This New Tool Is Bad News For Techs Who Charge Too Much. Musicnomad SAFE File

#knowyourgear
Sweetwater Safe file link
sweetwater.sjv.io/LXG32V
Musicnomad Safe file tool link
amzn.to/3SWS9VC
Patreons saw this video days ago and gave feedback to make it batter. You can to on the next one. Sign up for Patreon
www.patreon.com/phillipmcknightKYG
Links to tools in this video
Musicnomad Safe file tool link
amzn.to/3SWS9VC
stew mac tool link
stewmac.sjv.io/xkPD5y
Fret Guards I used
sweetwater.sjv.io/jrgvxP
Micro Mesh kit I used
amzn.to/49uVxMW
Stew Mac Z file
stewmac.sjv.io/DKr2Dy
Fishman Rare Earth Pickup Im showing in this video
sweetwater.sjv.io/AWDeEx
The New Merch is finally here!!!!!!!!!
www.kyg.altacolor.com
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[@patrickharvey6310]

I'm a 67 year old man with 8 guitars worth between $1700 to $4500 each. Now I'm living on Social Security and a very small pension. I love my guitars and want them well cared for. I like working with tools and want to keep my guitars in great shape. Thanks for this video.

[@tiki_trash]

@@Peterbrendanalbert A good playing guitar is worth more than its initial price sometimes.

[@tiki_trash]

@@Peterbrendanalbert I've had some cheapo guitars that just played right and sounded good when they did it. Sigma acoustics and Danelectros come to mind. I had a Takamine that played really nice, it was my #1 for a while.

[@tiki_trash]

@@Peterbrendanalbert The two Danos that I owned were set up by the luthier that I bought them from. I loved them.

[@tonykrch357]

You could be me in 3-4 years except I only have 1 upscale guitar. A 2001 EBMM Steve Morse blueburst. Wanna start a bar band for giggles and a couple bucks here and there? As if I'm lucky enough for You not to be on the other side of the country, lol

[@ThomasDoubting5]

Pmsl 😂​@@TheArmchairrocker

[@disco4535]

The Music Nomad tool kits I bought are excellent. Will absolutely be adding one of these to the kit.

[@tompoynton]

Yeah very underrated, they have some great tutorials too

[@SBeckerDTD]

​@@tompoyntonAbsolutely. Music Nomad and Stewmac should be everyone's go to tutorials.

[@disco4535]

@@milandjordjevic7952 Lmao. Quality is quality, couldnt care less who stole who's idea (theyve all stolen ideas) and Ive tried many different brands including SM. Especially the cheaper ones. You get what you pay for and Im very happy with my purchase, and Im not broke

[@sisajtegabre]

@@tompoynton Overpriced in my opinion but of course people can sell files for as much as they like. Their ''great tools'' are IMHO nothing more then copies of tools made by people who invented things , people like me and those similar to me. Or they are based on those items. Guitar polish exists for metal it cost like 5 times less only it doesn't have a picture of a guitar on a tube. Then fret rocker, nut file exists for decades even with diamond, fret protector and so on. This was my idea long ago and i made difrent file but the main crucial part so called ''safe line'' was invented almost 10 years ago.

[@Jgreen2794]

I recently did a fret level, and had a heck of a time getting a good crown. I just ordered one of these. Thanks Phil!

[@wmot206]

Congrats on 350!

[@jalopp42]

Congratz on 350!

[@moxzilla6]

Bro the shit sold out already 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫

[@hi-gainhignite9473]

I'm a local tech here in Pensacola. I've learned a lot of killer little stuff from you man and I really appreciate your channel. Keep up the good work and good luck to everyone on that beautiful acoustic.🤘😎🤘

[@harshgarrett]

would you ever consider taking on an apprentice? I'm from Indiana and am looking for any excuse to leave. no one is hiring here. 600 applications ignored so far lol.

[@chrisgaines3072]

​@@harshgarrettHey Bro, go to Nashville and try to get on at Gibson...I started there in 1991 and they teach you how they want things done, but I made great $$ and had a blast. I was there for 11 yrs and Gibson gave me a lifestyle I never thought I'd have. If u have the aptitude and the desire to learn, you shld give em a try. Plus you get half off list price on any guitar, and they'll spread the payments over 10 weeks and deduct it from your paycheck pretax. I dont think I got a full paycheck for the first 5 yrs I was there.

[@TheSavagederek]

Nice acoustic . Thank you for the videos and especially the live streams on a Friday evening Phil . I hope you and the family and the dog are all well .

[@squirelova1815]

The 'Fret Maestro' is also an excellent double duty simultaneous fret leveler-crowner precision tool. It is Radius specific per tool and costs more but there is no "learning curve" involved and the Fret Maestro only removes the Bare Minimum amount of metal necessary to level each specific fret so that your fret life will also be as maximum as possible. The inventor says it's like having a Plek machine in your hand and of course there is a built in filing depth safety.

[@willster7272]

yeah i saw the video recently and that old guy really knows what hes talking about i want to buy that tool

[@MrMusicM67]

That orangewood is BEAUTIFUL!!

[@kristopherkrahl1597]

Phil, Congrats on 350! 👊

[@TheFlutecart]

Really cool new tools. Especially the Nomad crowning tool. Amazon is sold out at the moment. As a note, all my acoustics are trashed now, one needs frets and the other needs bracing repairs. That acoustic guitar is really gorgeous and I love that pickup, I'm a magnetic guy. Great video!

[@mayanation]

The MusicNomad diamond coated fret dressing tool is sweet too.

[@chrissgardiner]

Just stumbled across this video and you absolutely sold me on picking one of these up as soon as I can. Thank you!

[@claudeperrier6274]

Thank you for the demo of the nomad crowning file I was actually shopping to find the right one that would safeguard the sharpie line on top when crowning a fret, now of course is going to be getting one haha.

[@anthonybarnes4534]

Great video as always Philip! So just to confirm, you recommend the fret kisser for leveling and the music nomad for crowning?

[@niclastname]

Man what a fantastic idea for a new design! It's one of those things where I can't believe it took so long for it to be created.

[@InGrindWeCrust2010]

This looks great. The smooth center of each groove is clever. May actually be something to convince me to get in addition to the Fret Guru crowning file.

[@charlesb7831]

My tech was actually saying he preferred the old Stewmac files over the Z file. I have the older Stewmac one's, however I will be getting this new S file looks fantastic!

[@jazic82]

Good luck finding one in stock for the next month or more! :p

[@PhillipMcKnight]

I called sweetwater rep they said they get more in early March

[@danthegeetarman]

@@whothehedoyouthinkiam7662 18 now 😬

[@knowyourjoe8826]

at 7:10 pm Central Time - 40 min ago you posted info - Amazon- #1 New Release in Guitar Tools (Congrats Phil - you are the man!) - out of stock now... "We don't know if or when this item will be back in stock" or something to that effect... @@whothehedoyouthinkiam7662

[@jimijam1963]

@@whothehedoyouthinkiam7662 gone now

[@edbstrung]

Amazon has zero now.

[@Seppleberry]

I was complaining about this issue yesterday while crowning. I need this safe zone file so badly. Thanks man!

[@careygoldfine7431]

‘Thanks as always’ for your informative unbiased reviews.

[@timvanboening9432]

Wow. I am going to need to get that tool. Entered the contest, also!

[@mattsteele3031]

Thanks again, Phil. I usually watch on TV so don’t comment, but I wanted to throw one in because I have the chance tonight.

[@scottg8956]

Great idea but be careful with stainless steel frets, I got mine from Sweetwater and used it on 1 refret and the diamonds are gone on the first half of the 94+ side of the file. Music Nomad makes fantastic products and I own several but this is going back.

[@_Yep_Yep_]

Thanks, Phil MC Knight!

[@GIBKEL]

Cool giveaway. They just bed I’ve played are great. That was a great tip but they already sold out! I have to remember that one.

[@johnnolan4312]

Woot woot Phil!! Congratulations!

[@peterjones4621]

Thank you for the great class Phillip!! Always enjoy your informative videos, rock on!

[@jeffrowlette]

I actually just got mine 2 days ago....it's excellent 👌

[@trev_mcnaughton]

I love musicnomad stuff. I have their nut files and action gauges which have served me oh so well. I'm glad to see they have a fret crowning file. looks similar to the hosco set I have, tho all in one piece. The hosco ones aren't diamond but the ridged file kinda thing (don't know what it's called).. I'm so happy to see more accessible tools for average joes. It's a good way to help maintain your guitar, but also a good start into small luthier tasks.

[@aplanebagel]

Very interesting! :O Do they make tools for fret sprout ?

[@BobRock420]

You the man Phil. ALWAYS APPRECIATE your videos brother.

[@charlesscotttuttle8346]

Very insightful video. Thank you for sharing

[@sirnatanielson]

Always into learning new home DIY tech work. Forced myself to start learning about a year ago or so. Now I enjoy it whereas it freaked me out as a teenager. Subscribed. Enjoyed this video!

[@eupraxis1]

Outstanding!!! Ordered that grooved rocker just now.

[@andy160676]

That is a fab tool to have, im really thinking if getting one of those to keep the frets at there best. Great video, full of tips

[@sarguitars6603]

Phil, have you seen the new fret guards that cover ALL the frets at once? only short coming is you need one for each of the common scales, but since 25.5 covers almost all my electrics and even 2 of my acoustics that one I'll have to get. it's called fret shield also from music nomad.

[@kevinedgeman4259]

Thanks Phil, old players and techs like me ( I do all of my own work and setups) love hearing about better tools. I'll definitely be adding one of those to my box.

[@jimsliverootsculturemusic]

Using the Nomad tool, can you also smooth down fret ends that have a bit of sprout? Or does that require a different tool?

[@RobbieNewberry]

Thanks for sharing. Could you link the video of where you showed and alternative way of using a normal fret rocker and attached sand paper for a home made fret kisser?

[@claudiajay8291]

?? Phil how are the angled fret dressing files? The ones that are over your left shoulder ? I was thinking of buying one of those to get the angle on the tips right….thanks for showing this new tool ! ❤

[@mikedwiles]

Thanks Phil. I have the fret kisser and can say it really helps with spot leveling. I use the Z-file as well. Both great products. I'll have to check out the Music Nomad one. Appreciate your reviews and insight.

[@jonscudder759]

This is one of the best and helpful videos! Thanks again!

[@markmashia7551]

As always, thanks for a great review.

[@bbilman056]

does the coarseness of the music nomad file matter after you polish? Is the final product the same?

[@jonbarnett9363]

Do you still need something else for dressing fret ends? These two tools are the leveling and crowning tools. But fret ends can be an issue as well. Any recommendations there? Thanks for all that you do!

[@dpdockery]

Damnit Phil now I need to get a new file 😃

[@LRHutch]

Great video Phillip. Nice guitar to give away to someone who needs it. The fret crowning tool is the best ive ever seen or used. Have a good one.

[@scoutgirl7739]

What a blessing you are to me. Ive been a musician since 8 years old (ill turn 65 on 2-21) i learn valuable tips from you with every video you post. I look forward to starting my week with you. Thank you Philip. Kurtiss (Citizen Joe from Silverado Ca and lake havasu AZ) 🙏👍

[@jimdawson5299]

What a coincidence! I turn 65 on the 19th, and have been playing guitar since I was 13.

[@slingpeace]

Oh if hasn’t already been mentioned but the music nomad tool that has the string height, pick up height and string height, measure also doubles as that tool to check for high frets.

[@cmatte82]

Cool file. Add some music nomad nut slot files and with a little time and patience you can make any guitar play like a dream.

[@lorenzoparedes2306]

I am not a tech, but I usually do minor repairs and adjustments to my guitars. Right now, I have two acoustic guitars with one or two high frets that would be good candidates for the tool you demonstrated in the video. Thank you.

[@jamesquirk8656]

Very cool video and tutorial. I would definitely want to try this out on cheap guitars first! :)

[@coffeerocker1429]

Stupendous info Phil. Im very seriously considering buying this tool from your video. Cheers Glenn

[@marcostassi4141]

great video Phil! Can you use the safe file on guitars with fret nibs?

[@ListenHereOldMan]

yeah i'd also like to know

[@TractorMonkeywithJL]

If I'm understanding how that Nomad file works, you need to be able to file perfectly straight and that any deviation will just file down the whole fret instead of leaving the middle untouched. Is that a correct assumption? If so that maybe easier said than done. Is the file edge concave so it feels like that it can't slip sideways when using it?

[@marijandesin8226]

How do you know it's only that one being fret raised? Could the adjacent one have been to low? I tought frets were curved a little lengthwise with the fretboard and not just 100% flat

[@jeffrowlette]

Huge tip...on diamond files, use a little oil and it will work better and last MUCH longer 😀

[@ktsproductionstudio]

What kind of oil?

[@jeffrowlette]

@kiratheshepsky I'm an Aerospace machinist for 39 years....any light oil...even, yes, vegetable oil will do. Wd40 would be too light...a drop of clean engine oil....any light to medium oil.

[@chipcaronte]

Tip appreciated! Thanks!

[@knowyourjoe8826]

What oil would be good to use that would not affect or damage the fretboard? Thanks for the info!

[@jeffrowlette]

@knowyourjoe8826 Clarinet bore oil is what I dress my fingerboard with...it would work fine...less than 10 bucks on Amazon.

[@Tiomofee]

Great advice again. Thank you from Germany. :-)

[@jconner3891]

I bought the positive grid months ago and have not tried with my electric. Is there any cool tones for metal Like Gojira tones or something in the realm. Thanks m

[@AnimalJohn85]

Ive been looking for a way to help speed my fretwork up and this may just be it. Cheers sir for another great vid :)

[@johnmcneil9164]

You said you preferred the Music Nomad file over the Stew Mac Z file...seeing as though there is more polishing work with the Music Nomad, do you still prefer it when doing stainless frets, given the extra amount of effort it takes to get them smooth?

[@alexcornu]

I would really be interrested in you making a vidéo tour of this impressive workshop, explaning all these tools around you, why you’ve sélect them, for what purpose. Even if it a 5 parts series with nerdy details I thing it would be awesome !

[@Zapone13]

Sold out everywhere! Thanks Phillip LOL

[@EmbelekoBand]

Wow! both tools are still worth the amount with the positive results at the end. Especially if we own more than one guitar 😂 The acoustic sounds beautiful. I loved its tone when you played it on Fridays show live. Today’s tone is just as sweet. Thanks for sharing Phil 👍🤘

[@jimdawson5299]

Question: do you remove the neck relief before doing a fret job?

[@MrNinfofan]

Hey Phil do you have a full guitar setup guide including fret leveling?

[@papasteve7376]

As always, thanks for the information/demonstration Phil

[@quiksilver78]

As always, know your gear

[@diostaylow]

How about sharp fret ends? Would that tool work too? Thabks

[@astrozombie2000]

Very awesome tools and demo, thank you Phil!

[@thomasbauer3991]

Hi Phil, big fan here. I’m wondering what your thoughts are on the Fretmaestro system?

[@Robert-Smith]

This was such a good idea that they sold out before I could get mine LOL. I did finally get mine and what a nice crowning file!

[@54fighting5]

Congrats on 350. Who knew that being honest and not shilling for a particular company is the key to success?😁 Thanks for all the hours of info Phil🙏

[@michaelbosch9024]

Back in my guitar tech days. I messed up a cheap guitar trying to do a fret level and plain once. I didn't realize the fret file was a two sided tool with two different sizes. It was s shop guitar and i was in training but I never tried to do that job again but I'd do everything else to a guitar (I'm no longer a guitar tech). my latest guitar purchase needed a fret level and plain. I paid a tech $95 to do this job. Next time this comes up I'm buying these tools and doing the work. I know i feel such a sense of accomplishment if i can learn to do this job properly.

[@Zerpersande]

It’s ‘plane’, right?

[@SirSendys]

If your big brain is so small that you need proper spelling in order to gain context, then you've really let yourself down.@@Zerpersande

[@michaelbosch9024]

@@Zerpersande WTF? you go around spell checking randos comments? i'd try out getting a life if i were you.

[@fullscanproductions]

Nothing replaces 'mileage' (doing a particular task often and recently)....so don't be too rough on yourself for messing up a cheap guitar back in the day Hey, at least it was a cheap guitar!

[@michaelbosch9024]

@@fullscanproductions I appreciate the kind words and encouragement. I agree with the sentiment of repeating a task and doing it recently. This was thankfully preached to me in art school but I think i was due for a reminder. so thank you. Gotta keep that muscle memory tight!

[@darkinertia2]

if its anything like diamond sharpenung stones, they need to be broken in before theyre at the correct grit because some of the grit will fall off initially so its technically coarser than it should be

[@matthewmincer4124]

I had that same idea for a fret file years ago but I never did anything with it.

[@valvenator]

The point you made about the cost, so true. You pay as much or even less for the tool than paying someone to do it and you save money in the long run next time you have the same project. I once paid to have someone rout a hole in my guitar for a humbucker and realized later I could have bought a small router, the cutter and templates for less, and done a better job.

[@sclogse1]

I don't know how to fix a feet dead spot. If It's low, on one string do you use a tool to push the edges toward the center to raise it?

[@SteO23]

Thanks for the video, superbly presented as usual. If you don't mind I will give my small review of it after purchasing and using it last night. In all honesty I wasn't as impressed but admittedly that could 100% be my own fault as I'm a bit of noob into the guitar world (1.5 yr). After levelling to the best of my ability I gave the S File a whirl. For the most part I could neither hear nor feel when it was done, it was literally guess work other than actually looking at it of course. The finish absolutely destroyed the metal as it had rather large slices taken from the steel frets. After a couple of hours of attempting to smoothen them off eventually they are for the most part OK at the very tops but jeez that was hard work. Needless to say my guitar still buzzes and no matter how many videos I watch I can't quite get it spot on with any of them. I also have no experience with other files to compare and have never attempted to re-crown frets before. Hopefully this doesn't put anyone off but just bare in mind not everyone is as good as our mate Phil :)

[@KISSGreatestFan]

Awesome Video! Thank you!🎸

[@pzuliomaccavellion9711]

What a channel! Thanks Phill!

[@corneliuscrewe677]

I really like that idea. I have an older Stewmac fret file, but this seems like a better tool.

[@RayBecker]

Music Nomad makes a lot of great tools but, I just got my grubby hands on the Fret Guru Dagger crowning file. It's a Diamond file as well. There are some very cool new tools out there that can allow even a Fred Flinstone like me to do all of my own work. I figure, once you get past 5 to 8 guitars, it's time to invest in tools and skills. With all of that said, if I can get it through Stew-Mac, I will do that, why? It's a small business in Ohio and I would hate to see it close. All of us can vote with our hard earned dollars and as a matter of loyalty, I would pay a few more dollars with a local business instead of the big box stores. Every guitarist/bassist can be their own tech. To be sure, nowadays we really don't know how good the local tech is. If they even care about their work. That's why I just do it myself. I will try any repair on my stuff

[@paulg1897]

Question: I see that when Phil leveled and crowned the fret that he didn't mask off the frets with tape. Would it be advantageous when attempting this for the first time that I mask off the fretboard, and use a sharpie to annotate which frets require getting leveled?

[@valentiguitars]

Very cool! the problem I always encounter with diamond plated files is that they don't last very long on stainless steel frets. if you work on your own guitars is fine, but if you do tens of fretboards every month, that thing is not going to last. Nothing beats a very good single cut file in that case (or a Plek 😁).

[@DustinRadtke]

Oh, hell yeah! I second if I'm messing up my height by crowning too long all the time. Now I won't have to worry about it! I ordered this right away. Thanks man!

[@vicentecarvajalramirezcarvi]

For that i do the job with a crimson guitars 3 corner file , is difficult at the beginning to use but then is amazing to use and very good but that file of music nomad is very amazing too i think ,very good idea

[@Charwood81]

The Fret Kisser is great for sorting out 1 or two high frets, but to get all the fretwire right with each other you'll never beat a proper full fret level. I always like to see what Music Nomad bring out and I do like the look of the crowning file. Already got the Z File and two of the smaller Z Files for crowning over the body area and they work great, so I can't see me changing for a while. Plus Music Nomad stuff takes ages to filter on to the UK markets

[@Stu66orn]

I usually do ordinary fretfile first like fretguru / triangle. Then last strokes with expensive diamond file on ss frets.

[@tarak714]

Great video, thank you!!!!

[@user-uu1wc6yz5z]

The old saying is ...... ""I don't know why they didn't think of this long ago"" . Quite literally , ..... I don't know why they didn't think of this long ago ! There was another tool out there not too long ago with a similar concept , ( I'll not name names ) but it had numerous skeptics . Including me regarding the radius accuracy of that one . This Nomad product is the best of the old school tech and that idea . Plus The Nomad allows you to be in control of your intended area of where you are applying effort on the fret . I Love that ! ! I was intentionally procrastinating buying other types of files because I was intentional looking for simething just like this for my 500 dollar guitar . Now I can't wait to get one and do my guitar maintenance . I prefer to do my own work so i know it was done with care . Thank you.... thank you ... thank you Phillip ! P.S. - This is the first vid of yours i have watched / come across . I don't Sub to just any creator. You have my Sub and 👍 without a doubt .

[@TheGospelGuitarist]

My next tool. This is a must have for anyone working on guitars.

[@victorbeebe8372]

Aloha and Mahalo Phill! Due to covid I ended up with a lot of higher end Epiphones. I haven't move into my housey; yet, I need to consider which tools to buy for routine maintenance. Yes also bought some Fender CS.

[@DarylT64]

Looks like I will be getting a new tool to help save money on a luthier. I enjoy doing work on my guitars . Doing things that are not complicated. I'm not a luthier so I can't work on everything on my guitar but this looks easy enough that even I can do fret crowning work on my guitars. Thanks for the great video Phil 🎸🤘🏻

[@danielb5081]

How do you clean the metal buildup in the diamond file grit so the packed in metal build up does not reduce the efficiency and possibly scratch the frets?

[@MusicNomadCare]

To clean the MN850, use a brush with brass bristles and gently brush the diamond channels to remove any materials that may be stuck in the diamonds.

[@gtr1952]

It's great to see a tool like this at that price point! 6-7 years ago I bought the StewMac S shape diamond coated fret files. There are 2 sizes, and each uses both sides. They were $150 each! There is a lot of diamond dust in/on them and they cut fast. You couldn't do what Phil did here. I run a chisel tip sharpie across the top of the fret, for a visual reference. That way you can see exactly what you cut/rounded, and what remains. It comes right off with polishing. They last a long time, as the Music Nomad ones should, I'm still using them today w/not much wear. Although expensive, they really reduced the time it takes crowning frets. JMHO --gary

[@stoneysdead689]

They now make/grow industrial diamonds- and some jewelry grade diamonds, in the lab so- this greatly reduced the cost of diamond files and so forth.

[@gtr1952]

@@stoneysdead689 Thanks for the info!! I thought there must be some process to get so many, so uniform in size/shape. When I first got them I over cut a fret, and had to replace it! They cut NiAg like crazy, and SS pretty fast. I'm 72, we never had anything like these. Thanks again, --gary

[@RichardGarcia93]

Man. You’re the best. Thanks, Phil.

[@iduncanw]

I bought a Fender Elite Strat about 4 years ago. It had pretty bad fret buzz so took it back to the shop. They worked on it, but pretty sure they forgot the crowning step as the frets look like they have flat spots. I didn't know anything about fret work then and getting to the shop is awkward so haven't been back. Maybe I could try something like this, but not sure I'd need to use it anytime soon on my other guitars. Will have to see what the cost in Australia is.

[@robertiboy7315]

I’m going to buy this as soon as it’s back in stock !! I’ve got an idea for a video, Would the Stew Mac fret kisser + Music Nomad S-file yield similar results to a PLEK fret job? 🤔