Hey mate. Because my life existence is basically, lolling around and watching RUclips when I should be either working or addressing my problems - I watch a lot of RUclips. I've just come across your channel and it is some the best content I've seen. You're quite the comedian
Are you working, or addressing your problems yet? Or still enjoying life to the full? Or both, perhaps? You've had two years, dude. Something must have changed!
Hey 2 years have gone by. Figure I’ll check in as well on if your life has found more meaning! Life is short, and we have a information war to win! Fight for freedom! And watching Bens videos!!
+Ben Eller Ever since I watched your video I've been stroking my wood. It now has a satiny finish and I'm able to get a great grip on it. Even my girlfriend has noticed the difference. Thanks Uncle Ben!
TIP: if you are using steel wool with your neck still on the guitar, put tape on your pickups too. pickups are magnetic and you will NEVER get all the strands of steel wool off of them!
I started with 36 grit on an 8" grinder like you suggested and I can see the back side of the fretboard now. Plays super smooth tho. Keep all the vids coming Ben.
nice video , very informative. If I might add my 2 cents. When using True Oil I found it best to leave the foil seal intact and instead just put one or 2 very small puncture holes in it. This will help prevent scabbing of the oil when its stored.Another good idea is to store the bottle with the lid on very tight upside down in a mason jar.That way if the oil does start to scab it will be at the bottom rather than the top.One other thing I've discovered is that coffee pot filters folded over a couple of times make a fantastic applicator that is absorbent but totally smooth and lint free and cheap.
Awesome video! I've been doing something similar to all my guitars for years. I can NOT play glossy necks. For set neck guitars, I just lower the whole body into a small trash bag and tape it up.. This keeps the dust from getting into places you don't want it :)
@@XiyuYang A company called Red Bishop makes an ingenious tool that makes intonating a Floyd a breeze. ALL of my guitars have floating Floyd systems and discovering this device likely saved me from eventually ending up in the nervous hospital! It’s brilliant, it’s quick and it is, above all else, accurate. You can find them on Amazon and for what it’s worth, the other devices that try to do the job simply don’t even come close. I know from experience!! Best to ya and happy intonation!! Cheers.
THIS IS A GREAT VIDEO, VERY INFORMATIVE I'VE BEEN BUILDING CUSTOM GUITARS FOR A WHILE AND I USE TRUE OIL ON ALL OF MY BUILDS UNLESS A CUSTOMER MAKES ME USE THAT OTHER GUCK LIKE NITRO. A COUPLE THINGS I WOULD LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE TI THIS VIDEO THAT ARE IMPORTANT WHEN WORKING WITH TRUE OIL OR ANY OTHER OILS WITH DRYING AGENTS. ITS BEST TO NOT BUNCH UP USED OIL RAGS AND THROW THEM IN THE GARBAGE, THEY CAN COMBUST AND START A FIER, I LAY THEM FLAT ON THE CONCRETE SPRAY A LITTLE WATER ON THEM AND LET THEM DRY OUT, AFTER THAT THEY ARE SAFE TO TOSS OUT, SECOND TRUE OIL HAS A SHORT SHELF LIFE, FOR SOME REASON THEY SHIP IT IN PLASIC BOTTLES SO ONCE YOU OPEN IT IT STARTS DRYING OUT. A COUPLE WAYS TO MAKE IT LAST LONGER ARE ONLY POKE A SMALL HOLE IN THE FOIL TOP UNDER THE LID, IT WILL ALLOW ENOUGH OIL TO COME OUT BUT LIMMIT THE AMOUNT OF AIR ALSO REPLACE THE LID ANY TIME YOU ARE NOT PORING SOME OUT, AND WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED, MAKING SURE THE LID IS ON TITE, STORE THE OPENED BOTTLE UPSIDE DOWN, THIS WILL HELP KEEP AIR OUT AND YOU WILL GET A LONGER SHELF LIFE OUT OF IT. BEN IS RIGHT THOUGH, TRUE OIL IS THE BEE'S KNEES.
I'm waiting on my third coat of oil to dry right now. Just wanted to tell you that even though this is an old video, it's still appreciated. I can already feel a huge difference in my old RG. Thank you for all you do!
Thanks Uncle Ben! This worked great. I want to add a little info for those who might be worried about Skunk Stripes on a Strat. I was concerned a bit, but went ahead and did your process to my American Std. Strat. For those thinking about this, I say go for it! The only thing is that it will take a LOT of coats of the Tru Oil to fill the grain in the skunk stripe. (Mahogony I think...or walnut). Also, instead of a cloth like Ben used, I just used a paper towel. My process was coat, wait 1hr, coat, etc...for about 5-6 coats of oil a day. Let it dry overnight and use the steel wool in the morning. Sight down the neck against a back light and you'll see little shiny streaks after you use the steel wool - this is Tru Oil in the grain. Keep doing this process until the shiny streaks are gone. Done. I left the original finish on the back of the headstock and the neck pocket so as not to loosen the fit of the neck. Last point: It may be placebo effect, but sanding all the poly off the neck seems to have opened the sound up a bit. Cool. Enjoy!
Sorry to necro an old video, but that finish is awesome. Well done, sir. I discovered you a week or so ago and I've thoroughly enjoyed every one of your videos.
Excellent tutorial uncle Ben! I've been playing guitar in ultra amateur category for years. Your tips have really improved my guitar man skills. Thanks for sharing your expertise!
Quick tip: You know those crappy brown paper towels they have in bathrooms to dry your hands off? Well, they are actually pretty awesome for wiping the excess oil off because they don't leave any lint behind. Also, stick a magnet inside the steel wool pad. A good strong neodymium magnet works best, it will catch most of the shavings.
I really appreciate this vid, I am someone who modifies everything to make it more one of a kind and personal (cars, computer, guitars) and this seems like a great way to spruce up a less than favorable/cheaper neck
I just wanted to say I followed this tutorial for 2 Solo Kit guitars I purchased and they.Feel.AWESOME... I did go to 400 grit, then 4 thin coats of Tru-Oil, 0000 Wool buff, then 2 more coats and a final 0000 buff. After wax, they felt INSANELY good. Very easy to do if you follow instructions, also very rewarding!
the only thing i could think during most of the vid was; "damnnnnnnn uncle ben lives ina an awesome beutiful place!!!!!!!!!!!.... no wonders how he get his inspiration for writing sick solos!!"
i have an old, mid-1990s epiphone ej200 (gibson j200 copy) that i love, but had an awful, super-glossy neck. i just took some 800 grit wet-dry paper sheets, held the guitar between my knees with the top facing me, and simply rocked the sheets across the back of the neck gently for about 3-5 minutes. not enough to remove the finish, just knock down the sheen. doesn't look like much, but feels like butter. a whole new guitar.
+The Dark Lord I took a shitty old Fender squire stagemaster and scalloped the neck with a dremel. Now it's my favorite guitar. Scalloped necks are the best.
@@TheKilman102 yes if you sand the existing finish with 400 sand paper it will be just fine no need for all this mess the idea is to get rid of the gloss that's all
I just finished the process on an rg350mz that I scalloped all 24 and modded everything. Having had done it now I'm going to do it on my entire collection of rg's one at a time. Thanks Ben
Great video. I'm 49 and really just started playing recently after building a Criss Oliva tribute Jackson. Wanted to take the yellowish clear off the neck just to make it look brighter and found I loved it like that.Wondered, about sealing it so this video answered the question. Thanks. by the way I took it to the TSO concert in November a got it signed by the band. Just wish Criss was alive to sign it. I just do not get the negative comments when someone is just passing on some WISDOM.
+Ben Eller Yea, man. Do it. 'Cause I've managed to break the shit outta the floyd on one of my guitars. I've broken the whammy bar on it, stripped the nut where one of the little clamps fit into it & I think I've managed to strip the head on one of the screws on the tremolo bridge itself (where the thing bolts the string down).
I just picked up a '00 RG7620. With a little bit of love and quite a bit of cleaning it turned out to be a PHENOMENAL guitar! I absolutely love it! $200 with a HSC.
Years and years ago I ALMOST ACCIDENTALLY stripped the finish off my 1972 Gibson Heritage (acoustic). Rubbed it down with coconut oil (it was the only thing I had to hand). It dried in very little time and gave it the finish that is the envy of the neighbourhood. Plays great and tastes good too.
Thanks for the info! I found a cheap chinese guitar in the trash down the street and I've replaced everything on it and painted it. My last step was the neck. Waiting for my first coat of True Oil to dry right now. It already feels amazing! Thanks!!
I've tried scotch-brite to take some of the finish off the neck of my epi. Didn't seem to do anything, the polyurethane is too hard, light rubbing with 0000 steel wool worked very well.
@@markrogers7304I tried the blue stuff that you would use for non-stick cookware. It didn't work so I used steel wool. But I have since tried the green scotch pad and it works best.
@@roywarriner8441 home depot and lowes, go to paint supply section and there will be 2 types of scotch Brite. 1 grey and one a dark maroon. The grey is higher grit and red is lower grit. They both will do more with less work than steel wool. These are the same pads used in automotive painting. I use them anytime I paint and leave no mess like steel wool and are fairly cheap and last awhile.
Really great video, but you did not answer the important question! How do you have such sexy and plentiful freckles on yours arm, yet black hair? Tutorial plz?
Video suggestions... 1. Your gear. (especially your amp/recording setup) 2. How to properly adjust your trust rod. 3. How to track down cougars without a GPS. Thanks you.
Man, I've been struggling to get some proper information on neck maintenance lately, and just when I was about to purchase some stuff and get started (with no conviction, I must say), you upload this. Great and useful video, thanks!
Ben , thanks for doing this video. Im glad it was extensive , a lot of vids online (more than just this topic) are real short and only cover some of what you need to know and that's how ppl mess up their shit. Did this to both my Jackson's and they play better than ever. Again thanks dude!!
Ben I just want to thank you for this video, I have finished two necks, and they are both awesome! If you have anymore good knowledge I am ready to hear about it. Thanks again Ben you Rock!!
i can't help but notice that like myself you must have long ago realized that the world is chalk full of AIR HEADS which makes your presentation one of a kind and really adds to the enjoy-ability and learning curve which is downright hilarious and addicting so thank you for the unique experience your awesome videos bring into my home..........
Fun video, Uncle Ben! If somebody is gonna put this much work into the neck, it will really pay dividends to have little post-playing routine of wiping the beast down before putting it away--I pinch each string with rag and swipe up and down a couple times. It's amazing--sometimes the first swipe or two feels rough, then the grunge comes off and it's much smoother. Then I run a cloth between the fretboard and strings, & drag it up and down a few times. If I'm not in a hurry, I rub out any right hand/forearm grunge I left behind. It takes literally about one minute--you know, sixty literal seconds. Ok, maybe seventy or eighty. Literally. ;-) I play a lot, and this keep my guitars looking and feeling great. Strings last a lot longer, that way, too! I didn't realize how much nicer it is to play a clean, smooth guitar until I made a habit out of it.
I do this to every guitar I own. I use 6 coats and hang it up for a week to dry & harden up. Then I steel wool it & wax it. I re-apply the wax when stops feeling sexy smooth. I found the true oil & wax from a local sporting goods store, Walmart sells it too.
Your lessons are awesome. This series in particular. You might add a note on here about protecting pickups for people using steel wool with their neck attached. If pickups aren't covered the magnets will attract little bits of metal which can actually cut the windings over time. I don't know how serious the danger of this is but a respected pickup maker told me that he had seen it. Thanks.
Love these types of videos man. Even outside of typical guitar theory kind of stuff your videos are entertaining. You definitely should keep these comin!
Followed these instructions for a PRS SE.....had to tape the shit out of the body as the necks are glued in, but I was able to remove all of the Korean Schelaq. unbelievable improvement, completely made up for the ulcer.
Ernie Ball Music Man along with the Peavey Wolfgang & HP2 Oiled Finished Necks the BEST Necks to have on Any guitar! Between the EBMM & Wolfies I own 6 of them just because of how the necks feel and play, of all the guitars I have (Gibsons,Fenders & several others) they are the ones I reach for first.
You're the best Uncle Ben! This really helped out my LTDs and my tele project! Great info. Your teaching technique reminds me of being in the military. That's a compliment! You need to be paid for these videos.
This worked absolutely great on my bass guitar. Super easy too. One tip: I used a much more aggressive sandpaper to get through the finish of G&L bass. Thanks.
So I've been doing this to my ibby necks for years, but after watching this vid again, I decided to try some wax like you suggested. I used Johnson's paste wax, and it worked great. You're right, you def. need to wax it. It really does make it that much smoother, even when you think it's as smooth as it can be.
Just an additional tip During clean up for any spilled tru oil or piss or even dog excrement, I find a Creed World tour shirt works best, available at any Salvation Army in an array of colors
Sir, over the COVID (I can no longer use traditional measurements of time) you’ve entered the top 5 “jackass on the internet” types in our home. Huzzah!
First thing I do to any maple neck instrument I get, and to a lot of other folks' instruments when I work on them. I avoid the steel wool bullshit by instead using grey and white Scotchbrite. Greatest finish ever, yeah it requires a touch-up every year or two, but man, is it worth it! My sweat seems to eat finish worse than some (strings and hardware don't suffer), so I need to touch up my necks more often than some, but again, it's an hour's work over a couple days and it's better than new.
... Oh my god. You are wearing a Hogwartz shirt, there is Final Fantasy VII music in the background, and you are working on guitars. We were destined to be lovers. My wife can never know.
Hey there Uncle Ben, just wanted to show my appreciation for all of the awesome vids. You've really made learning the ropes an enjoyable time for me, and I even got a fine young lady's attention when playing in front of her :)
You can make a huge improvement with just a simple paper towel. They are very lightly abrasive and can smooth out the neck if you’re wary of doing something drastic.
You taught me to stroke my wood in entirely new ways. It even cured my narrow urethra! Thank you!
XD
+Hank Hill What's your stance on a good fuel source for BBQ?
KONAROCK1
Propane is the ONLY good fuel for a BBQ
+Hank Hill he asked about bbq not grillig
Adrian Massi
I stand by my statement.
Hey mate. Because my life existence is basically, lolling around and watching RUclips when I should be either working or addressing my problems - I watch a lot of RUclips. I've just come across your channel and it is some the best content I've seen. You're quite the comedian
Are you working, or addressing your problems yet? Or still enjoying life to the full? Or both, perhaps? You've had two years, dude. Something must have changed!
Hey 2 years have gone by. Figure I’ll check in as well on if your life has found more meaning! Life is short, and we have a information war to win! Fight for freedom! And watching Bens videos!!
+Ben Eller Ever since I watched your video I've been stroking my wood. It now has a satiny finish and I'm able to get a great grip on it. Even my girlfriend has noticed the difference. Thanks Uncle Ben!
TIP: if you are using steel wool with your neck still on the guitar, put tape on your pickups too. pickups are magnetic and you will NEVER get all the strands of steel wool off of them!
I started with 36 grit on an 8" grinder like you suggested and I can see the back side of the fretboard now. Plays super smooth tho. Keep all the vids coming Ben.
Hahahaha dude sick job!!!
Oh dear that has ticked me a lot 😂😂😂😂😘
Tickled
nice video , very informative. If I might add my 2 cents. When using True Oil I found it best to leave the foil seal intact and instead just put one or 2 very small puncture holes in it. This will help prevent scabbing of the oil when its stored.Another good idea is to store the bottle with the lid on very tight upside down in a mason jar.That way if the oil does start to scab it will be at the bottom rather than the top.One other thing I've discovered is that coffee pot filters folded over a couple of times make a fantastic applicator that is absorbent but totally smooth and lint free and cheap.
I just did this to a bass neck I had laying around. I fire scorched the wood before I applied to finish. It turned out amazing.
Awesome video! I've been doing something similar to all my guitars for years. I can NOT play glossy necks. For set neck guitars, I just lower the whole body into a small trash bag and tape it up.. This keeps the dust from getting into places you don't want it :)
You should definitely do a how to swirl paint a guitar video!
I second this motion.
Grant Bowen hydrodipped.. tons of videos on it
Yes please
YES
AND the right arm hand/left arm hand comment. Damn, these videos rule.
Intonation in conjunction with truss rod setting would be a great video.
Event Horizon Productions especially on a guitar with a Floyd Rose bridge. Takes forever to get these right.
@@XiyuYang A company called Red Bishop makes an ingenious tool that makes intonating a Floyd a breeze. ALL of my guitars have floating Floyd systems and discovering this device likely saved me from eventually ending up in the nervous hospital! It’s brilliant, it’s quick and it is, above all else, accurate. You can find them on Amazon and for what it’s worth, the other devices that try to do the job simply don’t even come close. I know from experience!! Best to ya and happy intonation!! Cheers.
THIS IS A GREAT VIDEO, VERY INFORMATIVE I'VE BEEN BUILDING CUSTOM GUITARS FOR A WHILE AND I USE TRUE OIL ON ALL OF MY BUILDS UNLESS A CUSTOMER MAKES ME USE THAT OTHER GUCK LIKE NITRO. A COUPLE THINGS I WOULD LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE TI THIS VIDEO THAT ARE IMPORTANT WHEN WORKING WITH TRUE OIL OR ANY OTHER OILS WITH DRYING AGENTS. ITS BEST TO NOT BUNCH UP USED OIL RAGS AND THROW THEM IN THE GARBAGE, THEY CAN COMBUST AND START A FIER, I LAY THEM FLAT ON THE CONCRETE SPRAY A LITTLE WATER ON THEM AND LET THEM DRY OUT, AFTER THAT THEY ARE SAFE TO TOSS OUT, SECOND TRUE OIL HAS A SHORT SHELF LIFE, FOR SOME REASON THEY SHIP IT IN PLASIC BOTTLES SO ONCE YOU OPEN IT IT STARTS DRYING OUT. A COUPLE WAYS TO MAKE IT LAST LONGER ARE ONLY POKE A SMALL HOLE IN THE FOIL TOP UNDER THE LID, IT WILL ALLOW ENOUGH OIL TO COME OUT BUT LIMMIT THE AMOUNT OF AIR ALSO REPLACE THE LID ANY TIME YOU ARE NOT PORING SOME OUT, AND WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED, MAKING SURE THE LID IS ON TITE, STORE THE OPENED BOTTLE UPSIDE DOWN, THIS WILL HELP KEEP AIR OUT AND YOU WILL GET A LONGER SHELF LIFE OUT OF IT. BEN IS RIGHT THOUGH, TRUE OIL IS THE BEE'S KNEES.
Used my hand finger to click like.
I'm waiting on my third coat of oil to dry right now. Just wanted to tell you that even though this is an old video, it's still appreciated. I can already feel a huge difference in my old RG. Thank you for all you do!
"it just seems a little bit rough, the way your mother likes it" 😂 I fucking love this guy
Thanks Uncle Ben! This worked great. I want to add a little info for those who might be worried about Skunk Stripes on a Strat. I was concerned a bit, but went ahead and did your process to my American Std. Strat. For those thinking about this, I say go for it! The only thing is that it will take a LOT of coats of the Tru Oil to fill the grain in the skunk stripe. (Mahogony I think...or walnut).
Also, instead of a cloth like Ben used, I just used a paper towel. My process was coat, wait 1hr, coat, etc...for about 5-6 coats of oil a day. Let it dry overnight and use the steel wool in the morning. Sight down the neck against a back light and you'll see little shiny streaks after you use the steel wool - this is Tru Oil in the grain. Keep doing this process until the shiny streaks are gone. Done.
I left the original finish on the back of the headstock and the neck pocket so as not to loosen the fit of the neck.
Last point: It may be placebo effect, but sanding all the poly off the neck seems to have opened the sound up a bit. Cool.
Enjoy!
Shrediknight... genious... seriously ... genious... I have never heard that before...
+Kardall i'm an idea man!
+Johnny Mickem *videos suck. Come on, man, at least use proper English when you tear me down! Thanks for watching.
+Johnny Mickem aaaaahahaha damn it you got me!!!! I shoulda known! Haha thanks for watching, my man!
Ben Eller I SANDED THE NECK OF MY 1958 GOLD TOP GIBSON LES PAUL UNTIL I RAN INTO SOME METAL ROD! IS THAT SUPPOSED TO BE IN THERE? O_O D:
You're not just some jackass on the internet. You're a good teacher.
Hahaha I like to think of myself as some jackass on the internet who also happens to be a good teacher!!! Thanks dude :)
13:59 That was me in the sanding/finishing process of my high school project. Psycroptic, Entombed and Dark Funeral all made a fine soundtrack.
Not only is this one of the most useful videos I've seen on RUclips, it's also effin hilarious. THANK YOU for this.
Sorry to necro an old video, but that finish is awesome. Well done, sir. I discovered you a week or so ago and I've thoroughly enjoyed every one of your videos.
Ben, I'm not sure which I enjoy more, your fantastic lesson or your deadpan sense of humor. Thanks for these! Much happiness to you!
"...I'm completely not responsible for that. I'm just some jackass on the internet..." That's probably one the best disclaimers I have ever heard.
Excellent tutorial uncle Ben! I've been playing guitar in ultra amateur category for years. Your tips have really improved my guitar man skills. Thanks for sharing your expertise!
Great to hear, man!
Quick tip: You know those crappy brown paper towels they have in bathrooms to dry your hands off? Well, they are actually pretty awesome for wiping the excess oil off because they don't leave any lint behind.
Also, stick a magnet inside the steel wool pad. A good strong neodymium magnet works best, it will catch most of the shavings.
I really appreciate this vid, I am someone who modifies everything to make it more one of a kind and personal (cars, computer, guitars) and this seems like a great way to spruce up a less than favorable/cheaper neck
"Just a little bit rough. The way your mother likes it."
I just wanted to say I followed this tutorial for 2 Solo Kit guitars I purchased and they.Feel.AWESOME... I did go to 400 grit, then 4 thin coats of Tru-Oil, 0000 Wool buff, then 2 more coats and a final 0000 buff. After wax, they felt INSANELY good. Very easy to do if you follow instructions, also very rewarding!
More paint tutorials. Bring back the swirl video you had way back.
And yes, oil/wax finishes are awesome.
18:44 "Like sister's leg stubble. That was such a fun prom." lmao
"... that was such a fun prom." That made me laugh out loud!
BEN ELLER you're tutorial saved my guitar neck and my marriage!! thank you!
I love those RG3120's!!!
Ibanez should bring them back!
I sanded up to 800 grit and did this and it feels so good I can't stop playing. Thanks Ben!
the only thing i could think during most of the vid was; "damnnnnnnn uncle ben lives ina an awesome beutiful place!!!!!!!!!!!.... no wonders how he get his inspiration for writing sick solos!!"
+Cristobal Gajardo haha thanks man, Tennessee is beautiful!
followed this tutorial to the letter. First successful DIY job I managed to do in my whole life. Thanks Ben!
can't wait to see that fallout paint ibanez in full playable glory
+Erotic Potato me too!!!!
How about sharing the technique involved in making that finish, Ben?
Hey Ben , I know it’s old but..I would like to know after you keep hitting it with the steel wool do u keep reapplying the oil ?
i have an old, mid-1990s epiphone ej200 (gibson j200 copy) that i love, but had an awful, super-glossy neck. i just took some 800 grit wet-dry paper sheets, held the guitar between my knees with the top facing me, and simply rocked the sheets across the back of the neck gently for about 3-5 minutes. not enough to remove the finish, just knock down the sheen. doesn't look like much, but feels like butter. a whole new guitar.
I'm too a'scarrrred to try this. Will playing my guitar for 40 years without washing my hands ever have a similar effect?
I kinda wanna buy like a shitty 100$ guitar and like scallop it and do this.
+The Dark Lord I took a shitty old Fender squire stagemaster and scalloped the neck with a dremel. Now it's my favorite guitar. Scalloped necks are the best.
Get a kit guitar from Solo or such, the necks have only a protective coating so not so much initial sanding.
Just sand it. It's gonna be fine.
@@TheKilman102 yes if you sand the existing finish with 400 sand paper it will be just fine no need for all this mess the idea is to get rid of the gloss that's all
I just finished the process on an rg350mz that I scalloped all 24 and modded everything. Having had done it now I'm going to do it on my entire collection of rg's one at a time. Thanks Ben
My old Martin backpacker never looked better. Aunt Julie says hi.
Did you try this on the neck only, or the body as well?
+Jason Campbell I did the whole guitar. It definitely brought out some nice figure on the front.
EURIPODES I'm glad to hear that. The sapele neck on mine needs some TLC. I might as well do the whole thing.
+Jason Campbell A billion custom high end gun stocks can't be wrong. Go for it.
EURIPODES good point.
Tru-oil's great stuff, I did the back of one of my Strat necks several years ago and it's still looking and playing great.
Wow Ben, such acting skillz!
And seriously at 4:28 I lost my shit.
Thanks for watching my man!!!
Great video. I'm 49 and really just started playing recently after building a Criss Oliva tribute Jackson. Wanted to take the yellowish clear off the neck just to make it look brighter and found I loved it like that.Wondered, about sealing it so this video answered the question. Thanks. by the way I took it to the TSO concert in November a got it signed by the band. Just wish Criss was alive to sign it. I just do not get the negative comments when someone is just passing on some WISDOM.
Would love to see you do a video on your approach to floyd rose bridge setups.
+Lavabug awesome!!
that would be very helpful
was gonna recommend the same thing :D
+Ben Eller Yea, man. Do it. 'Cause I've managed to break the shit outta the floyd on one of my guitars. I've broken the whammy bar on it, stripped the nut where one of the little clamps fit into it & I think I've managed to strip the head on one of the screws on the tremolo bridge itself (where the thing bolts the string down).
+Lavabug
Oh God yes please.
I just picked up a '00 RG7620. With a little bit of love and quite a bit of cleaning it turned out to be a PHENOMENAL guitar! I absolutely love it! $200 with a HSC.
you can't make fun of disturbed with a harry potter shirt on, but anyway, nice tutorial
Years and years ago I ALMOST ACCIDENTALLY stripped the finish off my 1972 Gibson Heritage (acoustic). Rubbed it down with coconut oil (it was the only thing I had to hand). It dried in very little time and gave it the finish that is the envy of the neighbourhood. Plays great and tastes good too.
Instructions unclear; My warmoth neck is in me arse along with some steel wool.
Well at least it sounds like you had fun with it :)
Thanks for the info! I found a cheap chinese guitar in the trash down the street and I've replaced everything on it and painted it. My last step was the neck. Waiting for my first coat of True Oil to dry right now. It already feels amazing! Thanks!!
Instead of steel wool, use a Scotch-Brite or similar pad. Leaves just as good of a finish without any metal particles.
I've tried scotch-brite to take some of the finish off the neck of my epi. Didn't seem to do anything, the polyurethane is too hard, light rubbing with 0000 steel wool worked very well.
@@roywarriner8441 automotive scotch Brite? The dish aisle stuff is not good.
@@markrogers7304I tried the blue stuff that you would use for non-stick cookware. It didn't work so I used steel wool. But I have since tried the green scotch pad and it works best.
@@roywarriner8441 home depot and lowes, go to paint supply section and there will be 2 types of scotch Brite. 1 grey and one a dark maroon. The grey is higher grit and red is lower grit. They both will do more with less work than steel wool. These are the same pads used in automotive painting.
I use them anytime I paint and leave no mess like steel wool and are fairly cheap and last awhile.
@@markrogers7304 the green grade works fine, I had tried blue because I was a little timid.
I've just finished the 3rd neck with your system and i will tell you they are smooth and fast, and look great thank you ben for this video
Really great video, but you did not answer the important question!
How do you have such sexy and plentiful freckles on yours arm, yet black hair?
Tutorial plz?
+higler420 okay i'll come clean, i meticulously apply them daily, and touch them up in between takes. HAPPY NOW???
Video suggestions...
1. Your gear. (especially your amp/recording setup)
2. How to properly adjust your trust rod.
3. How to track down cougars without a GPS.
Thanks you.
+amd67 Truss*
Fret taaaaangs.
Great Stuff! It's good to know how well the finish has held up over the years for you!
Now I just need to find the time to do that for my guitars...
Jesus Christ. Do I use Blue or Green tape?
Either way man!
+Ed Dana Cut the red wire!
+ouncy But I see light grey, medium grey and dark grey!
Sanding montage over Mike Tyson Punch Out music made my day 🤘🏼😂
I like Disturbed......
+Jakey Ringo Step 1. Spot the problem.
+Jakey Ringo Someone has to
Then why do you have a City of Evil photo as a profile photo?
andrei260902 Because it's a great album. (I take it back. New Disturbed album was shit)
Man, I've been struggling to get some proper information on neck maintenance lately, and just when I was about to purchase some stuff and get started (with no conviction, I must say), you upload this. Great and useful video, thanks!
Ben , thanks for doing this video. Im glad it was extensive , a lot of vids online (more than just this topic) are real short and only cover some of what you need to know and that's how ppl mess up their shit. Did this to both my Jackson's and they play better than ever. Again thanks dude!!
22:12 'It does feel just a little bit rough the way your mother likes it'. Your execution on saying this without skipping a beat was amazing. Bravo
Ben I just want to thank you for this video, I have finished two necks, and they are both awesome! If you have anymore good knowledge I am ready to hear about it. Thanks again Ben you Rock!!
i can't help but notice that like myself you must have long ago realized that the world is chalk full of AIR HEADS which makes your presentation one of a kind and really adds to the enjoy-ability and learning curve which is downright hilarious and addicting so thank you for the unique experience your awesome videos bring into my home..........
Fun video, Uncle Ben!
If somebody is gonna put this much work into the neck, it will really pay dividends to have little post-playing routine of wiping the beast down before putting it away--I pinch each string with rag and swipe up and down a couple times. It's amazing--sometimes the first swipe or two feels rough, then the grunge comes off and it's much smoother. Then I run a cloth between the fretboard and strings, & drag it up and down a few times. If I'm not in a hurry, I rub out any right hand/forearm grunge I left behind. It takes literally about one minute--you know, sixty literal seconds. Ok, maybe seventy or eighty. Literally. ;-)
I play a lot, and this keep my guitars looking and feeling great. Strings last a lot longer, that way, too! I didn't realize how much nicer it is to play a clean, smooth guitar until I made a habit out of it.
I do this to every guitar I own. I use 6 coats and hang it up for a week to dry & harden up. Then I steel wool it & wax it. I re-apply the wax when stops feeling sexy smooth. I found the true oil & wax from a local sporting goods store, Walmart sells it too.
Sooooo informational and entertaining. I would love to see you go further into setting action, intonation, tension springs etc.
+smunchnU thanks a lot man!
I love the 90's video game music in the background.
Definitely want to see a truss rod adjustment/action/intonation video. Really a full guitar set up video would be good but those topics for sure.
Thanks uncle ben and granpa cecile. Enjoy the guitar tech lessons and the sanding trick your grandfather handed down to you. Thanks for sharing that.
Your swirl guitars look great. Awesome color choices. Anyway, thanks for this tutorial. I appreciate it.
The lime green one looks the best
Did this step by step and all I can say it's really worth it! Thanks Ben ;)
Your lessons are awesome. This series in particular. You might add a note on here about protecting pickups for people using steel wool with their neck attached. If pickups aren't covered the magnets will attract little bits of metal which can actually cut the windings over time. I don't know how serious the danger of this is but a respected pickup maker told me that he had seen it. Thanks.
Done a few of my necks with a similar method. I go to 1000 but pretty much the same thing. Great vid.
This video was hands down one of the best you've done. Totally educational, but insanely funny haha!
Love these types of videos man. Even outside of typical guitar theory kind of stuff your videos are entertaining.
You definitely should keep these comin!
Followed these instructions for a PRS SE.....had to tape the shit out of the body as the necks are glued in, but I was able to remove all of the Korean Schelaq. unbelievable improvement, completely made up for the ulcer.
FFVII as the background music? I recognized "Under the rotting pizza" at 9:39. Love it!
That was such a fun prom.
Awesome tutorial, I've been doing the Fender Eric Clapton Super Glue finish on all my guitars, taught to me by John Page in the ole 90's custom shop
Ernie Ball Music Man along with the Peavey Wolfgang & HP2 Oiled Finished Necks the BEST Necks to have on Any guitar! Between the EBMM & Wolfies I own 6 of them just because of how the necks feel and play, of all the guitars I have (Gibsons,Fenders & several others) they are the ones I reach for first.
You're the best Uncle Ben! This really helped out my LTDs and my tele project! Great info. Your teaching technique reminds me of being in the military. That's a compliment!
You need to be paid for these videos.
This worked absolutely great on my bass guitar. Super easy too. One tip: I used a much more aggressive sandpaper to get through the finish of G&L bass. Thanks.
Richard Wagenknecht lmao I'm using 60 to get the bulk off, and then I'll go up to 320
Zack Allen that's what I did too. 320 would have taken years to remove the finish.
So I've been doing this to my ibby necks for years, but after watching this vid again, I decided to try some wax like you suggested. I used Johnson's paste wax, and it worked great.
You're right, you def. need to wax it. It really does make it that much smoother, even when you think it's as smooth as it can be.
Finished mine today. Loving it. Thanks.
You make everything about the guitar fun and enjoyable.
Your headbanging and facial expressions during the sanding got you a like!
I appreciate your know-how and your vibe.
Just an additional tip
During clean up for any spilled tru oil or piss or even dog excrement, I find a Creed World tour shirt works best, available at any Salvation Army in an array of colors
Ben's GOTTA be the "fun" uncle. Bet it's a blast to hang out with this guy 😆
Sir, over the COVID (I can no longer use traditional measurements of time) you’ve entered the top 5 “jackass on the internet” types in our home. Huzzah!
that 20 dollar bill cloth is still cheaper then a cloth from guitar center. best life hack ever XD
First thing I do to any maple neck instrument I get, and to a lot of other folks' instruments when I work on them. I avoid the steel wool bullshit by instead using grey and white Scotchbrite. Greatest finish ever, yeah it requires a touch-up every year or two, but man, is it worth it! My sweat seems to eat finish worse than some (strings and hardware don't suffer), so I need to touch up my necks more often than some, but again, it's an hour's work over a couple days and it's better than new.
You should teach that intro lick in the beginning of this video 🤟🏻
... Oh my god. You are wearing a Hogwartz shirt, there is Final Fantasy VII music in the background, and you are working on guitars.
We were destined to be lovers. My wife can never know.
Hey there Uncle Ben, just wanted to show my appreciation for all of the awesome vids. You've really made learning the ropes an enjoyable time for me, and I even got a fine young lady's attention when playing in front of her :)
Fret leveling - I'd love to see a vid by you on that. Maybe there is one already.
Anyway, this was great. Thanks!
You can make a huge improvement with just a simple paper towel. They are very lightly abrasive and can smooth out the neck if you’re wary of doing something drastic.
THanks for this Ben, it is a lot of fun to watch your videos. Also very informative.