Getting Started as a Luthier: 10 Tools Under $50 You Should Buy Today!

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Chris shares his 10 favorite budget friendly tools to help you get your feet wet in the world of guitar repair and luthiery.
The Guitar Player Repair Guide: amzn.to/2ZQ8t1b
Guitar Neck Rest: amzn.to/3bHXEks
SkyScraper Fret Rocker AND String Height Gauge: amzn.to/3GYitXF
MusicNomad GRIP Drill Bit String Peg Winder: amzn.to/3CLMGXo
FretGuru String Action Gauge Guitar Ruler Precision 8-in-1: amzn.to/3k5kOpA
FretGuru Fret Crowning File °Dagger 2.0°: amzn.to/3GKFfSD
D'Addario Accessories Guitar/Bass Multi-Tool: amzn.to/3BLDPU6
Jiayouy Luthier Guitar Tool Metal Brace Repair Jack: amzn.to/2ZOJDPg
Jiayouy Guitar Fret Edge File: amzn.to/3mEAP7E
Fret Work Step-By-Step: amzn.to/3CKtIA6

[@guitarbill417]

I'm currently trying to collect the tools needed for my first build. This video helps. It would be great to win. Thanks for all you do!

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

Congrats, Roger! You've been randomly selected to win. Shoot us an email at [e-mail] so we can get your shipping details. Thanks!

[@mattcopeland2386]

Congratulations, Roger!!!!

[@AndrewMurphy8383]

@@DriftwoodGuitars don't you have set of clamps that are lowes branded name clamps lol just playing

[@GretaGrantRuth]

I'm from a small, low income community in Appalachia and I'm moving back to teach guitar in an after school program at no cost to the students or their families. These tools and resources would help me keep my students instruments in good playing condition.

[@lococomrade3488]

You're doing the lords work. ❤

[@gopherbarney8707]

I hope your program is doing well!

[@ronkrupovich7152]

I discovered your channel a couple of months ago---and have been fascinated watching you work on your guitars. The list of items you've included here are priceless for an old guitarist like myself--so let me thank you for going over them. Of course, I'd be delighted to receive these tools, whether I win them from you or buy them little by little on my own.

[@danpacleb790]

Aloha from Las Vegas! Stumbled across your channel...enjoy your candid approach to literally opening up the world of luthier and the skill and commitment to craftsmanship it takes. Years ago I started acquiring what people considered broken or throwaway instruments (guitars, ukuleles, mandolins). I'd clean up what I could, file this, glue that, play them awhile and then give away the gift of music to someone that showed interest. Always loved working with wood but raising 6 kids never really had the time to develop the skills or dedicate the time to it. Fast forward, last child finished education and moved on and now as a part time substitute teacher I find I have the time! The timing of your channel is perfect for this old guy learning new tricks. Thanks

[@jaywisecrcpl]

Very informative for a new player. Thanks, Chris and Matt!

[@amodelman7]

I’ve been teaching music at my counties Arts Council for 8 years now. The last year I’ve been in charge of keeping up all of the loaner stringed instruments. I’ve also been buying used stringed instruments that need repair and giving them away to our students when they’re ready. I could really use all of these items, not just for me, but to show my students how to maintain their own instruments. So if possible I’d love to enter for a chance to win this giveaway! Thank you for the awesome videos and information you give to all of us watchers!

[@fredrikhuhne474]

I Will forfeit my entry in the giveaway to increase your chanses of winning.

[@amodelman7]

@@fredrikhuhne474 thank you

[@richmoeller7715]

I too will forfeit my entry to increase your chances of winning. I think this is a no-brainer... The tools should be presented to Michael to teach his class...

[@amodelman7]

@@richmoeller7715 thank you 🙏🏻

[@bryanestabrooks4534]

I forfeit my entry for you as well!! Good luck!!

[@rogerguinn1642]

Just added stuff to my "Christmas Wish List" on Amazon. Thanks from the best mediocre rhythm guitarist in Parker County, Texas!

[@rickycompton2610]

What a great list of must have tools glad to see skyscraper tools on your show I bought his fret rock and his notched straight edges plus the stuff is made hear .

[@jallred5997]

Great information guys, thanks for putting it together!

[@SkyscraperGuitars]

Guys!!! Thanks a TON for the kind words. I can co-sign on the Fret Guru tools. Bernie is a top notch guy. I've been using his files for years. The Stew Mac books on setups are gold as well.

[@DriftwoodMatt]

We appreciate you guys always being so supportive!

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

Hell yeah man! Gotta support the team!

[@Sigtech55]

Thanks for the list.... creating my Amazon Christmas list!!! Keep up the great work!

[@cborlot]

I'm just getting into lutherie, your videos have been so helpful!

[@frankmormon2503]

Updating my Christmas list with your recommendations ! I agree about the guitar repair book - invaluable !!

[@markbrooks7257]

Super timely video for me. I’ve decided to start repairing more stuff during 2022 and hopefully building an acoustic during 2023. Thanks for the list and put me in the drawing!

[@lawrencecoffeyjr1300]

Love it guy's, keep on helping us fix our guitars...blessings...

[@JBirdCustoms]

Good stuff guys! I appreciate your help and knowledge!

[@RonMack07]

I’d love this kit! I’m just now getting into guitar building waiting on my first wood delivery to start building the neck, watching you guys has been fantastic, thanks for all you share with us.

[@CoachDennisJarvis]

Really enjoying your content. Please keep it coming! This was the perfect video for where I am at.. have a few guitars and a son learning.. these things will be helpful..

[@bencherrie8290]

Thanks for running your channel. I really appreciate the content! I have been passionate about guitar building since high school but after a failed apprenticeship and depression, I decided to change and focus on a sales job to eventually earn enough money to do this as a hobby and then hopefully that takes over. Due to getting cancer and many failed startup attempts I've recently just quit my sales job and I'm officially giving this a crack. I'm 29 now and don't have a workshop and therefore have been using the local community workshop. I have a small bench in my garage that I'm currently using to practice on a guitar restoration and I would love these tools. They will definitely help me finish my current project and kickstart this new endeavor. I really appreciate you consideration! Thanks so much, Ben

[@stevegamiello6476]

I’ve been learning a lot from KZbin videos since lockdown started, so finding you guys has been a Godsend. I’ve picked some stuff from StewMac but have a way to go. I’ve been working on some cheap guitars but finally got the nerve to tackle my Les Paul’s frets. They came out good. I was surprised and felt pretty proud that I did screw it up. I love hearing and experts opinion. Looking forward to watching more of your videos

[@McDowellCountyYoungLife]

Lots to learn about fixing guitars! Glad for your channel

[@etestart]

Hey, I'm in for the stuff! Great video, thanks a lot, and wish you the best! Cheers 🤗

[@e24431]

Enjoy all your videos and want to build using your methods.and advice. Thanks !

[@TarynnElizabeth619]

Awesome guys! Very informative for us beginners!!

[@anthonytuscano]

I bought three 2021 Taylors. I need this. Thank you guys. These vids are great 👍🏼👍🏼

[@tothebone_]

That is a wonderful set of tools you've put together!

[@dougreed9843]

You guys are amazing absolutely perfect for guitar guys that tinker with everything. I'm really glad I found you guys, with the setup of guitars videos. Wanted to add to the positive messages of appreciation for your efforts, I've watched a bunch of videos very cool things I never knew about building guitars.

[@jacsvihus]

Thank you Chris and Matt! I am contemplating my first refret and your tool recommendations are super helpful. I am soontobe luthier.

[@eldonwatkins2066]

This is great stuff! Added some of these items to my Christmas list.

[@czgunner]

Great video. I love tools and having the right thing for the job.

[@thebrown36]

I want that box! I freaking love your channel and patiently wait everyday hoping a new video comes out.

[@radsketchpad]

Always been wanting to get into luthiery, since I'm job hunting, maybe nows the time... Awesome giveaway, thanks for doing this guys!

[@stephenelledge9612]

I've been wanting to get into building guitars for a little bit now and this is some good info to help get started!

[@karlstone7282]

Inspired by your videos I fixed a friends guitar the other day. Having watched your set up video I'm thinking about servicing my factory built Martin. Keep up the good work.

[@karlvingren2645]

Exactly what I need. Great job! Cheers!

[@RobertS-dr8ko]

Can't express enough how much I greatly value your content. Thank you so much and keep it up!

[@okbanjo]

Hey i needed this..... great videos by the way. Keep them coming

[@garychristman2698]

Super helpful! Thank you so much for putting this together. I want all of that!

[@MrGoogster]

I just found you guys about a month or so ago. Been enjoying your fresh take on instrument repair/ evaluation/ straight-poopery. I’ve invested in a few tools, started ruining some things, can definitely use some of the confidence and encouragement you guys provide. I’ll throw in for a set of these babies.

[@tdkrei]

As usual great stuff form the Driftwood Guitar guys. I have been trying to gather information to scratch build a tenor ukulele including tools and materials. I think you have picked out perfect starter set of essential tools. Thanks. Keep on smiling.

[@BrettBerman]

Made lots of additions to the Amazon wish list. Thanks!

[@viablind]

Love your videos and your guitars! I've learned so much from them. I'm also a purist when it comes to the acoustics and you've basically changed my worldview by the video about laminated sides. Keep up the great work!

[@payammotallebi]

I just stumbled across your channel with this video - clearly I’ve been checking out guitar luthier videos! I’d love these tools to start the journey!

[@terrytabor4466]

Great video! It made me realize I want that stuff!

[@savanahruiz]

Great channel guys! Recently discovered yall, and always super good stuff.

[@bcrano]

This is great and so helpful as an aspiring builder!

[@bryanestabrooks4534]

So I just bought a Taylor Academy 12 because of your video. I love the honesty and transparency of your channel. Such a great intro into these tools and the possibilities!

[@arcarioandsons]

I knew this video would be worth watching, solid list!

[@pokechopracing8862]

I totally agree when your starting out it’s hard to find tools to get the job done that aren’t junk. Also not trying to plug stew Mac but if your a member you can get the books a lot cheaper just throwing that one out there. Great videos as always hope you guys had a great holiday and 2022 is better than 2021!

[@brendongreen4302]

Im half way through building a Bass guitar and i ts been over a year because i have to keep saving for tools i didnt know i needed. i only just found your chanel yesterday and im devouring your videos as fast as i can. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@RonPowell2]

Great list of stuff, updating my Christmas list now

[@turntablist00101]

I started with the guitar player repair guide 2nd edition years ago and never looked back. I’ve been modding and repairing for over 17 years and that book was a godsend! Now I’m building my first scratch build solid body electric. I’ve even made my own fret end beveling file, neck rest, and other simple jigs. I own the fret guru crowning file 2.0 and it has been good to me but it’s definitely not a diamond file but for the money it’s absolutely worth it. I’ve re-crowned 40 guitars with it and it’s still holding up after a year of use! If your list would go to 11, I’d suggest the StewMac fret dressing file cause you’re gonna need that to really get those frets smooth on the edges without marring the fingerboard and it’s also under $50. Love the channel and keep up your amazing inlay work!

[@stevengregory126]

Cool, thanks for talking about these items

[@justinhaskell5502]

Thanks for the suggestions. I need that book.

[@glensmusicroom8638]

Diggin' the content, thanks guys!

[@fendermke]

Thanks for the recommendations. I’m just getting into basic and hope to build a kit over winter. I have a couple of very basic tools but this list helps to cover basics to get started. I would definitely put them to good use.

[@IvaliceSmiles]

Woah! That's a super helpful list, getting a care package of these would help immensely!

[@andymiller2524]

I especially enjoyed your video on tonewoods and have recently started working on guitars and other stringed instruments..this would be a great addition to the meager and generally crappy tools I've been working with. Thanks.

[@jimrogers6175]

Love the videos, and the information you share so freely! Looking forward to trying my hand at building an acoustic guitar within the next year or so. Learned a ton from you and all the other luthiers who are so generous to share their skill, knowledge, and inside tips. 👍🏻 it all looks so easy until you try it at home for yourself. We shall see! 😊

[@jimcampbell2168]

Love this channel Have learned so much. Would be great to get this stuff. Cheers

[@jessejonescomposer]

Guys! Love your channel! Been learning the craft for about a year now and have learned a ton from your vids. Thanks for your useful and collegial content!

[@kragenautoparts1]

What a great list of luthier tools to get started and also to improve skill. I most definitely would love to have every single one of these tools! You guys earned my like and subscription for sure. Awesome content! Aloha!🤙🏽

[@zorlacskaterfreak]

Great video and really informative guys!

[@entropy4139]

I’ve been watching you guys for a while now and just built my first guitar! Thanks for posting such great content, I’ll be picking up many of these tools.

[@poppy3215]

Definitely adding these to my list of essential tools. Thank you for the tips, and for creating the best guitar making channel on the 'tube.

[@trevorpease715]

Great kit to start up setting up your guitars. I would love to have a kit like this when I first started working on my guitars.

[@danlsmock]

Would love to have any of those items! I now have a list for Christmas, thanks.

[@dangaither7302]

ME ME ME!!! I want that!!! I NEED this stuff! Just starting to get in to guitars and love watching your build videos!

[@woodjustworks]

Getting into building, this is a great package!

[@maxherron1376]

Great list. Thanks for the info.

[@johnvandevelden7524]

Great reviews and advice, thanks guys ✌🏼

[@castleanthrax9670]

Definitely adding these to my Christmas list!

[@craigbabiarz5741]

I WANT THAT! thanks for the video. it's much appreciated.

[@stevetaylor1085]

The wish video would be awesome! Also getting into making guitars, your videos have been incredibly helpful!

[@almadera]

These tools would make my work much easier! Grat content and great giveaway, thank you!

[@egofsb]

I recently found your channel and became an instant subscriber. I do guitar setups and repairs for my own and friends guitars and appreciate all the knoledge you share. Your guitars are beautiful. I would like to enter for a chance to get those tools. I can't wait to see your video cutting in half the orangewood ava because I own one. Thanks so much for your content.

[@davidmartens5203]

I'd love these books and tools! I've been enjoying your videos!

[@bkhawaii]

Thank you for your great channel and sharing your knowledge to get others interested in guitar repair and building!

[@slattman1509abn]

Hey, I want that stuff! Really enjoy the videos. Please keep them coming.

[@chansarinyamas7672]

Good stuff to help me get started building (in addition to your 3k yo guitar build series!) - thanks for this list!

[@melvinlane3833]

Been taken advantage of by so many bad Luthers I’m going to try this myself thanks for your help

[@j200dave]

Great list of tools! I would love to have those!!

[@MathewJerryKalapura]

Thank you so much for this list ! Love these kind of educational vids ! I've been trying guitar setups , this video helps me a lot !

[@Yugimons03]

Good info. Had never considered picking up reference materials as part of my toolbox. Definitely gonna have to pick those up.

[@ronaldmessenger5322]

love the intro music! Good video idea. Thanks for the info.

[@CountMeDown]

Awesome list of items. Great to see a video like this. Would like to have the box.

[@MadebyMitch]

Great video guys! I'm adding these things to my Christmas list.

[@wesleycheney9735]

Love the channel fellas, keep up the good work! You guys are always so inspiring and so entertaining. I would love to get my hands on this stuff!

[@MrBrandonLindner]

Just helped me get my Christmas list together for my wife! I knew I wanted some new tools to help with building my first diy kit! Thanks so much!

[@hbengineer]

Your channel has encouraged me to learn how to work on my own guitar. I’d love these tools! I’m enjoying your work so much that I’ve just joined you on Patreon. Keep up the amazing work!!!

[@richardpelland661]

Thanks for the tips! I'd sure love to get that swag!

[@billynoland5735]

New subscriber and new to guitar repair myself. Decided I want to be my own tech and learn for myself. I appreciate the video. I'll throw my hat in for the stuff! I likely purchase the items in the future if not anyhow! Thanks for the video and the advice!

[@justinshew3171]

This tool package would be wonderful to have!! I’ve dabbled in working on some guitars but having the right tools is the most important thing!! This would definitely get me started. Love the videos guys!!

[@danmelanson2464]

Great video. Thanks guys.

[@jimhimesjr]

I’ve been looking for some guitar tools. Perfect timing.

[@lukasschliepkorte3019]

I'd love to get a hand on that stuff. Thanks for the recommendations! :)

[@mikeslechta1523]

I'd love the luthier tools, too! Been trying to do repairs at home and didn't know what tools to have. The starter kit would be awesome. Enjoy your channel and learning about guitar making.

[@BottomFieldFarm]

Hey, I want that stuff! Also, I love all the videos. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@JimmyEngdahl]

I would love that big box of goodies. 😊 Me and a friend are just in the planning stages of starting building guitars. Love your videos, watched them all, almost. 👍

[@joelgreenhow8702]

Definitely interested in this luthiery kit!