Were that my instrument, I wouldn't WANT that magnificent repair to be invisible. Hell, I'd want it conspicuously autographed, and I would point it out to everyone.
I am not a guitar player or a woodworker. I am just a music lover who enjoys watching this master craftsman repair these instruments. Ted, you are a true artist!
As a woodworker for over 35 years, when I saw that bite out of the Epi, I said to my self, "how is he going to fix that?" I try to stay away from matching aged yellowed woods to new, that's never easy. But you did an amazing job. I know just what that's like.
Your craftsmanship never ceases to amaze me. Hand made herringbone, looks fantastic. I never would have dreamt the heavy damage on that Epi could be fixed anywhere close to what you did. Great job!
I don’t own or even play guitar, but somehow a while back stumbled upon one of your videos. And am totally hooked! Your knowledge, skill and craftsmanship are unparalleled…a true master plying his trade. I watch several of your videos every week and look forward to seeing what other repair jobs come your way.
Have an extremely similar 1970’s Japanese Epiphone my father bought for me as my first guitar from at a local guitar store. I agree with you 100% on the sound. I cherish that guitar; it’s irreplaceable. Really enjoyed watching you work on one ... thank you!
You made herringbone binding from scratch. What the actually frigging heck. This is not repair work. This is some of the finest artistry the world has seen.
That EKO is lovely. A lot of 60s music was played on cheap guitars. EKO acoustics were all over England back then. They played well enough to learn on. Never seen an electric before, though. Nice. Good sound. Poor Epi... Plywood guitars are useable. Bought a Fender F65 back in '74. Had a weak low E. Now it's a booming blues box. They do improve with time. And they are damage resistant. Up to a point. Fine repair, sir. As good as could be done.
Man. I wish I could afford a repair from someone as skilled as yourself. My old faithful, I busted the neck off of it in high school, had it repaired played it for years. Such a unique sounding guitar. Lots of great memories. Now it’s so out of whack it’s just wall art. Still love it though. Love watching you fix these guitars, especially ones others would say it’s not worth it. If it’s worth it to the owner, and a skilled worker wants to do it, then too me it’s worth it. Your work looks almost priceless though. It’s mesmerizing to watch. Thanks for sharing!
My favorite words on the Internet: "Hey there, gang!" Fascinating as always. I've been a fan since the multipart Harmony project and have been checking out the older videos. Maybe I haven't run across it yet, but I'd love to see a segment devoted to your shop and how it is set up.
I guess Im randomly asking but does anyone know of a trick to get back into an Instagram account? I stupidly forgot the password. I appreciate any tricks you can give me.
@Diego Lukas thanks so much for your reply. I found the site through google and im in the hacking process atm. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
The switching on the Eko is fascinating. It's designed to resemble a Jaguar, but all the controls affect the same circuit. I'm glad you mention that Squier vibrato is aftermarket because for a second I almost thought Ekos had near-exact copies of Jazzmaster/Jag vibratos in the mid-'60s
I really like the repair on the Epiphone. If it were my guitar, I would be glad that it was damaged - otherwise it would not have gotten that very cool character boost.
That guitar made in the 60's reminds me of the US auto market between the World Wars. There were scores of manufacturers, and hundreds of models. During the 60's there were hundreds of companies making guitars, and some of those brands were very interesting, indeed. The making of that herringbone binding really blew a hole in my mind! I have never seen that process before, and it was a joy to watch, as well as enlightening and informative. Kudos! Very well done.
Seeing you make your own herring bone purfling was quite amazing. Just the methodology itself was intriguing! Then there were the results what a challenge you took on with that repair. Looks really neat. Visible? sure but looks craftsman like. I sanded through a small area of veneer on sewing machine table I'm refinishing. sad times really does grab you eye when you look at it... Gonna have to simulate a bit of grain... before I do a shellac finish - Reminds me of some of the jobs I've seen you do. You're vids are a real help to me!
I have an Eko Ranger acoustic from the early 70s that was my Dad’s - it was the guitar that I learned to play on. Interestingly enough, it uses a similar bolt-on neck construction as the Epiphone in the video, but utilises a similar zero fret as the Eko electric. It’s by no means a quality instrument and heavy for an acoustic, but it has a unique tone and worth keeping just for the memories.
One of my first guitars was an Eko Ranger which was totally beaten up, it had been dropped and the lower bout a few times and the top was loose in that area, it had a couple of loose ribs and dents in the back of the neck but still sounded great and was a joy to play. I loved it's low action and neck profile and I kept it for many years just as it was because of it's unique sound and great playability !
Love the videos.. You have tons of knowledge and excellent information. One quick tip for beginners to remember with intonation, using a tuner, move the saddles in the direction of the needle on the meter. Sharp (short) means moving the saddles away from the bridge pickup and flat (long) means moving the saddles towards the bridge pickup.
I’m not sure if this makes me a weirdo in the guitar community, but I really do love me some mid-60’s to mid-80’s obscure, and department store guitars that are beat to shit, but still functional. Something about seeing an old Kay that has had it’s finish tortured off, and loved for years is so damned magical to me. Maybe it’s because I grew up very much so less than wealthy, and had to learn how to make these rough oldies play, and sound good. Maybe I just enjoy patina on things that were once considered very disposable. I can’t say, but I can say I LOVE that Eko, and damn I’m gonna have to figure out how to buy one without the wife knowing.
Oh Hell Yeah! Even the modern "department store" rigs you get off eBay for $79. I've got a handful that I hot rodded and they are just fantastic. I couldn't agree more.
LOVE your comment about “Japanese plywood top” guitars. I still have my first acoustic, a ‘77 Takamini F360 (Martin D-28 copy); I bought new when a local (Iowa) guitar store was going out of business. It sounds/plays great and I’ve taken very good care of it. About 30 years ago, I took it to a guitar shop here in Dallas, TX, to ask about a slight rise in the neck, just in front of the neck joint. The shop specializes in Martins, especially pre-war collector stuff. The luthier there said he simply would not work on it. He was rude as hell and said it’s a worthless guitar...made it sound like it was made of cardboard. I was a definitely put off, because I love this guitar. It had spent quite a bit of it’s life, at that point, out of the case and on a guitar stand. I’m an engineer and after doing some reading, hypothesized it could be due to the wood drying out. Fortunately, after properly humidifying the guitar, over time while it was in the case, the minor issue went away. Because of that experience, I’ve never been back to that shop; and I own multiple Martin guitars. 🤓
I just don't get that. Like if a customer is willing to pay the cost then do the work. If I want to spend $1000 repairing a $50 guitar because of the memories that instrument holds then whatever. I have a buddy who has an objectively terrible guitar he got when he was 17, some kind of cheap knock off of a flying V that refuses to stay in tune. It's got pride of place on his wall right next to his Gibson Explorer because it's the guitar he played his first gig with back in school and has a ton of memories locked up in it. An objectively worthless guitar, but priceless to him.
Cool repair job on that Epiphone ! That was a lot of damage in a small area, it looked like something heavy like a metal bar fell on it while it was stood up, I would have checked for damage at the other end too, you'd think it would have had similar damage there. As for making matching purfling like that, I would never have gone to that extent. I would have just laser printed a copy from another area and glued that in place but it's always great to see how it's supposed to be done !
Ted, I know how you really felt with that Epi. Jobs like that can be so tough to draw the line with. You can put so much work into trying to get the best results, feeling really good about it the whole time, and in the end they sometimes just can't reach the expectations we have of ourselves. Those are difficult moments and it's easy to beat yourself up over it. But we've all had plenty of those when we've been in this trade for a while. I think you drew the line at the right spot. It would be easy to keep trying and keep losing money, but like you said, you can end up going backwards after so many tries. I've done it. I've had to learn when to say "good enough" even if it kills me to do it on jobs like this. I see the quality of your work, so I know the results you are always shooting for. And I know it probably made your skin crawl to have to say "this is the best it's gonna get". But it's the truth, and I appreciate you having the fortitude to be honest about this and not scrap the video out of fear of people's misunderstandings and uninformed expectations. Most people making repair videos do that for glamour and anyone in the trade knows it. I appreciate you showing the real dilemmas us luthiers face. Last thing I want to add. As somebody with a catalog of yet-to-be-released videos, yours have inspired me to approach this in a warts-and-all fashion. I was afraid of being the only guy making videos showing the real dilemmas and looking lesser when compared to all these fantasy luthiers who only show their perfect jobs and scrap the videos where the end results aren't picture perfect. I don't feel so alone now. So I appreciate your honesty and fearlessness. You're showing what happens in a real shop instead of a fantasy shop.
Also, your fix to the intonation problem on the Eko (clipping turns off the spring) is ingenious and will help me in my own guitars with this issue. I hadn't thought of that as an option -- I always assumed it was spring or no spring. Thanks! And it goes without saying it's amazing that you made your own herringbone for the Epi.
Be careful what clippers you use for the springs. Spring steel is Very Hard. Use a Quality clipper. I once used a quality US made diagonal cutter, on a spring which was just a little too thick, and one of the jaws went flying across the room. PS: Wear eye protection.
As always great video. I don't understand the trolls that feel a guitar is unworthy of repair.... If its worth it to the owner its worth it... I was brought up with the opinion it is wrong to waste. I myself have a guitar a few Luthers have refused to repair because its "not worth it" . I really enjoyed watching you work. thanks again
I once played A new Hofner galaxy at a gig, only to find out it didn't have side dots, and I was to start the set from a dark stage!!! Lesson learned ;-)
I love watching these vids. I may play guitar but I certainly am no luthier. Makes me really appreciate what fine talent you have. You are not just a luthier. You are a master carpenter and craftsman as well as a master luthier.
You are a true artist, and have the patience of a saint. Just the process you went through to make that 3" section of purfling is mind boggling. I would never have the patience for that, not to mention the skill.
This is raising the craft and skill to a real art. Video quality: picture, sound, and tight editing? It's great but the work is among the best. Knowing the limited time & materials budget just makes it more impressive.
I have a EKO Ranger with a bolt on neck acoustic electric...like the VOX ... had a very bad headstock break I managed to repair... and it's still very fun guitar I have been using for 5 years now..
I'm a huge fan of the wheel method of adjustment for the truss rod. I install them in a cut out in the last fret though. I would almost guarantee if Gibson did this on their guitars it would bring an end the the headstock snapping off because no channel routed under the nut would leave a lot more wood in the area to guard against it. Also something to try on lubricating these old tuners. I was trying to make some old harmony tuners function smoothly and tried rubbing the gears with wax. Worked great with no mess. Since then have been using White Lightning bicycle chain lube. Dries into a very clean wax surface. No fuss no muss.
On the patch, very hard indeed to get a perfect color match. Especially when you have a but joint like that. You did a very fine job patching it up. I did a Washburn a few years back and mistakenly thought the top was spruce and just aged. But it turned out to be cedar. So I was sunk before I started. Never been happy with the color match. Would you mind if I linked that Video?
I have an Epi twelve-string from that era, with that same style bolt-on neck. Even with the extra tension of the twelve strings, it seems pretty stable, and sounds really good, at least to my admittedly inexpert ear.
Thanks Ted! My favorite content. I pretend that one day, we might elect politicians who show the same care for the people they represent as you do for the people who have entrusted their guitars to your talent.
Jeez, that one was brutal and you just treated it like another day at work. It' amazing how some things that would just stop an average builder in their tracks - like building your own matching purfling, are just nothing to you. There is a reason everyone wants to send you their guitars. It's not just that you are on YT, its that you are absurdly good, inventive and conscientious. Yes we have local luthiers, but that doesn't mean they will go the extra mile (or Km) like you. Inspiring.
A couple of really interesting guitars in this video. I used to own one of those Japanese made Epiphone acoustics and as you said they’re good sounding instruments. The attention to detail and skilled work you put into repairing that top was absolutely amazing! EKO guitars we’re very popular in the U.K. during the 1960/early 70s, they were solidly built and could stand a fair bit of mishandling without falling apart, I still have a couple of 6 string and one 12 string acoustics in the garage and they have survived pretty well. I suspect that the current line of EKO guitars are made in China. The designs of the original Italian built electrics were quite unique and they had some very interesting pickups and control circuits, they fetch good prices on the used market these days.
My Eko has a hole in lower bout too. Thought as you did , lefty at one point, may be a standard feature ? .. Charvel makes a good replacement PG. Headstock decal available . I added side marker. Original term is ok.
You definitely can't judge a guitar by it's top. My go-to recording instrument is plywood. It's uninspiring by itself, but it fits perfectly in a mix; all the frequencies you want and none of the ones you don't.
Amazing work, as ever. Really great to see your process. Would there be any sense to cutting the spruce patch as a rectangle, routing along the grain lines?
The action is still suuuper low hehe but it forces me to finger pick with a light finesse that I love in my old harmony amp...notes bloom & it's the small radio tube array too so I could afford true nos Telefunkens...the Au6 instead of the unobtainable & pricey 12Ax7s...best compliment I had was someone who said I sounded like AM radio when I noodled )
I had an Eko bass around 1967. It was a full Hollowbody two pickup feedback monster, no center block and 4 tuners on one side. Good bass but couldn’t control the feedback using a Vox Essex amp. I wish I still had it.
Nah! Standing on either side of the neck and using the guitar as a pogo-stick, obviously. Just check out the flattened strap button and you'll see the evidence.
Something hit the Epi with enough force to crush the wood & binding the way it did. I'd wonder about the how & why regarding the way the entire guitar apparently didn't either get seriously damaged at the moment of impact (meaning, it was held somewhat stationary so that the force wasn't solely concentrated on the damaged area but was spread to other areas which therefore also absorbed some of the force), or was supported loosely, as though hanging from a strap in the playing position (implying that the striking object carried sufficient velocity to crush the damaged area before the rest of the guitar could accelerate enough to "roll with the punch"). I'd want to take a careful look for any related structural failure, particularly at the other end of the guitar, to see if there's any damage from, say, sitting on a stand or on the floor when the impact occurred. What comes to mind? In the former case, perhaps something like a heavy floor lamp tipped over on it when it was parked upright, or in the latter instance, perhaps someone with a baseball bat took a good swing at a player. But either way, I can't see how such damage could occur, but not damage other areas of the guitar. So, I'd wanna take a really good look at all areas. Not a criticism, just my thoughts. Great repair job as usual, Ted.
Thank you for all the tips, the incredible.info you share so freely with us and your great sense of humour !😊 I am working on a el Degas ( copy of a Dove ) 70's and this Epiphone reminds me of it . Cheers and thanks again ! 😊👍👍👍
Were that my instrument, I wouldn't WANT that magnificent repair to be invisible. Hell, I'd want it conspicuously autographed, and I would point it out to everyone.
I am not a guitar player or a woodworker. I am just a music lover who enjoys watching this master craftsman repair these instruments. Ted, you are a true artist!
I have got to say that the repair on the Epiphone came out way better than I thought possible. You are an artist.
Ted is a godsend, a man who not only knows his stuff but can articulate impeccably. Keeping Canada great.
Your fearless attitude is inspiring. How many repairfolk would make herringbone by hand? Very cool, Thanks.
Jerry Rosa does.
Jerry Rosa isn't a simple repairfolk. He has been making custom master string instruments the last 40 years. Neither is Mr. Woodford.
Now, go lay by your bowl.
My Italian heart almost stopped when you sayed: "RECANATI" that way.
So moving.
I often see your post and wait a day or two until I can devote my complete attention to it to watch it. It's a little treat for my brain. Thanks man.
I do completely the same mate
I'm with the other commenters about the Epiphone - that came out remarkable considering where it started. Your devotion to your craft is inspiring.
As a woodworker for over 35 years, when I saw that bite out of the Epi, I said to my self, "how is he going to fix that?" I try to stay away from matching aged yellowed woods to new, that's never easy. But you did an amazing job. I know just what that's like.
This is absolutely some of the best guitar repair footage ever created. Twoofrd, you are onto something special here. We all love it, keep it up!
You Sir, never cease to amaze me.
You got your craft on point!!! you are your own worst critic ,your work is exceptional and I’m glad you are on here showing people how it’s done...
Your craftsmanship never ceases to amaze me. Hand made herringbone, looks fantastic. I never would have dreamt the heavy damage on that Epi could be fixed anywhere close to what you did. Great job!
I don’t own or even play guitar, but somehow a while back stumbled upon one of your videos. And am totally hooked! Your knowledge, skill and craftsmanship are unparalleled…a true master plying his trade. I watch several of your videos every week and look forward to seeing what other repair jobs come your way.
You sir are a real deal craftsman. I ALWAYS enjoy your content.
Have an extremely similar 1970’s Japanese Epiphone my father bought for me as my first guitar from at a local guitar store. I agree with you 100% on the sound. I cherish that guitar; it’s irreplaceable. Really enjoyed watching you work on one ... thank you!
That perfling matching was amazing!
You made herringbone binding from scratch. What the actually frigging heck. This is not repair work. This is some of the finest artistry the world has seen.
I am somehow fascinated by your quick conversions from thousandths or inches to mm....how are you so well versed in these quick conversions???
it's just experience
Wow. That herringbone is amazing. And it turned out a really honest repair. I am sure the owner was over the moon with it.
That EKO is lovely. A lot of 60s music was played on cheap guitars. EKO acoustics were all over England back then. They played well enough to learn on. Never seen an electric before, though. Nice. Good sound. Poor Epi... Plywood guitars are useable. Bought a Fender F65 back in '74. Had a weak low E. Now it's a booming blues box. They do improve with time. And they are damage resistant. Up to a point. Fine repair, sir. As good as could be done.
The art of the luthier...knowing when to say, enough is enough.
Just pop a symmetrical dint in the other side!
beautiful work as always.
Man. I wish I could afford a repair from someone as skilled as yourself. My old faithful, I busted the neck off of it in high school, had it repaired played it for years. Such a unique sounding guitar. Lots of great memories. Now it’s so out of whack it’s just wall art. Still love it though. Love watching you fix these guitars, especially ones others would say it’s not worth it. If it’s worth it to the owner, and a skilled worker wants to do it, then too me it’s worth it. Your work looks almost priceless though. It’s mesmerizing to watch. Thanks for sharing!
Ted, your craftsmanship is AMAZING! Lovin' it! 😊
What an outstanding repair, first class workmanship & I love watching what can be achieved, super cool.
Awesome work on that Epi! That was crazy to see how you made the herringbone binding! Great work and video as usual.
Damn the craftsmanship is amazing and the difference in the new and old is just fine. It’s solid and will age .. nice stuff
You are a genius! Beautiful work on the Epi! I have one from that era and it’s headed to Elderly for love and frets.
Suuuuuper low action! Love this show. The most interesting guitars.
Good for you on the plywood attitude. No snobs here. What works, works. There are many ways to make beautifully sounding things.
Thank God for men like you with the patience of a Saint. I would have been giddy with joy if that were my Epiphone. Astounding work.
My favorite words on the Internet: "Hey there, gang!" Fascinating as always. I've been a fan since the multipart Harmony project and have been checking out the older videos. Maybe I haven't run across it yet, but I'd love to see a segment devoted to your shop and how it is set up.
I guess Im randomly asking but does anyone know of a trick to get back into an Instagram account?
I stupidly forgot the password. I appreciate any tricks you can give me.
@Fisher Troy instablaster :)
@Diego Lukas thanks so much for your reply. I found the site through google and im in the hacking process atm.
Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Diego Lukas it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. Im so happy!
Thank you so much, you really help me out :D
@Fisher Troy You are welcome :D
Your channel is pure joy! And I am learning something new in every video.
I totally enjoyed your repairs , you are a supreme craftsman ,thank you .
The switching on the Eko is fascinating. It's designed to resemble a Jaguar, but all the controls affect the same circuit. I'm glad you mention that Squier vibrato is aftermarket because for a second I almost thought Ekos had near-exact copies of Jazzmaster/Jag vibratos in the mid-'60s
I really like the repair on the Epiphone. If it were my guitar, I would be glad that it was damaged - otherwise it would not have gotten that very cool character boost.
HI buddy, you're a master. What a fantastic job, an extremely difficult fix. Well done frome here in UK.
Friend. You are incredible.
Thanks so much for sharing these things.
I appreciate you.
That guitar made in the 60's reminds me of the US auto market between the World Wars.
There were scores of manufacturers, and hundreds of models. During the 60's there were hundreds of companies making guitars, and some of those brands were very interesting, indeed.
The making of that herringbone binding really blew a hole in my mind! I have never seen that process before, and it was a joy to watch, as well as enlightening and informative. Kudos! Very well done.
Unbelievable job on that 70's era Epiphone. Never saw anything like it. I'm amazed at your knowledge and skill. It must have been very costly.
Seeing you make your own herring bone purfling was quite amazing. Just the methodology itself was intriguing! Then there were the results what a challenge you took on with that repair. Looks really neat. Visible? sure but looks craftsman like. I sanded through a small area of veneer on sewing machine table I'm refinishing. sad times really does grab you eye when you look at it... Gonna have to simulate a bit of grain... before I do a shellac finish - Reminds me of some of the jobs I've seen you do. You're vids are a real help to me!
Love all your video's....this was a great repair. Well done.
I have an Eko Ranger acoustic from the early 70s that was my Dad’s - it was the guitar that I learned to play on. Interestingly enough, it uses a similar bolt-on neck construction as the Epiphone in the video, but utilises a similar zero fret as the Eko electric. It’s by no means a quality instrument and heavy for an acoustic, but it has a unique tone and worth keeping just for the memories.
One of my first guitars was an Eko Ranger which was totally beaten up, it had been dropped and the lower bout a few times and the top was loose in that area, it had a couple of loose ribs and dents in the back of the neck but still sounded great and was a joy to play. I loved it's low action and neck profile and I kept it for many years just as it was because of it's unique sound and great playability !
Your Sir are an artist. I really enjoy watching your work.
Could not fathom the idea of making a herringbone from scratch to imitate binding from the 70's. Major deal of patience. Bravo.
I enjoy watching your craftsmanship and like some others would live to see the shop set up. Thanks for taking the time and be safe
I used to own an Eko Ranger 6 string in the early 70's It played very well !
Love the videos.. You have tons of knowledge and excellent information. One quick tip for beginners to remember with intonation, using a tuner, move the saddles in the direction of the needle on the meter. Sharp (short) means moving the saddles away from the bridge pickup and flat (long) means moving the saddles towards the bridge pickup.
Wow as always very fun and entertaining. You are a master. Thanks for posting
I think the look on your customer's faces is always priceless. Can you capture that as well.
I’m not sure if this makes me a weirdo in the guitar community, but I really do love me some mid-60’s to mid-80’s obscure, and department store guitars that are beat to shit, but still functional. Something about seeing an old Kay that has had it’s finish tortured off, and loved for years is so damned magical to me. Maybe it’s because I grew up very much so less than wealthy, and had to learn how to make these rough oldies play, and sound good. Maybe I just enjoy patina on things that were once considered very disposable. I can’t say, but I can say I LOVE that Eko, and damn I’m gonna have to figure out how to buy one without the wife knowing.
Oh Hell Yeah! Even the modern "department store" rigs you get off eBay for $79. I've got a handful that I hot rodded and they are just fantastic. I couldn't agree more.
My first Guitar Player magazine had Hendrix on the cover somewhere around 1969. I remember seeing adds for Eko guitars at that time.
Just.... Wow, you really are very skilled. Always a pleasure to watch
I REALLY like that clamping fixture you made for the purfling!!
Okay, I've watched lots of your videos, but THIS one....holy cow, this is the one that made me say "You've got to subscribe to his channel."
LOVE your comment about “Japanese plywood top” guitars. I still have my first acoustic, a ‘77 Takamini F360 (Martin D-28 copy); I bought new when a local (Iowa) guitar store was going out of business. It sounds/plays great and I’ve taken very good care of it. About 30 years ago, I took it to a guitar shop here in Dallas, TX, to ask about a slight rise in the neck, just in front of the neck joint. The shop specializes in Martins, especially pre-war collector stuff. The luthier there said he simply would not work on it. He was rude as hell and said it’s a worthless guitar...made it sound like it was made of cardboard.
I was a definitely put off, because I love this guitar. It had spent quite a bit of it’s life, at that point, out of the case and on a guitar stand. I’m an engineer and after doing some reading, hypothesized it could be due to the wood drying out. Fortunately, after properly humidifying the guitar, over time while it was in the case, the minor issue went away. Because of that experience, I’ve never been back to that shop; and I own multiple Martin guitars. 🤓
I just don't get that. Like if a customer is willing to pay the cost then do the work. If I want to spend $1000 repairing a $50 guitar because of the memories that instrument holds then whatever. I have a buddy who has an objectively terrible guitar he got when he was 17, some kind of cheap knock off of a flying V that refuses to stay in tune. It's got pride of place on his wall right next to his Gibson Explorer because it's the guitar he played his first gig with back in school and has a ton of memories locked up in it. An objectively worthless guitar, but priceless to him.
@@misterthegeoff9767 I agree 100%
Cool repair job on that Epiphone !
That was a lot of damage in a small area, it looked like something heavy like a metal bar fell on it while it was stood up, I would have checked for damage at the other end too, you'd think it would have had similar damage there.
As for making matching purfling like that, I would never have gone to that extent. I would have just laser printed a copy from another area and glued that in place but it's always great to see how it's supposed to be done !
Ted, I know how you really felt with that Epi. Jobs like that can be so tough to draw the line with. You can put so much work into trying to get the best results, feeling really good about it the whole time, and in the end they sometimes just can't reach the expectations we have of ourselves. Those are difficult moments and it's easy to beat yourself up over it. But we've all had plenty of those when we've been in this trade for a while.
I think you drew the line at the right spot. It would be easy to keep trying and keep losing money, but like you said, you can end up going backwards after so many tries. I've done it. I've had to learn when to say "good enough" even if it kills me to do it on jobs like this. I see the quality of your work, so I know the results you are always shooting for. And I know it probably made your skin crawl to have to say "this is the best it's gonna get". But it's the truth, and I appreciate you having the fortitude to be honest about this and not scrap the video out of fear of people's misunderstandings and uninformed expectations. Most people making repair videos do that for glamour and anyone in the trade knows it. I appreciate you showing the real dilemmas us luthiers face.
Last thing I want to add. As somebody with a catalog of yet-to-be-released videos, yours have inspired me to approach this in a warts-and-all fashion. I was afraid of being the only guy making videos showing the real dilemmas and looking lesser when compared to all these fantasy luthiers who only show their perfect jobs and scrap the videos where the end results aren't picture perfect. I don't feel so alone now. So I appreciate your honesty and fearlessness. You're showing what happens in a real shop instead of a fantasy shop.
Also, your fix to the intonation problem on the Eko (clipping turns off the spring) is ingenious and will help me in my own guitars with this issue. I hadn't thought of that as an option -- I always assumed it was spring or no spring. Thanks! And it goes without saying it's amazing that you made your own herringbone for the Epi.
Be careful what clippers you use for the springs. Spring steel is Very Hard.
Use a Quality clipper. I once used a quality US made diagonal cutter, on a
spring which was just a little too thick, and one of the jaws went flying across the room.
PS: Wear eye protection.
As always great video. I don't understand the trolls that feel a guitar is unworthy of repair.... If its worth it to the owner its worth it... I was brought up with the opinion it is wrong to waste. I myself have a guitar a few Luthers have refused to repair because its "not worth it" . I really enjoyed watching you work. thanks again
The only work a luthier should refuse would be anything which
would damage the value, tone or playability of an instrument.
I once played A new Hofner galaxy at a gig, only to find out it didn't have side dots, and I was to start the set from a dark stage!!! Lesson learned ;-)
I love watching these vids. I may play guitar but I certainly am no luthier. Makes me really appreciate what fine talent you have. You are not just a luthier. You are a master carpenter and craftsman as well as a master luthier.
You are a true artist, and have the patience of a saint. Just the process you went through to make that 3" section of purfling is mind boggling. I would never have the patience for that, not to mention the skill.
This is raising the craft and skill to a real art.
Video quality: picture, sound, and tight editing? It's great but the work is among the best. Knowing the limited time & materials budget just makes it more impressive.
Lovely tones on the electric one, i like it !!.
I have a EKO Ranger with a bolt on neck acoustic electric...like the VOX ... had a very bad headstock break I managed to repair... and it's still very fun guitar I have been using for 5 years now..
I'm a huge fan of the wheel method of adjustment for the truss rod. I install them in a cut out in the last fret though.
I would almost guarantee if Gibson did this on their guitars it would bring an end the the headstock snapping off because no channel routed under the nut would leave a lot more wood in the area to guard against it.
Also something to try on lubricating these old tuners. I was trying to make some old harmony tuners function smoothly and tried rubbing the gears with wax. Worked great with no mess. Since then have been using White Lightning bicycle chain lube. Dries into a very clean wax surface. No fuss no muss.
You do great work. Always entertaining to watch your videos.
always a good watch- thank you for your work sir!
On the patch, very hard indeed to get a perfect color match. Especially when you have a but joint like that. You did a very fine job patching it up. I did a Washburn a few years back and mistakenly thought the top was spruce and just aged. But it turned out to be cedar. So I was sunk before I started. Never been happy with the color match. Would you mind if I linked that Video?
Just a pleasure to watch you work.
Fascinating! I loved seeing you make the herring bone, in particular.
I have an Epi twelve-string from that era, with that same style bolt-on neck. Even with the extra tension of the twelve strings, it seems pretty stable, and sounds really good, at least to my admittedly inexpert ear.
Great work. Haven't seen an Eko in years. Love your sense of humor.
Thanks Ted! My favorite content. I pretend that one day, we might elect politicians who show the same care for the people they represent as you do for the people who have entrusted their guitars to your talent.
Jeez, that one was brutal and you just treated it like another day at work. It' amazing how some things that would just stop an average builder in their tracks - like building your own matching purfling, are just nothing to you. There is a reason everyone wants to send you their guitars. It's not just that you are on YT, its that you are absurdly good, inventive and conscientious. Yes we have local luthiers, but that doesn't mean they will go the extra mile (or Km) like you. Inspiring.
A couple of really interesting guitars in this video. I used to own one of those Japanese made Epiphone acoustics and as you said they’re good sounding instruments. The attention to detail and skilled work you put into repairing that top was absolutely amazing! EKO guitars we’re very popular in the U.K. during the 1960/early 70s, they were solidly built and could stand a fair bit of mishandling without falling apart, I still have a couple of 6 string and one 12 string acoustics in the garage and they have survived pretty well. I suspect that the current line of EKO guitars are made in China. The designs of the original Italian built electrics were quite unique and they had some very interesting pickups and control circuits, they fetch good prices on the used market these days.
Sure love watching your videos and I've learned a lot. I'm a drummer but I have used some of your techniques to fix my drums. Thank you!
Pretty amazing work man. That customer should be really happy with this.
My Eko has a hole in lower bout too. Thought as you did , lefty at one point, may be a standard feature ? .. Charvel makes a good replacement PG. Headstock decal available . I added side marker. Original term is ok.
Awesome job... I wish you were close to where I live I would bring all my guitars you to have them Professionally set up a luthier you're amazing
Man, the workmanship on this is breathtaking. So impressive. I wish you lived close to me.
You definitely can't judge a guitar by it's top. My go-to recording instrument is plywood. It's uninspiring by itself, but it fits perfectly in a mix; all the frequencies you want and none of the ones you don't.
Great work on the old Epi!!! I am also a fan of Those guitars from Japan...
Always enjoy your videos, given me the confidence to make some improvements to my guitars. Thanks and keep ‘em coming!
Amazing work, as ever. Really great to see your process.
Would there be any sense to cutting the spruce patch as a rectangle, routing along the grain lines?
You gave the Eko love. Prolly more than it ever deserved!
The action is still suuuper low hehe but it forces me to finger pick with a light finesse that I love in my old harmony amp...notes bloom & it's the small radio tube array too so I could afford true nos Telefunkens...the Au6 instead of the unobtainable & pricey 12Ax7s...best compliment I had was someone who said I sounded like AM radio when I noodled )
I had an Eko bass around 1967. It was a full Hollowbody two pickup feedback monster, no center block and 4 tuners on one side. Good bass but couldn’t control the feedback using a Vox Essex amp. I wish I still had it.
That's a great job!
Never heard a guitar sound like this italian guitar.
Loved the Monty Python transition.
Looks like someone swung a beer-bottle at that Epi.
drunken attempt at making a strat shaped acoustic?
Nah! Standing on either side of the neck and using the guitar as a pogo-stick, obviously. Just check out the flattened strap button and you'll see the evidence.
I think it’s 1965, One of my uncles used too build guitars in Italy I think for Echo
Something hit the Epi with enough force to crush the wood & binding the way it did. I'd wonder about the how & why regarding the way the entire guitar apparently didn't either get seriously damaged at the moment of impact (meaning, it was held somewhat stationary so that the force wasn't solely concentrated on the damaged area but was spread to other areas which therefore also absorbed some of the force), or was supported loosely, as though hanging from a strap in the playing position (implying that the striking object carried sufficient velocity to crush the damaged area before the rest of the guitar could accelerate enough to "roll with the punch"). I'd want to take a careful look for any related structural failure, particularly at the other end of the guitar, to see if there's any damage from, say, sitting on a stand or on the floor when the impact occurred. What comes to mind? In the former case, perhaps something like a heavy floor lamp tipped over on it when it was parked upright, or in the latter instance, perhaps someone with a baseball bat took a good swing at a player. But either way, I can't see how such damage could occur, but not damage other areas of the guitar. So, I'd wanna take a really good look at all areas. Not a criticism, just my thoughts. Great repair job as usual, Ted.
Hi I am the owner, it was hit by a baseball bat, lonnnng story lol
@@snowheelslim5897 You're gonna have me thinking I might actually know a thing or two, lol.
So well done. After watching this I now have the courage to do it.
Thank you for all the tips, the incredible.info you share so freely with us and your great sense of humour !😊 I am working on a el Degas ( copy of a Dove ) 70's and this Epiphone reminds me of it .
Cheers and thanks again ! 😊👍👍👍
Outstanding job mate a hell of a lot better than when you started.
Wow...that Eko looks like the Ural 650 and the Tonika at the same time. The missing link?
Instead of cutting the intonation springs, could they have been moved to the other side of the saddle?
What is that rig/jig you are using, at 16:30, to thin the white center strip of inlay?
I keep expecting you to answer your own question . . .