What Happens When Professional Luthiers Get A Gibson 335 Style Guitar Kit?

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Original score: Electric Boogie Dawgs & Jim Jamm Jimmy
Artwork: Joy Kaminski & Paul Shellooe

[@orryfishburne5326]

I really want to try building a kit. I just did my first guitar mod and now im hooked. I took a PRS SE Custom 24 and completely rewired it with all new components/wire, pickups, and installed locking tuners. I know thats not even close to something like a complete guitar build, but it has peaked my interest in learning more, especially on the luthier side of things. I can do a basic set up besides nut adjustment, and i can do electronic changes, but everything else i still need to learn. i think a guitar kit would be the perfect way to learn. Paying a couple hundred bucks on a kit is way less of a risk than taking one of my guitars and messing with to learn.

[@kennethh2430]

I wish Stew Mac would offer these kits bare-bones, no electronics, no tuners, no tailpiece/TOM. Better yet, offer a bare-bones and a upgraded parts/components kit.

[@jefffixesit60]

I bought one of these kits and one of StewMac's LP-style kits, building simultaneously. Since they're my first guitar builds, I've been taking a lot of time to shape the necks and triple check the neck/body fit and alignment. Necks are set, frets are level and crowned, fret ends dressed, and everything feels great. Probably going cherry red 335 and tobacco burst LP, prepping a paint room for now. Eager to see your next episodes, thanks for sharing

[@mikeivey8471]

Very excited to see this kit put together and how you guys finish it !! I know it will be totally cool looking !!! Curious to hear your opinions on the finished product with all stock parts ... Great video guys !!! Thanks to Stew Mac for making this series possible !!!

[@fepatton]

Excellent! I built one of their acoustic kits and the instructions and component quality were outstanding. Very glad to hear the body is ready to finish. The idea of sanding through the veneer always concerns me. Seems like a fun way to put a 335 in the fleet!

[@tgrum3316]

I built that exact kit at the start of the lockdown. Sanded through the veneer in a couple of spots, so they are right about being careful there. Finished it with hardware store stain, trying for a tobacco burst, then hand rubbed 18 coats of Tru-oil on the body and neck. Leveled and crowned the frets. Replaced the electronics, including replacing the pickups with some Stew-Mac Parsons Street PAF pickups that I had lying around. Wired it with vintage type push insulation wiring. I love the guitar. Just built a Guitar Fetish "Jagmaster." And it came with bubble wrap and paper packaging and no directions. It turned out nicely too, but if I hadn't built the Stew-Mac kit first, I would have had a terrible time with the Jagmaster build.

[@Kevin.odonnell]

Can confirm, it is an import kit. I’ve seen the same headstock profile on the low cost import guitars. I think they’re from one factory and sold under different brands. I don’t have the links at hand right now but if pressed I could dig them up. Great kits though. I bought an LP and had a lot of fun. Reshaped the headstock and put a custom logo on to poke fun at Gibson lol

[@layneguitars]

I ordered one of these a couple years ago when they first started offering them. I sent it back because the neck to body joint was super sloppy. Looks like they’ve really fixed the problem. I’m tempted to try it again. One of the great things about Stew Mac is the customer service. If you’re not happy, they will make it right. Excited to see how it turns out!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Thanks for sharing that, good to hear that Stew Mac took care of you my friend

[@monofavoriten]

i put together a similar kit, but mine had trapeze neck inlays and no pre drilled holes for bridge and tail piece. gave me the opportunity to use a trapeze tail piece instead😁

[@visualpossibilities]

Will we ever get to see how the 2 by 4 pine guitar turned out?

[@DavidHBurkart]

"Binford" should go on the headstock just like the Gibson logo, along with "Toasted" on the truss rod cover😂

[@TexasToastGuitars]

That would be cool, I like your style

[@peterogers7561]

I built two of these kits. I did use CTS pots And Orange drop caps. Also upgraded the jack. I used everything else that came with the kit. Surprisingly the pickups and bridge parts worked pretty well. Scraping the binding was the most time consuming. Definitely needed some fret work.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

You know how it goes man some upgrades are certainly to be expected. I think if you only used the body this would be a pretty good deal.

[@AnnaStafford-zh1sz]

Please forgive me. I just watched this again and it's, "Less than an hour and you can be ready to spray paint," or something. Still that's a stretch. With your skill and experience you might do all the fret work within an hour. That is a much nicer kit than the one I received. My headstock wasn't shaped (just a flat end) and no overlay. No bound F-holes. There were blemishes in the glue work around the neck pickup cavity that was a bugger to fix. Still it was a great kit and a lot of fun. Again forgive my overreaction to the "one hour". I love you guys. Thanks.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I was commenting on how quickly this could be slapped together and be painted. More of a commentary on how much stuff isa actually done already

[@kcole4001]

This is a cool series concept, and that sure looks like a really nice kit. The only obstacles I can see for most of us are fishing the electronics through the F holes (accompanied with a LOT of other Fs) and scraping the binding after shooting the colour. Simple solution would be just a clear coat after the filler. Looks like it will be well worth the effort regardless. 👍👍

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Nah, we have a few tricks up our sleeves

[@kcole4001]

@@TexasToastGuitars Looking forward to seeing the rest of the assembly, and especially the paint!

[@ksharpe10]

Looks like another 1st class job for StewMac. Will we see it in the reveal on Friday or week after???

[@theNextProject]

Fun to see you guys entertaining a kit project. Im sure SM will appreciate the review and build out. Looking forward to the project.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Thanks my friend, we are looking forward to more fun with this kit later today, video to follow

[@stevenfolino405]

I look forward to seeing the paint job! I’ve always liked the yellowish-natural 335s. First 335 I ever saw in natural was a Tom Petty concert. Looking forward to seeing more.

[@peterschmidt9942]

Its an easy build for you Matt, just glue the neck and you're done. You can see Chris almost foaming at the mouth with how much work there is in painting it 😂🤣 Looking forward to what you guys end up doing with it. BTW Funny Tim The Toolman reference too 👍. You might consider putting in some Binford 5900 pickups. More power Oh, uh uh uh.

[@texastoastchris]

That sounds 100% right.

[@ldfox11]

Why doesn't anyone make a 339 kit?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

That would certainly be my choice

[@christoddheartogold]

I'm really looking forward to the next video in this series, because I bought that kit during lockdown, but have not finished assembling it.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

More video coming soon my friend

[@stewmac]

Thanks guys! Great vid.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Thanks so much for sending this our way. It's a neat way to get started building guitars for sure. I mean, you could ruin a bunch of stuff like I did 35 years ago but this is going to jump people ahead and give them something good right out of the gate.

[@larrywhitley3359]

I’m excited to see this, because it is different for you guys. I just wanted to say, most kits come with a protective coating on them, that needs too be lightly sanded away before painting or coloring. In case you didn’t know that. I have only done one kit, I wasn’t impressed with the kit I got from Fret Wire. It had a high spot in the laminate that when sanded out I went through the laminate. Not good so, I have taken to building from scratch now. I love that more than kits. I’m still learning and always will. Your Friend Larry.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

This one appears to be ready for pore filler... we will be using the new (to us) high=speed, low-drag UV cure paints

[@larrywhitley3359]

I’m looking forward to seeing that, I’m very interested in that process. I don’t understand the difference between grain filler, and sanding sealer. I would appreciate an explanation if you don’t mind. Thank you for what you do.

[@AnnaStafford-zh1sz]

They've improved the kit since I built mine. I added Spertzel Locking Tuners, a Zero Glide zero fret nut, Golden Age pickups, and variable coil splitting instead of tone controls. The result was a magnificent instrument. I finished it in a beautiful purple high-gloss with a white pickguard with custom graphic. Great project.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Good stuff!

[@AnnaStafford-zh1sz]

@@TexasToastGuitars This was my first experience installing circuitry inside a semi-hollow. The big problem was, my harness was configured to prevent wires being visible through the f-hole. This made it somewhat inflexible. I also use high quality components and had four volume pots each with a StewMac Orange Drop Treble-Bleed attached and a Switchcraft Toggle. This proved very difficult to get through the f-hole and into place without getting components wound around each other and pulled into place. You've been there, I know, so I'm preaching to the choir. Still, it works exactly as I had hoped and the nuances of a Gradual Coil-Split (Dial-a-Split as Seymour Duncan calls it) produces a passive tone control that actually works without turning muddy. Thank God it didn't require a battery. LOL. I'd love to build another 335 kit but I don't think I will.

[@randallhaney7909]

100% Clown Shoes. Wow you were able to get it unboxed in one whole episode? .. Amazing.

[@albert30300]

Been eyeing these Stewmac 335s for a while so really glad to see you doing this build. Though kind of wish you had secretly bought it from them (to avoid any 'hand picked by Stewmac' type parts)

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I think they are all the same, but if you get one that isn't up to speed I KNOW they will take care of you

[@Rotary_Phone]

The one plus I'll give this kit is the headstock already has a decent looking shape right out of the box. It's a generic shape, and I'm sure there's room to make it the classic "open book" design if you want, but not everyone has the skills or tools to do that properly. I'm pretty sure I could build the kit into a decent guitar, but I could not make a decent looking headstock shape like most kits are shipped with...Ya know, the ones that come with that big square shape that expert wood workers can make into any shape in the book.

[@zinantij]

I ordered the LP kit about a year ago. Also being from CO, I wasn't sure what to think about how our climate would affect these kits. The neck shrunk so much, the neck binding delaminated at the fret ends before I had a chance to build it...otherwise, I'm not too unimpressed with the kit... I'm going to have to re-fret the neck, and undercut the tangs before I get to assembling it. I hope yours works out better!

[@redknighton5405]

I’m interested in this exact kit. I wish you weren’t sponsored by stewmac and given the kit by stewmac because not sure how critical you will be of the kit otherwise. Not being critical of you but it is always a nagging question. Can’t wait for it to go together

[@bldallas]

Cool kit! I think I’d be tempted to make a copy of the Lennon’s and Harrison’s Casinos after they stripped all the finish off. Would need to do some research to determine if they stripped the headstocks, and necks, too or just the bodies.

[@donaldfisher8556]

Matt and Chris, we know you'll hit it out of the park. I'm wondering if you may venture off the traditional Gibson colors and apply some cool Texas Toast colors. Let's face it, Chris can really paint and Texas Toast has some cool colors.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

We'll just have to wait and see

[@Peter-ic7vj]

Can I get block inlay?

[@stevenwilliamdewitt]

Cool! Looking forward to seeing the progress.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

You and me both!

[@samatlanta]

Yes, the output jack on a 335 is on the top, not the side.

[@robharrington71]

i was just looking at this kit last week, looks pretty cool to me.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

It is you should try it Robert

[@kerrynance1777]

Paint the headstock to match the body. A burst would look cool too ( top, sides, back, headstock, and even a burst on the back of the neck. ) Color should be painter's choice. Can't wait

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I agree

[@AnnaStafford-zh1sz]

Less than an hour? Have you guys ever stuffed the electronics inside a hollow body. If not, you are in for a treat. LOL. I spent thirteen months building mine because I deliberately took my time and was experimenting with mixing liquids stains, getting the color right, and finishing. Lots of fun and more than a few "Oh Crap!" moments. I spent around two months developing my circuitry. Just getting my pots and wire through the f-hole without damaging them was a trick. I learned that the hard way because my first circuit separated some contacts on the way in.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I have done my fair share of assembling semi-hollow guitars, if that is what you are asking

[@you_are_kidding_me_right]

Aren't their kits from the now defunct Fretwire? Did Stewmac acquire them?

[@brad-guitar-miller813]

Can't wait to see what Chris does.

[@DownByTheRiver234]

I built an import 335 kit a year or so ago - the wooden parts were great but I changed nearly everything else. Looking forward to seeing what you do with this.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Still a good deal

[@DownByTheRiver234]

@@TexasToastGuitars definitely

[@Rotary_Phone]

I know you guys are big into poly finishes, but would you do a nitro finish on a custom guitar if someone paid extra?

[@Mike-eq4ky]

Guys, I'm building one too! I've been following with interest your finishing episodes and for solidbody projects I'm fully onboard with your finish selection and tools... Sealers, automotive two part clearcoats, HVLP... etc. I've also watched with interest your comments about how much nitrocelluose lacquer SUCKS and I get it. But, for a semi-hollow body or hollow body guitar project, where acoustic resonance is - arguably - a component of the sound, would you still use the same finishing routine? I'm concerned that what your use would dampen the body resonance and that in this case, maybe a nitro finish which is lighter (well, not if you use 87 coats, obviously...) could be a better choice?? I plan on doing mine in 1960's Cherry Red and I got the Stewmac Guitar Finishing book which outlines that process. I would NOT do nitro just for a "vintage" style finish, but for it's acoustic properties. Am I mistaken in this thinking? I want the color but I LOVE the durability of catalyzed paint systems. Where do you guys land on all this? What are the best finishing options for a semi hollow body or hollowbody? This makes me think back to what John Lennon and George Harrison did with their Epiphone Casinos - stripped off the finished to let the wood resonate more. We could certainly debate if it "worked" and gave them the sound they were looking for. But given modern finishing products and techniques - what's the best way to do this for these guitare today?! That's the topics I'd love to hear you discuss. Thanks!!

[@rockystarland6051]

I’ll be watching

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Thanks Rocky

[@waynehughes8297]

Looking forward to this.

[@broached1]

I've always been curious on Stewmacs guitar kits. On another note, what's up with that Non-Reverse Firebird template hangin up in the background? You making those? :)

[@Jeremy-rg3bg]

When you say its plywood..your saying its pine right?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

No, not at all. For example the top and back veneer is maple

[@robinfawcett7973]

I felt completely unfulfilled making up kits like this. Bit like assembling an Ikea product. Someone else had all the fun...

[@TexasToastGuitars]

you go to do you my friend

[@RichM1967]

The price on this... WHY? I can buy an Epiphone 335, fully finished, used off ebay for $350. On marketplace I can buy one for $400 with case.

[@jvanb231]

With some Hipshot tuners, Dylan pickups and a Texas Toast Hamer burst paint job that guitar could really be something nice :)

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Tell you buddy. You don't think this is the only one we will be doing, do you. I have plans for one with a new neck or at least a new headstock

[@jvanb231]

@@TexasToastGuitars I love the Dragons Breath Green 339-ish guitar I bought from ya'll- -- but another with p90s would totally be in the cards :)

[@soapbarblues]

Pelham blue for the win!

[@hans-hinrichthedens706]

I am picky about f-holes. These are in the wrong place, and probably too large, too.

[@georgerobartes2008]

I'm surprised there is no Danelectro 59 or U2 kit in very basic form . Wood pieces and hardboard ( or hardwood - luxe model ? ) top and back . As its not a solid body or acoustic ,this may be a way of getting kids into building both at a very reasonable price . Looks like the hardware maybe Guyker , a very reasonable priced line of good quality parts .

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Beats me man

[@robertprichard3236]

Blue burst

[@frankcarter6427]

2 horrified luthiers trying to pretend to be impressed with a heap OS

[@markpell8979]

Amen, Frank. I wonder how this guitar compares at this stage with one built by a well-taught student in a Texas Toast build workshop but I doubt Matt and Chris would say it's quite ready to "squirt some paint on it" unless that was actually a little bit of a veiled jab at StewMac. I hope so. Read my other comment. To boil it down to one sentence if you're busy, StewMac can kiss my butt.

[@el_nestorvgc]

actually I finished this series of videos about this stewmac 335, and the results were so disapointing considering the experience and tools you own. anyway

[@shckltnebay]

What do you use to pore fill?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

We use Simtec UV cure pore filler

[@Jeremy-rg3bg]

Wait a minute..your not gonna put it together????

[@shanewalton8888]

Marty played a 345, not a 335.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I always get those confused

[@thecarolinahoosier3596]

Emerald Green burst!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Not sure what ol' Chris has in mind

[@pulaski1]

So you're going to be treading on Brad Angove's toes then!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Who?

[@pulaski1]

@@TexasToastGuitars Now I'm not sure if you're forgetful or just trolling me? LOL .... He's the Canadian you were trashtalking in the original GGB - and his this is mostly assembling kit guitars and painting them.

[@rustyfenders101]

YO!!!!!!! Cool guitar Cool dudes!

[@joepug11]

Just one thing ,plywood

[@TexasToastGuitars]

They are all plywood these days

[@TexanUSMC8089]

I say paint it different than any factory color. No Gibson or Epiphone colors. No blue or black.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I like your style

[@nathanhenderson9725]

Sold their soul to the devil as far as I'm concerned...

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Hmmmmm I'm no theologian

[@nathanhenderson9725]

Allow me to explain... stew mac is the devil. You guys took their money and are now trying to sell us their overpriced junk. Get it?

[@TempoDrift1480]

Entirely too much talking. I'm 1/4 of the way in and the box is laying open while you're reading cancer papers and talking about box cutters. Keep your audience interested instead of wanting to flip the channel.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

HAHAHA

[@kendodd1]

You guys are way too talented to be side-tracked into building a Stew-Mac kit guitar, I know they sponsor you but ... (don't shoot the messenger) Peace

[@TexasToastGuitars]

There may or may not be something I haven't told y'all about why we are doing this... mostly may

[@J.C...]

More overpriced stuff from Rip Off Central? 👎