In 1979 Kevin had a shop in Highland Creek (now part of Scarborough). He was going to build three guitars patterned after a Gibson CF-100 with a few Martin touches added in, and I decided to buy one (H2 "c"s) I would drop into the shop periodically and watched blocks of wood being transformed into masterpieces. I'm so glad I bought it and glad to see its sister brought back to life.
I met Kevin years ago when I toured his shop near Rockingham, ON. It was after the fire in Barry's Bay, and Kevin had all the burnt guitars - it was enough to make you cry. Even the least damaged of them was unusable due to the smell. He was making Ukes at the time, but several Valley 'Grass members owned Timberline guitars, and they were all great. Nice to see this survivor tuned up!
Your videos are always: entertaining, and educational. Not an easy thing to do. I am not a repair tech, nor a luthier, just a player, who admires craftsmanship. I'm sure that newer luthiers/repair techs benefit greatly from you explanations of why your are doing, what you are doing, and more importantly, what not to do. Thanks for this latest video. Keep up the great work.
Exellent video, very interesting. I have a small workshop and live in a small town in the UK. I have built up a modest customer base over the years but i have been working with wood all my working life. I'm a Pattern maker by trade, making moulds for Ferrous and non ferrous castings so Carpentry has always been with me and it's transfared over to guitars which i have played even longer since i was about 7. Myself and the other person who works with me have come up with our own method of seperating the necks, like you say though it's not just my idea to diseminate , we made a tool and it's been working far better than we ever could have hoped. Again with electric. I know your probably sceptical but you will find out in time. We spent a lot of time and fair expense looking into and making a prototype. We now are confident that we have a tool for the job. All being well i'll be able to explain how and what in the very near future. Your an inspiring individual as it's great to see a good Luthier at work.
That was a most welcomed return , I loved seeing that glorious instrument coming back to the life she deserves. Thanks for preserving these artisan creations.
Played all my life and now learning from all you guys on what I was actually holding in my hands a beautiful piece of wood and what was behind it thanks
Another amazing job! I really love watching your videos. Your craftsmanship is superb and I like the teaching aspect you add to your narratives; in this case, even going so far as to create visual aids to explain the difference between neck joints. I learn new things, every time I watch one of your videos. Keep doing what you’re doing; great stuff!
Your videos are really exemplary. The information and techniques sharing is singular...at least in regard to what I'm aware of here. That guitar sounds very sweet too.
Great instruction. I appreciate the extra time you took to explain the practical differences between the mortise and tenon and dovetail joints. Thank you for posting.
Some of the mechanical issues you describe are things that I would never have thought of. A real craftsman and a pleasure to watch. Thank you for sharing.
Nice to see this level of skill and care being taken , its way beyond good workmanship ,there has to be an element of heart and soul involved to restore these fine instruments, most enjoyable to see, and appreciate! thanks .
Wowsa!!!! Great info here man ,being a retired Commercial Electrician I really respect you for this and explaining the dangers of Electrical current ,well done man !!!!
Very interesting and revealing points of physics around the bridge; thanks, as ever. I realise you may want to keep some secrets and may have edited out the relevant piece but I would like to share, that when using long, delicate drill bits, it is best to start with standard and increase the length in stages. This removes a great deal of breakage risk.We did this when drilling rock with far larger but proportionally similar bits. If you watch under a strobe or fluorescent light, a bit with too much unsupported shank shows up like a twanged guitar string and fails due to fatigue.
Sweet, sweet work, Ted! It's always a joy watching you work, in fact, I'd have been happy watching you shave/build-up the neck's tennon. Fine craftsmanship may not excite the masses, but I appreciate the Heck out of watching you work your magic!
I love hearing your very easy to follow, yet extremely knowledgeable explanations of the mechanics of what you are working on. Thanks good sir for all this great learning content!!!
This is an amazing channel. I've been watching of ton of videos here lately and I've got to say it's the best luthier work I've seen. My interest in doing repair work is growing, and I've done a little work on my guitars in the last couple years, most notably replacing all the electronics on a cheap semi hollow I bought to practice on. I've done a little fret work and two precut nuts, but I need nut files to make them perfect. Once I do that I want to cut my own. I've been an auto tech for 15 years and now work as a tech in a start up, so I have no hesitation in working on things mechanically. But I have almost zero wood working knowledge or experience. Where's a good place to learn more, especially the wood repair work? I'm 45 and am thinking about doing repair work in retirement, so I have a good 20 years to learn!
Great show keep it up please. When I see that you have uploaded another video I watch it as soon as I can. I also have watched all your videos some of them more than once.
What a gentleman you are. There are also probably a lot of "luthiers" out there copying your ideas. My advice, say what you're going to do, then show it. You are giving a lot of knowledge away online. Also I appreciate you acknowledging you fellow luthiers for their contributions. Terry from Oz.
Watching you is so cool. I used to be so amazed with how you do these things. I’ve realized that you are just very purposeful about how much, where and when you apply pressure. It’s very obvious you know what you’re doing.
That guitar is a beauty - The builder is clearly quite the craftsman - And the results at the end was excellent. looked perfectly setup and sounded load and clear! I bet the builder is happy it landed with you
I would never want to attempt these sorts of repairs on a guitar. I don’t have the knowledge nor the dexterity to carry out these sorts of procedures. Nonetheless, I truly enjoy a watching a true craftsman at work. I find your videos endlessly fascinating. Thank you very much for peeks into your shop.
I'm thinking the same thing. This guy is not only the real deal re: luthier knowledge of repairs but is articulate in his explanation of issues and repairs. He is easily qualified to write a book and I'd be surprised if he already hasn't.
Greetings from Argentina! You're an amazing doctor/wizard/ repair/ cientist guy! Your vids are a deligth . Many thanks! Best wishes for you and your shop!
Ted man! I really gotta say thank you for everything that you show us! This on in particular. This one is a learning video. Even though you’re hiding certain elements from us. But to a wood worker. This is a great video! Thanks again man!
Amazing. Didn’t know before how acoustic necks could be taken off like that. I really enjoy the specialized rig you use to make the holes smaller, great advancing of the soldering iron rig.
Just spent 3 hours watching your videos, man I've learned more doing that, than being in 6 luthier groups on the ol facebook for 4 years :) Thank you. Watching you work is like meditation man :)
I've been watching various TH-cam channels for 10+ years (not all musical instrument related). I subscribe to 6 channels.. You are now #7. Love to watch your work. Interesting, entertaining and you never get emotional, political or snarky.. Great channel...
I appreciate you do these "not so fun" and annoying jobs to get things done right and breathe life back in an instrument. It's the kind of thing we all want our luthier to do!
Awesome, this is right up my alley!! I have 20 years experience as a tech for commercial coffee- working with power and water. And I follow Ian on IG. I will definitely give this a try!!
Great Job.. That Lumberline (as Kevin would call them) will be great for another 30 years or more. Keep up the great work! I'm glad that you were able to get in touch with Kevin.
Many years ago, when I worked in explosives research, we used a nichrome wire inside a fine conductive shell as a blast velocity transducer. They were made in house. It was called a Gibson probe, not after the guitar manufacturer but after a prolific researcher from the WW2 era named Frank Gibson. We drove a tiny, constant DC current through the transducer, and when a blast propagated up the shell, the pressure would crush and ionize the metal, causing the voltage across the transducer to drop. Anyway, this isn’t a completely tangential dissertation, there are papers on making those probes at very tiny diameters.
I am very happy to hear your opinion about stacked heals. I have had so many discussions with luthiers and other people who repair guitars, and for most it seems an absolute taboo.
Thank you for the shout out Ted!
i broke my hand so all i can do is watch videos. i've been watching your videos all day long. you are a true master.
After repairing the bodged floorboards at my mum's house that the builder did, it's good to see someone actually taking pride in their work.
In 1979 Kevin had a shop in Highland Creek (now part of Scarborough). He was going to build three guitars patterned after a Gibson CF-100 with a few Martin touches added in, and I decided to buy one (H2 "c"s) I would drop into the shop periodically and watched blocks of wood being transformed into masterpieces. I'm so glad I bought it and glad to see its sister brought back to life.
I met Kevin years ago when I toured his shop near Rockingham, ON. It was after the fire in Barry's Bay, and Kevin had all the burnt guitars - it was enough to make you cry. Even the least damaged of them was unusable due to the smell. He was making Ukes at the time, but several Valley 'Grass members owned Timberline guitars, and they were all great. Nice to see this survivor tuned up!
Steve Hanes a
Wow! What a treat watching a true craftsman tackling a job this complex and hearing that boomer at the end. Fine work. Thanks for posting.
Too true Mick love watching these videos very interesting and informative 🎸
Your videos are always: entertaining, and educational. Not an easy thing to do. I am not a repair tech, nor a luthier, just a player, who admires craftsmanship. I'm sure that newer luthiers/repair techs benefit greatly from you explanations of why your are doing, what you are doing, and more importantly, what not to do. Thanks for this latest video. Keep up the great work.
The overtones and ring on that guitar are phenomenal.
Nice work and great information in your video.
Love the interactive sketches. Really informative.
Exellent video, very interesting. I have a small workshop and live in a small town in the UK. I have built up a modest customer base over the years but i have been working with wood all my working life. I'm a Pattern maker by trade, making moulds for Ferrous and non ferrous castings so Carpentry has always been with me and it's transfared over to guitars which i have played even longer since i was about 7. Myself and the other person who works with me have come up with our own method of seperating the necks, like you say though it's not just my idea to diseminate , we made a tool and it's been working far better than we ever could have hoped. Again with electric. I know your probably sceptical but you will find out in time. We spent a lot of time and fair expense looking into and making a prototype. We now are confident that we have a tool for the job. All being well i'll be able to explain how and what in the very near future. Your an inspiring individual as it's great to see a good Luthier at work.
That was a most welcomed return , I loved seeing that glorious instrument coming back to the life she deserves. Thanks for preserving these artisan creations.
Another well-performed reset. The guitar sounded great; rings like a bell and sustain for days.
Love it! As always, a pleasure to watch a true luthier at work. Thank you for sharing!
Wow! This video shines a light on why the dovetail joint is used on the majority of guitars.
When I get a quiet moment away from life, I watch Ted’s work. I even opened up my own repair shop. It’s just too good.
Fabulous! This is the sort of video that I find at 1am in the morning that stops up until 2am. Fascinating
Man I just love watching your videos they're both instructive and relaxing.
Played all my life and now learning from all you guys on what I was actually holding in my hands a beautiful piece of wood and what was behind it thanks
I really enjoy your thought process on problems/remedies. Always interesting.
I just discovered your channel, and watched 3 of your videos - fabulous! Incredibly instructive and well filmed - THANKS!!!
Another amazing job! I really love watching your videos. Your craftsmanship is superb and I like the teaching aspect you add to your narratives; in this case, even going so far as to create visual aids to explain the difference between neck joints. I learn new things, every time I watch one of your videos. Keep doing what you’re doing; great stuff!
Brilliant repair, this was a great and entertaining video. Thank you for your continued service.
Amazing process, great outcome. Your videos are possibly the best on guitar repair I have seen. Thanks!
Your videos are really exemplary. The information and techniques sharing is singular...at least in regard to what I'm aware of here. That guitar sounds very sweet too.
Great instruction. I appreciate the extra time you took to explain the practical differences between the mortise and tenon and dovetail joints. Thank you for posting.
Some of the mechanical issues you describe are things that I would never have thought of. A real craftsman and a pleasure to watch. Thank you for sharing.
It's quite nice to listen to you. I like the way, you do your work and and the way you talk about it. 👍
You certainly are a top-notch Craftsman! I really enjoy your no-nonsense get to the point approach.
Thankyou 🐾🐾
Yet another fantastic video. Cant get enough learning in. Keep up the good work
Nice to see this level of skill and care being taken ,
its way beyond good workmanship ,there has to be
an element of heart and soul involved to restore
these fine instruments, most enjoyable to see,
and appreciate! thanks .
Wowsa!!!! Great info here man ,being a retired Commercial Electrician I really respect you for this and explaining the dangers of Electrical current ,well done man !!!!
i recently found your youtube channel and watched pretty much all of your videos, glad to see another upload i could watch these all day!
Yeah I find his videos really comforting. Certainly his amazing voice helps, but the content is obviously amazing. Just such a warm, peaceful vibe.
me too. Thanks for sharing Ted
Very interesting and revealing points of physics around the bridge; thanks, as ever. I realise you may want to keep some secrets and may have edited out the relevant piece but I would like to share, that when using long, delicate drill bits, it is best to start with standard and increase the length in stages. This removes a great deal of breakage risk.We did this when drilling rock with far larger but proportionally similar bits. If you watch under a strobe or fluorescent light, a bit with too much unsupported shank shows up like a twanged guitar string and fails due to fatigue.
Another thing to ad is as soon as you feel the flutes of your drill bit pack up pull it out to clear the chips.
Thank you for this amazing work! Masterpiece! You are an incredible luthiere. The trick with heating is perfect.
This was really interesting! Thanks for making & sharing this video
A wonderful job and truly shows the skill of a true craftsman! Thanks!
A brilliant description of a fine guitar repair told with high production values.
Sweet, sweet work, Ted! It's always a joy watching you work, in fact, I'd have been happy watching you shave/build-up the neck's tennon. Fine craftsmanship may not excite the masses, but I appreciate the Heck out of watching you work your magic!
The way your mind works amazes me. Thank you!
1:42 he plays smoke on the water with just the tuner.
Thank you again, and again, and again!! Such a great video! What fantastic work.
Hey Ted. Does it amaze you that so many people are interested in watching while you masterfully share your craft with us? Thanks, brother!
I love hearing your very easy to follow, yet extremely knowledgeable explanations of the mechanics of what you are working on. Thanks good sir for all this great learning content!!!
Great video and thanks for the in depth explanation of the difference between the two strategies for joining a neck ! Very instructive !
Great disclaimer on the electronic devices... so true, if you don't understand, you are not ready. You actually gave out a LOT of information.
This is the most wholesome and positive comment section on youtube. Love your videos
You are the Bob Ross of guitar repair videos
Wonderful work. I'm so impressed with your craftsmanship. Also, very nice sounding guitar, especially on the bass Side.
It is very satisfying to watch you work with such attention to quality.
This is worth watching, even for a person who knows pretty much nothing about guitar repair. Excellent, and well presented.
"The fit is servicable" - Yikes! Talk about understatement!!! Great work.
This is an amazing channel. I've been watching of ton of videos here lately and I've got to say it's the best luthier work I've seen. My interest in doing repair work is growing, and I've done a little work on my guitars in the last couple years, most notably replacing all the electronics on a cheap semi hollow I bought to practice on. I've done a little fret work and two precut nuts, but I need nut files to make them perfect. Once I do that I want to cut my own. I've been an auto tech for 15 years and now work as a tech in a start up, so I have no hesitation in working on things mechanically. But I have almost zero wood working knowledge or experience. Where's a good place to learn more, especially the wood repair work? I'm 45 and am thinking about doing repair work in retirement, so I have a good 20 years to learn!
Thanks, I always enjoy your videos
Great show keep it up please. When I see that you have uploaded another video I watch it as soon as I can. I also have watched all your videos some of them more than once.
More stellar work. I would loved to have seen the neck tenon when it was finally ready to be glued back in.
Perfect job every time! Beautiful Job!
What a gentleman you are. There are also probably a lot of "luthiers" out there copying your ideas. My advice, say what you're going to do, then show it. You are giving a lot of knowledge away online.
Also I appreciate you acknowledging you fellow luthiers for their contributions. Terry from Oz.
Watching you is so cool. I used to be so amazed with how you do these things. I’ve realized that you are just very purposeful about how much, where and when you apply pressure. It’s very obvious you know what you’re doing.
I applaud your dedication to your craft! well done.
That guitar is a beauty - The builder is clearly quite the craftsman - And the results at the end was excellent. looked perfectly setup and sounded load and clear! I bet the builder is happy it landed with you
I would never want to attempt these sorts of repairs on a guitar. I don’t have the knowledge nor the dexterity to carry out these sorts of procedures. Nonetheless, I truly enjoy a watching a true craftsman at work. I find your videos endlessly fascinating. Thank you very much for peeks into your shop.
I'm thinking the same thing. This guy is not only the real deal re: luthier knowledge of repairs but is articulate in his explanation of issues and repairs. He is easily qualified to write a book and I'd be surprised if he already hasn't.
Yes, with an appendix of how to deal with all of the guitar repairs he’s encountered that need special treatments.
I’m in awe of the precision of your work. Not many woodworkers work to the tolerances you do.
Greetings from Argentina! You're an amazing doctor/wizard/ repair/ cientist guy! Your vids are a deligth . Many thanks! Best wishes for you and your shop!
Beautiful work as always. Great sounding guitar.
Most definitely a great refined method of repairs. Incredible work.
Ted man! I really gotta say thank you for everything that you show us! This on in particular. This one is a learning video. Even though you’re hiding certain elements from us. But to a wood worker. This is a great video! Thanks again man!
Fantastic work and a really good instructional video. Thank you so much for posting.
Another quality repair, and useful insight to the mystical art of lutherie.
A lot of work. You explained it very well. Nice repair
Amazing. Didn’t know before how acoustic necks could be taken off like that. I really enjoy the specialized rig you use to make the holes smaller, great advancing of the soldering iron rig.
fascinating stuff - love your attention to detail
Just spent 3 hours watching your videos, man I've learned more doing that, than being in 6 luthier groups on the ol facebook for 4 years :) Thank you. Watching you work is like meditation man :)
Awesome job! Love the sound.
Thanks very much for the video. A great result for some serious work.
Beautiful work sir
I've been watching various TH-cam channels for 10+ years (not all musical instrument related). I subscribe to 6 channels.. You are now #7. Love to watch your work. Interesting, entertaining and you never get emotional, political or snarky.. Great channel...
Amazing watching you work
I love that you distinguish the difference between Solder and Sodder ,well done good sir :)
The guitar sounded great another job well done thanks for making my day enjoyable with your show.
Great job! I dont play or repair but i love watching guitar and instrument building and repairs. That guitar has nice tone as well.
I appreciate you do these "not so fun" and annoying jobs to get things done right and breathe life back in an instrument. It's the kind of thing we all want our luthier to do!
Awesome, this is right up my alley!! I have 20 years experience as a tech for commercial coffee- working with power and water. And I follow Ian on IG. I will definitely give this a try!!
Outstanding work.
Great vid. Thanks for recording this and posting. The guitar shape reminds me of an Olson SJ (the Florentine cutaway). Great content on your channel.
Great Job.. That Lumberline (as Kevin would call them) will be great for another 30 years or more. Keep up the great work! I'm glad that you were able to get in touch with Kevin.
Great work, I think this is your best video to date.
I love your videos. Things I will never be able to do you make look easy. You are a true Master!
Great video and fantastic technique. Very innovative!
WOW, inconceivable to myself, mastery of such ends of the spectrum, dissassembly and reassembly! Beyond most, beyond me.
Beautiful sounding acoustic guitar.
Many years ago, when I worked in explosives research, we used a nichrome wire inside a fine conductive shell as a blast velocity transducer. They were made in house. It was called a Gibson probe, not after the guitar manufacturer but after a prolific researcher from the WW2 era named Frank Gibson. We drove a tiny, constant DC current through the transducer, and when a blast propagated up the shell, the pressure would crush and ionize the metal, causing the voltage across the transducer to drop. Anyway, this isn’t a completely tangential dissertation, there are papers on making those probes at very tiny diameters.
excellent workmanship and explanations....as usual. :)
Great technique and awesome video!
what a legend. love your videos, mate
Great work again Ted
I am very happy to hear your opinion about stacked heals.
I have had so many discussions with luthiers and other people who repair guitars, and for most it seems an absolute taboo.
Incredible work.
It really is a pleasure hearing a master builder talking about guitars
Exquisite repair, friend. I'm new here, I love your videos.
Beautiful work. Beautiful guitar. It sounds great.