Must Have Guitar Repair Tools

[@lambchop1]

Phil is such a regular guy with such an irregular anoint of great information. I don't comment much, but it's always relaxing to listen to him and I know I'll always learn so much.

[@trampasnewberry2626]

When he instructs I take notes. Thanks Phil.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

If anyone has any problems with the discounts not working let me know. We did a couple tests to make sure it works because they normally do not do this. If you are having trouble You can also call in and do the order. I think you have to except cookies for it to work.

[@fredericadda]

Looks like the discount doesn't apply to the "Double-edge Fret File, Wide/Jumbo" (4491)

[@scottg8956]

When I use the link it says promotion applied but when I go to check out it only show regular price.

[@keviniliffe7416]

@@scottg8956 same here

[@keviniliffe7416]

just tried again 9/16 and still not working goes into my cart and says 49.95

[@bobosessbushcraftandsurviv4783]

I cannot get the discount to work. can I get help?

[@fisheatingjoe]

That Music Nomad string height gauge is by far the best one on the market. I have poor eyesight, the black and white and non reflective surface make it so much easier to see when measuring.

[@shark_week4451]

Thanks for doing what you do man. Your my favorite KZbin guitar guy. Your channel ALWAYS makes me wanna pick up a guitar, and sometimes tear it apart also saved me a ton of $$$ maintaining my own gear. 🤘🤘

[@rhugh02]

I've never needed to have my guitars worked on because I learned how to do it myself watching Phil's and others videos. You can buy most of these tools for the cost of a set up. No brainer. REMEMBER! No one cares more about your guitar than you do.

[@lambchop1]

Great content, Phil. And great opportunity for Stewmac discount. Thank you.

[@FarrellMcGovern]

Tool videos, for any endeavour, is always worth watching!

[@MrBiggordy]

Much anticipated, and long over-due, video. I only have to say, it did not disappoint in any way. Absolutely essential viewing for anyone considering owning a guitar, of any type. Thanks, Phil.

[@myopicautisticmetal9035]

I already own most of this stuff, I agree the micro mesh is priceless, I love the touch-up micro mesh sticks for quick fret polishing!

[@georgehoward9944]

Thanks, Phil, bought something on your advise, joined Stewmac the last time you had a killer deal, and now I just got another tool. You are the greatest thing since chunky peanut butter, buddy. You're part of my therapy in this crazy world, and your kindness is the key. I'll wear out long before you will, and I find great comfort in that.

[@NoUploadJustComment]

That StewMax deal is really clutch, great job Phil!

[@kevzed927]

I love your wall of guitars. That is the perfect backdrop.

[@DavidHBurkart]

Wow. Really appreciate the deal Phil. Stew Mac rately offers deals so this is a real bargain. Ready. Set. Go!!!!!

[@jimmyheathmusic3779]

Great stuff. I need to start doing my own setups. Nice to have someone like you to point me in the right direction. Thanks.

[@stonebrakerstudio8238]

Phil thank you for all the things you share and help the music industry & musicians

[@TommySG1]

Most of my tools are from Stew Mac, to me they’re the Snap-On of the automotive industry. They really do make a huge difference, especially their files. I’ve purchased paints from here as well and every once in a while you’ll receive a dead can and they sent me a replacement straight away so the service is pretty good too imo 🤙 Thanks for sharing Phil.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Great stuff presented here Phillip. Enjoy these type of videos, the most.

[@richardcurtis477]

This is the video I had been waiting for and didn't even know it! Perfect timing. I recently bought a 7 string Ibanez as a platform to modify and learn. About to finish pickup and nut replacement, and then it's on to fret and neck work. Nice!

[@mvp019]

The StewMac Z-files were total game changers for crowning, and the Fret Guru-2 string height gauge is actually the best one - it has even more functions than the one you showed, such as a fret height gauge. (And it is white on black like that one.)

[@InGrindWeCrust2010]

I also prefer the Fret-Guru fret crowning file to Stew Mac's, and it has "regular" and "jumbo" sizes in the same file for $40.

[@tonyketterman9020]

I own about 90% of the tools Phil showed, just because of watch his videos over the years. :-)

[@ernieb3626]

I was just saying the same thing Tony. I have really learned a lot and really enjoy setting up my guitars now.

[@Andrew_182]

That blue sparkle with the roasted neck - chefs kiss. Thanks for working out this deal Phil!

[@CraigMJamieson]

Thanks, Phil! I’m rounding out my toolkit so that I can train myself on the $60 Glarry that I bought after watching your other video. I’m calling her “Firewood”:) I appreciate all you do!!

[@JB_II]

I’ve been using Stew Mac tools for so many years that my tools say Stewart McDonald. I was turned on to them because the store is near my relatives in Ohio and they are all musicians. Love their tools and customer service. My highlight is one time I was having a problem and they actually had Dan Erlewine call me direct! Talk about going above and beyond!

[@donaldfisher8556]

Phil I've had StewMax for 3 years here in Canada. It cost me more but I'm so glad I've had. I've purchased a lot of tools from StewMac...love them all. Great video.

[@minervameza2686]

The best man on the internet!

[@mikepj1025]

It’s crazy because I wanted to learn guitar because my son played and I love playing but I really found so much enjoyment in fixing and setting up guitars. The tools you pointed out in this are all amazing and I have almost every one and never really needed anything else and I’ve done over 100 guitars. I’m

[@L.A.W.Studios]

I own most of the tools Phil shared here. I'm a frugal (cheap) guy, so consequently it took me 'buying twice' on 60% or more of them. Just an FYI about being careful. There's a ton of junk out & about. Awesome episode as usual Phil.. On that thought, thanks f

[@ZephyrPsalm]

I’m so glad I found this channel (found you through Marty Schwartz). I had very little knowledge of guitar maintenance/upgrading and this channel is going to be a god send!

[@MarcStanton1]

I love the StewMac digital nut slotting gauge. Not as fiddly as feeler gauges and so precise.

[@peteandpuy]

Talk of frets made me inspect the ones on my new Ovation CE-44, which I happen to have with me on vacation. Wow, these frets have been beautifully finished! Bravo Ovation. I will be buying some tools. Luthiers are few and far between in Thailand and I've got six guitars.

Those winders are great. I've had one for years and is the only thing I would choose to use to pull bridge pins. I also can't believe how useful those ESP spanners are. I generally use those for all nuts on pots and tuners.

[@adomehus]

I have most of these tools already, I also have the fret kisser which is super expensive but great for leveling a single high fret.

[@charleslancaster4202]

I have most of the stuff. Haven’t got into fret leveling yet. Next on my list!

[@WannaBeatle-Paul_McMichael]

I swear by those micro mesh sheets, too! I finally bought the jim dunlop version of them a few weeks ago. but, when I was working at G&L, we had those and steel wool. I waaaaaaaaaay much preferred the sheets just because there was no mess.

[@mvp019]

Agreed - I never use steel wool anymore - MM is totally the way to go.

[@billsguitargarage]

WOW, what a great deal! StewMac tools are top quality for sure.

[@DanielBobke]

Already a StewMax member, but I took advantage of the 10% off deal and got a fret dressing kit and a spanner wrench. I have a guitar that came with some sharp edges sticking out on the frets that I want to clean up. Thanks for the great videos on tools and guitar maintenance/repair. One of the pleasures of being a guitar nerd is not only drooling over the guitars and playing them, but keeping them in good shape and doing mods. Thanks again Phil!!

[@MK-1010]

Thanks for the StewMac deal, Phil! I'll be on that in a minute. I remember your vid on fret crown/leveling from a few months ago, I've got a buzz area I need to fix. I've been watching you since you had your store and filmed from there, I've learned a lot from you. And I can definitely second the notion about paying for real quality tools. They'll last long enough to pay for themselves! I know Harbor Freight has a huge selection, but pick your battles.

[@devinsinderwitcz9134]

I bought the Stew Mac Fret polisher erasers with metal fret guides. I can't remember how much I paid for it but it's top quality and with 10 guitars it's already paid for itself twice over. When I worked as a car and diesel mechanic I was told to buy quality tools as quickly as I could afford it. Harbor Freight quality will do in a pinch but you'll be replacing constantly and quality tools are reliable!

[@jguse2378]

Thank you for the discount Phil I just ordered the Precision Notched Straightedge Also if anyone sees this in the next 20 hours or so StewMac has extended free shipping and handling

[@ryanandring2688]

Oh heeeckk yes thank you Phil, I really appreciate you doing this video I never knew where to begin with what tools are needed but I’m determined to try a little something something now. Thank you :) My suggestion for a video would be maybe small demonstrations with the tools to show how they work, nothing crazy of course but it’s funny jumping around your videos to watch you find specific repairs on specific guitars

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

Strongly recommend checking out the Octopus by Musicnomad. They have a 17 in 1 and an 8 in 1 multi tool that are both perfect for guitar work.

[@RobbieJayOne]

Thank You! I was already a StewMAX member and still got the discount (assumed it was for non members to encourage the discounted membership purchase). Nice!!

[@jeromestevenfaigin6059]

Man Phillip ????? I bought everything 20 to maybe 40 years back. I started doing carpentry when I was 14! Ufie was the best ever! Now I'm working on my first 12 kinds of guitars and I'm 65. I'll finish 1 for sure and she'll be "Teatar" this year and hopefully more. I can't think of a better thing for me and I took a giant leap and I cannot look back. Love of music is a weird kind of dance. Sometimes it's a taste of will or positive attitude power! My wife has waited (I think) 5 years and now little Teatar is ready for stain and everything on the body is cut out and more templates are being made faster as necessary. It's hard work but fun.

[@billkallas1762]

I tend to go cheap and get my tools on Amazon. I've never needed a Fret Leveler, but the Stew Mac one costs $65 retail, while one on Amazon goes for $10. If I was using one once a month, I'd buy the Stew Mac one.

[@mikeseadorf4952]

Thanks again Phil for your time and information on your post!!🤘

[@tonygfromphilly4931]

This is so crazy. I was just contemplating the StewMAX deal. I wanted a Warehouse speaker and the $24 standard shipping price is a little too steep. I don’t know that I will have more than two orders a year from those guys, but this helps a great deal. Thank you.

[@gregoryhall3156]

Unfortunately cost of package shipping has ticked up a lot over last year, in no small part due to inflation and rising gas/diesel prices. A single 12in speaker is not that large dimensionally but can weigh as much or even a little more than a Les Paul.

[@MarcStanton1]

Yeah if you’re gonna be buying tools from StewMac you have to get the free shipping for a year

[@ronr2445]

Phil...That video right there is what makes you the best . mic drop

[@MartyGerman]

Thanks Phillip! That was a really great deal on StewMax which had just run out for me, last week! LOL! You are the best!

[@The-11]

A discount at StewMac???? Wow, I'm jumping on that !!! Thanks Phil !!!!

[@waynewhiteside]

I bought the black string action gauge after seeing it on your channel.

[@joejoesoft]

You can get that D'Addario string winder/cutter for "free" if you use their points program. I think after 9 packs of strings I had enough points for it. It makes cutting the ball ends off of strings for a Floyd effortless. Otherwise, you can just snip the strings too quickly remove and wind the strings for any other guitar.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

That's a great tip. Thank you Joe

[@ieblack37]

Because of Phil, I got the StewMac screwdriver set. I can't recommend it enough for guitar but it's great around the house too. This deal is awesome!

[@Hikaru109Ichijyo]

thanks, that stewmac deal . . .

[@zaz4667]

You have done a 1000 fret level and dressings? WOW. Respect! I would recommend a set of calipers that had the 3rd digit after the decimal point! Harbor Freight sells a pair that only has 2 places to the right of the decimal point and I would NOT recommend something like that! I am not sure what calipers Phil showed in the video!

[@joecoach7268]

GREAT VIDEO - Thanks Phil!

[@kurtcobain14580]

Big fan of Philadelphia Luthier tools. Affordable but good quality. Also like the music nomad files for the price.

[@JimboLodisC]

welp, finally pulled the trigger on a StewMax subscription, might end up getting that LP kit they sell

[@allendean9807]

I just picked up the digital nut slotting Gague, because i saw it used as a great way to measure string height, instead of adjusting using the little shaped metal Gauges. Looking forward to trying it out for this…

[@CrowaX]

Now I bought tools for $444 from Stewmac just by watching this video. Stewmac, hire this man!

[@dcamnc1]

I have a bunch of stewmac stuff I've gotten and used for 25 years or so. It's great, but I find I use my music nomad stuff more often. I like their setup "step system" also.

[@jcout25]

I own all of these already except the suction cup. Guess I'm off to a good start lol!

[@uhhmaybe]

Nut files, please! As someone who's read Dan Erlewine's book and watched a lot of videos (yours included), it always seems scary to take the plunge and start working on nuts. Especially with the investment for a set of files to do it. Anything you can do to help us novices get into addressing that part of setups would be greatly appreciated!

[@L.A.W.Studios]

BINGO. Yes please!

[@Stachtube]

I'm just a beginner, don't have a lot of experience working on nuts other than enlarging some slots to accommodate thicker strings for drop tuning. Pick a string gauge set like 10-46 and build your toolset from there. If you have lots of time but no money you can improvise. The smallest 2-3 nut files are the most important because you can't really substitute for small precision tools. Larger slots can but cut out with smaller files and a lot of patience, or doing something like wrapping a string in sandpaper. You can get nuts for about a dollar so it's cheap to experiment. In the end you might find it's more worth your time to buy a set of files.

[@BluegillGreg]

Amen

[@brucelindsay652]

Every guitar I have bought, been given, or asked to work on for a friend has needed attention to the nut. I have tried cheap methods of cutting slots and have also bought cheap files that can’t cut through spaghetti. They all suck. What does Phil use and recommend? I figure I should bite the bullet and buy good stuff because this will be a lifelong frustration. Thanks Phil for your great advice. Cheers

[@InGrindWeCrust2010]

Uo-Chikyu brand. Precise. $100 for a decent sized set.

[@Thomalom]

Wow what a SUPER deal!! Good job Phillip!!

[@Afurthyclays]

I would love to see a proper, definitive way of changing the magnet polarity orientation on a dual humbucker set so you have a proper out of phase sound in the middle position, a-la "Peter Green/Gary Moore" mode! 😃

[@victorbeebe8372]

Aloha and Mahalo! I got to many guitars not to do my own set ups. When I get better and back to work I need to invest in some tools.

[@frank241973]

Really usefull video, really enjoy your work, would like to see the music nomad setup kit on the chanel...and also how you set up your Ibanez edge bridge...

[@tondebruijn5424]

Well I put in my order and it took of Phil's discount and also it has free shipping but that will end after today. Ty Phil for arranging this discount. You will never regret buying a good tool and I'm sure I won't regret buying these tools but if anyone ever argues Stewmac is cheap I got them a bill to show ;-)

[@bigjohn75]

? Phill how about a video on adjusting the neck. I have a hard time telling if the guitar has to much back bow or relief also how can you tell if you have a twisted neck? And what tools can help you in this process?

[@Birkguitars]

One I expected to see was the tool that slots over the frets to protect the fretboard. I know its not essential but is a lot quicker than putting tape over everything, it isn't expensive and it vibes with the idea of just working on small areas. I also wondered while watching the video whether you were going to mention nut slotting files. I know they are expensive but a proper set up does need correctly cut nut slots. Final comment, there is some debate over the crowning file. I haven't tried the StewMac one but people whose opinion I respect still work with a three cornered file with the edges rounded over and the main reason seems to be that they can actually see exactly where the file is cutting and adjust their position accordingly. Instinctively that to me seems better than relying on the internal shape of the file to create the crown so that is what I do. And having a preset shape means that it works best on frets which exactly match the internal radius of the file. In other situations it is rather like putting an egg in an eggcup; the curves never seem to match so either the file doesn't reach the bottom of the fret or it misses the top. Thoughts?

[@59Darek]

Hi Phil, maybe such a topic, replacing single coil pickups, humbuckers and choosing the appropriate resistors and all electronics. Moderate prices, which is worth paying attention to to get the desired result. Cheers

[@samright4661]

That Blue Charvel is Awesome dude .. Do you have a review of that guitar?

[@captnb8036]

Yes. Enjoyed this much.

[@DamnedEyez]

I have a few of these, a few of the Musicnomad, and some other stuff...my issue at this point is I need to get it all organized, but that's like a lot of stuff in my life. Good stuff, though. I just need to use them more.

[@oldsledpurgatory3595]

Gotta recommend the Stew Mac digital string height gauge. Kinda pricey but a total game changer for cutting but slots.

[@chrisggoodwin777]

the stewmax discount didn't apply when I ordered through the link, but I contacted Stew Mac customer service and they resolved the issue easily. fantastic customer service along with a great deal 🙂

[@dwalks637]

🤘Thanks Phil 🤘

[@rickycompton2610]

Great video Phil. In my opinion when it comes to tools you get what you pay for,people think Stew Mac is high priced but quality matters to me I’ve never gotten a tool from Stew Mac I was disappointed with.

[@ministryinsong]

fantastic Phil, I’ve been collecting stu mac and music nomad tools for a year now and learning to do my own guitars it’s a lot of fun, I'd like to see the gauges for neck relief and nut string height in action. Also the stew max is a fantastic deal especially if you live in UK you get free standard shipping or half price expedited I had an item I really needed come in 3 days, I’ve waited longer from England! Also the free says 1 to 4 weeks it’s never took more than one and a half to two. Keeping under the customs threshold saves those charges if it’s more I wait till it’s on sale, we pay for over £135 including shipping so under that your golden and with free delivery it’s easy typo do.

[@tomfoolery2082]

Good to know thx .

[@pressleycaliforniacustoms9526]

Fantastic! Thanks dude 🤘🎸🤘

[@BigMateo24]

I cannot live with my multi tool I got with my Ibanez Prestige. It has all the stuff I need for the most part. The only other things I really use are a notched straight edge and the power drill style string winder from Ernie Ball because it's super quick and easy.

[@maxmustardman298]

I would even say that having a proper screwdriver / bit set like that is worth all the money, not just to work on guitars. If you wanna avoid the hassle of stripped heads, and not having the right size you need right at that moment, its the only way to go.

[@conoranstiss2385]

I would be most interested in a video on the neck relief gauge. I like the idea of aiming for some sort of repeatability. Also, the compact Z file (original cut) and/or the fret kisser tools look sweet. Great deal on the StewMax membership, it really is awesome and their shipping costs without it are kind of scary. Great video, keep it up Phillip!

[@espltd1000]

Cool video. Wish I could afford Stew Mac.

[@MrRoybob]

I have that msc nomad string height gauge. It’s also my fret rocker. I don’t think I ever saw it advertised for that task but it has 5 sides all different length so it must be its intended use

[@benfowler2127]

I like this video and I’ve only made it through the explanation of the Stewmac deal. I only live 35-ish minutes from Stewmac.

[@ColoradoDreamin]

You are right, great stuff (and fun) to work on a basic guitar. So far, you taught me enough to take an unplayable mini Squier and make it excellent. I also cleaned up my MIM strat and now that plays nearly as nice as my American. I don’t think Ill ever have the guts to dress/level a guitar over $750 tho! Lol too scary because you can’t undo the damage once you start sanding and filing! Thanks fir the vids Phil!

[@dontderockmerizz3211]

I forked out the $ for one Stew Mac tool. The small fret end file. It’s the one tool that is unmatched. Worth its weight in gold. How about clip tuners? I used to use Snark but they chew up batteries quick. I now use a Fender one that has a rechargeable battery. If you don’t have one check it out.

[@devinsinderwitcz9134]

Snark has one as well now.

[@madisonbullock2337]

I dont think you mentioned polishing your frets. I love the miracle cloth you have recommended before

[@BradTheProducer]

6:55 - Phil, you've got the old version of the D'Addario winder/clipper, with the flat arms. It's the best one I've ever used. A few years ago they redesigned it with round arms, and the new version SUCKS. It simply can't cut unwound strings; it only bends E and B strings and you have to wiggle them at the bend point until they snap from friction. If they would go back to the tighter clipper design, it would once again be the greatest.

[@johnenglish8261]

Cool video. What about affordable nut files? Keep on gear jamming.👍👍✌️

[@jimratzlaff3112]

Very helpful. Thanks!

[@jascoplumbingsupply4224]

Just signed up last month with stew Mac. I jumped the gun to fast haha

[@benfowler2127]

This makes me want to order the tools and fretwire to refret my ~87 Ibanez

[@davidkurnos3081]

Best vid of the year!!!!

[@The9thChord]

Hey Phil. I'd love a video on how to store electric guitars throughout temperature/humidity changes. I'm told that over %60 can damage, but my room regularly gets %60-70 percent (21 degrees Celsius and %64 percent right now). I keep a case humidifier throughout the year, but am wondering If I should remove it in the winter. I'm getting mixed answers online...

[@jacksonrich6398]

Awesome! Thx for sharing

[@lunamatic9775]

Thanks for putting this into one list! You didn’t mention anything about truss adjustment though. Is that coming in a future video?

[@handlethisyoutube]

Just my luck my membership renewed two weeks ago