Building "Pistol Pete" The $52 Temu Guitar: Fretwork (OSU Tribute Part 6)

In this episode of TED Talks Guitars and Life, we’re heading back to the workbench to continue work on "Pistol Pete," the $52 Temu guitar kit I’m building for my son. This project is a special Oklahoma State-themed build, and today is all about the neck.

We dive deep into the world of fret leveling and crowning. I’ll show you how to use a fret rocker to identify high spots and demonstrate that you don’t need high-end luthier tools to get good results. Using an affordable Amazon crowning file and the MusicNomad Fret Shield, we take this budget neck and give it a premium feel.

Beyond the technical steps, we talk about why this build matters—creating a lasting memory for my son—and answer the age-old question: Is "skosh" a real word?

Note: This project is a personal fan tribute and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Oklahoma State University. Just a dad building a cool guitar for his son!

Key Topics Covered:
Identifying high frets with a fret rocker.

Budget vs. professional fret leveling tools.

The proper technique for crowning and polishing frets.

Using Lizard Spit and progressive sandpaper grits (320 to 3000) for a mirror finish.

Cleaning and conditioning the fingerboard.

The upcoming "dreaded" task: Wet sanding the neck finish.

Timestamps
0:00 - Introduction: Guitars and Life
0:18 - Project Update: The "Pistol Pete" Oklahoma State Build
0:42 - Paint and Finish Details: Rustoleum and Tru-Oil
1:29 - Workbench Setup: Neck Supports and Yoga Mats
2:13 - Checking for High Frets
3:08 - How to Use a Fret Rocker
4:17 - Identifying Unlevel Fret Edges
5:46 - Why This Build is Personal
6:14 - Using the Amazon Crowning File
6:40 - Etymology of the word "Skosh"
7:46 - Re-checking Frets After Leveling
9:14 - Tool Philosophy: Right Tool vs. Affordable Tool
10:18 - Understanding Fret Buzz
11:33 - Marking Frets for Crowning
12:40 - Music Nomad S-File Demonstration
13:34 - Deploying the Fret Shield
14:25 - Polishing Process: 320 to 3000 Grit
15:51 - "Guitars and Life" Theme Song Break
16:40 - Reviewing the Polished Frets
17:45 - Fingerboard Conditioning and Cleaning
19:07 - Preparing for Wet Sanding

Helpful Links (Amazon Affiliate Links*)

Basic Amazon Crowning File:
https://amzn.to/4sXQRJA

MusicNomad Fret Shield:
https://amzn.to/4tJp6Ve

MusicNomad S-File
https://amzn.to/4cnZbeB

Lizard Spit Polishing:
https://amzn.to/4tLubMR

Jim Dunlop System 65 Guitar Fingerboard
https://amzn.to/4ssSX35

24PCS Sanding Sponge Set
https://amzn.to/4ss1mDY

Disclaimer: This video is not sponsored. Some links are affiliate links. If you buy something I may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

____

Shoutouts:
@AOsAreaofOperations (Aaron)
@2Yards (Yard)
@Jayde-guitar (Jayde)
@boomerbassmeme (Boomer)
@lizardspit2508
@MusicNomadCare

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#guitarbuild #fretleveling #temuguitar #guitarmaintenance #diyguitar #lutherie #oklahomastate #pistolpete #guitarrepair #tedtalksguitarsandlife

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