How To Make Inexpensive Guitars Play Great For 20 bucks! Sharpen My Axe

[@squierjoshyt]

The tutorial on fixing dead frets was more valuable than the guitar review! Thanks so much!

[@mikehohrein8127]

Thank you balint

[@ShiroKami1337]

0p0

[@Cerebrum358]

These are some of the most well explained, in-depth yet simple guitar instructional videos ever. Talk about making it look easy. You rock, bud.

[@logancaligagan9402]

*Thank You* Balint This guitar has Green Day written all over it and I want in haha

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Hi Logan. Your Name was the name pulled for the guitar. Please contact me at [e-mail] or go to our website and us the contact us link to claim it. once we hear from you and know you are ok to receive the guitar we will announce it. If we do not hear from you will have to pull another winner. Thank you again. Congratulations!!

[@logancaligagan9402]

@@PhillipMcKnight reply sent! Thank you so much for this awesome opportunity!

[@MaddoxMelton]

@@logancaligagan9402 did u get the guitar

[@anthonygomez993]

Sz Ki 1200

[@TheFrontyer]

@@allboutthemojo micro mesh is amazing for fret polish. I have also used car polish compound and paper towel which worked fine.

[@markdesouza6044]

i just finished. It worked like a charm. I have a MIM strat that had an unplayable spot when I'd bend the b string at the 15th fret. I did exactly as you suggested: taped off pickups, used the rocker to check the 16th fret (one up from the 15th), filed, checked filed, checked, filed, checked. There was still a teeny bit of rock on the fret but didn't want to chance going any lower. I polished up all of the frets, polished the guitar and restrung. Works awesome. Real fun guitar to play now! Thanks very much!!

[@MisterRand]

True story. I went to high school with a beautiful girl. We acted in plays and were in the choir together I had a crush on her senior year but my good looking friend actually dated her. (Sigh) After high school she went on to the ice capades and then became an L.A. Clippers cheerleader. In the mid 90s I was in the LA area for business and I went out to dinner with her. Afterwards we went back to her apartment to meet her man. I walk in and there are gold records on the wall from David Bowie and John Lennon!!! In walks Earl Slick. I tried to play it cool like I didn't know who he was but eventually I just admitted I was a fan. He was a super nice guy and a beast on the guitar. Kinda pointless but I just felt like sharing that.

[@myprettyselena]

So you didnt get to bang her? And you call yourself a guitarist?

[@midwestfisherman]

Cool story bro!

[@imannonymous7707]

Lol ok....happy xmas

[@krelbar]

Cool story, however just saying "A girl friend (not girlfriend) of mine I went to high school with dated Earl Slick and I got to meet him. He was a cool guy." would be fine. The rest of the details are kind of depressing, lol.

[@danmar007]

MisterRand Cool!

[@matthewdunn9900]

Thank you, Balint! Phil, I have to comment that it's awesome that you're teaching people how to maintain and fix their instruments. I've owned some really nice gear over the years, and have gone from being able to afford to pay someone to do all of these things for me, to having to do everything myself. Your channel has saved me money, and helped make my super-cheap current axes sound and play a thousand times better than they did.

[@ryanbwags]

FYI guys: the kit on Amazon is down to $12.49 US right now.

[@stephenkoch3187]

got one....prime stuff.

[@mikeymumblesreal]

What's the name of it?

[@PhillipMcKnight]

We pulled a winner and congradulations to Logan from San Diego. Thank you to everyone who entered. Time stamped 1/01/2019 3:27pm MST (updated) 1/3/2019 10:43Am MST

[@beckyp9633]

Congratulations to the winner!!!! Hope they and whoever receives the one for charity enjoy them!!! 😁

[@marcialrodriguez3399]

Thank you for your lessons

[@Vman9484]

wasn't me was it lmao Hope the winner gets it. That's a great ax to have

[@mauriciozelaya7176]

Congrats to the winner 😊

[@willprince643]

Congratulations!

[@TheUniversalEyes]

Thank You Balint! And if you really want your frets to shine, use some Mother's Mag & Aluminum polish. Just tape off your fretboard in between the frets, take a small cloth and tab a little on and polish away. It works great, it even slows down fret tarnish.

[@CRAZYCANUCKTV]

Slick guitars look pretty slick lol. I really like the surf green relic look with the brass and sunken bridge. I bet it has great sustain and I know Earl loves his sustain!!!

[@kita17n]

every aspect of talent - workmanship - player - in depth knowledge & a subject matter expert-great work

[@rossw73]

I bought the SL54T almost a year ago. This is a solid guitar with a great feel. I was able to play it right out of the box after tuning. It's definitely a heavy guitar but the thing has beautiful sustain. Much better than my MIM Strat or my Gibson Les Paul Studio. Probably from the huge brass block on the trem. I would've never known about these guitars had it not been for this video, so thanks Phil. This is my go-to axe when i feel like playing 80's rock.

[@JohnKelly2]

Thank you Balient! I honestly had never heard of Slick Guitars until a 2 days ago. One popped up on the local Facebook Marketplace for $225. I looked them up and found that one was $199 (lots of rip offs around here). I researched them more and was really impressed. Now here we are. Fate? Coincidence? Coincidence, let's be real, but I'd love to win one.

[@davidsams63]

I just wanted to say a huge thank you for this video. I have only recently stumbled upon your channel while searching for advice on upgrading guitars and love how you make what I had always considered daunting tasks seem doable through clear, helpful and informative explanations. Brilliant stuff.

[@michaelgraves5320]

Thank you Balint!! And to all the other patrons who support this great channel. Keep up the great work Phil 🤘

[@kevinr.3542]

Thanks for sharing this kind of information. It's priceless to a musician who doesn't want to pay $40-60 every time there's something wrong with a guitar. There's so many little fixes that are required to maintain a guutar and it's easy to just never learn how to do these things. I've also noticed people would rather charge you than show you how easily it's done.

[@darkomtobia]

I just saw this and even though it's done, thank you Balint and Phil. Very classy of you both.

[@andremonteiro1643]

well i am from portugal and i am 17 yo, almost turning 18. i have a great love for guitar and music and really would apreciate this guitar and it would be in great hands. have a nice 2019 and thank you Balint!

[@MrMainbrain]

Hi Philip, I want to thank you for this video. I bought a used old Vintage (the brand, not 'really old' ) LP goldtop with p90's. It sounded fantastic, beautiful but the fret-job really sucked. There were several dead frets and higher up on the neck some bends just fell dead. I got that kit from amazon and today I did the fixups, polished all the frets while i was at it and voila, now it sounds and plays fantastic! Thanks again, your videos are so helpful!

[@JesseCain]

Thanks Balint for enabling this review and fret tutorial.

[@timfarnsworth2071]

Phil, this was a fantastic video! The way you ID’d the problem areas and walked people through the process will hopefully give lots of players the courage to tackle this super common problem. Really surprised at the overall vibe of the slick guitar for the value. Thank you Balint for providing the axe for the video and giveaway! I dig this community that continues to feed my 6-string addiction.🎸👊🏻🧰

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Thank you Tim. Also I loved the updated photo you sent.

[@milliesdad8322]

May have been the best and must useful sharpen my axe Ive seen yet!

[@timfarnsworth2071]

Thanks Phil! Had fun making the photos...had to justify to wife why I had all of these guitars, tools, and guitarist toys...photo shoot seemed like good excuse 🤪🎸

[@davidkastin4240]

You said everything I was going to, thanks. I gave you a like on your reply Tim

[@natesquiggles6666]

Single bridge pickup and single volume control, just the way I like it, Thank You Balint!

[@Noone-of-your-Business]

I never thought about doing this myself. Just ordered the tools. I've got a whole summer to tweak a dozen guitars. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@warpath6666]

Me too ... they arrive tomorrow 👍

[@dalepal]

Thank you Balint. Very cool video showing how to check and fix high frets on a budget with inexpensive tools.

[@cyb3r3vil30]

I've always been kinda scared to do to much on my guitar's your video's really help Thank you and Merry Christmas to you and your's

[@malicesmom]

You can do it!

[@doc221978]

I prefer doing a full level and dress on the frets of every guitar I get. I also tape it instead of using the guards. I finish it up with a polish using my dremel.... really shines, and plays smooth and fast. Going through the extra work is really worth it when you're playing.

[@3kil0w4tt]

You know, Phil, I've heard you say several times that you're a bass guitar player, not a guitar player...but I beg to differ...I say you ARE a good guitar player. Another great "Sharpen My Axe" installment and ... Keep On Rockin' !!!

[@mikedigesu4756]

Thank you, Balint! Just this act of kindness is an awesome gift to everyone!

[@avoadrian1402]

I’m to broke to buy a kit rn because I just bought a guitar That I Need To Fix Thank You, Baliant

[@substrate001]

Thanks Phil for the excellent 'Sharpening', and thanks to you *_Balint_* for donating! Damn that thing sounded good. Rock on!

[@tommiks5649]

I'm a new viewer and subscriber to your channel and I love all the things you do. All the tips are fantastic and great for someone that has been away from guitars after my Strat burned up in a house fire in 1984. I bought it roughly in 1975. I just picked up a 2005 Squire at a flea market for $60.00 took it to a local music store and had them clean it do a set up. I got back into it because of my Grand Daughter brought hers over that she got from her boyfriend and my plan is to make it a good guitar that she will get when I'm gone. Fixing it up a little at a time. 72 years old and the fire has been stirred again. Music the great uniter.

[@twointahoe]

Phil, Thank you for This CLEAR explanation of fixing the high frets...I have feared touching my frets for years....But paid dearly to have someone do the work. AND having links to a cheap tool kit helps sooo Much. I recently bought a DONNER DST 400 because of its cheap price and reviews: but there were dead spots on the frets. Your video Was such a help! My brother is a luthier but he's on the east coast and I'm on the west so we talked on the phone. Better to see than hear....THANKS for these great videos....🙏❤

[@kongandbasses8732]

Thank you, Balint. If I would win, this will be an overseas shipping. As I am a bassplayer, the guitar would go to my son, who loves guitars of this shape, looks and sound. He has two Ibanez GIO, the most expensive was about USD 250,-- and I had a look over them, but there was nothing to do except filing the frett-ends that have been a bit sharp. Beeing a good dad and he starting his carreer at 15, playing some gigs with me and my 80's/90's rock and metal cover band, I gave him an Ibanez Prestige for his birthday three years ago, and a Ltd 7-string two years ago. After he finished his education for being a geriatric nurse, he was given a vintage Tokai Telecaster that says "Tokai Breezysound" on the headstock by a coworker who has found the guitar while cleaning out her cellar and make some free space from stuff of her husband, who passed some years ago. She said, and I absolutely second this, that this guitar deserves to be played. So on one hand he has enough guitars, but is there a thing like having enough guitars? And I kinow he would be hobored to have an axe that was sharpened by you. Anbd I could use the tools, just as I am sharpening his axes all the time - and my big battleaxes as well. Have a merry Christmas, and try and have some time for yourself, as I know that this is something not to have easy when you run a shop - and do KZbin-Videos, too. And having a family. And a band. And so on. I've been there, have done this.

[@Nissan570Lsx]

When you made this video that tool kit jumped up in price. Back down to 13 bucks. Enjoyed the video. Love my slick. Upgraded pickups and once the tool kit shows up I'll dress those frets up nice. Thanks Phil.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

I noticed that as well. I sent a complaint when the price went up.

[@DatBoi-mo9vc]

@@PhillipMcKnight phillip out here lookin out for his viewers

[@adamlynch6877]

Thank You Balint. I'm just my guitar journey at the ripe age of 47. I enjoy watching your videos for the honest content. Very informative.

[@alexg9222]

Great review! Fret leveling fun! Great playing! Great little kit link! Thanks!

[@zacharychen3633]

Thank you Balint, and ofc Phil. I wish I could support your channel more and become a parton but I'll always keep watching your vids.

[@willmartoni4970]

I ordered one of these kits. It's coming on a slow boat from China but I look forward to trying it out.

[@willmartoni4970]

Received it today. Ordered 12/26. Can't wait to try out

[@Tyler-kv1ff]

Thank you, Balint. Phillip, you've inspired me to try out working on my own gear, even helping out some others. Thank you yourself!

[@TheJosephPhillips]

Thanks for the great level/ crown lesson.. bought the kit off of Amazon for like 12 Buck's.. fixed a couple of high frets, 23 & 24 on LTD h101 fm as you tought.. I didn't have any steel wool around so I took some 1500 sandpaper and wore the grit down a tad for the final polish, then took some Maas metal polish and results turned out stellar! Thanks again 👍👍

[@nicke.424]

12:19 when you play the solo to Nirvana's "Milk It"

[@serfillustrated4018]

lmfao

[@comixter1719]

LOL

[@stankcooter]

nice pfp i believe that’s the microphones right?

[@nicke.424]

@@stankcooter yep

[@FreddyFruchtman]

Your production quality improved so much. What an amazing video 👍

[@tommylight1312]

I've noticed that too. Love the editing!

[@ethanmessinger425]

Thank. You. Balint. Very cool that you provided the guitars for this video.

[@Dukieman24]

Thank you Balint! Sharpening my axe is my favorite guitar series; and you supporting that is so cool!

[@clench13]

Thanks Balint. Great SMA is the episode. Cool guitar too.

[@timndel]

Was looking at the website, and those Tele styles are quite interesting! Thanks for bringing this to our attention.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

The Tele is the next one we are doing

[@ThatBassistK]

@@PhillipMcKnight 😯 I can't wait to see it! I've just picked guitar back up and am in the process of building a custom Tele XII kit. I just love that 4th position series Tele tone and both guitarists I play with keep 12 stringers for certain songs; I need both combined 😂!

[@michaelj.morris1979]

I am so grateful for finding this site. Moved to Peoria Arizona 2 years ago from Puerto Rico after the chaos on the Island after hurricanes Irma's and Maria devastation. Llove this channel and would love to meet you in person.

[@gilbertfalling493]

THANK YOU BALINT!!! As I stated before,I had to sell all of my gear. 2 amps and 5 guitars. I cried when I sold my Schecter. I love this guitar. I'm a disabled U.S. Army combat vet. This guitar would make my day. Thank you

[@zachrowe1511]

THANK YOU BALINT. I wish I as a patron could step up like him 😂

[@KingTortis]

Make a sharpen my axe on a firefly semi hollow body. It’s a $140 guitar and has really good reviews and I think that would make a good video

[@OMOTM]

I really don't think the Firefly needs much. The fret ends were sharp, so I used a cheap foam sanding block to bring them down a bit and threw on some new strings, that was it. Oh yeah, and ditched the ugly poker chip! I also own a Slick, double cut with 2 P90's - great sounding guitar that has never been on the bench for any work, didn't even change out the strings.

[@kweb55]

I also would like 2C a Sarpen My Ax on Firefly semi hollow body

[@jimmyb1378]

Thanks, for the lesson/demo. I now feel more confident in doing this myself. I've got an even more budget-friendly suggestion for buffing, cleaning and fine tuning frets ... I use a 6-in-1 nail file/buffer from the cosmetics department. Some painters tape to protect the finger board, a few minutes of work and I've got smooth, clean frets. After working the entire neck I'll remove the tape and, with a cotton swab, apply tung oil. :)

[@johnnie3Chords]

I have owned a SL54T for several years, and I LOVE IT, GREAT TONE!

[@ZblockWoW]

aaaand BOOM! Those kits are now out of stock.

[@JimFeeley]

Check again. I just ordered one. But the shipping date has slipped to a while for now. So perhaps "in stock" is interpreted differently. But at least we can order...

[@marksadventures3889]

I never get all the thing of making new guitars look old, to me you've begun the guitars life on a falsehood.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Never forget that many hobbies and crafts depend entirely on the ability to alter the new... to look old. In the long run you love it or...not so much. Water under the bridge.

[@maxmustardman298]

you're certainly not as worried to beat them up during a live gig, I think it looks decent on those slicks

[@Win7ermu7e]

Especially when you a paying 6 grand for a custom that looks like ass

[@NolanZewariligon]

@@maxmustardman298 This. Guitars can look cool with or without relic, but the only way to have 100% no worries about damaging the finish is if it already is noticeably damaged.

[@ikeus6857]

Thanks so much for all of your video's.. Have done the gamut of new, used, cheapo's and diy kits. and custom ordered bodies and necks. Well and good.. Your clear and informative vids have upped the end result and playability of whatever guitar I have worked on.. Again thanks Phil

[@devindudley6379]

I usually don’t comment on this stuff but I am new to your channel. Brother you are awesome very knowledgeable and honest. I am a fan for sure. Keep it up! Thanks Devin Dudley

[@Chaosdude341]

Thank you so much for putting this information out there! I'm really connecting with my instruments in a special way after learning to take care of them.

[@suitsandstrings55]

Class act as always Phil. I wear my Know Your Gear shirt proudly.

[@le_th_]

As a former Van Halen junkie, impressed you can play Panama so well! Super helpful video, thank you~

[@Wejohnsn]

Thank you Balint! love this episode, very educational

[@willmartoni4970]

Thank you Balint

[@zaz4667]

How do you know when to file the frets or to put more relief in the neck by adjusting the truss rod? Do you first check the relief by a Capo on the 1st fret while holding down the string at 24th fret then checking for .010 between the 8th to the 12th fret and the string? And then do the fret file check?

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Phillip likely took about 10 seconds to determine the truss adjustment was just fine and zeroed in immediate;ly on the individual frets. Just forgot to mention it.

[@12south31]

Get the neck level. Then check the frets with a fret rocker. This will show you if you have high frets. Once you take care of them or find you have none, adjust the neck using the method you described so you have .010 relief at the 8th fret.

[@isaachanson5172]

thank you balint! looks like a great guitar, nice simple controls and an awesome finish

[@ericjlong2995]

I bought the cheap tool kit on amazon and fixed 2 frets on my Ibanez rga guitar! Easy to do after watching this video. Thanks a million Phillip for this awesome bit!

[@jobseekerplastic]

Hey Phil, just rewatched the video. I didn't see you FIRST check to see if the fret was loose in it's slot (Being able to move up and down?) or using a Fretting Hammer to see if you can reseat the fret before going at it with a file. Just curious what your thought process was on that?

[@lothar34]

Also didn't check that the neck was perfectly FLAT first before fret-rocking or filing. Never file if there is a bow one way or the other.

[@ethanbilby9173]

@@lothar34 it probably doesn't matter too much for fret touch ups like that tbh. It really only matters of the whole neck isn't level and you have to do the whole thing.

[@jobseekerplastic]

I'm not too concerned about truss rod adjustment/neck bow. If the guitar played decently it wouldn't make that much of a difference. Checking to see if you have any lose or unseated frets should be the very first thing any competent tech/luthier would do. If it is loose/unseated you'll be creating a bigger problem than the one you already had.

[@Vman9484]

Liked! Already Subbed and Thank You Balint!!! Merry Xmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Years!!!

[@Elite7555]

Never heard of Slick Guitars but they look really cool and prices are too.

[@TheDistortionist]

Thank you for REAL , Balint! I've heard so many conflicting reviews of these guitars but have been DYING for someone like Phil to really go over these with a fine tooth comb and give it an honest review.

[@RandyBurnettTalks]

U know who U will never see playing a Slick Guitar on stage? Earl Slick.

[@PaPa-xv5gm]

I will and did

[@jayceburns8246]

There are some vids up here on KZbin of him playing them live.

[@jamesr6497]

Wanna bet???!! He used it at the Brit Awards honoring the late David Bowie who's award was accepted by his dear friend Gary Oldman. The model was the Slick SL57 cream distressed.

[@TheJosephPhillips]

Great information and much appreciated 👍👍

[@MrJommins]

Thank you Balint! Thank you Phil! Thank you Earl! God bless all of you!

[@ryancrawford945]

Thank you Balint! I could really use this guitar for alternate tunings and as a backup because I’m in a band and our first show is coming up.

[@fintanoclery2698]

I fixed my wife's brake lines with a 99 cent box cutter.........Merry Christmas to me I'm free at last!

[@fintanoclery2698]

Also, great video Phil!

[@austinhawkins5426]

Ummmmmm

[@gskittlez8885]

Lololol🤣...Legit spit my coffee out I laughed so hard

[@davidkastin4240]

Lol. Thanks, I needed a good laugh

[@lukekern7829]

Im horrified to do any truss rod or fret adjustments . I don't have a problem changing strings or swapping pickups bug fret work........ Just no

[@oldguysguitarvlog183]

It is really liberating to learn to do some basic work on your guitar. Truss rod adjustment, bridge saddle adjustments and light fret work.

[@ryanwilson5936]

Luke Kern What are you afraid of man? Just go slow and you’ll be alright.

[@ryanwilson5936]

Old Guy's Guitar Vlog It really is. Especially when you realize that when you’re done working on it, you already have your guitar back. No worries of someone else’s shoddy work or lack of compassion for your instrument. Just fix your axe and start jamming again.

[@chrisofnottingham]

I was a bit afraid to mess around with the truss rod but really, the adjustments you need are mostly pretty small and if you stick to a quarter turn at a time and keep track of how much you turned it, you can always put it back to where you started.

[@JimFeeley]

Hence, learn on a cheap guitar. I started out (well, am starting out) messing around with almost-discarded guitars from friends. And I'd guess Reverb or Craigslist or a FB group can help you find a local kinda-ok-just-needs-some-love-(and fretwork) guitar that you won't feel to bad about messing up. But with care, you mess up!

[@Secretfiles999]

Thanks balient. I’ve been needing to learn how to do this myself. I just bought a used squire that I plan to mod. New pick guard, electronics, chrome knobs, 50s Strat style whammy bar, new fender locking tuners, and a fender back plate. And eventually a genuine fender neck. I want to mod it until I can’t haha. And eventually I’d like to sand the paint down and paint it myself.

[@johng.6129]

this stuff is inspirational. I've applied some of your advice on dozens of guitar builds. I just love working on guitars, I buy cheap ones from garage sales, craigslist and goodwill and go sell them cheap or donate them. Its amazing how well you can make cheap guitars play with time and a few small upgrades.

[@willprince643]

Thank you, Balint! I was actually thinking about giving one my friend gift like guitar or something. I don't have much money, because I'm just 18 years old student, I don't have a job yet but I found some cool cheap guitars in online shops. If I win I'll probalby sell this guitar and buy different one for my friend, because he's left handed (like me). I was also thinking about selling one of my guitars to my other friend, whose guitar needs repair, maybe I sell him this guitar If I win. Surely I will modify this guitar, I don't like guitars with one pickups and no tone pot, even If I don't use them, so I will add them. However If shipping will be too expensive I may either give and ask to pick another winner or ask to give this guitar to charity too.

[@williw.5815]

For roughly 200 bucks you won't get a lot that's enjoyable, especially for a leftie. I'd recommend you give him this one, if you win, and tell him to learn it right handed. The learning curve will be different for him but he wont have a disadvantage over right handed players because his dominant hand is doing half the work anyway. It's way easier to learn righthanded because it's almost standard and way more convenient.

[@willprince643]

@@williw.5815 But he's already great left handed guitarist. He's better than me and I already know too much to learn playing right handed. But I learned how to play some chords with reversed strings so I could test right handed guitars. BTW Harley Benton makes great inexpensive guitars, I've few of them.

[@williw.5815]

@@willprince643 Well that certainly makes a difference

[@SiggySauer123]

One of the better sounding pickups to come in a budget guitar. Still sounds like garbage, just not hot garbage.

[@dominicanderson2120]

Earl Slick played live with Bowie on tour and worked with John Lennon. Slick will always be my favorite guitarist.

[@justinshannon5206]

Dude I used to pass up your videos all the time but this one caught my eye and after watching it I had to subscribe your awesome dude

[@harryklippton]

Guitar fetish shipping prices are atrocious though

[@foadrightnow5725]

Agreed. . And they don't offer free shipping, no matter how much you spend.

[@oldguysguitarvlog183]

I've also heard their guitar kits are very meh. Poor quality wood and such.

[@updog5599]

Holy heck, $190 to get shipped to Australia

[@davidkastin4240]

@@updog5599 That is an outrageous shipping cost. Not worth it. Buy local in your case

[@jayceburns8246]

Haven't received mine yet, but the shipping to CA cost about $30 or so with for guitar and case...

[@LiveMusicOntario]

I cleaned my eye glasses a few times before I caught on- it's the video that's so out of focus. :)

[@scottwormann]

Thank you Balint! And thanks for the great tips on cleaning up the frets!

[@EvilEyeGypsy]

Thank you Balint. And thank you Phillip for all the great info and videos.

[@alfaalex101]

BROKE MAN METHOD: Grab an aluminium rafter square for $5, mark it with sharpie at the bottom, level it till the sharpie is gone on 150 grit taped to your bathroom granite counter-top (or your friends), then take that 150 grit you used and spray glue it on the bottom of the rafter you just sanded (the grit should be higher now that it's been worn out, so it'll be easier on the frets) and use it as a leveling beam on your frets! You don't even need a notched straight edge before you start leveling - just adjust the neck relatively straight, mark the fret tops, and adjust the truss rod until you get one pass down the middle of the neck hitting most of the fret tops with your rafter square. Afterwards (with the fretboard protected by two layers of green tape), take a 3 corner needle file (set of files is $10) and grind those sharp 3 edges off with 150 grit - now you can crown your fret tops! Afterwards, use some high grit sand paper (1000 > 1500 > 2000 > 3000 > 5000) to polish those fret tops! That's like what - $30 worth of tools at most to make your guitar play amazing? Stewmac is great - but looking back - I didn't have to pay that much money to level my frets! Thank You Balint!

[@Markle2k]

A Dremel tool (or some other rotary tool) with a polishing wheel and some jewelers rouge will turn your sandpaper smoothed frets into chrome bumper lookalikes. You don't need to spend tons on an actual Dremel brand tool, a few thousand RPM cheapie will suffice.

[@johngilley3518]

I missed this give away 😭 but I bought the Same SL50 couple years ago and only had to lower the bridge the slightest bit. It's the Tele, black and I also got the checkerboard case ( extra). Love it, no complaints and have been wanting the Les Paul also. These guitars rock and shouldn't be over looked. Also thanks for the fret tool link.

[@DiegoLozada-cc5xe]

stop the pitch harmonic was actually hilarious. Love your content. Has saved me a couple of bad choices lol.

[@ERICF66]

Thank you Balint! That guitar is cool! Thanks Phillip for all the info that I didn’t have regarding dead notes. 👍🏽

[@jakehelm2866]

Thank you balint! you’re work is greatly appreciate it!

[@johntwist530]

Thanks Balint. I appreciate learning about alternatives to the major guitar brands. Phil, thank you for the guitar set up tips.

[@martinkrauser4029]

Thank You Balint! Can't believe I wasn't actually subscribed yet, YT pushes your videos into recommendations so often I didn't even notice.

[@joepapa9912]

The SMA videos have convinced a new to electric player to spend over $3K in guitars, amps, and upgrades over the last two years. Fully modded a CV Strat last year and now getting into a Jazzmaster which is a very different beast. Thanks Phil. I owe you a super chat.

[@kiquemtz95]

Thank you Balint, that green looks beautiful on that guitar, good taste

[@jeromewagschal9485]

Every guitar ( or bass ) I buy whether it's brand new or second hand always gets the same treatment from me : Fret leveling, fret ends smoothed, nut corners smoothed and rounded ( sounds logical but I never understood why some guitars will have perfectly rounded fret ends and sharp fret corners ) and shielding and of course a full setup... Funny thing is I've bought really CHEAP guitars that had flawless fretwork and expensive ones ( over $1000 ) with horrible fretwork... So it's not even a matter of price of country of origin... As ever great video Mr.MacKnight...

[@el0blaino]

Awesome, this is so helpful! I have a MIM telecaster and there's all this buzzing, I don't know if the setup was bad or what but I thought, I need to learn how to fix my own instrument. Your instruction is showing the way! Makes it seem less threatening, like, "Oh, I'll ruin it!"

[@Phil_Goodman]

I just bought one of these! And also bought the Tool Kit! thanks for featuring these showing us how to fix the dead spots

[@Chris-ok9sl]

Thank you Balint. This would help someone to get into the awesome world of music

[@davidprewitt6359]

Thank you Balint. Love to learn to play on a Slick guitar. That thing looks sweet

[@steveg7368]

Great video and the clearest one so far on fixing localised fret buzz, thanks Phillip. Like the guitar too.

[@jrduarte99]

Great. I've just bought an SX guitar here in Brazil that I plan to mod soon. Would love to see you reviewing or sharpening them.