Make Your SQUIER Play Like A FENDER! - SIMPLE 5 Minute Mod!

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  • Опубликовано: 2 дек 2018
  • Can I make a Squier play BETTER than a Fender in 5 minutes without using any special tools?
    Watch this video to find out!
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Комментарии • 2 тыс.

  • @depressedtaco9814
    @depressedtaco9814 4 года назад +3255

    jokes on you, i can make a fender sound like a squier

  • @Necrometalfist
    @Necrometalfist 5 лет назад +2132

    How to make a Squier play like a Fender
    Step 1: remove Squier emblem
    Step 2: play

    • @NashTheGreat
      @NashTheGreat 4 года назад +78

      Exactly... Non-guitarheads aren't going to notice a tiny bit different out of it, especially when our targetted audience are them.

    • @r3t1a47
      @r3t1a47 4 года назад +84

      I've removed squier emblem and It feels like I'm playing an american strat

    • @NashTheGreat
      @NashTheGreat 4 года назад +168

      @@r3t1a47 if you further remove the headstock, it will feel like gibson

    • @jimboblio2351
      @jimboblio2351 4 года назад +3

      Nash gUiTaRhEaDs

    • @NashTheGreat
      @NashTheGreat 4 года назад +16

      @@jimboblio2351 triggered because you know nothing about guitar?

  • @trublgrl
    @trublgrl 4 года назад +674

    "A good amp is the great equalizer."
    So is a great equalizer.

    • @TubeDupe
      @TubeDupe 4 года назад +70

      Yet a great equalizer is not a good amp.

    • @nehemiahzo_
      @nehemiahzo_ 3 года назад +4

      TubeDupe yet a good equalizer isn’t a great amp

    • @AethanDaniels
      @AethanDaniels 3 года назад +1

      Lol

  • @TheAxe4Ever
    @TheAxe4Ever 4 года назад +339

    I used to have an old Squier that I did some work on. I smoothed the fret ends just like here plus I also did a pickup change with some good Dimarzio’s. Can’t remember which ones right now because it was so long ago. This guy I knew, not well, but I knew him through other friends that had this REALLY sweet American Strat. I gave his guitar praise to him and asked him to try mine out through his rig. He saw the Squier badge and looked at me like “okay kid” and smirked. He plugged it into his rig and he started playing it. You could see his preconceptions about that Squier slowly deflate in his face. Then he smiled and nod his head like “hell yeah!” He handed it back to me and only said one word. “Damn!”

    • @patriciaydiegoormaza-marti2446
      @patriciaydiegoormaza-marti2446 4 года назад +5

      Do you know what is the foam block used to smooth both ends of the frets made of, and where can it be found?

    • @frogssong
      @frogssong 3 года назад +17

      PATRICIAYDIEGO ORMAZA-MARTINEZ its a foam sanding block, you can order it online or go to home depot, maybe ace

    • @patriciaydiegoormaza-marti2446
      @patriciaydiegoormaza-marti2446 3 года назад +2

      @@frogssong Thanks a lot!!!

    • @smitsonavane6278
      @smitsonavane6278 3 года назад +4

      USED to have!!
      Bro why did you sell it if it gave you such a good memory

    • @TheAxe4Ever
      @TheAxe4Ever 3 года назад +25

      @@smitsonavane6278 Has life ever been unkind to you? Have you ever fell on hard times through no fault of your own? My guitars an amps weren’t the only thing I had to part with to get me and my family through a very scary struggle. But that’s okay. It was a long time ago and I was able to feed my family and I have even better equipment now. Take care.

  • @MarcCoteMusic
    @MarcCoteMusic 5 лет назад +623

    I've seen several videos in which this technique is demonstrated but this is the first I've seen during which a macro lens is used. It clearly shows the night & day difference the mod makes. Well done, Darrell.

    • @commentfreely5443
      @commentfreely5443 4 года назад +2

      can't you pay some guy in china who makes $2 a day, $0.20 to do all that work?

    • @lemac3200
      @lemac3200 4 года назад +7

      Comment Freely companies don't want to do that. The average customer shall have to feel the immediate difference between the squier and the american made fender, so the higher price is "reasonable". Plus he has the will to "upgrade" a.s.a.p.

    • @slavazavalin
      @slavazavalin 4 года назад +3

      Fender Deluxe Nashville tele costs around $900 and still has sharp neck edges.

    • @arn999
      @arn999 3 года назад +4

      @@commentfreely5443 Frankly, it's part of the artificial ways Fender separates its higher end guitars from the cheaper ones. Mexican Strats have pretty angular edges, American Strats have smoother ones. But the price of doing this is most probably minimal. Buying a Mexican Strat and taking 10 minutes to smooth the edges is a pretty great deal.

    • @aarontimm
      @aarontimm Год назад

      ​@@commentfreely5443 why do that when you can pay the same worker to make guitars as quickly and unsafe as possible

  • @mkaali
    @mkaali 5 лет назад +2698

    Or just switch the Squier decal for a Fender one and Fender fanboys will be like, ahhh this is the best guitar I've ever played.

    • @thesandman775
      @thesandman775 5 лет назад +372

      And then the other morons will be like Ahhhh you could totally have a way better guitar for half the price if you just buy a kit or mod a Squier

    • @launder0
      @launder0 5 лет назад +370

      you guys just described how the world works

    • @hermanjansen6622
      @hermanjansen6622 5 лет назад +26

      @@launder0 hahahaha...can't agree more !

    • @RP-dy5mu
      @RP-dy5mu 5 лет назад +87

      @@GeorgeTwine I have a 5000 dollar PRS and while I really like it, what I don't like is that I basically treat it like a bomb whenever I pick it up. Always put it in the case, always clean it with a microfiber cloth, always carry it in two hands, and always make sure not to get a scratch on it anywhere. That means I don't play it nearly as much as I do the cheaper ones I have because it's such a big hassle.

    • @koyaanisqatsi316
      @koyaanisqatsi316 5 лет назад +44

      My Fender has a Fender decal, but also a decal that says 'Made in Korea' 😂

  • @regimiro4888
    @regimiro4888 4 года назад +525

    How to make a Squier play like a Fender: Practice

    • @AGblueMetal
      @AGblueMetal 4 года назад +13

      Or buy a better amp

    • @AGblueMetal
      @AGblueMetal 3 года назад +3

      @Orpheas Malliamanis Ok

    • @Ottophil
      @Ottophil 3 года назад +2

      First swap the neck to a real fender. Then swap everything else,

  • @HungryH1951
    @HungryH1951 5 лет назад +41

    I followed your instructions on my Squire Affinity tele frets and neck and it worked like a charm. The frets on this guitar were really rough on the ends, just what you can usually expect from a $200 guitar. It was like running my hand up and down barbed wire and it tore the crap out of my hand. I went up to the hardware store, bought the foam sanders (even found one with a 45 degree slant, fine grit) and went to work on the frets. It only took about 10 minutes of light pressure sanding and the frets are now as smooth as silk and my hands are thanking me. I also have an LTD guitar that I had endured rough frets for 4 years and I fixed them too. Just a word of caution to anyone planning to do this, be sure to tape up any area next to the the neck (as well as the pickups) because I accidentally put a few sanding marks on my pick guard and it's easy to do (my fault). A little bit of blue tape would have completely prevented this. But thank you for this video. I need never put up with poorly finished frets ever again.

    • @iwaann_
      @iwaann_ 6 месяцев назад +1

      What kind of foam block that waa used in the video? Did he use sanding foam block to soften up those edges?

  • @MisterGuitarItalia
    @MisterGuitarItalia 5 лет назад +546

    This dude's content is consistently top-notch.

    • @noodel3374
      @noodel3374 3 года назад

      just skipped 3 times in this video after reading your comment... "what toy are we goint to use? this 5$ foam from homedepo" "it already feels so good, but let's just do it a bit more" "what do these comperisons show us? a good amp is a good equalizer"

  • @landonbailey
    @landonbailey 5 лет назад +310

    That before and after shot really showed the difference. good stuff!

  • @EricBlackmonGuitar
    @EricBlackmonGuitar 5 лет назад +139

    Thanks for the tip Darrell!

  • @SuperJacknyc
    @SuperJacknyc 4 года назад +101

    Also: fix your fret ends in the middle of heating season, when your home is as dry as it gets. Then the wood has shrunk, and the fret ends stick out as much as they ever will.

    • @miguelescutia5556
      @miguelescutia5556 4 года назад +5

      What's heating season? When you heat up your home in Winter? Or the heat of the Summer (the most humid where I live)?

    • @regimiro4888
      @regimiro4888 4 года назад +5

      @@miguelescutia5556 Also, "when your home is as dry as it gets" will vary greatly depending on where you live.

    • @megavideopowermegavideopow8657
      @megavideopowermegavideopow8657 4 года назад

      Summer?

    • @michaelcrawford4940
      @michaelcrawford4940 3 года назад +3

      Miguel Escutia heating season means the time of year you heat your home. Heating the air makes it arid inside, wood heat in particular

    • @johnston.scott64
      @johnston.scott64 3 года назад +1

      I just stick the neck in a freezer.

  • @cosmicdog62
    @cosmicdog62 5 лет назад +435

    Informative as always. You said "a good amp is the great equalizer" maybe you could give us your thoughts on what a good amp is in various price points. Say like 0 -$500, $500 - $1000, $1000 - $1500, etc..

    • @ollyholmes1835
      @ollyholmes1835 5 лет назад +19

      150 quid fender champion 40 is great for me

    • @yeetusdeletus9
      @yeetusdeletus9 5 лет назад +16

      @@ollyholmes1835 an orange micro dark and a decent sized cab. Absolutely perfect for a bedroom concert

    • @coryedmunds7166
      @coryedmunds7166 5 лет назад +41

      I have a BOSS Katana 50. $300 canadian and it sounds amazing.

    • @kitchendezina
      @kitchendezina 5 лет назад +9

      Marshall DSL40C

    • @thechatterbox6783
      @thechatterbox6783 5 лет назад +10

      Yamaha thr10, others are still trying to catch up to it for a practice amp. Vox adio air close.

  • @MeuwMusic
    @MeuwMusic 5 лет назад +1791

    what about how to make your fender play like a squier???

    • @Moodo76
      @Moodo76 5 лет назад +191

      MewGamingYT Easy. Bang it into the wall a few times and you're done. If you're feeling extra adventurous, lower the pickups and raise the bridge an inch or so 👍

    • @joshbarnett1090
      @joshbarnett1090 5 лет назад +419

      Hand it to me. My fingers can make anything sound like Walmart trash.

    • @TokyoDripp
      @TokyoDripp 5 лет назад +3

      @@zadtheinhaler I didn't say anything

    • @NotJuanDanny
      @NotJuanDanny 5 лет назад +43

      Step 1: prtend to be Jimi Hendrix
      Step 2: burn your fender

    • @johnwriterpoet1783
      @johnwriterpoet1783 5 лет назад +34

      The Squire Classic Vibe 50's Telecaster is a great guitar, as good as any in quality build and sound.

  • @tonyleeglenn
    @tonyleeglenn 5 лет назад +24

    I did this to my Squier Contemporary Tele tonight and the result was very nice. Much more comfortable to play now. Thanks for this tip.

  • @tiger091904
    @tiger091904 3 года назад +6

    I just did this to my 10 yr old $100 Spectrum telecaster, the frets I swear it felt like they were gouging my fingers. It's so smooth now, it's insane I can't stop touching it. I honestly didn't know you could do this.

  • @rknisple
    @rknisple 5 лет назад +211

    This is why I always say go with CLASSIC VIBE! Every one I've ever bought has PERFECT fret work! I actually had worse frets on my 900 dollar fender than my 400 dollar squire classic vibe telecaster.

    • @FernandoGomez-zx7gq
      @FernandoGomez-zx7gq 5 лет назад +9

      I have a squire 60's CV strat and i can agree it's a very sweet guitar.

    • @rknisple
      @rknisple 5 лет назад +4

      @@FernandoGomez-zx7gq thats the next one on my list 😃

    • @paulozagui9360
      @paulozagui9360 5 лет назад +7

      I have a 60's CV strat and can confirm that.

    • @rknisple
      @rknisple 5 лет назад +8

      @@paulozagui9360 they're practically flawless in my opinion

    • @paulozagui9360
      @paulozagui9360 5 лет назад +4

      @@rknisple Yeah, absolutely. I used to judge Squier's before I had mine. Then I tested one side by side with a Mexican standard through a valve amp, and got the Classic Vibe. The best strat I've ever had. Thinking in buying a CV Tele next year. Cheers!

  • @mattheweastel129
    @mattheweastel129 5 лет назад +15

    Absolutely agree with this mod for any lower end guitar. Makes it feel miles better. So cheap and quick and you’ll be enjoying it for years!

  • @viewoftheaskew
    @viewoftheaskew 5 лет назад +8

    Sweet, thanks! from the comments below darrell said it's a 180 to 220 grit sanding block fyi

  • @boassinfield3
    @boassinfield3 4 года назад +9

    Well presented Darrell. Your friendly delivery and simplified, yet cautious instruction, removes a lot of the fear of tackling such jobs.

  • @donaldswan1587
    @donaldswan1587 3 года назад +13

    Amazing, I did this on my Classic Vibe, which already wasnt bad, but it really did go up a notch and feels like a more expensive guitar. Its a huge improvement for such small investment
    Now several months later, and I have done this with several basses. Having gained confidence in how well it works, Ive given it more "treatment," and SO happy with the results. Thank you !!!

  • @andyfulton9603
    @andyfulton9603 5 лет назад +10

    That squier is the perfect guitar to mod as a Billie Joe Armstrong blue replica 😍

  • @billsedge7360
    @billsedge7360 4 года назад +5

    Best true comments I’ve heard ever, I play in a rock n roll band with another guitarist a bass and drums , I bet you anything 99% of the listeners cannot tell which guitar I’m playing, my top end strat or my squire

  • @jonsanserino3485
    @jonsanserino3485 5 лет назад +2

    This is the GREATEST advice I have seen on YT! My MIM Mustang PJ was OK, but now feels SO MUCH better! I could not believe it. I used a 220 grit foam pad. I found that the grinding and polishing took a bit longer than I expected. The advice I'll give is to keep working it (not too hard) until the pad goes smooth and then polishes the fret ends after rounding them. Thanks so much!!

  • @martinheath5947
    @martinheath5947 5 лет назад +39

    This looks like such a simple finishing touch, can't believe the Squier factory doesn't have a machine which could do this with negligible impact on production costs. Looks almost like a deliberate "omission" on their part to help justify and maintain the price/quality differential. Good job!

    • @rafaeloda
      @rafaeloda 5 лет назад +1

      Many of those precision adjustments need to be hand made.

    • @banjomango145
      @banjomango145 Год назад

      its probably not possible by machine, and stuff that needs to be done by hand just costs too much

  • @danieldoy1570
    @danieldoy1570 5 лет назад +6

    Tried this and was delighted with the feel of the neck afterwards. Well worth the time and the effort .

  • @nn567
    @nn567 5 лет назад +16

    This was a great tip. I used it on my Squire telecasters and my Squier Deluxe Strat. Worked awesome.

  • @ceemack2165
    @ceemack2165 4 года назад +29

    It would help a lot to know the grits used for the sanding block and steel wool.

    • @annubis1238
      @annubis1238 3 года назад +1

      Use the smooth side end of the sanding block as indicated in the video. And although he didn't specify on the Steel wool it looks like 000, and that makes sense as it will polish rather than destroy any fret or wood on the fret board.

    • @grade43podcast
      @grade43podcast 2 года назад +3

      @@annubis1238 The home depot website has a few different sanding blocks. Do you happen to know the grit? Thanks

    • @LanceJordan
      @LanceJordan 2 года назад +1

      I'd go with the 220 as that's consider "fine" but course enough for this job

    • @applehead252
      @applehead252 2 года назад +1

      0000 very fine!

  • @jeffames5385
    @jeffames5385 5 лет назад +20

    I just tried this on my 2017 Squier Afinity Lefty Strat. I had previously begun filing a few of the fret ends using a "famous maker" fret end dressing file - tedious to say the least, and a task I wasn't looking forward to. After watching your video I tried using a 3M 220 grit Pro Grade Precision Ultra Flexible Block Sanding Sponge (3M p/n 2504PGP-220-UF) which I purchased at a home improvement store. Before beginning I applied "painter's tape" to mask the pick ups and the switch slot and all but about 1/16" of the fingerboard edge. The results are nothing short of amazing! I will still need to use the file on a few particularly nasty frets and I'm saving the steel wool treatment for last. Thanks for another great video (as usual!), Darrell !

    • @cpamiseso
      @cpamiseso 5 лет назад +1

      very useful mentions! thanks a lot!

    • @akshayjoshi3620
      @akshayjoshi3620 5 лет назад +2

      I just purchased a lefty squier affinity strat. The fretwork is absolutely terrible! Frets are literally protruding out. The edges are rough as well. Thanks for giving the details of the exact sandblock that you used, and your experience with it! Going to try this now.

    • @jeffames5385
      @jeffames5385 5 лет назад +1

      @@akshayjoshi3620 Mine were pretty bad but this method quickly made a HUGE improvement. As I said previously, there were still a few frets which needed individual attention. Good Luck!

  • @kjemradio
    @kjemradio 5 лет назад +80

    Shhhh. Don't tell StewMac about this technique. They're in the business of selling those high end fretting tools ;-)

    • @existential_fred
      @existential_fred 4 года назад +1

      It's ok they can sell specialised high end foam fret sanding blocks 🙂

  • @richardloheed8907
    @richardloheed8907 4 года назад +1

    I recently cleaned up the switches & pots on a '95 Squier Strat that has huge sentimental value....did this & love it! New Fender Tex-Mex pickups arrive today, locking Fender tuners will arrive probably over the weekend...

  • @hobbyknight9962
    @hobbyknight9962 5 лет назад +4

    I've done his with my own guitars using 400 grit and 1500 grit sandpaper. It truly makes an amazing difference.

  • @alwaysrockn2009
    @alwaysrockn2009 5 лет назад +15

    Great video. I saw a guy at Guitar Center two weeks ago using a large flat file to file down edges and it look like he was going to town on the guitar- major grinding. Nice to see how it should be done. Great video!

  • @lharsh175
    @lharsh175 5 лет назад +5

    Did it on my Squier California series Telecaster. I'm loving it more day by day. Thank you!

  • @m7alan7johnson7
    @m7alan7johnson7 5 лет назад

    Close up is so awesome. Very clear as to how much sanding helped!

  • @SourPotato
    @SourPotato 2 года назад +2

    That explains alot about my first electric guitar which happens to be a squire . I used to play acoustic but I never limited myself to the front end of the fret board so when I got squire it felt absolutely terrible to play anything beyond the 15th fret. This has been so helpful ...I won't hesitate to get it polished

  • @slowhand5922
    @slowhand5922 5 лет назад +19

    That's really kinda strange - in a positive sense: I have exactly this task on my schedule since several months. I bought one of these fret guards (these metal stripes with the slot you're showing in the vid) and thought to do the job with a fine file. I didn't start the work yet because I was a little bit afraid of damaging the edges of the fretboard. I've got quiet good experiences as a handyman and tinkerer with good fine motor skills but in this matter I had some jitters. And now I stumbled over your video accidently and learned how easy this is done! That really helps me a lot. The before and after comparison "under the microskope" says it all. So I will dispose of that immediately. Thank you very much for your video! Great job! Cheers from Berlin
    Btw: I much more like the light blue Squier with that maple neck than the other guitar. It's exactly my taste.

  • @matthewmcdonald4061
    @matthewmcdonald4061 5 лет назад +9

    Thanks to your recommendation, I put hipshot locking tuners and and a graph tech nut on my squier bullet strat, and now I can do crazy Jimo Hendrix Whammy Bar tricks without going out of tune, thanks for the vids keep it up

  • @mrredritehand
    @mrredritehand 4 года назад +1

    Your channel is one of the most informative ive ever seen, great job

  • @matthewhegge1738
    @matthewhegge1738 4 года назад +2

    I changed out the tuners on my new Squire Contemporary Strat HSS with some locking D'Addarios (not mods required), popped in some GraphTec string guides, and performed the fret/fretboard fix-up. They are all polished up and fretboard is now rounded and not squared off. Everything is looking and working great! I will have this guitar for a long time.

  • @sonicbridge1944
    @sonicbridge1944 5 лет назад +55

    You nailed it Darrell. Playability! It's a foundational expectation. Everything else is the gravy on top.

    • @rodriguezelfeliz4623
      @rodriguezelfeliz4623 5 лет назад +2

      You are correct sir. I found a great guitar with awesome playability a good enough sound and a terrible top, but I concluded it was the best thing I could buy that fit in my budget.
      And just when I was about to buy it...discontinued.
      Lucky me.

    • @CamiloSinger
      @CamiloSinger 5 лет назад +3

      Can't stress this enough. I have a guitar which is a stunner, but I never play it, so I have it up for sale. On the other hand, my average looking Tele and Jaguar are a joy to play and use them constantly. Still would love to own a guitar that sounds AND looks great, but playability is the priority!

    • @stevenirons8564
      @stevenirons8564 5 лет назад +2

      That "fret feel", tuning issues, and weak pickups are probably the top three things that turn people off of lower priced guitars.....
      That and wanting to impress others with the name on the headstock, which is ridiculous, since only other guitar greeks will care about that.

    • @Axess-sv8nq
      @Axess-sv8nq 5 лет назад +2

      Steven Irons - The issues (tuning issues and weak pickups) can be fixed relatively cheaply. Working on your own guitars is fun and it personalizes them.

  • @JRinSparks
    @JRinSparks 5 лет назад +5

    I did this on 3 guitars today - the first one was the sacrificial guitar in case it didn't work out. Wow - what a difference! Thanks Darrell for the great tip. Made a couple of my lesser axes a LOT more playable! Cheers!

  • @ahoneyman
    @ahoneyman 5 лет назад +3

    I used to sell a few guitars and do basic setups for pocket money in college. I used the same basic setup for dressing fret ends and some polish for the frets. Customers would be amazed how much better they felt and played after some really simple work. MIM Fenders were my go to favorites to sell. With a basic setup and polish those guitars were monsters.

  • @rogersilcox524
    @rogersilcox524 Год назад +2

    Just did this to my Squier Bullet Mustang and, I got brilliant results. Smooth as a baby,s bottom as we say over here. Thanks a lot my friend.

  • @MrJp5150
    @MrJp5150 5 лет назад +11

    I do my own fret work , and like you I have all the tools ... My problem area was fret ends and the FOAM SANDING BLOCK worked PERFECTLY !! I now can do all my fret work with confidence !! Thanks for the video Darrell !!

    • @NorthwestGuitarworks
      @NorthwestGuitarworks 4 года назад +5

      What grit sanding block? Home Depot has tons

    • @nazmoking3171
      @nazmoking3171 4 года назад +2

      @@NorthwestGuitarworks Did you ever find an answer to this? I was wondering the same thing?

  • @Dgendreau
    @Dgendreau 5 лет назад +74

    Steel wool is way to messy, especially near magnetic pickups, tape or no tape!! Give the 3m polishing cloth/paper a try! I use the 1 micron/8000 grit and the results are amazing!! Super clean and easy! The best part is you can actually see what's coming off of your frets onto the cloth/paper! I've used it on older necks from the 80s that were completely nasty and the frets came back to a mirror shine in just a few seconds!!!

    • @DarrellBraunGuitar
      @DarrellBraunGuitar  5 лет назад +13

      Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely check it out

    • @357jazzman
      @357jazzman 5 лет назад +2

      Hi David, I try to avoid the steel wool for the same reasons. Can you please send a link to the cloth/ paper you are taking about please. Thank you

    • @KamilKisiel
      @KamilKisiel 5 лет назад +3

      I use micro-mesh pads. They go down to 12000 grit. Saw them recommended in one of Phil McKnight's videos. They work wonders on frets.

    • @icenic_wolf
      @icenic_wolf 5 лет назад +3

      Those green Scotch-Brite pads work great for light buffing or scuffing your shiny neck into a smoother satin finish so that you don't get any metal filings like you would with #0000 steel wool.

    • @ayylmao5121
      @ayylmao5121 5 лет назад +2

      @@icenic_wolf i do this in every gloss neck except my Gibson LP since i bought that to hand down to my son if he wants to do it when hes older ill let him decide

  • @tyrssen1
    @tyrssen1 4 года назад +2

    Wow, what a difference! Thanks Darrell!

  • @gpurkeljc
    @gpurkeljc 4 года назад

    Wow amazing result on the frets for not too much trouble. Thanks Darrell for the great tips.

  • @HBSuccess
    @HBSuccess 5 лет назад +8

    Darrell - instead of steel wool try the equivalent nylon scotchbrite type pads. Does exactly the same job without the magnetic shards. I’ve ditched steel wool altogether around pickups

  • @erinsmith7219
    @erinsmith7219 5 лет назад +5

    NIce, can see a big difference between before and after! Will definitely be doing this on my guitars!

  • @boassinfield3
    @boassinfield3 4 года назад +6

    I have a 1991/ 2 Squire Telecaster made in Japan( with some sharp edges), and I love it more than my 2007 Standard USA Telecaster.

  • @aidantod33
    @aidantod33 5 лет назад +2

    Darrell, thank you so much. Great tip! Works brilliantly! Great results quickly, better than with specialist tools. Fantastic!👍

  • @zoomosis
    @zoomosis 5 лет назад +5

    Great video. These are also known as sanding sponges. In Australia, Bunnings sell a three-pack of them (coarse, medium & fine) for about $4.

  • @stug5041
    @stug5041 5 лет назад +20

    Just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU for this video. I have the same squire in the off-white and the fret edges were really rough, to the point it hurt to move up and down the neck. Did this, followed your instruction, and 30 mins later it feels like a nice guitar should. Great video, thanks again!

    • @miguelescutia5556
      @miguelescutia5556 4 года назад +1

      You did it 6 times slower.

    • @qeb
      @qeb 4 года назад

      what is the name of the guitar?

  • @glenx4892
    @glenx4892 4 года назад +2

    wow..... you did a nice job knocking off the sharpness of the neck and frets. Those fret wires are now so shiny and smooth. I have couple guitars that have a hard edge neck and sharp frets and often wondered how to soften those sharp spots... I presume this trick will work on most any guitar... Thanks Darrell.

  • @BlueL1n3
    @BlueL1n3 5 лет назад +6

    Would love to see some other modifications for a Squire like upgrading tuners, trem block, etc.

    • @deannapaladina7729
      @deannapaladina7729 5 лет назад +1

      I think it's often autocorrect that changes it to Squire.

  • @BradColemanisHere
    @BradColemanisHere 5 лет назад +3

    Love this. I've seen Phil McKnight do some fret work too and it's good to have both of your perspectives and methods. I completely agree this is the difference between a guitar that feels expensive/high quality and one that does not.

  • @coffee6170
    @coffee6170 2 года назад +4

    I use those rubber nail polishing files (5 pcs 3 €) for the last polishing, instead of steelwool. Works great and I don´t have to worry about steelwool messing around my pickups. You even don´t need to tape your fretboard, when giving an extra fine polish to the frets.

  • @simon_patterson
    @simon_patterson 5 лет назад +1

    Well done on the vision. You showed that really well with your macro lens.

  • @Baci302
    @Baci302 4 года назад

    Your videos are great, Darrell. Very instructive. Thanks for the lessons.

  • @akwamarsunzal
    @akwamarsunzal 5 лет назад +5

    Playability! 100% spot on! A decent amp is an equaliser! 100% spot on!

  • @darkinertia2
    @darkinertia2 5 лет назад +70

    I love that your one of the few that doesnt believe in the whole tonewood crap,at the end of the day, its electrical components that make the most difference....everything from pickups to amp

    • @Leo_ofRedKeep
      @Leo_ofRedKeep 5 лет назад +8

      Mmmhh… strings too ;-)

    • @tonedriverss8629
      @tonedriverss8629 5 лет назад +9

      " Tonewood " ... ha ha , ya really ! Lots are dumb , believe anything , and are easily fooled and mis-led . Its all about the neck and fret finishing . Been saying this for years . The body just holds everything together . Pickups cant hear the wood . Go see Justin Johnson with that amazing sounding " tonewood " or "tonesteel " shovel and then go re-think about what you " think " you " know ". lol Common sense is not too common it seems .

    • @mitcharney1
      @mitcharney1 5 лет назад +6

      Check out Jack Pearson. His playing and history are dynamic. Over the last few years he has been buying Squier Strats. In one of his videos he states that
      the only thing he changes when he buys one is one little jumper wire on the 5 way switch to give the rear pup an individual tone control. He keeps the small
      pots and ceramic pups. It's always the player first then follows the chain of guitar, amp, effects, etc. A mediocre player can have top of the line equipment
      and it doesn't make him better player. A great player can have mediocre equipment and sound fantastic.

    • @Leo_ofRedKeep
      @Leo_ofRedKeep 5 лет назад +5

      People go nerdy about tone because they don't understand music. Johann Sebastian Bach wrote some of his greatest works for unspecified instruments. That's how much he cared about "tone".

    • @MrNotYet1
      @MrNotYet1 5 лет назад +1

      he literally made a vid on tonewoods.

  • @bedwards1224
    @bedwards1224 4 года назад

    This works perfectly. I cannot believe the difference. Going to do this to all my guitars! Thanks Darrell, love your channel

  • @charliegoodall
    @charliegoodall 10 месяцев назад

    Absolutely incredible! Must be the best, most useful modding video I've ever seen. Brilliant, thanks.

  • @mikemagnum7987
    @mikemagnum7987 5 лет назад +3

    Great video, very well done. I will be using this technique and tool on a Squire Telecaster! Thank you!

  • @redbaroness3684
    @redbaroness3684 4 года назад +3

    I was too scared to mess up with my guitars. But seeing this, I know that I'll be delicate enough to do that job! Thank you, Darrell!

  • @vittonik72
    @vittonik72 4 года назад +1

    Thank you for this video. I originally scoffed at the idea and purchased an expensive fret end dressing file. I know that I don’t have the talent to really effectively use it so I studied this video and purchased a sanding sponge and I was able to dress the fret ends and round off the fretboard edge on a Classic Vibe 70s Strat as you demonstrated in this video, thanks again

  • @hiredgun419
    @hiredgun419 5 лет назад

    Its about time someone showed the masses what and how a rolled fingerboard looks and feels. I won't touch a guitar without rolled edges. That was a GREAT video of ths best way to correctly roll your edges without destroying your neck! I commend you sir, well done!

  • @rijosigns
    @rijosigns 5 лет назад +4

    wow! what a great video ty darrell

  • @hellomynameisalone
    @hellomynameisalone 5 лет назад +3

    I just did that, and my it feels really good. Good tip

  • @grabbing
    @grabbing 5 лет назад +1

    Great mod and tutorial. Just did this to my beloved Squier Affinity and now it plays even better. Thanks, Darrell :-)

  • @JimmyLeeBands
    @JimmyLeeBands 4 года назад +1

    awesome! I love building my own custom guitars, and or finding old cheap ones and hotrodding them with nice pickups etc. I've always had an issue with the playability of the cheaper necks on squire, and other cheap necks. This mod is super easy and really does the trick!! So glad I came across your video!!

  • @scottperrin9655
    @scottperrin9655 5 лет назад +14

    You can also find this foam sanding block for $1 at Dollar Tree. Fantastic video btw.

  • @bluwng
    @bluwng 5 лет назад +3

    Best , quick , useful mod. Thanks

  • @bassworship50
    @bassworship50 5 лет назад

    My friend, what an excellent bit of information you just given us. The difference in the before and after pictures you're so extreme that I feel like I owe you something. Thank you so much for sharing this information.

  • @jonbrint4849
    @jonbrint4849 2 года назад

    I'm building a "last set" 6.5 lb bass for my bad back. I bought a used Squier Bronco neck, and just did exactly as you showed, figuring I could fix it later, if needed. (I have a bunch of Stew-Mac tools too!) Miraculous! Wow, what a difference! Thanks!

  • @5urg3x
    @5urg3x 5 лет назад +3

    10:05 -- Wow. Wow. This is a great trick. I'm getting one of those foam blocks tomorrow!!

  • @wallyguardian4456
    @wallyguardian4456 5 лет назад +5

    Thank you very much Sir. This is a big help . More power to you Sir and God Bless

  • @shoa2285
    @shoa2285 4 года назад

    That really came out great. Amazing before and after close ups.

  • @820hurleyj
    @820hurleyj 5 лет назад +2

    Don't know why I never thought of this?!? Great vid. Thanks!

  • @Supperconductor
    @Supperconductor 5 лет назад +3

    Brilliant tip, thanks!

  • @a.khaosnarine9118
    @a.khaosnarine9118 5 лет назад +16

    😮 Mind Blown
    I'm trying this ASAP

  • @patrickthunnus
    @patrickthunnus 5 лет назад

    Nice job! Love the simplicity of this, thanks D! 👏

  • @joaolaureano1966
    @joaolaureano1966 2 года назад

    I've finally gathered the courage to try this mod, thanks Darrell! The neck feels much more comfortable now with the rounded edges, cheers

  • @clintmiller2408
    @clintmiller2408 5 лет назад +8

    Finally some one who knows what the hell they are talking about thanks a million bro!!

  • @DarrellBraunGuitar
    @DarrellBraunGuitar  5 лет назад +195

    Today I'm covering one of the easiest and most important mods that will make any inexpensive guitar play like a high-end instrument - all without any expensive tools!
    Enjoy :)

    • @landonbailey
      @landonbailey 5 лет назад +2

      haven't even watched the video yet, but that thumbnail is kick ass! 🎸👍

    • @5urg3x
      @5urg3x 5 лет назад +6

      Yo can you link to the exact foam thing that you're using? I'm not very familiar with these kinds of things, I don't wanna get the wrong one. Thanks!

    • @DarrellBraunGuitar
      @DarrellBraunGuitar  5 лет назад

      Thanks Landon!

    • @robinbebbington7063
      @robinbebbington7063 5 лет назад +1

      So how does this differ for necks with binding. I am considering doing this on an acoustic guitar.

    • @ferrinbonn
      @ferrinbonn 5 лет назад +18

      What grit is the sanding block?

  • @thebusinessgoose3350
    @thebusinessgoose3350 2 года назад +1

    Fantastic! I know I'm late but I can't believe I just stumbled on this video. I just bought 3 "lower end" "intermediate" guitars (Affinity Tele, Epiphone SG and a Rg6000fm) earlier tonight just to spare me the constant tuning changes. Invaluable tip! Thanks Darrell!

  • @tbone25
    @tbone25 4 года назад

    Great mod Darrell! My hand was getting all chewed up from these cheap frets. Got the sanding block and it made a huge difference! Thanks!

  • @barbmelle3136
    @barbmelle3136 5 лет назад +19

    From Leo: Good tip. It is amazing how seemingly minor adjustments make a huge difference. I use plumbers mesh strip with my fingers behind it so I can modulate the pressure at each fret by feel. With the magnification, it looks like your sanding pads do a nicer job. Thanks for the tip. PS: is that the 220 grit block?

  • @joedoherty1062
    @joedoherty1062 4 года назад +3

    I recently got a Squier Affinity tele in Race Green and was super impressed by the guitar. Frets feel smooth, fit and finish is fantastic. Then I got an Ibanez 7 string for the same price ($200 USD) and the fret ends were way too sharp and long, almost could cut your hand on them. My guess is it had something to do with the humidity change, because I can't imagine it left the factory like that.
    So ironically I did this to make my ibanez play like a squier lol

  • @InsomniaRebel
    @InsomniaRebel 6 месяцев назад

    I took my new squier guitar to get intonated and set up, the guy recommended some fret work done and at the time I didnt know how much it would help. Now, after getting the guitar back i thought i was going insane how much it helped. After watching this video i fully understand what he did and am glad I found someone so knowledgeable.

  • @jollytreepin2168
    @jollytreepin2168 5 лет назад

    Glad to see other people do this too. It is the first thing I do to a new guitar, along with flour paper on the back of the neck to take the sheen off, and you have a very easy to play guitar (providing the store set it up properly but that's a different story)
    Cheers

  • @wiseguy9202
    @wiseguy9202 4 года назад +9

    "you can't hear the wood...." Thank you!

  • @jasonmccarthy3370
    @jasonmccarthy3370 4 года назад +5

    This is such a useful video and I will definitely try this. Question: What grit is the fine side of the sanding block and the steel wool? Thanks!!!

  • @trackie1957
    @trackie1957 4 года назад +1

    The result is better than what I can do with the “proper” tools!
    I think the steel wool is key to get the subtle rounding after the sanding established the geometry. I am certainly going to try this!

  • @gajapi
    @gajapi 4 года назад +1

    I bought a squier 60’s strat and put a fender vmod loaded pickguard and fender vintage tuners, best thing I ever did. Plays and sounds amazing!

  • @rubykaufman5361
    @rubykaufman5361 4 года назад +5

    Say Darrell Braun could you ad a link to one of those sanding blocks or maybe be more specific about the coarseness of it and the steel wool? Thanks

  • @kirkpatticalma7911
    @kirkpatticalma7911 5 лет назад +3

    Now I know what I'm doing to my daughter's guitar that she's getting for christmas. Thanks!

  • @jonathanhandsmusic
    @jonathanhandsmusic 5 лет назад +2

    Good video! I have an old Squire with sharp fret ends that I never play. I'll try this out. Thanks!

  • @anthonyskellern5970
    @anthonyskellern5970 5 месяцев назад

    Nice work, Darrell, much appreciated - this is exactly the kind of tutorial I was hoping to find