Building A Kit Guitar - The Rockabilly Kit

[@trevorhoward2254]

Stock sounds just fine and the burst finish is beautiful.

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks!

[@ManCrafting]

Great job. As for the pickups. They both sound great. I can tell a difference, but it seems like a preference as to which sound is better. Beautiful guitar. I love how It finished up.

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks! I'm pretty happy with this one as well.

[@gregmay1186]

It looks and sounds great! Good job!

[@gregmay1186]

I just order me a kit from fretwire I hope that mine turns out as good as yours. I'm kind of worried the picks that come with it I probly have to upgrade. But that's cool

[@dalewoodring5887]

I have this same kit. Thank you for "going over the hill" first for me. I'll follow your footsteps and avoid those mines! I appreciate how thorough, yet succinct you made this video. Perfect tutorial!

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thank you so much!

[@EZ3ChordCountry.]

I like the upgraded pickups. The stock are just fine, but, there's a clarity in the upgraded that I like.

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks!

[@davegreeley]

I am stuck inside going crazy and now thinking of a kit guitar. 35 years ago I took a luthier course and made a Strat look a like with an Ovation style looking headstock. My son has it now. I have subscribed and like your channel content. Of course I love free stuff associated with guitars.

[@JoePierceMaker]

That's awesome, thanks for watching.

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

Upgraded, but they both sound good. So not only are you Joe the Maker, you are also Joe the Fixer! It would be incredible to have these kinds of skills.

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks! Give it a try. Anyone can do this stuff.

[@colinslade2861]

I got that same kit about a year ago now. I put it together with my grandfather and I love it. I wouldn’t recommend it for a first build because the wiring is tricky but its an amazing guitar.

[@JoePierceMaker]

I agree, it's a bit advanced for a first timer, but it is a great kit!

[@mauricedibert2635]

The B stock was a great idea. So tired of other youtubers fixing cheap glarrys or fireflys or whatever. This is taking it to a new level from scratch. Very good idea and have not seen it on any other channel.

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks! I've done a video where I fixed up a cheap bass and I have one of those $40 wish guitars I might do some stuff to. But yeah, the B stock is great, there was barely anything wrong with it and it's a lot cheaper than the A stock

[@metocvideo]

Great video, I learned a lot! I am amazed how the ‘burst stain worked out, as you were applying the colour I was thinking that it looked very patchy, but you probably did a lot more work on it than shown in the video. One thing that I would not do though, is solder the wires together directly over the guitar body, with my luck I would drip hot solder onto the guitar and damage the beautiful, hard earned finish...

[@JoePierceMaker]

Glad it was helpful! And yes, I had to be very careful with the solder.

[@mrfatbobrider1969]

Water is also good for getting out small scratches and dings,I've actually worked with a solid peice of wood and run it quickly under the tap to get the whole peice wet ,learnt that back in late 70's from a Woodsmith ...

[@JoePierceMaker]

The wood on this type of guitar is very thin plywood, so I wouldn't recommend getting it too wet. There would surely be some warpage if you were to saturate it.

[@mrfatbobrider1969]

@@JoePierceMaker yeah for sure

[@amberwoodstudio]

Always nice to see some different than a stray, tele or lp. Everything looks and sounds fun

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks!

[@linleechiun]

I definitely know I'm late for the bursts. But just have to say that you should let go yourself and make the traditional on the front and crazy on the back!

[@JoePierceMaker]

I definitely will on the next one.

[@WindRider1]

The upgrades sound better to me. Enjoyed the video.

[@JoePierceMaker]

I think so too!

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

Instead of fishing the pots through with string, a cool tip I picked up decades ago for mounting pots in a hollowbody is to use a length of thin-walled rubber or vinyl tubing, instead. After you pull the pot shaft through the mounting hole you can slip the washer and nut over the tubing, onto the threaded shaft, and tighten, or at least snug the pot into place. Finally, remove the tubing and fish it through the next mounting hole and lather. Rinse. Repeat.

[@JoePierceMaker]

That's a good tip. I've seen people do that as well but I didn't have any tubing at the time.

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

Joe Pierce Maker I’m sitting here reading your reply and thinking, “Heh, if I were building a semi-hollowbody I wouldn’t have any tubing either...I hope I have some string...” 😂😂😂

[@TroutabdDerby]

Great build ! Just wondered what amp/pedal set up you are using in the video ?

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks! I don't remember for sure but I think that was my Fender Blues Deluxe and a Big Muff.

[@tak-el-uc]

C-clamp to set the posts was a great tip.

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks! I sat there tapping those things with a hammer for what felt like an eternity and they wouldn't seat. I didn't want to hit it too hard and crack the top.

[@andresilva8444]

$3000 gibsons and gretschs are plywood as well. Expect to pay upwards of 10 grand for a carved top. Like a Benedetto for example.

[@JoePierceMaker]

Oh, good to know. This kit is my first experience with any kind of hollow body.

[@andresilva8444]

Joe Pierce Maker Check this video out. Focus more on the body than anything else but it’s quite appropriate. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5qWXndtg5hkm9E

[@hobiecat901]

Hello Joe. I was impressed with your Hollow body Rockabillie Guitar Build. I went to the Fretwire site and Unfortunately, They No longer have this Model. I am searching to find one at other DIY sites. I did not want the 335 models, I just wanted to put one of these together.

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks! I hope you found one.

[@zetaminor77]

thanks for the video and the review! I'm curious as to how it sounds unplugged, as well as how loud it is unplugged...

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks! I plan to do a more in depth review on my second channel eventually. I just haven’t gotten around to filming it yet.

[@bulobeloo]

Good build sound and playing - rocks my boat - as suggested elsewhere - you should make your own logo - the guitar deserves it - maybe design logo to fit different headstocks on other builds

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks!

[@jordanmartinez2432]

Love the straw trick!!!!! Very nice👍😊🎸

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks! I can't take full credit, I probably picked it up from another video.

[@eml5086]

Love Rockabilly! Great playing. I enjoy your videos.

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks!

[@steby123]

AAAAhhhhhhhh, nice sun burst that explains a lot. Thank you very much !!!!!!!!!!!! My first kit guitar's finish was eeehhh? not so good !!!!!

[@JoePierceMaker]

Glad it helped!

[@carolynishis]

Thank you for a chance! i shared on facebook and twitter!

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks! I'll be drawing the winner this weekend and I'll put out an announcement video. Good Luck!

[@haroldyeager6124]

I guess I’m just different. I like the sound of the stock pickup better. Great info. Great video.

[@JoePierceMaker]

Fair enough. Thanks for watching.

[@stevevaughn2040]

That coloring you did looks great. I have an US custom es335 and yours looks cooler.

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks!

[@thegolem9325]

The wiring part, the boring part as you call it, is exactly what I came to this video to see! I'm thinking about buying the kit and wanted to see the wiring process so I could decide if I wanted to bother with it. >_< And the stock pick-ups sound better than I expected for the price.

[@JoePierceMaker]

Sorry about that. Wiring is really hard to film.

[@mikevine6628]

Great video, it inspired me to go to their Web site and order the dobro kit. It arrives in two days, can't wait!

[@JoePierceMaker]

Good choice! I hope you enjoy it!

[@Garf8922]

That really is a beautiful guitar great job

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thank you kindly!

[@realjayfarah]

Hey man a tip for your videos is adding some music in the back. Nothing major just some basic music to fill in spots that are awkwardly quiet and I little annoying. Good video I just think you can enhance it with some light music in the back.

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks, I try to mix things up a bit. Some of my videos have background music and get the exact opposite comment so I switch it up from time to time.

[@realjayfarah]

@@JoePierceMaker well thanks for looking at my comment. PS. Try to find a happy medium between the two options.

[@borasmussen4794]

Man I love the fret wire! I just finished a single humbucker Les Paul and it turned out awesome! I always upgrade the pup's and hardware from guitar fetish. Great great prices and quality 👍 great video sir 👍👌

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks! I want to do either a Les Paul next or a super strat/shreddy type of guitar. I'll have to check out guitar fetish.

[@borasmussen4794]

@@JoePierceMaker dude I'm telling you their pick ups are just as good as Duncan's and the likes! I have their Jimi Hendrix reverse staggered pup's in my road worn strat and they are amazing! $30 a piece! Seriously though you have to try them out! 30 to 40 bucks for high quality pup's!!

[@juliusseizure324]

Next time try fish tank tubing when doing a hollowbody. I’ve heard it makes it a breeze when wiring these guitars.

[@JoePierceMaker]

I heard about that, I'll definitely try it on the next one.

[@anthonymorales842]

The build nice.... the playing killah !

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks!

[@GrahamDallas]

Great build video and cool tune at the end, the difference is certainly noticeable

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks! I like the sound of both pickups, but the upgraded set have a bit more clarity.

[@kirbonite]

I've not seen anybody use the faux bigsby. want to know if that works .. how stiff is it ?

[@JoePierceMaker]

I don't have much experience with Bigsby vibratos, the one on this guitar didn't stay in tune very well at first but I'm sure it will even out with use. I've heard the real Bigsbys have the same issue so it may just come with the territory. This one didn't feel super stiff to me compared to other tremolos I've used.

[@vincentgrippi9524]

Got my first Kit for Christmas , my only concern is getting the fret bars in line , don’t have experience on that

[@JoePierceMaker]

That's awesome! I've got a series where I built a kit guitar that shows a lot more detail in each step including fret leveling and set up. kzbin.info/aero/PLSX82y0_6MEVa4f0Cvox0mN6apczvdS19

[@billregan1981]

Nice build, the finish came out great!

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thank you!

[@SlipandTrip]

Man, you answer everyone's comments, you're a good dude! Do you know if the pickups are full size humbuckers? Or are they smaller?

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks! Yes, they are standard humbucker sized.

[@SlipandTrip]

@@JoePierceMaker thanks! I ordered some GF'Trons so I'll need the step up, rings. How's the guitar holding?

[@deanallen9660]

Ply tops are cool. 335's have always been made that way.

[@JoePierceMaker]

I didn't know that. Good to know.

[@deanallen9660]

@@JoePierceMaker What blew me away is there's a video showing them making a 335 start to finish. The guy glued the plies right there.

[@DocHelliday]

Great video! How feedback prone is it? I love playing big hollow bodies and I'm always on the lookout for the ones quick to growl

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks! I'm not sure how prone to feedback it is since I haven't really cranked it up with a lot of gain. I'm sure it would since it's a hollow body.

[@DocHelliday]

@@JoePierceMaker wasn't sure if the bracing under the bridge was enough to prevent it or not. The website says these things are 16" across, but it looks almost like a Gretsch White Falcon at 17"

[@MYEVILTWIIN]

Looks like you have horns sitting in front of the SG 🤘

[@JoePierceMaker]

Haha

[@VacantCityDrifters]

Nice work. Thanks for sharing. Did you do a fret level, crown, & polish on this one? Did it need nut slot adjustment?

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks. Yes, I did a full fret job, I just didn't film it. And yes, I had to file down the nut slots. From my experience this should be done with every kit.

[@addisonshinedown]

I love how it has a Bigsby and you didn’t use it in the demo. That’s hilarious, and if it was intentional, I love it

[@JoePierceMaker]

It wasn't entirely intentional. But when I recorded this I didn't have everything dialed in perfectly so it would have probably gone out of tune had I used it.

[@woody421421]

The bigsby curse... a roller bridge and a good nut would be awesome upgrades, and I’m sure people would love to see how to install a new nut especially. Beautiful guitar tho

[@Ryan_F.]

If the veneer is a more open grained wood, should a grain filler be used? Is it okay to not use one?

[@JoePierceMaker]

If you want a glossy finish and the wood is porous, then yes, I would recommend a grain filler. This guitar has a maple veneer, which has a very tight grain so filler is unnecessary. I've done a few guitars with an open grain wood that I didn't use filler and I liked the results, so it's really all about what look you're going for.

[@Ryan_F.]

Joe Pierce Maker thank you! I just got my first kit from Solo Music Gear and think I wanna go for something different than what I’ve got. Think if I don’t use a filler, I can keep a bit of texture from the grain, which might be kinda cool!

[@tylerjackson296]

Cool project. Fun to watch. Thanks!

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks! It was a lot of fun to build as well.

[@numbersabcdefg]

Can you install the electronics "before" installing the neck?

[@JoePierceMaker]

I suppose you could if you finish the body and neck separately.

[@CABallIII]

Nice kit, good build! The upgraded pickups are more articulate, seem to respond better to your picking hand, but it's not like the stock pickups suck, they sound pretty good! Anyway, the finish looks really good, Chet Atkins coulda rocked that guitar on TV and looked just like a country gentleman should ;-)

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks! I also liked the stock pickups and will be using them in a future build, but I agree the upgraded ones have a much better response and more clarity.

[@edocamera]

Fantastic looking guitar, and it sounds great too!

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks!

[@sgmedia2]

Thanks for the video. What is the song name you play at the end?

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks! That song doesn’t have a name yet, it’s just a rockabilly thing I came up with.

[@discocrisco]

It'd be rad if you made a logo for your headstocks. Doesn't have to be fancy. An easily reproducible big and chunky "JPM" would work, I think.

[@JoePierceMaker]

I actually did get some labels made with a logo, I just didn't get them in time for this video.

[@salvatorechirico3783]

Can you tell me what kind of dye you are using? Love your work.

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks! Stunning Stains from Crimson Guitars. www.crimsonguitars.com/store/stunning-stains/

[@salvatorechirico3783]

@@JoePierceMaker Thanks Brother

[@ChrisandVonLaughlin]

Great video. Thanks. Were the stains easy enough to work with? You made it look super easy and what a great finish with the Tung oil. My es125 kit arrives tomorrow 🙃

[@randomReRa]

Not sure, but it looks like you have installed a bridge incorrectly. It should be placed with intonation screws to Bigsby, so you have a chance to adjust them.

[@JoePierceMaker]

With those bridges, you can face the adjustment screws either direction, on some guitars it's easier to get a screwdriver in from the string side rather than the bridge side. On this one I found it easier to adjust from the string side.

[@randomReRa]

@@JoePierceMaker makes sense! Keep building new guitars!

[@Skullskalle]

Beautiful guitar!

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thank you so much!

[@johnfreeman1408]

great build. you did a beautiful job on it.

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks!

[@oldmanzen6682]

Great job. Also, some useful tips absolutely worthy of a sub. Thanks.

[@JoePierceMaker]

Awesome, thank you!

[@74dartman13]

Nice work! It looks and sounds great!👍😎🎸🎶

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks!

[@74dartman13]

@@JoePierceMaker yep!☺

[@ekw555]

kind of curious the price difference between B stock and "a stock". I looked on their website, but no B stock kits were shown, just some hardware.

[@JoePierceMaker]

The B stock kits usually have a small imperfection, like chipped veneer, or a blemish in the wood. They are cheaper than A stock depending on how severe the imperfection is. It's usually a pretty good discount. They probably don't have any right now because everyone is on lock down and wanted something to do.

[@0TransAtlantic0]

Love the demo song, is it you own, or did you jack it from someone else? Any chance of posting sheet music for it. Sweet build, love the way the finish came out.

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thank you so much! That song is one of mine. I don't have sheet music, mostly because I don't know how to read sheet music.

[@0TransAtlantic0]

LOL, yup, reading music is not one of my strong points either. I'm just starting a Stratocaster build from a Stew Mac kit.

[@JoePierceMaker]

Awesome!

[@michaeljmusgrove5602]

@@JoePierceMaker do a vidio of how you play it I like it it,s cool thank you

[@Fake_Jesus]

Nice work.

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thank you!

[@widmer64]

Please film a hollow body guitar wiring....I want to know what I am getting into...thx

[@JoePierceMaker]

I'm no expert when it comes to wiring. Perhaps one day I'll be comfortable enough to teach about it but I'm not there yet.

[@TheGorillafoot]

What kind of dye are you using?

[@JoePierceMaker]

Stunning Stains from Crimson Guitars

[@robinbebbington7063]

Looks great

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks!

[@andyholdstock4559]

great looking guitar

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks!

[@davescreations7793]

I enjoyed that very much thanks

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks!

[@adamdorius]

Did you add any finishing oil to the fretboard?

[@JoePierceMaker]

I used some of that “fast fret” stuff that is basically just mineral oil. I use it on all of my guitars.

[@adamdorius]

Thanks. Also, do you sand between Tung oil coats? I’m building the same kit right now.

[@JoePierceMaker]

I rubbed it down with a scotchbrite pad between coats, which would be the equivalent to sanding with a very high grit (600 or so) or steel wool.

[@bernhardnizynski4403]

Could have gone for a better colour, like the Gretsch orange and single pole pickups?

[@JoePierceMaker]

That's the best part about building a kit, you can do anything you want to it. Thanks!

[@brianharris7243]

Rock that box!!

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks!

[@sonicobsessions947]

Build a jazzmaster or any offset one!

[@JoePierceMaker]

I’d like to do a jazz master one of these days.

[@CucumberKane]

Good looking guitar, great video! Your videos a re really well done and high quality

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thank you!

[@ostfron1942]

Tu l'a acheté où ta guitare en kit ?

[@JoePierceMaker]

Anything is possible

[@SmokeFlame1]

Wow! What else can one say.

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks!

[@14branko]

Great job!

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks!

[@TomTobin67]

I'll take the stock pickups if you don't want them.

[@JoePierceMaker]

They are pretty good pickups and I'll most likely use them in another project.

[@KevinLopez-rl6wq]

nah I would have liked to see how you wired everything. it wouldn't have been boring for me.

[@JoePierceMaker]

The next guitar build I do I plan to make several in depth tutorials on each process, like wiring, fretwork, finishing, etc.

[@alojz300]

cool

[@alojz300]

looks like the company is gone now, shame

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks!

[@JoePierceMaker]

I think you can still find them under a different name, I'm not sure though.

[@joelbrown4110]

Yo. What is up with the spam website links??

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thank you for bringing that to my attention. Back in 2020 when this video was posted the links were good. It appears the company no longer exists so I've taken those links down.

[@stevesoldwedel]

A Heritage semi-hollow that retails for 3K is also a plywood guitar. They don't make any pretense of it, either; they demonstrate it in their "making of" videos. The same is true of Gibson semi-hollows, the ancestors of the Heritage models. Plywood !== bad.

[@JoePierceMaker]

Good to know. I'm sure it's good maple plywood, or maybe it sounds better to call it a laminate top. The time and effort to actually carve a solid top would probably make it super expensive.

[@erniefern]

Joe Fuoco RockaBilly kzbin.info/www/bejne/fp-nfX6HgLuKbas

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks!

[@noreenebailey-treece7634]

You skipped the most important part i needed. The wiring. My kit almost identical guitar came with no instructions at all.

[@JoePierceMaker]

The wiring was a bit of a nightmare and I didn’t want to pass off any bad information.

[@timhallas4275]

It works something like this.. You buy a $200 diy guitar kit, and IF you do everything right, you will end up with a $150 guitar. It's a little bit like buying a jigsaw puzzle, putting it all together and hanging it on your wall as art.

[@JoePierceMaker]

I disagree, but thanks for your comment and for watching anyway.

[@bobmanners8624]

It's a learning experience, not an investment. Maybe a $150.00 guitar, but it's one you made yourself! It's a journey, not a destination, etc.

[@timhallas4275]

@@bobmanners8624 Kind of like the Christianity. It's a journey with no destination.

[@bobmanners8624]

@@timhallas4275 I like your analogy! Exactly.

[@jameslyons1661]

👍🏁😎

[@JoePierceMaker]

Yeah dude.

[@jullifus]

well.. you're recording both of them to hot.... so it's super distorted.. not in the good way.. so.. the pickups sound good until you start to rock out.. just gain it down before you record... but.. a beautiful guitar.

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks for the tips!

[@jakeritchie3805]

Nice guitar but the hardware on the cheap kits are terrible. There a must upgrade

[@JoePierceMaker]

Agreed, but for the price it is a great kit. You could say the same for most economy priced guitars. For example you can take a cheap squire, change out the hardware and electronics, do a proper set up, and have a super nice guitar.

[@erniefern]

Better to use Alcohol

[@JoePierceMaker]

Alcohol does have it's advantages.

[@gregmize01]

THE PROBLEM WITH YOU IS YOUR HIGH ENTERTAINMENT VALUE! 😜

[@JoePierceMaker]

Thanks!

[@perihelion7798]

HPL is NOT plywood. It is NOT made like plywood is made. It is a laminate. Gibson has used HPL for many decades in their lineup with the ES 335, the ES 175, The ES 125, etc. Nobody is calling those guitars 'plywood'.

[@JoePierceMaker]

I didn't know that, thanks for the info. I didn't mean any offence by using the term plywood, it's just the only term I knew at the time for it.

[@perihelion7798]

@@JoePierceMaker No prob. It's called HPL: High Pressure Laminate. I have a Gibson Zoot Suit SG [ NOT the clownburst! ] that is constructed with solid HPL; even the neck. You could drive railroad spikes with that guitar. HPL is very strong and stable.

[@JoePierceMaker]

Awesome, I'm working on an epiphone right now that is like that, which I also assumed was plywood since it is one of those that's maybe $100 brand new with a bolt on neck.

[@perihelion7798]

@@JoePierceMaker Thanks for your videos. I really like the very practical and truthful way that you do them.

[@frigglebiscuit7484]

HPL is just like OSB....but not chunks of wood. basically plywood. laminate is a fancy word for plywood.

[@w1zard0f0h]

That's the wrong bigsby.

[@JoePierceMaker]

You're the wrong Bigsby. (sorry, it's late and that's the best I got right now. Come back later and I'll give you a better ribbing if that's your thing)

[@w1zard0f0h]

@@JoePierceMaker They could at least use the correct style of bigsby. Instead you have all those holes drilled now.

[@laradresden5914]

But you are not really building - it's more assembly isn't it?

[@JoePierceMaker]

In this case, you'd have a point. But kits like this are a good step towards building a full guitar from scratch.

[@Skaarxiong1]

aw, it would have been funny if you said, 'prepare to fast forward.' like in Spaceballs.

[@JoePierceMaker]

HAHA, that would have been perfect! I'm going to use that in the future...

[@belenacerato9061]

Se oye muy desafinada esa guitarra

[@JoePierceMaker]

[translation: Yo, this sounds dope!!!] Thank you so much!