Installing carbon fiber neck rods in a Ritchie Valens style StratoTone

www.stewmac.com/
This early-50s Harmony StratoTone has no truss rod, and the neck is warped. Dan Erlewine repairs it by installing carbon fiber neck rods. The week after this repair was done, another copper-colored StratoTone came in with the same problem!
About the guitar in this video: this StratoTone H44 is like the one Ritchie Valens used to record La Bamba, Come On Let’s Go and Donna. (Ritchie’s guitar was green, not copper.)
If you have questions, please contact us through our webpage www.stewmac.com/email or visit our Facebook page / stewmac
Carbon Fiber Neck Rods
www.stewmac.com/4408.html
StewMac Fish Glue
www.stewmac.com/0702.html
Swivel Handle Clamp
www.stewmac.com/3704.html
Bridge/Fingerboard Removal Knife
www.stewmac.com/4464.html
Bridge Heater and Fingerboard Iron
www.stewmac.com/4607.html
The Otter Compact Router Table
www.stewmac.com/5730.html

[@MrPinkStrat]

What Ever this Guy Charges ...he's worth every penny

[@bestplans9051]

And then some too Kevin!

[@guitard1280]

I think it's Dan Erlwine he used to have a column in Guitar Player in the 80s

[@Mickocarbomb]

@@guitard1280 I'm pretty sure he is Dan

[@Tunkkis]

It is Dan, yeah.

[@ramencurry6672]

I’d pay up to $5000

[@LRS905]

"Oh yes, this is hide glue...yep...from 1952...possibly May...uh, from horses living in the midwest of U.S.A....uh, possibly 7 years old, fed on small grass, before the rain..."

[@TurtleRocker12]

Thanks Christopher Lloyd (:

[@MrGavinspoppop]

lmao ...good one !!!

[@LRS905]

@@TurtleRocker12 :-)

[@mcgrooter61]

@@TurtleRocker12 A Taxi fan for sure!

[@markrodgers2976]

LOL ! I caught the Taxi reference, too !!! That was probably my favorite Reverend Jim-ism !!

[@Sungodv]

Did I say that Dan is a national treasure? Well, he is.

[@Left_it]

He is totally awesome

[@Ibaneddie76]

YES HE IS, THE GREATEST REPAIR MAN OF ALL TIME....

[@webbvidz]

I‘d say, an international treasure. Excited to follow his work.

[@rodsdaytona]

I'm from Athens, OH. grew up there. When I was a teenager (early 80's) I dreamed of visiting inside StewMac. Well I finally got my wish, and shortly after I remember the announcement. Dan Erlewine had retired from Gibson and has selected his "next venture". He's moving to Athens Ohio, and will be bringing his talents to Southeast Ohio. As you can imagine the guitar community, which is a fairly large one when you consider the college too. Its like Christmas everyday.

[@ryanhudson5824]

We all need something/someone to aspire to; you’ve chosen well.

[@2011littlejohn1]

What a cool guy - so skillful I always thought a guitar with no truss rod and a bent neck was for the scrap heap. He even played a Ritchie Valens lick on the restored instrument.

[@anthonyjones8947]

Vox headphone amp

[@2011littlejohn1]

@Kurt Cobain But he did have a gun.

[@Arizona_Stonah]

This fix never even crossed my mind.dude has skills !

[@_nickoustic_7923]

This guy has literally taught me everything I know about guitar repairs lol if it’s not something I’ve seen Dan do then I don’t have faith in it. This man is a living legend

[@brunobplima]

Agree!

[@20x20Ghost]

another Sheeple

[@mortensen1961]

@@20x20Ghost: Yes you are.

[@knedy]

I didn't know sniffing glue was considered a guitar mech trade secret. I've been doing that since I was 12! *I'M LIKE A PRO!*

[@onpsxmember]

The combination of smell and flame colour gives you an idea what kind of glue or plastic it is. There are hole tables to look it up. (I still get your joke though)

[@bane6419]

And I'm just a drug addict.

[@like-icecream]

There are jobs out there for everyone.

[@azynkron]

Nah, you have been doing it wrong since you are still just a fucking glue sniffing loser.

[@hoilst]

Honestly, that's like the least worrisome substance I've seen guitar techs sniff.

[@timgann4410]

This is the bob Ross of guitars, love his voice and personality :)

[@novanogo07]

When I grow up I want to be as cool as Dan Erlewine sniffing vintage glue.

[@guitard1280]

That's who I thought it was! He used to have a column in Guitar Player in the 80s. I saw him once. One of his apprentices, Charlie Longstreth, is practicing in Eugene. I had some fretwork done by him, ooh lawd!

Not only is he a master craftsman that executes his work to with immense precision - he also has time for a little glue sniffin' as he goes about! Amazing!

[@haysfordays]

Picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue.

[@ashcatchem4308]

It's coming right for us!!!

[@haysfordays]

There's a sale at Penny's!

[@mortensen1961]

Surely you can't be serious! I am serious. And stop calling me Shirley. . .

[@runner4life1984]

I just want to you both Good Luck...We’re all counting on you!

[@quintas66]

We've got to bring it down...SAFE!

[@AnthonyMonaghan]

Dan is the Godhead when it comes to guitar repairs. The absolute best of the best a true craftsman. I could watch his videos all day. Thanks.

[@vgmrevisited832]

Had a Stratotone in the shop where I work for a while. Whatever that cheap little pickup is sounded incredible.

[@coffindancer38]

I couldnt agree more that sometimes cheap overwound pickups sound great!! I had a Tesco Del Ray that had cheap wide and shallow wound single coils. Tone for days. It also had on/off switches for each pickup that gave you a brain bending number of combinations.

[@67Jazzmaster]

I picked up a guitar at a thrift store for $75. It was all sanded down but looked cool. It ended up being a 65 Stratotone with DeArmond pickups. It sounds great and is fun to play. I also picked up an old Bobkat with an old Silvertone tube amp for cheap. THey sound great as well. Both of these were lucky finds! Cheap looking stuff that sounds awesome!

[@MGC-1977]

I want to see a truss rod installed. Since it's a 24" scale guitar, Dan can also show us how to cut, and thread, one of the truss rods from the Stew-Mac catalogue. Please do it - I love these videos!

[@PavleBalenovic]

I've just seen some precious details that enrich my knowledge on guitar repairs. Great video, thanks for posting.

[@Bigsinglecoils]

Great stuff! I have a late '30s Harmony Monterey that had exactly the same problem (except it had a steel rod, but the slot for it was cut way too deep and the neck just bent around the rod) and I fixed it the same way as Dan did this one. Total win!

[@thomashicks5078]

8:50 what my parents said when i showed them my first gf

[@12978fghdiu23gewsduf]

😭😭😂😂

[@FranciscoGarcia-yt2jm]

Hahahahahahaha

[@ivanreiss]

LMAOOOO

[@francoaranda6499]

shit same

[@sebastianjamett6040]

Lmao

[@ncc74656m]

Doing RC aircraft modding work, it was suggested to me that cutting carbon fiber can be dangerous. I've learned to either cut it with a constant spray of water to minimize dust, or even cut it just below water to keep any dust from being able to float into the air. Hope this is a helpful tip!

[@simongosimon]

The guy sniffs glue. He doesn't give a shit

[@cameronjenkins6748]

"When you get into glues, you'll know..." Didn't anyone ever tell you to not sniff glue?

[@AlexusDelphi]

Sniffing is fine. Huffing is bad.

[@Jefferson-ly5qe]

Hey, when it's all you have in the shop, you have to make do

[@BossNotes]

Cameron Jenkins I ate lead paint chips when I was young , and it didn’t phase my lead guitar playing Licks , or my carrot either !!!!

[@cardigansarecool]

🎶NOW I WANNA SNIFF SOME GLUE🎶

[@Ibaneddie76]

Yeah but I sniffed so much glue I forgot, what were we talking about?

[@saxofunk]

Dan, you're a hero to many. I hope you live a long and happy life. You and a few others in Athens, Ohio turned me into a repairman - even if unknowingly! Keep up the good work.

[@upreydeen]

Love Stew Mac, I keep coming back, is like a warm place for luthiers, guitar techs, enthusiasts, etc

[@jrbass62]

I've been watching you for years sir. Also read a lot of articles. You have helped me with so many bass projects.. Thank You!!!!

[@krambo4474]

This man knows what he’s talking about. True craftsman. I just subbed. I gotta watch more of this mans work. 👍🏻

[@Liam1H]

Talk about perfect timing. I'm just about to do the same with an unsupported neck to a 1920's Curtiss parlor guitar. Thanks Dan! Seeing your methodology really helped! And RL R, if Dan had said that the glue was from a seven year old, grass fed, midwest horse from 1952, and it had a unicorn's horn, I would believe him. The Nation of Japan recognizes and honors their craftspeople who are working at the highest level of skill as the national treasures that they are. I wish we'd do the same and I'd say Dan should be one of the first so recognized. His tricks and shared insights have pulled my bacon out of the fire more times than my pride will allow me to admit.

[@ocljtc]

These stewmac videos are really great. One really learns a lot from watching. I have always enjoyed working on my own guitars, and also did a little work on violins when I worked in a music store. I love it.

[@MrJoeyBoombotz]

You are the best, Dan. I appreciate your sharing your techniques and thoughts. I could watch you all day.

[@groverasylum9626]

Another person here who has been learning from Dan for many years now. Nearly 2 decades of learning, if I count my very first book on repairs. That glue sniff bit though, is something he could only teach in person. You are an inspiration to gear head wrenchers. You are a gentleman and a scholar, good sir!

[@SuperYourAcceptance]

Watching you work and listening to your running commentary is an inspiration. Thank you so much for your videos.

[@vicparis3524]

I'm a drummer and ran into your videos. Makes me wish I was a guitar player so you could fix one of my axes! Keep posting please!

[@cooperkaesemeyer2220]

Rotciv Sirap im a drummer too but hey i picked up a guitar about a month ago and i think im halfway decent for being ok. Just pick up an old strat on craigslist and try it out

[@BoneyBobsTreasure]

Great to watch someone work smoothly, steady, not rushed, making progress all the time. You can learn a lot watching someone work in this way, thanks.

[@g0fvt]

A fascinating video, it is amazing how a craftsman with such experience makes the job look so easy. I hope to see many more examples, absolutely superb job with minimal intrusion to the originality.

[@glennnortonjr2455]

I really like the way you convey all your years of knowledge. Very eloquently and intuitive. You are so talented the way you fix I bet everything. You are a joy to watch and learn from. Sincerely Glenn

[@coffindancer38]

On my first neck thru bass build, i used your 1/4 inch square graphite reinforcing rods. I routed them in at the same angle as the edges of the neck for extra triangulated strength. I also used your gibson style aluminum channel truss rod. I glued the stewmac ebony fretboard on clamped to a brass I beam. It took about 4 passes with a radius block to get the board flat. I used your brass call in an arbor i made with my drill press. The neck was so stiff and strong that just for fun i strung it with a five string set, .125 E .105 A .85 D and .65 G. Then tuned it up standard pitch. That neck took it in stride, but my fingers couldnt! Lol do to the full 5/16 full center thickness of that awesome ebony board, and those chimey rods, i ended up having to shave the back of the neck with my minny spokeshave to the point where the graphite rods show just to get get upbow for fret clearance!!!! Oh and i carried Dans fretting book for a month! Lool also, using the fret caul and pressing them in slow and careful, i did NOT have to level and recrown the frets.

[@gangnamstylegrandpa6352]

Dan , you are the master ! Thanks for a great video ! There seems to be no limit on guitar repairs for you . You had a book out years ago that I still use as a reference when maintaining my guitars !!!

[@lpluva1]

He has forgotten more than I know at this point. It takes him twice as long to prep something then it does to do the thing, I wish I had this man's patience. Hopefully it comes with age. Dan is legend.

[@jeffgerndt2813]

Another excellent job, Dan! You always work with quiet authority.

[@metaloutlander]

This guy is a true master, love watching him work his magic.

[@lancethrustworthy]

Astounding. I can hardly believe what I'm seeing. Watching a master do good stuff is a pleasure.

[@wyattsdad8561]

I had to watch this again. I’ve probably watched it about 10’times within a year or so. He does such great work.

[@Tipperman]

Love watching you work, my friend. My pal Gary is teaching me how to set up my guitars on my own, since he's moving away soon. Always a pleasure to learn from someone who's been doing this a long time. That's one cool guitar.

[@funkdog8203]

Dan, you're the best. I love your videos, and the layman's way you explain them. I'd listen to you all day. The stories you must have.

[@simonineaston]

Love your movies! Thanks for taking the time & trouble to make such great little clips. Can sit and watch them for hours! So informative and interesting... I have some guitars I made when I was a teenager and I now know where I was going wrong!!

[@Dogsrule777]

That was so therapeutic to watch. This man is a true artist and guardian of the craft! 💪🏽❤️

[@billhorterjr1982]

Wow! A true Master craftsman at work! This guy is amazing! What a treat to be able to follow along! Can you imagine this guy setting up your guitars? They would be perfect! Thanks for sharing the repairs, I love watching.

[@su1ru1]

You are my new favorite youtuber. What a character. Aside from the expertise and wit, you seem like someone that would just be fun to hang around. Your vid. and aud. were spot on too! I'm smiling!

[@johngimble8420]

Dude has some serious woodworking skills, lots of tricks and old school methods combined!

[@misfitramone]

He is possibly one of the most endearing people ever! Seems like he's very genuine and knowledgeable people in the world! Keep up the videos and we'll keep watching!

[@MrDustpile]

So much craftmanship in an old guitar. You get them from the supermarket for £70, clean sound and a nice amp thrown in. It's all good but when you see what goes in them, even anything is a miracle of technology! I know, I'm a philistine!

[@bobareeniobobareenio2935]

Not to forget to mention all the wonderful StewMac tools he has ! I wish I had all of them !! But I would still be lacking Dan’s knowledge ,which takes a lifetime to acquire . Such a luthier genius!

[@Matthew_Eitzman]

I could watch these videos all day. What am I sayin’? I am watching these videos all day!

[@SuperBillybob53]

A exceptional human being. What a joy to watch him work.

[@Merjia]

It’s always amazing to watch a master at work like this.

[@marklegg79]

love watching this guy work. so much info & experience to share

[@bobtone101]

Great Job, I think most repair guys would just say it's a lost cause. but now you have given it new life...

[@bobareeniobobareenio2935]

Every time I see a Dan Erlewine video, I have to say what a GREAT Luthier he is and what an honest and unpretentious man he is . Listen to him because he is GREAT!

[@mojekh]

This is so beautiful :) I love only to see these videos, it's like listening to somebody who you know, who can teach you so much. Thank you!!!

[@blackfender100]

Awesome Dan Thanks for sharing and rescuing a Very cool vintage Axe to be played again for years to come.

[@race5050R1]

I’ve never liked working with wood. Prefer to work with metal because it’s much more precise, but man you make working with wood a science and as precise as you can get with it. Great videos.

[@stevehogan8829]

Dan.. thanks for knowing so much and sharing it with us.

[@volt0z]

He is real magician and sweet nice guy. I'm only player, not the luthier, but love to watch this man's professional work.

[@jordanwalsh8171]

Gotta love the way he makes anything he needs, this guy is my hero!

[@miaouew]

I could seriously listen to Dan talk all day long. I put on these videos whenever I wanna go to sleep, practicing, anytime I want to chill out.

[@TheNewenglandboys]

A Master Luthier. So enjoyable to watch such precision

[@PhilosopherThom]

I love these videos. Craftsmanship at it's finest.

[@yhtraccm52]

A master craftsman showing us how it's done, thanks.

[@hammeredseb7198]

Really enjoy watching you work. A real pleasure

[@ClassicalPan]

This man is a national treasure.

[@pscance]

That was a most enlightening video. Learned a few routing tricks and Relicing tricks. Thank you Dan!

[@alanlovesheidi1]

I love how much time and care he takes not rushing the job making sure it doesn't break

[@bigdbearkiller5115]

I like how the master says he thought about the job at hand for a couple of days before starting. Patience is a requirement for a good luthier. If i could pick one man in the world I'd like to meet it would be Dan Erlewine. Thanks Dam for sharing your wealth of knowledge.

[@dennisjohnson2519]

Sir you have a real gift, well done.

[@NunYa953]

Absolutely incredible. This man is a national treasure.

[@jimdoner3443]

That was awesome Dan I appreciate all your career being shared with us, thank you very very much☺☺🎁🎁 it is a gift.

[@nishanthreghunath8845]

Such a joy watching him work!!

[@Kilovolver]

A real master of his craft, unbelievable skill

[@windhill2011]

Thanks, Dan - you never cease to be an inspiration. I am a luthier who also does restorations and repair. Not a day goes by when don't I think "Now what would Dan do?" Personally I would have pulled a top and bottom fret to drill guide pin holes to keep that fingerboard from sliding, but you obviously didn't need too....

[@Iazzaboyce]

I have a banjo with a unplayable upbow - so I'm thinking about this as a solution. Have you worked with CF rods and if the same method was used would one rod add sufficient rigidity? I think there's only room for one rod in the center of the neck due to the fifth string tuner insert.

[@andhow8730]

After watching the video several times I did this to my Stratotone that had the same issue. Worked great! Thanks!

[@brasspic]

So much skill and experience. What an artisan!

[@JackT13]

Such a 50s look, particularly the headstock. Beautiful

[@coffeecomics3583]

I could watch these videos all day long!!! Love these videos!!!!

[@jbrown577]

Fine work sir. This is the way it is done.

[@SkyfallLodge]

I love to see these old guitars improved with modern technology!

[@blackwolf8044]

It's a pleasure to watch a master at work. !!! Also. I've been eye balling stewmacs sg double neck 6 /12 string kits. It's my dream guitar. And. There's seem really good. From all the reviews❤

[@cakepanda]

thank you, a very good video. I don't play the guitar, but have a keen interest in woodworking. I am learning lots from your videos!

[@cucknorris6497]

Stewart is the man. Exquisite craftsmanship.

[@Jhugs28]

I could watch these videos all day.

[@SotR59]

Great video...as always. I was surprised, the guitar had much better tone than I expected.

[@NMranchhand]

That was a great show, Dan.

[@paulmasters8666]

So fascinating, I'm not a guitar guy but it's so interesting to watch you work.

[@steve-dq7hh]

A perfect video! Not too long or boring but right to the point. Beautiful.......

[@mattheweastel129]

Great to see a master at work. Fantastic solution

[@mooseharrison8669]

This guy makes me so happy.

[@truthfulrobot9295]

God bless you guys, I've learned so much from your repair vids. Thank you

[@TheSilverHatchet]

That was just awesome to watch. Great fix. Thanks for posting

[@KillSwitchNY]

What an amazing partial resto. It looks amazing 👍

[@shawnmelious9672]

So awesome watched a bunch of you videos have learned a ton! You are a true craftsman. Amazing work.

[@maddogdave4]

Great video this bloke really knows his stuff

[@Noone-of-your-Business]

Always a pleasure to see a master at work. Nice!

[@stewmac]

Thank you for watching!

[@stevehogan8829]

haha, I like your vids so much that I'm back a year later watching reruns... Thank you and thanks again.

[@JoshuaCraigStrain]

DAN ROCKS !! Nice job , Bro !! You really saved that baby !

[@Doug5524]

Great to see a master at work

[@foghornleghorn8536]

Dan, you are an amazing craftsman.