The School Strat Build - Best Bolt-on Neck Method...ever!

[@andresguzman813]

Please don’t stop making these overly detailed videos, they are beautiful, they teach a lot and they are greatly appreciated by us starting luthiers. So don’t apologize, on the contrary, we THANK you!

[@CMDPromptify]

100% appreciate the "I screwed up so you don't have to" approach to instruction. Nothing about this hobby is easy, but things go much better when something is hard because it is inherently difficult rather than because we didn't know about this or that trap. Thanks!

[@zZAPp-fi]

This is one of the most, if not the most, highly detailed, comprehensive, accurate and honest video i've ever seen on this specific topic! Strongly informative, you kept me glued to the screen till the very last second! THANK YOU!

[@greg4272]

I am a woodworker (joiner) also making my own guitar, and I also watched it till the end. I can confirm, that your measures of detailing the process is right, and necessary for those who hasn't got much experience. So don't be shy, reveal the details, someone has to do that! :) 90% of "how to" videos are just a overcut visual magic bullshit, always leaving out the crucial details, jumping to the finished process, and are no good for anything than wasting other peoples time. So you are the refreshing exemption, keep on detailing! :) And THANK YOU for doing so!

[@maximumguitarworks]

Thank you for the kind words. I think most don't go into as much details for two reasons. One...it takes more time. It takes me about 10 hours to make a 30 minute highly detailed instructional video. I don't do as many videos as most KZbinrs...because I don't have the time or energy to do that many. I try to make what I do count. Two...you are in the minority. Most people aren't looking to learn...they are looking to be entertained...and the shorter videos sell better. However...I do what I do because I am a detail guy...and a teacher at heart.

[@brianboudreau2966]

You are the greatest example of how detail is so important, just watching this video shows your experience. Thanks!

[@robmaguire6689]

These videos are for the benefit of perhaps those less experienced luthiers starting out and I REALLY appreciate the effort that you go to and the amount of information that you teach. So thank you Steve. Especially during these lockdown periods which allows me to get on with it!👏

[@maximumguitarworks]

I definitely structure my videos to the beginner...although sometimes I come up with some out of the box ideas that benefit everyone. Sometimes I surprise myself! ;-) Glad you are enjoying my videos.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I love when people say threaded inserts are easy. They usually have never done this or only done it on MDF. Great video Steve

[@stevenelliott3584]

This guy is a star, love the detail explanations.

[@nicolasayastuy]

a year late but, i did the first thread inserts on a cheap guitar successfully on my first attempt, you just need the right tools, a good space to work and time/patience. it's not that hard if you put attention to every step. Of course the right tools are important tho

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

And on hardwoods like maple tap those holes before threading in the inserts!

[@JasonECI]

Though I don't think guitar players will take off their necks that often and guitar makers will spend extra time installing bolts instead of screws, you do demonstrate how a perfect neck joint can be and explain why of each step looks like, and the reasons behind them are the most precious and important experiences you spent time sharing with us. Very much appreciated!!!

[@darrylcarstensen5448]

I have been building guitars for several years as a hobbyist, but I still watch every minute of your videos. I enjoy the detail that you provide as well as your subtle humor. Thanks Steve.

[@Crazy_Dave]

The time you've taken to carefully explain what can go wrong using this method to secure a neck is vital information to us all if we are to avoid making the same mistakes. If people want to leave your video after just 10 minutes then that's their loss. I will admit that I intend to do my neck joint this way but didn't foresee some of what you have shown me so, I personally thank you for the long video and taking the time to explain everything in such detail. Don't ever feel you need to apologize for being thorough. Great job 👍

[@mrfrontranger7911]

20-30 minutes is what you need for the detail you present. Great tips

[@rmax5150]

You sir, are THE MAN! Waaaaay too many people on KZbin attempting to make ridiculous "guitar build how to" videos who have no clue as to what they're doing. Sadly, the people who know even less than the "content creator" does, are absorbing really bad info and potentially making bad mistakes. I've been a builder for years, and I'm still always learning and interested in seeing how others do things. Love your channel. Well done!!!!

[@HBSuccess]

Suggestion: I use threaded insets for all kinds of stuff, and I tap the coarse external threads. For your necks, you could tap the neck threads using your drill press manually ( just to keep the tap perfectly plumb/square w the surface. I use a few drops of CA glue when inserting the insert. This all allows for just an xtra .001” or so around the insert - it’ll still be very solid but you avoid the risk of the inserts cracking the butt of the neck w seasonal humidity changes. I had that happen a cpl times so I started tapping them first. The coarse tap you’ll need is not common but wherever you get your inserts should be able to fix you up. I got mine from both Grainger and McFeely at one time or another. Try it - it also makes the insert go in like butter, no chance of a slip that could damage the neck.

[@fotice]

I am here for the over details 😊 and I'm hearing perfection hides in those !

[@ianbaguley3118]

I'm building my first Strat, having done plenty of repairs in the past. This is so helpful. Your level of detail is exactly what is needed. I have an engineering and woodworking background. I know what I know, but I also know that thinking I know enough is never a good approach. In this video, you cover what every student needs to know, but also the many questions the less experienced don't even realise they have. Great work!!

[@reliot6928]

Greetings again, I ran my mouth on this fine page a few days back. I would like to comment again and say I've watched this video a couple of times and it looks great. The fit, attention to detail. Nice work. Some of the better boutique builders use bolts like these on their steel string acoustics now. Robbie O'Brian has said he can't tell the difference with his ears. And the inevitable reset down the road is way easier. I am a fan of Romanillos wedges with very little glue. That's another subject. Good contact between the components like this example always sound great. Thanks for a great way video.

[@maximumguitarworks]

Thanks for the follow up. Robbie’s ears would know.

[@CareAgainFishing]

Dude. I've been looking for videos like this for YEARS. The details and pointers are priceless. Thank you!

[@Andreas_Straub]

That was the perfect level of detail for anyone wanting to do that process himself! Thank You!

[@nowthatsbetter8997]

This is absolutely excellent material. All the tiny details add up to a beautifully completed project. The beauty is in the details. Picking up all kinds of little helpful tips here.

[@presentalinkwalterbak2426]

No, no, no! Not too much detail at all! Love it! I watched the whole thing from wood to wood. And! I will probably watch this five more times. Great job! Thank you!

[@towerofpure]

Thank you X infinity!!! Rather your videos are 10 minutes or and hour and 10 minutes, I'd watch every bit, as you have very valuable and detailed information for those of us that want to get it right the first time!!! I appreciate what you're doing!!

[@TeamUltraSlow]

I will add a vote to loving the detailed descriptions. Those are the things that separate making a "playable" guitar and one that is the best it can be - and often leading to a BETTER playing guitar!

[@1man1guitarletsgo]

Very good! I've fitted inserts, and maybe not followed every step here to the letter, but it is important to get the basics right and avoid damaging the neck. I like the idea of using locked nuts and a piece of threaded bar to align the insert. I recall having some difficulty using an Allen key when I installed mine. Next time, I'll use the locked nuts. And for anyone wondering whether inserts are worth the effort, yes, they are! The tighter neck join definitely makes the guitar's tone better.

[@brunopmcosta]

Thank you for being so careful and being such a good teacher. This is what How To videos should look like, heavily detailed and careful with teaching

[@Gorilla.Guitar]

Im not knocking your method but just offering info you might appreciate.. in regards to your e-z lock tool, you can mount the shank in your drill press & use a small amount of hand pressure to keep perpendicular tension on the ez lock tool & you can drive the tool w/ 1/4 open end wrench.. this ensures the same perpendicularity as the drilled hole.. even better, you can use a ratcheting tap handle w a center machined into the top of it & put a spring loaded center into your drill chuck for the ultimate in ease.. i use this set up myself & it works great & wont cost you $20-25. i also rub some bar soap on the inserts for a bit of lubrication to ease install.. just found your channel & super appreciate your efforts in jig & template design, far superior to what else ive seen available... great job!

[@murpsman]

I use the Big Gator V-drill guide and hand drill and have never had an issue with perpendicular screw holes. I put the neck heel in a drill vise and use a small bubble level to check straightness of the neck. Works every time.

[@kcinseattle]

Thanks for taking the time to go into the details Steve. I’m new to all of this so I highly appreciate the detail and the little tips/tricks that you’ve picked up along the way. Keep making these “long” videos and I’ll keep learning.

[@maximumguitarworks]

Thank you Chuck. Seriously...I struggle to find time to make videos (especially my long teaching style)...but I always appreciate the encouragement.

[@larsdahl6594]

Not too long at all, I love the attention to detail (I just wish I had a workshop like yours). A few suggestions.Use your drill press (since you have it anyway) to drive in the inserts, not _as close_ to perpendicular as possible, but _perfectly_ perpendicular (hand crank only!). And since we're going totally overboard, brush the outer threads of the inserts with some epoxy glue before setting them and finish off with a drop or two of blue Loctite on the threads of the machine bolt when time comes to final install of the neck.

[@JW007100]

Having worked with wood inserts, various screw types etc. The screw head has the primary job of holding the neck to the body, the insert provides a removable method of neck placement/replacement but often weakens the surrounding wood that the insert is in. Bodies can be Ash, alder, mahogany and plywood as well. For my next neck installation I plan on removing the maple neck finish on the body side, prepping the body side to bare wood , not painted or finished as well. Then gluing the neck on with a Japanese hide glue which has excellent results clamping and then use the the full length Fender style neck screws. The gluing/ clamping results would allow for zero movement and final strength given by the screws. Inside the plate would be the hide glue note of use. Conventional screws as well can go wrong with movement and especially inserts can really be a challenge to get true perpendicular results. Simply apply the standard heat for hide glue and remove if you have to. It’s a blend between Gibson permanence and Fender modular construction.

[@paulsigmon7263]

Appreciate the detailed instruction. Fun to watch and educational. More big seat review needed :)..

[@BobMcGowan-NotTheChairCircle]

As a complete beginner, I would like to say that I did not find your video overly long or too detailed. I think that half an hour is a perfectly acceptable time which should not tax anyone's attention span. Your attention to detail merely shows your enthusiasm for both the subject and the imparting of your wisdom on the process.

[@finnmacdiarmid3250]

Finally, the intense and properly educated detail my depraved guitar building mind has craved all along

[@markj7924]

That tool for the insert that you made is a great idea with its automatic stopping point. Thanks for the detailed explanation of this process

[@baimun]

When I put steel grommets into guitar necks, I just put the insert bit into my drill press and (obviously with the power off) use the perfectly vertical pressure from the press and I turn the chuck with my bare hand. The other fantastic feature of the steel grommets are if you use four recessed neck ferrules instead of a plate, it's much easier to find metric bolts of various lengths, or even cut a longer bolt down. It's much more difficult to find the short wood screws necessary for a tapered neck heel to keep the bolts from poking all the way through.

[@scaira60]

I just built my first electric guitar a custom Tele type, I used threaded inserts & stainless cap screws for my neck, it came out great. Good vid I just found your channel Thanks

[@Ibaneddie76]

Great video, I use the same method to drive my inserts into the neck but I chuck the bolt and nuts into my drill press and use the downforce of the press while hand turning the chuck. I really like your videos and it's because of the amount of detail you provide.

[@rosswheatley8329]

This is a very interesting concept, but I personally have just not had enough problems with traditional screws to warrant this process for myself. Thanks for the video!

[@mattmeyer8279]

I love the detail! Thank you for your thoroughness.

[@joeanzalone5436]

Your video are so great! Thanks for sharing your expert knowledge!!

[@paulbrown1902]

Thank you. I just screwed up an EBay $45 neck. I should have watched this first. Time to get a drill press and save this neck with your process.

[@finaljesus]

i love these long videos very detailed for the guys and gals that want to do this on their own the longer the better thank you for the video i appreciate it

[@user-sw8je4ui6f]

Agree total detail is totally ok with me !

[@NorthernLightss]

Thank you sir, not overly detailed. I saw on another Tube they they threaded the hole and then came and threaded the ezloc into it. Using the drill press and doing it by hand, kept threader perfectly perpendicular to the neck and then they are able to just put some wood glue onto the ezloc and thread it into the neck. If interested i can send you the link if you haven't seen it. I am off to the next course with the lining it up. And thank you for your help in building my dream parts-caster.

[@mariologtenberg]

Thanks very much, those details are what make the difference (durability and quality), so please keep at it and don"t apologise (missing teachers like you, so thanks again)

[@2bikemikesguitartopics145]

I'm a detail junky. Loved it all the way through

[@derekbascombe7731]

At 22:00 Steve could use the special tool he says he doesn't like by setting it into the chuck of his drill press - the perfect perpendicularity of the alignment is still assured from drilling the original holes! - and then start turning the chuck by hand while gently pressing down on the plunge handle of the press. Most drill presses are designed to allow such hand-turning of the chuck...

[@magutanko]

Thank you! This has saved me a massive headache, I had no information and was about to "upgrade" a partscaster that im modifying/fixing on the fly. Great Video!

[@maximumguitarworks]

Awesome...glad to hear.

[@milosmil]

I like your attention to details. It makes huge difference at the end of any process.

[@maximumguitarworks]

Thank you...appreciate the positive feedback.

[@CMRWoodworks]

Man, I‘m so glad I came across this video. I didn‘t know you had a KZbin channel until today. I‘ve heard a lot about you through Todd‘s videos over at Sweet T Guitars. I have seen him do this and am planning on doing the same in my first electric build. Thanks for the detail! I appreciate it. I am now subscribed as well!

[@goswo]

This is soooo great to watch. I think Leo are proud to know that you took his idea a bit further :-)

[@katewilson9183]

just discovered this video so anyway.One thing i discovered in drilling precise holes with a drill press is,not all drill bits are perfectly staight.Chuck the drill bit and start up the press and watch closely to see if the point wiggles,if it does the hole you make will be larger than you intended.Either use the point of a pencil or nail or ? and solidly put the point up against the point of the dill bit to check runout or drill a test hole on a blank piece of wood first.

[@nicholassaridakis381]

Detail=Good!! Thx Steve, love the precision!!!!

[@maximumguitarworks]

Thanks for watching.

[@verbenasenensis]

Please keep on going into far more details than you were originally planning. Thanks for the videos, they are confidence inspiring for a first time builder.

[@patrickkem689]

I watched it all the way through. And throughly loved it. You bring such simplicity to the table. Many thanks!

[@swiftymcgarnagle4567]

This is a great video, everything makes sense....very detailed but not cluttered with pointless info....Good job sir!

[@stevecard1930]

Way awsome, you can "hear" the tightness when you tighten the screws. I can't even think about using wood screws again. Thanks!

[@jeffkercheval4010]

Thank you! Super informative and some great techniques!

[@kevindoran7007]

Only just found your channel. Keep adding all the details. Very much appreciated.

[@sheeenstripe]

Man alive- this was a spectacular example of how to execute excellence in craftsmanship on the detailed tutorial level. It left nothing to be desired! I never comment on KZbin- but I’ll be subscribing to learn more tips and tricks. Excellence in all we do!!

[@maximumguitarworks]

Thank you very much. I'm glad the you enjoyed that video. Leaving no questions is also a downfall...as I generally don't have too much interaction with people...which is something that I generally enjoy! At least the interaction with nice people. ;-)

[@rb032682]

Not overly detailed. Good video. I have an old Kramer Duke 6-string with a bolt-on aluminum headless neck with machine bolts. I was able to get the neck bolts so tight, the neckplate became slightly warped. That was about 39 years ago, and the neck plate is still warped, in a good way.

[@timammerman2705]

Never too long. i have a small wood shop and decided on making a Strat. so videos are a must. And i am a jig guy myself.

[@maximumguitarworks]

Thanks for the comment Tim. Jigs are good.

[@seanflynn800]

Great to see decent engineering principles being applied to an age old problem. I think Leo himself would've approved. Would be interesting to see if unplugged resonance could even result for the couch surfers amongst us.

[@JamesSClapperton]

When I was starting out and still to this day when someone is showing me something, the first thing I ask is how not to do it or how it gets messed up. So I appreciate the style,man. Cheers.

[@johnnilsson8474]

This is amazing , thank you for showing me how to do this

[@bluesbubba7429]

Outstanding. I learned some new tips, especially the inserts as well as the tool you made to insert them (no pun intended). Very thorough, concise, and complete video. Keep them coming.

[@louisbrochu]

Great video, really appreciate the attention to details. It was long for the right reason; there is a lot of content.

[@maximumguitarworks]

Thank you Louis...I appreciate your comment. I am constantly torn between making my videos shorter...but keeping detailed content. I think my brain is wired for details.

[@robertfields1964]

I came up with blind rivet nuts to get rid of the screws, but these threaded inserts are better. Thanks for the advice!

[@lazyboyrider4607]

I watch every minute of your videos. Thanks for the detail!

[@pomegranitejason]

You made a great point on making sure that the holes in the body are ever so slightly larger than the screws(or bolts) you use Sometimes players use oversize screws for more bite and security for their guitars and forget to enlarge the holes in the body. If the screws or bolts bind even a bit in the body before they find purchase in the neck, the neck will slip.

[@Matt_S61]

By the end of the video I realized who you reminded me of...Shooter McGavin(Christopher McDonald) in the Adam Sandler movie Happy Gilmore. And I'm sure you would reply..."Geeh like I've never heard that before" or "Yeah I get that alot".

[@jamesascher8147]

I like the detail. very informative

[@0097205]

Love the details, this is just what I needed to learn for my current project.

[@eliyam27]

Thanks! This is very helpful and fun ✌🏼

[@davidlarge5539]

I sure enjoyed the detail and thank you

[@chandler1390]

This is something I’ve been planning on doing when I begin building my bass

[@markferguson3745]

My local luthier bought a pneumatic jack to work on larger combo amps, which is about the smartest move I've seen , lately. Saves a lot of extended poor working positions, a lot of stress on the back.

[@thomasrenshaw2992]

Thank you for your efforts to make such a detailed video. I especially liked the "Insert Driver" adapter that you put together. I can not remember how many inserts I have jacked up over the years by just trying to get them aligned and installed by using a slotted screwdriver. I will be using this bolt on neck method on my Stratocaster Project's body in the near future. This video was just what I was looking for to correct my "just about to strip out" mounting holes. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

[@be661]

Wow! Just discovered this video and your channel. Thank you sooo much for this level of detail. As someone who doesn't have a background in woodworking, but persistently keeps trying and missing by a little bit, this information is super helpful. Can't wait to check out the rest of the channel.

[@davidgxp2156]

I appreciate the details. Kee it up!

[@search895]

I been trying to figure out a way to fix a neck of an experiment guitar of mine for months, in which the holes of the screws went too big after an impact. I was thinking of using inserts and similar stuff, but i was overcomplicating it, and now I see you talk about it and I see a simpler solution than the one I was planning. Thanks for appearing in this video.

[@maximumguitarworks]

Good luck with the repair. I sometimes over complicate things...but try to remember that simple is good.

[@acusticsix]

great job! i need to do this to my strat with striped wood screws.... anyway you could ditch the nut driver and chuck your home made driver into the drill press, spin the chuck by hand while putting small amount of pressure on handle for leverage.... a little wax and they go in dead straight every time...

[@cozmikzombi]

Keep the videos longer, Keep those details, Ive gotten a better understanding of not just what to do, but why I should do them, Best teaching method in my honest opinion. Keep up the great work.

[@maximumguitarworks]

Thanks for the encouragement. I have believed for a long time that the "why" is even more important than the "how".

[@rayaymond7959]

Thank you brother you are the man I learned so much from you thank you once again God bless 👍

[@karls.623]

Great teacher!

[@blwnova4155]

Perfect amount of detail - THANK YOU

[@jaekwonthechef]

I have been thinking about doing this for awhile now and looked this video up to see if I wasn’t overthinking it. I’m definitely doing this on all my bolt on necks on their next string changes. Thanks for the detail. I love the fact that you would ask a question about why not to do something and I would be jumping ahead like “because of the radius” and then you would say it. Made me feel like the smart kid in class. Lol.

[@maximumguitarworks]

Gold star for you!!! ;-) Thanks for the post.

[@michaelparson-mcnamara782]

I have no problem watching your "long" video! I just replace a DIY strat neck and think I'm going to upgrade to your approach. Excellent! I couldn't subscribe fast enough.........Thank you!

[@maximumguitarworks]

Thank you. Have fun with the mods.

[@ManfredElsingBielefeld]

Looks loke a Lewinson Blade Strat,thanks for your video,time and work!!

[@maximumguitarworks]

Thanks for the comment. I'll have to search that strat...not familiar.

[@kevinmackfurniture]

I watched the whole thing... Every minute. 🤘🏻

[@reverendjetstream]

U were right in the end. I have watched 10 minutes of the video 😀

[@bryantcochran5065]

As a luthier i think your detailed description is perfect. Its these details that create great sound and playability. Which are our goals yes?

[@matthewdameron8746]

Your details are what made me subscribe.

[@ruialbuquerque6195]

I have a bass with a bolt-on neck with inserts. And i have a big problem with that because of the body holes wear over the time. The holes are now loose and the neck slightly moves. If the bolts are not tight through the holes you're done. This doesn't happen with wood screws.

[@bullfrogpondshop3179]

You don't have to apologize for the detailed instructions. if viewers don't have the patience to watch this video, they probably don't have the patience to build a guitar. Nice job

[@HowdiesWoodwork]

Just came across this - wonderful video and love the tips. Thanks for taking the time to put it together!

[@alanbabcock1438]

Just discovered your site ! Wish I had seen it a few days ago. My grandson approached me a couple of weeks ago seeking my help (and tools) to construct a modified stratocaster . I said sure, having no clue what we were getting into. We are using the neck from a fender knock off and making the body out of some butcher block I had on hand. I fear that in our rush to get going we have already made some small mistakes, but they do add up. He was asking just the other day about doing away with the neck screws in favor of bolts. Another site recommended going to McGuckens in Boulder for steel inserts and since I am in Westminster that should not be a problem. Will have him watch your video(s). Thanks

[@ILLGREEN1]

Thank you for the info! I didn't mind it was long, I learned new things. Subscribed

[@maximumguitarworks]

Glad you don't mind the length...because I can't seen to do short videos!

[@shadowminister4090]

I find 10 minutes an ideal video length, but I watched to the end because your extra detail was high quality. Thanks. PS I also subscribed.

[@gimmeagig]

I free handed it on my bass. That was pre youtube.. If I had seen your video back then I would have probably passed on that. But I got lucky and it turned out well.

[@ogracer]

love the detail. not all of us have tiktok attention spans.

[@nicolasayastuy]

I saw the whole video, when it comes to technique and learning from other peoples experiences and how they overcome the issues they encounter, there's no such thing as a long video, a 30 min video to learn a skill is nothing. people that watches 10 mins of it probably were looking for a different thing and they stuck around because the video was either well presented/produced/tidy or good enough to leave it playing for a while and see what it had to offer, even if that wasn't what that person was looking for. In another note, i found this method (thread inserts) to be one of the best things that can happen to a guitar with neck joint. IMO every guitar maker should start implementing those, mostly because it gives the player the option to take the neck apart as many times as they want, and it's also a great option if the guitar is going to be shipped by a postal or freight service. i have a 3 guitars that have it mostly because if i travel and i want to take one with me on a suitcase i can take the neck apart and fit the guitar within my clothes on a same suitcase, it makes it so easy and safe. Thanks for this video. Keep em coming!