American Strat Rides the Lightning!

The Fender Bi-Flex truss rod has a unique feature that can make servicing difficult.

[@kbkman7742]

You know there is a lot of relief when you can see it on youtube, on your phone.

[@moleman1961]

Ha! Same!

[@petemoore8923]

Yeah.

[@farfly7]

I thought the same thing

[@Draguitar]

Exactly

[@kenthhamner2641]

Man, nice work on removing that plug. Surgical!

[@Aux1Dub]

“Be careful not to get any on the threads..” I know without a doubt I would get some on the threads.

[@acoffeewithsatan]

"... F*, I've just got some one the threads"

[@kevinsibert3160]

Same thing I thought. Only twice have I removed a plug at all, let alone putting super glue that far inside. I'd jack it up, I know it!

[@abarbee81]

Same. Smh.....

[@altruisticphilanthropic4647]

"A quick and extremely dirty mockup, here" - Ted, at his ever-humble best. The only "confusing" thing to me is your seemingly omnipresent ability to do triage...your patients are always in the best of hands when they visit your home. I hope the owner was thankful and impressed...continual truss rod adjustments are more than a "pain in the neck"...sorry, I couldn't resist.

[@Adipsia1]

Agreed. I wish you were in the UK.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Great job. The owner was lucky to find you.

[@BeesWaxMinder]

B E S T BiFlex explanation I’ve ever seen👍

[@staive70ss]

I still don't understand it, my mind was spinning over the MacGyver plug removal part.

[@BeesWaxMinder]

@@staive70ss well, yeah! I mean ya just have to ask yerself is there a better way to remove it than that? & when you realise there isn’t you just have to admire the guy’s knowledge!😉👍 I’m afraid I have to admit that, in the past, I’ve rigged up some weird complicated drilling jig; unbolted the neck and just cut away with three different bits of increasing width until there is no plug left... 😳

[@andrewstpierre4837]

That little tapered dowel heater was simply ingenious. Awesome!

[@senorstrike2852]

That is the smartest way of removing the walnut dowel that I've ever seen!

[@dougdeeper2537]

I think one of the biggest reasons, people ask to ship their guitars across national borders, for you to repair, is because of your knowledge and insight into the craft. I hate to fawn, but you consistently amaze me with your ability. I want to attend a local luthier school, and you set the bar! I’ve watched other luthier and guitar videos, and I just cringe at how I’ve seen work being done. I’ve had work done on my own instruments that have left me very disappointed. My hats off to you twoodfrd!

[@moonchild4806]

That is some gorgeous rosewood on that neck

[@Jonathan_Doe_]

Looks more like Pau Ferro to me.

[@moonchild4806]

@@Jonathan_Doe_ It doesn't look orange enough to me, and I could be wrong but I don't think fender was using pao ferro in the 90s

[@bluemagic5829]

@@moonchild4806 They used Pau Ferro on the SRV and Jaco Pastorius models since the early 1990s. Personally, I prefer a super dark rosewood -- almost ebony.

[@moonchild4806]

@@bluemagic5829 ah, that's pretty cool. I prefer maple for my fingerboards over everything, I love the feel of the glossy board.

[@kbkman7742]

Looks almost like Brazilian with the thick dark grain

[@harrisonandrew]

Ingenious way of getting that plug out. Truss rods scare the hell out of me - always have. Great job.

[@johnsee7269]

I was not aware of this; didn't know. One of the most informative set-up related videos I've ever seen. Truly a master craftsman type repair! Thanks! 🤟

[@joelonsdale]

Nice to hear someone transatlantic tackling the "sudder" / "solder" thing. Yes, words such as Squirrel, Mirror and Solder do get a little mangled sometimes!

[@nehpetsamenied9068]

This channel inspired me to give my 25+ yr old squire a makeover. I gave it a new graph tech Tusq nut, new mojotone electronics, a black pearl pick guard and new knobs. It took about 4 hours. Then after I got it all together I gave it a set up and had to do a truss rod adjustment. It sounds sweet! I watch this channel so much I didn't even need to google anything. This channel is worth it's weight in gold! Thank you sir!

[@IAmKillEveryone]

don't go too overboard with mods or replacements on that old squire. they've gained a pretty big collectors market over the last few years, and people want them in factory spec condition if they're gonna pay a high price. those old mik squire II's went from being worth $80 five years ago to being worth $150-250 now.

[@wideyxyz2271]

@@IAmKillEveryone I was shocked when I found out how much my 90s Squire MIJ strat is supposedly worth! It was my second ever electric guitar and its never been messed with and plays great,,,,

[@tochriss]

Thanks for filming the repair. As always, a real education. Makes my Saturday night. (I should get out more!)

[@gordon5004]

When that plug came out I was astonished.

[@CalHallows]

That little dowel plug heater is marvellous. It worked so well!

[@jerrytee2688]

Yeah, that was pretty neat.

[@garyjohnson4988]

This guy is good. I’m fascinated by his videos and knowledge. And I’m mainly a drummer!

[@wingracer1614]

They often aren't glued in very well. I've seen them pop out without heat just from adjustment on the rare guitar that needs the back truss rod adjustment. That's probably a good thing since you're far more likely to need to replace the nut than to need the two-way adjustment and if you do, it's easy to re-glue.

[@thebiggerbyte5991]

Heat...or hëät. Englishman almost lost his coffee here :D Great work, a pleasure to watch.

[@acoustic9402]

Great Job , That was Pretty damn good on That Truss rod repair ...Excellent

[@jimhibert]

Love the detailed background and context of the truss rod before the repair.

[@michaelcross934]

Thanks for showing this procedure! My Yankee strat was born, 1/'98; another late '97. Blessed with the Bi-Flex; mine still works just fine. Thanks, again, Mike from Fernwood, BC

[@JC-11111]

Heck yeah, Ted! I've been wanting to see a repair that involves replacing the walnut plug ever since I found out Fender sells them ready to insert and cut/shave to shape.

[@timothycormier3494]

Of all the cool tricks that I’ve seen luthiers do. That plug removal is one Of the top five luthier tricks of all time. Very cool man! thanks!

[@kerrykrishna]

Your troubleshooting skills are amazing Ted.

[@TomSramekJr]

“Well, there’s your problem!”

[@ravingcyclist624]

Mythbusters ! :-)

[@PrinceWesterburg]

Communists!

[@oqsy]

Loved this one! That nichrome heating is working out well on all your repairs!

[@nickdryad]

Of course the irony of this is that Leo designed the necks to be removed easily so they could be replaced. Leo would have said “Hey man, why are you going to so much trouble?”

[@Rxbandit421]

Because most of the time that shoots the value way down is why I’d assume he went to all the trouble.

[@matthewJ142]

They should just make steel necks with a glued on fretboard.

[@nathanieldelrosario1324]

@@matthewJ142 damn that sounds heavy

[@e.l.norton]

@@Rxbandit421 I don't know if that holds true for non-vintage guitars like this one. Certainly for 50s, 60s, and probably 70s vintage instruments. But, after that I don't know how much it matters unless it was some special model.

[@sirhenners204]

@@matthewJ142 I mean they sorta exist, you have Travis Bean and EGC guitars

[@latouselatrec]

As a cabinet man for 50 years it is a joy and honor to watch your craft

[@GraemeSPa]

I learned something from this video, thanks. A great video, well presented and great detective work. I like the nod to the transatlantic problem of "sodering" or "soldering".

[@natemasterson1727]

I have a 94 American Standard with the same need to constantly tighten the truss rod. So much so that I bought it as a project after the previous owner blew out the front of the fret board between the first and second frets from over tightening too many times without getting some glue in there to strengthen that bearing surface the nut tightens against. This gives me wonderful hope that I’ll be able to repair this once I feel up to the task! Thanks for the informative videos as always!

[@perihelion7798]

History lesson and repair lesson, all in one video. This is why I subscribe to this channel. Excellent!

[@rustyaxelrod]

You are a clever man. That heater worked really nice!

[@richardockenden8669]

Another top class repair and a pleasure to see the skill and care taken.

[@danaeverhart6487]

Sir you are a true Luthier! The owner made a wise choice of letting you repair this screw up! You have our support! Peace my brother ✌🏻😊👍🏻☮️

[@josephbrewer7026]

Fascinating video. Your explanation and visual demonstration of the dual action truss road system was great. I would never have guessed.

[@beytone]

I’m so glad you decided to make this video!!! Amazing as always!!

[@wacokid2532]

as has been said many times - your videos and voice are perfect and can get someone without any guitar knowledge to sit through the entire thing just engrossed in a small repair. Nice work !

[@Pete1390SDR]

Fascinating diagnosis process and repair... yet another job brilliantly executed. Compulsive viewing Ted, thank you.

[@enispenvy9174]

"Stew Mac knows this. They'll charge accordingly." Bahahaha

[@scottdunbar4898]

Watching you work is amazing. Your experience speaks volumes but you're also just plain clever. Thanks for the video.

[@SteveBlackdog]

I just love watching someone not bodge a problem like this. Wonderful, resourceful and educational.

[@e2jw]

Dude - Awesome job with this in every regard! Your knowledge of the history of the various truss rod systems, faults and strengths, deep experience with the problems and the causes - and most impressive is your extremely creative methods AND knowing how to MAKE heaters, monitor the process and successfully separate wood parts that were never meant to come apart; AND creatively repair the force bearing wood parts AND do it all with a cosmetically pleasing final repair - WOW! You are certainly one EXTREMELY gifted and skilled technician - I'm VERY impressed! Thank you for sharing your insights and thoughts - you are a great mentor! LOVE YOUR CHANNEL!

[@Jesuswinsbirdofmichigan]

My reply to your reply makes it 2ply.

[@DerekHerbst747]

With every video Mr Woodford makes it's increasingly clear that patience, planning and preparation are the skills that set him and any good repairman apart. I very much appreciate your content and gain a lot of confidence tackling jobs that are new to me.

[@Jester-Riddle]

Thanks for that inspiring and informative repair masterclass 👏

[@fongy200]

Stewart Macdonald does a Truss rod repair kit but the kits success is dependant on how much Thread is left on the Rod. In this case it was down to a Ball end Allen key. I enjoy watching you work Ted, the methods i have learnt from you have been valuable at times and i thank you for that. Your a good Teacher as well as being a good Luthier. Thanks Ted.

[@michaelpolutta3131]

Wow - what a thorough understanding of the issue and an elegant repair. I definitely learned from this presentation. Thank you!

[@kirkbolas4985]

I’ve been doing my own repairs for the last 20 years. I’ve avoided used Fenders with the biflex truss rod because until today, I had no idea how to deal with this particular truss rod. Thank you for showing how one deals with this.

[@Rakkhun369]

You really are a master of your craft. Your videos are always so full of gold nuggets of information and procedures. Thank you very much for these videos.

[@jonq8714]

Man, what a master craftsman. So entertaining, I love your work.

[@romannumeral5547]

As someone who does all my own repairs and mods I really appreciate your videos. Your skills are top notch and your patient approach to repairs is a joy to watch. Much respect.

[@stephendixon8575]

Wow Ted, that was fascinating. I have a gorgeous Candy Apple Red Strat Plus from the early 1990’s which also has the bi-flex truss rod in it (though fortunately mine works just fine and the neck is in great shape). Have often wondered how that thing works. Had looked at modern bi-directional truss rods, like those you demonstrated, but had no idea if or how the original was different - well now I do! Thank you Ted. Fascinating to see that you can get the nut out like that - you never cease to amaze me what you can come up with. I sure hope I never have to attempt that in mine. 👍

[@13Hangfire]

Always a pleasure to watch someone who knows what they are doing and talking about... Subscribed!

[@DeadKoby]

Your comment is so true about a company being married to the past. Some traditional makers have a positive innovation that helps make setup easier, and the people revolt anyway.

[@brendanwalsh108]

My God man! Your dastardly solutions are utterly gripping to watch. Right up my street and subscribed for life.

[@ian-c.01]

Nice work, you are a true craftsman ! BYW you need to get some lanolin on them fingers, you will be happy you did !

[@officialnaplava]

that plug coming out was the highlight of my day. Another superb video!

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Excellent video as always. Thanks for sharing and educating us.

[@kenlesko7559]

Hello Ted. I love your channel! I have some tips on this truss rod fix that will save you a lotta time. I'm a gold Fender tech since '94 and got a TSB from Fender over 20 years ago about this truss rod problem. Break the finish around the plug perimeter with a #11 or scalpel blade. Heat the plug area with a hair dryer on high. I hold a piece of masonite to block the heat from the tuners and decal. Give the hair dryer some time. Then back out the walnut plug with an 1/8" hex key or a next size tapered hex key if the nut is sloppy. Apply more heat on the walnut plug and wiggle it out with channelocks. You'll be able to re-use the plug. Add an extra washer, new TR nut, remove the brass washer from the walnut plug, cut away material from the walnut plug ass end to compensate for the new washer thickness, clean off the old glue from the plug, and lightly glue the plug back in

[@spywithme]

You made that look so easy, The last repair I saw, the fellow carved the plug out. Thanks

[@RAkers-tu1ey]

Really Great! Thanks. I have wondered about this, but never seen it in person.

[@martinlouden9005]

It's very relaxing to watch someone who knows what they're talking about!

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

Bryan Adams must be very happy with the superb and ingenious work you did. Now he can play "Run to You" and not worry about his Strat. :^D

[@faunaflage]

"I'm gonna trim the walnut plug with this tool. It cuts like a knife, but it feels so right."

[@kentuckywindage222]

@@faunaflage 🤣😂

[@zororosario]

Outstanding craftsmanship, I learned something new. Thanks for this lesson👍🎸👋

[@michaelwcorrieajr2278]

Nice job! You do great work and continue to inspire me on my guitar repair adventures! This one definitely would have been a real head-scratcher for me.

[@VirginiaWolf88]

Looks great. I love the way that you matched that plug to the color of the guitar. Awesome!!!!

[@treecreeperguitars772]

What an ingenious way of removing the mahogany plug! Thanks for sharing man. 🤙

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

I love the way you pronounce heat........or "heat"

[@PikkaBird]

Or "hüüt".

[@T4Eater]

I laughed out loud. Was not expecting a joke like that lmao

[@ricksalt6860]

The bravery ... I applaud you . Awesome work as usual .

[@josephbrewer7026]

While I would never attempt repairs of the this magnitude, I really enjoy watching your videos as they help me understand the inner workings of my guitars. Your articulate and knowledgeable videos are fascinating to me. Thanks for posting.

[@brianwilliams4240]

Truly excellent. Ted, you continue to amaze me with your skills, not just the luthiery, but the problem work arounds too. Absolute kudos to you!!

[@daviddouglas7950]

Excellent information & demo! Thank you very much Mr. Woodford! Dave in the Adirondacks 🤠🎸

[@DANWRIGHTITIS]

That was great! Some proper detective work there - CGI got NOWT on you ... I´m a Brit in Spain.. Thanks for the Translations & FINBAR SAUNDERS !!!

[@benleydon]

FNAR FNAR

[@DANWRIGHTITIS]

@@benleydon . YUK YUK !!!!

[@pwman]

AmaZing insights into the whole fender truss rod system. I’m looking at my American made strat and thinking “you better not do that to me”. 🤦🏼‍♂️😂😂. Great video and amazing work as always!!!

[@timallen6025]

Love watching craftsman using technology and brains and plain hands on dexterity and honed techniques .. respect Sir 👍👍

[@pmartin54BB]

Nice... Also, thank you from the UK for adding the "l" back into "solder"!

[@eddiejr540]

WOW....you are a true “Master Craftsman”....excellent work my man!!!

[@briankientz2926]

I have spent hours whittling out that plug, thanks for showing me a better way!

[@angeloc700]

I did this same thing on an American Standard strat. I used a soldering iron to heat the truss rod nut cover. A few washers later…Worked like a charm!

[@DavidSmith-ne1zp]

How doesn’t love watching a professional at work?! Great skills my friend.

[@jacksonhoward3743]

Had to do this job on my 2012 American Strat this weekend, I had been putting it off for little over a year since I got my new truss nut in, but finally I got my hands on a Stewmack Gripper wrench. I used my soldering iron (with a clean tip) set to its lowest heat and with a little bit of damp towel on the inside of the hole to protect it, and give humidity to help release the glue, after about 10 minutes it screwed out with no problem! New nut installed and the old plug press fit in place as it was in good shape! the action is back down to 2.5 - 3.5 64ths plays like how I remember once again!

[@SargentandGreenLeaf]

Those string guides look sick, good job fender

[@Bulletman426]

Thank you very much for this video. I didn’t know about removing the plug with the way you did it. Nice job!!

[@cradd00]

Interesting video! Very good explanation of what the problem was.

[@arctichare8185]

My favourite KZbin luthier, ALWAYS A TREAT to watch your videos. Thanks so much!!!

[@EddieG1888]

Never seen this process done on any other video! Good work, sir.

[@josephfelice601]

GREAT JOB!!!!!! This was a new level of repair for me. Thanks so much for the knowledge and sharing.

[@ErGoyoTV]

These things are the most delicate of all Stratocaster work, nice video!!! Good content no BS videos. Suscribed.

[@Blues-man.]

You sir are a true professional, beautiful work.

[@hpblack1953]

I subscribe to more than a few guitar fixit/DIY channels. Some are redundant, some are more talk and less hands on. Your channel is professional, well thought out, informative of course and laid back. My hat is off to you. I have subscribed. Yeah, I’ll be visiting often.

[@Madmanmarque]

Nice job. I build and repair for a living and you can always learn something new.

[@rauschguitars]

Beautiful work on the repair, and thanks for the great lesson on the background and working of it! I'm a bit horrified by the over-complicated solution Fender came up with, even though the walnut plug is a nice decorative touch.

[@johnsmith-sm6mh]

Love your videos and humour, yes it’s Solder in England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 😂😂😂🇬🇧 Your skills keep me watching i wish you were here in England i would most definitely be knocking on your door fir my repairs sir. Cheers mate , John

[@SamFugarino]

Great video. That's the first time I've seen something like that. Very ingenious solution. Love watching you work. Keep 'em coming.

[@paulevans4334]

Very good. I've not seen that trick in repairing before now. Thanks for sharing.

[@fletcherchambers7175]

Really, really liked this vid. Thanks for turning the camera on!!!

[@SlowerIsFaster139]

I wish I had a nice mom and pop shop where I live. I used to have one but they went out of business and I've had bad experiences with guitar center techs. Anyways thank you for treating each guitar with love. And thanks for sharing

[@wingracer1614]

Ask around with local musicians, I bet you there is some guy in town somewhere that does great work out of his house but doesn't advertise. That's how I found my amp tech. An old country guitarist said take it to the dwarf. Sure enough, he was a little person in a wheelchair but the man knew his amps. Not only did he fix my Carvin bass head but I bought a completely rebuilt Fender combo from him too.

[@SlowerIsFaster139]

@@wingracer1614 that's a good idea. I used to take lessons in town, I'm sure my old tutor could help me out.

[@bluesplayer59]

Fascinating to watch how you mend up these things , true craftsman !

[@zenguitarankh]

Beautifully done... Thank you. Those 1/8 ball end truss rod wrenches man.... First thing I do is cut those off now...took barely any pressure turning to bust one off and that was it...just too thin.

[@johnsalaman503]

The 11 thumbs down are from the competition who only dream of being this skilled..

[@fdfsdfsvsfgsg4888]

There is no competition.

[@ChalkyWhite1]

@@fdfsdfsvsfgsg4888 the Chuck Norris of luthiers.

[@garymiller531]

Awesome, had a similar issue with a 93 Strat-plus, wish i'd seen this video sooner! Good job as usual! Thanks again!!!!!

[@qua7771]

First time I have seen this procedure. Subscribed