EVERYONE Wants A Spanish Conversion! Resto-Custom electric guitars made from Lap Steels!

Did you ever wonder what wonderful and amazing guitars would exist if the Spanish electric guitar had gained more popularity in the 1930s and 40s? instead, the Hawaiian craze ran amok, and lap steels abound.
For every person that wants one lap steel there are at least 2 dozen waiting for them. Easy to buy and almost impossible to sell. So I decided to up-value some of my extra lap steels into fantasy guitars of bygone eras; the guitars that should have been.
Todays victim is a Kraftsman by Kay and it shows me, all too plainly, just how much time an effort goes into these conversions. It's as much work as a scratch build. but in the end, you have a guitar loaded with 80 years of character, that no one else has or will have! and you get to hear bygone pickups in a new context. This rules.
thank you for considering supporting me on my Patreon:
patreon.com/No...
#spanishconversion #guitar #electricguitar #lapsteel #hawaiianguitar #vintageguitar #restoration #repair #guitarrepair #custom #customguitar #spanishguitar #trend #guitartrend #trending #notaluthier

[@badscrew4023]

Nobody' expects the Spanish Conversion!

[@replicated]

Even though these are long videos that take a ton of time along with the conversion work itself, it's the main appeal to me. It's calming, informative, and fun. Market is saturated with creators burning themselves out trying to please the algo and checking analytics every second. Whatever you end up doin, do it because you love it and let the stuff you can't control go. You don't owe any of us anything, and you shouldn't be at the mercy of an algo, but I hope to see more if you're still diggin' it.

[@Notaluthier]

Thanks! I can’t make heads or tails of the algo, so I guess I’ll Just keep plugging away in my fashion and hope for the best!

[@blueskytotempole]

@@Notaluthier bro screw the algo are you a CREATOR or nota luthier make up your mind young jedi

[@brettbunke9096]

@@replicated I agree screw the algorithm

[@replicated]

@@Notaluthier i've been working in SEO formerly easily suceeding, lately strugglin and barely achieving some consideration of Googles sesrch algorithm. It's stressful, but the trick is to always be a step ahead. Stay on top of industry news, upcoming changes and trends. Analyze the common traits of the audience you currently have, and continue to grow that audience. Master that, and then branch to reaching new audiences. Learn from others in your niche who are suceeding and failing, and copy the good, and learn from the bad. And always take any news and published guidelines from Google/KZbin as gospel no matter how much they say it's not a big deal. Master the basics, master your current audience, keep doing what you love. Eventually branch out when opportunity arises.

[@betterl8thannvr]

I never watch hour long videos, but I watched all of this one. Love your unconventional approach and projects. Keep it up man.

[@Notaluthier]

Thank you!

[@pennykattack5789]

Your videos are a moment of peace in my chaotic life. Thank you so much for your effort on giving us the pleasure of watching to a mix between craftmanship, fun and peace. Love your dog. Cheers.

[@Notaluthier]

Lovely, thank you.

[@sohosteveuk]

Watching your content is just about as relaxing as a 57 hour non stop meditation session 🥰

[@amfmradio69]

Goes well with crossword puzzles. Keep up the wacky work!

[@chazstewart4865]

I'm pausing this 7 mins in..... all these wonderful, strange, nearly unique, wacky instruments... have you catalogued them? I would love to be able to dive into this wonderful emporium of delights at my leisure. You must have at least photographed them all in various states of repair etc. I would think I'm not alone in thinking this.... Wonderful content as always.

[@xsjetworf]

I didnt realize when i started this video that it was so long, I watched all the way through, Thank you for sharing the experience, and Thank you for lowering my blood pressure. You are doing something special giving those forgotten instruments a second life.

[@Notaluthier]

Aweee thanks so much!

[@FrogCabin-in5wd]

That was my favorite Monty Python skit... "Nobody expects the Spanish Lap Conversion!"

[@that_thing_I_do]

Those ducks looked cannibalistic. This was a two popcorn bowl vid.Worth the results.

[@orsummerton]

So cool being able to convert something like this, love it!

[@HouseOfCouplePuffs]

Killer werk!

[@Notaluthier]

Thankmyou

[@jacquikerr-bell7850]

More of everything … please. Thank you. I’m fascinated! 🙏🏻🤩 ❤

[@scottishgentlemen6038]

Thank you for sharing this. I really enjoy longer form content that takes its time to enjoy the journey. These look like really fun guitars to play, and as usual, I really enjoyed your playing. Please don't burn yourself out and push yourself to release videos. Part of what makes these videos so great is that it's obvious that you love doing what you do. Keep doing what makes you happy, man!

[@Notaluthier]

Thanks! I’ll try and cool my jets!

[@trevorkendrick7028]

I spend a lot of time sitting in front of a computer screen at my job. I found your video the other day with the Gibson J-50 you fixed. The appeal to me is the longer form video. I get to learn a lot and get my guitar fix and the background music and your demeanor is quite calming. Helps the day go by faster! Thanks!

[@Notaluthier]

Thanks! 🙏🏼

[@daverice2426]

Dude, that backstrap at 7:43 is ridiculously cool

[@Notaluthier]

Thank you!

[@timseich7219]

Great video love the examples of these instruments there were only a handful of Spanish style electric made in that time period converting your own is a great way to make a piece of history 😊

[@Notaluthier]

Agreed!

[@codelicious6590]

I love it I really hope you still find it worthwhile to continue making vids. Also, yes that was very generous of you to show how bevelling the binding joints looks better than butting them! Lol, thanks.

[@Notaluthier]

Thanks!

[@mojorocketman]

You could strip the glue off the back and do a French polish... It's a great idea to split the bridge plate in half, now you have a bottom half to restore another Hawaiian slide guitar.

[@Notaluthier]

I will probably do just that…just wanted the video to be done so I gave up! It wont take too long to sand and finish though.

[@marylewis3311]

mmMMmm iced rootbeer 🍺

[@cm410856]

I’ve been waiting for this video for so long! Thanks so much for putting it out! Your Spanish conversions are so cool and I’ve always wanted to see the process.

[@Notaluthier]

Yay, thank you!

[@RevvyTone]

I LOVED THIS VIDEO! Don't apologize for the length, this is guitar making nerddom at it's finest. I picked up so many little idea and tips. Awesome job on both the instrument and the video.

[@Notaluthier]

Thanks a lot!

[@FishCow]

Surprise Pick-up @ 57:45 startled me!

[@Notaluthier]

👻

[@IllusiveSwampMoose]

I love these videos, you work the same way as I do (down to the foot clamp while routing) and its so nice to see someone I can relate to in a youtube full of $100k shops, or worse, the hack repair people claiming its to be "budget".

[@manysnakes]

The tone from the Regal conversion was sublime

[@Notaluthier]

That was my first and easiest conversion!

[@manysnakes]

@@Notaluthier Well done!

[@pauln2141]

Love the sound of this guitar!

[@bigtguitars7312]

Hope you know your quirky take on Lutherie is very much appreciated and unlike any other channel

[@Notaluthier]

Thanky panky!

[@swbusby]

I enjoy the consistent thread of very old time pickups and amplified instruments across your videos. Relax, I don't mind a bit of wait between the videos if it means you don't feel rushed. Two part, three part, no problem - if that makes it more enjoyable for you!

[@Notaluthier]

Cool, thanks!

[@chrisoakmountain2387]

The bass sounds lovely. Almost like a double bass with a pickup.

[@Notaluthier]

It’s true!

[@mattwesthaver6909]

I'd watch 3hrs of this 🤘

[@joecooper7803]

It’s been de-flocked oh my!

[@codygranrud6212]

Awesome work

[@kevjones5047]

Love the look of the instruments you create. Hope you can the videos coming,

[@chrisva4268]

Another stellar entry in the Notaluthier cinematic universe!

[@Notaluthier]

Thanks Chris

[@KingHarvestHasSurelyCome]

Very cool I like how it’s three Simpsons episodes long I like how the “Kraftsman” looks

[@davidmckean955]

You have to do one of these one day where you do a giant body cut-away so you can access all 29 frets.

[@Notaluthier]

It was a consideration

[@catlord357]

i love you vids so much. id die without these hour long videos:(

[@Notaluthier]

Thanks! Don’t die!

[@karlramberg]

Perfect Sunday morning video, with a cup of coffee and some cinnamon rolls

[@Notaluthier]

Sounds great!

[@nothf]

Engagement dollars. These are always great, always look forward to them.

[@daverice2426]

Cool as hell, reminds me of an old Stratotone like Marc Ribot plays. That pickup seems to be microphonic in just the right way, too; way "warmer" than I'd expect but plenty of bite when you dig in. Dig the long form video, too; you can always trim some but your editing keeps things moving really well and the funny/trippy bits are actually funny/trippy, which goes a long way.

[@Notaluthier]

Thanks alot! These long ones suffer in the editing process!

[@Goomer]

I love the methods and the final results, always fun.

[@Notaluthier]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@gloryxkid]

Been watching since the methstang, the instruments since are not my style but I cannot stop watching your videos lol

[@brettbunke9096]

What an awesome project man did not disappoint 😊❤️!

[@Notaluthier]

Thankkkkkkks

[@tallyankeegal]

Jupiter...gets me every time! btw, your back ground music sounds very much like, "the big lez show" great process shown.

[@MC-sg5yr]

I've rewound a couple of pickups before and I would rather avoid doing it again if I can lol. I can kind of understand why they would just slap a piece of tape over the strays and call it good instead of redoing it. Good tip about the copper tape. I'll give it a shot if I'm ever in the unfortunate position of doing a rewind again. Magnet wire is such a pain.

[@archloy]

Hope your channel will grow and you will continue making great contents !

[@Notaluthier]

Thank you

[@fehuthel]

Thanks for more great content, man!

[@Notaluthier]

Thanks!

[@nefariousstylo9943]

I hope your channel takes off, if anything to keep "chill vibes and left of field instruments" popping up on the regular. I see this as the Vice Grips Garage of [not a] luthiers, and knowing the impact of that show it seems like only a matter of time viewers buy into this style of content. Just, hopefully while you're still producing. I started fixing up kijiji guitars to give to friends and family because of this content, people have to care at some point.

[@Notaluthier]

Thanks!

[@RupaTerupa]

what i liked about your video, it's human beings... thank you.

[@Jaymakerx]

Killer vids, man. Funny, calming. Just good solid stuff. Thanks for the hard work and sharing your love of the guitar.

[@tr4nquil4um]

Love it, you rock

[@bobimnottellin362]

I think I remember reading about a Spanish Conversion on Urban Dictionary. Slightly different meaning.

[@Max-million]

Great video, love it! 🎸💪

[@benwright6330]

I was thinking of doing something similar by somehow grafting more length to the end of the neck so the fretboard can be moved up to allow access to the higher Frets like on a guitar. Maybe with a scarf joint, ..? ..or just cutting the neck off the body and adding an acoustic guitar neck, then, with the fretboard out of the way, freeing up all that space on the Body, just move everything forward, i.e. pickup, bridge. ..but then of course you'd have to lengthen the lead wires on the pickup to relocate the pots to the traditional spot, ..which you'd have to route a cavity in the back of the body to install them or install them in a floating pickguard, ..but then of course there'd be that big old Hole routered into the front of the guitar where the pickup and pots were originally located you'd have to fill or glue a veneer over the whole top, .. ..or install the guitar neck not to the Face of the guitar, but to the Back of the guitar so now the Back is the Face, and in order to not drill and router any more holes in the instrument thereby further depleting the value, install the pots and a flat mount DeArmond pickup to a floating bridge? 🛬💥

[@benwright6330]

That guitar sounds Amazing!🔥🌌

[@jamesrhodebeck501]

Very nice...and intriguing. I may ease into conversions though: From a Chiquita into a lap steel. 🙂

[@Guilhem74]

Lovely instruments

[@powerade92]

Aww no cute little song for me to discover at the end this time, "And if i stayed" is such a delight, so thank you for that.

[@Notaluthier]

I ran out of time! I will try and include more cuteness in future videos!

[@powerade92]

@@Notaluthier The algo not recognizing your greatness *yet* is honestly a tragedy. Much love to you and yours, keep it up brother.

[@Notaluthier]

@@powerade92 thanks! I’m happy with my progress but would LOVE some more!

[@BAGHEAD1995]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video!. 🙏🫡

[@Notaluthier]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@darlacurrey-colter3844]

i love ur show. time well invested

[@Notaluthier]

Thanks

[@hessex1899]

This reminds me a lot of the "peanut guitar" that Rick Turner made, and later ended up in the hands of Jerry Garcia. He made a short run of reproductions before passing on.

[@Fraik]

Also, the wide fretboard is a missed opportunity to make a 7 string Spanish conversion!

[@Notaluthier]

Maybe someday

[@AnthonyMonaghan]

That was brilliant...

[@GreatPlanet-c7o]

Crazy cool.

[@jastervoid]

With that wide neck I was hoping for a seven string conversion

[@Notaluthier]

Lots more laps in the queue

[@stevebrooks4th]

The whacked out, completely pointless, meandering, absurd, ludicrous, loony, goofy, nonsensical, and illogical noodling in the background is the soul of genius. THANK YOU Thesaurus!!!

[@Notaluthier]

Hahahahhahah thanks!

[@greendragon4571]

Awesomeness. Don’t worry about missing a week. Anyone who cares needs to get a life. Very inspiring for when I start up a Uk equivalent non-business.

[@bubbyis1337]

always love these videos, so relaxing

[@Notaluthier]

I'm so glad!

[@rustyaxelrod]

In the 22nd century a not a luthier can return this instrument to its original lap configuration and extend its useful life by another hundred years, or maybe convert it into a zizmographaphone with laser strings. Either way man, you have brought it from the attic back to the living room or maybe even a stage somewhere. Dig it!

[@Notaluthier]

Thanks! I was expecting a little bit of backlash…but so far no one is hurt hurt over lap steels

[@rustyaxelrod]

@@Notaluthier - the Hawaiian sound just isn’t as popular as it once was, a few purists and some County n Western folks I guess but in my opinion these instruments are way more useful set up like this and their odds of surviving and being enjoyed are improved a lot. Like you pointed out, they built a bunch of em and the really nice ones in great condition are out there for the people who love em.

[@Notaluthier]

@@rustyaxelrod I bought ANOTHER lap steel that was a lot flashier (click bait) (Oahu Diana deluxe) that I was going to convert for KZbin but I got a lot of people asking me not to.

[@rustyaxelrod]

@@Notaluthier - I guess I need to check out you patrion and get in the loop! I already spend a lot of time on KZbin on several different interests but mostly music and stringed instruments as I am not a hobby luthier myself and I enjoy your channel very much. The older instruments are most interesting to me but I’m not so much a purist about repairs, I understand the value of originality but I value breathing life back into these old things more. I don’t post much but a few years ago I did post a series on the repair of an older TrueTone archtop (Channel is AngryRedBanjo). Since then I’ve invested in some tools and have kept something on the workbench. It’s enjoyable and therapeutic and I’ve learned a couple things watchin what you do 👍

[@themasterscorner8498]

Another great video

[@quickwashtheraccoon7601]

I love your Videos ❤ and the bass❤

[@jasonstacey9460]

As a guy who loves lapsteel and music history in general. Not too sure about this.

[@Notaluthier]

I’m understand completely. I am a purist at heart, BUT, there are 1000s of extant examples of most of these and No One wants them. I literally can’t sell a lap steel for more than $200 of at all. I know this lacks foresight. And I have a friend who collects square neck acoustics and these conversions drive him batty. Point is: it’s wrong, but also so right. I have probably 20 lap steels, and most will stay intact, especially if historically important or in great shape.

[@jasonstacey9460]

@Notaluthier that sounds like heaven. I had to pay 1200 for a fender dual pro that needs the pickups rewound. I need to ship the pickups across the Canada U.S border. So far I've been too scared to have them get lost.

[@sebastienfort1807]

Tu as bien fais de faire une longue vidéo plutôt que de la couper. C'est un super projet, comme une composition musicale qui mérite toute notre attention. Merci pour ton temps et partage

[@Notaluthier]

Merci bien!

[@harmlesscreationsofthegree1248]

Rich Corinthian Leather on the back?

[@Evan_Kersey]

I never knew people turned lap steels into normal guitars, I had the idea before but i didn't think much of it, anyways cool video normally I don't watch videos over 30 to 40 minutes but I'll make exceptions for your videos

[@Notaluthier]

I’ve never seen anyone else donit

[@patrickniedermeyer2112]

You're doing great. Keep it up. I watched your interview on the Looth group and appreciate your approach and sense of humor.

[@Notaluthier]

Thanks! I haven’t even seen that interview 👀

[@jesseschwenk5310]

Was not expecting to hear Spinal Tap, lol! You should do an acoustic version of Lick My Love Pump for the background music of your next video 😂

[@BaBaBaBenny]

Sometimes I think the "Not a luthier" moniker is unfair self deprecation, other times you route a cavity on your balcony while standing on the guitar, come see, come saw.

[@bree1563]

Im so down for this

[@Notaluthier]

It’s a long and winding road. Ending in burnout YAY!

[@rogertinker1813]

I enjoyed this , thank you

[@Notaluthier]

So glad!

[@M1norCharacter]

9:33 THINK FAST CHUCKLENUTS

[@forresta65]

thats what she said!

[@sergiopilia]

BOOM BABY!

[@moonboogien8908]

Fine..... i like it.

[@daveroberts4933]

Already a Patron and if you like these videos I can recommend it! Come and join us!

[@Notaluthier]

🙌

[@whittaboi]

Maybe it’s not about the luthiery but the buggies we met along the way

[@Notaluthier]

🐕

[@DrDizzleFrizzle]

are you even using a chisel if you don't slice yourself at least once? To be honest, I (mostly) learned my lesson after taking a very sharp chisel to the palm of my hand and spending 5 hours in the ER. Fish fileting gloves are now my bae

[@SeamusJohnsonMusic]

Very cool!

[@Notaluthier]

🤘

[@SeamusJohnsonMusic]

@@Notaluthier 🤘🎸

[@GuiltySheep]

Earless pig-bear... a Walrus!

[@Koala223]

Love your work. But please for the love of Sausage use push boards on your power tools.

[@Notaluthier]

Will do

[@robertcarltoniii]

anybody else like “get your fingers out of the way” yikes… master of suspense

[@sbrown1953]

Question: why did they put frets on a lap steel? I had an S.S. Stewart & Harmony Roy Smeck husks (the pickups & easy to sell bits had been removed). The fret positions were inlaid on the S.S.Stewart & printed on a clear "fingerboard" on the Harmony. Lot less labour for a guitar company trying to make a profit. Anyhow, if is fascinating to follow along as you convert them into unique guitars. Really appreciate the time & work you put it these videos.

[@Notaluthier]

Thanks! A surprising number of early lap steels have frets…I guess it was just the process they already knew!

[@cadejohnson72]

Awesome video

[@Notaluthier]

Thanks!

[@r0flgal0re]

1:05:55 Yes! Attitude makes the.... platitude? No but really it's all about that 'tude my dude.

[@r0flgal0re]

1:10:00 That's a sloth. ...And I think it's saying "giggidy"...

[@R.S.Randall]

Why isn’t your video longer?

[@Notaluthier]

Foolishly I edited out like 25 minutes! My bad

[@bruhtimes223]

What is going on with those like bubbles?! They must really dig you!

[@Notaluthier]

I have NO clue. Recorded with QuickTime, I’ll have to figure out if it’s sentient

[@daverice2426]

39:20 "Honey, the OSHA people are here again..."

[@Fraik]

Buggy !

[@ariholder4762]

Comment for sake of commenting. Also kia ora from Aotearoa

[@Notaluthier]

Thank you!

[@rocknrollmandolin]

Love it, where can I get one?😊

[@YellowJello57]

My previous comment disappeared, weird. Anyways, love the video as usual. Gonna drop it on some socials to try and get you a bump in subs

[@Notaluthier]

Heck yeah! Thanks!

[@Notaluthier]

Weird about the comment tho

[@PeteZolli]

More enjoyable content. Yay. 🙂 And now, my unsolicited opinion. I would have preferred that this video be in 2 (or even 3!) parts. For me, there's kind of a sweet spot for YT videos of around 20-30 minutes. That's how long I'm willing to stay still and stay focused. Other opinions may differ... And I'm sure there's wisdom available about what length best tickles the algos and such. Another thing. You may have concerns about how much of your "real self" you want to put on display here, and that's fair. But I'm curious about your background. We know you're NOT A LUTHIER... But you're clearly a woodworker. With an interest in luthierie. And are a guitarist. And a bassist. Hmmmm. So many questions. 😉