How to shape a guitar neck by hand.

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  • Опубликовано: 26 ноя 2024

Комментарии • 125

  • @theluthiersapprentice3309
    @theluthiersapprentice3309 3 года назад +3

    i too used to hate making necks. Now it is my favorite part of lutherie. Something about changing an angular piece of lumber into one with smooth functional contours really gets the dopamine flowing.
    Great video. Cheers!

  • @rauschguitars
    @rauschguitars 3 года назад +15

    A good tip for the "shoe polishing" technique: If you only have paper-backed sandpaper available, stick some packing tape on the back. That'll stop the paper from tearing.
    Love seeing those organised workbench drawers! That's solid inspiration for my workshop.

  • @UTBanjo
    @UTBanjo 3 года назад +2

    That rasp is awesome. I've been using a 1" roundover bit on my router, and finishing it up with a spokeshave.

  • @josephdhemphill87
    @josephdhemphill87 3 года назад +4

    Yes, I love to see how other guys do it. I've done a bunch of electrics so I feel pretty dialed in, but I have an acoustic neck that I need to carve and have been putting it off....haha. Tomorrow its getting done!

  • @DJBuglip
    @DJBuglip 3 года назад +9

    Thank you for this, this is the part I'm trying to learn next. Necks.

    • @Xrycee
      @Xrycee 5 месяцев назад

      Neckst

  • @larrycortner6321
    @larrycortner6321 2 года назад +1

    I ordered a harley benton accoustic guitar online I like everything but the neck size and frets ,I'm going to try to reshape the neck .This video will help me .So thanks again fellow's.

  • @karljshaw
    @karljshaw 3 года назад +5

    Good stuff, Chris, you are making your guitars even more personal by involving your customer in the process more and more.... I'm enjoying your videos and, as always, I'm enjoying playing your guitars. Keep on keeping on!!

  • @troyclayton
    @troyclayton 3 года назад +1

    I really like the way you broke it into distinct phases each with it's own set of operations, in order. All the caveats are helpful too, I've pushed too far too quickly too many times. I need more of this because I don't have the instrument building experience. I make plenty of mistakes I fail to foresee. I keep watching videos trying to learn more, so I'm glad you're making some. I now need with all my being a hand cut Dragon rasp. Thanks!

  • @CMRWoodworks
    @CMRWoodworks 2 года назад +2

    Good stuff dude. I just carved my first neck recently and learned a lot doing it. Also a lot of takeaways for me from this video. Thanks man!

  • @Guitar4C
    @Guitar4C 3 года назад +1

    Great vid and comments while in-process - thanks! My local wood supplier had ~quartersawn White Limba in his "smalls" bin. I bought a few, then more and enjoyed the ease of working this light wood into necks. It is remarkably unimpressive until it is hit with finish. I ran out of my supply, but found some nice qsawn Sycamore for my current build. So glad you are able to get these posts going and share your passion, work and collaboration with Matt.

  • @Raven-Creations
    @Raven-Creations 2 года назад +1

    I noticed that when you file across the neck, you "follow" the curve, i.e. you start your stroke horizontal at the centre, and end vertical at the side. Although it feels weird at first, most people find that they get a much smoother curve if they start vertical, and end horizontal. Start with the tip of the file on the binding, with the handle in the air, then, as you push the file, you also raise the tip and lower the handle until it's horizontal. It's hard to explain why, but the problem with following the curve is that it's your body that's "drawing" the curve, and very few of us can draw a perfectly smooth curve, particularly when synchronising the movement of several large muscles. It's also too easy to follow the problem created on an earlier pass and exacerbate the problem. With the opposite method, you just drop the handle as you push through, and geometry takes care of making the curve. Clearly you get good results using the follow method, so you're probably reluctant to change, but give the other method a try. As well as accuracy, you'll probably find it's quicker, because you spend less time finessing the curve. Put it this way, I've never met anyone who's gone back after trying it.

  • @nickfatouros4375
    @nickfatouros4375 3 года назад +1

    Love your work Chris, safety first was taught to use files and rasps with handles, prevents getting the tang embedded in your or apprentice's arm or hand if it catches

  • @Tsudkyk
    @Tsudkyk Год назад

    I start from a similar point (without a CNC) then I do a 90 degree edge using a bottom bearing router bit to get rid of some material. At this point I’ll take a file and take down the back of the neck at first fret and near my heal to get near the appropriate thickness. At that point I use a spoke shave to get everything level and finish by sanding. It’s a long process, but it’s definitely a rewarding task.
    I don’t have a fancy shop, I have a small bench in my garage with a bandsaw and router. Everything else is hand tools. Don’t let lack of tools stop you.

  • @wesleed1120
    @wesleed1120 Месяц назад

    I know this is like 3 years late... But I got started painting in a car paint Lab... And in all my years of doing super high end faux , metallic and every technique under the sun... Is make yourself some test boards... Like different left over pieces that you can test stuff instead of on the actual instrument so you can get all the stuff worked out ahead of time... But yeah the lacquer seal on the binding is exactly what I was thinking when you were just about to say it

  • @ninodelacabilia3036
    @ninodelacabilia3036 Год назад

    I just carved my first ukelele neck today and watched ur video and you made it just easier, thanks

  • @magicalbeer
    @magicalbeer 2 года назад

    I just got these dragon files in the mail from Stewmac. They are amazing. Smooth as butter cutting, feel great in the hand, take off material like a champ and leave a smooth finish. Great tools! Glad I took the financial dive.

  • @kevinwilson5452
    @kevinwilson5452 3 года назад +1

    I have really enjoyed all of your videos so far. Please keep it up! You're definitely making me want a driftwood guitar.

  • @flatiron53
    @flatiron53 3 года назад

    Thank you for the time you donate in making these videos for us. God bless!

  • @tomallen8527
    @tomallen8527 2 года назад

    Thanks Chris. Great video. I’m working on my first guitar, and the neck has scared me a bit.I let it sit until I feel more comfortable with it. Your video has motivated me. Thanks for the great detail, it really has helped me.

  • @jimconnelly2851
    @jimconnelly2851 2 года назад

    This is what I need to tackle next and your video will really help a lot. Thanks!

  • @ramonburchell6366
    @ramonburchell6366 8 месяцев назад

    I hate doing necks & spraying/polishing 😣 ,appreciate you sacrificing your
    Nasal cavity so you can narrate through the neck carving process for us, thanks!

  • @brianmargetts821
    @brianmargetts821 6 месяцев назад

    A superb video on neck work, I learned a lot from this as I only have hand tools and only work on C B Gs at the moment and would like to try my hand at a conventional guitar, so will follow your posts. Thanks for sharing your skills.
    Regards Brian (Big G) Birmingham England 👏🏻👍

  • @blenderheadxyz2418
    @blenderheadxyz2418 3 года назад +1

    Really fun to watch ! Please show sometime how you do the inlays !!!

  • @jonathansledge5790
    @jonathansledge5790 8 месяцев назад

    Thanks for the tutorial. I'm starting my first build. Gathering wood

  • @joefrondbanzukiinstruments5079
    @joefrondbanzukiinstruments5079 2 года назад

    Great video. It’s confirmation I’m not far off from what you are doing but still learned some more from you. Thanks.

  • @walterrider9600
    @walterrider9600 2 года назад

    thank you Mat and Chris . you need a card file to clean the files it helps. check out Eric Schaefer his neck shaping jig

  • @steveaskew2
    @steveaskew2 2 года назад

    Thanks for posting this- I've carved a couple of uke necks that went more or less OK but a uke is far more forgiving! I'm about to carve my first guitar neck and was looking for techique where the fretboard was already on but the neck was fully shaped before fixing to the body- all my guide books show neck carving once the neck has been attached which seems bonkers to me!

  • @Cactustone
    @Cactustone 3 года назад

    This video ended up being perfect for my hand carved cabriole legs project! Just ordered the Pin Sander and Razor File. Never would've expected a guitar build to translate so well to hand carved furniture, but this one sure did. Thank you for sharing your tool choices!

  • @martinlawrence8427
    @martinlawrence8427 2 года назад

    Incredible technique with that rasp!

  • @ranman58635
    @ranman58635 3 года назад +2

    All this guitar building makes me want to do it too. I have a bunch of wood tools.

  • @magicalbeer
    @magicalbeer 2 года назад

    This video just taught me like 40 things. Thank you!

  • @markgrimm3564
    @markgrimm3564 2 года назад

    would love to see a video. on making and setting neck joints

  • @LottimusMaximus
    @LottimusMaximus 2 года назад

    This is cool. Reminds me of my trade (automotive collision) it’s hard to explain how to form certain contours and how to do it. It becomes natural after a while :)

  • @stratmatt73
    @stratmatt73 3 года назад

    Interesting how similar this process is to crowning a fret. Very informative video. Thanks

  • @russellscott1151
    @russellscott1151 3 года назад

    Super stuff, thank you. Currently on my first solo acoustic build, fourth guitar and while I think my neck thickness and profiles are good I definitely feel my heel is still too chunky looking at yours. Must get one of those pin sanders. Please please do a in-depth video on how to go about doing your inlays. They are outstanding and really look like the people they represent. How you do the thin signatures is a mystery. I’d love to have a go at one on my next guitar. Keep em comming, awsome.

  • @calebharbison5416
    @calebharbison5416 3 года назад

    Great video. Thank you for taking the time to put these out.

  • @danstiverson
    @danstiverson 2 года назад

    Learned a lot on this one. Thanks.

  • @mirkosrndovic
    @mirkosrndovic 3 года назад +2

    Do you have a Patreon? If not, you should. What (and how) you show all this is pure gold! Amazing craftsmanship.

    • @DriftwoodGuitars
      @DriftwoodGuitars  3 года назад

      Aw man, thanks a lot! We’re working on that now

    • @DriftwoodGuitars
      @DriftwoodGuitars  3 года назад

      Here you go!
      www.patreon.com/DriftwoodGuitars?fan_landing=true

    • @mirkosrndovic
      @mirkosrndovic 3 года назад

      @@DriftwoodGuitars Awesome!!!

  • @user-ch9jo8mi7m
    @user-ch9jo8mi7m 3 года назад

    Keep your videos coming. I am a luthier wanna be, just starting out with only a few guitars under my belt but I am cutting down my learning curve by watching your videos. Could you do a video on how you do your fret board inlays?

  • @jonahguitarguy
    @jonahguitarguy 3 года назад

    Very good video! I plan on doing a slotted headstock on an OM build. Would like to see your process on that please.

  • @SibzelChebst
    @SibzelChebst 2 года назад

    So happy to be a new member... The fee is well earned, given the massive amount of quality content you provide. The placement of this question is a bit contrived, but I'm curious to know why its almost impossible to find a steel-string with a nut width wider than 1.75"? I've standardized on this nut width, but there are certain cord shapes I can't reliably play because there just isn't enough space on the fret board, and my hands aren't even particular big... I'm buying a classical just to see if this helps, but I find it odd that steel-string makers don't offer much of anything.

    • @DriftwoodGuitars
      @DriftwoodGuitars  2 года назад

      Thanks so much for joining the team! I'm honestly not sure of the history of why that has become sort of a standard nut width. Most people want a narrower nut over a wide one, so that may be why. Usually guitars that are geared towards finger style players have a wider and flatter neck that's closer to a classical feel.

  • @joshharnrss4306
    @joshharnrss4306 3 года назад

    Ur videos r awsome and so is ur luithery I love the channel it’s my fav and u r inspiring!!!! Thank h so much for the wealth of knowledge u r willing to let us all c

  • @jamesdavid7099
    @jamesdavid7099 2 года назад

    The neck is key, it can make or break playability and that feel. I put together a Stew Mac guitar, and just can't get totally satisfied with the neck shape...but my son loves it, so it's ok. Is one neck shape more structurally sound than another for the long life of a guitar? It seems like a V or soft V would be stronger/stiffer.

  • @matthewbleeker4580
    @matthewbleeker4580 Год назад

    You make it look easy

  • @lewisbeeman
    @lewisbeeman 3 года назад

    Thank you for your service. Great video

  • @joemcgraw5529
    @joemcgraw5529 3 года назад

    very nice work ,I think now I may be ready to try it on blank piece of wood to get the feel of it ,so it wont actually be for a guitar ,thanks for your knowledge and teaching

    • @DriftwoodGuitars
      @DriftwoodGuitars  3 года назад +1

      Go after it man! It can be frustrating, but super fun and rewarding as well.

  • @manusamuelgamers1917
    @manusamuelgamers1917 3 года назад

    Muito bom apesar de não entender pego bastante dicas e macetes com seus vídeos thanks

  • @caiorocha1628
    @caiorocha1628 3 года назад

    really nice job. keep going with the amazing videos

  • @AllNicksOccupied
    @AllNicksOccupied 3 года назад

    Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Great videos.

  • @henrypagan6657
    @henrypagan6657 3 года назад

    Nice video let me clear one of your guitar. Two to Three weeks turnaround time. You do amazing work.

  • @dtrude000
    @dtrude000 3 года назад

    Great job Chris, couldn't agree with you more about about feeling over seeing you're fingers don't lie excellent! Also I agree about klingspor and I don't know if you have done a video shop tour and any jigs or tools you have made. Soo jealous of the sandpaper dispenser NICE (as spoke as Dorat), please keep the videos. Oh is the other amp Matt said y'all have there ( just watched the Stewmac Deluxe Reverb build pt 1.) The one you picked up on the way to Rett's guitar delivery? Best of luck to y'all. Thank you for the content. Your build videos have Helped me through a difficult time, my wife of 20 passed in March. Trying to re assemble my shop going to start building a gain have only done solid body electric and Basses. Thank you again!!

    • @DriftwoodGuitars
      @DriftwoodGuitars  3 года назад

      Thanks for watching. I’m so sorry about your wife. I can’t imagine what that must be like. I’m glad we’ve been able to offer a little distraction from that, and I hope you find your light again soon. We have the amp here and will be doing a full in depth video on it soon!

    • @dtrude000
      @dtrude000 3 года назад

      @@DriftwoodGuitars thanks

  • @theChaseKern
    @theChaseKern Год назад

    Love this demo of neck shaping and have watched it several times, but I really have to point out the Mario and Luigi vibes I'm getting with Chris wearing red and Matt with the green lol

  • @waltersguitars3336
    @waltersguitars3336 3 года назад +1

    Do you use Spanish cedar on Steel string Guitars I love Spanish cedar !! I was always scared to try it on my guitars. I just thought that it may be a little too weak for steel string. But I guess with the carbon fiber rods you install probably really good. It’s very light weight and stable. Thanks for the video really good job!! Nice work

    • @DriftwoodGuitars
      @DriftwoodGuitars  3 года назад +2

      Yeah I’ve used SC necks on over 30 steel string guitars. I’ve only ever done it with my dual carbon rods installed, but I’m sure it’s strong enough even without the carbon. It’s my favorite material for necks.

  • @CoenBijpost
    @CoenBijpost 3 года назад

    I actually love inch thick necks. So when you’d feel my first hand carved neck, that thickness would be intentional 😂 Thing with that is that I’d at least aim for a warmoth boatneck kind of shape, that’s inch thick, but has almost no shoulder. That makes a fenderish neck feel like butter, in my experience. On a wider neck, like a Les Paul, I’d go a little thinner, probably.

  • @davegartley7436
    @davegartley7436 2 года назад

    Great videos. Thank you.

  • @dougmartin893
    @dougmartin893 3 года назад

    Engaging and informative. Great! Thanks. 👍

  • @mikebell3396
    @mikebell3396 11 месяцев назад

    Gday Chris I was looking through the comments to see if this question had been asked but i couldn't find anything!
    So when you say your neck is 22 mm thick does that include the fretboard as well? so the Spanish cedar is 16 mm and the fretboard is 6 mm ?

  • @Sammywhat
    @Sammywhat 3 года назад +1

    Great work, Chris! Wonderful video!! And thank you for your military service, sir.

  • @nolimitsldr
    @nolimitsldr 2 года назад

    Chris, what is your opinion of scarf joint vs solid billet neck?

  • @adrienami8958
    @adrienami8958 3 года назад

    Hi Chris, I learned so much with your vids. There are so plenty information than I can absorber. Only one thing, don't get me wrong, do you think that vids could be shorter? Thanks

    • @DriftwoodGuitars
      @DriftwoodGuitars  3 года назад

      Dude I tried haha. I don’t know how you make this vid shorter though. I’m trying !

    • @roosky203
      @roosky203 3 года назад +2

      @@DriftwoodGuitars it was in depth, and I honestly liked that it was longer. Good guideline video to follow if you're shaping a neck or need help, great video, Chris.

  • @stanbrackhage
    @stanbrackhage 3 года назад

    that inlay blows me away

  • @rizkierwin6488
    @rizkierwin6488 3 года назад

    Do you open apprentice position?
    I really interested to learn your craft

  • @paulneeds
    @paulneeds 2 года назад

    Very interesting, and very useful. Thank you.
    Would your basic neck profile change for an electric?

    • @paulneeds
      @paulneeds 2 года назад

      Oh yes - your term “back strap” is one I’ve not heard before. Is it just using a fascia to the back of the headstock and similar to the front headstock veneer, or is it also what I’d call a volute, adding strength to that neck transition?

  • @evanpaulsmithfalconfogolin6147
    @evanpaulsmithfalconfogolin6147 2 года назад

    could you use a drawknife for much of this work instead of files?

  • @caseyhelmer6423
    @caseyhelmer6423 Год назад

    How is Spanish cedar on electric guitar necks?

  • @heymrguitarman7637
    @heymrguitarman7637 3 года назад

    How do you get the dusty end of the fretboard to lay flat on the body when the neck itself is angled? Always wondered about that

  • @mikechallgrenguitars9189
    @mikechallgrenguitars9189 2 года назад

    How thick (back side of the neck to the face of the fingerboard) do you finish the neck?

  • @akfisher7138
    @akfisher7138 2 года назад

    I have a chunky necked parlour. I want to make it thinner. Would you suggest a file along centre line, or going straight to shoe shine technique. I am a fine furniture woodworker, but not not a luthier-so ok with tools. Am in no rush, so which is most accurate way-not necessarily fastest way? Or maybe straight block with sandpaper or.....Thank you. Great video. ...

    • @DriftwoodGuitars
      @DriftwoodGuitars  2 года назад +1

      id stick with the shoe shine in you case. its slower, but less likely to mess up.

    • @akfisher7138
      @akfisher7138 2 года назад

      @@DriftwoodGuitars That is really helpful. Was thinking of using scrapers... will stick to a sandpaper, but was was curious as to whether you use scrapers at all?

  • @sigfreed11
    @sigfreed11 3 года назад

    For the heel of the neck, why do you shape it to a point instead of rounded? Is it purely an looks thing? Seems easier to have it be rounded so you go from rounded to rounded?

  • @mikechallgrenguitars9189
    @mikechallgrenguitars9189 3 года назад

    What radius fingerboard do you do the most of ... 20” ?

  • @sigfreed11
    @sigfreed11 3 года назад

    Have you heard of/tried drawing the lines across the neck to help guide those “lines” you were following? I saw that on the Crimson channel and thought it sounded helpful. Have you found that to be true?

    • @DriftwoodGuitars
      @DriftwoodGuitars  3 года назад +2

      I used to do something similar as a “training wheel” but now I can just let it rip free hand.

  • @scottmartinezguitarandbass
    @scottmartinezguitarandbass 2 года назад

    What clamps are those? Links?

  • @quarlmephystodot2201
    @quarlmephystodot2201 3 года назад +1

    i think this operation should be automatized, and only the fine sanding at the end should be hand checked

  • @luthiferbuilds
    @luthiferbuilds 3 года назад

    That Dispensor is fuckin dope to BTW

  • @trikermansbike
    @trikermansbike 3 года назад

    Going to be nice when finished.🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

  • @SkyscraperGuitars
    @SkyscraperGuitars 3 года назад +1

    I love seeing someone else who doesn't use a bunch of cross section templates to carve a neck. As you said, your hands will tell you if it's right. Take care! -Greg

  • @honestnewsnet
    @honestnewsnet 3 года назад

    No dove tail?

  • @danielgregory9564
    @danielgregory9564 3 года назад

    Another great video guys! Maybe you should start a guitar building school.

  • @docjoe1
    @docjoe1 Год назад

    Quick question, where do you get the sleeves for the pin sander? Thanks in advance!

    • @DriftwoodGuitars
      @DriftwoodGuitars  Год назад

      Grizzly tools sells them.

    • @docjoe1
      @docjoe1 Год назад

      @@DriftwoodGuitars Thanks for the quick reply! I finally found it. I wish Amazon had a source for one stop shopping. LOL!

    • @docjoe1
      @docjoe1 Год назад

      @@DriftwoodGuitars Thanks, just picked it up and used the link for the sander. hopefully it helps your channel!

  • @buddybeetle
    @buddybeetle Год назад +1

    Spokeshave. Cabinet scraper. Glass paper. That’s my method.

  • @clubprojects6923
    @clubprojects6923 3 года назад

    I'd be leery about taking a tool to a piece that finished. Maybe with guide lines.

  • @jpatch32
    @jpatch32 3 года назад

    Do you have a specific reason why you don’t use a dovetail joint for the neck?

    • @DriftwoodGuitars
      @DriftwoodGuitars  3 года назад +2

      It’s just a Ton of work for zero benefit to tone, and it’s way harder to service in the future.

  • @ericking2304
    @ericking2304 2 года назад

    Ahhh... Howard's Feed n Wax is what i use in my workshop.

  • @sigfreed11
    @sigfreed11 3 года назад

    Is shaping a neck pretty forgiving or is it really hard to get right? Aka should I expect to ruin the first couple?

    • @DriftwoodGuitars
      @DriftwoodGuitars  3 года назад +1

      I wouldn’t expect your first one to be great. It takes many try’s to get it right and to come up with a system that works for yourself.

  • @Nugget11578
    @Nugget11578 2 года назад

    I'm loving the Mario and Luigi costumes

  • @annathomson3072
    @annathomson3072 2 года назад

    love it

  • @rzgrimes
    @rzgrimes 2 года назад

    I’d love to see a guitar building competition reality show in the same vein as Forged In Fire. Maybe do classical, steel string, electric, etc in different episodes. “This guitar will…PLAY”

  • @ioanmark
    @ioanmark 3 года назад

    Awesome

  • @luisrenatosb
    @luisrenatosb Год назад

    Cool !!

  • @ranman58635
    @ranman58635 3 года назад

    Video is choppy. Don't know if its on my end.

  • @wolfstalesm.chapman1640
    @wolfstalesm.chapman1640 3 года назад

    one day...i,d like a guitar made from ancient tree...i wanted that...long before..i saw..your..awesome grey would :O thanks...for the informativ,
    and nice stuff...

  • @anthonymorales842
    @anthonymorales842 3 года назад

    My jazz box has the best neck in the world (for me) because of it's asymmetry

  • @AwanGitar
    @AwanGitar 3 года назад

    amazingg

  • @pecanpieordie1188
    @pecanpieordie1188 2 года назад

    G7

  • @Bixll09
    @Bixll09 2 года назад

    Start with a piece of wood and remove everything that is not the guitar neck. :), also the funny face is a must.

  • @luthiferbuilds
    @luthiferbuilds 3 года назад +1

    Breaking News! Florida Man hires buddy and makes youtube guitar making videos way better! Matts a good edition. Fuck i wanna build an acoustic. driftwood is my Crimson for acoustics.... for now im sticking to my electric builds but every post you make im like, Fuck i wanna build a real guitar

  • @knoxjon89
    @knoxjon89 4 месяца назад

    Share the coke brotha 😂

  • @quarlmephystodot2201
    @quarlmephystodot2201 3 года назад

    this is an absolute no-no to me.
    suspended neck, pulling it with the file.
    binding already on the neck? 😬
    it gives me a heart attack

  • @stephenkasee650
    @stephenkasee650 2 года назад

    dorks lol

  • @CartoucheGuitars
    @CartoucheGuitars Год назад

    All this sanding of Spanish Cedar and nobody is talking about the awful taste it leaves in your mouth lol…. Guitars with Spanish cedar should cost extra 😂