Full Build of my Custom Electric Guitar

[@MarySpender]

Hey, thanks for watching, for those annoyed by the relic’ing - this is something I wanted. I love the look and it really appeals to me - especially as I was modelling this on Mark Knopfler’s strat for the Sultans of Swing video. It’s a creative choice and I’m so happy with it. Massive thanks to Tom for building me this stunning instrument. It was perfect for me. X

[@ChristopherClause]

I am not annoyed - not at all! I have been around too long and get nauseous when I put that first ding in a new guitar. I am so happy that you love it and it looks wonderful. May she inspire many new songs and travel your musical journey with you.

[@MattH-wg7ou]

I dig it!

[@nisiunavoce1264]

Of course to each their own but in some ways it's sort of like creating a fake work of art. You're not a wannabe but a real talent who should create your work from the raw canvas of a beautiful pristine instrument. Only my worthless opinion. Enjoy the guitar and continue giving us entertaining content.

[@BrianODonohue]

Not annoyed by it. Just not my preference. I can appreciate what you were doing here however. 🙂

[@groovinhooves]

Thoroughly enjoyed this, so thank you. There's nothing wrong in relic'ing. Regardless, you do you, or I'll be bitterly disappointed.

[@MarceauGuitars]

Thank you so much for putting your trust in me, it has been a real blast to make you a guitar!

[@cheneyrobert]

Amazing craftsmanship 👏👏👏👏

[@Steve-qn8gn]

I have a question, why would you put the signature on the fretboard before checking and sanding for radius? Obviously doesn’t impact much but just curious.

[@johngrant5749]

@@cheneyrobert ‘CNC machining’

[@charlesbolton8471]

@@johngrant5749 There’s more to craftsmanship than cutting wood (or any other material) by hand.

[@tonysansom]

@@Steve-qn8gn If I understand your question correctly, it's so that the filled parts of the signature inlay follows the radius of the neck. If the signature had been done after radiusing the inlay would be flat leaving angled edges between the wood of the neck and the inlay. Those edges could snag the strings during bends, etc. Hope I've explained that ok.

[@hmudara]

Very beautiful guitar, congrats! Although, not a fan of the relic'ing though. Call me old fashioned but a custom guitar like this needs to age with you over time and any signs on relic'ing becomes a story to you two share on your musical journey.

[@gattaca9287]

yep, I would not have aged that guitar on purpose ...

[@ingy1965]

I wasn't so keen on that part either but at least I now have a word for what I have done to my Fender acoustic over the 35 years I've been playing it - I've relic-ed it!

[@mannoplanet]

@@ingy1965 Not a fan either. A true relic of that age would probably have cigarette burns on the head in between the tuners.

[@johnwattdotca]

I see this comment and the replies, and I think they know what I would say, if they knew I owned a 1964 Fender Sunburst Stratocaster in 1969, before Jimi Hendrix passed away. I re-licked it every time I got onstage. My pants got more worn out than the guitar. Try a Fender Heavy Small pick.

[@ImYourOverlord]

I feel the same about instruments being relicked. Just doesn't feel right to me.

[@auralsonicwaves7170]

It is interesting to see contemporary woodworking techniques combined with old-style human craftsmanship to produce a fabulous instrument. Many thanks for bringing this to us.

[@giancarlom.]

Freakquency Guitars in the Philippines are able to do just that, in just about $1,000 (custom relic; or custom, or relic). Isiah Sharkey (John Mayer's session guitarist), and Tomo Fujita (John Mayer's teacher in Berklee, and the guy Ibanez consulted for the AZ models) both have Freakquency guitars. :)

[@cirith100]

Yeah the CNC makes short work of the tedious labor and makes bodies and necks consistent and what some expects when ordering a guitar with hand shaping / sanding fit and finishing done by hand for a great feeling playing guitar

[@alexdenton6586]

I think it’s French style

[@flamencoprof]

I was impressed by the copper shielding in both the body and on the pickguard, and that the coils were custom-wound.

[@fredyshred]

I can tell you that when Tom started his company, he started very small. He was just like all the others luthiers in France. Then he decided to make something better not to increase the number of guitars he produces but instead, to increase the quality of them. And I can tell you that each guitar is flawless. Plus, it's almost half the price of a Suhr for the same kind of quality.

[@CaptRobertApril]

The relicking process brought to mind John Hiatt's "Perfectly Good Guitar".....

[@GaryGarciagarciaCIOnet]

I'm so sorry your guitar was relic'd. Nice video. Thanks Mary!

[@captnsquid8151]

I loved to watch this procedure. Craftsmen at work for sure, you can see and feel their dedication, using hi-quality materials. Very nice work. Personally I do not care for the false aging on any guitar. Have three. acoustic, electric 6 string and bass since 1974 to 1978. They show some aging but always took care of them, Stay away from big Budweiser belt buckles. I started to play at 15 and now 72 . If I wanted to age stress my body I would never dream of running across the turnpike in front of a Kenworth. HA! Politics and mother earth take their toll along the way. Each to their own. I enjoy your vids and talent Mary. Thank you

[@peteryelverton2954]

Thanks for showcasing luthiers that may not be as well known, but Mary you should do voice over work on the side because I couldn't stop listening.

[@stuartdennis8506]

Very much enjoying the Explosions in the Sky-esque score to the early part of the video

[@tombuck]

Such an awesome process. Can’t imagine how awesome it must feel to play a guitar that you saw built from scratch.

[@garychisholm2174]

Your elocution is impeccable, for what it's worth.

[@IsleofTTMan]

Very useful, for those who are interested and see the difficulty in creating a guitar. Thks Mary

[@ajl12no]

I wonder how much more a vintage guitar would be against relic'ing a new guitar. Picked up a lovely original USA '72 thinline for £4k a couple of years ago. Glad you like it though and sure it plays great.

[@peterthomas22]

So much work goes into building these guitars, clever process, wouldn't be cheap to set up a guitar building company. Well done to all.

[@peterthomas22]

Do i get a Spam sandwich ?

[@RpaRalte]

Love this kind of video! Make more of this.

[@G-Doggy]

Wow! So much work goes into making those, even with all the machinery. Looks and sounds great.

[@danielsgrunge]

You can never go wrong with fiesta red, lovely

[@philpriestley3869]

I love the signature on the neck - it absolutely kills

[@carrotsandrunning]

as a beginner guitar player and hobby woodworker, i'm all over this :-)

[@SebastianLindqvist]

That's one beautiful guitar! Congrats Mary!

[@comedyash]

This is an absolute labour of love really enjoyed seeing each stage of the build! I'm still coming around to relicing however the thing that appeals to me is not having to worry about playing a brand new instrument within an inch of its life, great video.

[@paul_domici]

I understand the nostalgia of owning an old guitar but I think that the best guitars are being made today!

[@AlanKaruzo]

OMG !!!!! This is amazing!!!

[@Terry3Gs]

Looks awesome & most of all

[@markjt193]

Just skip Section 8 and you've got the perfect guitar ;) What a workshop! And clearly using the latest tech to leave more time for the hand finishing and detail work.

[@Beermaker2000]

Sections 1-7: Meticulous craftsmanship in every detail Section 8: Now let's fuck it up!

[@alanclayton9277]

That's a wonderful place, like where guitars are born! Vive la France. The Sultans of Swing cover video is much loved 'Way on up North, in Newcastle town' appropriately. That's some cool guitar on this soundtrack, oh yes.

[@coolchange1970]

You had me til ‘relic’. A beautiful guitar nonetheless that will only get better as it ages naturally. Thank you for a wonderful video!

[@BrianODonohue]

Never have been a fan of relics but it looks like a nicely built guitar! Sounds amazing and that is what matters!! :)

[@carlmeloy2954]

Not a fan of relicing a beautiful new guitar. Plus, the locking tuners wreck the effect.

[@johnnyola2205]

It ruined the whole guitar IMHO. Shame.

[@Superman-pn1rx]

Relics, fake abs, what is next? Fake fight scars ? Hahahah

[@guidorussoheck2100]

never liked faker relics, they are only good to display on a clothing/ bike or tattoo shops lmao

[@SimplyAubs]

This is FANTASTIC!!! I spotted you playing that guitar in a video...and I was curious - now I'll have to go watch the 2 hour film! This is incredible...thanks for sharing!

[@tombuck]

Aubrey!

[@SimplyAubs]

@@tombuck Hey there!!! I should have *known* that a cool person like *YOU* were following a cool person like *Mary!!!* It just makes sense! 🤪

[@xPayBakx]

Fenders are the way to go they sound good and look appealing, nice custom

[@jamesfoo8999]

Personally I'd need to have a naturally worn guitar, that's actually been worn from years of use. But we're all different and I understand others like them like this. Feels a little cringey they made such a beautiful job of the paintwork etc, then scratched and scraped the heck out of it 😄That said, they made an incredible job of the worn-ness. It's weird to say, but they did a professional "wear" look rather than just random or hap-hazard etc. Really great craftsmanship, amazing result!

[@joesaxon6566]

Relics are ridiculous

[@tonybaker55]

Fascinating as always watching real craftsmen/women at work.

[@belo1971]

Happy you appreciate Tom Marceau ‘s guitar !!!!! Went one time to his store and his gentleness is awesome...Great guitars ! You deserve it too 🥰🎸😉. Cheers Mary from a French fan ( From Brittany too 😁).

[@rt88glow]

Congratulations! Looks (and sounds) like a great instrument; it's good to see how much skill and artistry goes into creating a high quality musical instrument.

[@acdclexu6296]

way more beautiful than a silver sky

[@randysrhythm]

Of course Mary, the recycling depends on what's being recycled, right? In this case, something of quality comes from it, so fantastic that it can be done. I've heard of Tom, but haven't played one, so this was probably the most informative video on his process that I'll ever see. I'm a geek when it comes to guitars. I own electrics, but primarily play acoustics. Either way, the process of turning out a quality guitar is planned and executed with precision, overseen by someone with passion to deliver the best. From what I see, Tom made that list. Well done video.

[@NocturnosRockShow]

Wow!! Super coool Hi fro Utah USA new sub here! Awesome channel!!!

[@GreatGreenRiver]

I guess the first scratch doesn't hurt as much as it should after buying a relic guitar! The pickups sound VERY good !!! I love it! 😊

[@jobiazgarza9571]

fiesta red is a great color choice. reliced is even better

[@paulhall170]

I don't know what's more captivating to watch, the making of the guitar or the commentator? Seriously, thanks for this look behind the scenes to stuff we never see!

[@ZacharySilvey]

Cool to see a builder openly share details of their relicing process.

[@kjneese]

Wow, Mary! Thx for this, I love the artistry that goes into making guitars and this process is SO amazing! Congrats on your incredible one-of-a-kind instrument! Kudos.

[@Utahforrest]

I love the abstract process of road wearing the guitar at the factory. So epic

[@JimForeman]

Wonderful video and guitar. This explains so much! When I saw the Sultans video I noticed all of the "wear" on the neck and thought "wow, she has been playing this thing forever." And now I know the detailed craftsmanship achieved their goal.

[@garye4248]

Absolutely fun to watch the process. Thank you.

[@christopherweise438]

Awesome Mary. I love that not only are you a great songwriter and vocalist......but you're also a guitar nerd. Thanks for the great content.

[@BoydPhotographycom]

What a wonderful video of the creation of a hard body guitar. Many more steps than I would have imagined. Great job putting this together Mary!

[@paulhudson2293]

Such a beautifu guitar, right up until the moment you got them to relic it.

[@nobodyimportant76467]

That’s a gorgeous guitar! Thanks for sharing!

[@jimcamp2423]

Outstanding instrument. I would've let it earn it's wear & dings. For me, that usually is in the first few weeks, but after that I tend to avoid the subsequent damages. Nothing I've done remotely approaches relic status, just a stupid moment of a bump that I have to own. Just got a Jackson JS1XM Bass in Snow White, it has it's character already as a 3 year old. 3.5 weeks into it and I've spotted new dents/dings, one's I either missed or may even have to take ownership of as my accountability & responsibility.

[@gururajchadaga]

I agree. Also the fingerboard wear looks unnatural and ugly in an otherwise very beautiful guitar.

[@wildwillie7792]

Beautiful guitar Mary, just like you, i love you Mary...

[@tomw7334]

You had me all the way up to "Relicing". Otherwise, an excellent build.

[@Hammerman48]

Great to see that Mary…..thanks!

[@TUBBYMAXX]

Wow thanks for this, that company looks awesome !

[@bradg816]

Gorgeous. The guitar is nice too.

[@RByrne]

Cool to see the process. It's a beautiful guitar! I'm not into the reliccing, but this looks quite realistic. It's cool if that's your thing. I like a nice lightly aged look, without the checking, but it's a personal preference. They definitely play better when worn in a bit. Thanks, and enjoy your new guitar!

[@MisterTee]

I like how you had your name put on the neck. If you forget who you are mid song or while practicing you are good.

[@jacobkayombo2379]

I like the concentration on details in making of the guitar. It is quite breath taking, keep up the great work. We still need great guitars like the one in the making

[@mathispenel22]

It's crazy to see how precise is the complete fabrication of an electric guitar, especially this one. What a wonderful job and a good video showing perfectly all the tiny details of the construction !

[@dominiccicere6422]

I still feel the headstock should say Spender in the big F font!

[@KOZMOGRAFX]

That was wonderfully cathartic to watch, and the soundtrack was perfect. :)

[@ronrumsey3205]

Mary, what a treasure this guitar is! Looks beautiful. Sounds fantastic. I bet the muse is strong with this one. Play on!

[@gustirock]

Thank you for this awesome video. This must be the best job in the world. Beautiful guitar 🤘🏻

[@JohnGaray]

Artists! All three of the luthiers

[@SkunkworksProps]

Very interesting to see a small pro shop do this. I built a strat from parts a while ago, the relicing was by far the most fun part of the build, though I wish I'd thought to use the buffing wheel. I sat there with high grit sandpaper and a scalpel for hours like a lemon 😂. I like the individuality that wear gives to an instrument, whether it's been put there deliberately (such as a relic) or is a genuine vintage instrument.

[@CharlesRobitaille514]

Great job Marceau Guitars !!!

[@drewood]

That was fantastic. Watching talent like that, and the obvious love they have for the work, is amazing to watch. Great vid and a beautiful guitar.

[@zakdean4331]

A red Strat will always remind me of my Dad. He picked out my first electric guitar for my 10th birthday and it had to be a Strat, as he was a huge Hendrix fan, and red was my favourite colour. He died a couple of years later, but not before he got me a Morley Bad Horsie Wah pedal. One of my most treasured memories is figuring out how to play the Voodoo Chile intro and jamming it out for him. Thanks for the memories ❤️

[@KordTaylor]

What a beautiful guitar! And you really got the classic color and vibe for an “aspirational” instrument. I also learned about another guitar company. Thanks Mary!

[@brucelangsteiner4599]

Wow!! What a beautiful instrument, Mary. So unique!

[@thundersnow819]

I could relic guitars all day!

[@creativitymusic]

In my other life I will be a guitar builder to build a thousand just for myself. beautiful video thanks for sharing

[@071949]

Hi Mary, A beautiful instrument; interesting to see how many man-hours went into the making of it. Making it look a bit "distressed" is a cool touch.

[@mrb3991]

HI Awesome Guitar, I had an awesome guitar , It was a Brian May Guitar , but had to sell it as it wasn't used much, then I Purchased a Cheap Squire , which just hangs on my Wall

[@garyblackman7264]

Beautiful guitar. Enjoyed watching the build. True craftsmanship

[@drapensmusic]

Beautiful Mary keep it up for more dear...

[@Jackie_Rosewood]

So cool to see the process of your guitar!! It’s absolutely beautiful and sounds amazing!!

[@nellybod8742]

Nice... Enjoyed watching the build process, apart from the aging thing. Which I will never get my head around? Didn't realize how much of the cutting was done by machine.

[@jmason61]

I worked with early cad engraving machines (circa 1980's) but entirely with metals & plastic laminates... cool fact : they were often used on SUPER early guitars just for the face plate/pick guards cause they made cool flowing edges. My machine was a New Hermes the company made pantographs for like 100 years prior

[@JebHoge]

Great video! I've taken the Gibson Guitars factory tour in Memphis but one doesn't get to follow a single guitar through the build process like this video does. It's fascinating to see how art and science combine.

[@Lisztomania1]

That guitar is almost as gorgeous as you my dear Mary 😍 ❤️

[@SoggyBagelz]

such a cool guitar! enjoy :)

[@TheFoxcrusher]

marry spender nararrating a guitar build video......its saturday morning and im in bliss

[@douglastaylor182]

The fisheye camera lens is making my eyes go CRAZY!!

[@eddysel10]

Beautiful video and guitar, and very beautiful Mary.

[@BLBlackDragon]

Nice build. And I love your cover of Sultans.

[@FernandoDCDuarte]

Beautiful!! Although, personally, I'm not a fan of "artificially" aged look for a brand new guitar (I'd rather wear it off myself over the many years of ownership, like my 1984 Ibanez RS530 Roadstar ii that I've owned for 30 years), I did enjoy the start to finish hand-made guitar making process of Mary's very own custom made guitar. I'll definitely check Marceau Guitars!

[@hughjarrse]

But I doubt you would wear indigo blue stiff as cardboard jeans, I'm guessing you'd go for a nice prewashed denim 😉

[@rodneyabbey9526]

Love you Mary from Australia ❤️🇦🇺

[@PaulXerxen]

Beautiful guitar Mary. Thanks for sharing the process from start to finish. Relic-ing isn't my thing, as I think it never looks 100% correct, but albeit still an amazing job.

[@meh49]

Great video ! Thanks!

[@maximumpr]

Excellent narration, Mary.

[@pamelaarmstrong3612]

Enjoyed watching this process. I liked the reliving. Looks cool and eleviates that dread of dinging a pristine finish.

[@esanjuan212]

Very interesting to see the relic’ing stage! So much work behind this- congrats on your custom it looks/sounds incredible

[@Soltero1595]

That moment you mentioned a mint green pickguard for a fiesta red guitar and you just let out a little moan of approval... I hope people can relate :D

[@AndyK.23]

Great look at a quality build! And I can listen to you say "solder" and "decals" all day Mary!

[@racheltaylor6578]

I can never see the point in reliving.It’s a lovely guitar though.

[@drivenbydemons6537]

The color is sick