How to Replace a Fretboard Inlay on a Martin D-45

[@timothymallon]

That was terrifying. I wouldn't have had the guts to do that on a Martin D-45. Thanks Dan!

[@1mespud]

Wow! Dan Erlewine is like the "Norm Abram" of guitar repair. Much respect for the inlay surgery.

[@ToddRichmond]

there's a little Bob Ross mixed in as well - and that's a good thing. Happy little abalone...

[@spwicks1980]

Dan is one of the few people that wouldnt make me cringe taking a drill to a D-45. I knew he'd do a fantastic job and the finish at the end was superb.

[@old-schematic]

He installed it in crooked. Also the templating was not correct, he cut too much from abalone and it left huge gaps. Should have cut it a bit larger and sanded to fit slowly. A $10K guitar is worth of such work in my opinion.

[@Qstick333]

I love these long-form repair videos. Informative, entertaining and just a great break from reality. Please keep them up whenever possible.

[@stewmac]

That's our plan! Thanks for watching :)

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

@@stewmac Keep em coming !

[@IsmailsGuitarWorld]

@@malcolmhardwick4258 Find you here too!!! interesting vids!

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

@@IsmailsGuitarWorld Hope you are well !

[@jebusgod]

Dan is the bob ross of guitar repair and maintenance. LEGEND

[@michaelpthompson]

Hope Dan Erlewine goes on forever!

[@thechamp9696]

Dan is an absolute treasure. He is a master of his craft but is also such a great communicator and teacher. From watching these videos I am learning not only about luthiery but also about how to present information in an effective and engaging way. Please keep up the amazing work!

[@stewmac]

Awesome - thanks so much for the feedback!

[@ministryinsong]

😱who else could hack into a guitar like that while narrating the video like it’s just another old bit of firewood! Dan is the coolest dude on the planet! This was awesome to watch.

[@old-schematic]

It has become a firewood after this repair...

[@fretted]

I could watch Dan work his magic 24/7 !

[@scottjackson4743]

Dan with your history your knowledge your skills you should be honored with a congressional metal I mean this from the bottom of my heart

[@oiramsq73]

I love watching these videos, they remind me of watching my dad work. Dad was a master cabinetmaker with many, many years experience. He was virtually silent when he worked - never speaking. I could ask questions but he rarely said what he was doing so in that regard it is much more informative to listen to all of the insights that a lifetime of work as a luthier provides. Thank you for sharing these videos.

[@rocpile2517]

Dan is the reason I got into working on guitars. He is a wealth of great knowledge and inspiration.

[@thebreakfastmenu]

I highly doubt I'll ever use this video in reference to replace a D45 fretboard inlay. But boy, I sure love watching Dan work his magic.

[@roccocroce]

....there is a teeeeennnnsssyyyyy bit left to be desired here....

[@Lewiiiiiiiis]

Oh my God, this is the greatest gift of a video in the channel's history! Thanks guys!

[@dalgguitars]

Dan takes a drill to a new D-45. Nice. He is a national treasure!

[@lardzard4459]

free hand dremel on a D-45... you, sir, are a legend

[@stevevaughn2040]

When I watch these videos I can only conclude that either you are a genius or I am an idiot. You have tips that never crossed my mind and they are so good

[@HBSuccess]

Just excellent.Tricks like the acetone magnet cup, the fence, and the piece of scrap to prevent the tipping are what separate a true master from everyone else doing this work. A D45 is roughly a $10,000 purchase that should not require remodeling. It’s too bad whomever inlaid that guitar at the factory couldn’t have taken an extra five minutes to look at the big picture and get it right. Martin should reimburse this customer 200% of whatever this repair cost to execute, along with a letter of apology. My $.02.

[@AndreaAustoni]

You buy a D-45 purely for the eye candy as it's not superior to cheaper models, it's all about the looks. I think Martin should use real abalone, not abalam. I don't like those obvious straight lines in the inlays. At that price I expect the best of the best only.

[@BassWhoopinFishingTeam]

@@AndreaAustoni agreed. For that price real abalone all the way around would be a must in my book.

[@lastbestplace8112]

just like this guy should have taken the extra time to recut that piece of abalone to fix that gap instead of using glue...terrible

[@myopicautisticmetal9035]

It is a good day when I get to watch old Dan work on a beautiful Martin!

[@guitar14]

It’s always great to see Dan at work.

[@jltrem]

This is a testament to Dan's absolute artistic mastery but I couldn't imagine being so picky about the appearance of a fretboard inlay to have him go through so much highly intricate work.

[@justsomeguy7650]

Some people are just dumb

[@jltrem]

@@justsomeguy7650 I can't imagine having a D-45 and not being able to enjoy it because one of the inlays is a bit darker than the others. Maybe I'm not discerning enough.

[@justsomeguy7650]

@@jltrem I agree with you. To me it just seems like more trouble than good.

[@welp...]

Yeah this is just silly. Wasting Dan's precious time on a guitar that's perfectly fine just because one inlay is slightly darker than the others?.. Give me a break. Did you buy it to play it or just to look at it?

[@400_billion_suns]

It made for a good video; helped StewMac promote some of their products; educated all of us on inlay replacement; and the owner (who can do whatever they want with the guitar they own) gets a guitar they like better. Win-win-win-win.

[@Bosworth123]

I hope you continue to do these longer videos. Love the channel!

[@stewmac]

Thanks so much!

[@codyfolkdecou5207]

This man is the bob Ross of guitars. You’re my hero Dan!

[@The_Wood]

Dan truly is the Norm Abrams of guitars. Anyone who whittles into the neck of a brand new D45 like it's no big deal has balls that clank. You're the man, Dan!!!

[@vayabroder729]

Dan is an absolute artist; I’ve had the privilege of him repairing/restoring two guitars for me and the work was absolutely perfect.

[@jllysadobson3241]

These videos are how I destress. Having him explain every single step and not missing a beat. master at work.

[@guitarflyer172]

Bout time we get to see Mr. Dan again! Legend!

[@jimtherevoltor]

Always a great start to the day when there’s a stew Mac video with dan! A true craftsman. We want more!

[@stewmac]

Thanks a bunch! More to come!

[@kevinsnyder4425]

Dan, I love the way you "guide coated " that inlay with pencil lines ! That's essentially the way we guide coat auto panels for straight ( flat ) panels. Great job,Dan ! You are the man.!

[@Jackh3r]

Now the customer is going to see all the abalone lines and Dan has to replace them all for it to be perfect.

[@topfloorstudio2684]

Yeah, he should've never pointed that out! Lol Now that's all the customer will be looking at when he plays it!

[@inigoacha1166]

The fretboard for me is the most personal part of the guitar. Thanx for showing your work, Maestro.

[@400_billion_suns]

These StewMac videos are always so well done, and Dan is a national treasure. I purchase things from StewMac sometimes just to help support this good work they do.

[@DD-dx3ei]

Very educational as always - great work. I'd love to own a Martin, but I must say if I had saved and bought the dream guitar, I think I'd be a bit disappointed if the inlays were not all whole abalone.

[@eldritch6871]

Especially if the guitar was $10k

[@Heavenoid]

All I want for Father’s Day is all of Dan’s tools and stuff.

[@deltawhiskey1398]

A tall cup of coffee...and watching Dan replace a inlay on a Martin....it's gonna be a good day.

[@SteveOuimette]

Nothing as soothing as watching and listening to Dan do his magic. Just perfect.

[@CodyGudmundsen]

Anyone know where Dan got his presenting skills? He's a natural teacher. There's not a word that comes out of his mouth that isn't completely intentional and informative. Never too much information, never too little. He's a master.

[@TeddScheckler]

Toastmasters

[@47ravenlord]

I love this guy. He is a master at his craft and seems so humble and genuine.

[@limpeacock573]

I enjoy the longer videos as well. Great info. I could listen to Dan read the phone book! Awesome teacher.

[@stewmac]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@bobareeniobobareenio2935]

Dan is not only a guitar magician, but a great and decent person. If you’re working on a project and ask him for some tips, he’s glad to share his expertise and knowledge. Kind and generous.

[@U_ever]

Kinda like sitting at the feet of Solomon as he's casting his pearls of wisdom. This is what KZbin was meant to be.

[@taylormade410]

WOW Dan, no one does it better than you. Your the BEST!!

[@RockinSG]

"This will probably make you cringe." How did you know I was cringing? Super craftsmanship!

[@Andrew_182]

Heck yeah, excited to see another video of Dan working his magic.

[@Docante1]

Uncle Dan , you are a treasure! I must send all my guitars to you!

[@matthewcombs9059]

Man he is as pro as pro can be! Idk why he is so easy to watch. Great teacher!

[@chrisanderson2368]

Dan graces us with a new video.

[@jasonhe6947]

What I really like is that you explain so well why you choose one product not the other, I appreciate this a lot.

[@dieselsk8]

This gentleman is truly a genius craftsman!

[@AudreyYun]

this is basically magic. what a job. i was actually captivated watching this whole video!

[@LuMartinelli]

It's just a privilege to watch this man do his work

[@kagapeme]

Dan is such a gem, love watching these videos!

[@nopenoperson9591]

Dan, you are the man. Not many folks left who have that knowledge. So happy you are passing it on to a new generation of luthiers. You should be proud. Here’s to another 50 years! Love your work.

[@tvviewer4500]

I like how this repair video mirror my repair experience of not having anything go easily.

[@wiltshiredoug9959]

Good to see Dan again. Great work.

[@acolby69]

I had no idea that replacing a fretboard inlay involved that much precision. Dan and Rodrigo Gomez replaced my 35 year-old Matrin D-28 fretboard, added a truss rod and added my name on the 12th fret. I am ever so pleased with that fine professional job. I am always proud to play that guitar and tell those who ask who did the professional neck/feet work that Dan and Rod Gomez did it!

[@AnnabelleKerz]

I love watching Dan and seeing repair videos like this that are about more than just showcasing a product or a Q&A. I hope we can see more of these again! I will say tho that my attention to detail would have made me redo that inlay because it was lower than the others (we didn't get to see him shim it with paper as he mentioned) as well as it being cut too short on that one side, though the pigmented glue hides it well enough.

[@johnsmythe6134]

No shit....I hate to pick on Dan, but I've been a pro luthier for 50+ years, and so many of his 'jobs' are SLOP repairs. This was no exception. The inlay was badly cut, He did a horrible job of removing the old inlay, and I wouldn't let Him touch ANY of My guitars. Sure would be nice to have access to $$$$$$ of tools, though. I did quite a few repairs to Chuck Berry's Gibsons back in the good days...Chuck was PICKY, and things had to be perfect. He would toss Dan out of the limo on the highway for a lousy job like that. Peace to all. -Smythie

[@willb1157]

I can see that filler - it's not so good The edges are not the same as the others - not as sharp. I build Double Basses.

[@gerardozc80]

Protect this man at all cost!

[@novacordaguitars-metecemkuzu]

Nice to see you Dan!

[@bubblehead78]

Some parts of repair were hard to watch! Nicely done.

[@quad1000]

Fantastic...as usual from Dan. Not everyone wants to drill into a D-45.

[@Barry101er]

The Master of Doing Things!

[@rosieotis]

National Treasure at work, right there.

[@disco4535]

I mean for $10,000, Martin should be the ones doing this job, for free.

[@stewmac]

I believe Dan said they would do it for free but it would take a while. The customer didn't want to wait that long.

[@MrSouthofBoston]

@@stewmac Well, I probably would have gone the same route. At least the owner knew that the job was going to be done right. One of the first video’s I watched was when Dan fixed the 50’s Stratocaster that was routed for a Floyd Rose. Spectacular!

[@reverb508]

I don't see why Martin would have to do this for free. It's not like it's a defect; the customer just didn't like the inlay color.

[@disco4535]

@@reverb508 Of course he didn't like the inlay color, because it was the wrong color. Jut like he wouldn't have liked it if one of the tuning keys was a completely different shade than the others. Most people just expect better craftsmanship at that price point, which is exactly why Martin said that they would fix it for free.

[@gregmullins6927]

Yes they've dropped the ball on this one,shame on you Martin using abalam on such an expensive instrument,I'd expect this low standard from Gibson.

[@rayvoorhies7180]

It's always a pleasure seeing a high end repair by Dan.

[@dongonzulman6478]

Dan is a treasure

[@frankr6053]

Great video and very relevant to the d-41 inspired build I’m currently working on. I’ve cut my first hexagon in my fingerboard

[@guitartec]

If you don't have Abalam or the correct piece of abalone on hand, or you don't have the time and/or skill to order and cut your own, you can call Martin and get a laser cut 3rd fret position hexagon in different shades and pattern densities. Just tell them what you need.

[@jjiacobucci]

Thanks. That is the info I need. Have a D52 with an inlay missing

[@guitartec]

@@jjiacobucci Tell em Dan sent ya

[@HBSuccess]

True but you should not need anything for a brand new D45. The original inlay was a scar that should not have made it out the door to begin with.

[@brianhanson9367]

I wouldn’t have accepted it. It’s a $9,500 guitar ffs

[@guitartec]

@@brianhanson9367 You should see the big money instruments I see people accept.

[@maxsalasr]

Dan the man! Love all your videos, have watched more times than star wars

[@cobhc182]

Absolutely stellar work Dan! Looks incredible!

[@tjmaclean]

Dan is just the best. It's such a treat to watch him work!

[@rzentz9690]

Thanks Dan, I always learn a new tip or trick from your videos. I’m an amateur builder and used the hexagonal inlays on a guitar for my nephew a few years ago. Modeled on my brother’s Yairi (but it all stared with the beautiful D-45!).

[@robnamowicz8073]

Dad Gum, you've got a great touch! So long ago you worked on my Stratocaster at Herb Davids' in Ann Arbor. Yes, sir, some time ago, what a time!! Eh? Thanks Dan!!

[@CoolCat11]

Holy moly (I could have used another word). When the removal started I had to take a Valium... Fantastic work.

[@edbokhour6050]

Thanks, Dan! That was really educational in so many ways!

[@gavinpanda]

"Ruined a good pair of boots". Dan's a legend!

[@artofnoly9754]

Tx Dan. Glad to toon in again. Very nice job.

[@RedHeadGuitar]

That tip at 8:33 is awesome for anything DIY, thank you!

[@stewmac]

Awesome! Glad it was helpful!

[@stevedowler2366]

Thanks Dan, that was a lot of little tips that added up to a perfect finished job. Cheers.

[@frankerock5317]

Amazing craftsmanship! What a beautiful job.

[@stephenhenion8304]

I'm surprised that particular piece of inlay made it out the door and passed final inspection!!! I have used Stew Mac abalone on my 1902 Fairbanks Senator Banjo!🇺🇸🎩🇺🇸🎩🇺🇸

[@Plowguitarist]

You made that look so easy. Lol again, made it LOOK so easy. Great work, bows and bravos..

[@chrisfarrugia5397]

Just Magical .... great result !

[@paullanglois3768]

Awesome work. All I could think while watching this video was “Whoa Black Betty…….Abalam.”

[@132jah]

fantastic video! Dan is such a master and so great at explaining the process. One semantic point...Abalam is "real abalone". The more precise way to differentiate them is Abalam vs solid shell.

[@99sixstring]

it´s always a pleasure to watch your vids, Dan. Honestly, I would have peed my pants several times, getting my soldering iron near a D45, take a Dremel and start working on it, get a chisel and start working on the cut out, aso, aso. 😅 goose bumps..... 👍

[@KenToney]

I’ve watched twice and enjoyed both, thanks!

[@macmorgan6685]

I bought my D-45 new in 1989. It’s not been played much but has been back to Martin 3x for warranty and non warranty repair- to include a bowed top, a bridge replacement, repair of a cracked brace, repair/replacement of split bridge plate, it’s 2nd neck reset and some refretting. What really surprised me was a shim under the fingerboard at the body joint. At this point in my ownership I’m seriously considering selling it.

[@willb1157]

I was surprised at the mix of Abalam and Abalone. The Abalam is very noticeable. Mind you, we need to cut down on abalone fishing. like everything.

[@lenniejosephful]

Dan, you are the best!

[@patrickh9226]

Dan's the man!

[@dave_d_i_a_l]

Great work Dan, looks beautiful.

[@bobkrause0103]

Dan you are always amazing.

[@peterresetz1960]

@ 3:40 when Dan talked about catching a Exacto knife with his leg reminded me of when I was looking for a Exacto knife in a drawer and found it. It required four internal and five external suiters to close the wound. Still have the scar some forty years later.

[@CVFGuitars_]

This was super cool to watch!

[@hatrickmusicnz]

Excellent work Dan.

[@ross9581]

Awesome. So well done. Yes, the one that set that dull alabam on a D45 should undertake some quality control courses.

[@brfam1977]

Wow the anxiety when you stared drilling into that inlay!!!

[@stewmac]

It's hard to watch, for sure!

[@steveogee7458]

What a Master Craftsman 👍

[@acledfloyd]

I thought this was a re-upload of the old video of Dan replacing a Martin inlay, haha. Glad I got to see him do it again.

[@cracgor]

Now the customer is going to ask to have all the engineered abalone replaced. Thanks for the video!