Turning A $75 Guitar into A Professional one. Sharpen My Axe

#guitarrepair #guitarsetups #sharpenmyaxe
Glary Guitar
amzn.to/36JqzU3
LED Magnifying Lamp with Professional Lens
www.homedepot.com/p/Newhouse-...
Rock Rabbit Bridges
rockrabbitguitars.com
My favorite Fret File ( 6 inch)
www.stewmac.com/luthier-tools...
String Swing Wall Hangers. The only Stands and Hanger I use
imp.i114863.net/aErjN
Herco Picks
amzn.to/3e3NhH5
You can become a Patreon and support more videos like this
www.patreon.com/home
Send photos of you in your shirt here or ask questions
[e-mail]
PODCAST
knowyourgear.buzzsprout.com
Facebook
/ knowyourgear
Instagram
/ phillip_mcknight
Know Your Gear T shirts
teespring.com/stores/know-you...
Here are some other products from a dealer I trust and buy from online
imp.i114863.net/c/2224555/791...

[@adriandelacroix]

Love this series Phil. No guitar should ever go to a landfill.

[@Peter-hannDe]

Agreed; with the exception of the ones made from chipboard and plywood.

[@johnpanchuk9993]

I have a 21” scale FirstAct made of plywood that I swapped the bridge on and is awesome for “Cartaring" !

[@adriandelacroix]

Wow, thanks for the likes everyone 😄

[@TheLenaweeTrekker]

I totally agree!

[@arturoestrada9441]

@@Peter-hannDe New bodies for those, I actually never seen a brand new guitar neck beyond redemption, as long as it's not twisted can be rescued.

[@augustfeola8347]

Truly, you made a silk purse from a sow’s ear. Well done!!

[@SomeJustice19k]

Fantastic series. My dad just gave me a Squire standard Strat that he's had for some years, and even though I can go buy a better one, I'm going to upgrade it. This series has been my go to resource!

[@wjewell63]

I'm 57 now and I tell you the squier is the best beginner guitar .,I still have one I've upgraded

[@caseylee12]

My favorite guitar (out of 19) is my grandfather's old Harmony archtop he bought at Sears in the 50s? 60s?. Nothing like a hand-me- down guitar from your dad!

[@strumlead8741]

Great idea, you'll love it. I had an old Squire Strat (made in S. Korea) that I modified with hot rail humbuckers from Guitar Fetish. It has a toggle switch for each of the 3 pickups for either single coil or humbucker, in series.

[@bryantwalley]

If it is a Squire Standard Series, and you are honest with yourself, it may not need to be "upgraded". The Squire Standard Series is pretty solid as is. The exception is the crazy plastic nut on the early 90's models. Even so, the TUSQ replacements drop right in and thats a $14 swap.

[@Dreamdancer11]

Got a pink squier for fun,used and abused for less than 40 bucks...now that guitar has big stainless steel frets,new inlays,gotoh tuners and bridge,scalloped fretboard,aluminum nut and kinman woodstock plus pickups...of course that may seem overkill for some but that guitar isnt just an upgraded squier now that got a little better..its a beast of a guitar that plays and sounds even better than guitars costing thousands. You owe it to yourself to start learning to do guitar work on your instrument....you ll find out that way, that most of the guitars you ll buy are insanely overpriced for what they offer.Its better to buy a cheap instrument and mod it with great parts....

[@kevincarlos973]

"Everybody watching this video - this guitar will be around after you're long gone." Glarry's revenge at the hand of Phillip McKnight.

[@thetonekingofficial]

Sounds great. You are a master!

[@AndyDion]

What axe can’t he sharpen? We gotta give Phil give a shoe string and a broom stick next time.

[@Sjrm126]

@@AndyDion you’re on to something!

[@Max-el7zd]

Your profile picture has a very similar color composition as the album cover of St. Anger by Metallica.

[@jarodreddig63]

Wish Phil would have changed the color!! He said he something exciting planned too

[@christophersmith97]

Masters don't get super glue all over the fretboard when they do a refret, and say it is just dirty.

[@RNAMusic]

Very cool upgrades! I just modified a Strap that wasn't as comfortable as it should have been.... feeling proud, then I watched this lol!

[@ricmel8008]

It's a blessing to see a guitar tech who can actually play.

[@jackpot848]

That guitar will be around after I am gone. For some reason that totally lifted my spirit. I look around the place, I own about twenty guitars (I always forget one or two) and I realize that after I'm gone my kids will divide up these axes. And after they're gone my grandkids will play them. Dude, you totally, unintentionally made my day!

[@caseylee12]

I'm so glad you did this video! I've learned so much from your channel, from ''rescuing'' a Squier strat from a pawn shop for $20 and getting it up and running into a good guitar, to finding a '98 USA Peavey Wolfgang Special this past summer for $250 (AND IT'S PURPLE!) and fixing the input jack, to repairing my son- in-law's old Epiphone Rebel 2 guitar, after he had passed away, for my grand daughter. She was so tickled to hear it play again! Thanks so much for making this channel about more than just guitars, at least for me and my family! Great job!...P. S.... Does GAS stand for ''Glarry Acquisition Syndrome '' now?!!?

[@christopherkelley5875]

Oh man that middle position in particular sounds fantastic! And unless it has been broken into firewood, no guitar should go to the dump. Often just a few minor tweaks and a good setup can dramatically improve the sound. And even with a cheap guitar, there's some kid out there with almost no money who would love to make some music on that instrument.

[@TheLenaweeTrekker]

Exactly! Hell, I was that kid back in the late 70's. Inflation was going nuts. Gas prices rose to record highs due to the embargo. It was a time of subsistence. So an electric guitar was out of the question.

[@arsenaultgilles4557]

Love the sound of this instrument love the outcome of your project thank for sharing expertise

[@avielkharrat5788]

Brand X was a fusion band in the late 70s featuring Phil Collins and Percy Jones among many others. They were really awesome. Should try !

[@soleneisconbi7302]

I might be wrong but I think it was also Russel Brands American talk show.

[@c3N3q]

It is also a name of a company making cycling hardware...

[@markhammer643]

Believe it or not, I have one of their albums on 8-track tape.

[@eric_z_]

Let me go ahead recommend a song called Cambodia: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGO0o5d3jbqWlck

[@kevinsmith7841]

John Robinson, John Goodsall. "Do They Hurt" great album.

[@samringwald]

Brass? Soft? That's why people use the infamous "bone knuckles" to break our brass skeletons.

[@npBOgory]

Ha!

[@leoglasmeyer2853]

i hope you do realize that soft refers to the fragility and capacity to deform without breaking. Which is exactly why brass knuckles are made of that material, because they might chip or deform with the hits, but they'll never break like another more fragile metal

[@TexanUSMC8089]

No kidding. Brass was used to make swords a few thousand years ago. lol Brass is much harder and stronger than a plastic or bone nut.

[@Peace_Dog]

I love the guitar, your craftsmanship and your attitude. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and brightening my day.

[@GuitarOverdrive]

Great job. I love the sound of your pickups, and I love that you took a sub-$100 guitar and gave it all the bells and whistles.

[@rayschoch5882]

The guy who made that "landfill" comment should apologize. I did something very similar with a Squier Affinity Tele - I bought it purposely as a low-cost mod platform, kept the neck, frets and body, replaced everything else, including adding a pair of Seymour Duncan stacked single coils. It looks good, plays great, sounds killer, and it suits me, which is the point.

[@ronwolenski-n8wcr]

As long as it has a good straight neck and a solid body there is no reason you couldn't mod it and make it work as well as any other guitar more than twice it's price...

[@rayschoch5882]

@@ronwolenski-n8wcr That's what I was hoping, and it's turned out fine.

[@martinflemin]

That's great. I hate it when people make those negative remarks about cheap guitars. They need to see the bigger picture!! Great build

[@willisgreenstreet5322]

That was fun to watch! After watching Darrell B. a buddy of mine bought 2 glarry teles. I upgraded both of them then he gave me one. We put humbuckers in the neck, new tuners (grover), Worked on the frets. When we finished two nice teles. I like it as much as my MIM teles. Turned out nice. Keep up the great videos....

[@AZshootist]

Not only is the guitar a professional, but you as well. Great presentation.

[@juananonly33]

That tone is fantastic. Being very fond of a "swiss army" guitar, the tonal range and versatility culminating from your mods is well worth the work. Thank you for the explanation and description of the effects each of the changes made to the sound(dead on), Tons of ideas for my next build. Keep up the great work, looking forward to checking out your previous videos and finding out what the next one has in store. New sub.

[@zS39SBT4fe5Zp8Q]

Thanks for the video series. Love the build and the philosophy behind it!

[@franzinauen8443]

Agree, the guitar will be here also when I am gone. I am 63 now. It's a beautiful, very good guitar. I wish I could do that too.

[@bobdobslob]

I was amazed hearing all of the different tones you were able to produce from this guitar. Those DIY pickups are awesome. Great series!

[@WesternWearEnthusiast]

I absolutely love that guitar. The look, the sounds and the overall great craftsmanship that you put into it is simply fantastic. Well done 👍.

[@nicolamontoro]

So warm, love the color. Great job Phillip!

[@mikedtubey]

Love the customization! Great Job as always!!!

[@erikpaterson1404]

I also had me doubts, I'm glad a stuck around to watch. Good on ye mate. Nice video Much respect

[@simonzirians9080]

Thank you Phillip for your awesome idea's. I got a Glarry too and modded it up! with Three humbucker Rail pickups and coil split! followed your fret work ! it sounds amazing now!. Thank you again, and keep them coming!

[@CantKillACowboyTX]

"Brand X" was my great-grandfather's nickname when he was a trucker! Crazy. Sick guitar!

[@adammono1839]

Much respect Phil. Really appreciate the work and the intention behind it. Keep it up!

[@sgt.grinch3299]

Very impressive build. Love the tones. Thanks

[@chris_2714]

I accidentally wired one HH guitar out of phase in the middle position, ended up keeping it as it's a unique useful tone. Great job on the build Phil!

[@russelllucas1043]

Haha, I did the same thing. I love it 😎

[@InfiniteDesign91]

I have zero experience with wiring, but I plan on learning it. How to wire pickups out of phase?

[@bobgreen3116]

This has to be your best video on sharpen your ax as of yet. Love what you did with that guitar. I too have a Glarry. It's a red thinline and it needs work, but I have a special little place in my heart for it.

[@unitedwallsystem2941]

Phil, you are a wonderful person, & very, very knowledgeable, & I really appreciate your time, in producing these videos, they are all, very enriching, thank you , Mike Parsons.

[@a456987]

Amazing pickups, I really like the middle position and that bridge pickup absolutely melts your face when you add overdrive

[@michaelmaier7262]

DUDE! 2:36 to 3:22 freaking ROCKS! Well-done. I bought two of my nephews Stew-Mac kits to assemble. I intend to share this video with them to see that they can upgrade their axes and make them their own for real.

[@duanewelsh5611]

Nice work! Turned out way better than I thought it would.

[@Vayth]

Awesome job on that Glary! I would like to see more of those conversions!

[@jingles53]

Did an Affinity Tele as a COVID project. Locking tuners, all new electronics, custom shop noiseless pickups, metal jack plate, new plate with fender knobs and top hat. It’s become one of my favorites! Great job on the strat!

[@absproducoes8871]

Simply Fabulous! Thank so much for sharing your great idea and your great, awsome work.

[@rodennis418]

Super cool and sounds great. Fun series to watch.

[@Russell_Optics]

I think it turned out great ! It really has some very cool tones and a bit outside the box. Well done Phil.

[@spaceghost5026]

When I try this, I just ruin a cheap guitar! Nice work as always!!

[@rocktorrocks]

I happened across a Squier SE strat someone had thrown out, and brought it back. Really glad I did, this video has me super excited to fix it up and give it a new life. I agree, no guitar should go in the trash.

[@iainholmes2735]

Enjoyed this, Phil. Looks & sounds great.

[@jlore6344]

Came out great, well done! It was also interesting and fun to follow along with this project. Keep em comin!

[@theo4312]

Great guitar! This project really helps to make guitar modding/building super accessible :D

[@harryklippton]

I LOVE that out of phase middle sound. Now I want to do that to my HH tele

[@malicesmom]

"But of course, you came for the overdrive" Yes. Yes, we did. 🤘🏻

[@KainzMusic]

I'm really loving those tones!

[@tipplers3417]

I love this channel & EVERYTHING Phillip teaches us. I love that he loves what he does. Great guy

[@wagyube]

Such an amazing job Phil, you’re an inspiration! Makes me excited for when I sharpen my first ever guitar up. Keep up the great work!

[@simonpilgrims]

Yup I thought it was going to sound way bright. Sounds amazing and looks very cool. Thanks for sharing. A great homage in the spirit EVH too.

[@adecree]

Love the tone on this!

[@ScottTheNews]

Great job! Sounds wonderful

[@fishhooks100]

Nice build! Great sounds!

[@edcollante]

I love this sort of videos. More, please!

[@samlelowitch]

I’m impressed with the sound of the finished guitar! Nice job, Phil!

[@ErikCIng]

That came out great! Nice build!

[@TMmodify]

It's not only that I love that guitar. What really gets to me is how much you seem to love it.

[@makolies]

I love this phil. Keep up the good work.

[@galeliyalevi]

love the Phaze reverse option. Really adds tonal flexibility and great choices with the pickups and pots chices and wiring.

[@kcb9455]

Nice work Phil! Sounds great 👍

[@ambu6478]

Man what an awesome video and an absolutely beautiful amazing guitar. You're getting sounds at of a Strat I didn't know they could make!!!

[@dalehockin]

Awesome job, sweet guitar! Pick ups sound badass!

[@fingerfret8645]

Phil: I REALLY enjoyed this video. This guitar now stands head and shoulders above many others!

[@rlpii_]

Sounds awesome Phil, love that you made the pups. 🤘🏼

[@alienvolt7741]

makes me appreciate the guitar i bought from a friend who had it all dirty and dusty with a bad setup. After fixing it up it's played very well.

[@Luislazarosolana]

I enjoyed this project much. I received time ago a cheap guitar, dismissed by its former owner, broken, wounded and just with some time, effort and new pieces became my prefered guitar. Light weight, powerful sound, and really easy to play... thanks from Spain!

[@MosriteCharlie]

Nice job. Impressive conversion. Worthy of giging.

[@mickwells9431]

Dang Phil, I love how you wound the humbuckers. Awesome vibes and I like the country sounds they display. One thing about it, you and your kids, grandkids, and great grandkids are going to enjoy it throughout time. ENJOY!!

[@freddylopez7536]

Bravo my man. Killer results

[@Belte23]

Oh so there is a part 3.. Glad I stumbled on it

[@dakistle]

You inspired me! I did a Glarry strat up with fender humbuckers, tele wiring, and an imitation floyd rose after seeing this.

[@magoo50tv7]

Awesome job!!! Love that guitar!!!

[@trevorarthurson6815]

Very nice, very, very nice tone from your pickups & wiring.

[@brocluno01]

Nice, I really like the way it came out - both visually and sonically. Well done. And I like the out of phase tones : )

[@WattchomanBrandySavage]

GREAT mods, love the results!!

[@chevymetal83]

It sounds great it looks great! A perfect example that some work can make any guitar good.

[@roadmaster1ful]

I absolutely love it! You did a fantastic job on it

[@jamesshaw476]

Nice job Phil! Sounds Great!

[@awsumawstun]

This is awesome! Sharpen My Axe idea - Danelectro! They’re still viewed as the “Sears catalog guitar” but I think it would be cool to see what you’d to do upgrade it and make it awesome.

[@AshRavens]

"McKnight Guitars" have a nice ring to it, Philip!

[@joshchristian8598]

I'm way late to this one but ill echo everyone's comment that your heartfelt love for our favorite instrument/passtime/passion resonates like 70 year old mahogany my brother. This was a great build and I loved the finished product.. I would not be able to put it down for weeks. Ty Phil great channel 👍

[@guitarnutbolinuli5788]

Sounds great, nice job.

[@brettneuberger6466]

Very cool guitar. Fun to have a one of a kind that you did yourself as well.

[@michaelangres4444]

Great job Phillip!! Love your Chanel. And great to finally get some cooler, cleaner air in Az!!

[@MyGuitartime]

I can dig it! Really like this build! Sharp looking guitar and very well thought out for function and tone versatility. No Landfill!

[@LucasMastropasqua]

Very cool man! I have actually been upgrading cheap guitars for about 20 year now and have ended up saving a bunch of guitars for people that they thought wouldn’t be worth it so I’m glad to see a pro like you doing the same type of thing.

[@HatOnAHat]

Phil those pickups are KILLER! You got some great tone! Nice work on winding your own pickups!

[@mikeyboyrocks123]

Nice!! Love my Glarry guitars I've had redone. They have some gorgeous finishes

[@jray5363]

Man, that came out great! I’d be proud to own it. You might have a future as a pickup builder.I actually enjoy the clean tones on guitar demos, and those sound great. Grandkids or not, somebody is gonna be lucky to have it someday. Ir would be cool!

[@LowHybred09]

Such a cool video series. I converted a squire strat HSS into a hot rod myself. I changed the nut to a bone nut. I replaced the humbucker with an Enforcer. The single coils were changed to an Eric Clapton noiseless in the middle position and a Jeff Beck noiseless in the neck position. I blocked off the tremolo for more sustain and finally I cut the seventies strat headstock down to a regular strat headstock. That guitar played and sounded better than the two American Strats I owned and it cost me all of $300 to do the whole build because I worked at a music store. Man what a great guitar that was.

[@jeffcampbell6898]

It's odd, I have some expensive guitars and was bored one day and took a Squire and put in a Paul Reed Smith 58/15 S Humbucker set with a push-pull slitter in it, and out of my Guitars, I think it sounds and plays better than all my expensive ones.

[@domformula1]

Great work, enjoyed the series!

[@kevinmorris7722]

Love it. Super nice job.

[@scottreynolds6317]

That bridge pickup sounds amazing!!!!

[@foleymusic7475]

Always wanted to do something like this, and still plan on it someday. Great series!

[@maurashannon4797]

I really like the warm sound of your guitar.

[@jaistanley]

I absolutely couldn't agree more about your landfill comment. The idea of anything; let alone an instrument someone could love, going to waste is abhorant. Great video!

[@electroKrunch]

Great vids, Phil! I missed it when you made them. I've taken swapmeet guitars and ramped them up & it's quite satisfying! I've got a couple Harley Bentons I'll be working on one day, will post those vids. Thanks for the vids Phil!!