Building Parts vs Complete Guitars

Building parts is very different from building full guitars. In this video Aaron explains why.

[@robmitchell1985]

I love being able to pick and choose like a mad scientist and make something that no guitar company has in stock. Not to mention the fun of putting it all together.

[@copperaudio9664]

HaHa glad I'm not the only "Mad Scientist" trying new combos.

[@AnonymousBosch3158]

I expect after quarantine you keep doing these videos.

[@mbberry135]

Agreed.

[@onlyfromadistance7326]

I'm so grateful for Warmoth. I've built one guitar with them and have plans for at least two more. Beautiful craftsmanship and great service. I had MANY questions that they helped me with. Thank you Warmoth...

[@TheSpaceknightrom]

I've watched tons of your videos and everytime you say "keep on picking" it puts a smile on my face.

[@luther_beckett]

I assembled three Warmoths. Warmoth worked with me on and after the sale. Everything came out great. I learned a lot and now know I would make some changes from the last go. The experience taught me a lot about my preferences. No complaints, except one - neck joints. Warmoth could work out a much better neck joint - as an option for unfinished bodies and slowly bring them into the finished bodies inventory. Guarantee there would be many happy customers.

[@andrewsmith1520]

Love these quarantine videos Aaron! Thanks for putting them out.

[@LKtube1]

Thanks Aaron. We people with the bad case of G.A.S., which is probably all of us, can never get enough of chatting about guitar stuff!

[@mrnobodyinvr9762]

Aaron, your authenticity as a Person, shines such a good light on Warmoth. Thanks for always being such an honest and up front guy, never the sales man, just the presenter of the products, and the educator of the companies products and mission. You're rad bro, bought my First Warmoth neck in '88! Thanks.

[@ronammar5021]

Thanks for answering my question!! Loving my new Warmoth build and the assembly was half the fun. Best neck I’ve ever played.

[@stevenmgyori3826]

Well done, I never thought of it that way! Thanks for sharing brother! Be Well All!

[@timcarter1164]

Cool video. Nice little insight into how Warmoth thinks . Keep them coming, I'm sure we'll all keep watching them.

[@Riverdeepnwide]

Really well explained Aaron thanks man!

[@tommynoble3428]

You're the greatest, man. These videos are appointment viewing for my breaks as I work from home. And since you seem to be reading to these comments, I want to put two ideas at you that could possibly keep me from ever needing to buy from anyone else ever again: 1 - A Dinky-style S body - like the Anderson Pro-Am or Suhr Standard. 2 - Recessed or semi-recessed routing for the Gotoh 510. If you enact either or both of these, I won't ask for any royalties...but maybe a free body or two. ;)

[@timothybedwards5440]

Great presentation

[@edpack4390]

I sure love the two "conversion" necks I got from Warmoth. I hope those never get discontinued.

[@BenjaminWoods]

I definitely appreciate what you do. I buy lots of your Warmoth wide necks for my Nylocaster® Guitars (Nylon String S-Type guitar). Your necks are fantastic! Please continue, and I will continue to buy them! Thank you!

[@JohnnyArtPavlou]

Ben Woods, hey! 👋🏻

[@michaeldrevyankosr6180]

Arron, You forgot the most important aspect of selling completed guitars , customer satisfaction with the completed product, ie Kiesel ? You don’t really want to deal with all that. I was a quality Six Sigma engineer with one of the largest Companies in the world , it doesn’t matter how great the product or price is , people complain!🤓

[@toothace3]

Everyone's noticed he's changing the album covers on the wall, right? ;D

[@warmoth]

Every single day. I play 'em, you know. :)

[@johnmccormick8159]

Yes, and there will be a test on Friday.

[@antioche6276]

@@mystic1160 Since

[@LetzBeaFranque]

I keep looking for the bowl of green M&Ms.

[@Today_I_Want_To]

@@warmoth your better half doesn't enter in that room, for sure😜 things always changing places!

[@OutstandingBill1]

One of the best things about lockdown is that Aaron is making videos every day. Hey, Warmoth! Give this man free guitars!

[@uptopmikep7065]

Aaron, the only explanation you need to offer is “this is the business model we chose to follow. Our parts are made to fulfill the particular desires of our target market.” Thanks for all you do, and do so well.

[@larryseyer]

Thanks for sharing Aaron. BTW, I see Reaper... cool!

[@jazzybluesguitar4317]

Really helpful stuff. Thanks

[@Bret_Sanor]

Great explanation. An option you might be able to make is kits for assembly as a DIY build. Boxes can remain the same and no need for cases. Just a thought.

[@peterschaefer1665]

Thanks Aaron!

[@zosojstro]

You should build limited series “Aaron’s Picks”. Like 10-50 runs no cases just use gig bags. Your customers will be gigging these guitars.

[@333Lightspeed]

Hey Warmoth greetings to you guys. I ordered 1988 via "Gitarren Total" in Zürich the probably first shiped to switzerland "compound radius Kramer-style" Neck. Came back from the USA then and spoted ta small "ad" in a guitar magazin. Wanted to asemble a Baretta. The "shredder" is still alive. Great products. :-)

[@JohnnyArtPavlou]

The honesty is refreshing.

[@frantisca]

Hey Aaron, That's also why building its own guitar made of parts is really worth it. Not only can you choose what parts you are going to use, but you get at the end the equivalent of a CS instrument at a fraction of the price. The only thing you have to watch out for - besides compatibility - is the quality standard. And Warmoth is good at that ;-)

[@matthewgroff433]

Not always true regarding the price. LOL Depending on guitar style, which parts and what brand of parts are used, you may end up paying more for the guitar then buying a guitar already built. LOL But the best part of building your own guitar is you have the satisfaction of knowing YOU did it yourself! And No matter if it cost $100 or $5000 to build There is NO Other Guitar like it in the world! Why? Because YOU Built it! The only drawbacks with building your own guitar are: 1) Finding Quality Parts and knowing where to get them if you are a first time builder. 2) If you have limited knowledge and mess something up, there is no one to blame BUT yourself. LOL But sometimes that can make the instrument look cooler or even be a conversation piece. lol 3) Especially if you are a first time builder it can seem very daunting and be very frustrating at times during the build process. The Lessons I can apply from what I learned by building my own computer: Take YOUR Time, Enjoy the process, make sure you are doing everything right and if you start getting frustrated step away, take a break and come back to it later. If you are not sure about something do NOT be afraid to ask someone for help or watch some videos or read a book or articles on how to do it properly.

[@jfrankcarr]

Speaking of oddball stuff, I'm working on a project that combines a Danelectro neck with a Strat body I bought separately on EBay. I ordered the humbucker/mini-humbucker pickguard for it from Warmoth.

[@robbysguitars8223]

Keep making your awesome parts, my friend. Hoping to find a way to use your stuff in my garage workshop. My thing is finding neglected cheap but decent guitars and transforming them into players. I like your company and appreciate your model and want you guys to be around for a long time. I'm going shopping. Got any electronics to upgrade a squier? 😉 Carry on strong, y'all 🤙

[@brianmorse8811]

I built the coolest JazzStang using a Squir mustang a body and pick guard from Warmouth. it is a rocker!

[@madgeniusmusic]

Very insightful. Thanks, Aaron, and I hope you're well. Can you tell us all about your tea mug, please?

[@warmoth]

Clay in Motion. I love it.

[@madgeniusmusic]

@@warmoth It's pretty.

[@HighlineGuitars]

I always tell people to get all of the parts and materials together before you start cutting and drilling. Even though some manufacturers have specs and/or scale drawings of their products, you want to have them in hand before you start so you can measure them and verify they match what you're expecting. It used to drive me crazy when a bridge listed as having a string spread of 2.0625" is actually 2.125." I say it used to drive me crazy because I've learned to be patient and wait for the parts to arrive.

[@markrup6369]

Love your channel, too! By the way, thank you for teaching me how to do a spot fret level and end dressing. I've learned a TON from you.

[@richardmoore2003]

Good perspective

[@gunnslinger7774]

I used to be a fender strat loyalist.. Untill I got a Warmouth neck... I am however a classic strat headstock loyalist.. I did have to get over the fact that it didnt have a fender logo... Didnt take long.. My 200.00 showcase 12-16 compound radius modern construction neck is just fantastic... Probably the best strat I have ever played...

[@agentling1]

it also keeps a fair few luthiers/repair guys in work too, all around the world.

[@willman100]

Informative Video. Can you do a video about the Gotoh 510 bridge?

[@tobystrickland5986]

I'm curious if y'all are going to do other body styles in 7/8 scale?

[@glytch5]

Is there a video on something like what you will need to do to finish your guitar if you buy a custom beck and body? I know Warmouth can't ship the neck with the body, but they do test fit them. It sounds like your frets don't come leveled and crowned. It also sounds like tuners do not come installed. What else isn't done?

[@MANGA1968]

Nice

[@iHaveAHandle]

“We have no plans to offer completed guitars” he said as the 40th anniversary looms in the background! So very excited!

[@NateTheGreat308]

I have a question for ya for the next Q&A. Has Warmoth ever considered making 22 fret, 27.5” baritone conversion necks to add to baritone options?

[@GuitarJeff]

Oh man just realized your pumping out the vids. Got used to the one a month. Now I have a backlog. However thats quite OK. Always love when I see new vid from you. They are informative and relaxing i always learn something. So I look forward to new stuff. Question. I always thought you could still get a compete custom guitar from Warmoth? I never tried but always though you could at least get one fully assembled from the part you guys deal with. Am I wrong on that? Or is it you can get a complete guitar some assembly required.

[@michaelkennedy1117]

Warmoth is the best!! Build your custom guitar to your specks. That's what makes Warmoth the best!! Keep doing what you do!! Rock on!!

[@martinclayton7260]

When I the money, I'm going to order a build from you!

[@eddiejr540]

Aaron...why don’t you offer an assembly service...I could order all my parts and for a nominal fee Warmoth could put the guitar together for me...just a thought!!!

[@stringspicksandfiddlestick6388]

Find a local Luthier. I'm sure he or she would be happy to put a guitar together for you.

[@shaunw9270]

@@stringspicksandfiddlestick6388 That's what I was thinking. Although I am a competent engineer and should have no problems, I am sure my anxiety would go off the scale assembling a guitar with a quality £££ Warmoth body & neck, worrying I would fuck it up and waste money. Handing over the assembly & set up to a professional luthier ; there's no shame in it ! ✌️😉🎸

[@danschneider9921]

Because it would be a whole new layer to thier operation requiring space, people overhead and time, not to mention as he basically stated it could be a nightmare with logistics and people just throwing parts at them and expecting them to work. Blows my mind how many people in 2020 can't figure out how to use a drill and screwdriver. If its something that you don't want to tackle, fund a local guitar guy, they could use the business. But and I know this sounds arrogant, but take the time to learn and do it yourself, the satisfaction you get will be worth it

[@TheShrededward]

I would change that slightly to drilling the holes required to assemble the guitar. e.g. getting a body with all of the pickup guard screws pre-drilled so I don't have to bother with that. There was a time when they didn't even pre-drill the neck screws. They changed because it was killing resale prices. You couldn't buy a warmoth with the assurance that the e strings were going to actually be playable.

[@pharoid77]

I live a stones throw away from warmoth... like literally a half of a mile. It’s the ultimate tease to be right there but you can’t go in. If I do a build I’m going to see if I can walk up and get my parts, instead of waste time and money with shipping.

[@crimsonfiredotnet]

Live in Tacoma and asked them that very question. If I could come pickup my order when it was done. They never answered. So I guess shipping it is...

[@GalaxyStranger01]

I've often wondered why things like binding are only offered on certain necks. Like, I think, the Baritone neck doesn't allow binding.

[@davedupuis2069]

You changed the album jackets on your wall behind you...was that to see how many would notice or do you do that regularly?

[@markrup6369]

I think the reason folks want you to build guitars is they know the quality and VALUE coming out of your shop blows away anything coming from Fender or Gibson - custom shops included. I ordered my first Warmoth body back in 1993 - back when we had to use a paper catalog and the telephone!! I have since built 5 Warmoth guitars and you are sitting on the body right now for what will be my 6th (GET BACK TO WORK!!) The bodies are FLAWLESS, especially the finish. Absolutely flawless. So impressive. The necks are 95% -- I am a bit anal (ok, really anal) about my necks and so I always round over the fingerboard, do a spot level (usually only require touching 1 or 2 frets), round over the ends to an almost hemispherical finish, do a meticulous polish and then finish with Truoil -- things that Warmoth could absolutely do but add cost. I am happy to do it myself and extract that value for myself.

[@robertrockwell6996]

If you guys ever do a Mojotone-type workshop let us know. I'm sure a lot of people would sign up!

[@NormDPlume-mc5dh]

Does Warmoth make a body that works with a 80s G&L neck?

[@luisownerbr]

I actually have an arcade neck for a mother now and it works pretty good.

[@stevesoldwedel]

Johnny and the Mothers are playin' "Stompin' at the Savoy" in Vermont, tonight.

[@michelbehr]

@WarmothGuitarProducts you know what would be really cool? Guitar kits, especially ones including key tools to assembly and finish the guitar. I would definitely consider buying one of those from you guys.

[@warmoth]

Selling kits would violate our licensing agreement with Fender. We are allowed to sell parts only.

[@michelbehr]

Warmoth Guitar Products thank you for the reply!

[@grumhagen8385]

Who locally in Washington by Puyallup does fret leveling?

[@Mojoman57]

I agree 100% - keep your focus on parts, it's what you do best and people choose you for that. Besides, first you're building guitars, then all of a sudden you have your own branded headphones or some shit. Meanwhile the necks just ain't what they used to be. Know what I'm sayin?

[@hughmongous9729]

Hi Aaron at Warmoth! So you know how yous guys have a neck/headstock called the "Warmoth", ya? Any chance that you make a "Warmoth" body to go along with it? Yous knows, kinda like the "Nomad" body and neck, or the "Gecko" neck and body? And you could even put a turtle on the 12th fret!! Oh ya, and by the way, I want an Odin inlay available standard for the "Nomad" neck like the aforementioned "Gecko"... I'll even settle for Ghengis cuz he was nomadic too Ps- you guys hiring? I've got good ideas I swear!!

[@jyd59]

Aaron, please suggest to management to incorporate a micro-tilt adjustment option for the bodies and necks. Actually, make it standard. All the neck pockets are based upon Fender specs so how about it?

[@xsamitt]

I agree.....this is the reason i haven't built a guitar from them as of yet!!...i really want the micro tilt.....

[@jyd59]

@@chrispile3878 No, they don't suck Far from it. My Strat was transformed by a simple turn of a screw. They should be standard on necks that don't have a tilted headstock, like the Strat and Tele necks. And how inconvenient is something that you don't use if you don't want to?

[@jyd59]

@@chrispile3878 CBS era strats were awful, the 70s & 80's weren't exactly bellweather years, you're absolutely right. Those necks with 3 screws.....brrrrrrhhh. The best thing that happened to Fender was the creation of the Custom shop and build quality is certainly better than back in the 80's. My Strat was made in the late 90's and I love the micro tilt on mine. If Warmoth can recreate what Fender did on my axe it would be an improvement. Otherwise you buy the neck shims from Stewmac and take the guitar apart to shim the neck...a well designed micro tilt is a better option.

[@desvonbladet]

I admire the way people down here are insisting that Warmoth should build guitars because that's probably straightforward and non-disruptive. But when you build mine, I would like a set neck (it's just a bit of glue come on!) and I also want it strung with my choice of strings (I mean it's just an option!) plekked to within a micron of its life based on a humidity and altitude profile of my exotic homeland, and I would PREFER it to be in tune out of the box if that's not TOO much trouble, kthx

[@dawtrek1656]

Yes this was very helpful. BTW what DAW are you using in the background?

[@warmoth]

Reaper! :)

[@zanewilkins9548]

I build guitars as a hobby at Granite I've only got two and I'm working on my third one I would actually like to have a job billing them but the way I build them is I build them to match the next that I can buy because of the simple fact is that I do not have the equipment to make a neck for the guitar that I'm using but I make the bodies to match the next that's how I do my modifications to anything that I built you give me a knack I will give you a body credit yes it does take a little bit of time to design said body but what you get it in and dialed in to where it matches the neck that's why I would buy a replacement neck from you guys the only reason why I haven't bought one is because a lot of the stuff is too expensive to an extent and I prefer something said to me only thing I want done to the neck is the holes cut for the tuners and the slots cut for the frets and whatever inlays you're going to put in it I enjoy building guitars just wish I had the space to be able to build more by hand but you give me a neck I will give you a guitar but the majority of my parts will be ordered off Amazon

[@stringspicksandfiddlestick6388]

Can you do a video on the WGD body for us Dead Heads. I'll bet lots people don't know about this product.

[@alexshillo4574]

Are you going to do another Q&A?

[@Unchainedmaple888]

Not gonna lie, I'm gonna order both the body and neck from Warmoth and not replacing parts on a Fender, so it'd be cool if Warmoth would make proprietary Warmoth necks and bodies with a real ergonomic contour neck joint, spoke wheel truss rod, and other nice modern features so that you guys aren't so limited by Fender's standard specs. Basically in addition to replacement parts, it would be cool to be able to get modern Warmoth parts that are just Warmoth compatible or something like that.

[@rickyjones7282]

When this Covid19 situation is improved I will be putting together a Warmoth 7 string Floyd Rose equipped Telecaster body,24 frets & H,S,H pickup configuration (my favourite Bareknuckle pickups!!) because this isn't available anywhere else!!!!

[@ronanderson3821]

I'd love to know who makes your chair. Its hard to find a well-built one with fold up arms compatible with playing guitar.

[@warmoth]

I freaking love that chair. I bought at Staples. It was their house brand....the label on the chair just say "Staples".

[@danielhooper-jones7745]

I remember a while back you said Warmoth was working on a new website? Any update on that?

[@warmoth]

Like everything else in the world right now, it is has been temporarily delayed. :(

[@danielsgrunge]

Building is part of the process that bonds me to my axes

[@herrpepe1355]

Really like your products and service. However it’s too much money for me. Especially with the shipping to Europe

[@WayneMemphisMojo]

Absolutely my 1st stop when I need a pickguard ... 99% of the time it's also my last stop

[@christopherlafreniere7141]

Why Warmoth? Because sometimes you need a guitar that is yours and only yours. A guitar you can look at and smile every time you pick it up. A guitar that has all the features you want & doesn't cost $5,000 to get made!

[@ownlgn3762]

“When you’re building fully built guitars”

[@warmoth]

This message brought to you by the Department of Redundancy Department.

[@copperaudio9664]

"all these plates spinning" Aaron you must be older than you appear to know that reference. Warmoth is the only company that has such an extensive selection of body's and necks that fit the hardware the say they will and snap/bolt/screw together perfectly every time.

[@warmoth]

haha! I just turned 55. AARP wants me bad.

[@siwiaz5494]

Hey Aaron! I want to ask you, if Warmoth makes replacement necks for an elite Stratocaster? Greetings from Western Germany!

[@warmoth]

Nope. The Elites used a non-standard neck pocket.

[@siwiaz5494]

@@warmoth ah ok, I see. But thanks for your quick answer! :)

[@andresilva8444]

One thing I would like to see is Gecko having a guitar range.

[@tonepilot]

The insurance company with the cute lizard?

[@andresilva8444]

TonePilot Don’t know what that means. UK here.

[@tonepilot]

Andre Silva I don’t know what a Gecko is other than the lizard used for the mascot for an insurance company.

[@andresilva8444]

TonePilot Proprietary Warmoth bass line. With a Gecko inlaid with its front paws on the 12th fret. Look it up. We have a dog called Churchill for our insurance company. haha

[@tonepilot]

@@andresilva8444 Oh, lol. Thanks mate!

[@STRmw2]

before i watch this im going to guess the main difference is 'tolerance' :D

[@peanutbutterjelly7370]

Interoperability! That's why XRP is about to become the standard for settling payments digitally. Look into it. You're welcome.

[@daneph]

I build what I call “project “ guitars as a hobby sense I can no longer play due to a stroke. Frustrating when people say I’d rather spend a few hundred more and get a “real” guitar Umm no you should save a few hundred and get a better guitar with upgraded pickups, bridge, and tuners

[@curtislitchfield1378]

I always assumed that licensing was a big deal. Back when Gregg was the face of Warmoth on the unofficial forum, he would share some info about how that worked. (ie, how many necks Fender is allowed to randomly sample and keep to make sure you guys are keeping up with QC etc). I always figured it would go against your deal with Fender to sell fully completed guitars using their specs. Fender sells guitars, Warmoth sells parts, and that's the deal. Interested to know more about how all that works if you're allowed to talk about it. I find the business side of this as interesting as the guitars themselves. also. I'm just going to keep bugging you about it. I want to see a Bass 6. Show me show me show me.! :)

[@warmoth]

Our licensing agreement with Fender applies to four headstock shapes. That's the full scope of it. We can do anything we want with any of our other products.

[@curtislitchfield1378]

@@warmoth Nice. Too bad Gibson refused to fairly work with you guys. My W Les Paul is still the best LP I've ever played. Would love to build a baritone version. Why "play authentic" when other people make better versions of their own guitars.

[@windsurfmaui8239]

@@warmoth hello Aaron may I suggest a couple of topics for future videos. I would like to hear a tone comparison of a mahogany Strat with humbuckers body versus a mahogany Maple capped body. Is there really a difference? Does the maple give the maple capped tone an extra bite? Second, I would love to hear a video primarily on the Evo gold fretwire but maybe also in comparison to stainless steel. Does one sound warmer than the other? Thanks

[@shaunw9270]

When this Corona horror has gone away, I'm emigrating to the US . Aaron , gis a job mate ! 😁

[@a456987]

Are you guys gonna do set neck and/or neck through bodies

[@warmoth]

Nope, not any time soon.

[@CommercialForest]

I find this really fascinating. If a person with modest skills attempts an overly ambitious build using some Warmoth parts and it doesn’t turn out well, it’s a learning experience. If, instead that same builder attempts an overly ambitious modification using Warmoth parts on a Warmoth Guitar 🎸 you can bet he’s going to be looking to Aaron if it goes sideways - regardless of the reason.

[@wilhelmtheconquerer6214]

IF you start building complete guitars again, you should supply neck through, construction. Set necks are a thing of the past without the comforts of a neck-through or the practicality of a bolt-on. It's just the old school, in-between way of building guitars without any real benefit

[@123alm3]

Are you shipping to Israel?

[@james51453]

Arron, you're looking a little Steven Tyler gaunt...have a Burger King triple whopper with cheese for lunch a few times a week.

[@warmoth]

Don't make puke. :) When I'm not being a guitar god, I'm a long-distance runner. Gaunt is how we roll.

[@jeffreybuckingham3782]

That seemed to be sort of dismissive.

[@warmoth]

How so?

[@iOnRX9]

i made a modded jaguar with only warmoth parts!! and i am about to build a modded mustang!!