Tips & Mods To Make Your New Guitar Even Better!

[@colboysigmax]

Once fitted, keep an eye on your strap locks because the nut can loosen over time with use... even the expensive ones!

[@PersianRockstar21]

Unless you get DiMarzio Cliplock straps

[@louiscyfer6944]

the schaller s lock has a set screw to lock the nut

[@ronaldstephen1305]

@@PersianRockstar21😊😊

[@juandaltonius69]

I like using blue threadlock when possible.

[@samstewart9249]

Use lock tite on the screws. Problem solved.

[@Deadhansome]

Pencil graphite also works well in the nut slots for lubrication.

[@rickbrown2154]

Graphite does work well…..I keep a pencil in my guitar work box

[@thenomadicluthier5167]

​Pencil graphite is also perfect for your tuning gears, doesn't attach dust or lint and keeps em spinning smooth with no snags or messy oil to deal with ✏️👌

[@Demiglitch]

I don't think it's recommended in humid areas though.

[@samstewart9249]

Why not use a graphite nut? lol

[@Eric-fb2wp]

​@@samstewart9249 because most guitar do not come with a graphite nut. That being said the ol pencil graphite trick works fine.

[@sleevelessace]

Dagan the fact you got a CKY sticker on the back of ur kramer makes u 100000000x more awesome!!!!

[@hoboringmaster8029]

The heart ogram always made laugh. It looks like boobs. Also, reminded of little nicky lol

[@danielbell4007]

With the string stretching thing, I like to pull up at around the neck pickup, while fretting at all the marked frets so there’s different tension throughout the process, and it keeps it from coming out of the nut slot.

[@JAdams-ct3rm]

Long-time follower. I don’t comment much. I take notes and change practices. Friggin’ awesome advice. ❤

[@ThatBaritoneGuitarGuy]

For the neck dive, my favourite solution is tyre weights. You can get a box of them at any auto parts shop, and they are VERY cheap. Glue them onto the wood inside the control cavity, as close to the centre of the body as possible. You want to move the guitar's centre of gravity to be as close to the centre of the body as possible. Yes, you are making the guitar heavier, but neck dive is caused by LACK of body weight in the first place. The body needs to be heavier than the neck. Simple as that. As for the strap locks, I prefer the Fender rubber washers. You can get a bag of them at any guitar shop, and they are VERY cheap, come in several colours, and don't require ANY modification to the guitar, or the strap. Another option is Grolsch beer, or any beer or cider with that lever and plug top. The rubber washer is the same size as those Fender washers. Remove the washer, and stick them on your guitar. Easy. Yes, getting two washers means you need TWO bottles. HAVE FUN!

[@richt87]

I bought a Digi Tech drop pedal cause of this guy.... coolest pedal

[@joefromaccounting7818]

One to add (crediting Steve Vai for this one), if you want to keep the back plate on your guitar but don’t wanna deal with the screws, use velcro instead. Works a little bit better on guitars with recessed routes for the plate but I’ve done it on 2 guitars and it’s been really handy.

[@danielvelkovski3156]

Now he uses a magnet to snap in the back-plate. Don’t know why more brands aren’t doing that.

[@Demiglitch]

@@danielvelkovski3156 Probably worried about it coming off in transit, but it sounds good to me because I want the back plate, but also easy access. I sure as hell don't want one of those springs snapping and impaling me in the dick or something.

[@samstewart9249]

​​@@danielvelkovski3156Yeah, Been playing for over 50 years and never had a need for easy quick access. LP and PRS, 3 screws, Strat, 6 screws. Maybe once a year remove them only for inspection and cleaning. God folks are so lazy these days. Hell get a battery powered screwdriver!

[@charlesb7831]

Great video, I pretty much do all this to my various guitars, but with all my Floyd Rose guitars I run the brass big blocks and Titanium saddle blocks and screws. Definitely gives better note definition, all 5 of my Floyds run Fu-tone stuff, absolutely awesome stuff for Floyd type tremolos!

[@OsbornIOW]

Love these slightly manic presentations. Thanks Dagan 😎

[@richarde3378]

Great tips! Thanks, guys! 🎸

[@mickeybreezy]

That Kramer he's holding is badass!

[@SombraPiloto]

Just bought a new American Pro II that looks identical to the Strat Dagan is wielding (save for the HB in the bridge position) from one of the preeminent guitar dealers here in Nashville and after watching the tip about over then under-wrapping the tuner post I took a look at mine. I'll be damned, that's how it's strung... I done learned me something today!

[@lorenzodelucia88]

Hi Dagan! Well, there are some Ibanez guitars from early 90s that have raw maple fretboard, not lacquered. And you can clean maple fretboard the same way you do with rosewood fretboard (i use 0000 wool steel and wood oil after that, work like a charm).

[@Jackie_Rosewood]

Great video Dagan🤘🏻🙏🏻 lots of great info for your guitar👏🏻🤘🏻👏🏻🤘🏻👏🏻!!!

[@snapfinger1]

Going up in string gauge & over wrapping would be daring after so many years. Intriguing.

[@philclou]

Funny how I‘m always gasping for air watching your videos, as I always seem to get the feeling you should just talk a little bit slower and take time to breathe. 😂 Anyhow, very helpful tipps here! Much appreciated!

[@salvadordollyparton666]

the strap was another ENORMOUS change. i got a cheap fender feax fur strap, cause i'd ordered an ibanez with amber flame burst and it would've looked great with the tiger print, but ended up getting the gray burst instead. but i loved the strap so much, i got one for my bass as well. they should really used that same material in other colors, just like plain colors or something. cause they are SO comfortable, and only 20 bucks... they only problem, was they both had a little sharp corner on the nylon underneath where it met the top material. and just on that corner. but a minute or two and a lighter fixed it and got it nice and rounded where it wouldn't poke my neck anymore. again, they are SO COMFORTABLE for the money. even with the nylon on the back, they don't slide around. just a really great strap, and i'll probably have them on every guitar i own, but since i love them, they'll almost certainly stop making them soon... and they really still look awesome on the gray burst and my natural walnut finish bass as well. guess it'll be my little signature strap... like i'm ever going to be good enough where it matters. lol but seriously, they're just so awesome, i'll never buy another, even if it looks ridiculous on the particular guitar.

[@tonybroken6353]

I did exactly what you said and dropped my pride and joy because it came off the strap, bang on to my pedal board, caused a little damage :( the only trouble with strap locks is the screws don't always fit the holes that the buttons came out from, i don't really like drilling into my guitars, so i ended up just getting the cheap rubber things you just push over the button to keep the strap on, they seem to do the job pretty well as long as the end of the strap isn't too thick so there is enough room for them.

[@oshagnificent314]

That was a great video! Appreciate that brother

[@Bruce_Lee_22]

Buckledown do some really nice straps! And I've not had an issue with strap popping off 😅 could be lucky, but I do look after my guitar like a baby 😂

[@salvadordollyparton666]

as a beginner, the nyxl strings i got made a HUGE difference. and the locking string method you describe works great as well, i saw it in another bideo and used that when i restrung the last time. on top of the already thuge difference the ernie balls i tried before that had made. maybe just a bad string, and i probably helped it, but the high e broke within a week. so i tried the nyxl. the ernie balls were heavy top skinny bottoms, which didn't help. but i did something, i don't remember what, and needed to loosen the strings. and before i even got close to retuned to e it snapped. i think it really just got kinked after i loosened it and then retightend to tune it and snapped. but the nyxl just feel so much better, and like they won't break nearly as easy. not that the ernie balls were bad, but they were a lot cheaper, so that also plays into it. pretty sure the nyxl are the same gauges, or very close. don't remember exactly, but i know they weren't far off if any difference. but so far a few months later, they're still perfect and stay in tune better. but i also ran the claw screws in all the way with the ernie balls to help. they're both such a transformation from the stock strings, it was amazing. but it is a cheap ibanez, so i didn't think they'd be all that great. now it plays way better than i ever would've thought, though.

[@santiagoboss4830]

You said bideo instead of video 😅

[@karengayle9331]

Did not know about the strap locks on the strap. Thank you!

[@EasyHeat]

Love that 335 and the Signature "Blues Power" Epi Les Paul behind you. Very snazzy.

[@rolferikbaklkk6613]

I use to put Gretsch type strap holders on my guitars. I think they look cool and I think they work well. You dont get the rattling that the dunlop type has if you use it sitting down without a strap fastened either.

[@bear1084]

Dagan doing everything he can to KIT while talking about lubing the nut 😂😂

[@bravestarr2001]

Cheers for the Video. Been playing on and off (mostly off), for 30 years and picked up few tips - buying some strap locks. I really want to get a Player Stratocaster HSH in Seafoam Green. I think it might make me a better guitarist... And person. 🙄

[@GRBAquatics]

Very Cool, Thankyou. So many tips, Cheers.

[@abewalker100]

Great vid and awesome advice, nice one Dagan 🤘🏼

[@alidalkus3853]

20:32 Dagan finally succeeded to shot this one after 20th try. It was a brand new guitar and after 19 unsuccessful try now it is a Vintage Relic guitar 😅 Of course kidding. Nice job Dagan! Many thanks for the tips

[@yucatansuckaman5726]

Dagan for president!

[@jonathanlego4930]

I like my richter guitar strap. Comfortable and the guitar stays put.

[@erictheredguy]

I'm thinking about a vacation to UK. I'll def go into a PMTV onlybif Dagen is working perhaps buy another axe

[@angryheathen3463]

I wish I had a guitar shop like PMT near me in the U.S

[@beaumas]

Honestly strings and a proper setup make the world of difference. I know that's very obvious and im sure someone will comment and tell me it is, however the price of getting a proper tech to do a full setup including the neck and frets sould always be considered when purchasing your guitars.

[@zoomzoom3950]

you know you can buy straps with locking ends, or get clips to lock your strap on the standard strap buttons? I've been using locking straps for years, no need to mess with the strap buttons

[@qat1959]

5:20 The most important part.... Changed my whole life. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@yucatansuckaman5726]

Lenny!

[@broncoxy]

that Kramer is _gorgeous_

[@wickedmethod151]

Sometimes you get a guitar with crappy fret ends. Easy enough to painters tape your pickups and neck and just sand the edges off and even roll the edge of the neck if you like. I do it myself to all my guitars, they play like butter

[@dorfsteen]

I got some inexpensive locking tuners and they work great. I think I got them from musiclily, but some of those cheap ones are very good. I think I paid 40 bucks for a six pack. And I'm looking for the package that they came in and I can't find it cuz I'd like to tell you people which ones they are because they're great, if I find a packaging I'll put the comment down and you guys can check it out, music Lily, I bought a few things from them very nice stuff. I got a brass nut to replace on my Squier affinity and it's a perfect fit and I got the brass block for tremolo from music Lily and it fit like a glove machined very nicely. Sorry Dagan I would purchase things from your store but you're an England I'm in the United States in the cost of shipping and all that is just ridiculous but if you were closer I would buy stuff from you anyway rock on Brothers & Sisters😎 and God bless all

[@monkeyrebirth]

For strap locks you can also use the rubber gasket off a bottle of Grolsch. Drink two bottle and, bingo, free strap locks!

[@peterhicks6328]

foam pieces work better in the spring cavity on spring trem guitars, and it lasts longer.

[@johnnyboo8243]

nice one Dagan!

[@RolandSpecialSauce]

I don't understand why so many people say over wrapping a les paul bridge makes the strings have less tension when in my experience over wrapping it makes the strings have way more tension. So many people say the exact opposite for some reason. Am I missing something?

[@ghstmagician]

Longboard bearing lube on the nut grooves works to I found out

[@edwilson7629]

I like your videos. What about rounding the bottom of the fretboard? I think you've shown this before...

[@layedbackrelaxed7026]

Favorite strings are ernie ball cobalt the sound and feel are awesome the feel just makes me play how I want to play I really don't like d adario strings atleast the normal ones haven't tried the other types of d adario might give em a try

[@NWTMasterWolf]

I use carbon ( pencil "lead")

[@PMTVUK]

Also works great!

[@DazLeong]

All spot on except one, don't overwrap the bridge. It's a myth (and actually less slinky). Simple objective test: break angle issues at the headstock are both well known and accepted; now apply it the other end.

[@steves1015]

I was thinking that when I saw the strings do pretty much a 180 as they leave the bridge. That has got to make it weaker at those points? Surely a better solution is to raise the bridge using the screws in the posts?

[@DazLeong]

@@steves1015 Indeed! The 'round' tailpiece/stopbar is not designed to be overwrapped for that reason along with poor break angle which gives poor sustain and tuning stability. The only guitar I can think of as a proper exception is the SG (affectionally called the shit guitar...). The tailpiece is designed very close to the bridge hence the strings tend to rest on the bridge edge. To overcome this, the tailpiece has to be raised to a stupid height. The alternative is to do the overwrap with the pivot point moved back so that the tail piece can be low to the body with good break angle. But that doesn't solve your point and Gibson thought the exact the same! There's a 'knuckle' profile now on the SG tailpiece to distribute the string load on the surface and encourage wraparound. Why they don't just move the tailpiece further down is for traditional reasons....

[@thenomadicluthier5167]

Thanks for the heads up on this, I was wondering about that method he was mentioning and was originally considering testing it on my Les Paul but it definitely makes more sense to not even attempt a backwards bridge stringing after you brought it down life's that. Appreciate you saving me from damaging my shiny chrome bridge piece haha 👍

[@ShadowedSmile]

What pickups and pick guard are you using in the AQ35… looks great.

[@tallenosborne]

It might be a good idea to include a disclaimer that lemon oil IS NOT LEMON JUICE so that a new player doesn't damage their new guitar!

[@thenomadicluthier5167]

I just use mineral oil with a few drops of orange or lemon whichever I have on hand, extremely inexpensive and works like a charm

[@t4ng0m4n]

I tend to use some extra virgin olive oil for the occasional fretboard hydration and not done me wrong so far, but I'm tight af 😅

[@cdw9687]

Play and enjoy

[@Papo_Bostero]

Do you recommend locking nut? I do have those on a couple of my guitars, seem to work pretty good

[@jonathanmack5474]

2 questions, what neck profile would be recommended for someone who's thumb will never ever touch a string. Other question, I've seen people blackening a fretboard but never seen anyone whitening one, any reason?

[@michelvondenhoff9673]

Add a Jet Phaser 😎

[@jamesparker2274]

Where did you get that Kramer with the sustainiac??

[@PMTVUK]

Dagan modded his own Kramer Pacer ⚡️

[@NathanielBlank]

What Strat is that?? No pickups are slanted

[@Gunbloke1911]

Great tips and a great video. I'm betting there's a LOT of Americans who canna understand much of your narth east accent though. 😂

[@PMTVUK]

We have a fair few American viewers and I think they manage okay! haha

[@sullyzfist1101]

Lube your nut! 😂😂😂 this is gold!

[@PMTVUK]

😂👌

[@zishantareque689]

What's that kramer model? Is it available in market?

[@erickrohn2970]

Out of curiosity why do you paint your nails with finger nail polish? Is there a meaning or something to it?

[@PersianRockstar21]

No link for the big block

[@rodneysnextchapter615]

Im here to watch you hit a guitar with a hammer !

[@amalgam5107]

Cory Wong puts a hair tie around his tremolo springs to stop the ring.

[@Guitariffmaster-THEGOAT]

I never bought a brand new guitar I ether buy b-stock or used guitars because I’m cheap and I is basically the same thing 😂

[@martinbaldy]

i love nut sauce!

[@Guitariffmaster-THEGOAT]

Not for me my fender guitar came from the states to Canada 😂

[@DrMurdercock]

This dudes a giant or thats a baby Kramer. My head can't compute this

[@Bruce_Lee_22]

Yeah I'm sure he's pretty tall 😮

[@Mr.Monster1313]

He moves around so much..like hes a drunk jack sparrow. Lol too funny..stand still man...

[@zoomzoom3950]

If you gotta mod your new guitar, you purchased the wrong guitar. (unless you purchased it to mod it in the first place) IMO Since I have limited time to play my musical instruments, I have a choice, do I spend time being a wannabe luthier, pedal builder, amp builder, etc. or do I spend time actually practicing or playing my gear?

[@oddoutdoors]

Locking tuners do not help with tuning stability at all. It just makes it easier to restring your guitar.

[@SonofTheMorningStar666]

Someone was a bit hung over the day of the recording.

[@marksmith4223]

Is that nail polish dude?

[@BenAck912]

Description: Change 15:67 to 16:07.

[@dorfsteen]

Yeah when you stick sponge or cotton into your Springs all your doing is taking the Strat sound away. I don't know if something else is vibrating it ain't the Springs if something's loose or something you shouldn't have to do that. If you want your guitar to play like butter bring it to me. Send me an email and we'll fix your guitar once and for all get it playing like a dream.😎 and no we will not be muffleing the Springs thank-you not necessary you want that sound.

[@andycookschad3499]

Bro thinks he's malmsteen