Tomo Fujita's '65 Fender Mustang is in BIG Trouble...

Tomo Fujita reached out to us about one of his favorite guitars, a vintage '65 Fender Mustang. It badly needed a truss rod adjustment, but the nut just spun when tightened past a certain point. We thought this would be a great opportunity for Dan Erlewine to show us how to diagnose the problem and attempt to fix it.
0:00 Tomo explains the problem
01:55 Fix #1
05:30 Adjusting the truss rod
07:36 Fix #2
10:35 Replacing the neck shim
12:24 Did the fix work?
13:02 Dan reports back to Tomo
14:37 Tomo's special surprise
15:59 Tomo tests out the guitar
Products used in this video include:
Truss Rod Rescue Tools
www.stewmac.com/item/6190
StewMac Neck Shims
www.stewmac.com/item/2135-100
Precision Notched Straightedge
www.stewmac.com/item/3814
Neck Caul for Jaws2
www.stewmac.com/item/4269
Truss Rod Wrench for Fender
www.stewmac.com/item/6111
- - - - - - - - - - - -
StewMac has everything you need to repair, build or maintain your guitars.
Everything we sell is backed by our Lifetime Promise, and we offer fast worldwide shipping.
Shop StewMac: www.stewmac.com
Instagram: @StewMac_Guitar
Facebook: / stewmac

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

This is simply the most amazing treatment from the guitar repair god!! I am so happy to see this video!! What a great job by my new fiend Dan Erlewine! I am the luckies guitar player in the world!! Thank you StewMac!!

[@triumphdave2449]

That's a very cool guitar. I'd love one like that.

[@a-nus]

Mistook you for someone else! Sorry!

[@mubinhambira]

Inter 🙂

[@jaredgillison8154]

Two of the nicest guys in the industry. ❤ Happy New year. Have notice recently my strat has the same shim at the end of the pocket. Might have to order me some of those StewMac ones.

[@ToddTheJoker]

Thank you for taking care of my future guitar Tomo! lol Happy New Year!!!

[@Trog]

Dan is a national treasure. Always love watching him work! Great collab with Tomo

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you!!

[@a-nus]

Go shill your scam titles and buy guitars with your parents money, dork

[@hughschick6847]

Trogs!! PAY ATTENTION. And / or take some lessons!!!

[@benburnett8109]

Still selling land in Scotland???? That's the same integrity that this video holds. Wax as a thread cutter/lubricant? Only Joe Biden is dumber.

[@jazzram_]

So true

[@ghalsor]

There needs to be a playlist of just Dan’s repair videos. Such a happy, wholesome episode.

[@gohjohan]

I have one of Dan's guitar repair books that I bought from Borders at least a year before KZbin was launched.

[@FloridaManMatty]

Do what I did… Just make your own playlist of Dan/Stew Mac videos. The old videos are a gold mine!

[@goldiluckx]

i agree. his knowledge is golden!

[@grungeman86]

I couldn’t NOT smile throughout this entire video. Such an amazing job, Dan is indeed an entity all by himself.

[@Ekoldr]

Look at Dan's face while Tomo plays. You can tell when a guitarist feels the ease of an instrument and just plays because it's there and it feels right. Dan knows it too and it's just beautiful. As a tech myself there is nothing better than watching your customer enjoy what they thought lost.

[@drawwithbeektor6329]

Dans face when Tomo wanted to come see him was my favorite part. Just genuinely happy. ☺️

[@sea-ferring]

Dan is a living legend. Every time I see a StewMac video I can't believe I get to see this man's work and experience.

[@falcongunner33]

End jam. Legendary teacher meets legendary repairman. What a moment!

[@davidsiegel4494]

I had the pleasure of having Tomo as a teacher at Berklee a couple of semesters and Dan is my repair god. This video is a personal gift from the heavens.

[@stewmac]

That's incredible 😀 Bet it was a pretty amazing experience to be a student of Tomo's!

[@billthepainter5106]

Always nice to see an expert practicing his craft. Much appreciation for your knowledge!

[@BlyndCyclopz]

First time ever witnessing the craftsmanship of Dan. I must say I could watch him repair guitars every day. He's so wholesome, relaxed but still very enthusiastic. What a treat.

[@Sankeyite]

Loved the repair, but loved Dan's humbleness and joy in the end! Great video

[@erickleefeld4883]

The best repair show around: “This Old Guitar,” starring Dan Erlewine.

[@seanc.5310]

That was my thought exactly!

[@4602experience]

Norm would be proud!

[@tylerwillison4962]

Yes! You nailed it. Our very own Norm for sure! Haha

[@michaellupu2080]

I love this! Always happy to see a repair video with Dan!

[@stewmac]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Mrcustomwerkz]

Omgggg both of you guys are my heroes since i was 17 years old. Im 34 now and to see both of you guys doing this!! Its bloody awesome!!! Loveeee itttt!!!

[@thedaver8]

Both of these men get such great joy at each of their crafts. It's always a pleasure to watch.

[@thseed7]

Dan, please do as much video as you can sir. The way you teach, demonstrate and explain will be invaluable for decades to come. Tomo & Dan in one video is a treasure ♥️🤘

[@davidrossmusicalinstruments]

I don't want to say I was hoping that the truss rod was broken at the nut end, but I would be very interested to see that repair done on this channel if it ever comes up. Regardless, very nice work Dan!

[@stewmac]

It was a definite possibility!

[@seanj3667]

You gotta keep in mind that Stew Mac isn't showing repairs, they are selling tools. This video wasn't "check out this cool repair." It was "check out the tools we sell to make this repair." That's not a knock on them; I watched it and have bought stuff from them. But this is a sales channel, not a repair channel.

[@joermnyc]

That would require pulling the fretboard on a vintage neck, which isn’t an easy job.

[@SirSneakerPimp]

@@seanj3667 You absolutely know nothing about what he has done in the guitar industry to make such a silly comment. He is one of the first luthiers to help guitarist and other luthiers. He invented many things and decided to share that knowledge to everyone. Whether it’s a way to understand what has happened to an instrument or the right tool to help you sort out the issue. There isn’t a luthier on the planet that doesn’t respect StewMac.

[@michaelpthompson]

@@seanj3667 Given the diagnostics demonstrated here,it might be more accurate to say it's a repair channel that also sells items to make the process better.

[@DrGeek01]

StewMac, Dan, and Tomo- THANK YOU!! What a wonderful treat, and it would be great to have Tomo come back with Dan for a little more work. (Tomo needs to get his hands ‘dirty’ a little bit!)

[@MAP448]

I have missed Dan & his videos so much. Happy Holidays everyone! Thank you Dan for another great video.

[@p1rz666]

Don't be so shy on the guitar Dan... I bet I can say for all of us that we loved it :) Thanks Tomo for taking him for a walk around the frets :) Killer guitar you got to life there!! :)

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you!!

[@CC-te5zf]

I learned from him - books and videos. I maintain my own collection and for the last 10 years I've got a handful of local musicians that rely on me to keep their guitars in top shape. Dan is the man!

[@stewmac]

Love this! That's what we like to hear...Thank you!

[@brich2929]

Dan is a legend. Been reading and watching him for 25 years plus.

[@SHGZR]

Joy to watch! Thanks for playing together guys!

[@tele_gram-me_The_SarahMoore]

👆👆ᴄᴏɴᴛᴀᴄᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇɢʀᴀᴍ☝️ᴛᴏ ᴄʟᴀɪᴍ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴘʀɪᴢᴇ 🎁🎁🎈🎈🤗🤗..

[@ronmorey3475]

You gotta love Dan jamming with his Opti-Visor still on. The man is dedicated! Thanks you guys, this was great!

[@gouvernor]

What pure joy watching this video on the repair and watching you both play. Had a big smile on my face the whole time. Happy holidays to Tomo, Dan, and StewMac!

[@stewmac]

Thank You!

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you!!!

[@ron.v]

What an amazing treat to listen to Tomo and Dan together jamming! Thanks.

[@briansmith2125]

Watching Dan work NEVER gets old. It always makes me happy to watch him.

[@joeym.delgado7144]

Something so warm about Dan's being. It's such a pleasure to learn from a master like Dan. Thank you for all the knowledge you share.

[@GianmarioScotti]

Tomo's riffing at the end, and then they together, was the cherry on top of this cake.

[@FloridaManMatty]

Is it just me, or did Dan stop aging about 10-12 years ago? I was just watching the ‘53 Tele body plug video last night then found this one this morning and the ol’ boy is looking great!! We love you, Dan. Keep doing whatever you’re doing, buddy!!!

[@grproteus]

Seeing you play together was really heartwarming! Thank you both for bringing pure awesomeness to KZbin

[@ericdguerin]

This is amazing, I'd love to watch more videos of the amazing Dan's repair videos! Dan's calm and measured tone even when things were going wrong were definitely a joy to watch and listen to.

[@stewmac]

We've got a whole archive of them on our channel 🙂 Thank you for tuning in!

[@se7inhand]

As much as I love watching Dan wrench on a guitar, that end jam was just sublime. Gotta love some blues.

[@arnoldzifflebluesguitar]

Here is a man who simply loves what he does, and it shows as he is the best! Love it.

[@willmaxstudio]

I can feel that the video is made from love, awesome video production, not skipping it at all, perfect !

[@DevanSabaratnam]

When worlds collide! I've had great guitar playing tips from Tomo, and great guitar repair advice from Dan, all via email, over the years. This was so much fun to watch. Not often you get to see TWO masters at work...

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you!!

[@stewmac]

It was so fun to work with Tomo on this! Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tomdbass1]

Love every Stew Mac video with Dan in it.

[@Wes-10]

Stew Mac couldn’t buy a better face of their brand. Dan is one of a kind. Brilliant as always.

[@is_what_it_is]

Dan is still showing us all how it's done. Amazing. I've looked up to him as a mentor for about 20 years now. He's given me the confidence to do just about any repair imaginable. Thanks Dan! Much love.

[@mattdoliver1984]

Amazing to watch Dan work, Slow and steady wins the race, the amount of times I’ve tried to do a job and go in all guns blazing & end up messing it up because I was rushing, I’m definitely going to try a calmer approach next time 👌🏼

[@gohjohan]

That's the other reason why my luthier is fully booked.

[@Santi66]

Very good job. Congrats StewMac and Tomo.

[@mrhobs]

Is there anyone else alive that even approaches this man's skill and vast knowledge? These videos are going to be referenced for many years!

[@RogerBarraud]

This is like a Christmas present for me - two of my very favourite guitar gurus in one video... and with a happy outcome to boot! Thankyou both so much :-)

[@Sammywhat]

Great vid! Tomo is SUCH a great guy. So glad you could take good care of him, Dan!!

[@stewmac]

He truly is, we were so happy to collaborate with him on this.

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you!!

[@SrJurado]

That was awesome! See, I came to note that this problem is very common in shorter scale fenders such as Jaguars and Mustangs , I just did a little adjustment to mine, so thanks for the great tips.

[@JohnOhkumaThiel]

I know Tomo back in the day. Now as a Berklee professor, and now that I'm a born again musician on guitar, I learn a thing or two from him now and then. Today's lesson was when he suggested Dan and he play together, Dan said Tomo was out of his league, and Tomo replied, "Music man!" I've had this experience again and again in my lifetime as a musician. When you get the opportunity to play, no matter what that opportunity is, take it. You are going to be shocked not only when you play with better musicians, but how freakin' awesome you are when you're the most skilled and experienced one in the group. Most of your favorite pop artists aren't nearly as good as the members of the bands they play with. Likewise, it's shocking how, for example, a school band plays better with even just one member who is more capable. And as a great example, those of us who watched this video are now so much better at understanding our guitars and how they work because of Dan. Playing music with others at every level is glorious for yourself, and them as well.

[@davidschmidt4952]

You two always bring me such joy. Seeing you together was such a treat. Thank you!

[@johngerson7335]

You da man, Dan! Thanks for all you've done and still do for guitarists and luthiers alike!

[@Douglas_I]

Tomo is such an inspiration! Not just as a guitar teacher/player but as a person! Dan is new to me but I must say he comes across as a very genuine insightful person too! I just ordered some things from Stew Mac a couple weeks ago and that led me to this video. I'm so glad it did cause watching these two together was a treat! Thanks guys!

[@stewmac]

Thank you, Doug!

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you!!

[@gohjohan]

Today I learn that Dan and Stew Mac are the same. I never caught on.

[@HBSuccess]

@Doug …Dan has inspired generations to become great luthiers and repair people. Since you’re new go check out his Guitar Player magazine columns all the way back to the 1970s. That’s where many of us got acquainted with Dan. Next pick up one of his books. A dog-eared “The Guitar Player Repair Guide” can be found on just about every shop’s and serious DIYers bookshelves. Happy hunting!

[@gohjohan]

@@HBSuccess yeah, I'm one of them with his books.

[@fotomule]

This is just what the world needs! I must admit several tears fell during this video, just out of the pure love and respect going on!

[@markjohnson8352]

Thank you, Dan, thank you, Tomo. That was wholesome and heartening. All the very best for 2023 to you both.

[@tele_gram-me_The_SarahMoore]

👆👆ᴄᴏɴᴛᴀᴄᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇɢʀᴀᴍ☝️ᴛᴏ ᴄʟᴀɪᴍ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴘʀɪᴢᴇ 🎁🎁🎈🎈🤗🤗...

[@kevinmorris7722]

Inspirational, learned so much from the two of you. Also glad to see an old favorite guitar come back to life. Nice job guys.

[@stewmac]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@grene1955]

Dan should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! If they don't have a category for that, they need to create one. So many players and luthier's owe him such a debt for the knowledge he shares!

[@MainPrism]

Always an honor to watch Tomo play. Love this guy! Of course it's always an honor to watch Mr. Erelewine work his magic as well!

[@sherylbeasley4938]

I don't play any musical instruments,but I watched the whole video and I really enjoyed it.

[@henkkman]

Most wholesome guitar video of the year! Thank you Dan and Tomo!

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you!!

[@stewmac]

What an honor! Thanks Henri!

[@captbuscemi]

Two of the great gentlemen of the electric guitar together, what a wonderful episode ☺️

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you!!

[@Wilbrankat1997]

Thanks StewMac and Tomo for such a wonderful video! You can see so clearly the wealth of knowledge and experience that Dan has and to see Tomo play it at the end with such delight was just awesome.

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you so much!

[@tjdjultima]

So cool! Love seeing the client interaction and diagnosis too. You’ve really inspired me to work on my own stuff and it’s been a rewarding journey, thanks!

[@philmckrackensr2159]

Wow! I never saw Dan so overjoyed at a repair! What gives? Is this guy his boss or something? What a great repair from a true master of the craft.

[@stewmac]

Tomo is a legend and wonderful person!

[@guitarhiker4449]

Great work Dan!!! Wow!! A nightmare job for most folks! Sounds and looks amazing Tomo!!!

[@stewmac]

Thanks a bunch! Tomo could probably make any guitar sound good 😎

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you!!

[@morgancross5481]

I've been following these videos off and on for years, such wonderful content. The care you give to these instruments and the knowledge you share is invaluable. Props to the production team that puts these videos together as well!

[@michaelwalters6917]

I hope TomoFujitaMusic does a video. Dan Erlewine is a great story teller. You get the journey. Great editing. I've learned so much from Dan.

[@stewmac]

Tomo recently posted a video filmed at our HQ in Athens, Ohio. Check it out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fl7QlYWpgdNjgaM

[@daltoncochran3683]

Dan really is such a great and cool guy. I've not met him but he is so entertaining and makes real quality videos.

[@fabienbourdier9847]

Dan is great, we can't have enough of him

[@Demonio_911]

I've been watching Dan work for quite some time now and it seems every video just keeps getting more and more interesting ... Thanks Dan, Tomo and StawMac for putting this one together! ... 😊

[@josephheikes1459]

Wow, my favorite repair master and my favorite guitar player in the same video! You guys rule !

[@stewmac]

Cool, thanks so much for watching!

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you!!

[@ryanh7389]

Tomo seems like such a nice guy. And such a tasteful player. This vid was great

[@stewmac]

Tomo is the best!

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you!!

[@carlconstantdeflon2373]

What a treat to, not just see @StewMac and his incredible craftsmanship, but also getting to see two such amazing gents hanging out together! You are both stars! :) Keep up the good work, and thank you both for all the hours of entertainment you've given us all!

[@stewmac]

Thanks so much for tuning in! We love making these videos.

[@SteveG123]

Those vintage Mustangs are lovely instruments. I a red '65 with white pearlescent pickguard I bought used from the original owner in '76. I don't even think he played it except when he first got it. It was almost mint. A little checking in the paint. Finesse type guitar. This video is very, very good.

[@tele_gram-me_The_SarahMoore]

👆👆ᴄᴏɴᴛᴀᴄᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇɢʀᴀᴍ☝️ᴛᴏ ᴄʟᴀɪᴍ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴘʀɪᴢᴇ 🎁🎁🎈🎈🤗🤗..

[@richardlynch5632]

Dan is the man😎👍 Those shims are the best and make a big difference you can really hear😎👍 Used one on my strat and it's perfect 😁👍

[@stewmac]

So glad to hear it! Thank you!

[@kingsleya6310]

Dan is the best what a legend !

[@southpaw1959channel]

Gotta love a guy who still uses the term "Bunged Up"...we are getting few and far between. Can't get enough of Dan Erlewine!

[@jfturner67]

This is two of my favorite people from two of my favorite channels on the KZbins. What a treat! Thank you gentlemen.

[@gotmilk91]

Meeting digitally in person is of course the new normal 😄 ... looking forward to new vids from Tomo with rejuvenated Mustang!

[@user-eb2jb8om8l]

🐹

[@guitartec]

A nice, clean and effective repair. We expect nothing less from Dr. Erlewine. Kudos, from Guitartec Repair in MA.

[@arjnoro1]

Been playing for 50 years, and as long as I remember Dan has been doing wonders (guitar player magazine) with guitars. My respect and admiration to such a talented man.

[@jagmasters7392]

Wonderful episode! Thank you 👍🏽Have a great 2023!

[@jincho4727]

So sweet to see two humble legends together! This was such a treat; brought a huge smile to my face.

[@tele_gram-me_The_SarahMoore]

👆👆ᴄᴏɴᴛᴀᴄᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇɢʀᴀᴍ☝️ᴛᴏ ᴄʟᴀɪᴍ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴘʀɪᴢᴇ 🎁🎁🎈🎈🤗🤗

[@ConceptOfSleep]

I could watch Mr. Erlewine work on guitars for hours. His genuine passion for the work is clear, and it makes for the most informative and easy to understand repair tutorials ever. I learn something new every time! This one was absolutely fantastic👍🎸

[@giulioluzzardi7632]

This video is the boost I needed, 2 people dedicated to thier art. You can't sell thst guitar Tomo because it suits your style and it took a World Expert to revive it!

[@sethhajian7816]

This video made my day. The joy I see Dan getting from diagnosing correctly, fixing and then handing the guitar off is great.

[@tele_gram-me_The_SarahMoore]

👆👆ᴄᴏɴᴛᴀᴄᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇɢʀᴀᴍ☝️ᴛᴏ ᴄʟᴀɪᴍ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴘʀɪᴢᴇ 🎁🎁🎈🎈🤗🤗.

[@ia5662]

it's said every video and it can't be said enough - Dan is a national treasure of the highest degree! What a wizard...

[@syn707]

I had to watch this. The 1965 Fender Mustang was my first name brand guitar. I wish I still had it. It played and sounded great! Such a wonderful video!

[@TheRockinDonkey]

This guy is my favorite luthier on KZbin. Just such a pleasure to watch and listen to him talk. I bet he's got tons of great stories.

[@stewmac]

Dan is full of stories! Glad we can share a handful of them here.

[@Ben_Mdws]

This is my first video watching Dan work and now I want to see them all - what a gent!

[@ssiowi]

Brilliant! Dan plus Tomo; the very definition of synergy! Gentlemen; we all salute the two of you! Happy '23.

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you!!

[@2FRESH-4U]

The fact you share your time with us and give us the opportunity to learn from you is really priceless these tricks and techniques will stick in my mind and help me in many ways on many projects you sir are a real great man

[@leeriley66]

I don't play guitar. Don't even know how I got here but I watched the entire video and it was totally brilliant. I learnt something today.

[@Official_StewMac.]

Reach out to me👆👆 on Telè gram with the above username, Let's talk💫

[@RobertLandrum13]

Great video. 2 greats coming together. Truly enjoyed watching Dan work and Tomo play.

[@JitendraWagh73179]

This was the most beautiful video, i got so glued to this, so warm you both guys are, so so beautiful. Enjoyed and learned so much. thanks for making this video. Love from India.

[@dubzycc6864]

My father has that EXACT guitar. A 1965 mustang, same color and pickgaurd and everything. Such a cool guitar. The finish has aged the same way as Tomo's. Great video!

[@youtsubanokuroba]

Wow,Fujitasan! GREAT GUITARIST! I'm very happy that he collaborated with Mr.Dan for as a Japanese .

[@bobbyneedle]

Loved When you two play together… And no one is in tomo’s leag

[@leer.2137]

You're a good teacher/explainer Mr. Dan, I appreciate your attention too detail on what you and your tools are doing. Then... another great teacher on the other end. It was a nice blues jam. Would love to see Tomo visit you a second time for the completion of a nut/fret job. Love what you did with that Mustang. I feel that shim was like the cherry on top !

[@dustartist]

This is such an informative and heartwarming video! Thank you Dan and Tomo! Dan, it has been a pleasure to get to know you over these past couple years, and I can't thank you enough for all of the knowledge you have made available to me, and for being such a genuine person and fun guy to hang out with. I just want to give you a big old hug!

[@tele_gram-me_The_SarahMoore]

👆👆ᴄᴏɴᴛᴀᴄᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇɢʀᴀᴍ☝️ᴛᴏ ᴄʟᴀɪᴍ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴘʀɪᴢᴇ 🎁🎁🎈🎈🤗🤗.

[@TheMasonjarz]

It is always a pleasure to watch a consummate professional and true gentleman. Thank you

[@johnnymossville]

My Brother has a beautiful 1965 Fender Mustang, and this brings me great joy seeing one brought back up to player status. So cool!!!

[@tele_gram-me_The_SarahMoore]

👆👆ᴄᴏɴᴛᴀᴄᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇɢʀᴀᴍ☝️ᴛᴏ ᴄʟᴀɪᴍ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴘʀɪᴢᴇ 🎁🎁🎈🎈🤗🤗..