How To Build A Guitar Set Up Tool Box

[@offbeatbassgear]

I've sprayed and cleaned a lot of really gunked up fingerboards and bridges and sometimes a pair of disposable gloves are in order too

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Oh yes, i have a big bottle of hand sanitizer and rubber gloves. Great comment bcrich581.

[@MrEvan1932]

Dude that's really awesome of you to do guitar repairs and inspections for free, a lot of guitar players out there have instruments that need fixing but can't afford to spend the $ to fix them.

[@BrianSGuitars]

I wish Phil lived closer to me so I had a real pro to work on my guitars!

[@RudyAyoub]

same man my guitars are in need

[@onpsxmember]

Buy a cheap beater guitar, do some work and become a pro yourself.

[@BrianSGuitars]

Actually I did that very thing. I bought a beater Jackson Dinky and learned how to adjust the truss rod on it, and perform a basic setup, but I don't have the time between work and two kids to become a pro at it. I'd rather use my spare time practicing guitar rather than working on them. :)

[@jamesgretsch4894]

Do you live in the sticks or something? No pros to work on your guitar near you?

[@n3ur0tic881]

Where does he live?

[@VincentPriceknives]

I just wanted to let you know that of all the guitar related channels/content providers that I watch regularly, you are the most clear, concise, understandable and relatable. Sorry for the run on sentence lol. Thanks for what you do.

[@danmar007]

These are my favourite types of videos where you share your cleverness and years of experience with us. Maybe you should only do one live stream a month to give you more time for vids like this. :) These are the type of vids you did when you still owned your store.

[@RandyFricke]

A dedicated restring toolbox is essential. For years I had my tools (wrenches, feeler gauge etc...) all over creation. Now with everything all in one place make things so much easier and convenient. Thanks Philip. Great info.

[@KevinPlaysGuitar]

Great video! I'm going to go and buy one of those tackle box. I have a small box but it's growing and no more room. lol The only thing you're missing in that box is a feeler gauge set.

[@ThunderFalcon333]

Phil is the man. I'd gladly pay to have Phil set up my axe. All those years of experience. Phil Rawks!!!!

[@LightningDogg]

The only thing I would add is something that I believe I got from Dan Erlewine's book, and that is some strips of cut up plastic credit cards. When you get a new card, take the old one and cut it into strips longways. They are great for scraping fingerboards along the fret wire to remove caked on gunk and they don't damage the wood.

[@1rwjwith]

This is what a PRO with pride in his work looks like. Fantastic video! Very educational for guitar players anywhere.

[@edwise8275]

Thanks Phil for sharing your wisdom and knowledge.

[@XHuntinatorX]

Some really good practicable info. A lot of items and tools that I hadn’t thought of. Thanks!

[@josiahruotsinoja9776]

I can't believe I never thought of using a tackle box 🤦‍♂️ Thanks for the idea! I agree with the comments about feeler gauges. I would have a needle nose pliers (maybe I missed it). They're useful for prebending the string to go around a Bigsby bar or top wrapping a stoptail. Good video!

[@mdkotler]

Phil! I’ve been watching your videos, albeit not religiously, for years and the other day I went to get a tackle box to organize my stuff, I happen upon this video a couple days after and couldn’t believe i had bought the same exact thing for the same exact purpose. Amazing! Keep up the great work!

[@jgray22]

I used to work for Gibson and never had a Gibson multi tool. You are awsome Philip and do great work with a great love to do what you do. : ]

[@tzd]

Missing - straight rule and feeler gauge (to check relief). I keep a set of strings with colored ball ends cut off about 3-4 inches from the ball end to use as free feeler gauges. Thanks for the tackle box idea, I need to get one to put all my tools into.

[@JohnJones-ep7of]

Love your tutorials, saved me a lot of hassle when putting in my Dimebucker pickup in my guitar!Thank you so much ,yours in my opinion is the best channel out there.

[@RudyAyoub]

YO I NEED a guitar setup pls

[@juffurey]

Check out fret guru on amazon, makes quality stuff.

[@mattheweastel129]

Great idea for a guitar maintenance box Phil, I've gone right out and ordered one while watching your video. Fantastic!

[@jaygustin1713]

Great tool box. I now need to make one.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

I'd add: 9v Batteries, Needle nose pliers, Magnifying glass & Flashlight. This was great. You really thought of every possible scenario. The guitar-tech's dream checklist (minus the soldering). Love these type's of videos.

[@Devilspocket2002]

Be careful keeping steel wool and 9volt batteries in close proximity. The battery will catch the steel wool on fire.

[@skateandfingerboard1]

I thought it said 9 months ago, not 9 minutes. Last time I was this early, Phil still had hair! 😉 Good video man!

[@gellydesigns]

Thank you Phillip. Your awesome guy. Love your channel

[@keenaheaton8853]

Informative stuff! I am going to put together one of those for house calls

[@VerdediForesta]

Hi Phil, nice toolkit. What does it all weigh? I'd suggest maybe adding a small gooseneck LED lamp with clip for lighting inside f-holes & soundholes, a mini-sized Swiss Army knife, & a well broken-in soft cotton bandana, The last two are just generally useful to have around anywhere.

[@DaveMorrisonMusic]

America's Guitar Tech!

[@nathanmcdermott4098]

Hey Phil! Just got my stickers! Love the channel! Keep it up!

[@inthekeyofc2825]

Me too!

[@boojbah1]

Hey there Phil....The tackle box is a great idea; I'm always fumbling through the tool box I use for my guitar tools. Enjoy your videos and never disappointed with your content. Thanks....jimmy

[@genehullinger9614]

Excellent video! My tools are in a Tupperware container. Time to get a tackle box and organize my gear. Keep up the great work!

[@RequiemDead]

This is fantastic! You are doing a wonderful thing with this event and I am sure it's going to help many many guitarists. I hope this event comes to the Northeast (New England to be exact) so I can meet you in person!

[@jamesreyes4654]

I've been doing this with a regular tool box, thanks for the ideas tho 😂 please keep up what you are doing!!

[@wayneharrod9363]

I really thought you would have a stand alone pair of wire snips .and if your like me a good pair of glasses or magnifier. I enjoyed the video 👍🎸🤘

[@pcbullets8726]

The gator socket is nice, I have one in my guitar toolbox. Thanks for sharing, I will be adding some of this other stuff to my own repair kit. Cheers from Maine!

[@sailormike1089]

I have the same Stew Mac mini multi screw driver set. I've used mine so much that the name wore off the handle... Great for pickguard screws and adjusting pup height amongst many other jobs.

[@beanapalooza6614]

I ordered my KYG Gold top Tee shirt and Stickers this week!! Thank you for you videos AND YOU HELPFUL INFO THANK YOU AGAIN BROTHER!!!!

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Thank you so much. I am wearing that shirt for the event.

[@bellachi9575]

This. Is. Awesome! I haven’t been successful in finding organizing tips for guitar gear. Phil to the rescue, thanks. And I just ordered some stickers so my new guitar tackle box will be appropriately blinged.

[@chrisguitargarage327]

This is a great video! This weekend I put my own tackle box together complete with my Know Your Gear sticker!

[@matthewbalogh796]

I wish I lived near your shop! Keep up the awesome work.

[@InsomniacMatt]

9 volt batteries for EMGs

[@RobSmithSporty]

I have this double ended auto detailing brush that I had picked up at AutoZone or a similar parts store. The brush has a round wood handle, with black course bristles on one end and soft tan bristles on the other end. It's quite useful for getting into tight locations.

[@yamahamusicians]

Fantastic Idea and thanks for the tackle box tour, some really useful ideas for kit people should have if they want to maintain their guitars themselves. Top job!

[@bsmith08131]

I love your show Phillip. Very informative.

[@mattymatmatmat977]

Hi Phil you should include a soft pencil eraser/rubber they work wonders cleaning up unfinished maple fretboards. I use one on my charvel. No issue with it damaging the frets so no needs to cover them up. Also some ptfe tape works wonders with sloppy threads, like the fine adjusters on low end Floyd's.

[@maidenthe80sla]

Thank you for such a great informational video. I do have many of the tools you have and a few more seen that I need. Now to find that I will have out grown my little tool container. A new tackle box is now on my shopping list. Thank you!

[@1951kbz]

Your videos have helped make a number of improvements on some of my guitars . The "Sharpen My Axe" video with the Squier prompted me to pick a couple of Squiers for "sharpening. Hope the Sam Ash in New Haven Ct. is on your re-string list when you come out East. Thanks again for your channel and keep up the good work.

[@wilsonkok4754]

Hey Phil, was really surprised not to notice a pile of strings inside.... Seriously though, really comprehensive set of tools for everything short of a full on repair. Too bad I'm in Asia and nowhere near Arizona. Have a great event!

[@mikestcroix4757]

Great idea using a tackle box! Totally copying that idea, I've been using a shoebox. lol Thanks for the list and keep up the great videos!

[@stefankarlssonice]

You should sell pre-filled tackle boxes with all your favourite gear - I for sure would buy one!

[@tonepilot]

Some items you may want to add to your kit: 1) cotton gloves 2) wax to help screws go in with less friction 3) Under-string fret cleaner pad

[@filteredwaters9171]

Breath mints, lots of hand sanitizer, and a white lab coat, pencil holder and your name and logo on the pocket.

[@suhailcouto1832]

Hey phil can you make a video about good tour cases and good gig bags? Love the channel, keep the good work up!

[@216trixie]

Worth just hearing D'Addario pronounced correctly so many times.

[@RC32Smiths01]

The Ultimate Guitar Kit for Men

[@Hulkhoagie1]

This is a great idea and useful video. Your channel keeps getting better. Good stuff.

[@johnnydeppstein3050]

Disposable dental micro applicators are extremely useful. You can buy 100s of them for $12. StewMac sells them as “micro swabs” and you only get 10 for $5.41! Dental scalers can also be use and so can a few pairs of rubber gloves.

[@kenrich4327]

Hi Phil I love your ch. I also have in my ultimate kit is a NOMAD TOOL for cleaning under the strings at the bridge on all my acustioc guitars. I got mine from Sweetwater. It also has a soft brush on the other end. Thank again for all your fantistic vids. Sincerly Ken

[@casperboo5465]

Great tool box there Phill, and you gave me some some great ideas , for my tool box, Thank You very much, Cheers

[@dalepal]

Excellent video and toolbox. It looks like you have all the tools anyone would need to restring, clean & polish, and setup a guitar. I think it may have been mentioned in other comments but perhaps I would add needle nose and regular pliers.

[@54fighting5]

Great vid Phil. Looking forward to the next one when you put the box/tools to use. You need to take the fam to Disney World so you can have similar event in Central FLA (business write off😉👍).

[@54fighting5]

I had about 40% of the items, will be getting more based on your recommendations. I like the tackle box. But now we need Know Your Gear stickers made available again to slap on the box!!😉👍

[@offbeatbassgear]

If you're really on a budget there are a really good selection of used tackle boxes available on E-bay as well and some of them are very cheap and have a lot of life left on them also lots of space on the lid of the tackle box to tape on a set of mini reference sheets to use as needed and on the inside of the lid as well.

[@samlelowitch]

Fun video! Great job as usual, Phil.

[@koltonl8353]

I would have a small soldering iron! Thanks for the video!!!!!!

[@tkdolphin]

Wire cutters , better than the Gibson one. Perhaps stand alone snips. Also needle nose pliers come in handy. Good video!

[@Grandpa.Dan8881]

Small wedge shaped erasers, to be used to hold stop tail bridges, while restringing, Small light fret hammer for high frets & maybe a small piece of wood, to act a safe cushion in between the fret & hammer, Tapered wood blocks, to hold FR...

[@darrellneal7949]

Summer event in Arizona? Need some bottles of water and a large sweat towel. Good luck with the event Phil. 😅😅

[@SgtPowerWeiner]

You should check out music nomad F1 oil, works wonders on my rosewood

[@davidkaiser810]

I believe the spiral brush in the Stewmac cleaning kit it to clean the inside of input/output jacks

[@Gearjunkie35]

Rewatching. Great idea

[@bbmade]

Cool video. I like the Stew Mac screwdriver set too but the magnet that hold the bit in needs to be stronger. At least my set seems a little weak and the bits can fall out. The last thing I want is a metal but falling onto a delicate nitro or spirit varnish finish.

[@onpsxmember]

For that kind of money you can buy better sets. It's highly overpriced. Look at sets from Wiha or Wera.

[@bbmade]

onpsxmember: I have all varieties of screwdrivers including Wiha. The nice thing about the Stew Mac set it the sizes are geared specifically for guitars and fit extremely well. My only gripe is how little work the magnet does in my set. People complain about Stew Mac pricing and some of that is justified however, they do a lot of R&D that gets blatantly rippled off, produced over seas and then sold for much less. They are a very good company to deal with.

[@bbmade]

I’m not seeing any sets that are less money. If you have some that you like I’d be interested in checking them out.

[@onpsxmember]

Look at the wera bit check sets. They're 20-30€. It's hard to recommend budget sets since I'm sitting in germany and those wouldn't be available in the US. I have nothing about a high price if the quality works, while I see the problems on global market. I saw a lot great tools that Dan came up with and they tried to make it cheaper and the quality sucks while the price remains the same. Like the big workbench stand. There is was also a great idea for a folding spray booth with foils held by magnets and they took down the video for some reason. Just buy a magnet to gauss the one of your screwdriver set and the bits should hold better.

[@bbmade]

onpsxmember: I’ve thought about dragging mine against some of my rare earth magnets, think it’s time to simply do that.

[@JMartinN]

A contest to win a tool box would be cool!

[@brokenbuffalo5608]

awesome stuff Phil, wish i had something that detailed, very clean, very versatile, very nice. thanks for the vid

Something that I don't see in your kit is a very fine sandpaper that will help you when the floyd rose system doesn't want to grab the string and it slips out a lot. Usually you can sand off the groves and fix the problem

[@DamianTroyer]

The only things I would add: the tremelo bar springs, and a fret kisser

[@kristopherdavis5824]

If i was in america id of come to it cos phill seems a sweet guy

[@stephengent9974]

I use an old Kenned tool box for my main stuff and a couple of smaller boxes for wiring stuff

[@Bomber848480015]

How did I miss this video.

[@markaochoa2017]

I literally was about to make a little kit like this! Great timing 👍🏻

[@paulallan1376]

I'm going to the first restring event. For sure

[@DanSZiegler]

Great video! Thanks so much!

[@DanishingAct]

Great little setup.

[@biggils8894]

Chainsaw might come in handy.

[@offbeatbassgear]

And a couple nine volts for onboard preamps which are pretty common on basses and becoming more common on guitars as well

[@MuseGuitarist]

Nice, I have almost everything in there and the StewMac little tool kit is awesome for about $40 I think, worth every penny. This new one has a better case than the old version so if you read comments that say it is cheap they are referring to the old version. Now I will get my Walmart Tackle Box Lol

[@malicesmom]

I love excellent organization! 👍🏻

[@ToastedAndButter]

God, you're a great guy phil. Wish I lived in the US to come say hey! Oh well, hey from Australia! :)

[@haughtable]

Excellent! Maybe a spare 9V battery? Your videos are always very insightful, thanks!

[@gilmarriner3011]

Hey, great video Phil!! I‘m sure you’ll mention though in your future videos to be careful with that steel wool. Pickups are magnetic and........well, you know the drill. Thanks again!

[@LilSirAxolotl]

There are enthousiasts in your neighborhood 😊 just gotta find them... He isn't doing this by himself... When you get together with others you can make things happen At my local youth center we have a monthly "Repair Cafe" event... A volunteer comes by in a van filled with every tool he could possibly fit in there and people bring in their broken appliances Then we try to figure out solutions to everyone's problems... It's nerd heaven

[@Lex10999]

Phil, great video. Thanks for showing us all the details :)

[@davidingram7997]

Did I miss feeler gauges? Nice to be able to check neck relief and nut height to ensure the truss rod hasn't moved. Great video Phil.

[@GuitarExpress]

I am basically buying everything Phil showed on this video lOL

[@BenanAYDIN]

Great toolbox, but I think you need to put soldering iron, solder descent wirecutter, some extra pots, extra wire, 9V battery and it'll be near complete. There are so many different parts and pieces on guitars :D

[@offbeatbassgear]

I don't know if you mentioned these and I just might've missed it but how about a mini-mag flashlight and a small magnifying glass too

[@ryanwilson5936]

bcrich581 I prefer a headlamp to keep both of my hands free.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Good sugestion. I use my phone flash light, but a light is a great sugestion. I also ymuse my phone to take pics and blow them up like a magnifying glass.

[@offbeatbassgear]

Hadn't thought of that one actually a good point

[@PicksPaints]

The only other things I would add would be a 3 corner file, nut files, and micro mesh. That would make it my Ultimate Restring/Setup tool box.

[@onpsxmember]

Lacks notched straight edge and maybe a feeler gauge.

[@PicksPaints]

onpsxmember I would agree on the notched straight edge. He does have a string height ruler. Between that and a credit card you can set nut slot depth in a pinch

[@davidbettencourt6258]

Did i just watch a 30 min infomercial for Stew Mac? Good luck Phil!

[@barrypearson644]

Just bought a green version of the tackle box.

[@Kasperblk]

I use that same tackle box for makeup and jewelry.

[@anusrepairman]

fuck, now i need to buy a ticket to AZ to have Phillip restring my axe.

[@Andrew-ry7iw]

Add some PVA 'white glue' for loose string nuts, can't use superglue for that

[@onpsxmember]

Half of what is in there would be cheaper if you don't buy it from Stewmac. As soon as "Guitar" is added to a basic tool, the price triples. I don't want something cheap, but better quality for that pricetag. The tackle box is a great idea with the small compartments. Looking forward to see those events.