How to Make a Guitar Nut from a Blank

[@spike.strat1318]

Could you imagine apprenticing with this legend? What a fantastic opportunity.

[@MGC-1977]

I like how Dan showed how she could improve the nut and THEN showed us a similar one he made years ago. Instead of making her work look less than perfect, he showed that everyone starts at the beginning and can improve (even himself). It would be nice if all management could take this approach.

[@aPandorasboxofmusic]

Some might call this Dansplaining.

[@TheUlesifah82]

Good point …. I’m a journeyman electrician and keep that mentality daily with the apprentices I teach

[@CaptainWrinkleBrain]

This is key. Not just telling us “yep that’s good” but continually improving and admitting imperfections. I’d let anyone who could do that work on my instrument

[@phantasm8180]

who cares ?

[@ThibautVDP]

leadership by example. it's good stuff.

[@blainetrain2299]

I like the way both Dan & Elyse communicate with us. Easy to follow and understand the how-to's. Hope to see her teaching us again.

[@rselp]

I love Dan's style of teaching...so empowering and encouraging. Dan, you're a national treasure...a firm hand steering the ship!

[@glasscockguitars]

Dan Erlewine for President!!!

[@joshuariveraflora]

How can you not love Stew Mac? These KZbin lessons are super helpful and very practical.

[@michaelpthompson]

Always love Dan's style and expertise. Glad he's passing it along to a new generation.

[@galenmarek8287]

Yes. He’s like a library of encyclopedias full of knowledge. If I could only know what he’s forgotten about guitars in his lifetime, it would be a blessing.

[@cyber-psych2503]

back in the day Dan published repair tips in the early Guitar Player magazine

[@jamescashin5637]

@@cyber-psych2503 Always the 1st page I'd go to!

[@murrayc9615]

I'm always impressed with how well the Stewmac staff and students speak on camera. Their dialog is most likely scripted, but they do such a good job it makes them sound so professional. No hesitation, no shyness, no "umms" or "ahhs", no unnecessary slangs or expressions which would be distracting . I always enjoy seeing new videos even though I would never build a guitar myself.

[@stewmac]

Thanks! They're actually not as scripted as you might think. We mostly work from outlines.

[@vincentcarrocci4697]

I don't play guitar or work on them but I really love these StewMac videos. I have such an appreciation for the craftsmanship you all display in your work!

[@InGrindWeCrust2010]

Dan Erlewine is a national treasure.

[@sweetstonegypsy6673]

This is one of the best demonstration videos I’ve ever seen. It moves quickly enough to cover a ton of ground, is incredibly well-filmed-I was able to clearly see how to do it, well-explained at every single juncture, and even includes the very special oversight, commentary, and counsel of a master. I’m going to watch it again, then order the couple of tools I don’t already have, and then begin to learn how to do this extremely important job correctly. Thank you!

[@stewmac]

Glad it was helpful! Best of luck!

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

What makes this such a great video in my opinion is that you had your apprentice show the world that making a nut from a blank isn't some mysterious, impossible feat, at least not for anyone possessing a little skill with tools and measuring. Thanks again, Dan, and please - more videos by Elyse!!!

[@nocaster51]

This looks like a friendly workplace. Cheers to you guys

[@Cre8tvMG]

I love all the info, but I also love the camaraderie and friendship and encouragement. That's a good company.

[@patrickpalmer3374]

I watched you a few times yesterday and cut in a nut in my new 200S yamaha, 30 hours later I'm still on the saddle and if it wasn't for the baking soda and super glue trick I wouldn't have noticed how I have a bad habit of over standing. I worked that saddle bridge 4/5 times pored the glue on and sprinkled baking soda. Thanks. All this rework brought new thoughts to mind about radius, intonation and one about making a bridge from different powders, oh yes I get the best string slots award. I will be getting those string slot files. I'm greatful no one saw them. I will get about 10 unbleached each of the nut and saddle and realise that it doesn't what any dealer says in order for any bridge to work as good as it gets each string has to be subject to a reliable tone machine, that said you can still go back in and flatten B G A E. With E 1 mm G 1.5mm A 1 .mm. B 1.5mm. I just watched a guy demo in a roughed in way why he believes this all makes an Acoustic play betted. The thought is there but would probably ruin a couple blank pieces force me but the having not tried seems worse Thanks for everything,

[@gins8781]

A friend replaced the nut on my classical guitar as a gift. I had no idea of the craftsmanship involved. I appreciate his generosity so much more now. Thank you for this video!

[@ItzUnknwnX]

I know this is years old but MAN this is a great video. The contraption you guys made to file the string slots was genius

[@gabevalencia2012]

Dan is an excellent teacher! I could watch him for hours!

[@MonkyMonk729]

I have... lol.

[@nedalhubhub1851]

Dan is a cool guy!

[@ivanreiss]

The old nice sweet-voiced man and his tattooed rad apprentice young lady. I mean, how cool is this team?!

[@gunhedd5375]

Jim R • Nope. Athens, Ohio. About 30 minutes from West Virginia. Home of Ohio University. Very pretty around there.

[@oldtimetinfoilhatwearer]

The old nice sweet man was a rocker in his day. One of Mike Bloomfield's contemporaries, in fact I believe Mr. Erlewine Owned the Bloomfield burst and traded it to Bloomfield for his 54 Les Paul. He's a real interesting dude

[@gunkanjima3408]

Gunhedd Crazy. Only a few hrs from my house

[@patrickroozeboom6712]

About 9 minutes into the video, his voice over, his voice, reminded me of Johnny Cash.. 😂

[@salatieljyrustumanan4929]

@@89schofe Probably someone who loves guitars and modding them professionally

[@R3loaded1313]

What an amazing teacher. You know how to explain mistakes without breeding self doubt. She did an amazing job and id expect that with such a good teacher and a great learner. Good job Elyse, keep up the good work.

[@robbiekimpel]

When I was learning to make a bone nut, my teacher told me to buy a bunch of blanks and keep making one till I was satisfied with it enough to put it on my 1958 Fender Stratocaster, I think I made around 50 before I was happy with it. Its been on my guitar for 30 years!

[@lifelongfan07]

Congratulations Elyse! You and Dan the man work really well together! Dan seems very patient and he has taught you well!…

[@cameronjohnston4276]

Excellent video. And Dan seems to be a very good teacher/mentor. He really guided his "student" and treated her with a great deal of respect. I can't wait to watch more of these videos.Cheers!

[@danjobrien]

Gotta love Dan's intro - proud Papa style. Elyse can work on my guitars anytime - amazing work and tutorial - thanks !

[@perrybolontzakis7626]

I am very fascinated for just looking at the making of a guitar with all the details that go in so amazing, i love just looking at it !!!!

[@tonyefc8423]

Brains AND beauty all in one. Elyse made a great job I thought. Their is so much to have to know, for such a small part of your guitar.

[@iagobroxado]

This video was really awesome and inspiring. Congratulations Elyse and a quick recovery on your hand, Dan.

[@gregmartin1757]

Awesome to see dan passing along his knowledge and expertise to the younger generation. Nice job by young lady. Dan is a legend and a true national treasure.

[@derick3482]

that looks young to you? she's 35 at least

[@brooksphillips2234]

The string spacing ruler is sooo great

[@tyronewarren6944]

I love the recognition, the diploma. Heart warming.

[@GuitarMooseMusic]

I really value watching these videos more than most. I have to do most of my repairs myself and these videos give me the confidence to do them w/o fearing that I’m going to really mess up my guitar.

[@RainStickland]

It's very difficult to completely ruin a guitar. Even if you slice off a hunk of the body (on an electric, not acoustic), it makes absolutely no difference to how it sounds or plays. Now, you could always buy a really cheap guitar, or a build kit, and use that to practice on. Also, the easiest thing to learn for soldering is the output jack, so start there if you've never soldered before. Philip McKnight has some good videos, too, and has done videos for StewMac.

[@toneconsultant]

That might be the most detailed video I’ve seen them share. Nice job. I really like how she checked the nut height by pressing down on the 2nd fret. I hadn’t seen that done before.

[@guerrillaradio9953]

Extremely helpful! I made an aluminum nut (had to be only 1/8" from headstock side to fretboard to not interfere with truss rods, but very strong) for my 15 string AliExpress extended range bass because the original was awful, and now it plays like a dream! Thanks for putting this craftsmanship knowledge out there for free. 🎄

[@GrahamsYouTube]

Great video and very constructive feedback which shows an expert craftsman and teacher

[@BeesWaxMinder]

Gratulations Elyse! I hope you’ve kept up your studies and are doing well.

[@jamesdunn6333]

high production value, friends! not only are you guys great at fixing guitars, you're awesome at telling people about it too!

[@blinddeadmcjones5255]

This is my favourite repair to do in the guitar shop i work at, i could do it forever

[@davethomas7222]

Super useful video. I re-fashioned the nut for a Peruvian nylon string I own using stewmac blanks, and watched this a few times before diving in.

[@grasshoffers]

I was going to ask about recommended tools but was smart (for once) and looked at description. That is more thorough than ANYONE I have seen over the years on recommendation. Great video to share the knowledge. I have been trying to figure out where to start and this video popped into my feed!

[@russrainwatet4825]

I wonder if she plays guitar..and her fav genre..

[@deegz]

Wow this video is exactly what I call perfect timing. I built a guitar a while back and decided today that I need to make a proper nut for the guitar to play perfectly. And funnily enough it’s a single p90 style guitar!! Thank you guys! Much appreciated 🤘🤘

[@robertschaeffer5861]

Just checked in to see if I am doing it right...I've done them in brass like Mossrite use to but ebony is my favorite for fretless instruments... Guild of America Luthiers is a wealth of information...its an amazing adventure...

[@bwedwards67]

I’ve learned so much from Dan through his books and videos. He is a great teacher

[@rubbadubdub6543]

I would maybe score along the headstock side of the nut with an exacto before I tap it out - that way, if there’s lacquer adhered to it, it won’t tear out.

[@stanbrown915]

As a machinist I know you never stop honing your skills and learning. Can't imagine all the complexities of physical manipulation of materials to produce proper tone.

[@2011k]

Probably one of the best nut making video on the web. Great job Elyse btw.

[@CharlesNotBronson]

I'm an apprentice of a guitar tech as well. My task for today is to make a nut of a somewhat hybrid classical guitar out of nothing lmao. Thanks for this! I learned so much!

[@lkgreenwell]

This is a treat - and will remain so for the next few years

[@brooksphillips2234]

Man i would love to learn from someone with this kind of knowledge. I am learning the best I can to work on my Les Paul and Strat.

[@c0mputer]

More craftsmen putting videos on KZbin should show their work in detail and explain how to make it even better. This channel is really a breath of fresh air...and I don't even play or fix guitars. Any why is it that every worker Dan has in these videos just seems so cool?

[@rommeldesouza2963]

Dan the Guitar nut specialist, great job guys.

[@clgmafnas]

Man... the possibilities and potential with all the right tools at your disposal. If i owned a shop like this now, imagine the builds 🤔😁

[@jarrydwest3717]

sure it matters how big the stick it, but it matters a hell of alot more whos swinging it

[@ryanwiseman9141]

Glad to see you passing this down to next generation!! Great work!!

[@AubryG]

Congrats for this teaching and transmission knowledge. Beautiful nut, you have some gold in your hands

[@Isaac-Draper]

Dan seems like such a supportive man. I love these videos!

[@Ibaneddie76]

Man I want to apprentice under Dan the man! I've been building guitars for years but I would jump on that opportunity in a second and act like I've never touched a guitar just to learn from a master. I actually think making nuts is one of the funnest parts of a build, you can really get creative trying to find the best pitch and angle for the string path.

[@anthonyrodriguez4055]

I have six guitars and they all need new nuts! So this video was just what the Dr. ordered! Thank you! Stew Mack! Congrat's, Elyse!

[@guymandude999]

3:38 Sand your pencil flat on one side so the wood casing isn't interfering.

[@BobJones-bh9qz]

Genius

[@monz7951]

Pro tip right here

[@khankrum1]

I have played guitar for yearsand I never realised how skilled fitting a new nut can be. I will leave ot to the experts.

[@MostlyTorso]

Jawbreaker! Good to see I'm not the only one who remembers.

[@j.b.phillips6400]

Thank you so much! You guys are great. Dan & Elyse are so cool with the teaching method! Great job Elyse, you're a pro and help me understand this for the Super Strat I'm building! Great filming too. Y'all rock!

[@thefilthygringo9228]

Such an awesome resource for musicians. I can’t thank you enough for all of your videos they are so informative and very enjoyable to watch. Keep it up

[@j.schaefer5622]

I learned a lot from Dan and its cool to see that hes passing his knowledge to the younger generation...

[@OhBHayes]

Love this channel! There’s something so relaxing about watching guitar repair.

[@davidkhammer]

You guys make it look easy !! Dan is the man.

[@musicmatty67]

Congratulations and very impressive! Special thanks to Dan for educating all of us through the years🙏

[@johnterpack3940]

The figure-8 pattern on the sanding tells me she's a pro. Sanding that teeny nut with her bare fingers on a belt sander warmed my gen-x heart. Here's to all the kids who ride a bike without a helmet.

[@notsosure7757]

As much as I'd love to do this, the amount of specific tools you'd need would only be cost effective if I was a luthier. I'll leave it to my tech, but still a very good video lesson.

[@jedfiekel9809]

You don't NEED all of the specific luthier tools... a cheap feuler guage set from an auto parts store, a cheap precision file set from harbor freight, and a torch tip cleaner works good for filing the slots. A cheap hack saw or coping saw, and a cheap straight edge or metal ruler. Maybe $25-40 for everything.

[@jedfiekel9809]

You can also get a cheap wide flat contractor pencil and cut it exactly down the middle...

[@michaelb.42112]

This is my dilemma. I'd love to learn this and I feel I NEED to know this stuff just like I know how to solder pots, etc, but is it cost effective just to pay the tech ? If I had a bunch of basses to do it's no question.

[@freemanjonnes995]

Achei incrível ver uma mulher trabalhando como Luther, no Brazil isso é muito raro. Parabéns pelo belo trabalho e pelo diploma. Adorei o vídeo!

[@jmiddlefinger]

Dan sure seems to have no trouble finding talented apprentices with great screen presence to match their excellent technical skills and craftsmanship. I hope we’ll get to see more from Elyse in the future, and I really hope that we’ll get to see Chelsea again next time she’s in town. Her neck finishing video is still one of the best instructional videos I’ve seen!

[@4stringz.]

1:20 that smile 🤣❤️

[@nickf9392]

To mark the string locations I take a guitar that I already have that has the string spacing I like. I put a piece of masking tape over that nut, taped down. Then mark the string placement onto the tape by rubbing a pencil mark on each string. Then remove the tape from the sample neck, press it down onto the new blank nut and saw right thru the tape at each pencil mark with an exacto fine blade saw to make the kurf marks, then remove the tape and finish the string slot depths with the proper files. String spacing is perfect every time. And I never use glue on any nut install. Take the time to sand and fit it properly and no glue needed. Glue makes adjustments harder, makes removing the nut harder and acts to deaden the string vibration as it transfers thru the nut and into the neck wood.

[@fepatton]

Great video and very timely. I'm going to be making my first "from-scratch" nut for a mandolin I've been making and this will really help. I supposed I will actually be making my first two or three, if I'm honest... :-) Showing the "areas for improvement" was really helpful too.

[@Musicology1975]

That's nuts man🎉

[@firsteerr]

elyse did a great job and the more critics she gets she will get much better so a real tribute to dans teaching

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

A Zero Glide nut works around that problem by having the fret protect the nut.

[@JoshuaC923]

Congratulations Elyse!

[@stevek8821]

Many thanks for that, really helpful! Best wishes to Elyse..

[@stewmac]

Glad it was helpful! 👍

[@ashchase8340]

Dan is the Man, I learned from him many many years ago

[@davecarsley8773]

Elyse is extremely lucky. In the entire world, there is no better journeyman that she could be learning from.

[@ronmorey3475]

I use those same Precision Brand feeler gauges. Love them! So much easier and quicker to stack when they are separate and organized like that.

[@kiaora12]

These videos are great and I love all the pointers. The one step I would have included would be to check the intonation at first, second and third frets. That would make it a wrap.

[@Iazzaboyce]

I don't know if you have them in the US, but here in the UK we have a tool called a 'hand vice'. This makes sanding nuts and saddles on a belt sander much easier and safer.

[@Erikisat]

Really great tutorial! I’m going to give it a try making one thanks!

[@toneseeker4968]

Great job, Elyse and Dan! Graduation congrats, Elyse! Love these videos... very interesting! I need to quit procrastinating and get new nuts on many of my guitars..

[@darbuki13]

Wow, she really is working out on that nut. I'm impressed.

[@livergen]

Outstanding video guys, I'm actually getting ready to attempt to make a nut for my Stratocaster out of some red stag antlers. I've always wondered if you could use Antler material, So I'm going to give it a try. I have many many axis and red stag antler drop's , And to me it looks like good material that would be similar to bone.. I guess if anyone has any comments or suggestions, please say something it would be warmly received. Congratulations Elyse, You have some super teachers with such tremendous knowledge to learn from.

[@skutterbuster666]

Damn, girl is good. Nice to see Dan pick it apart too and point out the slight mistakes.

[@jonathanhandsmusic]

Excellent video! Even though I have never slotted a nut before, I now feel confident that I can file the slots on the new Fender neck I put on my Telecaster. I only have one chance to do it right, but I bought the Hosco three file set, so I’m not worried, just a little bit.

[@groovefretboard]

Stew Mac polish wheels are amazing! Best shine ever

[@bafarrell82]

Great job Elyse!

[@sharkman4928]

I wish my apprentices at work were as beautiful as Dan's!!! Great job Elyse!

[@allkive]

dude I wish I could work there, great video and nice explaining, Elyse did a great job

[@pudekuf25]

CONGRATS ELYSE! Great job! Always love these stew Mac videos. I will be referencing this video alot just like I do all of Dan's videos. Thanks!

[@manifestgtr]

Making a good, attractive, well fitted nut with perfect slots and spacing is one of the last things I work with apprentices, etc. If you can make that happen, it really demonstrates a solid aptitude for almost any skill required for basic guitar maintenance. It means you’re detail-oriented, therefor you can be trusted haha. It’s one of the “big two”, in my mind....the other being the neck reset.

[@orlandovflores]

Great video! Been watching a lot of these videos as a family member left me several guitars after they had passed. The videos have been very helpful.

[@TheBnjmnlrd]

Awesome. I thought the nut on my Epiphone was worn. With the graphic and lesson where the strings should sit in the nut, I now know it’s worn.

[@markjohnston2696]

this is the most friendly workspace i ever seen it even has the spongebob music in the background whenever spongebob goes to do something tedious or fun. I'm flabbergasted no ones made a nut joke here. props to everyone in the video for the professionalism. Lol

[@awogbob]

Yup LOVE THIS more DAN knowledge!! WE NEED IT

[@uke_mike]

master nutter

[@TheKingBJ]

1:57 When you knock out an ol' nut with yo homies

[@4stringz.]

2:06

[@JodyRushMusic]

@@4stringz. 0:59

[@sunnys3325]

Congrats Elyse!! Great vid!! I like the way she talks🙂

[@marctamtonthat]

Bravo Elyse ! Dan you're great.