Shaping a guitar neck with files and scrapers

Shaping a neck is all about feel.
Chelsea Clark learned from Dan Erlewine, and honed her skills on abandoned "project guitars" found on Craigslist and eBay. Chelsea shares some great tips on shaping the neck and preparing it for a finish.
If you have questions, please contact us through our webpage www.stewmac.com... or visit our Facebook page / stewmac
For more information on tools and parts:
Scraper Blades
www.stewmac.com...
Razor Files
www.stewmac.com...
Luthier's File Set
www.stewmac.com...
3M Gold Fre-Cut Sandpaper
www.stewmac.com...
File Cleaning Brush
www.stewmac.com...
Nut and Saddle Shaping Files
www.stewmac.com...
Dragon Hand-cut Rasp
www.stewmac.com...

[@DonCrowder]

I'm very grateful to StewMac for the opportunity to see accomplished professionals at work.

[@hackerguitar]

The video is really excellent. The progression of work from using files to scraping to smoothing with sandpaper is very clear and well-illustrated. Thanks, Chelsea! Between you, Dan, and Erick, there's a whole curriculum of instrument repair.

[@pbboeye1012]

Chelsea is an excellent teacher. I learned a lot with this video.

[@wildgoobsid5]

Just a tip from an old woodworking teacher. I learned (at the Nicholson factory) that all files should ONLY be used in the forward direction, not back and forth. Even on hardwood this can flatten out or dull a file quite quickly. You will find your files stay sharper longer. Great video and very helpful.

[@katjoe1974]

This is a commonly repeated myth and it simply isn’t true

[@keithklassen5320]

Check out the video on KZbin where a maker tests this myth; it's not even true on metal, nevermind wood. I always used to hear this idea, and was convinced it was true myself for a while, but here we are.

[@Milessongs]

Great video! It's a pretty rare person who has the skills to do fine luthier work, but also talk about/describe it in a clear, concise way. More Chelsea Clark, please!

[@cheezervvvvv]

Well done Miss Chelsea. Knows what she is talking about and does it without talking down to viewers. Good sense of humor always a plus.

[@imyouandurme]

"Seven strings and a Floyd Rose?!" -- That was the best part :)

[@NICKHAM16]

"7 strings and a Floyd Rose? I hope I don't have to set it up" couldn't agree with you more lol

[@DrCowinabox]

HAHAHA i bought a floyd rose guitar awhile ago, set it up, and then proceeded to sell it and swear i would never buy one again. pain in the butt :p

[@JgHaverty]

DrCowinabox Not a floyd rose, and setting it up is pretty simple; much easier than setting up a vintage style trem *properly*.

[@JgHaverty]

***** No doubt! Intonating any guitar sucks, lets be honest. But yeah, you definitely need that lock!

[@JgHaverty]

***** Not everyone like tremolnos...

[@ch0g0nda1]

NICKHAM16 Look up the Frudua method of setting a Floyd. They really don't take long to set up once you know the smart way to work.

[@e.s.channel1526]

I've got a 7-string FR. The first few string changes were really frustrating, but now I can replace the strings, adjust height, length and tune it in under half an hour. It's my therapy.

[@RantzBizGroup]

"I hope I don't have to set it up!" BAHAHA, I'm with her!!!

[@stoltobot]

I'm so glad there are people out there who do this.

[@walterkersting9922]

The contrast in colors is very alluring.

[@coffindancer38]

Best neck shaping tool in the world is a small spoke shave cast in one piece with a half inch wide blade and handles about 2 3/4 inches long. You can hold it between two fingers and the palm of your hand, you can glide it along and take a deep cut or just a tiny little shaving. The best part is you feel the cut and the neck shape with your hand the whole time your shaping. A quick sanding with 220 then 400 and youre done. Professional luthiers do so many things the absolute hard way it amazing to me to watch, sometimes i cant, i have to switch away.

[@BCTGuitarPlayer]

I don’t know if you’ll read this, but it was a lot fun watching you work. A good chuckle at the end, too;)

[@stewmac]

Thanks!

[@e.r.559am7]

This video is still great in 2024. Go Chelsea!

[@DerangedTechnologist]

This is just outstanding -- excellent tool info, techwork, pointers/ideas/suggestions; nice clear explanation. Many thanks for posting it!

[@slowjammerukdog]

Nice work, Chelsea. A star is born!

[@swagedelic]

who in the world would give a thumbs down??? this is a great tutorial, she is very skilled

[@trappenweisseguy27]

My favourite scraper is one I made myself from an old circular saw blade. Convex one side, concave the other. Carefully sharpened straight from a bench grinder it is thick enough and hard enough to remove serious material and the thickness means it doesn't heat up too much in use.

[@FransvandenBergeMuziekschuur]

I have never seen this work. Thank you for showing a noob how to shape a neck and using rasps and files the correct way!!

[@grahamkelly8299]

One of the most professional, and skilled I've seen on youtube

[@wheatpuff]

Wow, cool. I learned a lot from this. I have been ordering parts from stew mac since before there was youtube. Glad to see they have a channel with these instructional of videos.

[@ALtheDoctorWho]

Thats a great trick water before sanding. I would not have thought of that. enjoyed the video Thanks for the tips.

[@buckhorncortez]

SOP in cabinet work if you're using water-based stains or finishes. If you don't wet the wood prior to final sanding, then the grain raises when you apply the stain or finish - and then you have a real problem dealing with the grain after you've stained the wood or applied the finish.

[@fanoboss]

Please post more videos on how to make the neck more playable and feel "broken-in". GREAT VIDEO !!!

[@Xcorgi]

I don't know why there are so many comments that are in disbelief that there are female techs out there. When I was working for Ford Motor Co. they had a class we could pay for where the former guitar tech for The Eagles (she spent 20yrs with them) was there to show us how to build and set up our own Carvin kit guitars. Not just that but how to dress and polish the frets as well as clear coat the bodies. I can't remember her name but she was amazing. We were also allowed to bring in our own personal guitars to learn the specific setups for Strats, Teles, Gibsons, and Floyd Rose tremolo set ups.

[@MrAletube]

that's because in many countries women are not even allowed to ride a bycicle,they're just in to make babies. That said,women are very good in super detailed and repetitive work,not a rule,just give them a chance to show what they are good at.

[@michaelwurn6268]

@@MrAletube Umm they"re pretty much good at everything a man can do not just "super detailed and repetitive work" I doesn't take muscle to lift things either, just intelligent planning.

[@Azathoth43]

I've not seen a single comment saying anything related to her being a female. You just made that up.

[@bobdimarzio3972]

real finesse work , takes a lotta patience

[@SarcastSempervirens]

great to see girls making guitars! :) great job!

[@jimmywrangles]

best video on the subject I've seen so far. Awesome.

[@majorgunn]

Brilliant demo, nice work, ps I love that you clean your file....oh I don't have time to sharpen my chisel, AND your evolution from scraping FROM sanding, would suggest TO MY SHOP teacher of 35 years ago, WTF, scraper are golden, and why breath dust!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MichaelPerez-eh3hx]

Nice work, my wife and I are also in the woodworking world and she felt in love with the straight edge you used, and I would like to know what brand is it.

[@rb032682]

PLEASE. More videos with Chelsea.

[@MindsEyeVisualGuitarMethods]

Thanks for this... I have a neck for a Jem that is 23mm thick that I want brought down to 18mm at the 1st fret. Gonna give it a go after watching this.

[@matrixmodulator]

Cleaning superglue from the file, that must be fun hehe. Gain knob for the mic level is over 9000!!

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

If I had half the skill of Dan and Chelsea I'd be happy.

[@polynicient]

Good video. Everything is explained very well.

[@tylergavin4757]

"Seven strings and a Floyd Rose... I hope I don't have to set it up". Yep, I don't blame you one bit.

[@RobynTapps]

Tyler Gavin floyds are easy... ugh... just time consuming..

[@timhallas4275]

RobTapps88: You keep saying that, but I'll bet you don't have a 7 string guitar with a Floyd on it. Do ya?

[@mercatorjubio3804]

Tim Hallas just one string more, where's the problem? If you know how to do it, that is.

[@ilpatongi]

Mercator Jubio And this is where you’re wrong

[@tqu5759]

@@ilpatongi Nope. He is exactly correct. I do in fact own a 7 string floyd rose guitar and once I set it up correctly it keeps playing like a dream for months.

[@beninglis8097]

Since I have started paying very close attention to my guitar neck finish, fret ends, profile and so on, my playing has improved. I feel like they guitar is "mine" now for some reason... It always was mine, but now it feels like an extra limb.

[@loknloll]

A most awesome comment. You are speaking from the perspective of a true artist. Extremely well said, my friend. Like a mechanic who builds his own hot rods, or a surfer who shapes his own boards, the experience and enjoyment is so much more complete when one has a hand in the development of the instrument.

[@JgHaverty]

Always easier to build when your tools dont fight back. Same applies to guitars.

[@Billo1281]

Same here, my friend. I've been playing for the last 20 years but like a dummy never really got into learning ALL about the guitar. Now, I've brought my older guitars back to life, and it feels great. Because, like you said, they feel like mine. Cheers.

[@georgescarlett2320]

As it should!

[@jamesrichard5290]

ben inglis what a cool insight!! kicked open some windows in my mind. thank you dude! cheers

[@casey17w]

Great attention to detail. Beautiful work.

[@rangerdoc1029]

Some remarkable knowledge & skill being shared here. Thanks.

[@hackerguitar]

Great video! Learned some things that I'll use in the shop. Thanks!

[@thespanielinquisition7167]

Great job Chelsea

[@laerteperr]

Gostei muito da sua aula parabém bom trabalho . você e muito simpática .

[@dmanonbass]

Great job. Fantastic teacher.

[@Ronvnvet]

You're like a master craftsman! Good video and good job!

[@jeffwright4272]

She makes me smile!!

[@donk9132]

Nice work Chelsea...!

[@kimohoganesq]

Nice job!! Really good explanation of all you were doing! Thank you :)

[@s4wgb]

NICE work Chelsea. More please :-)

[@christophersmith6755]

Great video. Makes me want to start making guitars, but I like playing them too much for now...

[@51nw]

i wish i could take my guitars to her for maintenance etc. super cool

[@douglasmorrison9098]

Little tip on cleaning your files is invest in a small black and decker grinder and instead on the grinding wheels replace them with wire brush wheels will clean your files mech faster and wont take the metal off

[@millcrafters]

Floyd Rose was a great solution to the time tested problem of making bends via tremolo and have it return to being in tune. However the Floyd Rose system makes every string dependent on the others. So as you adjust each string, the others go out. So you have to keep climbing down them over, and over until you finally chime in on the sweet spot. The big problem with Floyd Rose is that if you break a string on stage, your whole guitar goes out of tune. The ultimate answer is the Evertune bridge which is not a whammy tremolo style bridge, but does keep your guitar perfectly in tune no matter what you put it through. Each string has an individual string so they are not codependent. Chelsea your technique is wonderful. You also are a sweetheart. A natural beauty.

[@greyfoxplaysbass]

Thanks for this, picked up a few new tips but the best part's at the end, lol!

[@71nortcomm]

Beautiful work.

[@hillndale57]

Very nice video. Try acetone to clean up files...it's quicker and easier on the file edges.

[@MartinLopez-ys5dm]

Great work. I clean my files on a wire wheel. If gunk remains I do what you did.

[@gliblyaware]

Haha! All that awesome detail work and dreading the setup! ;-)

[@joepesci7629]

You got some great skills! Thanks for the video.

[@bobsaturday4273]

heres a real craftswoman with real pro tips

[@cameronwhite9959]

More Chelsea Clark, she's great! (almost as great as Dan Erlewine)

[@sonicstep]

Very good tutorial and a super personality.

[@PLINKER]

Great tips!

[@metman3]

Great ending.. "With seven strings and a Floyd Rose...I hope I don't have to set it up!" :-)

[@lect0n7]

metman3 LMAO, unless you know Floyd Rose personally, it’ll never be right...

[@stearman]

Try a 1/4" round piece of bamboo to clean a file especially one with metal chips in it. I think you'll like it.

[@dementedbowine8681]

wow nice work you raly take grat care of your files

[@SA8TER21]

Make a flat long block throw some 80 grit on there after getting it close with a rasp. Throw some marks on there with a pen and go to town with the flat block and get it all nice and flat. Works every time. Then go up to 320 from 80 (120,220,320) and pain the sucker and your done!

[@ragheb.ouergli]

you make it look so easy

[@Knosferatu]

Excellent job.

[@happycline]

thanks! this is actually pretty much the part where I stopped my build at. think I'll finish it up soon as soon as work loosens up at least. lol :)

[@samcooke343]

Great tips there. But I really don't like the circular or horizontal sanding on the neck, should be with the grain 100 % of the time.

[@frontbum420]

good point

[@Goomer]

Nice work

[@ThomasDeLello]

I might have used a little Acetone and the brass brush to clean the super glue out of the file's cutting grooves.

[@BioStuff415]

to clean files you can use soft brass or hard wood to push across the teeth...

[@leomanl]

Really Nice video! I hope you show it when it's totally finished, if you get to do that?

[@jerrymorganjr]

This girl is awesome...

[@norsangkelsang7939]

for cleaning the file... use some soft brass... push later laterally.

[@georgescarlett2320]

Am I the only one who uses a Fine Wire Wheel? Like a Million "Exacto's at a touch. If the file gets too worn, buy another! Less cost to clean with the wire wheel, and/or buy another, than the shop time invested with the old Exacto "toothpic", just sayin'.

[@search895]

I would use the neck as it was at the start at the video to play and ftw. Or maybe i would work it too. Depending on the mood.

[@REAL_MPSS]

Use a piece of brass to clean the file. Slide the brass with the grain and the shavings will get pushed out.

[@swy999]

Oh my god she is so charming when she holding the guitar and explaining things

[@josecrane8925]

thank you teaching good ideals

[@ralpholiver1519]

Looks like Dan has found someone worthy to pass the torch to........

[@colonelbrando]

ending is priceless

[@deathmetalmachine]

7 string Floyd rose are easy to set up if play one for long time

[@Elric509]

I used annealed copper to clean my files, on account of how soft it is- really gets in between, although i don't know whether it would work on these smaller ones

[@JohnMirror2]

So nice!

[@AlexRamosDrTaz]

BTW where's the lucky person that did the final setup? Any video of that, Dan?

[@WalterKerr]

Thanks for the helpful info.

[@gullivergimeno1520]

wow...Awesome!!! Good job.

[@hadleymanmusic]

I color my ridges with a magic marker and work those first till things are level

[@deanmacka4975]

Great stuff,

[@1964danielito]

Did you apply polyurethane or nitrocellulose on back of neck ?

[@gorrinada]

Had to watch that twice !! - the second time to look at the neck!

[@andreydyumaev5131]

final sanding's importance and extensiveness seemed underplayed. though i guess depends what finish is applied that light swirling around 400 or 600 for half a second in random directions just wouldnt fly with an oil finish. guess a thick slab of poly and/or a solid colour paint is more forgiving of whats underneath it

[@jonlag3000]

Great video, as always! Does the scraping and 600 grit sandpaper get in the way of finishing the neck with oil/lacquer/etc.?

[@silvacore]

Ohh..very nice liuter!!

[@PovHemant]

Great work, with no hifi tools.

[@twistedshapeshifter]

nice guitar :) great video.

[@badbass1213]

great job, thx.

[@jancloddlafront9185]

4:40. I use alcoholf or that and light it up. Woof! then you don't have to wait for the water to dry.

[@menow.]

Files or flat sanding blocks the LONG way on the neck to get straight surfaces.