I worked that saddle bridge 4/5 times pored the glue on and sprinkled baking soda. Thanks. All this rework brought new thoughts to mind about radius, intonation and one about making a bridge from different powders, oh yes I get the best string slots award. I will be getting those string slot files. I'm greatful no one saw them. I will get about 10 unbleached each of the nut and saddle and realise that it doesn't what any dealer says in order for any bridge to work as good as it gets each string has to be subject to a reliable tone machine, that said you can still go back in and flatten B G A E. With E 1 mm G 1.5mm A 1 .mm. B 1.5mm. I just watched a guy demo in a roughed in way why he believes this all makes an
    Acoustic play betted. The thought is there but would probably ruin a couple blank pieces force me but the having not tried seems worse
    Thanks for everything,

  • @JewittGuitars
    @JewittGuitars 4 роки тому

    Great job you two!!

  • @homeone4054
    @homeone4054 4 роки тому

    Great job Elyse

  • @mmediaaudio
    @mmediaaudio 4 роки тому +5

    Fun video! Elyse was super chill, good on camera and is well on her way learning from the best - very impressed! Always look forward to the videos!!! Stay safe yooze guys, scary times!

  • @dennismullins4930
    @dennismullins4930 4 роки тому

    Thanks for the wonderfully uplifting video ☮️

  • @AncientAmbience
    @AncientAmbience 3 роки тому

    Nothing like a craftsman who loves their job! :) A+

  • @c0mputer
    @c0mputer Рік тому

    More craftsmen putting videos on UA-cam should show their work in detail and explain how to make it even better. This channel is really a breath of fresh air...and I don't even play or fix guitars. Any why is it that every worker Dan has in these videos just seems so cool?

  • @gregknight5141
    @gregknight5141 4 роки тому

    Always learn loads from these videos, even if I don't have half of the tool's these guys have I can get ideas on how to DIY it (or bodge it!).

  • @brian9670
    @brian9670 4 роки тому +7

    I love these videos, they are relaxing and you learn.

  • @TomGlander
    @TomGlander 3 роки тому

    Awesome video! Thank you for making things very clear.

  • @clgmafnas
    @clgmafnas 4 роки тому +3

    Man... the possibilities and potential with all the right tools at your disposal. If i owned a shop like this now, imagine the builds 🤔😁

    • @jarrydwest3717
      @jarrydwest3717 4 роки тому +1

      sure it matters how big the stick it, but it matters a hell of alot more whos swinging it

  • @electroKrunch
    @electroKrunch 4 роки тому +1

    Congratz Elyse!! Kick some guitar butt in the future!!

  • @freemanjonnes995
    @freemanjonnes995 4 роки тому +1

    Achei incrível ver uma mulher trabalhando como Luther, no Brazil isso é muito raro. Parabéns pelo belo trabalho e pelo diploma. Adorei o vídeo!

  • @matitenutta
    @matitenutta 4 роки тому

    Right what i needed. Great video, as usual.

  • @stevenlindstrom2109
    @stevenlindstrom2109 Рік тому

    Thanks for this one, really helpful!

  • @MostlyTorso
    @MostlyTorso 4 роки тому +3

    Jawbreaker! Good to see I'm not the only one who remembers.

  • @guymandude999
    @guymandude999 4 роки тому +19

    3:38 Sand your pencil flat on one side so the wood casing isn't interfering.

  • @juyanine
    @juyanine 4 роки тому

    I've learned a lot from this video, thanks!!!

  • @Sadowsky46
    @Sadowsky46 4 роки тому

    Great presentation 👍

  • @woodbox50
    @woodbox50 4 роки тому

    Bravo, so very cool to see woman in the shop. congrads!