Your videos make me remember my father so much. Born in 1923 he was a smart guy and could have gone into higher education but wanted work with wood. He was A joiner, carpenter, shop fitter. The way you use your tools is the same. He was an economist and always to say " let the tool do the work." Loved sharpening his chisels n planes but hated doing his saws. A real old fashioned craftsman. Thank You
I wish I was his neighbor. You know, it would be like “I was out walking the dog and thought I’d drop by your shop to see what you were working on” 😂😂😂
Dont tell anyone that he's a machine... Other wise some will say he used a machine on an ...hand only build 🤔...what you recon Ben ? Let us know in the comments... ✌😎👍
Love this build. Another series I would very much like seeing is a fixed (very restricted) budget build. So many UA-camrs are sponsored by tool makers and get all these amazing tools for free, and hence convey the feeling you need thousands of pounds worth of tools in order to build anything worthwhile. Show the entire thing, set a restricted budget, source (bad) tools on eBay or whatever, find wood never intended for instrument building on the scrapheap etc. Show young people that they can build decent instruments with very limited resources and then build up a better set of tools over time.
Ben I wanted you to know I appreciate the production of these video. This build more than others, I realize the extraordinary number of camera angles/views thought out and provided for the viewer to provide incredible clarity to the work you were doing.
Greetings from Wisconsin USA; Hi Ben, I love this little guitar. The only thing I would change is the bridge plate. I would use a really hard dense wood like Paduk. You commented on how this wood in the brace chipped out when you drilled the hole in it. If the bridge plate splits like that where the peg holes are it really weakens. Also the Paduk can be much thinner. It is also as good of a tone wood as Mahogany. I know you wanted the guitar to be all out of the one post, but the bridge plate is the one place I would make an exception. I would also run two lengthwise, narrower braces between the brace just before the bridge plate and the tail end of the guitar right up against the sides of the bridge plate. This would help keep the top from bowing up over time under string tension. In any case I believe this little guitar will have a very nice sound when it's finished. Keep on thuckin my friend.
@@CrimsonCustomGuitars I'm already quite an avid tool maker (mostly wooden planes) Those can count as instruments as well so why not a musical instrument haha I like this design, is it okay if I roughly copy it?
2:39 I'm glad I'm still watching your video because you've never mentioned that before and I never would've thought of it, not wanting the wood to absorb any more moisture but I really wish they taught us this at college, would've made shaving down joint buts and evening the bottom of stool legs much easier.
Well: I've just danced around the garden screaming I want to be a guitar builder. The neighbors have just rung for an ambulance and I'm now in a straight jacket. Cheers Ben. Seriously though, it's looking good. Can't wait to see it finished in the next episode or 2...................... Or 3.
I really enjoy your content. Seems to me, from the wall of tools behind you and your love for vintage tools, that it may be possible for you to build a hand tool instrument built by tools that were also built by hand :)
I like the sanding stick but I'd need one less than a quarter the size of that one, and the brace bit handle is just lovely, but my favourite new tool of yours is the bit of tree hammer. It's so daft it's wonderful!
I watched the first upload the day it came out a year ago, slowly a few more came out. Then I started bugging about when the next video was after a couple months of it not continuing, Uncle Ben assured me it was going to get back on track. After all this time I'm happy to see it finally coming together. This deserves a real good playing showcase at the end. Thanks Uncle Ben!
Cut the broken clamp down and use it for an adjustable cross bench, bench dogs. I think there needs to be a video on just the cross bracing, why the shape, where they get placed, and just how they effect a soundboard. When you put them on that top it REALLY started to resonate the tone that was barely there just before the bracing. It went from a thumpy ripe melon sound to an actual tone.
You cannot but admire the talent and finely honed skills of this rare and exceptional individual who just loves what he does. You are a fortunate indeed Sir and I love watching your informative and humourous videos. I have used many of your tips assembling my cheap parts guitars. Thank you.
I love how you could have slapped in a block of wood for bracing, but you go through the effort of making it look beautiful, even though eyes will NEVER see it. That being said, I know nothing about building and designing guitars...is there an acoustic reason for the styling of the braces? Either way, the pride you take in your work is inspiring!
Don't feel bad about the Electronica, Ben. A wide and eclectic music taste is the sign of a genius. Or that's what I tell myself. Personally I had a great time at a Bloodywood concert this week so I've been listening to synthwave most of the week to calm down!
Having just built my 1st acoustic for the GGBO22 I'm really enjoying watching you build this Ben. I'm getting better with hand tools but nowhere near your level. Watching you I hope some of it sinks in. I hope I remember to wet the end grain next time :) Thanks for making these video's.
I LOVE THAT SANDING TOOL!!!!!! I would make one for myself, but without a CNC, that would take too much of a day. I might still make one because I am an idiot. But I am adding a pair of them (YOU DIDN'T MENTION THAT YOU MAKE THEM IN TWO SIZES!) to my Christmas list. That way I can bundle the shipping to Canada (you sell a lot of pretty cool things).
Expect a letter from our neighbours, I was listening to some heavy dub step yelling "I want to be a guitar builder" in the back garden at 3:00 am. It came to fisty cuffs when we started arguing what the salt was for. I know it is for the lonely back packer who has bought fish and chips and finds them not salty enough, the neighbour said it was to give a scratchy percussive sound when tapping the body... stupid man. Anyway this build is splendid may it never end.
Could You doo this build without using sandpaper? The grain of this mahogany looks so much nicer when only cut by a sharp tool! Would be a lovely look with a spot of oil! I really got to get me one of those Preston & Sons reamer handles You used! 🤪
I probably could, scrapers for the win! but in the end she will pop under the finish either way.. Marples also made a version, we have had a few come through the vintage tool shop over the years.
I once stuck a pin vise so deep into my finger that it scraped the underside of my fingernail. I bet a laceration from a coping saw feels just as good. Oh, and you might be able to fix that clamp if you bolt a piece of plate steel to either side. It probably won't be as strong as it was, but it's a thought.
I’ve built a few electric guitars, no acoustics but I’ve never heard of adding salt to glue. Can you explain or point me to one of your other videos that talks about this please? Thanks for your good content.
Hi Ben! Great video! You should check out a band called " Spiritual Beggars" and their album "Earth blues" for some guitar heavy inspirational music for building guitars! 🤘😎 Maybe their song "Road to madness" fits this build well. After hand sawing your mind away..😅
I thing the brace on the top are enormous in with... I will expect something not more than 5 or 6 mm to be honest... Like this you let a chance to that pure top to vibrate. Unless you plan to seat on top of that box...
First, might be early, but congrats on making it through a "hand tool only" build. ;) Sad clamp. :( Electronica for the win.. (Been listening to Versus Music Official channel, lately)
I was really looking forward to the 16th Century Tail Inlay...so I'm kinda sad that you decided not to do it, I thought it was the greatest Feature of your Design
Whilst we're talking about living with guitars for a long time, do you remember that Star wars inspired guitar that you started and disappeared into the ether? 🤔😉😂
Hiya Bun, At last, get rid of those annoying numbers! So sad about the clamp; I see music is dangerous or at least distracting... Any chance of you making those wonderful sanding sticks in a jeweller's size? Stay safe, Steve...
@@Gatherersmusic the grain grabs into the wood surface making it less likely to slip around. But it dissolves in the glue if you're not fast enough with clamping. That's what happened when he glued in the bridge block
I much prefer ether old school Jungle or gothic EBM (shocking I know), but good to know your eclectic in music as well as tools...and watches...and guitars... 😁
Your craftmanship is clear, but I keep coming back for the pure relaxation you provide. You are the Bob Ross of guitar building!
Hear hear. 👌🏻
Well said
3/4 in chisel and some happy tree bones whohoo
Apt.
Necks should always be bolt on! ALWAYS!!
This message was brought to you by a repair person.
RideOn!
Water and endgrain tip was worth the price of admission!!!
Your videos make me remember my father so much. Born in 1923 he was a smart guy and could have gone into higher education but wanted work with wood. He was A joiner, carpenter, shop fitter. The way you use your tools is the same. He was an economist and always to say " let the tool do the work." Loved sharpening his chisels n planes but hated doing his saws. A real old fashioned craftsman. Thank You
You and Bob Raven, the best guitar builders on the channel.
As an owner of ten guitars, I only wish i had a friend like Ben.
I wish I was his neighbor. You know, it would be like “I was out walking the dog and thought I’d drop by your shop to see what you were working on” 😂😂😂
OMG, seeing Ben bopping around the shop to dubstep brings me great joy.
This build is looking great! Really enjoying watching it come together!!
A perfect circle by hand, Ben you are a Machine...
Dont tell anyone that he's a machine...
Other wise some will say he used a machine on an ...hand only build 🤔...what you recon Ben ? Let us know in the comments...
✌😎👍
That hammer is legendary @ 9:43!
Love this build.
Another series I would very much like seeing is a fixed (very restricted) budget build. So many UA-camrs are sponsored by tool makers and get all these amazing tools for free, and hence convey the feeling you need thousands of pounds worth of tools in order to build anything worthwhile.
Show the entire thing, set a restricted budget, source (bad) tools on eBay or whatever, find wood never intended for instrument building on the scrapheap etc. Show young people that they can build decent instruments with very limited resources and then build up a better set of tools over time.
The content, camera angles and editing are really getting polished. Best damned guitar show on the planet. You rock Ben.
Ben I wanted you to know I appreciate the production of these video. This build more than others, I realize the extraordinary number of camera angles/views thought out and provided for the viewer to provide incredible clarity to the work you were doing.
Greetings from Wisconsin USA;
Hi Ben, I love this little guitar. The only thing I would change is the bridge plate. I would use a really hard dense wood like Paduk. You commented on how this wood in the brace chipped out when you drilled the hole in it. If the bridge plate splits like that where the peg holes are it really weakens. Also the Paduk can be much thinner. It is also as good of a tone wood as Mahogany. I know you wanted the guitar to be all out of the one post, but the bridge plate is the one place I would make an exception. I would also run two lengthwise, narrower braces between the brace just before the bridge plate and the tail end of the guitar right up against the sides of the bridge plate. This would help keep the top from bowing up over time under string tension. In any case I believe this little guitar will have a very nice sound when it's finished. Keep on thuckin my friend.
There’s a up side to breaking a old tool. Now you have the perfect excuse to get a new tool. 😊
Very good point! 👍
Or make a new tool!
This build is so cool, makes me want to build an instrument as well
My job here is done.. and yours is just beginning!
@@CrimsonCustomGuitars I'm already quite an avid tool maker (mostly wooden planes)
Those can count as instruments as well so why not a musical instrument haha
I like this design, is it okay if I roughly copy it?
As a backpacker style, it would make sense to have the neck be a bolt-on type for, you know, ease of backpacking... 😉
Indeed. I agree
Not going to fight you. I love dubstep. I listen to it quite a bit myself.
2:39 I'm glad I'm still watching your video because you've never mentioned that before and I never would've thought of it, not wanting the wood to absorb any more moisture but I really wish they taught us this at college, would've made shaving down joint buts and evening the bottom of stool legs much easier.
Finish it once and for all, JB Weld that clamp and try them again, just for fun!
thank you Ben . when our wife are not around we are all genius. weld shop will fix that clamp Ben
Yes Ben, you are a Genius.
Well: I've just danced around the garden screaming I want to be a guitar builder.
The neighbors have just rung for an ambulance and I'm now in a straight jacket. Cheers Ben.
Seriously though, it's looking good.
Can't wait to see it finished in the next episode or 2...................... Or 3.
Oh! Unintended consequences! My bad, sorry 😞
I really enjoy your content. Seems to me, from the wall of tools behind you and your love for vintage tools, that it may be possible for you to build a hand tool instrument built by tools that were also built by hand :)
Love your multi meter!! Also this guitar build.
Oh my stars, he looked genuinely sad talking about the clamp at 27:27 I thought he was actually going to cry!
I like the sanding stick but I'd need one less than a quarter the size of that one, and the brace bit handle is just lovely, but my favourite new tool of yours is the bit of tree hammer. It's so daft it's wonderful!
I love the 'hammer' too 😆
Less than a quarter the size you say? Deal. I'll make it happen.. though you could also make your own imo.
@@CrimsonCustomGuitars There's no way I could make one as well as Crimson Guitars could.
I watched the first upload the day it came out a year ago, slowly a few more came out. Then I started bugging about when the next video was after a couple months of it not continuing, Uncle Ben assured me it was going to get back on track. After all this time I'm happy to see it finally coming together. This deserves a real good playing showcase at the end. Thanks Uncle Ben!
Cut the broken clamp down and use it for an adjustable cross bench, bench dogs. I think there needs to be a video on just the cross bracing, why the shape, where they get placed, and just how they effect a soundboard. When you put them on that top it REALLY started to resonate the tone that was barely there just before the bracing. It went from a thumpy ripe melon sound to an actual tone.
Did I see an old AVO meter, takes me back to my RAF days!
Such cool old tech
You cannot but admire the talent and finely honed skills of this rare and exceptional individual who just loves what he does. You are a fortunate indeed Sir and I love watching your informative and humourous videos. I have used many of your tips assembling my cheap parts guitars. Thank you.
The Mastercraft or masterchef cooking new instruments for our delight!! Hahaha💪🎸♥️
I love how you could have slapped in a block of wood for bracing, but you go through the effort of making it look beautiful, even though eyes will NEVER see it. That being said, I know nothing about building and designing guitars...is there an acoustic reason for the styling of the braces? Either way, the pride you take in your work is inspiring!
Love this series. 👍
One day build?
Pffft!
I reckon there’s at least another 6 episodes before it’s done. Huzzah! 😂
At least 😆
Looking good Ben. It will turn out great. No worries.
ben, been watching you a few years now and have really enjoyed them all and your craftsmanship!
Worth watching just for the water on the end-grain trick.
It makes a HUGE difference to how it cuts, glad to help
Ben, you have to get and read the Somogyi book!
Don't feel bad about the Electronica, Ben. A wide and eclectic music taste is the sign of a genius. Or that's what I tell myself. Personally I had a great time at a Bloodywood concert this week so I've been listening to synthwave most of the week to calm down!
This hand tool build is delicious!!
Lol, welcome to the other side of the tracks. Framers sometimes use that technique, called a fairing stick. Love this guitar.
Good to know, thank you! I was sure it would be a common trick somewhere.. now I have a name for it
12 episode, at one hour per ep, you made it in one day :D, for us !
Having just built my 1st acoustic for the GGBO22 I'm really enjoying watching you build this Ben. I'm getting better with hand tools but nowhere near your level. Watching you I hope some of it sinks in. I hope I remember to wet the end grain next time :) Thanks for making these video's.
There is a whole variety of scalpel blades. I would try some different shapes. The pointed one is certainly not always the best.
I need an episode of out takes and ramblings
Absolutely loving this build ❤short scale acoustic Bass next please 🙏 please 🙏 please 🙏
Short scale acoustic carved archtop bass
As always, very entertaining.
Thank-you Andrew
I LOVE THAT SANDING TOOL!!!!!! I would make one for myself, but without a CNC, that would take too much of a day. I might still make one because I am an idiot. But I am adding a pair of them (YOU DIDN'T MENTION THAT YOU MAKE THEM IN TWO SIZES!) to my Christmas list. That way I can bundle the shipping to Canada (you sell a lot of pretty cool things).
Ben, you're a genius !
Ben Crowe has a brother?!? The Crimsoniverse expands!
“I guarantee…”
Jinxed it right there
One more video? I'm taking the over... 😂 This has been an enjoyable series for sure
Expect a letter from our neighbours, I was listening to some heavy dub step yelling "I want to be a guitar builder" in the back garden at 3:00 am. It came to fisty cuffs when we started arguing what the salt was for. I know it is for the lonely back packer who has bought fish and chips and finds them not salty enough, the neighbour said it was to give a scratchy percussive sound when tapping the body... stupid man.
Anyway this build is splendid may it never end.
once you did a tour trough your old workshop, can you do a tour through the new and old?
Great video!
Thank you
Cool we will still have plenty other videos for this build Ben and that rejoy me
Hmmmmmmm, ideas to use!
Anyone else nearly had a heart attack at 10:00 when Ben almost crushed the top of the guitar? 😮
Speeding up, great way to make my day. Thanks !
That bit at the end sounded like a great plan for a Live Build Monday.
OK, yer a genius!
Keith.
You're a genius
"I now have two half clamps" sorry i know for you that was sad, but on that side of the screen that was hilarious :))
Been looking forward to this!
Thank you
“I wanna be a drill instructor!” 🎶🎵
Very interesting build. It's so fun to watch the thing come together.
I'm enjoying this part of it too.. making the sides was a bit hairy tbh
where would I find ep 12 and 13? I really appreciate this build. it's so meticulously done.
Thank you! I am literally on my way into the workshop to start filming the next episode now.. there should be one out on Saturday though!
I just love that sound of wood fibers getting cut by the scalpel. And I love the "Tree Branch Mallet". Where did you get that?
When this is finished can we send it off to the Driftwood Guitar guys for one of their guitar breakdown episodes?
100% Bolt on neck and if possible a bridge that allows the strings to be removed and replaced easily (perhaps some slotted holes or the like?)
Could You doo this build without using sandpaper?
The grain of this mahogany looks so much nicer when only cut by a sharp tool! Would be a lovely look with a spot of oil!
I really got to get me one of those Preston & Sons reamer handles You used! 🤪
I probably could, scrapers for the win! but in the end she will pop under the finish either way..
Marples also made a version, we have had a few come through the vintage tool shop over the years.
27:33 I don't think neither soup or glue will fix it. Although, a nice hearty soup might make you feel better.
Could you have glued the top offcuts together to use as bracing to save a couple of saw cuts?
I once stuck a pin vise so deep into my finger that it scraped the underside of my fingernail. I bet a laceration from a coping saw feels just as good. Oh, and you might be able to fix that clamp if you bolt a piece of plate steel to either side. It probably won't be as strong as it was, but it's a thought.
Ouch, ouch, ouch ouch ouch!! Oh, and OUCH!
But the clamp wasnt string enough to start with 😆 may be worth a fix though
@@CrimsonCustomGuitars I'm more of a tinkerer than an actual craftsman, so it's in my nature to think of on-the-spot fix-me-ups.
Of course you can superglue the broken clamp. Just hang it on the wall after the glue up and you will have it for a long, long time.
It doesn't matter to me how long it takes. In some sense, the more episodes the better
I’ve built a few electric guitars, no acoustics but I’ve never heard of adding salt to glue. Can you explain or point me to one of your other videos that talks about this please? Thanks for your good content.
Really enjoy watching this guitar come together. What is the purpose of the salt in the glue? or was that a joke that just flew over my head?
The salt is for a better grip as in no slip when stting in items in place
@@mrfatbobrider1969 never seen that before and was curious, thanks for the reply!
@@virtualstatic all good seen a few builders do it ,apparently like most things it works better with a small amount and too much is not good...
I have a Martin backpacker and it is a flat top.
Thank you, good to know!
Hi Ben!
Great video!
You should check out a band called " Spiritual Beggars" and their album "Earth blues" for some guitar heavy inspirational music for building guitars! 🤘😎
Maybe their song "Road to madness" fits this build well. After hand sawing your mind away..😅
I thing the brace on the top are enormous in with... I will expect something not more than 5 or 6 mm to be honest...
Like this you let a chance to that pure top to vibrate. Unless you plan to seat on top of that box...
Should do the Taylor bolt on…one bolt!
Actually my Dad used to do the same thing with the flexible straight edge or strip of wood to get the arc for deck beams in his boats.
I am not surprised at all, if I have thought of it then any trick must certainly gave been discovered by many craftspeople before me.
All was going well Ben till you started using Salt ? What for mate ? 😁😁🤘🤘
He was just going for a well seasoned guitar build.
Stops the joint slipping and getting glue everywhere
Defoz bolt on if it’s a travel guitar. Metal screw inserts all the way. Neckis Onandoffski.
First, might be early, but congrats on making it through a "hand tool only" build. ;)
Sad clamp. :(
Electronica for the win.. (Been listening to Versus Music Official channel, lately)
How do you work out where the braces should go?
So friggin great.
There is still time for me to turn that around 😆
I was really looking forward to the 16th Century Tail Inlay...so I'm kinda sad that you decided not to do it, I thought it was the greatest Feature of your Design
What will it take to get the playlist you were listening to with each episode?
I think the Martin Backpackers are indeed flat-top instruments.
How do you figure scale length and is it same for electric?
Love some good electronica!, a skilled welder kan weld aluminium for You...
Whilst we're talking about living with guitars for a long time, do you remember that Star wars inspired guitar that you started and disappeared into the ether? 🤔😉😂
Hey look! Ben invented the Batten, wonder what they've been using in boat building all this time? 🤣🤣
LOL all that hand sawing makes you wanna dubstep violently, understandable)))
26:57 you're welcome
Is there an OM build in Ben's future?
Hiya Bun,
At last, get rid of those annoying numbers! So sad about the clamp; I see music is dangerous or at least distracting...
Any chance of you making those wonderful sanding sticks in a jeweller's size?
Stay safe, Steve...
You are the 2nd to ask so far.. so yes. Drop an email to shop at Crimson.. and we'll make it happen.
Maybe a dumb question but what is the salt for?
Commenting so I'm notified of the answer too 😃
@@Gatherersmusic the grain grabs into the wood surface making it less likely to slip around. But it dissolves in the glue if you're not fast enough with clamping. That's what happened when he glued in the bridge block
I much prefer ether old school Jungle or gothic EBM (shocking I know), but good to know your eclectic in music as well as tools...and watches...and guitars... 😁