I did the ULTIMATE guitar upgrade for my best friend's guitar...without telling him

HUGE thank you to Sweetwater for coming in clutch and sponsoring this video! I'm so happy that I'm in a position to be able to help people, and even more happy to have Sweetwater make it all possible!
Sweetwater Affiliate Link - imp.i114863.net/x9NrOd
Affiliate links to the items used in the video!
EMG Jim Root Daemonum Pickup Set - sweetwater.sjv.io/GmkkZ9
Graph Tech RATIO Locking Tuners Black 3x3 - sweetwater.sjv.io/B0992W
Ernie Ball Braided Instrument Cables - sweetwater.sjv.io/EKPPZQ
Ernie Ball Patch Cable 3 Pack - sweetwater.sjv.io/OrZZbr
Peterson StroboClip HD Tuner- sweetwater.sjv.io/3eaaEk
Ernie Ball Cobalt 11-54 String 3 Pack - sweetwater.sjv.io/NkJJbb
Voodoo Labs Tiny Dingbat Pedalboard / Bag & x4 Iso Pedal Power Supply Package - sweetwater.sjv.io/KjGGzy
Revv G8 Noise Gate Pedal - sweetwater.sjv.io/WqyqrP
Revv Tilt Boost Pedal - sweetwater.sjv.io/PyggbN
Revv Northern Mauler Distortion Pedal - sweetwater.sjv.io/5gGGn3
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[@phreekedelic]

"My workbench is two 4x12s pushed together" rock and roll is alive and kicking

[@jasons.3921]

That was super cool Kyle. I'm pretty sure he'll be enjoying that guitar for many years. Love seeing acts of kindness like this. True friendship.

[@grassmover13]

Those vipers are great! Added an emg 18v mod and locking tuners to mine and is one of my favorite guitars right now.

[@abhishekgairola5919]

Just wanted to say I initially came across your channel while looking into Balaguer guitars (have since ordered one) but your content really stands out for your straightforward, no-nonsense approach and genuine sense of humour. Love watching this stuff!

[@davidjoel111]

The 2000s were a special time, I was also very active in metal and hardcore bands at that time.

[@RokDAWG1]

Kyle what you did is some awesome stand up shit yo! That's true friendship and just being a genuine human! I love that you did that for him. I hope he'll be able to rock faces off with the new setup and you'll both create crushing tunes together in the future! 🤘🤘

[@imeqsmd]

It’s a great feeling being able to help your mates with this kind of stuff. Kyle good on you for jumping in and getting it done ✅

[@andyvw8364]

This is excellent my friend. Sharing abundance with those who you love! I wish more people were like you but we can't all be metal heads with a heart of gold! And Merry Christmas bud!

[@paulmerenda9007]

Can you please do a video on upgrading and setting up a whole guitar like upgrading nut, pots, tuners etc. and the difference they make. It would be awesome to have a more detailed tutorial on if all I really like your videos thanks so much.

[@pressman1788]

I agree, setup and upgrade vid would be great

[@billyfields7722]

Great Christmas Present for your band mate. Awesome job and please make some great memories and music for everyone.

[@EXSENTRIX]

That's so cool Kyle! You're a good friend. It's a great feeling to give back. I bought my friend Russ a really nice new Ibanez bass back in the day. He was always there for me and his bass was wasted. So I wanted to show him my appreciation.

[@RubyRoks]

7:30 "Every tool's a hammer" ~Adam Savage

[@StephGV2]

“If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.” - Abraham Maslow (aka "Maslow's Hammer")

[@Metaldad87]

That was super cool of you to do, I too understand the troubles of having a family to support while also being a musician

[@christophgrubor7365]

Man, I remember REPRESENT and the early 2000 hardcore days!!! A lot what you do/play on the channel gets me back to those times. I like it a lot. Thank you!

[@Dave062YT]

Amazing job and hats off to Sweetwater too.I might have to get some of those Graph Tech tuners myself ....

[@revelore4090]

I'm the same. I have not the ability to show emotion and I have a hard time dealing with compliments or gifts. I find myself recurring to continuously thanking people afterwards via text mgs.

[@jesseparrish9198]

That's an awesome gift Kyle! Well done man 🤘

[@salimburgia8646]

Kyle that was so awesome what you did for your friend! It is so refreshing seeing friends helping out other friends! So awesome! Would love to see more videos like this.

[@smokebillowin]

Wholesome! Loved this video. Happy for your homie!

[@Corey_42]

Amazing and so thoughtful.. Good for you to brighten someone and bring them positivity. Corey

[@GregMerritt-ws8tq]

I really enjoy the format experimentation you've been indulging in. Enjoy! I am vicariously.

[@Mikegrecoguitar]

Absolutely would love to see more videos like this. What you did was awesome!!!

[@deang9317]

What a great friend! Nice upgrade too. I would like to see more of these types of videos.

[@ariangatollari3423]

I have the same viper 400, upgraded it recently with a Railhammer hypervintage set and it has new life.

[@poopoo-qz7sw]

Great episode thank you for your hardwork

[@CharlesWillisBonsai]

It always feels good to do something nice for your friends. Good on you Kyle. Now im gassing gor a Viper

[@robertparker3580]

this is just awesome man,good job!

[@IndyRockStar]

That was very nice of you, and very brave. Guitars can be such a personal preference thing. Big Risk.

[@finaljesus]

hey kyle i love the fact that you did this for your friend and i also love the viper series guitars i have 3 of the them a 100, a 200fm and a 330 love my vipers and this one sounds very good awesome upgrades too i want to see more of these videos

[@Cryonaty]

Great thing to do! I have had some bad luck with getting G8's that don't work but the mauler is a beast

[@FearFrost]

Good guy Kyle, being a good dude. Respect.

[@JoelCSabo]

Nothing I've ever done feels as good as doing something nice just because you can. Excellent work and fun video. :)

[@AdventJustice]

That pic of Kyle with the power tool is a great meme template.

[@kiezersosay49]

Lol is face looks crazy! What if it was your guitar in the thumbnail...

[@raytorvalds3699]

That was awesome! I loved that! You rock, doing something like that for a good friend \m/

[@bolle_83]

Nice one! Good to see how lucky he is. Deamon in a boosted 6505 that’s my rig too, sounds absolutely amazing 🤩

[@bryanmchugh1307]

I did a similar thing with my friends Fender Jazz bass. He was a huge dude that would sweat a lot live and during hours long jam sessions. He was also a smoker. Thus his Jazz bass was covered in gunk and a film of nicotine, He had no idea how to set up let alone CLEAN his bass. He had another Jazz bass that was a just in case the first Jazz craps out on stage that played vastly different. The first bass played like no other I have tried. So one day I offered to re string the first Jazz bass and tune it up. He also had this HUGE Ameg bass amp. It had TEN 8 INCH SPEAKERS. It weighed a ton and would shake windows a block away. It kept crapping out though. So while he thought I was just changing the strings I managed to sneak out the HUGE Ampeg on a hand truck. I could barely fit the thing into my car but I did. The mission-take the strings off the Jazz bass AND clean it up AND set it up WHILE I dropped off the massive Ampeg off at my trusted guitar techs house to fix it. Do all of this over the course of 2 days. There was a short in the Ampeg that turned out to be an easy fix thank god. Cigarette smoke is nasty. I got the Jazz bass home and busted out all the micro fiber cloths and wood safe cleaners. My GOD that thing was NASTY. This GREEN nicotine slime was all over it and even in the pick up cavities. That took HOURS to clean. I took the neck off to really get it good clean as well as set up. I broke out the 0000 gauge steel wool for the frets. Everything I did worked. It was like new when I was done. Lastly-getting the fixed Ampeg and now clean and COMPLETELY set up from the inside out and CLEAN Jazz bass BACK to the jam spot without him noticing. I managed to get another friend to distract him for a couple of hours while I very carefully rolled the Ampeg back in and placed the Jazz bass back on its stand next to it. Needless to say he loved it. He was a good guy. He passed away a couple of years ago at way to young of an age. I thought he would live forever ya know. His family took all his gear. I have no idea whatever happened to it all. Covet your friends while you have them. Don't smoke either.

[@Werecatyouth13]

That's so awesome man! If sweetwater put together something like a pimp my rig series I would totally follow that. Keep up the good work man 🤘

[@brad_genx_sk8er]

For frets, use a dremel with a polishing wheel/compound.

[@vinniesworld459]

Oh dude... Hammering bushings on the back of pliers!!!! That's like how I used to do it too. All I can say - no one will ever (or should) know after you're done 😂😂😂

[@Smart-Alex]

No embrace at the end? Haha, good stuff man. You're a good friend. Cheers!

[@viva360]

nice upgrades you went and did for your mate, Kyle! Just wondered any tips on stopping neck dives on an SG style guitar? I noticed your mate's Viper seems to be pretty balanced! Much appreciated!

[@scottg8660]

The rev noise gate is pretty good. I have a zuul+ ang a G8. They're both great.

[@Jackie_Rosewood]

Such an awesome gift!!🤘🏻🤘🏻🎸🎸👏🏻👏🏻

[@mentvlly_fowled5672]

Dingus here, couple things. We’ve been friends 20 years! This is now my all time favorite Ltd guitar EVER not even close, think this is number 11? I appreciate the fuck out of you for this, which you already know, but watching this filled me with gratitude all over again. I do a lot for other people and expect nothing in return and this truly blew me away and left me speechless at the time. Also, at 19:00 when you’re about to tell me you put all new hardware in my mind I was thinking “this is weird I thought this had silver hardware”. Lastly, your welcome for kicking you out and writing some of my favorite songs you ever wrote. Couldn’t have don’t it without me GARY 🩷🩷

[@shovington67]

Great idea for a video in this festive season Kyle. Way to be a great friend. Actually, now that I think about it... wanna be my friend, lol....

[@zaturnneo]

Mothers is great stuff! I first learned about it from my uncle while cleaning up a set of drums.

[@belligerentamateur]

I use it on those as well! Does a great job on hardware and hoops

[@adamziehm-friesen7480]

I had a viper 400 in white that was definitely a work horse!

[@mentvlly_fowled5672]

Took me years to track down a white viper never shoulda sold it

[@markkinney5030]

Cool I think that he is going to be happy! I know i would.

[@_thaaatguy]

So awesome, man! God bless you and all the people involved. Now... since you asked if we would like to see you do something like this again... my guitar needs some upgrades hahahaha

[@romanlanzas508]

i really dig the upgrade series

[@kensmock185]

Sounds amazing

[@dookieeater]

Still got my XrepresentX bee shirt.

[@picpouille]

These Vipers are great. I have a 10 and a 100. I use it all the time.

[@Victinfien]

On the TonePros bridge and tail piece, there are 2 variations of metal, the trash Zamak bridge, and the premium aluminum with brass saddles , same for the tailpiece, you have the Zamak and the aluminum, it's +$18 for the bridge and +$40 for the tailpiece and they are NOT sold as a pack, so you will have to buy separately, and if you want to go bougie, you buy the faber made in Germany, machined bell brass Locking ABR1 bridge wit import to abr post bushing replacement, it's what I bought for the upgrade package for my E-2 Eclipse Vintage Black along with a Machined Steel tailpiece

[@belligerentamateur]

You may think Zamac is trash, but I and many others don't. I actually prefer it to aluminum as it has a brighter and less airy sound. All I care about is machining being good, which is the case here, and the locking mechanisms. People really need to stop touring their personal preference as "better"

[@benjaminhawksleysr6573]

You're such a good friend!

[@shovington67]

I was thinking about this after your closing comments. It would be really cool if you did more of these kind of videos, but with more participation from your freinds explaining how stoked they are to get the gear, and having them thank the companies that participated. You'll need hide more cameras and get a better shot of there faces. It could go a long way to advertise the gear for the donators, and drive sales. Great idea.

[@justsofrivolous]

That’s what real friends are about 👍🏻👏🏻

[@chrissgardiner]

"You're on camera right now..." "AWWW!" 🤣 This was a super feelgood video 😊 *dog butt pats*

[@eddiejr540]

Well done Kyle…well done 👍

[@ratonelmutante]

This was actually pretty dope!

[@joerojas5448]

Kyle, this shows you have a big heart. don't let anyone trample over it. Also if I can recommend for the TOM bridge bushings to use a soldering iron. Let the soldering iron sit in the bushing for 2 minutes, then yank them out or put them in. Just like butter.

[@vorpalblades]

I drop 2 BB's in the hole. Tighten and it pops right out.

[@PooNinja]

Obituary 🤘🏽🤘🏽 O L yeah 22:40 yea buddy its cameo time

[@mylespetruskavich1553]

I still have that exact same guitar (colour and everything, it’s in my profile picture) and play it live to this day, it’s been amazing for the 15 years I’ve had it.

[@kevinerickson84]

You could've handed him a flying v back and he wouldn't notice😅 great video. He's lucky to have you as a friend.

[@Greg-rd8qr]

Good job man, spread the wealth,

[@user-ts7xw9zb4m]

Wow you have ALOT of amps dude. That was a super cool video, take care.

[@Eliphas_Elric]

Yo, a quick heads up about those cobalt strings. They abslolutely chew up your frets FAST. I had to level and crown my Les Paul's frets after using them for like half a year. They left huge divots and wear spots on my frets. Best used only on SS frets.

[@Machinedmetal]

Awesome video bro!!

[@danielabilez3619]

I would have gone with F U tone parts for the bridge and nut. Bourns low friction 500K pots. Ernie ball hybrid 10 set, and Gotoh tuners. Pickups JAYLEN. Pedal board: 11:42 Wampler distortion, Blast furnace fuzz, Dragon Wah, and spectra guitar cable

[@InGrindWeCrust2010]

Love this video. Did you change the pots and output jack on the guitar? Is the 6505+ better than a XXX?

[@mariuszspiewkowski8821]

Good Job! What did you use pickup's frames/rings ? what company Thanks in advance !

[@daddyodoyle]

This is super awesome

[@FirelandOfficial]

Very cool, Kyle!

[@gral9440]

On the top of your mesa there’s 2 master effect pedals, PMEQ and EQ4H Are you going to make a video on those two pedals?

[@GregMerritt-ws8tq]

I see that it was during the represent era that you discovered the joys of drop C. Fun fact: that was a name that rang out down here in NC during it's time. Edit: It wouldn't surprise me at all to hear that y'all toured with Line Drive back then.

[@mentvlly_fowled5672]

We played Columbia SC a few times one time me being 18, Kyle 19 in winter and our singers car broke down 14 hours from home played 3 shows in 2 days made for an epic weekend jammer

[@chadbyford2680]

Awesome episode bro! 👍

[@Left_Hand_Path]

Lmao no way I had no clue you were in xrepresentx. Fucking loved that band back in the day

[@tsunamijesus]

whoa I sold Bryan a white viper 400 with PRS pups a couple years ago, small world. sorry to see that one didn't work out, sick to see this vid from you

[@belligerentamateur]

He sold all his gear off a couple years ago because he was just working too much to be able to use it unfortunately

[@cizmar1972]

Super cool!

[@southernpanda33]

I feel that. I picked up a Jackson Dinky JS32 and plan on the only original parts when I’m done being the neck and body 😂😂😂😂

[@ricksanchezito8972]

I got a Js32 RR and only swapped the pickups. Everything else is solid. I guess I got lucky lol

[@southernpanda33]

I’m going to see what shape the bridge is in when it gets here. I might not need to swap it out if the Jackson Floyd is any good.

[@ricksanchezito8972]

@@southernpanda33 didn't even consider that. Mine is the TOM bridge, so it is pretty solid. I anticipated changing the nut and possibly tuners, but it holds tune with the best of them.

[@letsgobrandon8271]

A dude wearing a parka to do vocals 2:56 ... now that's hardcore!!! LMAO! 😂😂 Great video and I am about to buy a fireball 100 . In the next two weeks to two months... I'll use your link. But keep in mind that I have been shopping sweetwater for years. So I hope they hook you up for it. Love ya, but I love Jesus Christ more, straight edge!! Lol 😂

[@samizdat113]

Your most professional video ever

[@derekb2347]

I want that Sweetwater shirt!

[@mikeyhodge6191]

This has sparked the idea of changing out my hardware soon.

[@fat_ninja_status]

I got a parts guitar im saving that could use those tuners 😉 lol

[@samizdat113]

I quit playing for a long time after I sold all my gear to put Christmas under the tree back in 09 (the great recession). Four years ago my buddy Chad gave me a red Sterling AX4 just because I didn't have a guitar. It is good to have frens.

[@davessparetime83]

What happened to the EMGs that were in the guitar?

[@johnymartin917]

I literally just bought a viper 400 specifically to mod , haven't even gotten it home yet 😅

[@zigzagrz]

The butt bop! 😂

[@gearhead2017]

That was cool of you to do that for your buddy,dogs always want to be the center of attention lol

[@robspectre1973]

I laughed when you used turtle wax because I use it. Then I laughed with Mothers mag polish as I also use that. Then you dropped in the Roots. I did too. WTF? Belligerent minds!!!!

[@seanmorgan9020]

Great vid, as always. Obituary used the RAT pedal mind you, not HM-2's. Grave also used the RAT, as opposed to their other Swedish bros and it sounds killer.

[@mikey-dubs]

My fav is when he said he will need new pickups lol

[@stoshua88]

We always pronounced the “X”s in represent. “ x represent x shows are insane “ was a common phrase I heard 😅😅

[@patrickagan1071]

Wylde Stallions!🤘

[@escapegulag4317]

how nice!

[@hartlee1160]

Bury your dead was the sht wasn't it?!? Love that band

[@Gibsondude]

Fiancé? Congratulations Kyle!!

[@chosenone2964]

This video made me realize how much editing you do..omg Kyle ..lol

[@belligerentamateur]

Takes foreverrrrrrrr

[@samizdat113]

@7:36 Grug fix noise maker good