Stratocaster Guitar Build - Part 5 - Building A Stratocaster Guitar Neck

Template sets to follow along with the build - fletcherhandcra...
I know.. I know... This was supposed to be the last part in the neck build.
I wanted to cover wet sanding in detail so I would have had to cut out too much if I wanted to complete the neck in this video so I have split it into 2 parts and I will upload the final video in the next couple of days after I edit it.
This video covers applying a decal, wet sanding and hand buffing the finish.
Contact me for template sets to follow along with the build

[@DKGCustom]

My God. I spent longer watching these videos than most people would pay for someone to build an entire guitar. Superb work, mate.

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Cheers mate !

[@DKGCustom]

My pleasure... god knows how you make a living. Help me out. Check out my vids an see what you think. Love Dunc

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

No worries Duncan, I've got you bookmarked and I will def. check out your vid's, cheers !

[@JoelWetzel]

You're one of the only people I've ever seen who soak your paper before wet sanding. You also say what you're going to do, do it, then move on; most KZbinrs tell you before, during, and after they do something then recap. I appreciate your approach and will be watching the rest of this series. Thank you.

[@the_katman2181]

I love your videos, man. I can't even play the guitar and I'm hooked here. Your work is so satisfying to watch. I hope you still that same satisfaction out of it.

[@bakermario7339]

Instablaster.

[@nickbarile1697]

your videos are the most comprehensive and useful on the internet, bar none. Thanks so much for taking the time and effort to do it. Cheers - Nick

[@WhatIsKenDoing]

I have watched all of the series up to this part and cannot believe a the work that has gone in to just the neck. This is truly beautiful work. You should be very proud.

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

WhatIsKenDoing Cheers mate

[@brianstitt4161]

It's so nice to watch your technique. I want to do some maintenance work on my guitars and have been watching many different people in their bliss. It shows me that I have much to learn Your neck building videos are very educational and well done. thanks. brian

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Thanks Brian

[@phlopalopagus]

Your the Bob Ross of luthiers. Love it!!

[@BlueSkiesVinny]

"Well that was hard work, so now I'm having a beer" haha I love it. I can't get enough of your build videos. You are truly an artist sir. Perhaps one day I will own one of your guitars

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Cheers mate !

[@kevinniemeyer5938]

That is a beautiful neck. This is just the video series I've been looking for to start building my own guitar. Thank you!

[@justanotherdummy3448]

,I. was an auto painter before I retired and I must say you spray much better than all the guitar makers I have seen so. far.and your sanding with the grain again is the way to do it.as you probably know sanding acroß grain

[@justanotherdummy3448]

oops I hit send lol .sanding across the grain cuts the fibers of the wood and can be seen and looks shitty. very good job

[@anton130ga1ntar]

I cry during these Videos, because I know, I will NEVER make so PERFECT Guitars like yours.. You're really a master!

[@karlalton3170]

building my first guitar ever a standard strat seen many vids on youtube but yours are by far the best and most informative and easy to follow keep them coming bud fantastic !!!!!!!!

[@thomasharder9582]

You do beautiful work Mr Fletcher. But you really could use a Foredom. Given you do this professionally it would be an excellent investment. Then you can use some 3" radial sanding discs for those sensitive areas that you're concerned with. Not only in the final sanding stage but for initial sanding of the clear coats as well. You can also use a 3" Domet Flannel buffing wheel, or even a 3" String Buff, for those same spots. Both are great. 2" wheels allow you to get into even tighter areas. I use Menzerna P-175 to polish these areas to an amazing sheen. Foredom's are not cheap but they sure give you an edge when trying to work in tight quaters like the head of this one.

[@blackritchie8]

Please keep these videos coming, I really like your approach to guitar building and attention to detail. Amazing work, truly.

[@antonydick3841]

I must say... You explain everything so well... By far the best Tutorials I have seen... And the thing is you are so passionate about it all... I tip my cap to you ...

[@Mctrippa83]

Agreed, I used Tru-Oil to finish my Weissenborn and the result was fantastic. I went up to 12000 grit with the Micro-mesh and applied the Tru-Oil, it has a mirror finish and the flame really stands out, smells great too.

[@JPointer121]

I love how at around 19:00, you say that you are being lazy about that step. Yea right! I don't think you know what the word lazy means. Haha! Great job, love these videos :)

[@amazonquest2012]

the best well explained video on you tube, as an amature custom guitar builder myself you are the best.

[@carlossousa2831]

watch the 5 videos, fantastic work !!!! It was a pleasure to see you made the neck from scratch, thanks for sharing !! Greetings from Portugal !

[@mtxrawkus]

I just realized you have videos on building the body too. I guess I'm not getting any work done today! FANTASTIC series, btw. Cheers from USA.

[@joelstark7081]

Great to watch a skilled craftsman.Looks amazing,can't wait to see the completed guitar!

[@lousekoya1803]

Thats a lot more work than thought it would !................Patience is a Virtue !

[@starmediaproduction]

He is doing a great job this is his work - his stile the neck are not the same anymore.. Great job Davind, by the way ! keep it up, man ! ;) .

[@jadedsoul1]

What Dave. you never bought your Rags from Stew Mac.....Never gona get a pro finish now fella ;) Great Job and Master crafts man at work. Tons of patience. Your an encouragement to any wanna be guitar builder. I like a clear coated finger board to like Rics have.

[@hectoraragon]

Yea man, Corona beer from Mexico, indispensable tool for build a guitar, great job man and very good instructional videos, thanks for that.

[@musicbill]

Oh No !!! He's got the Rona... 23:50 Sweet job man. Your Vids are very helpful. I hope I can do half as good.

[@jymebale8464]

David, I am real surprised that decal does not stick to the wood by it self or doesn't its back have adhesive? Back in the early 70's I wondered how decals were put on cars and trucks, they'd wet the area with water and take the decal off its backing and apply then squeegee the rest of the water out. Also, why don't you use oil paint and paint your name on, it would look better, really. Your work is out standing. I've built acoustics 11 years but electrics are so very different.

[@dalepres1]

I realize this is old but for current or future viewers, I suggest a carburetor cleaning brush set that will have a range of fine brushes that can clean the screw holes for the tuners after getting polish in them.

[@markdesantis743]

Model makers also use a product called "Microsol". It dissolves the backing and leaves the design. I don't know how that would effect the finish, but if it works it would make it easier to hide the lines when wet sanding.

[@pedrolarenas]

the details are the most complex work but make the difference

[@TheWGLOVER]

This looked so therapeutic. In am really enjoying your videos.

[@junglejink8230]

Am really enjoying this series, many thanks, I know what I'll be doing if I win the lottery!

[@Imakeweirdstuff]

Thanks, that was what I assumed! Also, great videos, it actually made me change my mind about using a spoke T-R instead of a Allen nut T-R.

[@ianayler5418]

I like that Corona shot and the neck

[@harryd5807]

Thank you very much for this excellent work, a true artist. Would like to have seen a bit more detail around the spraying process equipment used etc.perhaps if you find time you could do that as a supplement.

[@historyrepeatscubed726]

Agreed. Fantastic video series and certainly no complaint intended, but it would be great to see a video on the spraying process and your choice of equipment, brand of gun(s), paint product(s), compressor pressure settings, etc. I understand you may have left it out for your own reasons though, too. Thanks a million though and keep up the awesome work! Your approach just proves how vitally important it is to have complete patience when doing anything important in life.

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Thanks Steve, the workbench top is 5 layers of MDF with a few coats of poly rolled on. I got the plans from the woodsmith shop website. I put a link to the plans in the info section of this video. Cheers

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

I've had great results using Tru-Oil and it would have to be the easiest finish you could apply without any spray gear.

[@reallyyouthful]

All my life I've wanted a 'pedestal buffer'!

[@bigredjuly1973]

Thanks again for posting such detailed videos! The neck looks AMAZING! I think I saw MY reflection. :)

[@genethomas2000]

Love your videos and your laid back style.

[@whyckicki]

Thanks for the info, that's very nice ! I'll get in touch with him as soon as I get the parts :) Can't wait to see your other videos.

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Yes, you want to order the custom Waterslide Decal . Grab a few spares while your at it, you may need them. They are very thin and you can crinkle them badly if you are not careful - Best to have at least 1 spare just in case ;-)

[@DannyPeel]

Watching all these videos in sequence, stunning craftsmanship mate, wonderful. I would have been so tempted to put that decal in a typical Fender Stratocaster position though. Did you never feel that temptation yourself? haha.

[@jimbruce9744]

Absolutely beautiful neck, but I would have lined up the decal with the straight line on the bottom of the headstock but that’s just me.

[@giantbabywolf1971]

This is the best thing on KZbin. Great job!

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Thanks Gibby !

[@g8sbs944]

wow great video im 69 and have been playing electric Guitar since i was a young teen most of my guitars have been from the shops BUT seeing your Video i want to try having ago at making my own but not sure how to how to start HELP LOL

[@thatpeterboy]

a real craftsman..beautiful work!

[@MrRob230873]

Hey Fletch, Mate I'm getting with withdraws, I check every day for the latest videos

[@reallyyouthful]

Loving this series. This bloke's a genius. Didn't like the product placement much.

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Well that one was made as time permitted over about 3 months but all up it was probably 50-60 hours or so of actual work. The finishing (spraying) is the most time consuming aspect.. the woodworking side of it could be done pretty quickly

[@jeffdeluca1153]

Ditto DKG! You have given a beautiful step by step method to build a neck that I will attempt my own! Excellent job, top class work. Who is your decal supplier if I may?

[@Satchmoeddie1]

Microscale makes 4 or 5 products for decals. When you are doing a 1:160 scale model railroad car a decal looks like 1" thick glass. They have a product that softens the decal and lets it set into any surface irregularities, as well as thinning the whole decal down too. Then you apply a spray surface that will bury the decal. That is another Microscale product. I see 5 bottles by the airbrush stuff. I am too poor to keep one expensive hobby. I did learn some neat tricks from it, tool suppliers.

[@telescopereplicator]

It's almost painful to see that you put so much time in polishing the neck, doing a wonderful job, only to find out later that more and more guitar players are sanding the back side of the neck (the rounded part) with 400 grit to make it "faster"...... Your hand will slide easier and faster if you sand the back side. I take it you have heard of this trick, to make a guitar more comfortable to play? Especially if you have sweaty hands, a sanded neck seems to be preferred over a smooth, polished one. Your fingers won't stick to the glossy surface anymore. Great videos. Love to see how a guitar comes to life.

[@LincolnFStern]

Yeah my favorite neck is on a $200 guitar I got that has a satin finish on the neck.

[@alienlovecharm8291]

Bro you are the Yoda of guitar building!!

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

I'm assuming you want to use a dual action truss rod here similar to the one I use in the video above - the channel would be routed in from the back of the neck to a depth of 6-7mm from the front (IE: the depth of what would be a fretboard if you were building a 2 piece neck). Totally different story if you are using a single action truss rod though... that has a curved channel...

[@LloydAlexander58]

Hello David! My own build is going rather well, I do apologize if I am copying your way of building but watching your series was a good start! In not too long time it is time for the decal, and I wonder which decal you have. On the site they have decals with the word "transfer" on certain decals. I guess you have the "Custom Waterslide Guitar Headstock Decal" (not a transfer?) in gold, is that right? Thanks again for a fantastic series of build, I have watched it all!

[@NicholasRichardson]

Great series, really enjoyed it and inspiring me to make my guitar

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Hi, I copied direct from the Microscale website - Description: "Micro Set prepares the surface with special wetting agents that cuts the oils in new paint and converts the adhesive on the back of the decal to a stronger and more lasting one. Micro Set slightly softens the decals film to make it more flexible so that it can conform better to the model's surface. Better adhesion by the decal to the model prevents tiny air bubbles from occurring and results in an invisible carrier film"

[@denouch358]

Hello Mr. Fletcher, Can a really fine steel wool such as 0000 be used on the edges of the head to remove the shine without worry of damaging the edges? I love these videos, you are a very good teacher and best of all you go into so much detail and the camera work is great. Thank You

[@baitfisch]

Really like your craftsmanship ..What kind of wood top on your workbench? Getting ready to build one..Steve

[@spanky2964]

I usually dont use foul words on the tube but Holy Fuck that is a piece of art,you are a genius.I have spent most of the last two days mesmorized by this series if videos.David do you live in the U.K. Guessing by the accent?

[@russellesimonetta3835]

The lesson learned is process, patience and make haste slowly!

[@whyckicki]

Thanks for the info, I'll get in touch with him as soon as I get my strat parts :)

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Part 5 of my 10 part Stratocaster Build

[@79antigua]

absolutely beautiful.

[@bobbybob3679]

Why are you building a fender? Why are you building a fender? Why are you using decals like fender? Why are you building a fender?

[@glennchildress4117]

Fletcher Handcrafted Guitars How much for I kit I can build and paint myself. No hardware. Just unpainted neck,no holes and a routed body

[@vitorisaia]

Fletcher Handcrafted Guitars just phenomenal!!

[@whyckicki]

Hi, Let's begin by saying that your work is really amazing ! As I don't have any tools and qualification, I'am planing to build a stratocaster out of Warmoth part and do the finish woth Tru-Oil... So I was wondering if that's possible to put the decal inbetween the layers of Tru-Oil ? And you say you get your decals from a guy in England, can you be more specific ? :) Thank you !

[@TRIPLET987]

This is ah inspiring.. Learned a lot from this and I really appreciate you sharing the tips :D.

[@erlpen2016]

i so agree with you, you got the right name...can you imagine a last name like mine "mucho guitars...handcrafted", by the way i just bought a fender telecaster, they didn't bother to sand the decal edges, i can feel them, so as far as whose name it should go on the headstock it should be the one that built it with pride....i have some questions that come into my mind as i watch your vids, the first one would be, where did you get your templates for the body and the neck, thanks for your vids...

[@ofesad]

Can you give more info about that "Micro Set" product? Im from Argentina, so I have no idea about it. Thank you and keep the good work!

[@Slow.Learner.Devolution]

Simply beautiful,Sir.

[@darth_vyper]

you have inspired me man i wanna build my own model

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Rothco & Frost in the UK - google the name and you will pull up their website. Ask for Simon, tell him I sent you :-) I don't know how easy it would be to build up enough finish to bury a decal using Tru-Oil

[@justanotherdummy3448]

you could use a hard sponge instead of wood as a block it won't scratch the finish should you hit it with the block.

[@estrapajo1]

wow, great stay the fingerboard. always follow you .. thanks for the video!

[@valter61]

Ciao grazie peri tuoi consigli, bravo.

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Ha, I'm pumping 'e, out as fast as I can ! ;-) In fact, I'm editing the last neck video as I type. Upload it tomorrow all going well ... Then I have to start thinking about building a body I guess.

[@youngguns66951]

Thanks Fletch! I love the videos!

[@ShadHall]

you mentioned something about the decal(s) you used in that they were "thinner" and more preferable (for finishing details, which i agree with your reasoning). can you tell me where (site link?) you got them, b/c if they're good as you say, i'd like to order them for the guitar i'm working on. thanks!

[@mwells7410]

I just have one question! That would be if these are for sale because i can see that you make them with outstanding quality, and i want one!

[@justanotherdummy3448]

you mite try soft foam to clean up the compound. paper will actually scratch the finish.

[@ChrisHasFunYT]

Can you buff the body using this same technique? The added labor would be worth it to me to save $$$

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Thankyou very much MrPhorick

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Hi Shad, they come from a company called Rothko And Frost in the UK - Say hello to Simon for me

[@klauswhitedreamer]

nice work, very nice result!.... :)

[@hopeliesintheproles]

Rocking the reebok :)

[@DavideBardone]

Wonderful job! What do you think of oil finishes (e.g. tru oil, etc)?

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Love 'em - Use them quite often. Easy to apply without any fancy spray gear too

[@colintraveller]

Have used similar ...years ago wet n dry paper it's what was known as here ..

[@markjones7616]

Hi, with regard to your spraying and coats, how many in total did you put on before and after the decal? Also, what sort of treatment did you give the neck between coats? How long did you leave each coat to dry? Lastly, how do you make sure there is no bleed onto the fret board and how do you deal with any visible line between the fretboard and neck left over by the lacquer?

[@Kazahmish]

So, I am sure you have answered this before, but how long does it normally take you to make a strat style guitar from start to finish? :)

[@Miner4aheartofgold]

He would be using an Offender label! :-)

[@TheMarkou86]

hi Fletcher I have a question mark or type sticker use? excelente trabajo !

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Rothco & Frost in England

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Wetsanded with 1500 Grit Micromesh

[@MentalMetalMania]

Awesome job!! it looks beautiful! I have a Gloss Finished neck but i want to put a logo on the headstock, do i need to sand the finish? what can i do?

[@johnburens3395]

Can you just leave it be at 3600 grit for a satin finish? Would that effect the playability? Thanks!

[@Spinnifuchs]

Wow. Great work!

[@rickhickman2730]

Do you spray the lacquer in a spray booth of some sort?

[@robinrepitsch1382]

Very nice Video series. I've seen the LP Junior vids. Awesome guitars...What Kind of laquer do you use for your guitars?

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Hi, I use Mirotone brand Mirocat PC3220

[@nitr0junki3]

That was hard work, so I’m havin’ a beeea.

[@pauleta6744]

Hello David, I wanted to ask if the neck steps the nitro spray or brush. The nitro spray dilute what the ??

[@Flvcorrea]

Hy Fletcher, Amazing job!! Can you tell me what kind of decal and where can I find it??!! Thanks!!