Check out “String Tech - Mike McConnville’s guitar repair channel, from Stratford Ontario Canada. Almost 600 detailed repair videos, now, from one of Canada’s best repair techs - and my original lutherie teacher, even before I went to apprentice with Sergei de Jonge! The heart of my little shop is Mike’s first generation “tech-deck” - a unique and highly useful/adjustable guitar,bass, securing system. At one point, my hand/eye co-ordination was as good as this guys! I’m a senior now, and both my playing and repair ability have suffered from arthritis, but the knowledge and experience are still intact! Peace (what a great channel thus guy’s got!)
@@cherrypickerguitars I have I question if you would be inclined to answer. Is there a a big difference in skillset when luthier chooses to focus on building guitars instead of repair work/maintenance. When it comes to classic/acoustic guitars in particular. I read some articles great Ervin Somongyi and how he goes about building guitars with all the voicing etc and it seems to me it would take lot of time(and experience) to develop good feel. To me it seems that guys like Ted are required to focus more on manual side ogf things considering variety of instruments he has to work with. As a completely clueless person when it comes to luthiere I'm just intrigued how do your skillsets vary. Regards Rafal
I truly appreciate your concern for the correct historical appearance of older guitars like this one. And as always, your expertise in working on this project is very evident. Thanks Again
AvE commented a while ago on the origin of the term "hoser". It dates back to the early days of ice rinks. Back before we had Zambonis, an ice rink had to be resurfaced by pouring on fresh water, and the losing team in a hockey match had to wield the hoses.
As a player, I fully appreciate your craftsmanship working on these instruments. It’s nothing I’d attempt myself, but watching you work makes me a better-informed client.
The piezo pickup is likely the first generation of the Martin Thinline piezo element, which had the pickup lead in the center. I know, because I installed one in my Ovation (I was just a kid, couldn't afford a Balladeer with the factory pickup!) back in the mid 80s, I believe. The center mounted wire creates something of a dead spot in the center, so the D & G strings are much lower in level than the rest. The standard solution was to cut the saddle in two, to allow the halves to interact individually with the piezo element. You were told to slightly bevel the top corners of the cut saddle pieces. I never did the modification and still have the Ovation with the unbalanced output! There is also a dead Dimarzio contact pickup glued inside, the failure of which led me to install the Thinline. I guess every old guitar has it's own unique history. Love your channel, Ted. It's tremendously relaxing to watch and listen as you masterfully ply your skills. (I like when you mention your town, my father was born in Hamilton.) Plus, I've learned SO MUCH about working on guitars. I plan to glue/cleat a couple of fine soundboard cracks in the old Ovation, having seen you do it a dozen times or more.
Ovation were the first to use piezo pickups. They were using them to measure vibrations in helicopter airframes. I believe it was Denver who nagged Kammen or is that Kamen? To come up with more sound reinforcement without feedback. One more thought. The black plastic stuff the body was made of was the same stuff that covered the rotor blades. Ovation came about when Kammen went to the Martin factory to get some work done on his guitar. He thought the way guitars were being built a little old fashion and figured it should be brought up to date. That and Macnavera canceling the seasprite helicopter gave birth to the ovation guitar.
Working on a guitar, I glued my fingers together, twice in one week. (slow learner) Major B separating, using acetone and somewhat painful, holding tension, to pull fingers apart.
Gibson originally bought Epiphone to get around their own ‘Territory Agreement’ with the stores that stocked Gibson. These were guaranteed exclusivity in a specific area. Acquiring the brand enabled Gibson to supply other dealers in those areas with a US made range of Epiphone’s own models, as well as ‘badge engineered’ versions of their own instruments, without providing the Gibson dealer access to legal recourse. ‘Conversion’ bushes are (or were) available on the market, with various internal and external diameters to obviate the need to plug and re-drill a headstock. I recall using them at least twice in the mid/late 90s to correct this problem. BTW: That bridge is SO elegant... beautiful! 👍
My word man. You do outstanding work! I enjoy your videos and have actually started doing some repairs myself. You are so laid back and confident and it's rubbing off on me. Thank you again.
I have a Blackstone, my first vintage buy at a flea market for $75, which I had to borrow some of it. My sweet girlfriend helped me out. No pick guard but the rest is original. Hadn’t seen much in Blackstones, really appreciate this.
Great job, gorgeously carved bridge! Glad the previous owner resisted cutting the top for a Gibson style adjustable neck pickup. I've seen that a few times.
Ted, back in the days of Flatiron Mandolins, made in Montana, Gibson had to have their hands into everything. They ran the mandolin shop into the ground and treated us like a bastard step child to the point of kicking a very talented team of dedicated luthiers out just before Christmas of that year in the '90s and moving the production shop to Nashville, later selling the Flatiron name to some Chinese outfit where the quality of the mandos suffered tremendously. I still have an old one from before the collapse. Gibson just expanded their guitar shop facilities, due to an insight of new management, overall. Gibson has a turnover at their Bozeman shop to rival the house of pancakes. People that I know who have worked in the production shop tell me the conditions can be very brutal at best. Quality is pretty good, due to a team of QC inspectors, but there are other luthiers doing as good, or better with less pressure to meet a demand. My old '64 J-50 was a real gem, from back in the day. I no longer own it, but that's another story. Cheers, Ted. Bob in Montana
Gibson has a long history, of bad management decisions. They will produce, what could be a really nice line of instruments but make one bad decision, to save 10 cents (today's money), per guitar and ruin the whole line. Such as using plywood, for bridge plates. The result is, immediately, deadened sound, the plate gets torn up too soon and, eventually the the top bellies up, because the plate isn't strong enough. But, Hey, they saved 10 cents. Whoo Hoo!
I always look forward to Sunday mornings and sitting down with a coffee & watching your latest video. I'm not a luthier, I'm not even much of a woodworker, but I enjoy the craft you bring to your work. Thank you.
I'm a new guitar player. I love your videos. You are helping me understand the mechanics of how guitars work and I think that is really cool. Thanks for making these videos!
beautiful ! back in the ninety-s my dad and i restored an old Epiphone arch top which was a basket case.. i love those old arch top guitars... i play flamenco-ish style so those arch tops have that raspy tone which sound well in flamenco guitar.. i did have a flamenco guitar but i gave it away to help a young preacher who married my cousins daughter.. so now adays i have been playing flamenco on steel strings both with a flat pick and my fingers...thanks for the excellent repair video.. i found your videos and it said Rosa string works viewers also watch your videos...i am learning to repair instruments and between the both of you guys i have learned alot of neat tricks
The forensic analysis of the super glue crack repair really made my day. Having superglued my own finger several times, I think the analysis was spot on.
I'd tell you to not worry about showing redundant operations... It's always good to see your techniques repetitively. As always, I love following along on your projects.
I am compelled to note, I thought that pickup tone was deliriously exquisite...and that ditty you played there, stunningly beautiful, like...angelic. Bravo!
I love my 1965 Epiphone Texan FT79N. Even though it was owned and made by Gibson, they were still nice quality guitars. My favorite part of the guitar is the neck profile. It's the slimmest, most comfortable guitar neck I've played. Great video Sir. I love the original Epiphones, before Gibson purchased them
I pronounced Epiphone as epiphany for years, because that’s how I heard someone else pronounce it. It’s funny how things like that can stick. Thanks, Rob.
Fascinating to watch your process. The craftsmanship is phenomenal. I learn so much watching the different materials you utilize to make things work. And it all comes out so great. This is sweet sounding guitar when you finished. I want one now! Thx!
Years ago in Victoria I had the pleasure and honour of meeting and getting to know Mr. Tiny Timbrell. He had many insights and knowledge of the Epiphone tail. I should of took notes as much is now lost to the RAM of my brain. The Elvis stories were interesting too.
Something I wish you would mention in your videos as cost. I see you do all these intricate repairs and it makes me wonder how much things like this cost
@twoodfrd ... I have a mid 30's Olympic , My Friend Joe Martin at Martins Violin Shop replaced the binding for me (above my pay grade) 2 yrs ago... A quick tip... When using a jewelers saw , if you keep the work piece about eye level they cut almost effortlessly. So I sit on a short little step stool and use light gentle movements when making pendants or doing piercing work...Beautiful Bridge . Many Blessings , SMR
Great work as always, love your videos. I'm kind of a silent watcher but I enjoy it everytime. That bridge is really nice, especially the saddle part. Cheers from a young french luthier !
I just brought my 1950 L-48 to the shop for some interior surgery. The guy is a working colleague of the founder of Fralin pickups so I think I'm in good hands.
"The action on this is too low" - that's where you see it's a good archtop, because often (I'm looking at you ES-125 TC) bad neck joints go awry and the action gets too high. I used to have a '48 Blackstone, great guitar.
I dig these videos, but I also just wanted to see him installing the tuners. Rough edits man. From an OCD perspective😊 Thanks for the insight on Epiphone I also guess you must have a lot of specially made tools. Good work man
I've used the epoxy Kwikwood on a few builds when the wood needed a repair that could quickly and easily be shaped/sanded and be tough enough to hold up like actual wood. Its works surprisingly well. And after a few coats of nitro or poly you cant tell it's not wood. Those 2 part epoxy puttys are very useful! After thought. Ice heard of guys using washers to shim a next to the right angle then using kwikwood to fill in the rest of the pocket. They use saran wrap and put the neck in the pocket while the putty is still setting so you end up with a completely flat surface that supports the whole back of the neck. From my experience with kwikwood I'm sure it would work just fine. I normally use Stewmac shims since making one myself is a PITA. It would be a lot easier if I'd just make a jig for my router lol.
Thanks for the video, I always enjoy them so much. Robertson screws aren't rare here in New England, we just call them 'square drive'. I'm not sure about the rest of the US. I only know they're Robertson because I saw a video on screws.
That bridge is alone a work of art.
This...much respect.
Exactly what i was going to say, astonishing level of workmanship.
Ted I rarely comment but it's such a pleasure to see you work. You deserve all the good things coming your way
Have never heard the history of the epiphone name, but enjoyed the knowledge.
I haven't read it, but there's a history book about Epiphone titled, if I remember correctly, "The House that Epi Built".
When you buy an Epiphone guitar, you get a little brochure in the book with the story and the man’s picture :)
"This stuff's made in New York city!"
".....New York City?!!!!"
Great old Pace salsa tv ad
next time he will nail the accent - - that 1870s toothless texas holler
“Get a rope.”
@@tomkirk6942 That's the one I remember! 😁👍
hahaha, sombody got first with the funny line of the day
Ya know... it's just brilliant watching a true artist work! Thanks Ted.
Exquisite. Such a fine hand... working and then playing the guitar. Late Saturday afternoons have become a special time I look forward to.
Check out “String Tech - Mike McConnville’s guitar repair channel, from Stratford Ontario Canada. Almost 600 detailed repair videos, now, from one of Canada’s best repair techs - and my original lutherie teacher, even before I went to apprentice with Sergei de Jonge! The heart of my little shop is Mike’s first generation “tech-deck” - a unique and highly useful/adjustable guitar,bass, securing system.
At one point, my hand/eye co-ordination was as good as this guys! I’m a senior now, and both my playing and repair ability have suffered from arthritis, but the knowledge and experience are still intact!
Peace
(what a great channel thus guy’s got!)
@@cherrypickerguitars I have I question if you would be inclined to answer. Is there a a big difference in skillset when luthier chooses to focus on building guitars instead of repair work/maintenance. When it comes to classic/acoustic guitars in particular. I read some articles great Ervin Somongyi and how he goes about building guitars with all the voicing etc and it seems to me it would take lot of time(and experience) to develop good feel. To me it seems that guys like Ted are required to focus more on manual side ogf things considering variety of instruments he has to work with. As a completely clueless person when it comes to luthiere I'm just intrigued how do your skillsets vary.
Regards
Rafal
I truly appreciate your concern for the correct historical appearance of older guitars like this one. And as always, your expertise in working on this project is very evident. Thanks Again
Watching your videos is always a pleasure.
This one is so vicariously satisfying. Beautiful bridge. That Bartolini sounds wonderful. I'd love to own that guitar.
AvE commented a while ago on the origin of the term "hoser". It dates back to the early days of ice rinks. Back before we had Zambonis, an ice rink had to be resurfaced by pouring on fresh water, and the losing team in a hockey match had to wield the hoses.
I’d heard it had to do with siphoning gasoline.
As a player, I fully appreciate your craftsmanship working on these instruments. It’s nothing I’d attempt myself, but watching you work makes me a better-informed client.
Same
So relaxing to watch an artist at work.
I like an owner who not only cares how the instrument plays but prefers it look authentic. Both are relevant to getting things right.
Yeah sure lol
Huh?
Nice job, the old lady is ready for more years of melodious life,👏
using the chisel to shave the dowels on the head stock like yeah folks dont worry this not my first rodeo lol!
The piezo pickup is likely the first generation of the Martin Thinline piezo element, which had the pickup lead in the center. I know, because I installed one in my Ovation (I was just a kid, couldn't afford a Balladeer with the factory pickup!) back in the mid 80s, I believe. The center mounted wire creates something of a dead spot in the center, so the D & G strings are much lower in level than the rest. The standard solution was to cut the saddle in two, to allow the halves to interact individually with the piezo element. You were told to slightly bevel the top corners of the cut saddle pieces. I never did the modification and still have the Ovation with the unbalanced output! There is also a dead Dimarzio contact pickup glued inside, the failure of which led me to install the Thinline. I guess every old guitar has it's own unique history.
Love your channel, Ted. It's tremendously relaxing to watch and listen as you masterfully ply your skills. (I like when you mention your town, my father was born in Hamilton.) Plus, I've learned SO MUCH about working on guitars. I plan to glue/cleat a couple of fine soundboard cracks in the old Ovation, having seen you do it a dozen times or more.
Ovation were the first to use piezo pickups. They were using them to measure vibrations in helicopter airframes. I believe it was Denver who nagged Kammen or is that Kamen? To come up with more sound reinforcement without feedback.
One more thought. The black plastic stuff the body was made of was the same stuff that covered the rotor blades.
Ovation came about when Kammen went to the Martin factory to get some work done on his guitar.
He thought the way guitars were being built a little old fashion and figured it should be brought up to date.
That and Macnavera canceling the seasprite helicopter gave birth to the ovation guitar.
Got a chuckle out of the comment about soneone having super-glued their finger to the top. Not with a guitar, but been there, done that!
Working on a guitar, I glued my fingers together, twice in one week. (slow learner)
Major B separating, using acetone and somewhat painful, holding tension, to pull fingers apart.
lol reminded me when my sister superglued my finger tips to the stairs when i was younger with the glue from her fake nails lol funny times
Gibson originally bought Epiphone to get around their own ‘Territory Agreement’ with the stores that stocked Gibson. These were guaranteed exclusivity in a specific area. Acquiring the brand enabled Gibson to supply other dealers in those areas with a US made range of Epiphone’s own models, as well as ‘badge engineered’ versions of their own instruments, without providing the Gibson dealer access to legal recourse.
‘Conversion’ bushes are (or were) available on the market, with various internal and external diameters to obviate the need to plug and re-drill a headstock. I recall using them at least twice in the mid/late 90s to correct this problem.
BTW: That bridge is SO elegant... beautiful! 👍
Amazing👏👏👏🎸🎸 That is a nice guitar for a 75yr old jazz box, You are an amazing craftsman. Thank you & God Bless🙏🙏🙏🙏👨🏻🦯
My word man. You do outstanding work! I enjoy your videos and have actually started doing some repairs myself. You are so laid back and confident and it's rubbing off on me. Thank you again.
I found these videos as I started to acquire tools and guitars. Sometimes things line up, man.
Master luthier and he also plays a mean guitar too. I'm just a player but love to watch your videos. Thanks for sharing.
A "hoser"....I"ve been living outside TGWN for sometime, but you bring me back man, you bring me back... 🙂
Those old epiphone guitars, they really glued the pick gaurd on. It shrinks and rips apart old guitars.
I have a Blackstone, my first vintage buy at a flea market for $75, which I had to borrow some of it. My sweet girlfriend helped me out. No pick guard but the rest is original. Hadn’t seen much in Blackstones, really appreciate this.
Great job, gorgeously carved bridge! Glad the previous owner resisted cutting the top for a Gibson style adjustable neck pickup. I've seen that a few times.
Ted, back in the days of Flatiron Mandolins, made in Montana, Gibson had to have their hands into everything. They ran the mandolin shop into the ground and treated us like a bastard step child to the point of kicking a very talented team of dedicated luthiers out just before Christmas of that year in the '90s and moving the production shop to Nashville, later selling the Flatiron name to some Chinese outfit where the quality of the mandos suffered tremendously. I still have an old one from before the collapse. Gibson just expanded their guitar shop facilities, due to an insight of new management, overall. Gibson has a turnover at their Bozeman shop to rival the house of pancakes. People that I know who have worked in the production shop tell me the conditions can be very brutal at best. Quality is pretty good, due to a team of QC inspectors, but there are other luthiers doing as good, or better with less pressure to meet a demand. My old '64 J-50 was a real gem, from back in the day. I no longer own it, but that's another story. Cheers, Ted. Bob in Montana
Gibson has a long history, of bad management decisions. They will produce, what could be a really nice line of instruments but make one bad decision, to save 10 cents (today's money), per guitar and ruin the whole line. Such as using plywood, for bridge plates. The result is, immediately, deadened sound, the plate gets torn up too soon and, eventually the the top bellies up, because the plate isn't strong enough.
But, Hey, they saved 10 cents. Whoo Hoo!
I always look forward to Sunday mornings and sitting down with a coffee & watching your latest video. I'm not a luthier, I'm not even much of a woodworker, but I enjoy the craft you bring to your work. Thank you.
Surprising sound out of that old thing... very mellow to my ear
New twoodfrd vid! Love it-nice job...nice guitar.
I'm a new guitar player. I love your videos. You are helping me understand the mechanics of how guitars work and I think that is really cool. Thanks for making these videos!
I always enjoy watching you(re) work, both the craftmanship and the stories are highly entertaining! Thnx!
Wow! That guitar rings like a bell acoustically.
beautiful ! back in the ninety-s my dad and i restored an old Epiphone arch top which was a basket case.. i love those old arch top guitars... i play flamenco-ish style so those arch tops have that raspy tone which sound well in flamenco guitar.. i did have a flamenco guitar but i gave it away to help a young preacher who married my cousins daughter.. so now adays i have been playing flamenco on steel strings both with a flat pick and my fingers...thanks for the excellent repair video.. i found your videos and it said Rosa string works viewers also watch your videos...i am learning to repair instruments and between the both of you guys i have learned alot of neat tricks
Your videos are well worth my time. Thanks.
On March 25th, we celebrated 200 years of Greek Independence from the Ottomans. 1821-2021.
The forensic analysis of the super glue crack repair really made my day. Having superglued my own finger several times, I think the analysis was spot on.
Old epiphone guitars are beautiful a a piece of history.
Love watching your videos And the attention to detail
I always feel like these end too soon. 😉 Can't thank you enough Mr. Woodford!! Another great vlog!!
I'd tell you to not worry about showing redundant operations... It's always good to see your techniques repetitively. As always, I love following along on your projects.
hell of a job my friend
LOL!!! I can't believe you said "hoser." It brought back memories of the "The Great White North" from SCTV. Nice.
One might characterize this as a restoration. Well done!
That bridge is a work of art. Beautifully done.
I am compelled to note, I thought that pickup tone was deliriously exquisite...and that ditty you played there, stunningly beautiful, like...angelic. Bravo!
Thoroughly enjoying your vids. Loved it when you were commenting about shaving the dowels on the headstock. I love seeing confidence in ones ability.
I love my 1965 Epiphone Texan FT79N. Even though it was owned and made by Gibson, they were still nice quality guitars. My favorite part of the guitar is the neck profile. It's the slimmest, most comfortable guitar neck I've played.
Great video Sir. I love the original Epiphones, before Gibson purchased them
I really look forward to these videos! Thank you.
It is very interesting watching real craftsmanship. Excellent work.
Thank you for sharing. It is truly a pleasure to watch you work on these old guitars.
damn, that's gorgeous
Beautiful craftsmanship!
I am a retired Tool&Die maker and I know quality and precision. You have both in spades. Love your videos.
What a beautiful new bridge! Looks much better than the original.
I pronounced Epiphone as epiphany for years, because that’s how I heard someone else pronounce it. It’s funny how things like that can stick. Thanks, Rob.
Always love to watch you work. Film making a new nut as many times as you like, I'll still watch. 😁
Wow! I love these. They were an amazing stand-alone brand.
Another great video - thanks!
This one's just satisfyingly so perfect. What a maestro.
You have done your magic once again!
I really appreciate how you play the music appropriate to each guitar!
Thanks for playing them for us Ted.
Beautiful guitar
Fascinating to watch your process. The craftsmanship is phenomenal. I learn so much watching the different materials you utilize to make things work. And it all comes out so great. This is sweet sounding guitar when you finished. I want one now! Thx!
I thoroughly enjoy your videos and your playing at the end, thank you!
Years ago in Victoria I had the pleasure and honour of meeting and getting to know Mr. Tiny Timbrell.
He had many insights and knowledge of the Epiphone tail.
I should of took notes as much is now lost to the RAM of my brain.
The Elvis stories were interesting too.
Thank you for your excellent work, Ted!!! I find your videos uplifting, and encouraging. Sincerely appreciative
Something I wish you would mention in your videos as cost. I see you do all these intricate repairs and it makes me wonder how much things like this cost
@twoodfrd ... I have a mid 30's Olympic , My Friend Joe Martin at Martins Violin Shop replaced the binding for me (above my pay grade) 2 yrs ago... A quick tip... When using a jewelers saw , if you keep the work piece about eye level they cut almost effortlessly. So I sit on a short little step stool and use light gentle movements when making pendants or doing piercing work...Beautiful Bridge .
Many Blessings , SMR
Very nicely done! Always a pleasure to watch you work.
Amazing work mini restoration
Nice tone (for what my computer and headphones will give me) Excellent work.
Sympathetic restoration rather than pathetic restoration. Well done you.
Excellent work. Thanks.
That is one gorgeous custom bridge. Nice work.
Great repair, thanks for the video.
Great work as always, love your videos. I'm kind of a silent watcher but I enjoy it everytime. That bridge is really nice, especially the saddle part. Cheers from a young french luthier !
I just brought my 1950 L-48 to the shop for some interior surgery. The guy is a working colleague of the founder of Fralin pickups so I think I'm in good hands.
"The action on this is too low" - that's where you see it's a good archtop, because often (I'm looking at you ES-125 TC) bad neck joints go awry and the action gets too high. I used to have a '48 Blackstone, great guitar.
Love your videos! You make it so interesting and educational.
That pickup sounded great.
You said "hoser" and just made my day, thanks, Ted!
Beautiful work as always
I dig these videos, but I also just wanted to see him installing the tuners. Rough edits man. From an OCD perspective😊 Thanks for the insight on Epiphone I also guess you must have a lot of specially made tools. Good work man
I love your work ✌️
"Vintage duct tape." Great work as always.
You are like a superglue detective. Awesome.
You're a champ!! Great skills, love to watch your channel!
I've used the epoxy Kwikwood on a few builds when the wood needed a repair that could quickly and easily be shaped/sanded and be tough enough to hold up like actual wood. Its works surprisingly well. And after a few coats of nitro or poly you cant tell it's not wood. Those 2 part epoxy puttys are very useful!
After thought. Ice heard of guys using washers to shim a next to the right angle then using kwikwood to fill in the rest of the pocket. They use saran wrap and put the neck in the pocket while the putty is still setting so you end up with a completely flat surface that supports the whole back of the neck. From my experience with kwikwood I'm sure it would work just fine. I normally use Stewmac shims since making one myself is a PITA. It would be a lot easier if I'd just make a jig for my router lol.
fave channel on here. I absolutely love your work and you are an inspiration to any guitartech out there!
some hoser,,,,too funny havnt heard that in awile
Im glad i can see the future with your videos! I hit the like button before ever watch it!!
Teds work is world class
Really like that dark sound.
Another masterpiece.
A sweet old Epi! Excellent work, as usual.
That pickup sounds amazing.
Thanks for the video, I always enjoy them so much. Robertson screws aren't rare here in New England, we just call them 'square drive'. I'm not sure about the rest of the US. I only know they're Robertson because I saw a video on screws.
If I ever get back to Canada would really enjoy to take you to lunch. Your rival some of the best reasons to visit!
What a treat this was!