I just ran across this. I’ve been prepping for a first build and watching many fine build videos, but none so welcoming and useful as this one for somebody wanting to use hand tools primarily. Many good approach suggestions well demonstrated. Thank you! -Paul
I started making cigar box guitars, I was hoping to make some money. I used a router to shape the necks. Then I saw these French rasps on line, I got a 5 and a 15 and what fun I had, one, no noise, two, no eye level dust. Then I tried a flat spoke shave. That’s when I started enjoying making string instruments. 🎅🏻
Thanks a lot for this detailed explanation. As I'm dipping my toes into guitar building, this is a really valuable resource of information! Subscribed!
Thank you for creating this video. It's perfect for folks doing this for the first time. I'm happy to know the simplest method and then add time-saving measures later.
Just the same as many here - prepping for my first scratch build (through neck). On the shopping list is a No 6 plane to go with the No 4 and the set of chisels, bandsaw etc that I have already. Great video.
Thanks Chris - great video. I’ve subscribed so I can watch the next instalment. I’m having trouble finding the next part. Sorry but you have some playlists and separately many individual videos. Any chance you can point in the right direction ?
Awesome work. You make it look so easy. I'm trying to acquire the tools I need to become a luthier. I'm disabled, and just feel lost on whether power tools or hand tools would be more beneficial for a spine that has had 7 surgeries. I feel myself wanting hand planes and chisels, but my back would likely have different ideas. I just don't know how to proceed. Tools are very expensive.
Oh wow. Hand tools might still work if you just go slow? If they’re sharp, they don’t have to have a lot of effort. Power tools are definitely easier on the body, but as you say expensive and noisey/dusty too. Keep watching for more guitar builds and tips. I hope you enjoy the woodwork 👍
I have just finished the truss rod channel with your technique, it's amazing. It's the first time I use a chisel! I had finished the depth with Paul Seller' simple router with the 6mm chisel through a block of wood. Which shape of the neck do you get with thi technique of carving, C or is it flat D? Thanks
That’s great to hear! You can actually have any shape you want, including asymmetrical. Watch this video where I explain it 👍 ruclips.net/video/DE3ACzP5rec/видео.html
So this looks super approachable and tempting but is it really strong enough without a scarf joint? I have no real idea but even the cheapest £73 ebay guitar I bought has one. For sure cheapest options wouldn't do extra effort if it wasn't required?
It’s for cheap reasons that a scarf was invented. No wasted materials and machines can cut and glue very quickly. No structural problem with a one piece neck. A lot of scarf joint on custom builds are now done for decoration 👍
Well, finally somebody that I intended to do it (did not do so far). I guess its because we both watched Pauls videos. But it is interesting that other luthiers are not using the plane for rounding off the board. Which saw did you use for fret slotting?
@@KingBespokeCreations Thanks, did you ever try a hack saw or coping saw? Atm I plan to build exactly one guitar and want to avoid buying special tools because of that... But I fear a fret saw is the way to go (and could be used as a very fine saw afterwards still)
Thanks it's a wonderful video. I have finished a semi hollow body, and I am about to start the neck without many tools. The video came at the right moment. What is the length of the truss rod? Isn't it a little bit short?
Glad I could be of help. The truss rod only needs to go from the nut to just past the joining point of the body. The length of the neck pocket won’t move, especially on a set neck.
@@KingBespokeCreations Thanks for your answer. This is good news, I have a 42 cm one. I was concerned because, in my non-expert logic, I thought that in order to be more effective the truss rod needs to be deeply anchored in the neck heel, since it is the only fixed and stable part of the neck. By the way, I am doing a bolt-on neck.
True you solve your sins and a curse from the cross Jesus was the priest. If you believe in Jesus you legally be freed and children of God, forever in the law of sin and death. Always will be with you is the Holy Spirit. Faith in Jesus and greet. He is the light of life and God the Creator.
New sub. The only thing I might add, because for a long time I did not know this, is that the neck "taper" from the nut to the heel of the neck, determines where the bridge is centered. Great video, and I learned some of the constructs that I was missing.. Thank you so very much and I was only trying to share a little info. This is in "no Way" any criticism.. I mean "Where's my channel"? (LOL)
Hello brother, I've been trying to carve out a neck from hard plywood (when I say hard, it's REALLY hard), but I'm failing. So far, I could only saw it, but the carving tools can hardly do anything to it, because the wood is SO hard. Thanks to that, I can have it quite thin and without Truss rod, but what do I do? How do I carve it if it's so stiff? It's even hard to saw it. I don't have a CNC router or anything that big. Just a few tools. Angle Grinder (which I used for rough cutting and I use it for sanding, with which I can carve small amounts of wood) a handsaw, and a few manual carving tools (that can't really bite into this plywood). Can you advise please?
I’d probably go with the angle grinder all the way! Starting with carving discs and heading into grades of sanding discs (flapper style to help keep it cooler). Sounds like you’ll have an awesome neck when you’re done though!
Haha yes its true. Trussrods wouldn't exist if the wood mattered...that said, a good quartersawn chunk of maple will not warp without one...a slabcut piece of framing pine will
@@davewolfe4520 the asymmetrical neck video is in the description, here’s a video for multiscale measuring ruclips.net/video/2RFclaDB6NA/видео.htmlsi=7PfiWXUsQqYCvBF-
Excellent workmanship for sure! Except that you could have so easily cut the access for the truss-rod when you originally cut the TR channel. Blindly driving a drill bit at it afterwards I’d have thought is taking too much of a risk. That’s certainly not how I’d do it.
You’re absolutely right. This was a point where was following everyone else’s trend, I dont even know why? Following your own route and question everything!
@@KingBespokeCreations Hey, Dude King! Thank you so much for liking my criticism. You've just elevated yourself to the top of my estimation, and I'll be following your channel enthusiastically from now on. I have slotted pre-made necks a few times now which is never easy, but I have to confess that actually I haven't made a neck from scratch, yet. You have, you showed us how, and it still looked good despite the... erm, well... never mind. Actually, your videos are great, and I’m sorry I wasn’t a little more complimentary. Thanks again! GG
You don’t! Have as many pieces of word as you like! I’ve used layers of plywood before to good effect, it really is up to you and the look you go want 👍
I never really understand that you’re making a tutorial about doing things with hand tools and then just put in a musical transition when you’re doing kind of complicated things like planing and glueing. That’s exactly what should be in the tutorial… Love the video, but an explanation of the planing step would have been very helpful indeed!
It quite common yes. It allows for smaller pieces of wood to be use and also a little artistic freedom in some cases. The lamination is actually stronger than one piece too 👍
@@KingBespokeCreations Thank you! I've really found an interest in wanting to build instruments, I'm working on plans for a cajon and researching my guitar build!
It's really easy to be intimidated by the process of neck building. It's refreshing to see someone explain things in a friendly and encouraging way. The finished neck is looking good too! Thanks for the video.
Gorilla wood glue for a guitar neck is a terrible idea as it expands and moves - but other than that what a great video to dispel all the myths about needing to be a master craftsman to make a neck
Yeah fair enough - but theres a good reason why Titebond is the glue of choice of high end builders and not Gorilla glue - what you've done there is brilliant dont get me wrong - its just a niggle@@KingBespokeCreations
Very true - well you can watch a lot of them on here and they use a range of glues for different woods and different applications with each glue having certain desirable characteristecs - Micheal Bashkins entire Guitar build on the Stew Mac channel is very insightful and he is a master luthier - no denying - Hide glue where Gluing time is not an issue - Titebond for nearly universal application - Epoxies for oily woods like Rosewood and Cocobolo etc.- I suppose the great advantage of Hide Glue is that it makes repair work without damaging the wood a lot easier - Gorilla glue is universally advised as not guitar friendly as it expands and the joint is slightly flexible -Titebond grabs the wood and leaves a very secure static join - but thats just an advisory I suppose maybe not a solid rule@@KingBespokeCreations
Good video. Guess it's more relaxed and fun to work this way. I wish i could find a tight grain spruce/red cedar 75/80 cm long wood for neck. With hand tools it would cool. All i could find is 60 cm in length for bracing. Later i would wrap it in 1-1,5 mm layer of carbon fiber unidirectional sheet/epoxy and maybe finish with 0,6 mm veneer "for looks".
@@KingBespokeCreations hey sorry, I don't subscribe to channels and do the notification thing...too many annoying beeps and bings..but I will definitely be watching sharing and engaging with yours!
@@KingBespokeCreations that's a lovely guitar 👍 I have a slideshow vid of mine on my channel of u fancy checking it out any feedback would be appreciated
@@KingBespokeCreations It showed up in your Tool Tuesday playlist I was binging. Very useful video btw. I liked your using a hand plane for the fretboard radius, I've done that once myself.
Great video man! Very inspirational!
Thanks Dan, bless you 👍
I just ran across this. I’ve been prepping for a first build and watching many fine build videos, but none so welcoming and useful as this one for somebody wanting to use hand tools primarily. Many good approach suggestions well demonstrated. Thank you!
-Paul
Glad I could help 👍
I have watched a ton of videos on guitar building and this might be the most informative on building the neck. Thank you!
So great to hear that! Glad I could help 👍
Your video helped and inspired me to make a guitar neck for my capstone project!! I am feeling very proud of my result all thanks to you!!
That’s awesome to hear! And the results are actually thanks to you! 👍🙌
I started making cigar box guitars, I was hoping to make some money. I used a router to shape the necks. Then I saw these French rasps on line, I got a 5 and a 15 and what fun I had, one, no noise, two, no eye level dust. Then I tried a flat spoke shave. That’s when I started enjoying making string instruments. 🎅🏻
You can’t beat hand tools for the enjoyment factor!
This man looks like the friendly guitar neck building brother of Josh Homme, amazing video!
😂 I’ll take that! Thanks 👍
Thanks a lot for this detailed explanation. As I'm dipping my toes into guitar building, this is a really valuable resource of information! Subscribed!
Hope you enjoy building your first one 👍
Thank you for creating this video. It's perfect for folks doing this for the first time. I'm happy to know the simplest method and then add time-saving measures later.
My pleasure, enjoy! 🙌
Just the same as many here - prepping for my first scratch build (through neck). On the shopping list is a No 6 plane to go with the No 4 and the set of chisels, bandsaw etc that I have already. Great video.
Awesome, it might be a bit daunting setting off. But really it’s just shaping wood. Nothing too complicated 👍
You made making the volute transition look easy. I need one of those curved chisels.
I still need more curved chisels!
I also like this chisel. I think I need one
Chris! Such a awesome video. I love the way you take the mystery out of it. It’s not magic. More people should be doing it. 👍😎
Exactly! And make anything else you fancy while your at it!
Super, very valuable video, greetings from Poland
Glad I could help 👍
Great video. I came to see if I could pick up any more tips on neck shaping and learned a few things about how to use chisels as well.
That’s awesome 👏
Nicely done Chris.
Thanks Simon 👍
wonderful simple understandable instruction with minimal tools thank you !!
My pleasure, hope it helps 👍
Thanks!
I really appreciate this! Thank you 🙏🏻
🌟✨ Get your copy of my new book “Be a Self Taught Woodworker” on Amazon now! 📖✨🌟
Thanks
Much appreciated 👍
Thanks Chris - great video. I’ve subscribed so I can watch the next instalment. I’m having trouble finding the next part. Sorry but you have some playlists and separately many individual videos. Any chance you can point in the right direction ?
That neck went onto the Venomous build. There are two videos for that body, one with talking, one without 👍
Nice thanks
My pleasure
Awesome work. You make it look so easy. I'm trying to acquire the tools I need to become a luthier. I'm disabled, and just feel lost on whether power tools or hand tools would be more beneficial for a spine that has had 7 surgeries. I feel myself wanting hand planes and chisels, but my back would likely have different ideas. I just don't know how to proceed. Tools are very expensive.
Oh wow. Hand tools might still work if you just go slow? If they’re sharp, they don’t have to have a lot of effort. Power tools are definitely easier on the body, but as you say expensive and noisey/dusty too. Keep watching for more guitar builds and tips. I hope you enjoy the woodwork 👍
Brilliant! Thanks for lots of ideas! 👍
Thank you, I hope you enjoy your next build!
i don't have space for a dedicated workshop. this video inspired me to give it a shot using mostly chisel, rasp, saw, and sandpaper
Totally doable! 👍
While carving or routing the channel for the truss rod, cut it all the way to the end.
Finally, imperial! Thanks ahaha
Thanks A LOT !
Hope it helps 👍
Can you drill the truss rod hole before attaching the fretboard?
Yes, you can. I often try to do things in different orders. Figure out which order works best for you 👍
I have just finished the truss rod channel with your technique, it's amazing. It's the first time I use a chisel! I had finished the depth with Paul Seller' simple router with the 6mm chisel through a block of wood.
Which shape of the neck do you get with thi technique of carving, C or is it flat D? Thanks
That’s great to hear! You can actually have any shape you want, including asymmetrical. Watch this video where I explain it 👍
ruclips.net/video/DE3ACzP5rec/видео.html
@@KingBespokeCreations Thanks, it is a really perfect showing the different neck shapes carving😄
So this looks super approachable and tempting but is it really strong enough without a scarf joint?
I have no real idea but even the cheapest £73 ebay guitar I bought has one.
For sure cheapest options wouldn't do extra effort if it wasn't required?
It’s for cheap reasons that a scarf was invented. No wasted materials and machines can cut and glue very quickly. No structural problem with a one piece neck. A lot of scarf joint on custom builds are now done for decoration 👍
Well, finally somebody that I intended to do it (did not do so far). I guess its because we both watched Pauls videos. But it is interesting that other luthiers are not using the plane for rounding off the board. Which saw did you use for fret slotting?
Thanks, it’s a crimson fret saw, but any fine saw with 0.0222” or 0.5mm width 👍
@@KingBespokeCreations Thanks, did you ever try a hack saw or coping saw? Atm I plan to build exactly one guitar and want to avoid buying special tools because of that... But I fear a fret saw is the way to go (and could be used as a very fine saw afterwards still)
@@David-yl6bc to be honest the fret saw I have, I also use as a dovetail saw!
Thanks it's a wonderful video. I have finished a semi hollow body, and I am about to start the neck without many tools. The video came at the right moment.
What is the length of the truss rod? Isn't it a little bit short?
Glad I could be of help. The truss rod only needs to go from the nut to just past the joining point of the body. The length of the neck pocket won’t move, especially on a set neck.
@@KingBespokeCreations Thanks for your answer. This is good news, I have a 42 cm one. I was concerned because, in my non-expert logic, I thought that in order to be more effective the truss rod needs to be deeply anchored in the neck heel, since it is the only fixed and stable part of the neck. By the way, I am doing a bolt-on neck.
@@lezrekmohamed that’s great. I’ve never actually had to adjust the truss rod on any neck I’ve made, so dont stress too much!
Alright, I'll be honest. I fully expected you to pull out a plow plane to do that truss rod channel.
I’m still looking to find one! Until then, a chisel is perfect. And would still be needed at both ends anyway!
Basically "Does the tool you have remove wood? Yes? Then use it to shape the neck."
That about covers it! 😂👍
True you solve your sins and a curse from the cross Jesus was the priest. If you believe in Jesus you legally be freed and children of God, forever in the law of sin and death. Always will be with you is the Holy Spirit. Faith in Jesus and greet. He is the light of life and God the Creator.
🌟✨Have you ever wanted to make a guitar neck?✨🌟
New sub. The only thing I might add, because for a long time I did not know this, is that the neck "taper" from the nut to the heel of the neck, determines where the bridge is centered. Great video, and I learned some of the constructs that I was missing.. Thank you so very much and I was only trying to share a little info. This is in "no Way" any criticism.. I mean "Where's my channel"? (LOL)
Not at all. Any help is always good 👍
Hello brother, I've been trying to carve out a neck from hard plywood (when I say hard, it's REALLY hard), but I'm failing.
So far, I could only saw it, but the carving tools can hardly do anything to it, because the wood is SO hard.
Thanks to that, I can have it quite thin and without Truss rod, but what do I do? How do I carve it if it's so stiff? It's even hard to saw it.
I don't have a CNC router or anything that big. Just a few tools. Angle Grinder (which I used for rough cutting and I use it for sanding, with which I can carve small amounts of wood) a handsaw, and a few manual carving tools (that can't really bite into this plywood). Can you advise please?
I’d probably go with the angle grinder all the way! Starting with carving discs and heading into grades of sanding discs (flapper style to help keep it cooler).
Sounds like you’ll have an awesome neck when you’re done though!
King Bespoke Creations is it possibble use a mini scraping plane make a slot if so can you do a video on it?
For the truss rod channel? That would be called a plough plane, and I’d love to get my hands on one!
Haha yes its true. Trussrods wouldn't exist if the wood mattered...that said, a good quartersawn chunk of maple will not warp without one...a slabcut piece of framing pine will
👍🎸
I once cut out a pickguard with a drill and a file... It took forever...
I imagine it did, but you still proved it was possible! 😁👍
Nice watch
I don’t see the link to the offset neck
@@davewolfe4520 the asymmetrical neck video is in the description, here’s a video for multiscale measuring ruclips.net/video/2RFclaDB6NA/видео.htmlsi=7PfiWXUsQqYCvBF-
Excellent workmanship for sure!
Except that you could have so easily cut the access for the truss-rod when you originally cut the TR channel. Blindly driving a drill bit at it afterwards I’d have thought is taking too much of a risk. That’s certainly not how I’d do it.
You’re absolutely right. This was a point where was following everyone else’s trend, I dont even know why? Following your own route and question everything!
@@KingBespokeCreations Hey, Dude King! Thank you so much for liking my criticism. You've just elevated yourself to the top of my estimation, and I'll be following your channel enthusiastically from now on.
I have slotted pre-made necks a few times now which is never easy, but I have to confess that actually I haven't made a neck from scratch, yet. You have, you showed us how, and it still looked good despite the... erm, well... never mind.
Actually, your videos are great, and I’m sorry I wasn’t a little more complimentary.
Thanks again! GG
I often wonder why, if we can make a composite scarf, gluing 2 little wings, why have we to need a so huge piece of wood to create only one neck?
You don’t! Have as many pieces of word as you like! I’ve used layers of plywood before to good effect, it really is up to you and the look you go want 👍
@KingBespokeCreations not for the look. But to save as much wood as possible. Can we make two or 4 necks from one huge piece of wood like this?
I never really understand that you’re making a tutorial about doing things with hand tools and then just put in a musical transition when you’re doing kind of complicated things like planing and glueing. That’s exactly what should be in the tutorial… Love the video, but an explanation of the planing step would have been very helpful indeed!
Thanks for that Coen. It’s always hard to put everything into a video. But I shall endeavour to include those details next time 👍
Is laminating bodies and neck pretty standard? I've been researching building a guitar and every video shows the lamination.
It quite common yes. It allows for smaller pieces of wood to be use and also a little artistic freedom in some cases. The lamination is actually stronger than one piece too 👍
@@KingBespokeCreations Thank you! I've really found an interest in wanting to build instruments, I'm working on plans for a cajon and researching my guitar build!
@@GxHxN awesome! Get the full band on the go!
It's really easy to be intimidated by the process of neck building. It's refreshing to see someone explain things in a friendly and encouraging way. The finished neck is looking good too! Thanks for the video.
My pleasure. A lot of any ‘specific task’ woodworking is just woodworking!
Gorilla wood glue for a guitar neck is a terrible idea as it expands and moves - but other than that what a great video to dispel all the myths about needing to be a master craftsman to make a neck
I’ve never had a problem with that on any piece of wood over at least 10 years of exclusively using it.
Yeah fair enough - but theres a good reason why Titebond is the glue of choice of high end builders and not Gorilla glue - what you've done there is brilliant dont get me wrong - its just a niggle@@KingBespokeCreations
@@hereasafanofallsorts5164 we all have our little preferences. Super high end classical luthiers would probably only use hide glue!
Very true - well you can watch a lot of them on here and they use a range of glues for different woods and different applications with each glue having certain desirable characteristecs - Micheal Bashkins entire Guitar build on the Stew Mac channel is very insightful and he is a master luthier - no denying - Hide glue where Gluing time is not an issue - Titebond for nearly universal application - Epoxies for oily woods like Rosewood and Cocobolo etc.- I suppose the great advantage of Hide Glue is that it makes repair work without damaging the wood a lot easier - Gorilla glue is universally advised as not guitar friendly as it expands and the joint is slightly flexible -Titebond grabs the wood and leaves a very secure static join - but thats just an advisory I suppose maybe not a solid rule@@KingBespokeCreations
Cheers for shouting out my insanity :) I've been tempted by those offcut packs on eBay before, they look like a good source of wood.
If you’re not after pristine white maple they’re perfect!
Great video Chris...... I think you have converted a few more home luthiers
That’s the plan! 😁
Good video. Guess it's more relaxed and fun to work this way.
I wish i could find a tight grain spruce/red cedar 75/80 cm long wood for neck. With hand tools it would cool. All i could find is 60 cm in length for bracing.
Later i would wrap it in 1-1,5 mm layer of carbon fiber unidirectional sheet/epoxy and maybe finish with 0,6 mm veneer "for looks".
Just use a sponge if you’re wrapping it in carbon fibre! 🤣
Cool video, at last a method that fits my budget ; ) Thank you so much for this content, inspiring...
Absolutely my pleasure. 👍
Easily the best neck build tutorial by far!!!! Thank you so much sir
My pleasure.
awesome video! i have never seen someone using a planer for the fretboard-radius. really looking forward to your next uploads.
That’s great! Hope you have a go 😉
Great tips. Thank you kindly.
My pleasure 👍
I like using meranti for fretboards, it’s hard enough, but as the same time it doesn’t take too long to just sand the radius in
And it’s purdy too! 😂
@@KingBespokeCreations sure is, I wished I saved some of the flamed meranti I found last year for fretboards
Some great tips in this video Chris. 👍
Thank you! 👍
Fantastic video Chris! So informative. Thanks and God Bless!
Thanks Chris! 👍
Bravo! I like your philosophy, your ideas
Thank you 👍
Great stuff Chris
Thanks bud, hope you’re doing well 👍
Seen some of your other projects and they are 🔥 awesome man 👍
Thanks 👍
@@KingBespokeCreations hey sorry, I don't subscribe to channels and do the notification thing...too many annoying beeps and bings..but I will definitely be watching sharing and engaging with yours!
@@julesbrunton1728 that’s great! 👍
My last neck was ash with iroko fretboard turned out well for my 1st neck from scratch
Sounds great. I used iroko for my first full neck
@@KingBespokeCreations awesome bet that was a nice neck
@@herbiusstormkillius you can see it on my archtop build!
@@KingBespokeCreations that's a lovely guitar 👍 I have a slideshow vid of mine on my channel of u fancy checking it out any feedback would be appreciated
@@herbiusstormkillius I’ll have a look for sure.
Cool, first view! Love this stuff!
How have you seen it? It’s still unlisted! 🤔
@@KingBespokeCreations It showed up in your Tool Tuesday playlist I was binging. Very useful video btw. I liked your using a hand plane for the fretboard radius, I've done that once myself.
@@Scion4600 interesting! Glad you enjoyed it 👍
Instant fan here,sir!
Awesome, thank you! Lots for you watch here👍
I love your videos, informative! love from the Philippines,God bless you sir