Installing carbon fiber neck rods in a Ritchie Valens style StratoTone

This early-50s Harmony StratoTone has no truss rod, and the neck is warped. Dan Erlewine repairs it by installing carbon fiber neck rods. The week after this repair was done, another copper-colored StratoTone came in with the same problem!

About the guitar in this video: this StratoTone H44 is like the one Ritchie Valens used to record La Bamba, Come On Let’s Go and Donna. (Ritchie’s guitar was green, not copper.)


Carbon Fiber Neck Rods

StewMac Fish Glue

Swivel Handle Clamp

Bridge/Fingerboard Removal Knife

Bridge Heater and Fingerboard Iron

The Otter Compact Router Table

[MrPinkStrat]

What Ever this Guy Charges ...he's worth every penny

[LRS]

"Oh yes, this is hide glue...yep...from 1952...possibly May...uh, from horses living in the midwest of U.S.A....uh, possibly 7 years old, fed on small grass, before the rain..."

[Sungodv]

Did I say that Dan is a national treasure? Well, he is.

[_nickoustic_]

This guy has literally taught me everything I know about guitar repairs lol if it’s not something I’ve seen Dan do then I don’t have faith in it. This man is a living legend

[littlejohn]

What a cool guy - so skillful I always thought a guitar with no truss rod and a bent neck was for the scrap heap. He even played a Ritchie Valens lick on the restored instrument.

[knedy]

I didn't know sniffing glue was considered a guitar mech trade secret. I've been doing that since I was 12! *I'M LIKE A PRO!*

[novanogo]

When I grow up I want to be as cool as Dan Erlewine sniffing vintage glue.

[timgann]

This is the bob Ross of guitars, love his voice and personality :)

[AnthonyMonaghan]

Dan is the Godhead when it comes to guitar repairs. The absolute best of the best a true craftsman. I could watch his videos all day. Thanks.

[LiamH]

Talk about perfect timing. I'm just about to do the same with an unsupported neck to a 1920's Curtiss parlor guitar. Thanks Dan! Seeing your methodology really helped! And RL R, if Dan had said that the glue was from a seven year old, grass fed, midwest horse from 1952, and it had a unicorn's horn, I would believe him. The Nation of Japan recognizes and honors their craftspeople who are working at the highest level of skill as the national treasures that they are. I wish we'd do the same and I'd say Dan should be one of the first so recognized. His tricks and shared insights have pulled my bacon out of the fire more times than my pride will allow me to admit.

[jrbass]

I've been watching you for years sir. Also read a lot of articles. You have helped me with so many
bass projects.. Thank You!!!!

Not only is he a master craftsman that executes his work to with immense precision - he also has time for a little glue sniffin' as he goes about! Amazing!

[upreydeen]

Love Stew Mac, I keep coming back, is like a warm place for luthiers, guitar techs, enthusiasts, etc

[BoneyBobsTreasure]

Great to watch someone work smoothly, steady, not rushed, making progress all the time. You can learn a lot watching someone work in this way, thanks.

[bobareeniobobareenio]

Every time I see a Dan Erlewine video, I have to say what a GREAT Luthier he is and what an honest and unpretentious man he is . Listen to him because he is GREAT!

[vgmrevisited]

Had a Stratotone in the shop where I work for a while. Whatever that cheap little pickup is sounded incredible.

[Onlytruthu]

Dude has some serious woodworking skills, lots of tricks and old school methods combined!

[saxofunk]

Dan, you're a hero to many. I hope you live a long and happy life. You and a few others in Athens, Ohio turned me into a repairman - even if unknowingly! Keep up the good work.

[groverasylum]

Another person here who has been learning from Dan for many years now. Nearly 2 decades of learning, if I count my very first book on repairs. That glue sniff bit though, is something he could only teach in person. You are an inspiration to gear head wrenchers. You are a gentleman and a scholar, good sir!

[lpluva]

He has forgotten more than I know at this point. It takes him twice as long to prep something then it does to do the thing, I wish I had this man's patience. Hopefully it comes with age. Dan is legend.