What's wrong with this Fender truss rod?

[@guitarzan31]

I love how he says “it worked!” like he was genuinely surprised when his 50+ years of experience, 7 guitar-specific tools, and sheer talent didn’t lead him astray. 😂

[@emilloffler1216]

Repair jobs can have all kinds of curve balls appear when one would think its a straightish forward repair, so if it worked its such a relief.

[@HigherPlanes]

Except for that rappy vibe at 3:26 when he said "go right down in there"

[@richardshank7659]

I was just about to comment on that statement when I seen you already did for me 😂

[@Samzee89]

With over a half-century of experience, he knows better than anyone that no plan survives the battlefield. I imagine that's why he was pleasantly surprised. :)

[@joem7572]

@@Samzee89 Yep, that always reminds me of the quote "the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry". I've been repairing diesel tractors, trucks, and equipment for 25 years and just when I get cocky and think it is in the bag, the bottom falls out. Cheers!

[@silvy711]

So knowledgeable, makes it look so easy. Feels like watching Bob Ross paint.

[@janneboman8573]

I once visited a local repair shop. They specialised in saving necks with broken truss rods. Necks where the anchor is not even accessible like this. They route from behind, extract what is broken, put in a new one and seal off with a skunk stripe. End product looks like it came off from the factory with a skunk stripe all along. Really cool.

[@jamiebales8394]

You're a wizard, Dan.

[@dc-o2976]

Jamie Bales t

[@vintagedoctorgonzo]

Jamie Bales I'm a what?

[@patrii9100]

@@vintagedoctorgonzo I understood that reference!

[@funkybee6506]

The rod chooses the wizard

[@AlexCBrandon]

This is one of the most impressive videos I've seen in the whole massive StewMac collection. Skill and knowledge like no other in guitar repair.

[@clgmafnas]

Alexander Brandon lol...I know right? It's crazy how easy Dan makes these repairs look. Like he's done them a million times. ..cause he probably has! 😂

[@Turboy65]

Except that using JBWeld to secure threads DOES NOT WORK. Other than that it's fine....LOL.

[@jcd13able]

Yup, I would use a red threadlocker instead.

[@mrpotat680]

@@jcd13able No, Loctite Red weakens threads that are under heavy pressure.

[@12south31]

I've been repairing guitars for 25 years and own my own shop, Auburn Guitar in Newbury Ohio, and all I can say is Dan is the man!

[@HunnysPlaylists]

What is your shop called.

[@12south31]

@@HunnysPlaylists Auburn Guitar

[@HunnysPlaylists]

@@12south31 Do you know Dan?

[@12south31]

@@HunnysPlaylists I do not, unfortunately.

[@HunnysPlaylists]

@@12south31 Can you meet him?

[@Lemongrasspicker]

Cool repair. Tip for anyone who might want to try this themselves. Before you thread the rod into the anchor, turn it to the left, when you feel the thread engage (should be a little click) then you turn it to the right to thread it in place. That'll help keep you from crossthreading the anchor and ruining your work.

[@Mayyde]

i do the same thing when putting screws back into electronics. i guess the tip transfers over well.

[@pamparitas]

yes and yes y use that in the drill press to not miss the punch in the steel

[@johnnypk1963]

Definitely. The best way to do it.

[@Kurecify]

Always when screwing!

[@lucianodebenedictis6014]

I do this even when closing water bottles

[@johne7100]

Before picking up swarf, wrap your magnet in kitchen paper. Then you can pull all the swarf off the magnet at one go, throw it and the paper away and leave the magnet clean.

[@agent19kentuckypotbaron15]

Always coat your brown hat in caster oil for lubrication before making an entry.

[@Ibaneddie76]

What the hell is swarf hahahaha, sounds like some Lord of the Rings stuff.

[@KennethNicholson1972]

@@Ibaneddie76 Swarf is the name given to any metal shavings.

[@expert_fretwork]

Today I learned that those little shavings are called 'swarf'

[@ashscott6068]

@@KennethNicholson1972 The best word for something - and therefore the one the most intelligent person would use - is the one that the most people will understand.

[@mikemanne8112]

Most guitar repairman, would not even attempt or try to fix this damaged truss rod, fender neck, but Dan, does it like a champ. Amazing video.

[@UltimateBreloom]

Leo Fender wouldn't have. Would of just given him a new neck to bolt on. Still a cool repair nonetheless.

[@kmonz90]

only time i have ever seen a truss rod replaced

[@BaronsDuju]

And he makes it look easy!

[@HHG_BREEDINGGROUND1]

I have a great appreciation for this man, He's calm and knowledgeable craftsman. Would love to spend time with him and learn the fine talents of guitar repair. He's a master !

[@blunderbuss393]

So satisfying to watch that truss rod and anchor being pulled out.

[@emiliofedele3428]

Always a good day when you see a stewart Macdonald video pop up in your feed.

[@viola1]

Agreed! And this one was fantastic. It's hard not to be amazed by Dan Erlewine!

[@andriealinsangao613]

I agree!

[@bryanleigh6497]

What's the luthiers name then, Dan or Stew?

[@MrRoach-yo3mz]

This guy is the best guitar repairman on all of KZbin! It's funny how similar many of the tools he uses are the same as used in machine shops and automotive repair, only smaller....many times we have to make our own tools..... Great Job like always

[@cardsfan2397]

I've been working on guitars for years mostly basic adjustments such as truss rod adjustment, action, intonation, pick up height, nut filing, replace guitar parts, etc. I still got a whole lot to learn and Dan is like the Jedi Master of guitars. 😂

[@jmm09015]

I could watch Dan work for hours. Love these videos. So relaxing.

[@stewmac]

Glad you like them!

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

Howdy Dan, you can avoid chowdering the finish around the barrel nut by using a barrel nut that's threaded on both ends. On the lock screw end, cut a slot all the way across it so you can use a slotted screwdriver to remove it from the rod after you pull the locking screw out.

[@chrishenning8829]

As a machinist with over 20 years of experience... Well done my man!!!

[@emilloffler1216]

Yeah, I had my own machine shop before retirement, so I had the freedom to make all kinds of jigs and things of my own design for repair work and manufacture. As a keen guitarist and owner of several high end guitars I can fully understand and appreciate this clever kind of work.

[@dale8809]

That was impressive. I hope there are guys like this in 30 years when us younger guitar players need them.

[@stringpromusic9849]

I always thread the insert after drilling it thru to the rod insert area and positively lock the rod in place with a socket head set screw . this works with an insert that has had its threads stripped out or buggered up as well . If the head-stock end of the rod is still good you get to reuse it as well .

[@henryrudolph1952]

Hi from New Zealand, The Master, unbelievable wealth of knowledge of guitars! I love watching these video clips, not only does he fix the guitar, but he knows the history that goes with the guitar.

[@johnforneris5479]

Its great to see a master craftsman who shares his skill and explains what he is doing and how to accomplish the correct results! I have learned a lot about guitar repairs. I thank him for posting these videos.

[@musicauthority7828]

I have experienced this problem with Fender truss rods before. because Fender headstocks don't have truss rod covers. which leaves the truss rod nut exposed to the elements. ie. dust, dirt, lint, and moisture. especially if the guitar sits in a guitar stand for long periods of time. it basically causes the the truss rod nut to rust on to the truss rod locking it on there. it's a gripe I have had with Fender guitars for a long time. what I have been doing for quite a few years is cutting a piece of foam rubber so it fits nicely into the truss rod hole. but finally after all these year's Fender has come up with a solution for this issue. now they make a plastic plug that goes into the truss rod hole. Dan was particularly lucky in this situation that the truss rod unscrewed from the anchor. because they normally use Locktite threadlocker when they install them. the spring steel that truss rods are made out of once in a while can snap off. if there's no broken part of the truss rod sticking out of the anchor. then a person can again do like Dan did. but if the truss rod broke anywhere farther up the neck. then a person is looking at buying a new neck or lifting the fretboard off the neck. which is no easy task although I have seen Dan do it before.

[@brentfitzgerald99]

This man is a National Treasure! I think one of the best jobs a person could ever have would be being his apprentice. Not just to learn from him, but you know the man has stories that define his generation and America as a whole.

[@TroubadourJuggernaut]

When Dan stops doing this, no one will ever fill his shoes

[@agent19kentuckypotbaron15]

its like my loincloth. when i hang it up no motherfuckers cock and balls will ever fill em.

[@wherebandshaman]

Phillip McKnight will lmaoo

[@Phoenix_cataclysm_in_2040]

Not true. Plenty of good luthiers are still out there.

[@daviddoyle4516]

We will see no other one like him in our time.

[@bryanleigh6497]

@@daviddoyle4516 Yes Thor it is true of noble Odin

[@OldSilkRoad]

Dan is something else! A rare gem.

[@vwharman]

I love these Stew MAC videos, they are all awesome. That said, I literally put these on and fall asleep listening to Dan fix guitars. My only hope is I somehow absorb some small iota of what he says subconsciously...total genius and legend.!

[@OrionHellraiser]

So terapeutic watching Dan doing his job....this was freaking genius!

[@Cigarsnguitars]

People are constantly complaining about their prices. It’s like comparing a BMW to a Ford. I'm not interested in everyone's opinions on cars but I'm trying to point out both will get you to your destination but it may have more bells and whistles or simply made better. These guys make some good stuff and some one of a kind gear made especially for guitar. Their instructional videos are great and have gotten me out of a jam. Good people, good company, just costs you a little more. Thanks StewMac.

[@jimdandypicker11]

Wow, am I ever glad I found your channel. I love watching craftsmen do their job. I am going to watch them all....

[@marisathebibliophile1519]

Completely insane! I figured you would have to completely take it apart to figure out what happened. Great work!

[@RayMerrell68]

1:59 If you wrap your magnate in a little plastic bag, it makes cleaning them up after a doddle.

[@kaz0271]

Imagine making a liveable career out of this. I've been messing around with guitars for over 20 years, started helping out friends then it got to a point where I had to charge people. Even now I feel guilty charging people because I have nothing but love for guitars/basses, but I've amassed such an amount of tools to look after most situations, that it's not feasible to do free work outside of my main profession, which often leaves me tired and worn out af at the end of the day. Thank you Dan and StewMac, your support and guidance is much appreciated.

[@niczim123]

I'd love to see StewMac do a KZbin show where people basically try to stump Dan with bizarre guitar problems that require clever repairs and his exceptional expertise.

[@Highlandherps]

I had the exact same issue with a '79 strat. No sign that any glue or epoxy was applied at the factory! I think maybe sometimes someone forgot that step. For 25 years i thought the truss rod was broken and i needed a new neck. It was only when i removed the neck to replace it that i decided to try and pull out the broken rod to just look at it before i threw it away. After i saw it had come unscrewed, did i get on the Internet and discovered this video. Now i can keep my vintage neck!

[@stewmac]

That's awesome...glad it helped you save your neck!

[@travishemming3783]

I could watch Dan work all day. And thanks to this channel, there have been some Saturdays where I pretty much did just that.

[@maishealth1504]

You need to grease nut just in case to prevent unscrewing from opposite side again. Thread can get rusty in 50 years or so. I have 50 years old guitar and I have to replace truss rod. I don't think it is still under warranty...

[@EightiesTV]

I think the original truss rod could have been reused if threads on the head end were chased with a 10-32 button die and cleaned up to accept a new nut and the anchor bushing wouldn't have had to be removed (although the truss rod would still have to be removed). If the threads on the body end of the truss rod were broken or stripped, then yes, anchor bushing replacement and truss rod replacement. But the threads looked perfect giving all the necessary clues that the anchor bushing was perfect AND still in alignment. A drop of red loctite applied sparingly will ensure the truss rod never separates from the anchor bushing until it's torqued enough to break the rod. I'm sure he was aware half of the job was unnecessary but did this little extra work as a great opportunity to film the necessary steps when a truss rod snaps at the anchor bushing.

[@chump5101]

Great job, Dan. An you knew it, too. I saw that little smile at the end of the flick. Glad to see you wearing your optivisor again. I was afraid that you had had eye surgery.

[@CalitranoN]

no way i could do that,,, between the knowledge and skill and perfect dimensions... and good luck finding someone like him up here...

[@kevincuthbert3058]

It’s beautiful to watch someone comfortable in what they are doing.....respect to you sir from the U.K.

[@TeddyJSmooth]

Steve Mac is a guitar genius! Things like rightie tighter, lefty loose are great advice for a truss rod!

[@nickm8644]

I don't even play the guitar, but I enjoyed watching this man work.

[@jefferyaeastman]

I love how humble Dan sounds. Man, it worked! As if he didn't know it would. You sly dog!

[@Autonimous]

Thank you for the great information - let me offer you a tip... When you are using that magnet to clean up the metal chips, put it in a small plastic baggie, then after picking up the chips, turn the bag inside out and pull off the magnet. Chips are contained, and you don't have to wipe them off the magnet.

[@sold3122]

actual most satisfying videos to binge I love it

[@jonsick445]

One of the first videos I got about guitar building was Dan Erlewine's video on building a strat from scratch. Built one myself completely off that video (OK I had to take two attempts at the neck!) but I still have that strat today. It's lasted well. I built a mahogany two-piece body and neck with a 22 fret rosewood board. It's heavier than your average land mammal but it sounds awesome.

[@Tunkkis]

I do love me some big CBS style headstocks.

[@FriendM2010]

This is guy I would trust-trust-trust to repair my guitars... Thanks for sharing Stewart 👍

[@dessertman1181]

Not many craftsman left like this guy well done

[@TaycroTC]

Thats incredible. I could watch Dan all day everyday.

[@jeff7807]

I really enjoy all your videos Dan. Thanks for taking the time to make them.

[@nickc2144]

Awesome, pure skill and craftmanship

[@mactenfingers2826]

Its a 40 year old neck anything could be wrong love your videos so informative ..thanks

[@GetToThePointplz123]

Doing is one thing, but knowing what your getting into , what to expect and how to fix AND all the right tools...impressive craft and a wealth of knowledge, nice brother

[@portuguesebeer5069]

Hey man, its an honour learn with a master like you! Very nice! Pure Heavy Metal! Cheers from Portugal 🍺🤘

[@bpabustan]

I'll say it again, Dan Erlewine is a GENIUS!

[@daviddoyle4516]

Dan is the guitar repair GURU,,,,he remains unsurpassed to this day,,,,I remember his early articles in Guitar Player magazine when I was a teenage kid,,,,,,You'll not find a better hand than Dan

[@docsamba9998]

Hi David Can I have Dan's info please ? I have a 75 Jazz bass with a broken Truss Rod that needs replacement. Looks like the guy I've been looking for .

[@braderrick]

Love the videos but I find myself waiting for a grand reveal at the end with someone jamming on the guitar lol. Thanks for posting.

[@agent19kentuckypotbaron15]

i was twanging my one string bass throughout

[@dagblix6146]

This man actually knows what he is doing as a craftsman. really impressive!

[@billygoatct]

I could watch these videos 24/7. I'd love to hang out in this shop, and learn the trade.

[@richpeltrick1492]

Great video to see the anatomy of a truss rod. The one thing that I'm not seeing is after this repair is done, how do the relief adjustments happen if the bullet just loosens from the rod? Is there some counterclockwise catch with the nut that he pulled out along with the rod that needs resetting somewhere within the neck that I didn't see?

[@samuelvincent5286]

These videos are an absolute pleasure to watch.

[@danielmiller2886]

Man, I thought the tools I had to have working on cars was neverending, but I see you have to pull out a different tool every video.

[@sorenahlback]

Is there anything this man can’t fix on a guitar?! I would love to go beside and learn from him.

[@RobCabreraCh]

What? To be honest, I have never given much thought to what a struss rod was. I thought you couldn't take them out, that if one failed, you had to change the neck entirely. I'm learning so much from this.

[@TMoody]

I use to watch cartoons as a kid every single Saturday morning religiously...... now as an adult I watch Dan and these StewMac videos with the same enthusiasm.

[@raybede]

Such an easy operation.... But only if you have years of experience and superb engineering abilities!!! I wish this man was in the UK.

[@roberthoule9693]

Fantastic work. Loved seeing how things are put together on my Fender.... gives me confidence in my guitar choice. thanks

[@ayeapprove]

fantastic as usual. you fixed something not alot of luthiers would have been able to fix and simply advised to buy a replacement neck instead.

[@luisownerbr]

What a surgeon dan is

[@frmcf]

I'm sure this is infinitely more difficult than you made it look! Dan is a magician!

[@ivanrohal7489]

I love to watch this man working. Real master.

[@Retro.Studio]

This man deserves a medal Award of Genius!

[@jackhargreaves1911]

“Never supposed to see this end of the truss rod.” Classic!

[@matthewhusseymusic2617]

If you guys want a cool guitar to work on, I have a Aria 1971 335 style guitar that has a few things that need attention; the finish has some oxidation that could be worked on, as well as it may need a new truss rod + set-up It's a really cool classic instrument and would love to / trust you to work on it more than anyone, your attention to detail is unparalleled. If you are interested let me know! -Matt

[@BretBunton]

This man.... Unbelievable amount of knowledge.

[@daveayerstdavies]

Here is a tip. Repair magnets are great for cleaning up metal chips and swarf, but it's a pain to clean the stuff off the magnet and if you do it with bare fingers you can get metal splinters in the skin. I wrap some paper around the magnet before using it to pick up steel chips. That way clean-up is easy and safe.

[@dwightbrooks2749]

I love this video. No fluff, right to the point.

[@jadney]

Really nice work, but I wonder if I missed something. Why didn't you re-use the original rod and nut? Hadn't the rod simply unscrewed from the anchor?

[@gw2031]

Yeah I thought the same mate,,unless he thought the threads were stripped at the end such that they might just come loose again,

[@broms316]

I love when something works he turns to the camera with a smirk and nods. I almost nod back lol.

[@jimmybarr7387]

I wish I could shake his hand. I have a engineering background, and I'm also a guitar player. Such dedication.

[@Duh6666666]

It is absolutely mesmerizing watching you work, you are a true artisan, many kudos.

[@albertassociate]

I've always been impressed with your repair videos, but this one, WOW! Great job!

[@davidbergin6184]

I could watch Dan do his thing all day long.

[@Dzeroed]

I wish I didn't live on the Shetland Isles in the northmost part of Scotland, I'd bring my Jackson to you to be repaired in a heartbeat

[@lordMaroza]

I'm beginning to dive into the truss rod waters, and the overall guitar setup business, so this has been really helpful! Thank you!

[@Mac4Willy]

I don’t own a guitar, nor play one. I’m a drummer. But this is so interesting and cool to watch a craftsman. Thank you. Subscribed

[@Wargasm644]

This is the only time 98.4% of us will see a truss rod in it’s entirety. Be thankful for that.

[@leonardcianciotto547]

Great job. Always fun to watch you work.

[@officialmetalwill]

Dan has a wealth of guitar knowledge. It would be so much fun to just sit and chat with him.

[@tbaker71]

It's a pleasure to see you work. Thank you for posting.

[@gunzrloaded]

Such great work Dan does...! I've learned a lot about instrument repair from Dan. Cheers

[@sclogse1]

Welcome to Jay Turser truss rods. And it's too bad..I have one of the huge Jazz boxes from Turser's early releases. Turning the rod does nothing either either way. I can't get relief, and have my bridge sitting way too high to compensate, and still not good. If you're wondering if turning the rod does nothing, why doesn't it default to a relief position instead of how it would be if I had overtightened? I have no idea.

[@kmt475]

Is this the nicest man on planet Earth? A gentleman, in all regards.

[@vincentmaes3554]

Okay, good job. I would have like to see is the finishing process with getting close to intonation, or at least showing how the finishing part is.

[@martinmakarick1957]

I am going to watch every one of these videos they are a treasure trove of information. I am learning so much. I love KZbin it is my go to for all types of information. Thank you very much!

[@stewsim]

Great work as aways Dan! I recently has a '71 P Bass heel adjust that came apart like this. Had to get surgical and remove a piece of the fingerboard to get at the anchor...it was a partay...;-)

[@jeffbeck6501]

Unbelievable. Congrats on an amazing repair.

[@PerpetuallyTiredMusician]

I bet the word wholesome isn't commonly used to describe a video on how to exchange a truss rod. Neither is relaxing but here we are. I feel like someone gave my brain a massage while I had a spirit forward cocktail of information. Ty for making all these videos and peace

[@matt3028]

This gentleman is what an expert looks like a real Craftsmen it's good to see