Mick’s 1961 Fender Stratocaster Gets A Refret [During A Fascinating Chat With Matt From Monty’s]

[@ThatPedalShow]

SCAM ALERT! Hello to everyone watching this. Please note we will NEVER promote competitions or prizes in KZbin comments sections. There are parties pretending to be us. So if ANYONE asks you to contact them saying you’ve won a prize and asks for details, please ignore them. Better still, please help us report them to KZbin. You have not won a prize, and it is not us. It’s happening right across KZbin, with collective apologies! Mick & Dan

[@banjo7598]

Well I’ve just spent two hours and a bottle of wine in the kitchen watching this, my wife called me a “sad bellend” for doing so. I disagree. She will have another birthday next year and she needs to understand the importance of these videos. Top work chaps. Also if anyone knows of a reasonably priced bed and breakfast around Merseyside let me know.

[@ChrisJones-ht9zn]

Skating on thin ice there mate 😂

[@johnbuell8035]

The ‘sad bellend’ part is heavily in her favour - very funny and hard to argue with. Bit much to put your birthday ahead of a guitar video, though. Nothing you can’t correct, I’m sure. Might want to plan your main points of debate, though.

[@bm7760]

I saw how long this video is and thought: "Hmmm.... I'd better save that until I'm in work..." Just point my laptop away from colleagues and look busy... I may even get a promotion. :-)

[@SWOGCO]

i have no idea what you said but feel exactly what you meant i think..

[@philgallagher1]

If you still need it, I'm in Lydiate and have a spare bedroom! Not sure what MY missus would think, but if we work together we could explain the importance of this stuff to both of them.... And then look for a B&B together!! Ha ha ha!

[@cowieson]

Over 2 hours of vintage strat content featuring Matt from Monty's!? Is it Christmas!?? :D

[@dougmishoe1336]

Seriously!! I’m going thru withdrawal two weeks into no VCQ!! 🤣

[@tomdyll2728]

Mick, you are so humble about your guitar repair knowledge as well as being considerate of different peoples opinions and beliefs. All without loosing your sense of humor. If the whole world was as nice as you we would be a far better planet.

[@ThatPedalShow]

What a lovely thing to say, thank you Tom. That means a great deal. Thank you!

[@justinpalmer6098]

I'll second that!

[@SomeKindOfMadman]

@@ThatPedalShow definitely one of many reasons why I love Mick as well. Enjoy the gem of a Strat, mate, you deserve it : )

[@michael_caz_nyc]

I would agree with that statement Tom. (ah-what the heck) I'd throw Dan in there too. Also seems like: a hell-of-a nice guy too.

[@SomeKindOfMadman]

@@michael_caz_nyc oh without a doubt, Dan of course; it’s because of him that I got into Telecasters. Love them both sincerely. : )

[@garygallagher7341]

That reaction from Mick at the end...that's what we are all after with our gear. Delighted for you, man.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Thank you Gary! It’s a wonderful thing!

[@patrickmckay6621]

@@ThatPedalShow got mine back a few month ago. fretjob + PLEK, amazing. i wish i had chosen steel frets but i was afraid of treblely noise which i had problems with before where my baby had to suffer a lausy fretjob and i wasted 280 bucks.

[@slawsonscot]

It was also Matt’s face when he saw Mick’s face too! That was a thoroughly enjoyable episode - thanks guys!

[@michael_caz_nyc]

@@ThatPedalShow Best of Luck Mick with your new-baby. Nothing like that Feeling.

[@matthewfrench5539]

@@ThatPedalShow i

[@johndogwater]

I love that he has that connection with his Grandma through the tools. That's lovely.

[@patreidcocolditzcastle632]

wasnt that awesome

[@MetallicOatmeal]

I'm staggered by how generous Matt is to explain his process in such detail. EXCELLENT video guys 🙂

[@justinguitarcia]

I find that folks who are incredible at what they do have no trouble whatsoever explaining their process and all their “secrets.” They’re confident in what they do, not mention it takes years and years to get even close to that level of expertise, and tremendously generous. Wonderful video

[@ThatPedalShow]

Exactly that Justin. It’s where your ego says, “Yep, I don’t really need to be here any more” and leaves. In all aspects of life I think wisdom steps in when the ego steps out forever. I’m glad to be on that path - hopefully we’ll all get there one day. Matt is absolutely there in his work. It’s joy to experience!

[@Kai-San7]

Matt is such a cool dude, very relaxed and knowledgable :) If I would live close, I would always do my repairs and setups at his!

[@GuessMyNameOnceMore]

Matt is such a humble guy... so down to earth and lovely. He seems to be such a balanced guy that spreads his light onto others.

[@kevinking2468]

What a beautiful way to honor your grandmother - She would be so happy to know the impact she had on helping you build a beautiful life.

[@maxjpind]

As a fellow luthier, I can attest; the look on Mick’s face at 2:10:55 is priceless and is one of my favorite parts of this trade. Always fun (and useful) to see how different folks go about doing certain parts of this process. Thanks for sharing!

[@nickharrington12]

Fantastic episode Mick. I love watching someone who is a true master of their craft perform their trade. Whether it's Matt or Jonny working on a guitar, or Andy playing guitar, it's inspiring to see the effortless that comes from their 10,000 hours. Enjoy the guitar! Hope you're well. Cheers.

[@Bonedadyo]

When he said that he bought his tools with the inheritance money his grandmother left him….wow. As a grandparent myself, I can honestly say he absolutely honored her and her wishes with all the love and respect possible.

[@chrismundayguitar]

What a journey to watch… Matt sounds like a proper legend and is incredible to watch at work

[@lazaglider]

Wait until you want to pay him to work on your guitar and you don’t have a big KZbin channel to advertise his work. The picture changes.

[@jakeallama22]

Mick, I love love love that you were not to afraid to take that wonderful piece of history and make it play the way that it should once again! You no doubt will fall in love with it all the more because of it! Beautiful work Matt!

[@ThatPedalShow]

Yeah man, totally my main, Number One guitar at this point!

[@ryangunwitch-black]

Now that I’m watching this again for the fifth time, I realize you guys really used that Reversing Lorry plug-in to its fullest. 😂❤

[@kjphoto]

I admire your spirit about this guitar, Mick. It’s a vintage guitar and it should sound like it but it has to work or what’s the point. Spot on. Cheers from the Big Apple.

[@johnbeloe]

100%...when I got my dream guitar...an old 54 Les Paul, I played it for about 3 months with original skinny worn frets...then I had 59 style put in. ZERO regrets. Plays like a dream, sounds even better

[@akrmfk]

matt has such a calming voice..

[@astewart9410]

This video will be solid gold for generations to come, thanks guys!

[@jimleininger8963]

Best refret, renut, and setup video on the interwebs

[@JonHallMusic96]

What a great advert for Matt and his work. Shows his love for the job and how good he is!

[@TheRealChetManley]

Thanks Matt! That was awesome to watch!

[@stevekirkby6570]

Wow - Matt is super skilled and the quality of work done is stunning; big thumbs up for him sharing the process. Respect.

[@seanrosedotcom]

I just had my 1984 MIJ 62' reissue Fender Strat done. It had huge holes in the board and many frets were almost flat with the board. I had it flattened, and the sawdust filled back in the holes. Stainless steel frets, 7.25" vintage size accurate. It made a barely playable guitar play better than most new. Worth every penny. Would not hesitate to recommend to anyone if you have a good luthier to do the work.

[@williamsmothers8830]

I would like to thank you both, Mick and Matt. That was a great show and demonstration. I think I'll work on some guitars this fall. I had a hiatus over the summer to take care of my special needs son, but he goes back to his mother next week. I need some guitar therapy and this video has got the amateur guitar tech wannabe bug going again.

[@SomeKindOfMadman]

“Everything makes a difference on a guitar,” is the exact same thing the Tech/Luthier I go to said to me as well. Happy days! : )

[@kmickp1166]

A satisfying yet scary watch in equal measure & it’s not even my guitar! Big admiration for the skill & patience of guys like Matt who make it look so easy, I can only imagine how badly I would screw this up, not that I would dream of attempting such a process! Great video, really interesting and informative!

[@bjsimpson4768]

Here in Arkansas, I’m fortunate to have several buddies who hunt whitetail deer and regularly bring me any antlers not worthy of mounting. This makes a wonderful material for bridges and nuts. I’d be happy to send you some if you like. Just holler.

[@rferguson3]

Does this invitation extend to a nobody who's poor & resides in NC lol

[@craiglizt8074]

I can gladly watch guitar repairs like this all day! Lots of great bits of wisdom shared here👍👍👍

[@michaelheinz3954]

Zen and the art of refretting. It's really a special experience watching Matt working on the Strat, love it. Plus it made me aware of Monty's anyway. I've ordered two wiring looms and a set of PAFs, happy days.

[@GlasVelo]

Loved this...so interesting! Nothing better than watching a craftsman at the top of his game. Really happy for you Mick!

[@renatooliveira6418]

Hands down for those Mats out there, this is such an unique and incredible job! Thanks for sharing his work. Have fun.

[@curtevans838]

I love the look of pure joy in Mick's face when he plays it for the first time!

[@leightintle2940]

Matt: "What strings are you using?" The comical inner monolog I thought of for Mick when he tosses the strings on the bench: THE ONES WITH MY FACE ON THEM!

[@ThatPedalShow]

Yeah baby!

[@orwellophile]

There was a very definite “pregnant pause” and I imagined Mick temporarily overloading with possible answers too, but I decided that he was just rooting around in his pocket. I guess we need a director’s commentary.

[@markrup6369]

This is so cathartic. I LOVE watching a skilled craftsman ply his trade. I can't believe I stayed up way beyond midnight just watching this video. Fantastic.

[@sroelit]

Empathy. I realized I was smiling just watching Mick’s reaction. Thanks.

[@martynharveythepoet5114]

Yeah.... after watching the entire video end-to-end, this has got to be the BEST Masterclass-level tutorial on the whole refretting process. I've done a few myself.. and planning several more; I've watched dozens of KZbin vids on this topic and this HAS to be the best! Thanks so much Matt and Mick.. a great show! So many "insider" tips!!!! I'm ditching my (half-finished) Fret-press-thing-I-was-building tomorrow! 🙂

[@henkkman]

The end result (and Mick’s reaction) speaks for itself! 👏

[@Matteope99]

Nothing more wholesome than seeing Mick bond with this guitar. Also, always a pleasure watching an artisan ply their trade. Well done, all.

[@mikkejohansson]

Love Micks little ”very happy and just a little nervous”-laughs.

[@backgroundguy1758]

Its so nice that mick trusts his son matt to work on his 61 strat truly wholesome farther son bonding

[@rferguson3]

The hell?

[@GaryArmstrongmacgh]

I wish this guy was near me to repair my Fullerton made 1982 Stratocaster. I could take the easy way out and put a nice new neck on it. But it would destroy both the value and the meaning of the instrument. Not only have I worn down the frets, but I have even worn down some of the rosewood playing it over the years. Thanks for this post and reminding me of how much I have loved my guitars!

[@Five0Music]

I would never in a million years thought I’d watch a movie-length video of a refret, but this has actually been and enjoyable and engaging watch. I can only guess at the opinions that might be expressed, but I’d take any of my guitars to this gent in a heartbeat. Excellent work, and seems a good guy, to boot. Thanks for sharing, Mick!

[@monkedelic90]

Long video… TOTALY WORTH IT!!!!! As a budding personal home luthier, this has been an absolute joy to watch. Thanks so much for sharing the wisdom, experience, technique and tricks of the trade. GOOD SHOW! Cheers mates!

[@disco4535]

I'm always envious when I see people with these old pieces of art. But I absolutely love how Mick treats it like a guitar instead of a collectors piece, and plays it. It's at least nice knowing that old strat is in wonderful hands.

[@sferguson1130]

Same lol. I always think, man, I wish I had a better job, that could afford this sort of luxury lol. Unfortunately, I’m with most of America, just getting by, paying bills, and hopefully going on vacation, once every few years lol. Gotta just be grateful what I do have, like family and health. Although I’d maybe consider trading a family member or two, for a vintage Tele 🤣 That’s the beauty in buying a players grade vintage instrument. You still get all the benefits & joy, of owning & playing a golden era guitar, without having to stress its market value. There’s certainly a place for all original, unicorns, to sit as a museum piece. As a player though, a guitar is useless, if it’s unplayable. With a players grade, pot goes bad? Change it. Need new frets? Replace them. They’re also a fraction of the cost, relatively speaking, so imo, it’s a no-brainer. To each their own though, ya know.

[@toniusheidemann5771]

I really admire the experience, diligence and craftsmanship that goes into the process. There aren’t many things that I’m more happy to spend good money on than having my gear set up really well, because good craftsmanship needs to be honoured and paid accordingly.

[@badsanta518]

I didn't think id watch the entire video, but I did and truly enjoyed it.

[@niallmurray9725]

Great video, watching a man who's obviously put in the graft to learn his craft (there's a song there somewhere 🤔😂) was thoroughly enjoyable, surprisingly relaxing and a privalage, .. Just spent the best part of my evening watching this. Thanks for sharing 🙏🎸👍

[@LarsonGuitarPlayer]

Beautiful work. Seemed so easy. Watched two tours straight, then fell asleep. Woke up 5am to a video about Ritchie Blackmores strats. Went back to the video and watched the last ten minutes. Loved every minute of it!

[@smarkalet9078]

Wow. Sandpaper on the profiling file. That's genius. Getting that round crown on top has always been my most dreaded part of fret dressing. Never thought of that trick. Thank you!

[@ClaudioMartella]

Calling this wizard a perfectionist is a understatement. Lovely to see him apply his craft.

[@lightaces]

It's fretwork. Perfection is the bare minimum.

[@Cameron655]

Two full hours of a guy filing, sanding, and waxing?! Worth every minute. May the legendary 61 continue to sound even greater (of course, you could lend it to me 😎 but no guarantees).

[@30smsuperstrat]

I'm late to this party, but Matt is just awesome! He's a guy I could hang with anytime!! And of course, I'd want Mick and Dan there too!

[@julianquirk9946]

Utterly utterly brilliant- it’s not just the skills needed but being a natural communicator top vid chaps.

[@petermarkovic8837]

I have no idea what the gentleman charges for a job like that, but its worth every cent :)

[@yohojones]

I got Lasik 10 years ago and it changed my life Mick. I've noticed your fight to keep glasses on and off. I have not regretted getting laser vision correction.

[@Andrew_85]

As you said, really generous of Matt to let you film and to be so open with his knowledge and experience. I love these videos - it leaves no hiding from the fact that I’m a guitar nerd!

[@pjhunton]

Love watching a craftsman working, thats why I watch TPS, Im not a great player but I like watching great players fiddle with their gear :)

[@GSPhotographics]

Having watched thousands of ours of youtube this Post has to be one of the best I have seen. To be able to see a real master craftsman like Matt working on a guitar like this was a riveting watch from start to finish. Superb Video Guys

[@tristanbouchonnet1461]

2 freaking HOUUUURS ??? Maaaaaaaaan ! I wasn't ready !

[@MattXScott]

Got my morning coffee and watching a 2 hour refret. This is how I Friday with TPS

[@joyoffilming9500]

I am about 60% through this video and can already state that this is one of the best guitar videos I've ever seen on YT. It's fascinating to see all those steps required to do a proper re-fretting of a guitar. And so well interviewed and filmed, too.

[@davegrice3423]

Not always a fan of long KZbin videos. But I was engrossed in every minute of this episode. Excellent guitar-nerd content and human interaction in this one. Please work some more of these into future plans.

[@TunedupFlat]

I felt your panic as if it was my own from when I first had my Strat done when Matt put the saw up to the fret slot. Your smile when he was finished was perfect! Enjoy!

[@steveatron12345]

Monty's are the only adverts I've ever watched on KZbin ..bravo

[@kpaisan-m4h]

Outstanding video. It's great to watch Matt show off his immense skills. Very interesting! Thanks...

[@adrianmiller1971]

Thanks Mick for showing us your baby getting worked on....As much as my 1st love was Hank Marvin, i always for 35 years body decked my trem...for same reasons as you - pedal steel/unison bending will love you for it. Thanks to Matt for sharing his tips. Great first video to enjoy while eating a Saturday morning fry up in sunny (unusually for this year) Sydney

[@SparkyGuitar]

Brilliant video. For those of us that have fiddled around with frets... this is a treasure trove of brilliant insights. Matt is a legend!

[@danielmincher4912]

What a gentleman, so knows his stuff! I know who i need to take my guitars to when i get them setup properly!

[@goswo]

AMAZING. 2 hours of pure joy and meditation. Thanks…

[@leosmith848]

One of the best practical guides to setting up without any BS that I have seen. Hats off to you!

[@johnwelsh2912]

So Happy for Mick! When he finally got his hands on his guitar he was so truly happy. I cant wait to hear it on one of the next episodes.

[@smwatson1512]

In the middle of watching but I love listening to Matt, can just feel the knowledge and passion flowing out of him. Have you or Dan owned or considered owning a baritone? I see them popping up more frequently across other popular guitar KZbin channels (naming no names!) and must admit it's tempting. Would be interested to see something on guitar amps and pedals and how they react to the lower pitch?

[@ThatPedalShow]

We always enjoy playing them, but like a 12-string, you gotta put the time in. And that’s the one thing neither of us have these days!

[@HandToolWoodGuy]

Still love that Strat! Refinish or not, that's flippin' lovely!

[@metroecco7908]

who else love long videos!!!!! awesome

[@andsoistopped]

Gotta love the Repair Shop.

[@johnsmith-sm6mh]

Matt and Mick, thank you so much how informative and very very interesting, how generous of Matt to put himself out there naked “so to speak” doing his work , for me it only cemented the fact he is totally confident with his end product . Fantastic upload Mick really enjoyed it . Cheers John

[@DarkDeadSanta]

Matt put 3 of his P90’s into my Epiphone Riviera P93. That was in his ‘garden shed’ days. They are the such good pickups. Fat, sweet and oh so responsive. Matt is the best.

[@nicktilliros9021]

You are a wizard Matt 😄

[@davegenske8973]

Guitar players understand the pure emotion of playing that guitar. What a Great job. Thanks for the knowledge exchange and the video with us.

[@guitarzzero]

Luthier from states here gents:) Done truckloads of fret jobs, snd continue to learn little things from guys like Matt. Legends. From Mick N Dan, to all of your guests, a legend every one. Thank you from the heart! ****Edit, just got to about 1hr 14m, that neck looks amazing!!!***

[@PeterLacis]

OMG that was amazing. I was aware of a lot of the "starter" stuff, but seeing the finishing part was pure magic. Thank you Mick and Matt!

[@ronmorey3475]

Thank you for this! Loved this long form video. I watched the whole thing and it was absolutely great! Thanks to Matt for being so generous with his time. It's a lot to ask someone to be filmed while they're working, and yet he couldn't have been more gracious. Cheers

[@benlaw2634]

Matt is such a cool humble chap, love watching his work. 🤙

[@andresgaron]

Thanks TPS for this episode and specially Mick for all that time on this video. Love the way Matt work and allways a cool story or a smart experienced tip to share. Really love when TPS and Montys share content together.

[@konnektlive]

It's pretty obvious that Matt is doing his job with a super natural flow ~~ He does not NEED to think or get OCD about anything. That clearly shows how professional and experienced he is. Super talented, and incredibly experienced. I would love to hand him two of my beloved vintage guitars for fresh refret jobs in the future, pity that currently I'm all the way here in Australia at the moment! Maybe next year or the year after that! Cheers!

[@DanPeacock]

That moment where all of the wood is polished up and shiny, there's not much that's better as a woodworker, luthier, or player. All that work and effort pays off in an instant. Thanks for the inspiration to get into the shop, Matt.

[@ianhoyle8459]

Two amazing gents, I really enjoyed seeing Matts skills in progress and Micks total satisfaction at receiving his finished work piece. Love and respect!

[@timharding7381]

Bloody brilliant video. Matt is such a lovely relaxed guy and obviously a great craftsman. Inspiring 🙏🏼

[@southpaw335]

A well setup guitar is a thing of joy and beauty. Thanks to Matt for taking us through his process. Totally enjoy these episodes and always learn something new. The smile on Mick’s face to get it back in his hands was worth the wait.

[@davidwellings2783]

Fascinating stuff and what a delight Matt is, such a wealth of knowledge and practical experience! Wonderful! 🥰🥰🎸🎸🍺🍺

[@ZachWish]

Such a satisfying watch and beautiful work from Matt! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@ryangunwitch-black]

Thanks for the awesome new addition to my "Comfort Food" playlist!

[@martynharveythepoet5114]

A Perfect video guys! 11/10! Perfectly presented and edited... and a MASTERCLASS in refretting! Thanks!

[@zeffneeson7599]

Matt is a gentleman and a legend, craftsmanship 👌👌👌👌

[@CarstenGoeke]

Love this episode. New thing to me: the angle to the nut slots. Very interesting and makes sense. Thanks for sharing this and congrats to the 61 ✌🏼

[@sidyal]

Great video. A good craftsman makes things look easy but there is skill and experience in every stroke and every tool used. Excellent work.

[@GuitarNTabs]

It's always nice to see how other people go about refretting instruments, and this surely had some great tips! A thing I like to do, before bringing out the leveling beam, is to spot level the higher frets, and then take out the leveling beam. That way I don't have to remove more material from the newly installed fret than I have to.

[@lespaulnmarshall]

Matt is just too cool! Such a laid back, down to earth guy, and a true professional above all. Seeing this video was really weird for me as I was offered this strat by the previous owner and almost bought it, but he changed his mind about selling and withdrew it a few months before he first lent it to Mick. Pretty cool to see the journey of the guitar with Mick now. Quite strange to realize that, had it been sold to me, all this content about this guitar would have never existed to be shared with the world :) Enjoy the guitar in good health!

[@ThatPedalShow]

Thanks for being so understanding about it Maurice. I never knew that! Best to you!

[@lespaulnmarshall]

@@ThatPedalShow That's how it goes sometimes, can't have 'em all! I've since had a few other vintage strats, which I've all sold again, but the journey led me to another guitar that is very dear to me. I also learned a ton in the process about what I like and don't like in (vintage) guitars. Mick, I'm super glad that strat ended up with you, you absolutely deserve it and I love seeing it in the TPS videos. All the best!