I Set Up A Guitar Using Only Dollar Store Tools. Sharpen My Axe

[@MusicisWin]

I wish I had one tenth of your knowledge about guitar maintenance and construction. Awesome video, man!

[@distortedfedora804]

Music is Win You can shred though

[@paulyC]

Shred Wars: Phillip McKnight vs. Music is Win?

[@gregmclaughlin7092]

Music is Win how is there only 2 replies

[@ZanDaMan_]

Dude everyone is their own person when it comes to guitar (not just playing, I mean knowledge) and your knowledge is in ear training and teaching, which leads to a completely different career. Big fan btw... enough to have a screen shot of me being the 200,000th subscriber lmao

[@nathannguyen4440]

I wish I had one tenth of YOUR knowledge in music theory and level of diversity

[@jdr214]

I didnt see you buy a table at the dollar store, Phil....

[@burdensofparasol]

VapingLikeFools wtf Phil

[@gunnar2321]

Or a house. Or a guitar. Or guitar knowledge

[@gergoretvari6373]

@@gunnar2321 or himself

[@patrickhunter]

My heart is happy that you chose the tiger style bath mat, Phil. Great video as always man!

[@bobbyberetta4206]

Patrick Hunter and the Tone King!

[@matthewhanafin770]

The bass tone god

[@mga8915]

My Dollar Store did not have a tiger-striped mat. Will that make a difference?

[@butteredbiskit3497]

totally

[@tankdarla637]

only animal prints will work all others will demagnetize your pickups

[@bobbyberetta4206]

Damn it, my wife walked in right when you where discussing lubricating the nut! Lol, well another great video Phil, thank you.

[@byrne5948]

Bo88y Beretta LMAO

[@IGarrettI]

Bo88y Beretta phil says, youre welcome!

[@tatialo37]

Lmfao!

[@SuperJiggawhat]

Hahahahahaha!!!!!!! Same here!!!!! Wtf?! That normally only happens when I am watching a video about a ehx "big muff" or something hahaha

[@acefrehley681]

I got the Vaseline out

[@grantglenndale152]

Phil. just one note here: instead of cutting the tag ends of the strings at the tuning peg, I find it easier, safer and with less barbs by just bending the string back and forth to fatigue break the string off and this leaves a nice, smooth NON -Poking tag ends at the tuning peg post. .

[@corkycourtney7235]

Phil you are still doing your duty/service as you believe in. U r putting this into everyone's hand and this is a blessing, for the world and you. May you continue sharing the knowledge as all of us grow and allow the music to change the world. Rock on Brother !

[@ShannonRoy]

This is fantastic! I'm a total novice at "guitar setup" even though I've been playing for 40 years --- this has really helped me.

[@mr.d.572]

Same here....! Never learned anything about hardware.

[@vtrombly]

I love your snob free working mans guitar videos. Down to earth and if you even make a mistake in playing you leave it in the video. Really makes me happy to see someone in the buisness that understands that there are family guys that play too. Awesome video!

[@JohnOhkumaThiel]

I’m a novice guitarist, but expert amateur bicycle mechanic. I think I might try this same challenge with a bicycle. It’s fun how my bicycle mechanic skills translate over to the guitar. They’re both machines, and a well maintained, clean machine is going to love you back whether it’s high end or low end. With bikes, low end requires less fine tuning and maintenance, but if it gets a lot of care, it rides better than new, and it seems the same is true with guitars. I was surprised how some tools really need to be specific to guitar-like wire cutters for example-but others, not so much-like fingerboard polish and guitar polish versus household or hardware store wood cleaner and polish. What’s really cool about this video is, in less than ten minutes you showed me how I can use mostly stuff I already have, and simple skills I can easily learn. BUT, I saw in another video where you were prepping to do a professional setup, and that sold me on at least occasionally having a pro do things I don’t even know need to be done

[@zeljkomarjanovic2117]

One small thing / tip I do and recommend after changing and cutting the surplus of the string, I bend down the rest of the string after the tuning key so it doesn't make a mess out of the gig bag and to not stab my fingers while tuning. Just make sure you cut it enough so it doesn't scratch the finish of the headstock.

[@zeljkomarjanovic2117]

I've done it but since i change my tuning a lot i fear it would slip when i down tune, but it is a great tip since it doesn't left any excess.

[@IGarrettI]

I love those videos that show how to improve your guitar without spending a fortune

[@hotdotdog]

I do a lot of setups and don't skimp where it may be a liability but I find the harbor freight flush cut pliers very good for string cutting. Just hold them up to the light in the store to make sure there are no gaps in the cutting surface. They also have some effective tools for specialized building like a flush cut saw and tiny drill bits for indexing bridges and such.

[@joblo2671]

Videos like this are why I love phil's channel

[@thetonekingofficial]

Great video Phil - and beautiful guitar too! Nice job. PS - Love the Tiger mat! Send it my way when you're done :-)

[@aaronskiba1]

I usually don't comment on videos, but let me just say that I've been really enjoying all of your content, Phil. Been following your channel since you had around a thousand subscribers and your videos just never disappoint. Keep it up! I'm sure myself and many others will continue to enjoy. Best wishes from Germany!

[@bobboitt3126]

I thought to measure neck relief you have to capo the first fret, hold down the string at the last fret and measure string gap at the 10th fret????

[@stephenviana2077]

Very nice!Good Show!!!Also great tip for the "nut" situation(Chipping).Just a reminder to newer members...if you change string gauge to a thicker gauge,be careful with the nut especially on the"E"strings.

[@jamesnewton485]

Walgreens has emory boards that have multiple sides with different grits. One side is practically smooth and it says on it it's used for buffing the finger nail to make it shiney. I use it to buff out my frets and they turn out great. They come in the same shape as a regular emory board or a block about 3 inches long.

[@HighlineGuitars]

My Dollar Tree has these giant erasers that are great for sanding blocks.

[@chuckcarney2099]

Cool Video, I work on my Basses all the time, maintenance, modifying, and I make a Supply trip to Dollar General once a week..Thanks for the "Mat" idea Brother... (And get another mat and let your Neck "Rest" on it from where it meets your Body , to your Nut, so it has No Pressure on it,(like you cloth under the headstock!😐) and so that the weight of your Headstock doesn't pull the neck back. And they Do, it's really a factor when you play low action as I do...great job though man, we all learn from each other💯🤠

[@ToddsGuitarShop]

Glad to see I'm not the only one using a bath mat for working on guitars. I stole mine from my wife when I saw how plush it was. perfect for a guitar mat. Cool idea on the Harbor Freight versus Stew Mac video. I'll be watching for that one.

[@johnh.kingstonlll5727]

Phil Those Allen wrenches can be removed from the ring by kinda twisting the little springs that connect it to ring. Peace

[@DeeTee79]

I've been watching your videos forever, so why am I just subbing now? These are prob the best videos on the net for guitars and the like. Thanks for sharing

[@benperry490]

that hand trick is great I always have trouble with judging how much to leave on the tuners during string changes some guitars players prefer using the cheap batteries on boost and distortion pedals that will take a battery they give the pedal a sag like quality similar to what you get on a tube amp after it heats up

[@MrJoeyBoombotz]

You are the best. Your passion for guitars is amazing!!!

[@kadekek630]

Alternate video title: Billy Corgan shopping for guitar tools at a dollar store.

[@iilej3749]

PiNgU I do not get it i am sad

[@kevinstephens9019]

Iile J Billy Corgan is the singer of The Smashing Pumpkins, and Phil looks almost exactly like a slightly bigger Billy.

[@skillracoonful]

I would think Black Francis but ok

[@TheCharun]

Love the videos, keep em coming, I've been with your channel for awhile, happy to see it growing!

[@JohnnyBeane]

Very cool Phil!

[@gregappa9545]

I don't understand. You adjusted the action but then changed the strings? That doesn't make the action go right back to where it was?

[@ccandrew111]

I bought the Cruz tools set which is incredibly nice, and comes with instructions for guitar setup if you've never done one before

[@dalepal]

I’m glad you’re showing alternative low cost tools that can be used for a basic setup on a budget. I’m also glad I have better quality tools that will last me a lifetime ;-)

[@wallacesheckells9280]

Great idea for a small beat around box of tools. If you loose them you won't be as upset. Thanks for the video Phil !!

[@EytschPi42]

AWESOME as always.... watched the whole thing!

[@gwen3829]

Have watched lot of these videos. This one is the best.

[@jobckts682]

Love it. I like cheap lighters, for Slide. & cheap 9vlt for Fuzz pedals.

[@umbertoyltp]

If you are patient for delivery, Aliexpress has a lot of luthier tools, for sure affordable, quality from average to good. A fret rocker for $3 I actually scored there an Epiphone Probucker pickup set including wiring, pots, switch and jack for$30!

[@trepathy1]

The finest video yet. Well done.

[@arikoliver7852]

Great video. I was able to adjust my guitar without a full set up. I was having the same fret buzz. You sir are awesome. Definitely subscribed!

[@Shortcircuit220]

I love how you went for things like the mat and cleaning cloth not just "tools"

[@OlettaLiano]

Cool video. I didn't learn anything new about setting up a guitar, but it's good to know Dollar store stuff will work in a pinch.

[@stephengent9974]

Lemon oil? NO. It is a petroleum based product. Linseed on open grain wood. I also sometimes use neatsfoot oil. It is a leather conditioner, and works great.

[@vixen.vangogh]

I had wondered about this. I am a reseller of mainly shoes so I have a lot of leather conditioner,neatsfoot oil included and wondered how some of them would fair on a fretboard. No issues at all? Even over time?

[@sshadow2]

Thanks Phil! This vid came just in time...just when I found out that I didn't have to go the Stew Mac route in obtaining my first setup tools.

[@urbanesoul8400]

Tres cool! I also buy the most inexpensive tools. The sets they sell at music stores are over-priced, bc you're mainly paying for the brand-name. Great video, Phil. My only suggestion would be maybe a small cushion for the guitar body so it doesn't rest on the headstock? Could be a bit unstable though...

[@simonwilliams9916]

Really great video, Phil. Shows what you can do with very little.

[@billmarquis6048]

I use a cheap yoga mat from walmart whenever I work on my guitars.Harbor freight is a great source for tools on the cheap

[@ant5559]

I work at harbor Freight and we do have some good tools for cheap

[@fauntleroycliftonguitar5489]

You are such a great guy, Phil!

[@Guitaristlife-dn9ou]

8:22 I did that once on my Lp. It was tight and I actually heard it kinda pink! Like on acoustic guitar how u tune up

[@finbah5706]

Great fun video. Actually a nice ez simple set up video, plus the $1 store aspect. very fun to watch. Going to get me a tiger bath mat now!

[@JF-em6hr]

This is such a clever video. You rock McKnight.

[@RiffosaurusRex]

I set up all my guitars with my dad's tools. He's the real hero.

[@davidstclair4165]

I always learn something, be watching many more of your videos, thanks Philip.

[@richardorta8960]

If you sign up as a member for harbor freight, you get a catalog of coupons, just save those up with the ones from the mail/paper and you can save a lot!

[@Tricknologyinc]

Thanks for the "disclaimer" at the end. Yes! NEVER USE DOLLAR STORE TOOLS! They are NOT MADE OF TOOL STEEL!!!! I repeat THEY ARE NOT MADE OF TOOL STEEL! They are made of TOOL STOOL! They are literally softer than the screws and nuts you are using them on. Phil, post a picture of the cutting edge of that cutter after you cut music wire spring steel with them! These crap tools will work for the first one or two fasteners you use them on and they will distort their shape quickly getting wobblier and wobblier basically turning into a cam that jams itself into the contacts surfaces changing the direction of the force away from the direction you want to move the fastener to one that is just aimed directly into the fastener itself and destroys it! Thanks for your videos. They're always fun to watch and I always learn something even tough I'm trained in engineering and have been doing this all my life.

[@RNAMusic]

Great video and awesome idea. I check for deals all the time at our local Dollar Tree where everything actually is just $1. Diamonds do come from the factory set a bit low.

[@TheeFrozenDesire]

2:30 I was wondering why the EB string package read "PANTS" and realised it was turned upside down.

[@autocrow]

That was a fun video to watch. Dig the tiger mat. I think the important thing to remember is to be careful working on guitars. Road worn = cool. Boogered up from clumsily messing with it = not cool.

[@gilmarriner3011]

I have got to get one of those bath mats for my guitar. So cool!!

[@bigdaddycoolhall]

Great video Phillip!! Sometimes in a pinch you gotta do what you gotta do. Great idea as well.

[@guitarplayer4518]

Hello my friend I just love watching your videos on how to do differentthanks to the guitar to make it play better this was so awesomeI have an acoustic guitar that has a buzz and now I know how to do it so thank you so much for posting and I can't wait to see more videos

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Thanks so much!

[@brandonjoel9868]

I’ve ruined many nail and toenail clippers on guitar strings =( I just roll them up and point them in towards the headstock (away from my eyes). Awesome videos man, thanks

[@jimwoodswrites]

This was great. Never thought of using a bath mat or fingernail clippers! Thanks Phil!!!

[@Claimjumper55]

I've tried the nail clippers thing before. They got the job done but the thicker strings caused serious damage to the clipper's cutting edges.

[@chadbarkalow4277]

the "karate chop" haha. It's always good to learn new, and easy approaches to setup. Thanks!

[@wearashirt]

Quick question! How much does a fret level, set up, and inclusive strings go for in the US?? Let's say a typical city.

[@GetawaysandGuitars]

Good video mate! Yeah, Started it here with me too but add a fret file, crowning file, soldering iron, dremil tool some wood files and you end up a hundred or two down. Worth it in the long run though ;0)

[@repguy2020]

I love the tone mat!

[@Lisbonized]

I've found that Allen key sets never have the very 2 that I need for truss rod and bridge adjustment on my Telecasters. It may be a UK thing but I've always had to buy from guitar specific shops whether on line or high street.

[@davethepius]

I've been getting actual guitar tools from Wish and AliExpress for dirt cheap for about a year now. Most have been $2-$4 shipped, including knock-off ESP spanners.

[@bernalarchitecture]

nice one dude!.. more of this videos please!

[@TechnoRiff]

How about using rechargeable NiMH LSD batteries instead of constantly springing for alkalines?

[@ColinStuart]

Phillip, we DO have a Dollar Store! Amazing for this far out in the sticks!

[@mahoganymarco9199]

Sir Philip.. thank you so much, while i was watching this video i have fixed two guitars that i own .

[@lazyboydtown]

Great video, as usual.. I dig the new shirts..

[@MrWidestripes]

excellent idea for a vid Phil, great work as always.

[@davidmahan6202]

Thanks for sharing. Love the 9v idea!!!

[@Haolekine888]

If I'm going from 10s to 8s I'm guessing I should do the adjustments after I've strung the guitar with the 8s rather than before while the 10s are still on it.

[@laynecampbell2230]

Thank you for this video, Phil. I think this will really help on my never set up Telecaster. (Using the Allen key that came with my guitar of course!)

[@mattalessi2112]

Great idea for a video, and great video! Thanks Phil!

[@shadowsong1]

for the most part you're fine with dollar store tools. its' really dangerous to rely on their allen or hex wrenches though. they are soft...can wear and that can cause strippage. this can be an utter disaster on a floyd rose...or truss rod...where a guitar can be ruined. Spend a bit of money on those two wrenches. they will last you longer and won't damage your gear. the batteries are fine for that one show where you have to have it. they don't last a long usually...but if your tuner dies..or..a pedal..or the battery in your acoustic preamp...they can save your life. Here's the deal though. DO NOT leave those cheap batteries in after the show though. they can leak after time and corrode the connections and ruin your gear.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Mark Shields great points. Thank you for posting

[@christopherjeneson5333]

Don't know where you live Mark but before the advent of the Mallory Duracells the Eveready batteries Phill bought were the premium battery in England! The Duracell batteries outlast most other brands when used with motors but for something like a pedal or a pre amp the Evereadys are fine. I guess the prices depend on the perceived quality of a brand and that varies from country to country. Disclaimer, I am nothing to do with battery supplies, just a very long time user!

[@shadowsong1]

anytime you find a great deal like that i'm down. Here's a thing about dollar store batteries that some don't know. they might be duracels or evereadys or whatever..but often they are refurbished factory recharged. usually that means by then they don't have as much energy in them and they are older than you might think. they might be great. they might not be. for sure...don't leave dollar store or generic batteries in for an extended period of time.

[@Claimjumper55]

Eveready batteries are fine with me. I always buy Energizer though. Duracell batteries have destroyed several of my electronic devices over the years due to leakage so they're not an option for me. I definitely agree regarding getting some good quality hex wrenches.

[@SirMonteCarlo]

Weather you spend $1 or $10 on wrenches they must fit. In fact I could buy a titanium wrench and if it doesn't fit well and slips then there may be little left of my truss rod though the wrench is left perfect. The softer metal takes the damage.

[@bobbeckey6941]

amazing video. real work, not opinion. great stuff.

[@alexy7207]

How about using the spring clamps as a makeshift capo to check curve of the neck?

[@davejoyslin2796]

I love "Look what I did with this" stuff. Do this again. Rock on!

[@tonwilson657]

UNCLE PHIL!!!! BRINGIN' IT BACK TO THE GHETTO!!!! Haha. Thanks for thinking about the kids and the po' folks!

[@manny75586]

This was like taking a time machine back to the guitar repair tools I had in high school. Haha Great video!

[@AngelinoShred]

As far as cutting the string ending. I was wondering if I'm doing something weird or what since everyone looks at me weird when I do it. I don't cut them. I bend them on the tuners until they break off. I find it to be super clean and less stabby. What do you think?

[@HatOnAHat]

Phil, I love the finish on that guitar. SCORE! And to think, $8 will get me tools to do the set-up!

[@ISU2047]

Another great and informative video Phillip

[@singlereed]

Love the plant growing out of your head at the beginning ;-)

[@rebelcat420]

One thing I've always wondered....how much of string "stretching" is really the metal stretching, and how much is the string settling (I.e. The wraps at the ball end tightening up, the ball end seating into the hole, the wraps tightening at the tuning machines, the break angles over the bridge/nut)?

[@blondiespinknoize4627]

That picture at 11:17 i freaking awesome

[@MichaelMoore-od4jz]

awesome video your always coming up with good stuff

[@timg7942]

I have an Aria STG 003. It's made in the same factory the Fender Squire comes from. I need to raise the action but I can't find an allen wrench that is the right size. Are you able to tell me what size I need?

[@Chirn70]

A dollar for a fresh razor blade too! Slick, PM!

[@senseiruss]

Excellent video, Phillip - thanks for sharing this very cool and helpful info. That "karate chop" string winding tip was a new one for me; I'll use it the next time I change strings. I haven't scrolled down in the comments, but in case no one asked - how much did you spend on the things you actually ended up using?

[@iteched]

Just ordered the SHIRT!!!!!!

[@AwakeAsJedi001]

Okay, you know that we are all going to do that now.... right? Inspiring. Macgyever the luthier.

[@twhite19782012]

Nice video Philip. I was hoping you would've demo'd using the emery board on the fret ends.. I would like to see it.

[@trobic]

my intonation is all in at the 12th and open but when i fret from the 5th to the 1st it is out. how so i fix this

[@rileylogan0331]

I've noticed that nail clippers will often get dents and notches in the blades when trying to cut strings, but I'm sure higher quality clippers with work better

[@DavidHBurkart]

Good stuff Phillip!!