In 1987, I took my '55 Les Paul Jr. to Fat Tuesdays in NYC, where Les Paul played every Monday night for many years, (before he moved to Iridium, where he also played every Monday night for many more years.) When I asked Les to sign it for me, he picked it up, played a little run up and down the neck, then he told me that the first few years they were made, he helped wire some of the Gibson Les Paul guitars. He said "I might have installed those pickups!" before he handed it back to me. I still have mine, but the finish is crackled, it definitely looks like it's been around since 1955. Les was always very personable and appreciative of his fans. The last time I saw him, (about 2001) I said "You're looking good, Les!" He replied, "Your fuc*in' eyes are goin!"
Hard to belive he had time in ‘55 to wire guitars, can someone confirm this? I thought he was still touring with Mary a lot. Not like it’s inpossible and sure done at least couple then but how many who knows...
@@twoodfrd You have gift for walking the razor's edge of OCD and best practices. I despise people my Dad described as "rammy", the kind who blindly tear into (and up) something.
I have 1955 Junior. I bought it for $50 in 1974 from my across-the- hall neighbor at the University of Florida. Someone had spray painted it white including the neck! Fortunately the headstock was spared. Many years later I paid a small fortune to have it restored to its 1955 glory. The work was done by Eiichi Ishikawa of Shuriya Guitarcraft in Vancouver. He did a fantastic job! 1955 is my birth year so it is a special guitar for me. Plus it is very fun to play!
The best thing I’ve recently discovered here in cold and wet England: a cup of tea lay on the sofa and watch this. After some time you will be the utmost relaxed and possibly fall in to a light sleep. Great videos and interesting to watch your craftsmanship. Not that it’s boring haha.
Oh yes please! Wonderful Leslie West driving his amp into harmonic fits of not knowing which way to run with his Junior at 1:51 of Mississippi Queen. One of my favourite moments in guitar history.
"Wonder of wonders, the headpiece is in one piece!" Classic. Years ago I had an Epiphone 'Invader' that was a close clone of this style of guitar. Wish I still had it - it was a budget instrument but was incredible once I changed the tuners.
That encompassed all the things I've seen elsewhere on TH-cam that made me think "yeah that's a great idea" when it comes to re-fretting. Plus one thing I'd not seen before. Fantastic video.
My wife is a quilter and those plastic sheets are called transfer sheets. They’re available in most fabric stores. They really do a nice job protecting an instrument top when you get near it with a file😎
I am addicted to your videos, a Sunday afternoon pleasure. Every so often I will look up old videos from you, like this one, and I have commented before that you are a true Artist, and your videos are very informative. I can not play anymore after 44 years in plumbing & mechanical trade my hands and fingers are deformed from pipe wrenches and old age, but my son, instead of taking over business went into music as a player and I impart what I learn from you to him. He is not very mechanically inclined but he can play. Thanks again.
I love that you are as careful with those old Hensels as a $10K guitar like this. Treat them all with real thought and TLC. Score the fret ends, save the X carving - basically just do the job right. He picked the right guy for his refret. Always love your vids, thanks.
You're too funny, big guy! You may be a little bit heavy but God I wish I had your knowledge! But it's good that you joke about it. I've said it several times but I'm gonna say it again, you're probably one of the most professional people I've ever watched and I admire that!
I've seen a lot of videos about a refet jobs but this one is my favourite so far. So many small tips and tricks, that I can use to reduce wood chipping! I've also sanded down any singns of estensive use of my fingerboards, but you convinced me- this is a part of the mojo, a part of guitar's history. From now on, I leave as much of it as possible. Thanks for the video!
Wouldn't have thought you were a Johnny Thunders fan!! Im a hobbyist and i make tv yellow dc jrs from kits and then decorate em like JTs with the stickers and waterslide decals of pinup girls. I did his portrait on the back of a vintage 1973 Arbiter DC LP Jr clone i bought from the UK. Its Japanese and the picture i chose was from a Japanese photo shoot of the Dolls in 1973, so it all clicks. Wish i could post pics here cuz i took a maestro sg and filled in the swimming pool top route and routed it for a set of mini humbuckers in the neck and middle positions and a P90 in the bridge spot. Before i did all the routing i painted the front like a real cheetah pelt for Cheetah Chrome too. He loves it.
To we in the USA ,it seems all the great luthiers are Canadian. At least the ones on YT. But I am still amazed and confused why this video would have any dislikes.
Ted as always your video is more cathartic than anything else. i used to fall asleep to predator or rambo now twoodfrd. Just wanted to let you know that during this time of insanity in the world you give at least 50000 people pause, and a chance to unwind. I fixx kids guitars at school where I work only setups and little odd repairs mostly learnt from you. So indirectly you make them smile and love playing there guitars again. Cheers mate from Aus.
I wanted to say something earlier but I guess I needed to process it some before I did. You spoke of talent. You were very kind about it, as you always are. Some have it and some don't. ( email question you answered) realize our limitations is big. I have disabilities that keep me from being able to fully comprehend and execute such fine skills. No, it takes a special person to do this. Someone that can read a measure for one. Lol! Merry Christmas! It took me thirty years but I now play by ear.
Just gotta say, I have no interest in guitar repair myself but I love these videos, found this channel a couple of weeks ago and I think I've watched almost all vids.
In 1987, I took my '55 Les Paul Jr. to Fat Tuesdays in NYC, where Les Paul played every Monday night for many years, (before he moved to Iridium, where he also played every Monday night for many more years.) When I asked Les to sign it for me, he picked it up, played a little run up and down the neck, then he told me that the first few years they were made, he helped wire some of the Gibson Les Paul guitars. He said "I might have installed those pickups!" before he handed it back to me.
I still have mine, but the finish is crackled, it definitely looks like it's been around since 1955. Les was always very personable and appreciative of his fans. The last time I saw him, (about 2001) I said "You're looking good, Les!" He replied, "Your fuc*in' eyes are goin!"
very cool!
Les really was the best. R.I.P.
Hard to belive he had time in ‘55 to wire guitars, can someone confirm this? I thought he was still touring with Mary a lot. Not like it’s inpossible and sure done at least couple then but how many who knows...
Highly unlikely Les did any fretwork, that's skilled labor....maybe he cut a piece of fretwire lol
Awwhh thats a brilliant story, that end bit had me belly laughing! :)
Your approach is that of an art conservator-restorer, not that of a typical repairdude. Very different mindset. Much respect!
Well said. I’ve also never heard another luthier say anything about doing something specifically to make it easier for future repairs.
Yeah, I have a degree in art history and spent time on archaeology sites. I guess it carries over.
@@twoodfrd that makes so much sense. Very cool!
@@twoodfrd You have gift for walking the razor's edge of OCD and best practices. I despise people my Dad described as "rammy", the kind who blindly tear into (and up) something.
@@waybackplayback1347 "rammy"! i know exactly what you mean here and yeah, there's a time and place for that and vintage guitar repair is not it
"Probably witchcraft, you cant get rid of those. Might be dangerous" gave me a real life laugh out loud. I always say that too.
It brings a smile to my face to see and hear a nearly 70 year-old guitar rock like that
T.: "... The headstock is in one piece!"
Me: *sad face*
Finally Johnny Thunders gets some love!
If I were a guitarist, "Old Gibson nut" might be my username.
I have 1955 Junior. I bought it for $50 in 1974 from my across-the- hall neighbor at the University of Florida. Someone had spray painted it white including the neck! Fortunately the headstock was spared. Many years later I paid a small fortune to have it restored to its 1955 glory. The work was done by Eiichi Ishikawa of Shuriya Guitarcraft in Vancouver. He did a fantastic job! 1955 is my birth year so it is a special guitar for me. Plus it is very fun to play!
Appreciate the Johnny Thunders shoutout at the end
Good tip about filing the first few teeth of the fret saw, makes alot of sense!👍 Will remember that one.
A few of the high-end saw manufacturers do this by not putting any set in the first few teeth to make it easier and more accurate to start your cuts.
i love your exquisite vocabulary when used to describe what you’re doin
Thank you.
what’s up , matt!
Is this the junior you had?
SRV junior has entered the chat
Holy crap, this is yours? Awesome!
Your welcome
The best thing I’ve recently discovered here in cold and wet England: a cup of tea lay on the sofa and watch this. After some time you will be the utmost relaxed and possibly fall in to a light sleep. Great videos and interesting to watch your craftsmanship. Not that it’s boring haha.
To think that in the 1950's, they gave these dangerous weapons to children. Children!!!
We will conquer the world with great guitar tone!!
Thought you weren't gonna rock it for a minute. Expected "Mississippi Queen."
Oh yes please! Wonderful Leslie West driving his amp into harmonic fits of not knowing which way to run with his Junior at 1:51 of Mississippi Queen. One of my favourite moments in guitar history.
Wow, what a beaut'… and that Junior tone, gotta love it.
The fretboard twist sounds perfect, maybe they should start making them that way from now on.
"Wonder of wonders, the headpiece is in one piece!" Classic.
Years ago I had an Epiphone 'Invader' that was a close clone of this style of guitar. Wish I still had it - it was a budget instrument but was incredible once I changed the tuners.
This guitar is basically as old as the rock n roll, pretty cool. Hope there will be more electrics here, I love how relaxing this channel feels.
Leslie West make great sounds with a Jr too. Had to watch this because of him. Great job!
End frame says Thanks for watching
I say thanks for uploading ... please keep them comming👏
once more golden humor, 'uh ahh vintage wiring', even my wife laughed over my shoulder
Something to be said for skill, competence and an appreciation for an obvious treasure. And yet the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
That encompassed all the things I've seen elsewhere on TH-cam that made me think "yeah that's a great idea" when it comes to re-fretting. Plus one thing I'd not seen before. Fantastic video.
"To disguise this nefarious deed"
I love it. xD
This is one of the best channels on the internet. As a small town guitar tech you have taught me so much.
My wife is a quilter and those plastic sheets are called transfer sheets. They’re available in most fabric stores. They really do a nice job protecting an instrument top when you get near it with a file😎
I use those flexible plastic cutting board sheets from the kitchen aisle at the grocery store. .5 mm thick
Man, after having binge-watched every single one of your video it's great to see a new one. This is soothing and entertaining AF
That guitar is 8 years older than I am, and is in much better shape (even before the work). Sounds great!
11:51 that sarcasm was just perfect. Love your work, best wishes from Australia
that rings like a bell...lovely
That thing never needed a truss rod adjustment in 65 years? Wow. They really were making magic guitars in Kalamazoo in the ‘50’s.
I am addicted to your videos, a Sunday afternoon pleasure. Every so often I will look up old videos from you, like this one, and I have commented before that you are a true Artist, and your videos are very informative. I can not play anymore after 44 years in plumbing & mechanical trade my hands and fingers are deformed from pipe wrenches and old age, but my son, instead of taking over business went into music as a player and I impart what I learn from you to him. He is not very mechanically inclined but he can play. Thanks again.
hi, again, "that's wood stain at the back of my fingers, not peanut butter", hilarious, thank you as usual for sharing your awesome work. take care
Those old Brazzy boards are gorgeous.
Holy grail guitar. If I bought a vintage electric, this would be it.
Old P90 and noise = Rock and Roll baby.
Glorious noise
That of boy rocks! Sweet sounds for a 50’s relic 👍
I have a copy of this guitar made by National made sometime in the early 60's I love this little guitar and it too needs new frets.
Little beauty, what a survivor. Great job 🙏❤️🙏
That's an aftermarket compensated bridge. Intonation is compensated for a plain G and should be pretty good. Fantastic video, thank you.
“You can’t get rid of those. That’d be dangerous”. I laughed harder than I should.
Love seeing more of your sense of humor in the videos, the Simpsons reference in the last one cracked me up. Great video as always!
I have no doubt that the owner must have been very happy.
That looked to be a top shelf repair and very good attention to detail.
I love that you are as careful with those old Hensels as a $10K guitar like this. Treat them all with real thought and TLC. Score the fret ends, save the X carving - basically just do the job right. He picked the right guy for his refret. Always love your vids, thanks.
That was skilled fret removal!
Fabulous repair. Real craftmanship and passion!
You're too funny, big guy! You may be a little bit heavy but God I wish I had your knowledge! But it's good that you joke about it. I've said it several times but I'm gonna say it again, you're probably one of the most professional people I've ever watched and I admire that!
I have never seen anyone put so much care and attention to detail that you do, great job!
I cant stop watching your videos! Thanks for sharing all your hard work!
Like a LP Custom, from the same period, this is also a "fretless wonder".
Christ, was this LP even played at all? The immaculate condition it's in is unbelievably difficult to maintain.
I've seen a lot of videos about a refet jobs but this one is my favourite so far. So many small tips and tricks, that I can use to reduce wood chipping!
I've also sanded down any singns of estensive use of my fingerboards, but you convinced me- this is a part of the mojo, a part of guitar's history. From now on, I leave as much of it as possible.
Thanks for the video!
“And I can relate to that” lol.
It’s all the fine details that I love about your work.
Wouldn't have thought you were a Johnny Thunders fan!! Im a hobbyist and i make tv yellow dc jrs from kits and then decorate em like JTs with the stickers and waterslide decals of pinup girls. I did his portrait on the back of a vintage 1973 Arbiter DC LP Jr clone i bought from the UK. Its Japanese and the picture i chose was from a Japanese photo shoot of the Dolls in 1973, so it all clicks. Wish i could post pics here cuz i took a maestro sg and filled in the swimming pool top route and routed it for a set of mini humbuckers in the neck and middle positions and a P90 in the bridge spot. Before i did all the routing i painted the front like a real cheetah pelt for Cheetah Chrome too. He loves it.
Creating like an expansion style joint for the fret removal. That’s cool.
Beautiful work as always!
Seen a half dozen refretting videos on youtube, thought I had learned some things. As it turns out- nah. Now I know something about it. Thank you!
To we in the USA ,it seems all the great luthiers are Canadian. At least the ones on YT. But I am still amazed and confused why this video would have any dislikes.
Great job as usual and love your rock and roll demo!
Love those tones...
Absolutely great quality workmanship. Thank you.
I sincerely appreciate your carefully detailed instructions. Thanks for all your postings!
I love your videos and your work! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience so openly and clearly! :D
Sounds amazing. Thanks for sharing.
You are a master craftsman thankyou for sharing your experience
Just a great video! Loved the jam!
You have truly found your called and love what you do. Informative and entertaining as always.
It is amazing watching you work- you can’t imagine how much is learned with every video- thanks
Brilliant work.
Im always excited when I see a new video, nice job
One of the few channels I press like before watching the video. You ever disappoint, thank you so much
Ah another great one! Thank you!!
Thanks This Old Teddy!
I fell in love with this guitar by the end of the video!
That's actually in way better shape than my '73 Special!
dont ever stop these videos, I love them, Im build my guitar nr. 2 and im learning so much from you :)
I'm so happy I came across this channel
It sounds AWESOME
Great job and love the 🎸.
Ted as always your video is more cathartic than anything else. i used to fall asleep to predator or rambo now twoodfrd. Just wanted to let you know that during this time of insanity in the world you give at least 50000 people pause, and a chance to unwind. I fixx kids guitars at school where I work only setups and little odd repairs mostly learnt from you. So indirectly you make them smile and love playing there guitars again. Cheers mate from Aus.
Thank you! Keep posting, these videos are great!
Great masterful work again Ted
I wanted to say something earlier but I guess I needed to process it some before I did. You spoke of talent. You were very kind about it, as you always are. Some have it and some don't. ( email question you answered) realize our limitations is big. I have disabilities that keep me from being able to fully comprehend and execute such fine skills. No, it takes a special person to do this. Someone that can read a measure for one. Lol! Merry Christmas! It took me thirty years but I now play by ear.
You should definitely have your own TV show!
He does, right here!
Again Mr. Woodford, A-MA-ZING work!
Best video yet!
Beautiful guitar and you did a wonderful job on it.
The Guitar Whisperer !! Doing his thing! Great video and great skills!!
Just gotta say, I have no interest in guitar repair myself but I love these videos, found this channel a couple of weeks ago and I think I've watched almost all vids.
That's a beautiful example of a '55 Jr. So glad I subscribed to your channel. Love watching a master at work.
Great job as usual!!
Thank you!
One of my favorite videos of yours
I really enjoy your videos. I have really learned a lot from you sharing your vast knowledge and experience.
Fantastic job and video. ❤️
Really great work. 👍
what a fantastic guitar
Hi, I can tell this guy knows how to do an excellent job, a real expert .👍