Building a Scalloped Neck SuperStrat! - This Thing SCREAMS!

[@jaybat4634]

While you were doing tone tests I loved that you were laughing a bit and smiling. It’s easy to tell you’re doing what you love

[@petertiffany8096]

Tip: When you drill into a finished body, put a piece of masking tape on the finish where you are going to drill. Greatly reduces the chances of cracking. Ask me how I know.

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

Peter Tiffany ☺

[@dylanzrim1011]

No

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

From experience 😣

[@j_freed]

You never go Full Relic.

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

Oh, yeah! It doesn’t take the drilling of very many holes in wood to learn this lesson! Another tip I’ve found useful is to tape the opposite side of pieces you’re drilling all the way through. It can help prevent “breakout” splinters on the far surface when the drill bit pops through. Even better: hold or clamp the body (or piece to be drilled) onto another flat piece of scrap wood. Taping it may *help* prevent breakout, but using a piece of wood to sort of “receive” the tip of the drill bit will guarantee a sharp-edged, clean hole, every time!

[@RC32Smiths01]

That has got to be one of your best achievements yet, and it's only the beginning of year man. Cheers, and this has only gotten me more excited for what's to come!

[@jamescoon7485]

Nice guitar. I've got a stratocaster. It came with two single coils and a humbucker. I Would like to change them out but not sure what ones to get. Love all your videos thanks . JC NY

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@nibla17 What can I say, I love music and guitar haha

[@warno406]

Do you sell these after the builds? New to your channel

[@scarmyguitar]

@@RC32Smiths01 That's right brother! Me Too!

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@scarmyguitar Yeah!

[@zac7959]

13:41 People who drive Honda Civics at 3am

[@dylanzrim1011]

John James don’t know any civics that sound like that. Maybe a wrx

[@dansands6363]

We’re only 10 days into the new year and this already wins comment of the year. Congrats.

[@j_freed]

Kids in Civics are to be hated.

[@nathanc6611]

*Honda CRX. Remember those?

[@randydueck889]

I was expecting LA Women (Doors) after all that.

[@franky-161]

that actually really inspires me to make one on my own

[@williamsmothers8830]

I have an '84 MIJ Squier Bullet Strat, loaded with Darkmoon pups/Obsidian Wire electronics and a '90 Indian Squier II Strat, loaded with Fender Custom Shop pups/Obsidian Wire electronics (toneblender circuit) because of your channel. Best decision ever! I also have a '18 Squier Deluxe, again because of your channel, bone stock. It really needs some setup work - I may get a Vegatrem while I'm at it. Your builds and enthusiasm are contagious - keep it up!

[@StephenGallacher]

Completely agree with you on the neck profile - I got an 80s Japanese 'contemporary' strat a few years ago and it's one of my favourite guitars to play.

[@dlewtweentorla1210]

Sweet Build! Still a fan of the 80s Fender's. Purchased my first New Guitar which was an 83 Stratocaster. Still plays great!! Concur the Necks are Great.... Also very underrated guitars. Nice build 👍 Enjoy my friend!

[@johnballs1352]

Any tips on long term guitar storage like that? I mean, how'd you keep the neck from warping etc?

[@dlewtweentorla1210]

@@johnballs1352 try and keep it stored in with proper amount of humidity. Always wipe down strings and guitar before putting away. Keep out of sunlight. If storing for any length of time. Set truss-rod in neutral position and drop tuning down a full step. Worked for me on a number of guitars. Folks forget to wipe down strings after playing. If you do, they'll last longer, sound better and have less of a tendency to corrode . Cheers

[@JohnBarrow1961]

The Obsidian products are really good. I re-wired a Squire Strat with some new pups and it was a snap, plus now it has higher quality pots and tone control for the bridge pickup.

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

Now I know how Mick Mars got that opening to Kickstart My Heart. Lol fabulous build and tones. You got a winner there

[@jason6string]

Love the way you document everything from sourcing to final thoughts. After watching your several builds, I have decided to build my very first full partscaster and your videos helped me a lot in sourcing all the parts! Who needs a Suhr when you have Darrell Braun Guitar?:D

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

This guitar is much easier to play on than I anticipated! VIDEO SECTIONS: 1. The Build 2. Dirty Tones - 13:28 3. One Minute Solo - 16:17 4. Clean Tones - 17:22 5. Final Thoughts - 18:29 Enjoy!

[@troyhenjamin1144]

Your a Pro Darrell, you'll have no problem with the scalloped frets. it sounds awesome.

[@jeronimomartinezfabregas]

Awesome stuff! I'm expecting to receive a new ultra cheap HSS strat within the next few days, if I mod it in the future I'll be looking at this video and others you've done as a guide for sure! At the moment I'll just be replacing the tuners for locking ones and butterfly string trees for rolling ones, maybe the rest of the hardware and PUs in the future. Thanks for putting this stuff up Darrell!

[@LeHeuZaHer]

What an absolutely stunning guitar!!

[@jeronimomartinezfabregas]

@RDE Lutherie Thanks for the warnings, I'll let you know how it goes. I've seen reviews about the guitar from atleast three or more different sources and despite being dirt cheap they were very positive and no, these guys weren't getting paid to speak well of the brand. It'll be my second guitar from the same company, I'm not expecting something extraordinarily great, but atleast a usable instrument that won't become absolute trash almost right away, and probably not after a few months either, as has been my experience with the other guitar I have (to say the least, since I am very happy with it, and I don't like buzzing frets or dead notes, don't have any thankfully). I just hope they don't send me a dud this time, which can always happen regardless of the brand or price point. Thanks for the advice in any case, I really appreciate it!

[@andrewharper1609]

Just a thought, most 80s super Strat style guitars had Floyd Rose double locking trem systems. Vegatrem is obviously less authentic to the period. Does sound great though.

[@MichaelTheLibertarian]

Darrell, while it takes more time, a hand-operated drill (like a Yankee Push Drill) will almost ensure you don't crack the finish, etc. when drilling your holes.

[@Arkie80]

Never built a guitar but I've built other stuff snd I totally feel you on the sweating bullets. Especially when you knowyou have essentially one try to get something right.

[@vwccrline]

The white knobs look great the contrast with the black pickguard pulls the colors together, a nice touch!

[@RussellSyx]

This thing is sick. I'd love to do a Warmoth strat build w/ a blank headstock and get my name custom engraved onto it, so it's kinda like "my brand" guitar

[@stevenpotter69]

Hey Darrell,great job on the Super Strat!!!!... you are spot on with that 80s sound.

[@jjdillon2007]

Warmoth bodies are second to none. They're excellent, however, anytime I've had to pair up a Warmoth body, with a Fender (USA) neck, I've always had to use a StewMac .025 full neck shim, to get the bridge saddles up high enough, to get a good tone, and keep the height adjustment screws, so they're not sticking out too much. I'm self-admittedly a Gibson guy, so I guess I want a bit more neck/body angle. Great build, Darrell. 👍

[@BarryPoogy]

The Most enjoyable tone test I've heard in a long time, especially 13:40.

[@peteharris556]

DBG...you've outdone yourself here. Thanks for the video.

[@svmatuza]

Just use an awl to make a mini dimple in the paint before you start to drill new holes, it will prevent the drill bit from wandering.

[@RoloTomasie]

Darrell, your build videos are probably my favorite YT content. Thanks!

[@davidpomella6786]

Darrell, Just a tip on securing your output jack; put a drop or 2 of Loctite thread -locker ( light Blue) (not the Green color fluid) on the threads before you put the nut on and that will keep the nut from coming loose from any vibration . and the nut can be easily removed if need arises to replace the output jack On the guitar it looks awesome and the flames on the HH's is a killer (love it) plus tone is really good on the bridge Humbucker. The guitar is like a Chevy Pickup Truck, everybody loves a red one.. Excellent choice on the Vega Trem and the Obsidian Electronics. Great start for 2020!

[@aditya1281]

13:41 i thought you were gonna play Kickstart my heart

[@jakes4670]

I was hoping but was sadly dissapointed

[@lutti7238]

Exactly what I thought, too 😎

[@scottjames5498]

I was thinking Montrose

[@sergioavila6232]

Me too 😂

[@xRepoUKx]

@@scottjames5498 Bad Motor Scooter FTW

[@d.smoke27]

“Unfortunately I’ve already started to “relic” the body” hahaha ain’t that the way it goes

[@jcoulter43]

Great video as always Darrell! I'm a child of the 80's and loved this build. Keep up the great work. God bless and rock on!

[@ziggylayneable]

I told you before in your last video, I've been playing a scalloped neck since I started playing guitar 30 some-odd years ago. I like them so much I have a hard time playing a non scalloped fingerboard. It's pretty much all I've ever known. Playing one that is not scalloped took me a lot of time to get used to.

[@rustydodge6167]

Fantastic Job DARRELL! Just Beautiful! 🎸🤘🎸

[@LD-qj2te]

I like the new studio ! Looks great

[@shaynejoseph1527]

Ok I take back what I said in the previous video. Those pickups are freaking incredible and this build.... This should be a production build. Love it.

[@tizwicky]

Great build! Pickups sound awesome and I love the Vega UltraTrem bridge!

[@lourinho]

Feel a bit speechless... what a great review and what a fantastic guitar with beautifull tones. I showed this video to a friend at work and now e also wants to start to learn about guitars. I think that every videos of yours can motivate enough for others to want to start with guitars as well! Thank you!

[@davidkenworthy2403]

Next thing that strat needs is a "Flux Capacitor" Doc Brown's "Flux Capacitor" would take that guitar to another dimension or at least back to the late 80s!

[@tarunkumaar625]

I actually just watched the whole series for the first time yesterday, what a coincidence.

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

It’s true: with Doc Brown’s Flux Capacitor installed, when that thing hits 88 notes per second, you’re gonna see some serious ssshhhhhhhhiiii...!!!

[@tarunkumaar625]

@@jamesthe-doctor8981 Too bad we'd need Yngwie around to operate it all the time.

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

Tarun Kumaar true, I’m told he used to be insufferable, but has calmed down quite a lot. But the thing is, I don’t care to find out one way or another.

[@IanRMcAllister]

Love this build. Taking a single major component - in this case a neck - and interpreting it into a real and approriate instrument, which you got very right musically and visually - Thank You, really inspiring. I guess from adding the costs up, the total build was was around or above $1500USD. But compared to a custom build from Fender, to get actually what you specifically want = great value. One thought .... on my partscasters recently, I have been getting the (plain) metal neck plate engraved. Yes you used Fender components, but adding just simple details like your name and a date, personally I found have nicely closes the build phase of every new build/rebuild guitar. Good Luck!

[@ITZTHEBEATLES4221]

Okay, I’ve been following and watching your channel for the past 2 months; it’s inspired my poor-ass to get a squire and deck it out with high end parts at cheap prices. The build is amazing for me and I couldn’t be happier. But dude... i gotta say, you got a lot of skill with that demo 👀👀👀

[@Chord_The_Seeker]

It’s nice to hear some more of your playing. You can really shred!

[@jadmcgregor]

That smile on your face... Awesome!! I was smiling too!! So Cool!!!

[@shayneswenson]

You and I have tastes in guitars/parts that are miles apart. That being said, your videos are awesome and I always enjoy your pleasant attitude and demeanor

[@pressonc]

Excellent classic DBG material. Keep this stuff coming.

[@charleshobson2220]

I just wanted to say thank you for such an Awesome channel on here and that your an inspiration to me as an Awesome player!! Your guitar builds and upgrades that you do are so phenomenal and inspiring to me!! Thank you so much Darrell

[@daniilkoubaa]

Reminds me of a mix of Kickstart my heart, eruption, you really got me😂😂😂

[@eduardorodriguez4899]

That vega trem seems to work amazing, i want one

[@TheRealFrankWizza]

A nice addition to that guitar would be the ESP arming adjuster. It will keep your other strings in tune when you bend because you can make the trem springs really tight while keeping the float.

[@kderinoglu]

Another great video. You never surprise Darrell. It was amazing to watch you rocking with all the gain pumped up to the max. Used to seeing you playing bluesy stuff, which is also amazing. I was wondering if you could do a review video on Crafter Cruiser / Cruzer guitars. I found one used in Turkey for about 35 US dollars. Sounds amazing, neck feels great. It's a low end guitar with very good tones. I don't know if you can find one in Canada but if you can, please review it on your channel for sooo many players using that guitar. Lots of respect and cheers from Turkey. You ROCK!!!

[@bambambamVB3]

The smile on your face around 13:50 ish is PRICELESS! Way to go bro!!

[@Otize1]

Damn! Those pickups sound amazing

[@shubniggurath6464]

Strandberg and Aristides, Darrell. I really wish you could demo some of those, you are one of the most objective and entertaining reviewers on KZbin, would love your take.

[@visualdarkness]

That thing is stunning and we can all see the joy you are feeling playing it!

[@outsiderdf]

16:18 sounded like a Mega Man stage 😂

[@choreuviz]

outsiderdf Run Doctor Wily, run...

[@km_studios]

@@choreuviz No, no, this sounds like the X series! Specifically the opening level of Mega Man X1

[@rayschoch5882]

Looks like you had just about as much fun as you anticipated when the parts arrived. I agree about the neck - a little tricky, but not as much trouble as you anticipated, and the guitar looks great. Well done!

[@leightnite3056]

Fantastic job! Possibly the best sounding guitar I've heard you play!

[@stevebadachmusic]

it's not just obsidian. I built a warmoth strat with a warmoth pickguard, with just regular CTS pots and still had to do a bit of carving to get that tone pot to fit.

[@froggore52]

Darrell, this is one of the best builds you've done. What a fun guitar!

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

A couple of things some folks may or may not find helpful and/or useful... or not: First, waaaaaaay back in the day (sometime back in the mid-70s,) somebody who was writing one of the monthly articles for Guitar Player Magazine mentioned that because the Strat’s output jack is recessed, he often had difficulty removing and inserting the cable quickly while swapping guitars during live shows. Not that it’s a particularly hard task to accomplish at home or rehearsals, just that he sometimes ruined cables while yanking frantically on them before trading one guitar off to his roadie in exchange for the next one. His solution was to invert the mounting plate so that it stands up above the top, instead of being recessed into it. Even after nearly 56 years of playing guitar I’m still not famous and have no insanely pressing need to “hot swap” axes between playing my 20 Top Ten hits for my adoring fans, so it wasn’t a problem for me then or now. However, I did try it for a short while to see if there was much benefit. I suppose it could be helpful to some players, but anyone who places a lot of importance on the “look” of their Strat-style guitar may have the one drawback he also mentioned: the reverse side of the output jack mounting plate of most Strats aren’t usually as smooth and shiny as the factory installed side. Most gold plated ones tend to look pretty good, but a lot of the chrome ones aren’t even very shiny, sometimes. If you think it’s for you, try it! Second: Whenever I drill multiple holes into something that MUST NOT MOVE until ALL of the holes are drilled, I can usually count on it moving at some point - even sometimes when I have it well taped down with painters tape. To avoid that, I first tape the (let’s say it’s a pickguard not unlike the one for which you drilled holes in this video,) pickguard down. Then I plan to drill the first two holes which are physically located furthest apart, and sort of “diagonally opposed,” in a way. In the case of this scalloped Strat’s guard, it would be the hole at the far end of the control cavity by the rearmost pot, along with the hole at the bass side of the neck pocket. Actually, any two holes on opposite sides of the pickguard will do. I’ll drill one or the other first, then, before drilling the second hole, I would insert a screw into the first hole and screw It down, just snug, and enough to prevent the pickguard from sliding around. Let’s say I selected and drilled the hole for the one by the neck pocket, and screwed It down nice and snug. Next, while holding the pickguard down firmly, even though it’s still taped down too, I’ll make sure the alignment is correct, then drill the second hole at the one where the pickguard covers the control cavity, at the very end of the rounded “tail” of the pickguard. At this point, the two screws are more or less at the top right and bottom left holes, with both tightened snugly. From there, it’s a simple matter to drill the rest of the holes, either inserting screws as I go, or just drilling them all, since the two I chose first should hold the pickguard firmly in place while I finish drilling the rest. However, with my luck the way it is, I’d keep inserting them as I go - I need all the help I can get! 😂 I know this is a pretty long comment, bordering on *excessively* long in some opinions, but when I make suggestions in public about modifying what can easily be the prized possessions of a LOT of people, I try to be as thorough as possible. If you’ve made it this far, I hope you found at least one of these to be helpful or useful. Cheers!!

[@TheAndostro]

13:41 plays 80's style strat 1st thing that you did kickstart my heart style tremolo thing :D

[@thaddeusproshansky5389]

Darrell. That guitar sounds great. I have never played a scalloped guitar fret board. I like all of the electronics that you put in the guitar. I make one. Tad.

[@trevlocke1962]

Awesome video as always mate, and love that guitar

[@robertiboy7315]

The star of the video was definitely the Vega trem. No locking nut installed yet and it still held tune! 👍🏻

[@TheRealKirkHammett]

Prior to this I wasn't a subscriber, but this is exactly the kind of cool stuff I love. I am thinking of doing this same thing. I have always wanted a YJM strat, just don't want to spend the dough. I might make my own.

[@electroKrunch]

Thanks again, Darrell!! Good info!

[@awo1fman]

WOW! That guitar is amazing! The tones blow me away! I want one with that exact pickup, electronics and tremolo. I would go for a different color scheme and don't need the scalloped neck, but other than that it's awesome! I'm gonna bookmark this and I may upgrade my Strat with that pickguard setup and trem.

[@darrenwoolley51]

Always got a huge smile while talking... Onya Darrell

[@dylanadams1455]

Love the idea of a floating trem in a standard sized cavity. Makes me think even I could do this build!

[@74dartman13]

Never played a scalloped neck before. If I get the chance, I'm gonna try one. Looks cool, for sure!👍😎🎸🎶

[@QQwert1988]

It's sound like a custom shop strat. In my opinion it is your best built so far. Greetings from Poland!

[@markod442]

Darrell you are the worlds nicest man !!! A hell of a guitar player and I really enjoy your channel !!! One of my Favorites for sure

[@swede7160]

Great looking strat!Very Brad Gillis to me.A tip from me would be to screw down pickuguard after neck is centered with tremolo and strings.That way you can do small adjustments at the end for tremolofit and strings over polepieces.

[@doublebguitarplayer9434]

Beautiful build. Awesome axe. Makes me wanna build one. Keep it up.

[@iaingammie1799]

Looks great, sounds amazing. Great build!

[@garrettendi]

That Vega trem is perfect....Might upgrade my guitar at some point!

[@kevinsullivanTCR]

I love the custom logo on the Humbuckers! 🙂

[@alanleemaxwell831]

Awesome build!!!

[@cenkocenk]

vega trem is incredible bro

[@carlbaumeister3439]

Love it! Looks great, bridge humbucker a monster, VegaTrem the best trem ever. Cool neck, Mr Malmsteen!

[@hairnation68]

I think you’ll have massive fun with it. Loved the two vids. Thanks for showing this. Now I want to build one.

[@k_alex]

Sounds and looks great!

[@AndyPanda9]

I always enjoy your videos! Tip for you when doing a build, rub the screw threads on a bar of soap (or wax) before you turn screws into a freshly drilled body.

[@joshuahauser9050]

When Darrel started playing clean, I was half expecting Hot for Teacher where Eddie Van Halen switches off the gain and does those little bluesy licks. Awesome as always Darrel!

[@Malum09]

Beautiful Guitar, the pickups cover is a nice touch

[@AndrewKahnn]

Sounds awesome brother!

[@jasong546]

Another great build, really fun, nice job!

[@veizour]

In instruction - Darrell: "Screw everything down" In practice - Me: "Screw everything up"

[@darvinclement3250]

Looks and sounds awesome! I have a super strat with a Warmouth body slowly taking shape. Thanks for this video and ideas.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Good luck with your build!

[@pbasswil]

Thanks for doing a minute of clean tones, even if this is not a guitar you'd necessary choose to play clean. :^) It's always appreciated!

[@picksalot1]

Great looking and sounding guitar. I don't have a Vega Trem, but I use only 2 springs as well. I much prefer the softer feel, and I don't have any trem tuning issues with that setup. Perfect way to start the New Year with a red hot Strat. Congrats on the cool build!

[@jescocom1]

A trick I use when drilling holes in a top, especially if it is finished is to tape over the place you're drilling first. You still need to be careful while drilling but the tape helps protect the finish.

[@ArtAlienTV]

I use an old manual hand drill for the small holes - less stressful 😊👍

[@jacoblee2118]

Good deal man a beast. Kizzyjo

[@denniswalsh8476]

I sweat it too. I use drills with the 1/4" hex drive end and a small, battery pistol screwdriver set on "slow".

[@bretthackett4124]

What a beast! Wow!! Congrats!

[@LeHeuZaHer]

That feeling of fear any time you need to take a drill to your guitar is a fear like no other! I just installed new strap locks and the screws were longer and wider than the stock ones, so I needed to drill out the original holes, and I was sweating from start to finish 😂

[@thomassblaquelourde9298]

Darrel I never have commented before but about 1.5 years ago I started rebuilding some guitars'- I have relied on your input a lot. I have learned a lot and though I don't play much anymore I believe that guitars changed the world. You are like a friend and this was fun. I got an 1987 Squire I think I might scallop the neck- may be you might show us how?

[@coopw101]

Dude what a beautiful guitar. Peace love and blessings from Alberta.

[@piranhakeet]

Great video, so much fun to watch. Vega trem looks awesome.

[@michaelconnerlone5668]

It turned out great, the color is amazing, and the Vega trem is really good, nice one Darrell

[@GuitarOverdrive]

Somehow, it is comforting to hear that after all your builds, you are also still nervous about drilling into the body. That said, the guitar looks and sounds great! My only critique is that the red flames on white background kind of makes me think Guy Fieri. 😁

[@ryker6richard]

Nice demo, liked everything, Specially the whammy bar.

[@blkjckgtr3075]

Nice build Darrell,very neat and sodderless wiring to boot never seen the Vega trem interesting sounds killer and great playing,Cheers fellow Canuck.

[@ducamuk]

Great video. I’m really digging the sound of those pickups.

[@gp85hkg]

Last night I was watching your floating trem set-up video, whilst setting up my Marshall Rocket Deluxe, and you said that you really should use a minimum of three or four springs...and here you have two (".)

[@Cerberus4982]

No offense to your other videos (I watch them all) but I love the build series the best. Very enjoyable to watch

[@louiehamel7675]

That’s awesome!!! These builds keep getting better and better, and they’re my favorite ones to watch. Keep on keepin’ on man!