How to Make a Guitar Nut from a Blank

Рет қаралды 338,451

Күн бұрын

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.
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Пікірлер: 630

@MGC-1977 4 жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

Some might call this Dansplaining.

@TheUlesifah82 9 ай бұрын

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

@CaptainWrinkleBrain 7 ай бұрын

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 5 ай бұрын

who cares ?

@ThibautVDP 4 ай бұрын

leadership by example. it's good stuff.

@spike.strat1318 3 жыл бұрын

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

@blainetrain2299 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@michaelpthompson 4 жыл бұрын

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

@galenmarek8287 4 жыл бұрын

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 3 жыл бұрын

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

@jamescashin5637 3 жыл бұрын

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

@rselp 4 жыл бұрын

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

@glasscockguitars 3 ай бұрын

Dan Erlewine for President!!!

@joshuariveraflora Жыл бұрын

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

@vincentcarrocci4697 4 жыл бұрын

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!

@ivanreiss 4 жыл бұрын

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

@gunhedd5375 4 жыл бұрын

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

@oldtimetinfoilhatwearer 4 жыл бұрын

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 4 жыл бұрын

Gunhedd Crazy. Only a few hrs from my house

@patrickroozeboom6712 3 жыл бұрын

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

@salatieljyrustumanan4929 3 жыл бұрын

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

@rysiekleykam 4 жыл бұрын

This looks like a friendly workplace. Cheers to you guys

@InGrindWeCrust2010 4 жыл бұрын

Dan Erlewine is a national treasure.

@iagobroxado 4 жыл бұрын

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

@murrayc9615 4 жыл бұрын

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 4 жыл бұрын

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

@sweetstonegypsy6673 2 жыл бұрын

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 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful! Best of luck!

@jamesthe-doctor8981 4 жыл бұрын

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!!!

@musicmatty67 4 жыл бұрын

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

@perrybolontzakis7626 3 жыл бұрын

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 !!!!

@bwedwards67 4 жыл бұрын

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

@j.b.phillips6400 4 жыл бұрын

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!

@gregmartin1757 4 жыл бұрын

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 3 жыл бұрын

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

@OhBHayes 4 жыл бұрын

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

@pudekuf25 4 жыл бұрын

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!

@thefilthygringo9228 2 жыл бұрын

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

@brooksphillips2234 Ай бұрын

The string spacing ruler is sooo great

@Ibaneddie76 4 жыл бұрын

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.

@toneconsultant 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@gins8781 4 жыл бұрын

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!

@toneseeker4968 4 жыл бұрын

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..

@gabevalencia2012 4 жыл бұрын

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

@MonkyMonk729 4 жыл бұрын

I have... lol.

@orlandovflores 4 жыл бұрын

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.

@cameronjohnston4276 9 ай бұрын

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!

@GuitarMooseMusic 4 жыл бұрын

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 4 жыл бұрын

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.

@deegz 4 жыл бұрын

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 4 жыл бұрын

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...

@lifelongfan07 3 жыл бұрын

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

@Cre8tvMG 2 жыл бұрын

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

@fepatton 4 жыл бұрын

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.

@guerrillaradio9953 Жыл бұрын

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. 🎄

@tobystrickland5986 4 жыл бұрын

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

@ronmorey3475 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@Isaac-Draper 4 жыл бұрын

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

@GrahamsYouTube 2 жыл бұрын

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

@youboob1996 4 жыл бұрын

Great instruction and video production. Love watching these.

@attilakovacs6366 4 жыл бұрын

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

@notsosure7757 3 жыл бұрын

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 3 жыл бұрын

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 3 жыл бұрын

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

@michaelb.42112 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@grasshoffers 4 жыл бұрын

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!

@russrainwatet4825 4 жыл бұрын

I wonder if she plays guitar..and her fav genre..

@Erikisat 3 жыл бұрын

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

@davethomas7222 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@lkgreenwell 4 жыл бұрын

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

@ryanwiseman9141 4 жыл бұрын

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

@jonathanhandsmusic 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@AubryG Жыл бұрын

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

@clgmafnas 4 жыл бұрын

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 4 жыл бұрын

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

@guymandude999 4 жыл бұрын

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

@BobJones-bh9qz 4 жыл бұрын

Genius

@monz7951 3 жыл бұрын

Pro tip right here

@ashchase8340 4 жыл бұрын

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

@Fazman81 4 жыл бұрын

Great vid as always so much great info. I find using the disc sander is a lot easier than the belt sander. With the disc sander table it’s easy to sand the bottom square and get your edges to just the right length. I use 120 grit but I’m going to get another disc sander with 220 to make for less hand sanding.

@allkive 4 жыл бұрын

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

@davidkhammer 4 жыл бұрын

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

@gregknight5141 4 жыл бұрын

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!).

@RetroPlus 2 жыл бұрын

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

@jamesdunn6333 Жыл бұрын

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

@BeesWaxMinder Жыл бұрын

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

@davecarsley8773 4 жыл бұрын

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

@j.schaefer5622 4 жыл бұрын

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

@freemanjonnes995 4 жыл бұрын

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

@robbiekimpel 5 ай бұрын

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!

@hairburger62 4 жыл бұрын

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

@danjobrien 2 жыл бұрын

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

@R3loaded1313 4 ай бұрын

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.

@jonathanrossmusic2509 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome job, Elyse!

@marctamtonthat 4 жыл бұрын

Bravo Elyse ! Dan you're great.

@anthonyrodriguez4055 4 жыл бұрын

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!

@TomGlander 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome video! Thank you for making things very clear.

@matitenutta 4 жыл бұрын

Right what i needed. Great video, as usual.

@bafarrell82 4 жыл бұрын

Great job Elyse!

@TheKingBJ 4 жыл бұрын

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

@4stringz. 2 ай бұрын

2:06

@JodyRushMusic 20 күн бұрын

@@4stringz. 0:59

@jonmatthews4254 Жыл бұрын

Great detail, thanks.

@blinddeadmcjones5255 4 ай бұрын

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

@patrickpalmer3374 3 жыл бұрын

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,

@stevenlindstrom2109 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for this one, really helpful!

@brooksphillips2234 10 ай бұрын

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.

@gergemall 4 жыл бұрын

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

@JewittGuitars 4 жыл бұрын

Great job you two!!

@JoshuaC923 4 жыл бұрын

Congratulations Elyse!

@bcrater6400 3 жыл бұрын

Dan is a national treasure. Great work Elyse.

@maxsalasr 4 жыл бұрын

Maaaan his eye for detail!! Love your videos Daaan

@KipCount 4 жыл бұрын

Watching this video makes me have absolute no problem paying a good guitar tech what they are worth. This is some tedious and detailed crafting here. Oh, and sweet Jawbreaker shirt there at the end!