As an amateur woodworker who makes furniture, I am in AWE of your knowledge of wood and it's properties, not to mention the skill that you exhibit. WELL DONE!!!
Yes! Ted is not only great outright, he can predict “mistakes” he may make himself , because the particular materials involved. He needs to write a series of how-to books.
The skill and experience required to tackle a project like this on a true vintage instrument (not to mention the olympic sized cojones) just boggles my mind. Really looking forward to seeing the finished article. Ted really is top drawer.
I was about to post a very similar comment, but you nailed it! I feel like getting to my knees and bowing to the superior skills and talent of The Ted! I cannot' play the guitar to any sort of decent level, let alone, my simple upgrades that I do to mine and family members guitars, the man is a true living legend. It's like his knowledge never ends, although having watched many of Ted's uploads his humbleness exceeds most other "top luthiers". A true gentleman proffesional of the highest level. With massive cojones 😉
I really enjoy the history you tell when you are also explaining in detail the reasons why you are repairing the guitars the way you do.... thank you, it is not only enjoyable, but also entertaining
I love all of your videos and watch them with an almost religious devotion, but this is by far one of the best. I've learned so much about the history of this particular guitar and guitar making in general from it, and you have, once again, totally amazed me with your woodworking skills and attention to detail. Thank you so much for sharing your craft with us.
No matter how many times I see it I will never not be amazed by purfling going in, something about watching this stack of strips scraped away to reveal such precise clean lines makes my brain happy
Very, very esoteric reasoning went into the reconstruction of this guitar. Each point in each step is explained so clearly that someone like me, who has never built a guitar, can understand. No ambiguity whatsoever! I am eagerly looking forward to the next video about this guitar T Woodford drops!💯👏👀
Every time I see such a high level of craftsmanship, in every field of application, I feel so good. In a world of mediocrity, I worship this kind of dedication. I really have no words to express my appreciation
This is extraordinary. I get to attend a lecture/workshop on one of my favorite subjects, given by an expert with a gift for communication, humor, and great skill. Thank you, Mr. Woodford. I really do appreciate this, and I look forward to the next episode.
I'm a sax player. I do not know how to make any chord on guitar. I love these videos. There was a time a few decades ago when people were taking vintage saxophones and retrofitting them with modern, ergonomic keywork. The claim was that the old, harder brass was better than the new stuff. Of course, there were those who were appalled. I am sure the retrofit cost much more than the old horns were worth. Nobody's business than the owners', I say.
After 90 years these Martin archtops still aren't collectable or expensive. They are more valuable and more playable converted as a steel string flattop. It's a ton of work but afterwards you get a vintage Martin 00-18 or 00-28 - very cool! Ted I appreciate you sharing what you do with the rest of us. Thanks!!
This shows that the design of an acoustic guitar has 100 moving parts and 100 design considerations, and this guy is thinking about all of them. Amazing!
Woah - converting this to a flattop?! Awesome. I can see all the guitar playing dentists' sphincters puckering! This is gonna be some awesome work to watch, so thanks, Mr Ted!
For me this has been one of your most specifically useful presentations ever. I have an elderly SS Stewart Arch top that needs the back (at least) removed to fix top braces that I cannot get to through the f-holes. I have been scratching my head on how best to deal with that. Your jigs for tracing the outline for making a mold looks like a great approach.
Can’t help but believe that the instrument increased in value. The quality of your work is amazing. Also can’t help thinking that you were a good geometry student. Fascinating video, thanks!
Fascinating mod. Worth noting that every known Stradavarius has been modded with a modern neck. What stood out to me was that while the f-holes had a very WWII military stencil look, the internal braces looked very elegant somehow. As Ted says, same quality of workmanship.
Yup. Best part? Almost no history of these modifications exists. Even the Messiah Stradivarius has been modified. An original condition (as close as it gets), almost unplayed Strad with a direct descendance to the man himself, and it's modified. :))
Ted, my name is Mark Warner. I was trained as a piano technician and rebuilder in Southern California. We fabricated and installed soundboards primarily on Steinways the ark to our soundboards was 60 ft and we cut the crown into our ribs. Which is contrary to the way most all pianos are done in the factory. I assume you know about compression crowning and it's process. I'd love to chat with you a bit about it! Hit me back if you like. Avid watcher of your videos! Hope to hear from you, though we're busy aren't we. 😊
Ted never replies to these comments; I don't know that he even reads them. As a self-employed one-man shop, he doesn't have the time. Filming and editing a job like this is apparently a labor of love on his part; the pittance in monetary compensation he'll get from TH-cam isn't even worth mentioning.
As I watched you removing the top, I'm reminded of an old Ed Feldman line when he was visiting a violin repair person: "How many can you shuck in an hour?"
Way back the tree rings were tighter due to the dense forest which limited the light, thus a short growth per year. Now with logging the trees are thinned out and the extra light causes larger growth rings.
Great video, Ted! I’ve watched many of your videos, and this one is an instant classic. The history of the model, differences with better known instruments, steps to conversion, and integration with new materials are all excellent! Your high skill level, attention to detail, and focus on doing all the little things well, reminds us all that expertise and caring are the basis for exceptional results. Thanks for sharing your talents! Looking forward to Part 2!
Very ambitious project. My brother found a 1928 O-28K which is a Hawaiian guitar with action set up for slide. He wants to have it converted to a normal guitar. That's a substantially less difficult project, I would assume.
The main reason lots of makers use other methods of jointing two pieces of wood is the difficulty of truing and sharpening a hand plane which is an art in and of itself.
There's no difficulty in it. The issue lies in two large squares that people just don't like touching. A: patience B: the patience to learn. They're unwilling to even so much as go pick up a book, expecting the knowledge to fall in their lap. The process of making a plane proper (in all aspects) is detailed to the T in various machinist or wood working books. It's not a hidden art, and quite frankly... it's something even an unskilled individual, starting their path in wood working, can do. It's recorded in various works detailing the life of a wood working establishment from the old days, that this kind of a job was an apprentice's work (keeping the master's tools in pristine condition). TLDR: lazy people are lazy.
@@aserta I completely agree. Once one takes the time to master the skill of sharpening and truing edge tools... there's not much that is more satisfying than cutting wood with a well sharpened, tuned tool. I would encourage and challenge those who wish to become craftsmen, to apply themselves to learning these skills.
@@TonsethCustom, there was an old saying, "sharpen the pencil and the pencil will sharpen your head". Apparently this applies to knives, chisels and handplanes as well!
I'm so impressed by all the skills, (selfmade) tools and knowledge that you apply in repairing and modifying these guitars. It's on a whole other level.
This is undoubtedly one of the most informed and technical channel on guitar repair, remarkable. I love that you concentrate on what seems to be a rational, informed and loving approach to the instrument, one that remains true to the craft and intentions of both the original luthier and the restorer. There are a few channels like this, in a variety of specialties, including furniture, horology, art. Thank you you all: you are the ones that make TH-cam the amazing force that it is.
One of the most fascinating and interesting job you ever shared with us ! You really have some nerves to accept the challenge, I'm sure you will find the right solutions but good lord you're brave Hats Off !!
Wow! Just wow! What else can be said about,Ted..The man has taught us all to do our own repairs confidently..I myself glued and cleated small cracks on my 57 LG-3 without a problem.. Guitar genius and fine teacher 👍
Such a clear and concise explanation to all the work you’re performing, this channel is certainly so valuable to any serious up and coming folks looking to get into quality luthier work. I’m retired now thankfully and I do some work on guitars as a hobby, I’ve been watching this feed a few years now and I can’t even give a number as to how many approaches which I’ve learned from here on Ted’s channel. With that being said I’m sure the numbers of viewers will simply keep increasing as it should obviously, thanks for doing and explaining all of these methods you use to do these exquisite repairs.
Thank you for displaying the incredible skills needed to do this type of work. It’s a perfect testament to the term craftsman. You are most impressive. Thank you.
When I worked at larivee .during the winter the misters were running pretty much the whole day. The controll was pretty constant which is a tough battle in a space as big as we had back then!
In my opinion, true craftsmanship relies upon both skill and intentionality in equal measure. Sometimes Mr Woodford showcases more of both and astounds star-struck audiences. In this case however, I find myself struck very much by the level of attention and just pure intentional workmanship; the real bread and butter or marrow of the working person's trade, whatever that trade may be.
This is the absolute pinnacle of this type of vid. Wonderful work. Wonderful to watch. Hearing the thought process explained so clearly... brilliant stuff...
If this was on Netflix we could watch all episodes at one time. Now I can't wait till next week. Just when I thought I'd seen him do it all. This is an incredible project.
I'm not pretty confident I would have done that to such a guitar had I been the owner but I find your job is fascinating nonetheless. Looking forward to watching Part 2.
As an amateur woodworker who makes furniture, I am in AWE of your knowledge of wood and it's properties, not to mention the skill that you exhibit. WELL DONE!!!
I’m addicted to the same poison, an amature furniture maker, and I agree with you. Ted is amazing.
You might be biased, Ted? Just kidding. 😊
Yes! Ted is not only great outright, he can predict “mistakes” he may make himself , because the particular materials involved. He needs to write a series of how-to books.
I really wanted this video to keep going. Looking forward to part 2.
Wow. Spoiler alert.
Nice to see you build Ted, rather than just polishing frets and fixing broken Gibson headstocks. It really shines your skills. 👍
The skill and experience required to tackle a project like this on a true vintage instrument (not to mention the olympic sized cojones) just boggles my mind. Really looking forward to seeing the finished article. Ted really is top drawer.
I was about to post a very similar comment, but you nailed it!
I feel like getting to my knees and bowing to the superior skills and talent of The Ted!
I cannot' play the guitar to any sort of decent level, let alone, my simple upgrades that I do to mine and family members guitars, the man is a true living legend.
It's like his knowledge never ends, although having watched many of Ted's uploads his humbleness exceeds most other "top luthiers".
A true gentleman proffesional of the highest level.
With massive cojones 😉
I really enjoy the history you tell when you are also explaining in detail the reasons why you are repairing the guitars the way you do.... thank you, it is not only enjoyable, but also entertaining
In a hundred years someone will build a guitar around the discarded top.
You could certainly get a ukulele top out of it .
Thanks for taking the time to film this, Ted. Endlessly fascinating.
I love all of your videos and watch them with an almost religious devotion, but this is by far one of the best. I've learned so much about the history of this particular guitar and guitar making in general from it, and you have, once again, totally amazed me with your woodworking skills and attention to detail. Thank you so much for sharing your craft with us.
Fascinating project. Looking forward to part two. Always impressed by your jigs and methods to solve construction and assembly challenges. Thanks
No matter how many times I see it I will never not be amazed by purfling going in, something about watching this stack of strips scraped away to reveal such precise clean lines makes my brain happy
I absolutely love the sound of a soundboard while its being worked. Its a soft, dry tone. Soothing.
I realize I'm a strange man.
ASMR Sound Track of blade on wood stroke . . . stroke 💤
Very, very esoteric reasoning went into the reconstruction of this guitar. Each point in each step is explained so clearly that someone like me, who has never built a guitar, can understand. No ambiguity whatsoever! I am eagerly looking forward to the next video about this guitar T Woodford drops!💯👏👀
Every time I see such a high level of craftsmanship, in every field of application, I feel so good. In a world of mediocrity, I worship this kind of dedication. I really have no words to express my appreciation
This is extraordinary. I get to attend a lecture/workshop on one of my favorite subjects, given by an expert with a gift for communication, humor, and great skill.
Thank you, Mr. Woodford. I really do appreciate this, and I look forward to the next episode.
Holy smokes this is your best video yet. The skills involved are epic!
planing, planing, planing....
gorgeous work so far, this weeks. episode is a real treat.
Damn you stole my line.
@Nine_One_Eight sorry man 😂
I'm a sax player. I do not know how to make any chord on guitar. I love these videos. There was a time a few decades ago when people were taking vintage saxophones and retrofitting them with modern, ergonomic keywork. The claim was that the old, harder brass was better than the new stuff. Of course, there were those who were appalled. I am sure the retrofit cost much more than the old horns were worth. Nobody's business than the owners', I say.
After 90 years these Martin archtops still aren't collectable or expensive. They are more valuable and more playable converted as a steel string flattop. It's a ton of work but afterwards you get a vintage Martin 00-18 or 00-28 - very cool! Ted I appreciate you sharing what you do with the rest of us. Thanks!!
This shows that the design of an acoustic guitar has 100 moving parts and 100 design considerations, and this guy is thinking about all of them. Amazing!
Woah - converting this to a flattop?!
Awesome. I can see all the guitar playing dentists' sphincters puckering!
This is gonna be some awesome work to watch, so thanks, Mr Ted!
Pulling off the arched top and letting us see it and telling about the difference Martin used, flat vs arched, was great. Thanks
American Lutherie Journal #6. Dana Bourgeois shows you how to make the brace arching jig.
this really makes one realize that ted could be an elite guitar maker but out of the goodness of his heart keeps repairing old ones
I feel like I just was a fly on the wall in the laboratory of a woodworking mad scientist. I didn't want the video to end! Can't wait for part 2!!!
Visitor to Ted's workshop: "Ted, it's pretty chilly in here."
Ted: "Yes, but it's a dry cool."
This video is exactly why I love this channel.
For me this has been one of your most specifically useful presentations ever. I have an elderly SS Stewart Arch top that needs the back (at least) removed to fix top braces that I cannot get to through the f-holes. I have been scratching my head on how best to deal with that. Your jigs for tracing the outline for making a mold looks like a great approach.
Always a pleasure to watch you work Ted!🤘
Can’t help but believe that the instrument increased in value. The quality of your work is amazing. Also can’t help thinking that you were a good geometry student. Fascinating video, thanks!
Great to see your pleasure at working this high level or your craft. I played a 1941 F-1 Martin for a number of years.
Fascinating mod. Worth noting that every known Stradavarius has been modded with a modern neck. What stood out to me was that while the f-holes had a very WWII military stencil look, the internal braces looked very elegant somehow. As Ted says, same quality of workmanship.
Yup. Best part? Almost no history of these modifications exists. Even the Messiah Stradivarius has been modified. An original condition (as close as it gets), almost unplayed Strad with a direct descendance to the man himself, and it's modified. :))
You rise to every challenge Ted. Another joy to watch your skills mate.
Ted, my name is Mark Warner. I was trained as a piano technician and rebuilder in Southern California. We fabricated and installed soundboards primarily on Steinways the ark to our soundboards was 60 ft and we cut the crown into our ribs. Which is contrary to the way most all pianos are done in the factory. I assume you know about compression crowning and it's process. I'd love to chat with you a bit about it! Hit me back if you like. Avid watcher of your videos! Hope to hear from you, though we're busy aren't we. 😊
Ted never replies to these comments; I don't know that he even reads them. As a self-employed one-man shop, he doesn't have the time. Filming and editing a job like this is apparently a labor of love on his part; the pittance in monetary compensation he'll get from TH-cam isn't even worth mentioning.
As I watched you removing the top, I'm reminded of an old Ed Feldman line when he was visiting a violin repair person: "How many can you shuck in an hour?"
What a cool project! Fun to see the different skills involved.
Way back the tree rings were tighter due to the dense forest which limited the light, thus a short growth per year. Now with logging the trees are thinned out and the extra light causes larger growth rings.
I can't thank you enough for making these videos Ted. They are so interesting and informative. Peace from just outside London UK.
That guitar is certainly in the most qualified set of hands I’ve ever seen, to do the job!
Ok, that outline tracing rig is brilliant!
I really like the BIG projects. I learn a lot.
Great video, Ted!
I’ve watched many of your videos, and this one is an instant classic.
The history of the model, differences with better known instruments, steps to conversion, and integration with new materials are all excellent!
Your high skill level, attention to detail, and focus on doing all the little things well, reminds us all that expertise and caring are the basis for exceptional results.
Thanks for sharing your talents!
Looking forward to Part 2!
super stuff...you think of things that even the original builders over looked....cant wait to see it strung up :)
Very ambitious project. My brother found a 1928 O-28K which is a Hawaiian guitar with action set up for slide. He wants to have it converted to a normal guitar. That's a substantially less difficult project, I would assume.
Very interesting project...really looking forward to the second part Ted!
I’ve said it before but your care, depth of knowledge and attention to detail are traits that I wish more in your profession possessed
So interesting and informative. Thanks for posting Ted
made my weekend! thanks Ted! ❤
I Always look forward to your videos each week . As an amateur guitar enthusiasts I always learn things of great interest and fun . Thank you
Way to go Mr. Twoford... A really intriguing task from a guy who makes difficult repairs look like mundane appointments...
This episode is my favorite of all the episodes you have produced!
It must be fun to take on a serious job like this. It seemed you were really enjoying it. I certainly was!
Just here to feed the algorithm and say another great video. Thanks for sharing what you do!
Made my Minnesota day. Thanks Uncle Ted. You're the best!
The main reason lots of makers use other methods of jointing two pieces of wood is the difficulty of truing and sharpening a hand plane which is an art in and of itself.
There's no difficulty in it. The issue lies in two large squares that people just don't like touching. A: patience B: the patience to learn. They're unwilling to even so much as go pick up a book, expecting the knowledge to fall in their lap. The process of making a plane proper (in all aspects) is detailed to the T in various machinist or wood working books. It's not a hidden art, and quite frankly... it's something even an unskilled individual, starting their path in wood working, can do. It's recorded in various works detailing the life of a wood working establishment from the old days, that this kind of a job was an apprentice's work (keeping the master's tools in pristine condition). TLDR: lazy people are lazy.
@@aserta I completely agree. Once one takes the time to master the skill of sharpening and truing edge tools... there's not much that is more satisfying than cutting wood with a well sharpened, tuned tool. I would encourage and challenge those who wish to become craftsmen, to apply themselves to learning these skills.
@@TonsethCustom, there was an old saying, "sharpen the pencil and the pencil will sharpen your head". Apparently this applies to knives, chisels and handplanes as well!
That martin really is beautiful as is. Not ranting, I'm excited to see the process, but I just love that neck of soundboard look.
19:09 cockroaches and moisture marks? 100% basement guitar. So this makes the conversion even more justified.
Love, Love, Love that little pensile jig! So much great information in this video. Can't wait for the next episode(s).
I’m speaking for many here, but I’m speechless right now 😳😳😳. Incredible workmanship 🏆🏆🏆
Sir I love 🎉 the history lessons on your channel. I appreciate your extensive knowledge. 👍😊
I always smile when I see that
Hangar 9 covering iron like I use on my RC airplanes.
Deep thanks to you Ted for sharing your wealth of knowledge and skill.
I'm so impressed by all the skills, (selfmade) tools and knowledge that you apply in repairing and modifying these guitars. It's on a whole other level.
This is undoubtedly one of the most informed and technical channel on guitar repair, remarkable. I love that you concentrate on what seems to be a rational, informed and loving approach to the instrument, one that remains true to the craft and intentions of both the original luthier and the restorer. There are a few channels like this, in a variety of specialties, including furniture, horology, art. Thank you you all: you are the ones that make TH-cam the amazing force that it is.
One of the most fascinating and interesting job you ever shared with us ! You really have some nerves to accept the challenge, I'm sure you will find the right solutions but good lord you're brave Hats Off !!
Wow! Just wow! What else can be said about,Ted..The man has taught us all to do our own repairs confidently..I myself glued and cleated small cracks on my 57 LG-3 without a problem.. Guitar genius and fine teacher 👍
Such a clear and concise explanation to all the work you’re performing, this channel is certainly so valuable to any serious up and coming folks looking to get into quality luthier work. I’m retired now thankfully and I do some work on guitars as a hobby, I’ve been watching this feed a few years now and I can’t even give a number as to how many approaches which I’ve learned from here on Ted’s channel.
With that being said I’m sure the numbers of viewers will simply keep increasing as it should obviously, thanks for doing and explaining all of these methods you use to do these exquisite repairs.
I remain in awe of your skill and knowledge !
Such a priveledge to watch a master at his/her craft.
Thank you for displaying the incredible skills needed to do this type of work. It’s a perfect testament to the term craftsman. You are most impressive. Thank you.
When I worked at larivee .during the winter the misters were running pretty much the whole day. The controll was pretty constant which is a tough battle in a space as big as we had back then!
In my opinion, true craftsmanship relies upon both skill and intentionality in equal measure. Sometimes Mr Woodford showcases more of both and astounds star-struck audiences. In this case however, I find myself struck very much by the level of attention and just pure intentional workmanship; the real bread and butter or marrow of the working person's trade, whatever that trade may be.
Simply amazing. Great Work Ted. Excited to see how this conversion turns out when finished.
I'm looking forward to seeing how this one turns out. Excellent attention to detail.
Fascinating. Mankind would be nowhere without wood. Thank you.
Thanks for an interesting and informative program, Ted. You have a rare combination of working and teaching skills, and we are in your debt!
Truly masterful work, very inspiring!
Big job! Can't wait to see, and hear, the finished product. That conversion is definitely worth it to me.
Awesome work as usual Ted...cheers!!!
Are you sure you're not a scarecrow, because you are outstanding in your field!!
Maybe a silly question. Reverse neck reset- could you bulk out the heel slightly keeping the 14th fret join?
Absolutely class Ted looking forward watching next week can’t wait to see and hear the finished guitar 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
You Sir are an inspiration and a treasure. Great presentation! Thank you.
This is the absolute pinnacle of this type of vid. Wonderful work. Wonderful to watch. Hearing the thought process explained so clearly... brilliant stuff...
What an awesome project! Thanks Ted.
Love this one!!!! Appreciate you outing it into a video.
If this was on Netflix we could watch all episodes at one time. Now I can't wait till next week. Just when I thought I'd seen him do it all. This is an incredible project.
Super great video! Waiting for more. Thank you!
It's a plesure to watch a master at his craft. Thank you.
I'm not pretty confident I would have done that to such a guitar had I been the owner but I find your job is fascinating nonetheless. Looking forward to watching Part 2.
Heck of a project! Looking good so far.
Spectacular video! This is the kind of stuff I’ve been wanting for years.
Looking forward to seeing and hearing how the finished guitar sounds!
Thank you.
Glad you are taking care of yourself.
Peace.
I so appreciate your videos! Watching someone with both knowledge and skill is quite rare on TH-cam.
I remember reading about these conversions about 20 or so years ago.
Amazing work - thanks for the journey!
Rubber band, piece of pencil, and love of guitar.
Thank you Ted!
Fantastic episode. Am looking forward to the next.
I come for the guitar work/repair. I leave with an education about trees, wood, and the luthier craft.
This is very interesting I've never seen this done before.