Cheap Chinese Explorer: Build it Yourself Guitar Kit

[@idealmethod]

I know how to fix your guitar, nice paint/stain job! Dont fix the neck, too hard a job, instead remove the bridge components and fill in the holes with dowel. stain,oil, then redrill the holes in the new position to fix the string placement issuse (3mm to the left) far eaisier than removing the neck. Work out wether you want to lower height of the bridge, you can lower the bridge more when you redrill the new holes for the bridge components. The staining and oiling will take the most amount of time, filling and drilling the holes 30 mins. that takes care of string placement and height. Adjust pickup cavity accordingly also 3ish mm to the left! hope this helps! great video!

[@Giant_Guitars]

That definitely helps and you're 100% right, a lot easier than neck off and repair. I appreciate it 🙏

[@Cannibal_Actual]

That’s what I was thinking also

[@idealmethod]

@@Cannibal_Actual i am waiting on the video!

[@BigSunn0]

it's not over mang, you can fix it

[@barflin]

That'd be a whole lot less of a headache that's for sure.

[@InReserveProductions]

I keep seeing these kits and think about trying them, but then i remember I don't have the patience. I'm sure glad someone else does though.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Haha you're right, although I almost didn't have the patience for this one a few times.

[@Tehstroyer]

Heh. Bought a HB strat kit a while ago. Sure, assembled it. Even shaped the headstock, if a bit sloppily. Now, finish? Maybe one day, lol.

[@Giant_Guitars]

@@Tehstroyer do it 😁

[@Tehstroyer]

@@Giant_Guitars Need to borrow a router and route for a bridge humbucker first, since that was the plan. That and summer's over. You think spraying in the fall weather makes any sense?

[@EbonyPope]

@@Giant_Guitars You should have first checked with some dental floss how the strings would align if assembled. That is why I do that always first. That way you can just send it back. It's also some no name... Harley Benton makes some really decent kits. They at least almost always get the main things right. Frets can be an issue though but these things are there to tinker with them anyway so that wouldn't bother me.

[@jamesoniris2647]

The red dye you used looks MARVELOUS!!!

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thanks bud.

[@EbonyPope]

@@Giant_Guitars You should have first checked with some dental floss how the strings would align if assembled. That is why I do that always first. That way you can just send it back. It's also some no name... Harley Benton makes some really decent kits. They at least almost always get the main things right. Frets can be an issue though but these things are there to tinker with them anyway so that wouldn't bother me.

[@FuReLevyy]

Make the hardware and pickguard black for sure, was the exact thought I was having. Also wouldnt mind see this guitar more often.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Appreciate it. I think I will go all black on it 👌

[@cocoloco71]

If you top wrap your strings (put your string in backwards, then wrap it over the top of the tailpiece), you lessen the angle from your tailpiece to your bridge. Not only can you get more sustain, but you'll also save a fortune on strings. Another tip from Billy and Elwood was to keep the ball of the broken string and slide it down the new string. It keeps the string winding under the tailpiece. You'll never break a string again. Check out The Music City Bridge. Pricey but seriously worth it. Don't be so hard on yourself. Set necks are always hit-and-miss. The guitar looks great. Music City might even have wee adapters with grub screws to address your string alignment.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thanks bud, some very helpful tips here that I'm going to do for sure! I appreciate it all 🙏

[@TommyFitzwho]

I swear that you unintentionally made an ASMR channel for woodworkers and guitar builders hahaha. Freaking amazing work man! I feel like I want to start working more projects when I watch these vids.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Haha thanks Tommy, yeah I was actually thinking of doing a couple of complete ASMR build videos with zero talking!

[@TommyFitzwho]

@@Giant_Guitars I mean... honestly I appreciate the talking through because it helps me understand how to do these things. The strat builds you did a while ago actually got me to repaint a tele that I had, so I like knowing what you're doing too but I would totally watch these hahahaha.

[@Giant_Guitars]

@@TommyFitzwho good to know, thank you! I'll definitely not replace my usual videos with them but maybe the odd one?

[@TommyFitzwho]

@@Giant_Guitars Also... I want to see what you do to get rid of the fret buzz. I struggle fixing this a lot of the time. So... just my feedback... I'd like to see how you get it playing without the fret buzz.

[@Giant_Guitars]

@@TommyFitzwho no worries, easy fix once I find my tools lol

[@TheBoabby50]

Good job. I would be interested in seing your correction procedures, particularly the neck realignment🙂

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thanks bud I've had lots of suggestions from comments so I'll have a few things to try out!

[@ianhoyt2638]

I definately want too see more of this guitar. It's too cool to fix off camera!!

[@Giant_Guitars]

Haha fair enough and thank you mate

[@Extra.Garlic]

I had one of these 10 years ago was painted slime green. It actually played nice. I got lucky maybe. Frets were good.

[@guitarsbymetaljay]

I've built several kit guitars one thing to remember is that the nut hardware and pickups are garbage but if you put in the time and a little extra money you can build a helluva guitar

[@markbailey2374]

Looks smart. You have the bridge upside down mate, spin it around it may make a difference. Always finish it, something to be proud of. Well done.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thank you Mark, I'll look into that, never even thought about that! Appreciate it 🙂

[@normbarrows2]

With glue-in necks you really only get one shot at getting the neck alignment (left to right) and neck break angle correct. I've converted set-neck kits to bolt-on, but never after gluing. The other option to re-setting the neck is to relocate the bridge (recessed in the body slightly and moved towards the bass side). Pull the post inserts - plug the holes with wood - route the recess to lower the bridge - redrill post holes and reassemble. I love the burst, but not the pickguard. I would relocate the bridge, put in a quadrail, roller T-O-M, locknut, and locking tuners, level frets as needed, change the pickguard, and give it many more coats of true-oil. You didn't mess it up bad enough that you can't still make it a great guitar. That burst deserves a better life than hanging on the wall as a fail.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thanks bud and yeah you're probably right, moving the bridge may be the best option here. Thanks for your comments 😊

[@tonyrobbins1665]

That thing is fantastically BEAUTIFUL !!!

[@Giant_Guitars]

Well thank you 🙏😊

[@iamdavymarquez]

Really nice guitar! Love the paintjob and the pickguard, really nice touch. Personally I've put a metal knob to suit the overall theme of the guitar. And the black painted metal pickguard with all black hardware is going to look awesome! I'd like to see you work further on this build so please consider uploading follow up videos! So glad to see you again doing awesome builds! I've missed your videos. Can't wait to see your new series and the coming builds!

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thank you very much Davy I appreciate that. You're 100% right about a metal knob! And I'll definitely do some more videos on this one.

[@stewartmitchell8007]

For this project could you drill the tunamatic holds out a tiny bit to move it over slightly for string alignment. Not perfect but will work.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thanks bud that's definitely one option that I hadn't thought of! Appreciate it!

[@eddiejr540]

That’s what I was thinking…move the bridge and tailpiece 👍

[@Petedang]

I got a pango music explorer kit last year. The kit was really good. No issues with neck alignment at all. Still needed a level and a crown etc. i replaced all of the hardware and im really happy with the finished guitar

[@Giant_Guitars]

That sounds awesome, I'll look up Pango now

[@TheGuitarCurator]

That grain pattern looks great! You were right to do the burst as well. Good to know about the neck on those kits though. I'm thinking about doing a Les Paul style kit which has a glue-in neck. I'll be sure to check how the neck fits prior to gluing it in. I'd love to see you upgrade the hardware (your black idea is great), but I also think it's also the perfect candidate for learning to do a neck reset. I'd love to see more videos about this guitar.

[@Giant_Guitars]

@@TheGuitarCurator thanks mate I appreciate it a lot 🙂 I have an idea with a PRS that I want to do but that requires a neck removal but I'm too scared so I've been looking an excuse to do one haha

[@Lordbaccus]

Video just Started & I give you 10+ points for having a link to the Kit

[@Giant_Guitars]

@@Lordbaccus thanks bud 🙏 hope you enjoy

[@jestermh]

this guitar LOOKS amazing, I would love to see a follow up video on it and see it super playable, maybe split the humbucker to make it have at least another feature. I just hope your able to get the neck off to shim it and set it a bit better.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thanks bud, I'll definitely be doing a follow up on it!

[@Pebblebass]

Great video, the burst came our better than I thought, I love the back of the neck. I'd love see more of this guitar get fixed because that string alignment is gonna give me nightmares. Also Hetfield would approve.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thank you, me too! And yeah I need to sort that haha I've had a lot of great ideas from commenters so I've plenty to try out now 😁

[@beauedwards5572]

It looks great! You'll have it up to pro- level in no time!

[@Giant_Guitars]

I hope so!

[@randywissler9923]

I love the color design. Never been a big fan of the "diamond plate" guitar picks on guitars, but if you like it, thats all that matters.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thanks mate 😁

[@eddiejr540]

Dude…that hand stain burst came out really good…well done👍

[@Giant_Guitars]

@@eddiejr540 thanks, I think it's a bit weak in some spots but that might have been from the truoil rubbing it off a bit on application

[@grantkelly2751]

I love what you did with the stain on the neck

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thanks, it's one of my favourite parts too

[@quru1]

When you first cut out that diamond plate pickguard I was a little skeptical, but man, it turned out pretty fierce looking! Now to get it playable!

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thanks bud, I'll try 🙂

[@MangaJosh]

This has probably been said before but if not, telling the pickups apart, the wires always on the right side because that where the holes to run the wires in the guitar, in the right side of the pickup cavity that’s been drilled out. Hold your pickups so the wires are on the right side of the pickup and if the pole pieces are on bottom it’s bridge and top is neck.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Ahhh yess this makes total sense 🙂 thanks bud I appreciate it

[@rexnargaroth666]

wow, this one is a killer. if that could be a mass production model, i'll definitely get one for myself.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thank you mate, I appreciate that. It will be a weapon when I finish it for sure!

[@lxnko]

He's back with the guitars! Nice video :)

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thanks bud

[@michaelashleymusic]

I work at the Gibson Custom Shop and I am an Explorer guy! I enjoyed your video especially the staining part. That guitar is sexy! Too bad about the buzzing but nothing a little more love can't fix. 🤘

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thanks so much Michael and wow what an awesome job that must be. Welcome to the channel and thank you for stopping by.

[@ivandee4011]

It is SOOO easy to miss the dreaded grounding wire! I've done it myself as well! LOL! Nice job overall!

[@Giant_Guitars]

Lol every time I do it!! And thanks bud

[@BillyTheKidsGhost]

You can remove the slots on the bridge saddles to re-align the strings away from the edge of the fretboard. Gibson cuts the slots into the bridge themselves for this very reason.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Yeah I hadn't even thought of this, thank you mate

[@19LB07]

Guitar looks great, would definitely like to see more! I’ve considered a kit build myself a few times so, as someone who’s never done anything like this before, it was good to see the process 👌🏼

[@Giant_Guitars]

Do one for sure, it's one of the best ways to start. I'd highly recommend the Thomann / Harley Benton kits!

[@19LB07]

@@Giant_Guitars ah sweet I’ll check those out, thanks! 🙌🏻

[@marksiniard9731]

I love how it looks. I think it turned out perfect.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thank you!

[@oldasrocks9121]

Bridge body anchors without the flange might get you enough drop for your bridge. There's a furniture makers method for grain filling that works really well on mahogany: after your stain seal the body with shellac, Then you do the same you'd do for French polish but include pumice (a particular sort, fine wood working supply can sort you out.) The pumice basically sands the body and combined with the shellac on your polish pad fills the open pores. You do it as many times as you need to be satisfied but you can go to a level that's like a spendy dining table surface, very glassy. After I usually hand rub lacquer thinned 50-50, 6-10 coats. I wait to sand until I've got as much on as I want but quite often end up buffing it without sanding. I use the cheap foam wheel buffing kits that chuck in a drill and Meguiars car polishes. Neck as well. No spraying!

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thanks bud for both those tips, I appreciate that!!

[@oldasrocks9121]

@@Giant_Guitars Classical guitar luthiers use that grain filling method quite often, there are a few videos here as I recall

[@Giant_Guitars]

@@oldasrocks9121 I'm on it, thanks will search for and watch a few tonight!

[@Furiora]

I know what that hole's for: a sustainer, and nothing else! XD Even before i looked in the comments and the discription, I winced at that glue up. "That looks straight" my mind went in horror. Ah yes, the classic checker plate look. Never really been a huge fan myself, but I can't deny it's popular. Personally I'd have tried to use it as the pickup surround as well for a cleaner look, but that's me. PUPPER! big ol' pupper. There's an art to pushing and pulling the pigments of stains, and that burst came out really well. Really interesting grain structure too, almost looks like waves across the body. I predict it wasn't intended when they cut the body out, but the angle it's ended up at is very pleasing to the eye. A very happy accident. what the... how did that even break?! another point for Floyd rose supremacy: easy to install the ground wire if you forgot (memeing, of course) What is that nut hight?! They think this was for slide?! If you want a little more adjustment without taking the neck off, you could recess the bridge posts so that the top of the screw sits flush with the body, rather then the bottom, will at least give you a couple of extra mil. It's certainly a fixable project I would think, if nothing else it looks pretty cool.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Yeah it was silly to do but I also wanted to show that you can't glue these kits without the measurements and for a lot of people who've never done one that's exactly what they do. Thanks again for the comment mate and the tips on the bridge etc, I'm definitely going to try a few things before resorting to separating the neck from the body!

[@shiftystylin]

It looks great mate. I'd be keen to see how you adjust the alignment issue. I have a Strat with quite a few issues, and that's one of them.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Bolt on? That might be easier to fix than you think, I've done it before on bolt ons. DM me on Instagram if you want and I'll throw you some tips.

[@ertyuiiknbvcx]

You could move the bridge and humbucker slightly instead perhaps to align them to the neck instead of aligning the neck to those? Like 2-3mm should do.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Yeah you're definitely on to something there, probably the easier move. Thank you 🙏

[@balladofthemightyi]

Love to see more of this one!! Hope you’re doing well with the move too :)

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thanks bud, appreciate it 🙂

[@bygraceiamsaved5088]

Love the video. Thanks for sharing. Definitely want to see more. Learned a good bit as well. The black hardware will be nice.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thank you mate, I appreciate the comment ☺️

[@jqojsi3529]

Really liked the build! Loved the new video format too though

[@Giant_Guitars]

Appreciate that mate thank you

[@jbrad9040]

You did an awesome job making a china guitar kit as best it can be right out of the box, Nice Job Mate!

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thanks bud

[@Snivic-music]

you could also recess the bridge, i have done that before as well

[@Giant_Guitars]

That's true! Thanks bud

[@robphillips8351]

Your finish looks killer, think I'll do something similar on a tele build 👍👍

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thank you mate, good luck with yours!

[@nissesguitars]

Love the way the guitar turned out! Would a new nut maybe help with the string-alignment?

[@Giant_Guitars]

@@nissesguitars yeah possibly bud I think that could correct it some!

[@blackhatjester]

At 32:12 it looks like the problem is also the position of the bridge, it's off-center compared to the pickup pole pieces. The nut is also off-center a bit. If you plug the holes of the bridge and redrill at the correct position plus use a new nut, you might be good. I like the guitar build videos, keep it up! 🤟

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thanks, I was so focused on the neck that I've missed all of this! I'll check it out tomorrow evening ☺️

[@blackhatjester]

@@Giant_Guitars no problem, it could be that the neck causes this misalignment too, but it seemed to me a bit too much to be only from the neck. Anyway, just another idea to check out. 👍

[@Giant_Guitars]

@@blackhatjester 100% mate

[@clintthompson8256]

@@Giant_Guitars right. check to see if the strings line up over the pole pieces. I just had this same issue with (a thankfully bolt neck) guitar where the bridge was about 1-2 mm off which made it look like the neck was at the wrong angle from the centerline.

[@Giant_Guitars]

@@clintthompson8256 I'll do just that, thank you!

[@Gerry-cg6kr]

Glad to here you like guyker tuner. Just bought some.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Yeah for the money they're great

[@MarcCarriage121]

Wow, the body looks awesome. Very nicely done all around. Beautiful 🎸 guitar. My only thing is I think you forgot the ground wire to the bridge cavity.

[@Giant_Guitars]

I know haha although did I not say that in the video? And I had to go back and do it. Maybe I cut that out I can't remember but yes I literally always forget and then have to go back when I'm doing the wiring.

[@MarcCarriage121]

@@Giant_Guitars yeah , you did say it in the video but I hadn't got to that part when I made my text. I am a kit guitar and the first thing I did was wait for the best time to do it and plan out all my moves and purchase needs for everything and write out a list and a work journal. I know your busy . Good luck to you .

[@Giant_Guitars]

@@MarcCarriage121 that's the ideal way, I'm a bit more chaotic haha

[@thomassloan5462]

So glad you’re back - just found you recently and have been binge watching all your guitar content!! Got another around 40 mins to enjoy🙀🙀 Hope you’ve been doing okay too!!

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thanks brother, I appreciate it and will keep an eye out for you in future videos 🙏

[@ericmonse2165]

Did you apply sanding sealer before you stained. Sealer prevents it from being blotchy

[@Giant_Guitars]

No, I thought sealer would stop the stain altogether? I'll have to try that out

[@chaosin73]

Of course we want to see more of this guitar. PS would having a new not solve some of the E string issue. From the image on screen they seem a little out if position at the nut.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Yeah I will play around with a few things but it might be neck off re-cut and glue. We shall see 😁 thanks bud.

[@neillyg72]

I love the look of it. Definitely worth getting it right

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thank you bud

[@Twy7chTec_Shop]

Lol don't glue first buddy!!! Gotta sand and start the paint process and start putting in your piolet holes. I do dig that Explorer style though not gonna lie!! I thought it was a bolt on Neck from the ad pics, glad to know it's a set neck

[@nostreamavailable9090]

Well done on the staining mate, you just invented "lava burst" Very cool

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thank you bud, lava burst is a very cool name for it

[@nostreamavailable9090]

@Giant_Guitars good on you mate 👍🏻 No project is ever Finished, you ended up with a lovely explorer there that you'll get years of enjoyment out of developing and tweaking and such

[@AndrewAHayes]

I 3D printed a scratch plate with the same anti skid pattern in silver for my mates Epiphone SG. I love the colour of this Explorer, such a shame about the E strings position, maybe re-cutting the nut might get enough room to get them more equal, but as you said taking the neck out and resetting it would be the sensible option.

[@Giant_Guitars]

3d printing one sounds awesome, I'd love to start trying that out, could be so useful for builds. And yeah you're right about the nut!

[@muggshot24]

A new head nut ( bone) would allow you to get all of the strings aligned where you want them, including the E's.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Yeah I'm going to try this thank you

[@firdaus125]

Gluing the neck on the body without first ensuring its straight is wild

[@Giant_Guitars]

@@firdaus125 it was the plan though haha

[@w00d5m4n]

nice build as always, the people want to see it made playable!

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thank you mate and yes they do

[@1988davidsum]

Nice build brother!! Finally get to see your face!

[@Giant_Guitars]

@@1988davidsum thank you mate, yeah I thought it was time haha I did it in my shed build video and thought I'd just continue!

[@SonicChronicle]

Man, I wish my failures looked this good. Great video. I'd actually love to see the pickguard and the panel cover stay regular diamondplate. Reminds me of the old ESP explorers that had the full body diamondplate covers. I have a request for you actually. Any chance of a video on spray lacquering a finish? Asking for a me.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Hey dude yeah sure, any particular type of spray lacquer? You looking a high gloss finish? My favourite is a nitro clear finish is not super gloss but not matte either

[@SonicChronicle]

@Giant_Guitars I was looking at a clear Semi-gloss. Or should I be looking at a full clear gloss? I have an old guitar that I spent a lot of time in my youth stickering up that I've been slowly modding. I want to basically make sure that the sticker "finish" won't peel more than they already have. Maybe that sounds mad.

[@Giant_Guitars]

@@SonicChronicle no I think that makes sense, you're planning to lacquer over the stickers to preserve them?

[@SonicChronicle]

@@Giant_Guitars That's exactly right.

[@Giant_Guitars]

@@SonicChronicle leave it with me!

[@genekloszewski5484]

Good on the Sunburst, fix & finish everything.....

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thank you mate

[@pvdguitars2951]

Plug the bridge and saddle holes. And redrill so the strings align correctly. Way easier than to take off the neck. Or install a hard tail bridge. Both options should work. The latter being the better one if you want low action.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Yeah plug and move the bridge pins makes total sense, I didn't even think of that! Thank you 🙏. I did consider a hard tail of some sort but I think your suggestion of plug and redrill is better to be honest!

[@burrrrrrrrrrrrrrp]

Thanks

[@Giant_Guitars]

Wow thanks mate, never had someone do a super like before. You shouldn't have, but thank you for that!!

[@clydeashley2345]

Hey just for the heck of it i was watchen u put glue under the paper templet. Could you not use a glue stick seems it might work as good maybe to lay the templet better and not as drinched with the other glue? Just and idea/question

[@Giant_Guitars]

Hey bud, what do you mean by glue stick? I'm not too sure what that is but I'm definitely open to ideas, thank you!

[@ChristianLarsen-w8q]

Not bad, the bridge/alignment issue could be sorted by recessing the TOM a bit into the body to get decent action.. and while you're at it you could plug and re-drill the bridge post holes to make the strings align at the same time!! Looks like that is the issue as you can see the strings are a bit misaligned over the pickup pole pieces towards the high e as well.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Great idea in fairness, thank you. I still want a project to remove a set neck and re glue for practice but what you're suggesting would be easier for sure. Thanks bud.

[@larryharshmanjr5634]

Since you have a guitar that needs the neck adjusted and it’s something you want to try and fix I say go for it. I like the look of everything but the pick guard, but that is just me and my thoughts. This is first time I’ve seen one of your videos and really enjoyed it.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thanks bud I really appreciate that 🙏 hope you come back for more videos

[@ArthurHogemann]

Nice build man! Congrats! The moment in the video that you glued the neck without test the alignment of the bridge I was certain that something was very wrong. The neck bone( or plastic ) doesn't seem to be well made, I suggest redo it because the spaces between the slots seems to be not even. Other modification I suggest is to do static shield protection, after all the guitar is almost built from scrath.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thanks bud, I appreciate it! I will probably start with the nut when I do some diagnostics and a few have mentioned moving the bridge slightly so we shall see! Appreciate the comment 🙏

[@eddielsparrow4609]

Hey on string alignment flip the bridge around and see if that fixes it. If the saddles aren't adjustable left to right. Re-notch the top of them a little more to the left or buy a new set of un-notched saddles and notch them yourself , nice job overall... love the color...👏 😊

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thank you mate, I'm going to try both these suggestions

[@michaelb.42112]

The guitar looks AMAZING. I love it.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thank you 😊

[@michaelb.42112]

@@Giant_Guitars You're welcome.

[@milney-wz1jo]

Have u got a link for the wood stain u use. I live in Australia no where sells it

[@Giant_Guitars]

It's from Crimson Guitars, check their website in not sure if they ship to Australia or not

[@waynesmith-r8c]

you will have to press in dowels were the bridge is drilled,then redrill it to align the strings,then press the ferrels in so they are flush to get more drop of the bridge hieght

[@Giant_Guitars]

Few people have suggested this and I think you're right, that'd be much easier for sure! Thanks bud!

[@waynesmith-r8c]

@@Giant_Guitars np,glad at least one of my suggestions is viable......ive made some pretty terrible guitars into playable ones ,just have to innovate a little

[@granthelas4468]

I hear putting the high and low E strings on and marking inside the neck pickup hole helps set the neck and scale length properly. Oh you mention that later in the video, either way the color definitely turned out nice.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thanks brother 😊

[@JohnSmith-ym4sl]

You could fix the e strings by buying a new bridge with unslotted saddles then slotting them all off to the side slightly then it would correct the spacing of the strings at the edges of the neck

[@Giant_Guitars]

@@JohnSmith-ym4sl that's a very good idea, I didn't think of that as an option at all! Thank you bud, do you know if there's a specific brand without slots? I'm going to Google that right now too.

[@MrCurtyWurty]

@@Giant_Guitars Was gonna suggest the same. Maybe a Schaller GTM? They come with metric adaptors to fit the Asian guitars. Thomann has them for 50 quid, if you need some other bits and can save on postage.

[@MrCurtyWurty]

Either that or the Schaller STM roller. You can space them where needed, without filing, and then loctite them in place. I've done that before on roller bridges and it works really well (providing there is enough break angle to hold them in the slots!)

[@Giant_Guitars]

@@MrCurtyWurty thank you mate!

[@GC-re3gm]

That's totally correct. Also by filing the notches in the saddles deeper you will manage to set your action lower. Possibly, good practice would be to remove excessive material from the the top of the saddle later.

[@christianhartwig4323]

I really enjoyed the video and i am also very interested to see what will become of this very nice looking explorer, so a second video about how you fix/improve the issues it has would be very much appreciated. I ask myself if you wouldn't want to put some kind of brand sign on your builds like your channel logo on the headstock or the truss rod cover.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thanks Christian! I will probably do a complete rebuild at some point. I have in the past been asked to put my logo onto the back of headstocks of guitars I've sold but it's not something I will do again until I'm building the whole guitar from scratch myself!

[@LoneRevD]

Could you possibly just fill and re-drill the stop tailpiece and bridge holes a scooch to the left (looking down at it from the back of the guitar) to move the strings over? Just a thought, otherwise it looks good

[@Giant_Guitars]

Yeah definitely mate, I totally over looked this idea but you're right! Thanks 🙏

[@d3ath18]

I feel like this would've been the perfect opportunity to do a full body metal plate guard, but looks good regardless!

[@Giant_Guitars]

Yeah totally agree but I didn't want to totally copy Hetfield, more of a homage

[@SerpentsBane1995]

Not gonna lie, kinda disappointed you stained this red with black burst. From the thumbnail it looked like the old Night Violet finish on 80's Gibson models so I was excited for that! Perhaps on a future build from you... but we definitely need to see you reset the neck on this and all the upgrades in a update at some point! Keep on rocking everyone! \m/

[@Giant_Guitars]

Oh that would have been killer, what a suggestion! I'll add that to my list of things to do haha. Thank you bud 🙏 I'll definitely fix this one up

[@cykablyatblin8731]

Wicked guitar! Would love to see more like it or in this style. Perhaps one on flying V?

[@Giant_Guitars]

Flying v sounds great to me. Thank you bud.

[@xiaokang8692]

How about cutting new slots on the bridge? 2 mm higher, It would move strings up without need for neck reset.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Yeah this could be a play mate thank you

[@xiaokang8692]

@@Giant_Guitars would be nice to see the results

[@pedraw]

The string spacing issue could possibly be sorted out by replacing the nut and bridge saddles and cut the slots so they line up better. Otherwise it looks great.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thanks bud 🙏 and yeah I think you're right!

[@Razorray7]

That thing looks so sick , if you put black hardware with a Seymourduncan black winter and it would be the perfect metal guitar

[@Giant_Guitars]

That's what I'm thinking too haha

[@Razorray7]

@@Giant_Guitarshell yeah , you could also fill in the cavity for more stability or put that useless thing to use and make it a battery compartment for some activit electronics , like you can add a kill switch or even a built in boost toggle , idk just some ideas. Love the way it came out .

[@Lovetone1983]

Those locking tuners I beleive might be staggered height. Looks it at the 27 minute mark...worth a check

[@Giant_Guitars]

Lol I'm so stupid you could be right 😂😂😂 I actually do that all the time

[@Giant_Guitars]

And thanks lol

[@Lovetone1983]

@@Giant_Guitars no worries just my being over-observant. Its a lovely looking thing youve made. Shame about the neck pocket. Its really unintuitive considering how well the pocket was cut otherwise, especially when the bridge etc is pre-drilled. At least with a bolt on you can reposition the bridge easier, or tilt the neck etc. I hope you get it playing right anyway

[@Robster-Craw]

Instead of pull the neck. You can buy a bridge that has no string divots filed into it and you can find where you want to set the divots and file them in to set the strings into the proper place.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Very good idea thank you mate 🙏

[@Boomerang-r9r]

To the host, hello. I understand it would be harder removing the neck, but the experience may have some value. Been a viewer of your channel for some time and your result came as a surprise, as I'd assumed it would normally not be something you would gamble with. Regarding guitar hardware: If you wish to check out some guitar hardware in the future that's great value for the bra$$ the brand is called Kaynes and can be found on that popular Eastern website that sell many item's. Kaynes guitar parts are made in Japan and Korea. I have purchased bridges and machine heads and was rather pleased. Best Wishes.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Hello! Thank you mate, I appreciate this comment! I will check out that hardware brand right now. And yes you're right it's not something I would usually gamble on but I specifically wanted a project to attempt a neck removal on, to help with a bigger project I have in mind. Thanks again bud 🙏🙏

[@failby1]

How is the intonation on your kit? I have a kit from the same company and intonation is sharp across the fretboard.

[@Goosebear77]

For what you paid for it, the experience you will get from it will pay dividends in the future. I would say, do what you can to get the thing playing really well, including re setting the neck. Maybe not great but as great as you can get it. Just grind and level up, to use a gaming term. Nice burst work. Red and black is my go to colour combo so I'm biased lol. I might have to steal it if I ever get a kit guitar 😆 I just subscribed and I look forward to see your other projects and what you do with this guitar and how you progress with your skills.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thank you bud and I appreciate the sub 🙏🙏

[@shawndesjardins3841]

It's not the ideal solution, but you could move the nut slots on the bridge to help get the strings in line.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Definitely a good idea mate thank you

[@shawndesjardins3841]

@@Giant_Guitars not a problem.

[@Converg3nce]

I don't think it was a failure. It looks beautiful with the red and black. Couldn't you possibly use a hairdryer on the neck to loosen the glue and fix it from there?

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thank you mate, possibly yeah if I was taking the neck off I'd be using a heat gun to try separate it but I don't know how that would go haha

[@TheEvermillion]

Is the string spacing on the nut right?to me, it looks like it is cut wrong.

[@Giant_Guitars]

It could be bud I need to check this out, thanks!

[@TheEvermillion]

@Giant_Guitars for reference, look at the nut on a gibson explorer, the material on the shoulders are almost the same thickness,your low E shoulder thickness is almost double that of the high E,or atleast that is what it looked like,good looking build though.

[@miroslavgolian5409]

Nice. I realy like the color and overall finish

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thank you mate

[@schleprok6333]

take an iron and a wet towel and heat the neck joint and adjust the neck to where you need it on it's center line... reclamp and wait a day. then do your level and crowning...

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thank you mate, I had only thought about a heat gun so this is very helpful!

[@bygraceiamsaved5088]

Is it possible to take the neck off and fix it at the point? I’m not saying you should. I’m just curious if it’s possible with the neck glued.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Definitely possible, what damage I'll do? Who knows haha. But yeah I want to practice doing that to a guitar so this may be the one.

[@SeeJayPlayGames]

why was it that the neck pickup wasn't used? It looks like it would have fit?

[@Giant_Guitars]

@@SeeJayPlayGames yeah it definitely would have, I just prefer one pickup guitars so I used only the bridge

[@bthompson1229]

Finish looks great! 🤘

[@Giant_Guitars]

Appreciate that, as always mate.

[@Rose.Of.Hizaki]

Just as point of note. In future I would round off the edges on top of the pick guard. Last thing you'd want is your fingers getting torn up or it catching on random things like if youre trying to put it in a gig bag. Overall, it will make the guitar look a little neater and more presentable as well. Otherwise I think you did a pretty decent job despite some faults

[@Giant_Guitars]

Yeah for sure, the pickguard needs rounded off more! I sanded it pretty much smooth but more rounded or bevelled would be nice!

[@jaime.27.CBR.]

Before glue the neck allways check the alingment. There is some cheap lasers for construction, but personally I prefer to put strings on it, cos maybe you must change the angle, if the strings are to high or low, cos the laser only helps to center the neck from left to right. If the neck is bowed just buy a new one and quit that one.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Yeah for sure I do the same and use strings to check alignment!

[@gloryxkid]

Good to see you back!

[@Giant_Guitars]

Thank you kindly

[@theburkett67]

The guitar looks great man, but I figured you would mock-build it to ensure everything fit and was lined up before finishing it. Dang man, that sux.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Yeah for sure that's what should have been done lol and thank you 🙏

[@oldasrocks9121]

Have you pulled a set neck before? I have not, seems daunting.

[@Giant_Guitars]

Nope haha that's why I want to do one, to practice. I have a project in mind that requires doing that and I'm scared to ruin a good guitar if it's my first try.

[@MrBizboz]

Why are you leaving the strings coiled up instead of cutting them?

[@Giant_Guitars]

@@MrBizboz because there's no point to waste good strings, I will take them off again when I fix the neck and restring with these so it's easier to leave them long

[@mud_slushie]

dude i love these videos so muchh, if you want feedback id like em less asmr-y and a bit more clear on the electrical aspects of the guitar but thats obviously just me. continue the formula and ill be here regardless

[@Giant_Guitars]

Honestly comments like this mean so much to me, thank you mate. And I get it, if you want some more electrical commentary I'll include that in the next one! If I forget to, remind me haha 😂

[@mud_slushie]

@@Giant_Guitars the electric aspect intrigues me so much but i dont really have the money for spare guitar parts to do mods myself, rather just learn a bunch about it anyways, its so cool