Guitar Repairs - Proper Soldering Technique

[@bigstudwithaguitar]

Been making guitars for 2 years and still had no idea that solder is attracted to the heat source. I just thought it was generally messy. This will save me a LOT of time and headache. Thank you so much!

[@solderbuddy]

I don't know how many people this guy has helped. But I haven't even started to solder or desolder and I already know this guy is a boss, he knows how to do professional work. I was looking to upgrade my pickups and pickguard, and now I know what to do correctly without doing anything bad. I know which tools, rosin solder, flux, strippers, Soldering IRon I need in order to complete this task.. This guys the best!!!

[@pectenmaximus231]

This is perhaps the best video I've ever seen on KZbin. Damn good job. So thorough, clear, organized, and rich in examples. Leaves nothing wanting. Thanks.

[@webmasterman]

Thanks very much for the kind words. It means a lot to me. Stay tuned for more stuff. I know I've been saying this but I have about 5 more things half done.

[@RadDad85]

Sir, that is a GREAT tutorial, and I feel extremely confident in my new ventures into soldering!! Thank you so much for a great, fully detailed, walkthrough of soldering, specifically in guitars! Thank you sooo much!!

[@webmasterman]

My pleasure.

[@turtlemouth]

I have never soldered before, which made me apprehensive about working inside my guitar. Your tutorial on the subject is the best I've seen and now I'm confident I can do the job. Thanks for posting.

[@whmozart]

Thank you so much for taking the time to explain this! I have a guitar project in which I need to change every single component because it just doesn't sound right even though it should. This is what internet is all about. Experienced people sharing their wisdom to those who seek it!

[@SkeeterMcBeater]

the most strait forward guitar repair/mod vid i've seen. thanks for the great video. you have no idea how over saturated youtube is with crap guitar repair/mod tutorials

[@D1m3b4gD4rr3ll]

Excellent advice and great technique. I built my own '68 plexi clone without ever having touched a soldering iron in my life. Everything you demonstrate is vital to a successful build, no matter what you're connecting. Take your time and do it right, on every connection. Extra attention to detail on every solder connection is FAR better spent time than troubleshooting when you're trying to find the bad connection. One thing I would strongly recommend to anyone doing more than a few occasional connections is an adjustable wattage soldering station. Definitely worth the small extra investment. Heats up quickly and gives you lots of flexibility to get the right temp for the right sized surface. Also when soldering potentiometers, make sure you have them all the way off (counter-clockwise) before heating them up. And I also agree, the copper braid is so much easier and effective than the bulb "solder suckers".

[@Sprungtol]

Thank you for this free and enlightening soldering lesson, sir. This great deed will be rewarded someday.

[@theneer-do-well3240]

Man, about a year or two ago I replaced my volume potentiometer and did a bum job soldiering it because my technique was bad, which in turn made me feel like my guitar sounded lousy. thanks to this video I can now re-soldier my connections with a more educated eye. thanks for the vid.

[@graceandtruth13]

The best instructional video on soldering. I finally found the secret of professional soldering. Thanks a millions. God bless.

[@TJGleadle]

Amazing video, was freaking out about having to re-solder an input jack, practiced on an older guitar and was able to fix everything in the newer one, thanks so much! Great video really clear, concise, and informative.

[@WSWCanadaEh]

Just wanted to let you know it's appreciated how you actually respond to all the questions everyone asks!

[@zeevyehuda2501]

This is the nicest comment section I've seen on youtube. It's quiet. almost... too quiet Great video, man. I've been looking was to wire up a guitar for a project I'm planning on building. Thanks for showing us how it's done!

[@godofrainbows]

+Ze'ev Yehuda Yes. Also interesting is that even the guy named "FUCK YOU" was very polite and pleasant. It's a crazy world.

[@pajamasflannel]

Baruch HaShem! 🖖🏼🖖🏼

[@skaman125]

You've done everyone a great service making this video.

[@Permie100]

I'm about to change pickups and rewire my guitar for the first time, this video has been so informative about a subject I have no knowledge off. Thanks again.

[@Paul-io6cb]

You can work on my guitars anytime. Excellent video. I learned more about soldering in the little time I spent watching this then I would have ever imagined possible. Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge in such a pleasant manner.

[@julianbarriga8513]

Soldered my first pick up in my guitar today and wouldn't have been able to do it with out this video! ... extremely helpful, best on KZbin ... my guitar looks like it was done by a pro...Thanks!

[@yjmsrv]

Best tutorial on proper soldering technique I've seen on KZbin, I solder all my own guitars and I'm not very good at it, this really, really helps. I like a really neat and clean connection and now I know how to do it. The technique of letting the solder flow towards the heat instead of just melting solder on the connections and creating cold solders was really helpful. Thanks a LOT for posting this!

[@webmasterman]

That running towards the heat thing is pretty cool, isn't it?

[@leilooliel]

I was hesitant about fixing my RX650 Ibanez. But after watching this great tutorial I can't wait to get it up and running again. Thanks soo much for taking the time to share these techniques with us, much appreciated :)

[@basvredeling]

Man, this is great info for the lot of us who never learned properly. Many thanks!

[@glacio95]

This video changed my life

[@zachyweezer]

Hands down the best tutorial on KZbin. Thank you so much.

[@BekkerGuitar]

thank you so much for this video! am a rookie when it comes to soldering and did a guitar project Today, my first, and having seen your video, I now realize I made all the mistakes you point out in your video.... learning as I go, I can now try it again the right way. tnx!!

[@TomaszSkwarek83]

Wow, this is by far the best "DIY" video about soldering guitar electronics, thank you so much!

[@AldenGrey]

Your best advice, I think, was the last bit... Practice soldering on old pieces of electronics and wiring prior to mucking about in your guitar's expensive innards. Love the video Webmasterman!

[@rickw.7756]

I was just about to commence replacing a pot for the first time when I found your video. You saved me from making a big mess of it! You're my tech guru now!

[@awesomejohnnet]

Sir, I thank you so much for taking the time to share you very valuable experience with those of us whop never ever really learned how to solder. I am 58 and have been playing for many years... I always shyed away from solder,ng and recently bought a solder gun and rolled up my sleeves to take a shot at it. Your video was VERY HELPFUL to teach the basics. GOD BLESS YOU thank you sooooo much!

[@brokin6]

Brother I have to tell you this is one of the best instructional video's I've seen on soldering! Excellent tips and very clear instruction, also the tip about the shrink tubing made me slap my head wondering why i never thought about this. Thank you very much!!!

[@webmasterman]

Thanks. Don't hurt yourself slappin' your head like that!

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Being a professional guitar player myself I have to congratulate you for this video. Clear, simple and very educational. 10 points. Cesar

[@webmasterman]

Thanks.

[@genericyoutubeuser1700]

Great video and very informative. Thank you for taking the time to explain your technique to those of us who might otherwise screw things up!

[@matt69cp]

Best soldering video I have seen! Many thanks for showing how it should be done!!

[@newton4prez]

The explanations and close-ups on your video are fantastic. Thank you!

[@FahimMotoGP]

simply the best video about soldering in general not just guitar.

[@tjh611]

thanks so much i have been upgrading and moding my guitar for years but i was self taught when it came to soldering and boy was i bad now i understand a little more why my work did not give me the results i had expected your lesson on how to solder has been highly informative i was doing everything wrong it seems thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with the rest of us i really respect the people who take the time to share their knowledge and ask for nothing in return to me that is a real musician thanks again. Tom

[@webmasterman]

Tom, Your comments mean a lot to me, and you're welcome.

[@tjh611]

webmasterman it only takes a minute to thank someone for sharing their knowledge with you and that all it takes to inspire them to share more and it should be give and take if you learned from someone then give back by sharing something you know great talking to you brother keep on jammin. Tom

[@freebirdforever2674]

Thank you for this. Your video clarified a lot of things I misunderstood for a long time about proper soldering.

[@jeremyv4636]

I have only used a soldering iron a handful of times. It's always been tricky for me because I've never seen how to do it properly. Thank you very much for this video!

[@riffwraith85]

Thank you for this video sir this is the most simple and easy to understand pickup solder lesson I have ever watched. Thank you.

[@AtomicAgeFilms]

I used to be one of those luthiers like the one who soldered the pot from the strat you showed as a bad example... not anymore now that I've watched this great video! Thank you!!!

[@TheRealXira]

This has to have been one of the best video's i have watched in a very long time. I'v been soldering various things for a good number of years now, things with my car, stereo's etc, and of course my guitars. And only after watching this, do i realise where i have been going wrong. Thanks for every word of advice in this video. Helped me out so much. Thanks again and keep up the quality work.

[@WealdenGardener]

Thank you. Brilliantly clear. I now see why my own soldering has been so hit and miss.

[@jessehuerta2028]

wow, definitely the best video I've seen on teaching how to professionally solder when working on guitars. Yes, there are other quality videos but this is presented in a way that instills confidence and knowledge. Thank you very much.

[@nathanmcauley7707]

Great video. Thanks for taking the time to post. I had made some mistakes soldering a sound hole pickup to an end pin jack. I was doing it all wrong it seems. Followed your technique and the pickup is nice and clear with no buzz. I think my earth wasn't good enough 1st time around. This is why I love KZbin! Thanks.

[@webmasterman]

Glad to be of help. Now you have a lifelong skill.

[@beppemaniglia]

Well...I think I've being doing ALL of the "don't" you showed here! Thanks for explaining the proper technique so clearly. Very helpful!

[@scibjenkins]

This was SUCH a great video! Thank you for posting! I have been shooting in the dark on all my "repairs". I wish I would have watched this years ago!

[@imlostinthewoods]

Excellent tutorial! I've been "soldering" for many years but still learned a great deal from your instruction. Thanks

[@Muggwhumpp]

Hey, just wanted to say thanks for all the time and effort you put into this video; you have no idea how much it has helped me!!!!!

[@BAMac964]

You sir are an awesome teacher. Ive been so afraid of the whole soldering process and you made me see that with simple proper technique it is fairly easy with a little time and patience. Thanks for this vid!

[@webmasterman]

Nothing to be afraid of, right? By the way, you can also use these same concepts for other hobbies such as stained glass.

[@soho1080]

This is the best soldering video I've ever seen.. So correct.. So useful.. Thanks so much!!!

[@jathondelsy]

Big thanks for such a thorough, precisely detailed, informative and entertaining video.

[@christianscazzieri]

This video is great, this is how a video tutorial should be. Period. Thanks!

[@rjbob1954]

Thank you. This was a very instructive and educational video. It was beautifully produced. Time well spent.

[@SeattleBassBoy]

Well thought out step by step instructions to a prefect professional soldering job. Many thanks for this very informative video.

[@moxxichannel5950]

Fantastic! The attention to detail was extremely appreciated. I can tell that you're "one of those guys" that takes immense pride in the work that you do - and that's a rarity these days it seems. If a job is worth doing, it's worth doing well. That's a work ethic you've illustrated in the soldering lesson while simultaneously applying it in the creation of this video. Subbed!

[@webmasterman]

Thanks. My Dad's influence (R.I.P.)

[@martijnvanspaendonck7989]

Extremely helpful video! Very clear instructions. Bought my first soldering kit today and I'm gonna try and practice your techniques out tomorrow.

[@slimkt]

Wow, I tried to read several different instructions on how to properly solder and couldn't understand anything. As soon as I watched your video, I was struck with sudden clarity. Thank you!

[@NevrTooOld]

Outstanding tutorial! I wish I would have seen this before I butchered my previous soldering attempts. Thanks very much!

[@SharpeyeHodgey]

I am re furbishing my very first bass guitar, It was incredibly cheap and its broken down now but it did have a surprisingly punchy tone. I pulled all the electronics out as well, planning to put some brand new fender pickups in it. Just bought my soldering iron kit. This video showed me all I needed to know! cheers!

[@DavidFaulconer]

Thank you! One of the best demonstrations AND explanations on soldering on the Net. Hopefully I can now put the info to good use. Might not make me a better guitar player... but it will certainly help with my other "Retirement" projects.

[@JustinGillenMusic]

Thank you so much sir for taking the time to do this. I soldered before but a long time ago so your in depth analysis was very helpful.

[@rsc1911]

Very informative. I was out searching for instruction and inspiration and you delivered. Thanks for your time and effort in this presentation.

[@frankb56]

I wish I had seen this video before attempting to rewire my guitar last night. What a mess. Oh well, now thanks to you I fully understand what I did wrong. It's just a matter of understanding soldering technique. Thanks for this video!

[@TheGonzo458]

Thank you so much. Really appreciate you taking time out to share these tips, tricks, and all round knowledge.

[@Zalu617]

Definitely helpful. After trying to solder a control plate together with no luck, I watched this. I was doing everything you said NOT to do lol.

[@estebanarias8481]

Best soldering tutorial I've seen. Thanks a lot for this!

[@webmasterman]

Glad you liked it.

[@CoreyShiposh]

Greatest soldering video ive seen yet. thank you!

[@srmatato]

Thank you. I know next to nothing about soldering, but I've soldered a couple of things in the past and did not know that the material that should bonded with should be properly heated. I figured it made sense, but didn't think it was a big deal as long as the solder "stuck" pretty well. And, that the solder shouldn't be directly applied to the gun. I really appreciate the detailed info.

[@CelloMel]

Thank you so much for this video! I just bought new pickups for my bass and was a little nervous about installing them myself since I haven't soldered anything since high school. This is perfect!

[@TheAxe4Ever]

Judging by some of these comments, I think not only have they been handling too much lead, I think they've been eating old paint chips containing lead. They're just trying to impress someone with their "knowledge" but they're just showing their lack of it. Some people read something somewhere and get it all twisted and suddenly they're an expert. Great video by the way.

[@LincolnFStern]

One thing I would recommend is buying a cheap Weller soldering station like the WLC100. They're less than $40 on amazon and worth every penny. They heat up fast, have adjustable temp, and a holder for the iron anda wet sponge for cleaning the tip.

[@marlan3rd]

Very well done tutorial . Nicely shot with good camera angles and very informative.

[@blueMinn]

Steve, your video is very helpful and instructive! Thanks for your efforts to teach the proper soldering techniques. This is the best soldering info I have ever seen and I am now confident that any soldering I do will be so much more effective and properly done! Great job, thank you for sharing your knowledge! ........Pete

[@bobsyeruncle4841]

that is the best explanation tutorial i have seen on the subject

[@mattyb3671]

Thanks, man. Just started working with a project bass, and these tips were dandy. I love the utube, and the knowledge it brings. Kudos Majoris, and may all yer solder run to the heat. :) That tip is the best thing about this vid! No doubt, yer step by steps made a impact on me, but describing soldering in that way nailed it. and I, as a newbie, highly recomend a craft vice. 100% difference in doing what you do. Hey, thanks. Rock on!

[@McGuire40695]

This is really great. I'm getting a 80s Kramer Pacer (with no electronics) for graduation in a couple of weeks and this will really help out with the wiring of of that. I'm also going to shield another guitar I have.

[@LUckybones25]

Thanks for the video. I have done solder 'repairs' to my guitars in the past, and I now know I've been doing them wrong.

[@JawalaWorld]

What a fantastic tutorial. You've given me the confidence I need to undertake my first partscaster project. Thank you so much.

[@la196]

That was a VERY useful and comprehensive tutorial. Thank you for your time.

[@taylandedeoglu93]

Awesome informative video and the last comment is very very true... Not every luthier is a good electronics guy! THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

[@scottharding9916]

This video is PERFECT! I'm in the final stages of building an RAS Les Paul kit, and the soldering work on the pots is really shabby; some wires have broken off already. I'll practice for a little bit, then try the real deal. And you're right: literally EVERYTHING you show was within 10 ft. of each other at Radio Shack. Cheers!

[@squidface100]

Best how-to video I've seen! ....Solderday night's all right for fighting, get a little action in....

[@IDONTBELIEVE69]

Thanks for the excellent video, showing the proper technique! I am going to take on replacing a stripped pot, and this gives me the confidence to do it!

[@progrmr]

Wow, GREAT video - I'm about to re-wire my p-bass with all new electronics and after watching this vdeo I feel like it's going to go well. Thanks!

[@dlapp14]

Great video sir. I knew most of this stuff but enjoyed watching. I really like your idea about putting heat shrink tubing over the holes on the pot. Im going to try that.

[@DeathsAlterEgo]

Thank you very much for that. That was very helpful, and not at all as difficult as I thought it would be.

[@danagboyer]

Great lesson! I was doing so many things wrong prior to watching this. This was a HUGE help.

[@TheMrshotgunblast]

Doing my first project and this is immensely helpful. Thanks for posting!

[@TheMarcAPullen]

Great video! I'm a beginner with electronics and this showed me exactly what I needed, thanks!

[@crentsilc]

thanks so much, this is exactly the video I have been looking for over the past two days!!

[@TheJaviist]

That's what I call a master in the art. Thanks sir!

[@fretfix1]

Bravo! This is a great primer for how to make an instructional video....let alone how to solder.

[@ulikfk]

Wow, amazing tutorial! The solder runs towards the heat! You're the man! Greetings!

[@vamacharana]

this was super helpful, thanks. I'm gonna be swapping out pickups on my favorite guitar and I did a really crummy job (it works but I see now how sloppy it was) of repairing connections about ten years ago when it was having problems. this totally showed me the RIGHT way to do it. very clear and informative. thanks.

[@osberhtgilphladen2224]

Thanks for your expertise this has given me the confidence to do a bit more than just the odd pickup.

[@DaveKnerler]

Great demo. I have always been terrible at this. Very helpful!

[@thomastang8680]

Thanks for the great video. Good information! I solder once a while when I do modifications on my guitar. This video definitely will help me.

[@CirineoSocialNet]

Fantastic tutorial, you really helped with your clarity and pace!

[@lazerus8]

sooo helpful! i wasn't able to solder the potentiometers and was wondering how it was done, thank you for making me feel stupid for showing how easy it is haha i never thought of heating up the bottom of the potentiometers first. thanks a ton!

[@djangomango11]

Awesome, those are CLEAN solder joints, rarely do people, even pros, do nice jobs like this. I would love to send you a guitar body to pickup load. Thanks

[@imyouandurme]

Thank you SO much! This helped a lot! I bought my guitar used, cheap, but clearly something was up with the wiring. The guy pulled the old switcharoo on me, but that was obvious, even though he played dumb. My new pickups are coming in the mail shortly, and I'm prepared to see cold solder joints all over the place. I'll probably spend more time with the de-soldering braid than soldering new joints. Excellent video. Subbed.