How to Make a Guitar Nut from a Blank

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  • Опубліковано 22 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 637

  • @spike.strat1318
    @spike.strat1318 4 роки тому +47

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

  • @MGC-1977
    @MGC-1977 4 роки тому +405

    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 2 роки тому +14

      Some might call this Dansplaining.

    • @TheUlesifah82
      @TheUlesifah82 Рік тому +1

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

    • @CaptainWrinkleBrain
      @CaptainWrinkleBrain 10 місяців 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 9 місяців тому +1

      who cares ?

    • @ThibautVDP
      @ThibautVDP 8 місяців тому +1

      leadership by example. it's good stuff.

  • @blainetrain2299
    @blainetrain2299 2 роки тому +22

    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.

  • @rselp
    @rselp 4 роки тому +71

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

  • @joshuariveraflora
    @joshuariveraflora Рік тому +5

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

  • @michaelpthompson
    @michaelpthompson 4 роки тому +120

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

    • @galenmarek8287
      @galenmarek8287 4 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 4 роки тому +4

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

    • @jamescashin5637
      @jamescashin5637 4 роки тому +1

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

  • @murrayc9615
    @murrayc9615 4 роки тому +4

    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 +5

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

  • @vincentcarrocci4697
    @vincentcarrocci4697 4 роки тому +17

    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!

  • @InGrindWeCrust2010
    @InGrindWeCrust2010 4 роки тому +4

    Dan Erlewine is a national treasure.

  • @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!

  • @jamesthe-doctor8981
    @jamesthe-doctor8981 4 роки тому +30

    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!!!

  • @nocaster51
    @nocaster51 4 роки тому +35

    This looks like a friendly workplace. Cheers to you guys

  • @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.

  • @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,

  • @gins8781
    @gins8781 4 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!

  • @ItzUnknwnX
    @ItzUnknwnX 2 місяці тому +1

    I know this is years old but MAN this is a great video. The contraption you guys made to file the string slots was genius

  • @gabevalencia2012
    @gabevalencia2012 4 роки тому +3

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

  • @nedalhubhub1851
    @nedalhubhub1851 3 роки тому +1

    Dan is a cool guy!

  • @ivanreiss
    @ivanreiss 4 роки тому +319

    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 +9

      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 4 роки тому

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

    • @salatieljyrustumanan4929
      @salatieljyrustumanan4929 4 роки тому

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

  • @R3loaded1313
    @R3loaded1313 7 місяців 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.

  • @robbiekimpel
    @robbiekimpel 8 місяців 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!

  • @lifelongfan07
    @lifelongfan07 3 роки тому +1

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

  • @cameronjohnston4276
    @cameronjohnston4276 Рік 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!

  • @danjobrien
    @danjobrien 2 роки тому

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

  • @perrybolontzakis7626
    @perrybolontzakis7626 4 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 !!!!

  • @tonyefc8423
    @tonyefc8423 29 днів тому

    Brains AND beauty all in one. Elyse made a great job I thought. Their is so much to have to know, for such a small part of your guitar.

  • @iagobroxado
    @iagobroxado 4 роки тому +3

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

  • @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 3 роки тому

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

  • @brooksphillips2234
    @brooksphillips2234 5 місяців тому +1

    The string spacing ruler is sooo great

  • @tyronewarren6944
    @tyronewarren6944 Рік тому

    I love the recognition, the diploma. Heart warming.

  • @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.

  • @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.

  • @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. 🎄

  • @GrahamsYouTube
    @GrahamsYouTube 2 роки тому +1

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

  • @BeesWaxMinder
    @BeesWaxMinder Рік тому +1

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

  • @jamesdunn6333
    @jamesdunn6333 Рік тому

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

  • @blinddeadmcjones5255
    @blinddeadmcjones5255 8 місяців тому

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

  • @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.

  • @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!

  • @deegz
    @deegz 4 роки тому +2

    Wow this video is exactly what I call perfect timing. I built a guitar a while back and decided today that I need to make a proper nut for the guitar to play perfectly. And funnily enough it’s a single p90 style guitar!! Thank you guys! Much appreciated 🤘🤘

    • @robertschaeffer5861
      @robertschaeffer5861 4 роки тому

      Just checked in to see if I am doing it right...I've done them in brass like Mossrite use to but ebony is my favorite for fretless instruments...
      Guild of America Luthiers is a wealth of information...its an amazing adventure...

  • @bwedwards67
    @bwedwards67 4 роки тому +1

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

  • @rubbadubdub6543
    @rubbadubdub6543 3 роки тому +1

    I would maybe score along the headstock side of the nut with an exacto before I tap it out - that way, if there’s lacquer adhered to it, it won’t tear out.

  • @stanbrown915
    @stanbrown915 2 роки тому

    As a machinist I know you never stop honing your skills and learning. Can't imagine all the complexities of physical manipulation of materials to produce proper tone.

  • @2011k
    @2011k 4 роки тому +2

    Probably one of the best nut making video on the web. Great job Elyse btw.

  • @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!

  • @lkgreenwell
    @lkgreenwell 4 роки тому

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

  • @brooksphillips2234
    @brooksphillips2234 Рік 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.

  • @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?

  • @rommeldesouza2963
    @rommeldesouza2963 2 роки тому

    Dan the Guitar nut specialist, great job guys.

  • @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

  • @ryanwiseman9141
    @ryanwiseman9141 4 роки тому

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

  • @AubryG
    @AubryG Рік тому

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

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

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

  • @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 4 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!

  • @guymandude999
    @guymandude999 4 роки тому +19

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

  • @khankrum1
    @khankrum1 4 роки тому

    I have played guitar for yearsand I never realised how skilled fitting a new nut can be.
    I will leave ot to the experts.

  • @MostlyTorso
    @MostlyTorso 4 роки тому +3

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

  • @j.b.phillips6400
    @j.b.phillips6400 4 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!

  • @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.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...

  • @OhBHayes
    @OhBHayes 4 роки тому +3

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

  • @davidkhammer
    @davidkhammer 4 роки тому

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

  • @musicmatty67
    @musicmatty67 4 роки тому +1

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

  • @johnterpack3940
    @johnterpack3940 Місяць тому

    The figure-8 pattern on the sanding tells me she's a pro. Sanding that teeny nut with her bare fingers on a belt sander warmed my gen-x heart. Here's to all the kids who ride a bike without a helmet.

  • @notsosure7757
    @notsosure7757 3 роки тому +18

    As much as I'd love to do this, the amount of specific tools you'd need would only be cost effective if I was a luthier. I'll leave it to my tech, but still a very good video lesson.

    • @jedfiekel9809
      @jedfiekel9809 3 роки тому +4

      You don't NEED all of the specific luthier tools... a cheap feuler guage set from an auto parts store, a cheap precision file set from harbor freight, and a torch tip cleaner works good for filing the slots. A cheap hack saw or coping saw, and a cheap straight edge or metal ruler. Maybe $25-40 for everything.

    • @jedfiekel9809
      @jedfiekel9809 3 роки тому

      You can also get a cheap wide flat contractor pencil and cut it exactly down the middle...

    • @michaelb.42112
      @michaelb.42112 3 роки тому +1

      This is my dilemma. I'd love to learn this and I feel I NEED to know this stuff just like I know how to solder pots, etc, but is it cost effective just to pay the tech ? If I had a bunch of basses to do it's no question.

  • @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!

  • @jmiddlefinger
    @jmiddlefinger 4 роки тому +4

    Dan sure seems to have no trouble finding talented apprentices with great screen presence to match their excellent technical skills and craftsmanship. I hope we’ll get to see more from Elyse in the future, and I really hope that we’ll get to see Chelsea again next time she’s in town. Her neck finishing video is still one of the best instructional videos I’ve seen!

  • @4stringz.
    @4stringz. 2 роки тому +3

    1:20 that smile 🤣❤️

  • @nickf9392
    @nickf9392 2 роки тому

    To mark the string locations I take a guitar that I already have that has the string spacing I like. I put a piece of masking tape over that nut, taped down. Then mark the string placement onto the tape by rubbing a pencil mark on each string. Then remove the tape from the sample neck, press it down onto the new blank nut and saw right thru the tape at each pencil mark with an exacto fine blade saw to make the kurf marks, then remove the tape and finish the string slot depths with the proper files. String spacing is perfect every time. And I never use glue on any nut install. Take the time to sand and fit it properly and no glue needed. Glue makes adjustments harder, makes removing the nut harder and acts to deaden the string vibration as it transfers thru the nut and into the neck wood.

  • @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.

  • @Musicology1975
    @Musicology1975 Рік тому +1

    That's nuts man🎉

  • @firsteerr
    @firsteerr 4 роки тому

    elyse did a great job and the more critics she gets she will get much better so a real tribute to dans teaching

  • @RockStarOscarStern634
    @RockStarOscarStern634 Рік тому +1

    A Zero Glide nut works around that problem by having the fret protect the nut.

  • @JoshuaC923
    @JoshuaC923 4 роки тому +3

    Congratulations Elyse!

  • @stevek8821
    @stevek8821 3 роки тому +1

    Many thanks for that, really helpful! Best wishes to Elyse..

    • @stewmac
      @stewmac  3 роки тому

      Glad it was helpful! 👍

  • @ashchase8340
    @ashchase8340 4 роки тому

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

  • @davecarsley8773
    @davecarsley8773 4 роки тому +6

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

  • @ronmorey3475
    @ronmorey3475 3 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.

  • @kiaora12
    @kiaora12 4 роки тому

    These videos are great and I love all the pointers. The one step I would have included would be to check the intonation at first, second and third frets. That would make it a wrap.

  • @Iazzaboyce
    @Iazzaboyce 2 роки тому

    I don't know if you have them in the US, but here in the UK we have a tool called a 'hand vice'. This makes sanding nuts and saddles on a belt sander much easier and safer.

  • @Erikisat
    @Erikisat 3 роки тому +1

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

  • @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..

  • @darbuki13
    @darbuki13 3 роки тому

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

  • @livergen
    @livergen 2 роки тому

    Outstanding video guys, I'm actually getting ready to attempt to make a nut for my Stratocaster out of some red stag antlers. I've always wondered if you could use Antler material, So I'm going to give it a try. I have many many axis and red stag antler drop's , And to me it looks like good material that would be similar to bone.. I guess if anyone has any comments or suggestions, please say something it would be warmly received. Congratulations Elyse, You have some super teachers with such tremendous knowledge to learn from.

  • @skutterbuster666
    @skutterbuster666 3 роки тому

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

  • @jonathanhandsmusic
    @jonathanhandsmusic 3 роки тому

    Excellent video! Even though I have never slotted a nut before, I now feel confident that I can file the slots on the new Fender neck I put on my Telecaster. I only have one chance to do it right, but I bought the Hosco three file set, so I’m not worried, just a little bit.

  • @groovefretboard
    @groovefretboard 4 роки тому

    Stew Mac polish wheels are amazing! Best shine ever

  • @bafarrell82
    @bafarrell82 4 роки тому

    Great job Elyse!

  • @sharkman4928
    @sharkman4928 3 роки тому +2

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

  • @allkive
    @allkive 4 роки тому +1

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

  • @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!

  • @manifestgtr
    @manifestgtr 4 роки тому

    Making a good, attractive, well fitted nut with perfect slots and spacing is one of the last things I work with apprentices, etc. If you can make that happen, it really demonstrates a solid aptitude for almost any skill required for basic guitar maintenance. It means you’re detail-oriented, therefor you can be trusted haha. It’s one of the “big two”, in my mind....the other being the neck reset.

  • @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.

  • @TheBnjmnlrd
    @TheBnjmnlrd 4 роки тому

    Awesome. I thought the nut on my Epiphone was worn. With the graphic and lesson where the strings should sit in the nut, I now know it’s worn.

  • @markjohnston2696
    @markjohnston2696 3 роки тому

    this is the most friendly workspace i ever seen it even has the spongebob music in the background whenever spongebob goes to do something tedious or fun. I'm flabbergasted no ones made a nut joke here. props to everyone in the video for the professionalism. Lol

  • @awogbob
    @awogbob 4 роки тому +16

    Yup LOVE THIS more DAN knowledge!! WE NEED IT

  • @TheKingBJ
    @TheKingBJ 4 роки тому +17

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

  • @sunnys3325
    @sunnys3325 4 роки тому +1

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

  • @marctamtonthat
    @marctamtonthat 4 роки тому

    Bravo Elyse ! Dan you're great.