This is Why You Suck at Guitar: Your Neck Finish Sucks (oil and wax finish tutorial)

Check out my Patreon page here: / benellerguitars
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#ArnoldTheRG (instagram)
#UncleBenSavedMyNeck (instagram) Let me know how this works out for you!!
Hey there kids!!!! Are you completely over that disgusting sticky, greasy, slick neck finish your favorite guitar came with? So is Uncle Ben Eller here. As soon as i tried an Ernie Ball Music Man Wolfgang guitar years ago, i was hooked on that natural oil and wax finish the EBMM gang does on their guitars. Ibanez does a really similar thing with the Steve Vai Jem and Universe guitars, too. I set about trying to recreate this finish on my own flock of axes, and i'm here to show you guys the info i gathered in this handy-dandy how to tutorial lesson video! With the process i'm going to show you, you'll be able to recreate a perfectly smooth and sexy EBMM-style finish in just a couple days and for just a few bucks.
I'm going to show you all the goodies you need to buy (with the centerpieces being Birchwood Casey Tru Oil and Gunstock Wax), everything you need to do prepare your neck for glory, and a step by step process on how to make your neck play smoother than buttered sex.
Tung oil works well, but Tru Oil is the shit. Trust me here.
I recommend doing this finish to bolt-on neck guitars. Applying it to set neck or neck through guitars is possible, but my god what a hassle it is. Taking the neck off of the guitar makes for maximum sanding power and ease of handling. Unbolt the neck off of your favorite Ibanez RG, Fender Strat or Tele, and have a blast!
In this tutorial, i apply my signature finish to my beloved 1987 Ibanez RG550, and a Jackson Fusion that belongs to a buddy of mine. Both are finished in my new custom Fallout finish, which is made of copper and silver leaf. So sexy.
Please don't be a total dingus; do all the sanding work OUTDOORS, do NOT breathe any of that gross nasty finish into your lungs! As long as you follow my steps you shouldn't have any trouble at all, young one.
This is the first guitar mod/tech video i've ever covered on This is Why You Suck at Guitar; if there are other topics you'd like to see me cover (like how to restring a guitar, set action, set intonation, etc) please let me know!!! I aim to please!
Thanks so much for watching, kids. Stay tuned for more goodness soon!

[@StricklandAssistantManager]

You taught me to stroke my wood in entirely new ways. It even cured my narrow urethra! Thank you!

[@retrorewind6042]

XD

[@KONAROCK1]

+Hank Hill What's your stance on a good fuel source for BBQ?

[@StricklandAssistantManager]

KONAROCK1 Propane is the ONLY good fuel for a BBQ

[@almfoto]

+Hank Hill he asked about bbq not grillig

[@StricklandAssistantManager]

Adrian Massi I stand by my statement.

[@GuitarTalkunedited]

Hey mate. Because my life existence is basically, lolling around and watching KZbin when I should be either working or addressing my problems - I watch a lot of KZbin. I've just come across your channel and it is some the best content I've seen. You're quite the comedian

[@doglifehub]

Are you working, or addressing your problems yet? Or still enjoying life to the full? Or both, perhaps? You've had two years, dude. Something must have changed!

[@loranstaley1119]

Hey 2 years have gone by. Figure I’ll check in as well on if your life has found more meaning! Life is short, and we have a information war to win! Fight for freedom! And watching Bens videos!!

[@GregsGarage]

I started with 36 grit on an 8" grinder like you suggested and I can see the back side of the fretboard now. Plays super smooth tho. Keep all the vids coming Ben.

[@BenEller]

Hahahaha dude sick job!!!

[@kieranroberts9119]

Oh dear that has ticked me a lot 😂😂😂😂😘

[@kieranroberts9119]

Tickled

[@stramey8866987]

+Ben Eller Ever since I watched your video I've been stroking my wood. It now has a satiny finish and I'm able to get a great grip on it. Even my girlfriend has noticed the difference. Thanks Uncle Ben!

[@unoefxz]

TIP: if you are using steel wool with your neck still on the guitar, put tape on your pickups too. pickups are magnetic and you will NEVER get all the strands of steel wool off of them!

[@Pieceocake47]

"it just seems a little bit rough, the way your mother likes it" 😂 I fucking love this guy

[@chrischristian24]

Not only is this one of the most useful videos I've seen on KZbin, it's also effin hilarious. THANK YOU for this.

[@cmsquared63]

Ben, I'm not sure which I enjoy more, your fantastic lesson or your deadpan sense of humor. Thanks for these! Much happiness to you!

[@KONAROCK1]

Awesome video! I've been doing something similar to all my guitars for years. I can NOT play glossy necks. For set neck guitars, I just lower the whole body into a small trash bag and tape it up.. This keeps the dust from getting into places you don't want it :)

[@johnforrest071348]

nice video , very informative. If I might add my 2 cents. When using True Oil I found it best to leave the foil seal intact and instead just put one or 2 very small puncture holes in it. This will help prevent scabbing of the oil when its stored.Another good idea is to store the bottle with the lid on very tight upside down in a mason jar.That way if the oil does start to scab it will be at the bottom rather than the top.One other thing I've discovered is that coffee pot filters folded over a couple of times make a fantastic applicator that is absorbent but totally smooth and lint free and cheap.

[@thegaijin]

Finished mine today. Loving it. Thanks.

[@guntherswanson8478]

Great Stuff! It's good to know how well the finish has held up over the years for you! Now I just need to find the time to do that for my guitars...

[@musickman123]

I just did this to a bass neck I had laying around. I fire scorched the wood before I applied to finish. It turned out amazing.

[@TheRockinDonkey]

Sorry to necro an old video, but that finish is awesome. Well done, sir. I discovered you a week or so ago and I've thoroughly enjoyed every one of your videos.

[@billhuang6506]

Thanks Uncle Ben! This worked great. I want to add a little info for those who might be worried about Skunk Stripes on a Strat. I was concerned a bit, but went ahead and did your process to my American Std. Strat. For those thinking about this, I say go for it! The only thing is that it will take a LOT of coats of the Tru Oil to fill the grain in the skunk stripe. (Mahogony I think...or walnut). Also, instead of a cloth like Ben used, I just used a paper towel. My process was coat, wait 1hr, coat, etc...for about 5-6 coats of oil a day. Let it dry overnight and use the steel wool in the morning. Sight down the neck against a back light and you'll see little shiny streaks after you use the steel wool - this is Tru Oil in the grain. Keep doing this process until the shiny streaks are gone. Done. I left the original finish on the back of the headstock and the neck pocket so as not to loosen the fit of the neck. Last point: It may be placebo effect, but sanding all the poly off the neck seems to have opened the sound up a bit. Cool. Enjoy!

[@Divide]

Excellent tutorial uncle Ben! I've been playing guitar in ultra amateur category for years. Your tips have really improved my guitar man skills. Thanks for sharing your expertise!

[@BenEller]

Great to hear, man!

[@granto425]

You should definitely do a how to swirl paint a guitar video!

[@TheCrimsonIdol987]

I second this motion.

[@billboyd1317]

Grant Bowen hydrodipped.. tons of videos on it

[@MichaelWilson-ri9pn]

Yes please

[@The_JustJoshing]

YES

[@Jesse-ux4ld]

Used my hand finger to click like.

[@VierImageStudios]

I'm waiting on my third coat of oil to dry right now. Just wanted to tell you that even though this is an old video, it's still appreciated. I can already feel a huge difference in my old RG. Thank you for all you do!

[@Eidolon11]

Love these types of videos man. Even outside of typical guitar theory kind of stuff your videos are entertaining. You definitely should keep these comin!

[@InterloperBand]

AND the right arm hand/left arm hand comment. Damn, these videos rule.

[@skybluemarshall]

"...I'm completely not responsible for that. I'm just some jackass on the internet..." That's probably one the best disclaimers I have ever heard.

[@tonyhughes9298]

THanks for this Ben, it is a lot of fun to watch your videos. Also very informative.

[@cymbop]

I appreciate your know-how and your vibe.

[@bluetopia42]

"Just a little bit rough. The way your mother likes it."

[@EventHorizonPrdctns]

Intonation in conjunction with truss rod setting would be a great video.

[@XiyuYang]

Event Horizon Productions especially on a guitar with a Floyd Rose bridge. Takes forever to get these right.

[@renesimons1285]

@@XiyuYang A company called Red Bishop makes an ingenious tool that makes intonating a Floyd a breeze. ALL of my guitars have floating Floyd systems and discovering this device likely saved me from eventually ending up in the nervous hospital! It’s brilliant, it’s quick and it is, above all else, accurate. You can find them on Amazon and for what it’s worth, the other devices that try to do the job simply don’t even come close. I know from experience!! Best to ya and happy intonation!! Cheers.

[@danshogun7051]

Ben , thanks for doing this video. Im glad it was extensive , a lot of vids online (more than just this topic) are real short and only cover some of what you need to know and that's how ppl mess up their shit. Did this to both my Jackson's and they play better than ever. Again thanks dude!!

[@InterWebGuy99]

Enjoyed the whole journey. Also learned a lot. Thanks much!

[@CerealDust-nStuff]

"... that was such a fun prom." That made me laugh out loud!

[@Kardall]

Shrediknight... genious... seriously ... genious... I have never heard that before...

[@BenEller]

+Kardall i'm an idea man!

[@BenEller]

+Johnny Mickem *videos suck. Come on, man, at least use proper English when you tear me down! Thanks for watching.

[@BenEller]

+Johnny Mickem aaaaahahaha damn it you got me!!!! I shoulda known! Haha thanks for watching, my man!

[@wkdemers]

Ben Eller I SANDED THE NECK OF MY 1958 GOLD TOP GIBSON LES PAUL UNTIL I RAN INTO SOME METAL ROD! IS THAT SUPPOSED TO BE IN THERE? O_O D:

[@TheAsylum23]

Thank you so much finally a real tutorial that makes sense! I'll be trying this soon. I subbed :)

[@Ibaneddie76]

THIS IS A GREAT VIDEO, VERY INFORMATIVE I'VE BEEN BUILDING CUSTOM GUITARS FOR A WHILE AND I USE TRUE OIL ON ALL OF MY BUILDS UNLESS A CUSTOMER MAKES ME USE THAT OTHER GUCK LIKE NITRO. A COUPLE THINGS I WOULD LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE TI THIS VIDEO THAT ARE IMPORTANT WHEN WORKING WITH TRUE OIL OR ANY OTHER OILS WITH DRYING AGENTS. ITS BEST TO NOT BUNCH UP USED OIL RAGS AND THROW THEM IN THE GARBAGE, THEY CAN COMBUST AND START A FIER, I LAY THEM FLAT ON THE CONCRETE SPRAY A LITTLE WATER ON THEM AND LET THEM DRY OUT, AFTER THAT THEY ARE SAFE TO TOSS OUT, SECOND TRUE OIL HAS A SHORT SHELF LIFE, FOR SOME REASON THEY SHIP IT IN PLASIC BOTTLES SO ONCE YOU OPEN IT IT STARTS DRYING OUT. A COUPLE WAYS TO MAKE IT LAST LONGER ARE ONLY POKE A SMALL HOLE IN THE FOIL TOP UNDER THE LID, IT WILL ALLOW ENOUGH OIL TO COME OUT BUT LIMMIT THE AMOUNT OF AIR ALSO REPLACE THE LID ANY TIME YOU ARE NOT PORING SOME OUT, AND WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED, MAKING SURE THE LID IS ON TITE, STORE THE OPENED BOTTLE UPSIDE DOWN, THIS WILL HELP KEEP AIR OUT AND YOU WILL GET A LONGER SHELF LIFE OUT OF IT. BEN IS RIGHT THOUGH, TRUE OIL IS THE BEE'S KNEES.

[@DropdaLTDtoB]

13:59 That was me in the sanding/finishing process of my high school project. Psycroptic, Entombed and Dark Funeral all made a fine soundtrack.

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

I love those RG3120's!!! Ibanez should bring them back!

[@jmluna86jl]

BEN ELLER you're tutorial saved my guitar neck and my marriage!! thank you!

[@scorpion666lair]

Thanks uncle Ben ;) great vid, keep them coming!!!

[@BenEller]

+Nathan Sheppard you bet!

[@thygod]

More paint tutorials. Bring back the swirl video you had way back. And yes, oil/wax finishes are awesome.

[@higler.]

Wow Ben, such acting skillz! And seriously at 4:28 I lost my shit.

[@BenEller]

Thanks for watching my man!!!

[@lucasmatias9021]

Very good stuff man. Congrats

[@sebastianschmidt3365]

Great video Ben!

[@stalker11421]

can't wait to see that fallout paint ibanez in full playable glory

[@BenEller]

+Erotic Potato me too!!!!

[@shrimptunes3463]

How about sharing the technique involved in making that finish, Ben?

[@satchrules101]

Hey Ben , I know it’s old but..I would like to know after you keep hitting it with the steel wool do u keep reapplying the oil ?

[@toacristoba]

the only thing i could think during most of the vid was; "damnnnnnnn uncle ben lives ina an awesome beutiful place!!!!!!!!!!!.... no wonders how he get his inspiration for writing sick solos!!"

[@BenEller]

+Cristobal Gajardo haha thanks man, Tennessee is beautiful!

[@malcolmi]

Thanks Ben, I followed your instructions and the outcome was outstanding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Wave1dave]

Did this step by step and all I can say it's really worth it! Thanks Ben ;)

[@EURIPODES]

My old Martin backpacker never looked better. Aunt Julie says hi.

[@Jarcademis]

Did you try this on the neck only, or the body as well?

[@EURIPODES]

+Jason Campbell I did the whole guitar. It definitely brought out some nice figure on the front.

[@Jarcademis]

EURIPODES I'm glad to hear that. The sapele neck on mine needs some TLC. I might as well do the whole thing.

[@EURIPODES]

+Jason Campbell A billion custom high end gun stocks can't be wrong. Go for it.

[@Jarcademis]

EURIPODES good point.

[@Lavabug]

Would love to see you do a video on your approach to floyd rose bridge setups.

[@BenEller]

+Lavabug awesome!!

[@joshgregory6560]

that would be very helpful

[@veetimiikki2262]

was gonna recommend the same thing :D

[@NiCadHeliPilot]

+Ben Eller Yea, man. Do it. 'Cause I've managed to break the shit outta the floyd on one of my guitars. I've broken the whammy bar on it, stripped the nut where one of the little clamps fit into it & I think I've managed to strip the head on one of the screws on the tremolo bridge itself (where the thing bolts the string down).

[@NathanCMusicz]

+Lavabug Oh God yes please.

[@CP110]

I really appreciate this vid, I am someone who modifies everything to make it more one of a kind and personal (cars, computer, guitars) and this seems like a great way to spruce up a less than favorable/cheaper neck

[@evanlevenseller3080]

This video was hands down one of the best you've done. Totally educational, but insanely funny haha!

[@MRay-zj4ro]

I'm too a'scarrrred to try this. Will playing my guitar for 40 years without washing my hands ever have a similar effect?

[@rybanberr2770]

I kinda wanna buy like a shitty 100$ guitar and like scallop it and do this.

[@guthrie1181]

+The Dark Lord I took a shitty old Fender squire stagemaster and scalloped the neck with a dremel. Now it's my favorite guitar. Scalloped necks are the best.

[@kirtfulcher6288]

Get a kit guitar from Solo or such, the necks have only a protective coating so not so much initial sanding.

[@TheKilman102]

Just sand it. It's gonna be fine.

[@brucelevine6517]

@@TheKilman102 yes if you sand the existing finish with 400 sand paper it will be just fine no need for all this mess the idea is to get rid of the gloss that's all

[@Cmoth040]

Instead of steel wool, use a Scotch-Brite or similar pad. Leaves just as good of a finish without any metal particles.

[@roywarriner8441]

I've tried scotch-brite to take some of the finish off the neck of my epi. Didn't seem to do anything, the polyurethane is too hard, light rubbing with 0000 steel wool worked very well.

[@markrogers7304]

@@roywarriner8441 automotive scotch Brite? The dish aisle stuff is not good.

[@roywarriner8441]

@@markrogers7304I tried the blue stuff that you would use for non-stick cookware. It didn't work so I used steel wool. But I have since tried the green scotch pad and it works best.

[@markrogers7304]

@@roywarriner8441 home depot and lowes, go to paint supply section and there will be 2 types of scotch Brite. 1 grey and one a dark maroon. The grey is higher grit and red is lower grit. They both will do more with less work than steel wool. These are the same pads used in automotive painting. I use them anytime I paint and leave no mess like steel wool and are fairly cheap and last awhile.

[@roywarriner8441]

@@markrogers7304 the green grade works fine, I had tried blue because I was a little timid.

[@Niamorg1007]

Man, I've been struggling to get some proper information on neck maintenance lately, and just when I was about to purchase some stuff and get started (with no conviction, I must say), you upload this. Great and useful video, thanks!

[@kembooo000]

followed this tutorial to the letter. First successful DIY job I managed to do in my whole life. Thanks Ben!

[@higler.]

Really great video, but you did not answer the important question! How do you have such sexy and plentiful freckles on yours arm, yet black hair? Tutorial plz?

[@BenEller]

+higler420 okay i'll come clean, i meticulously apply them daily, and touch them up in between takes. HAPPY NOW???

[@dannykiernan]

Fret taaaaangs.

[@jamesw4850]

Thanks Ben. Just found your videos and they are great!

[@Crazycook678]

Ben I just want to thank you for this video, I have finished two necks, and they are both awesome! If you have anymore good knowledge I am ready to hear about it. Thanks again Ben you Rock!!

[@jackk9366]

Instructions unclear; My warmoth neck is in me arse along with some steel wool.

[@higler.]

Well at least it sounds like you had fun with it :)

[@zackallen4329]

you can't make fun of disturbed with a harry potter shirt on, but anyway, nice tutorial

[@garthstillman8536]

Enjoying your vids, thanks!

[@BudhagRizzo]

This made my Top 3 Favorite Videos from youse!

[@BenEller]

+Budhag Rizzo siiiiiiick!!!!!

[@EdDanaGuitar]

Jesus Christ. Do I use Blue or Green tape?

[@BenEller]

Either way man!

[@ouncy]

+Ed Dana Cut the red wire!

[@siddharthghosh3963]

+ouncy But I see light grey, medium grey and dark grey!

[@JakeSpino]

I like Disturbed......

[@pacmanbiohazard]

+Jakey Ringo Step 1. Spot the problem.

[@ZanmaruV2]

+Jakey Ringo Someone has to

[@SilverTheGuitarist]

Then why do you have a City of Evil photo as a profile photo?

[@JakeSpino]

andrei260902 Because it's a great album. (I take it back. New Disturbed album was shit)

[@SoCal71RS]

Good stuff. Thanks Ben!

[@BenEller]

+SoCal71RS thanks for watching!

[@jameskung2648]

Highly helpful and hilarious! Thanks, Ben. Just ordered Tru Oil and Wax.

[@wildmilne]

Excellent video, i absolutely love my Ernie Ball Musicman neck and i look forward to making some of my other guitars match that great feel!

[@masterman6537]

You make everything about the guitar fun and enjoyable.

[@Chumbucket0502]

Great video! You really explained it in depth and gave great details on what to do/look for! 10/10

[@BenEller]

+Chumbucket0502 thanks dude!!!

[@DwightMS1]

You're not just some jackass on the internet. You're a good teacher.

[@BenEller]

Hahaha I like to think of myself as some jackass on the internet who also happens to be a good teacher!!! Thanks dude :)

[@musterionsurly]

Fkn amazing Ben, can't thank you enuff, knowledge is power indeed, you shared the magic !

[@steveevans4932]

I've just finished the 3rd neck with your system and i will tell you they are smooth and fast, and look great thank you ben for this video

[@zecrotic]

I sanded up to 800 grit and did this and it feels so good I can't stop playing. Thanks Ben!

[@calmistheway]

you covered it all. great video.

[@Joeskint]

Tru-oil's great stuff, I did the back of one of my Strat necks several years ago and it's still looking and playing great.

[@RotterStudios]

great video dude!

[@azuljay912]

You're the best! I LMAO all the time watching your videos, great personality and humor makes learning fun :-)

[@gmo4046]

Thanks kindly for the entertaining and helpful vid, rock on

[@NoahfromEarth]

Uncle Ben your videos always crack me up.

[@YomYestreen]

Your swirl guitars look great. Awesome color choices. Anyway, thanks for this tutorial. I appreciate it.

[@MezaBlitz]

The lime green one looks the best

[@smunchnU]

Sooooo informational and entertaining. I would love to see you go further into setting action, intonation, tension springs etc.

[@BenEller]

+smunchnU thanks a lot man!

[@Bad_Phil]

Nice, gave me a great laugh during a brutal Monday as well!Arigato!

[@justinmdominiak]

I love the 90's video game music in the background.

[@daveselectronicguitarchann9981]

Excellent video.

[@krimsonlediable]

I love your commentary Ben, you're ACE!!!

[@BenEller]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@vikingmetaliscool]

Thanks dude, great video. I'm keen to try this on some of my guitars now. Would love to see a video on pickup/5 way switch wiring and installations.

[@blakewalsworth3814]

Thanks uncle ben and granpa cecile. Enjoy the guitar tech lessons and the sanding trick your grandfather handed down to you. Thanks for sharing that.

[@KM-ws8qs]

thanks Ben.....detailed. real good job

[@BenEller]

Thanks Keith!

[@kirtfulcher6288]

I just wanted to say I followed this tutorial for 2 Solo Kit guitars I purchased and they.Feel.AWESOME... I did go to 400 grit, then 4 thin coats of Tru-Oil, 0000 Wool buff, then 2 more coats and a final 0000 buff. After wax, they felt INSANELY good. Very easy to do if you follow instructions, also very rewarding!

[@flo-bezee9547]

Dude your the best.. funny and informative.

[@flippercarlin1657]

Awesome tutorial, I've been doing the Fender Eric Clapton Super Glue finish on all my guitars, taught to me by John Page in the ole 90's custom shop

[@Packetking87]

Thanks for another great video! Hopefully you’ve sanded and finished that deck by now too

[@savatagelives2741]

Great video. I'm 49 and really just started playing recently after building a Criss Oliva tribute Jackson. Wanted to take the yellowish clear off the neck just to make it look brighter and found I loved it like that.Wondered, about sealing it so this video answered the question. Thanks. by the way I took it to the TSO concert in November a got it signed by the band. Just wish Criss was alive to sign it. I just do not get the negative comments when someone is just passing on some WISDOM.

[@AntonioDoesMetal]

22:12 'It does feel just a little bit rough the way your mother likes it'. Your execution on saying this without skipping a beat was amazing. Bravo

[@ScottfromBaltimore]

Fret leveling - I'd love to see a vid by you on that. Maybe there is one already. Anyway, this was great. Thanks!

[@tele4420]

I just finished the process on an rg350mz that I scalloped all 24 and modded everything. Having had done it now I'm going to do it on my entire collection of rg's one at a time. Thanks Ben

[@nomad1713]

That was such a fun prom.

[@bellend69]

Love it.

[@GoldenBrain3000]

Thanks for the info! I found a cheap chinese guitar in the trash down the street and I've replaced everything on it and painted it. My last step was the neck. Waiting for my first coat of True Oil to dry right now. It already feels amazing! Thanks!!

[@rcalchemy766]

Thank You for this Schweet Tutorial!!! Just bought the complete refinish kit from Birchwood Casey at my local Sporting goods store which included everything including walnut stain and and extra conditioner I may try to give it a satin look. Getting ready to try this on my 1991 MIJ RG570 neck that was in severe need of some love...Even grabbed some FrogTape...Thanks again!!!

[@bajakl]

The more info the better .awesome swirl painting.Would like to see that as well.