I really appreciated how much empathy you had for the beginner builder, being constructive with notes while explaining why something was difficult and only improves with experience.
Congratulations to the Luthier for completing the project. Cosmetics aside, it plays and sounds lovely. I think what impressed me is how close it was. Ted went through the same steps as he usually does and finesses the details. There was no huge mistake or fatal error. I think that itself says the project was well done.
If the maker of that guitar is reading this, I would be SUPER PROUD to have produced an instrument that nice, bumps and all. The imperfections just tell a story. I've never built an acoustic and I think I know myself too well to ever attempt it. Well done.
I took a masterclass in Delaware with Dennis MacPherson in his workshop and I got to use all of his tools. I chose to build the Triple O. I carved the neck and "Drove the bus" as they say in the business, and tuning the tone bars. It was amazing and I wish I could afford to do it again, but I learned a lot my first go around. I asked as many questions as I could and most of them I cooked up after having watched over 100 hours of Ted and other luthier channels. He was impressed by how much I knew but laughed at the idea of me putting my nose to the wood and actually building a guitar. They are completely different things watching and learning vs building and learning. I froze up multiple times out of fear. What I ended up with was the best sounding guitar I've ever played, and I built it with my own hands. She is elegant and simplistic. Ebony, A+ Spruce, and Rosewood. Dennis also taught Thomas Ripsam how to build. Thom became the first ever non familial President of Martin Guitars back in '21.
I built my acoustic guitar in 1992 in Tugaski Saskatchewan under the tutelage of Dave Freeman. I still use it a gigs. It sounds great. That dreadnaught sounds lovely as well. He should be proud
I come here every week for the expertise which is freely shared and helps me look after my guitars, but I also love the philosophies which you espouse. You are, without doubt, my favourite UA-cam luthier,.
Another fine day in the twoodfrd shop, making 36,000 people happier in just 3 days. Ted takes a seemingly mundane task and makes it magical, philosophical and inspirational. Thanks Ted…
First off, Ted is telling everyone something very important; when you build that first guitar, as daunting as it may seem, is something very few people can do. Be happy that you finished the build and then seek out somebody like Ted to get you to the finish line. The second thing Ted covers is extremely important; in life, there are things where we may cut corners to save money. Nothing wrong with that. When it comes to specialized files like nut files or a crowning file, don't cut corners. When I bought my crowning file, it was expensive but, it has Diamonds and that file will last the rest of my life plus another lifetime. Value is getting something you want or need at a price that is not too high or too low. If I'm pricing tools, I'm looking at the very top and then the cheapest. I try to stay more expensive than mid way. Great educational video Ted!
I'd enjoy owning a guitar like that. Every time you look at the binding you'd think of the poor guy's face when it happened and here you are still playing the heck out of it. He did great.
In the 80s I bought a neck billet without the dovetail cut, a premade neck block and pre bent mahogany sides. spanish cedar 2 piece unglued top, 2 piece unglued. mahogany back , bone nut and saddle blank, uncut spruce braces, blank ebony finger board , prebent herring bone rossette and top purfling with back strip. economy tuning keys and a bottle of titebond glue all for around $200.00 I had a Cheap jig saw a drill, utility knife, and stand paper, was about all the tools I had at the time. To cut out for the inlay purfling I used a razer blade screwed to a small block of wood at the proper width. Finished it with 2 part epoxy and turned out a ugly but nice playing and great sounding guitar, oh yes I also used a ebony bridge.Somewere in the range of $200.00 to $250.00 I was very happy, of course materials have went up since the 80s and I don't know if you can even get neck billets anymore, but a billet isn't much more than a mahogany board. Any way thanks I just wanted to share my 1st build.
First build or not, I really like this way this one sounds. Seems pretty open with nice sustain. The owner should be proud of how well it came out. I was SO relieved when you oiled the fretboard and bridge! 😁
Those words in the beginning nearly brought tears in my eyes. Someone truly undesrtands. My first acoustic is four years into building and now so near completion. It is only missing bridge bone, its slot, pin holes, and string slots at the nut. Talk about being excited and terrified at the same time!
I love the synchronicity with Not a Luthier, he also did a video on homemade guitars this week. I find it an interesting change of pace in comparison to established makers, as you can never fully realize how much of an art form luthiery is by only seeing it performed flawlessly.
Good on you for giving a little pep talk to all newbie builders. That guitar looks a bit like some of my early electronic builds, and constructive feedback from a real pro always helped a lot on the rare occasions that I got some.
Congratulations to the builder - everything is in the right place, and it sounds great. Thanks for 'bigging up' the amateur guitar builders - I finished my first acoustic earlier this year (after a couple of electrics), and I don't think anyone who has never done it can truly comprehend just how many operations there are to it - each of which needs to be somewhat right. I thought I knew, but I didn't! Yes, mine has 'rookie marks' too, but you have to go looking for them ;) I was convinced it was going to cave in and turn to match-wood as soon as I strung it up, but a few months on, it's just dandy. I can't make the association between the pile of wood that I started with and the musical instrument that now exists - it's just too far fetched. Thanks again.
Some of your videos have more esoteric tips and tricks (not diminishing their value in any way); for this one to circle back to the “start” was so enlightening and enjoyable; all the more so as we contemplate building our first instrument. Also, thank you for explaining (even without directly saying) the “buy once, cry once” concept for tools!
I would call that a successful build, it seems to play well, and it has a really nice sound to it. And despite the little imperfections, which give it character by the way, it looks pretty good.
It looks really well done for a first build! My dad was mid build on a Martin HD-28 kit when he died, he left me with the task of completing it for him and I got as far as the neck set and gave up because it seemed like the wood shrank so the dove tail doesn't fit properly, I got it snug and fit straight but the neck itself stands proud of the top by about an 8th of an inch. I emailed Stewmac in 2007 to ask what I should do about it and Dan Erlewine sent an email back telling me I am screwed in not those exact words.
Ted's thoughts here remind me of the guitar setup/refret course that I did last year. The resident guitar tech told me "you're going to make mistakes when doing your first few but the key is learning from them". The big lesson I took from the course was respect the tools as I managed to gash my thumb trying to remove the tuner ferrules from my bass using a sharp chisel.
Luthiery is something Ive been interested in for quite some time and it is the very points you made in the first couple minutes here that have held me back from even starting; sometimes called, "analysis paralysis" Ive always equated it in my mind as the cheetah on the plain failing to make a kill because the herd has all stuck together, making it nearly impossible for her to choose just which gazelle to zero in on- or "where do I start??" The list of steps in my head and also having the knowledge enough to realize I probably am unaware of many more steps still, oh god where to even begin? This unfortunately is a difficulty I suffer from in nearly every other area of my life as well.
Well done to the luthier!! My first one at Timeless is still holding on. Had the bridge pull off, the curse of a western red cedar top. I found a question I posted about 14 years ago asking about how to do the flutes on a vihuela back. Thanks for your answer, Ted. I will build ot one day....one day
The first guitar I made I basically just threw it at the repair guy recommended to me (Mr Glyn, makes great pickups now, lovely guy) because the nut was so high, and the frets were a bit all over the place. He tried to talk me into doing the setup myself, but I knew I didn't have the materials and skills at that time to do that bit, even tho I had done every single part up until that point from scratch, self taught, in my high school's wood shop. (Or in my driveway in a fridge box for the painting, and the neck clamped to the picnic table for carving...) Nut files, and fret leveling, can both be intimidating at first! By the time I was doing the second build I was confidently smashing out gorgeous fretwork, bone nuts, etc. But the only reason I think I was mentally able to pursue it was because Mr Glyn got that guitar to the best shape it could be in when I couldn't have got it there myself. Because it went from unplayable to one of my favorite guitars to play, to this day, in 3 days.
What a lovely little video. Sometimes on any project it's the last little steps that feel like they take the longest and you're already weary. I hope the owner loves his work a little bit more after this.
Thanks so much Ted. You hit the nail in the head - I’ve got a first build that I’m struggling with the set up! Now u don’t feel like I’m alone!! Back to the workshop for me and I’m finishing that build.
I don’t know what that was you played at the end, but I loved it! Great video of encouragement and respect to the builder. Everyone has to start somewhere. And with the little bit of TLC you have that guitar, it sounds GREAT!!!
Once again Ted you tell it like it is congratulations to the fella that built the guitar really nice sound and with your magic touch Ted he has a fantastic guitar 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I have immense admiration for those who can build an acoustic or hollow body electric. I've build a lot of solid body electrics, many with set necks and even a few neck through. I can't even imagine myself attempting the complex artistic technics used for acoustics.
I don't know how you manage to walk the tight rope of being such a talented luthier, and such a profound speaker. I used to come here for the work, but now I come here for the conversation. You're an inspirational dude. Thanks, Ted.
Whom ever built the guitar, I applaud you! You are courageous! For all the points that Ted has brought up, I can only cower and confess that this is the reason I have only built "parts" type electrics. To those that actually build acoustics, I bow in honest humility. Excellent encouragement, Ted. You let us know it can be done well. Thank you.
Thank you for showing how you do a "basic" setup. It's one of those things most players think they know but it's always good to see a real professional do. Nice guitar too!
Really good for a first build! They're usually a horror show. The bridge is in the right place, neck angle good - huge win. And it sounds great! The binding boo-boo could be corrected if someone wanted to spend the time.
You are absolutely right-on with your remarks about one's first guitar. Mine followed a similar arc, and it is a fine instrument that, sadly, doesn't get played. Funny how one's playing style can change faster than one's building ambitions. Thanks to the more experienced luthiers who guided me to my end point. Thanks for explaining the journey to the unwary.
Halfway through my first instrument. An f style mandolin. I had been stalled out for a few months with exactly the afflictions you were describing. Picking things back up to carry on. The tight radius around the scroll for the sides is giving me pause. Nothing to do but give it a go I guess.
man, even hearing indirect compliments over internet, feels good :) i've built some 10 acoustic guitars with hand tools. i found it really enjoyable. things always go wrong when making one, but since i had youtube, people like ted, stewmac guys and others, and willingness to go and improvise, i knew everything has a fix. and every one of my guitars (even tho i take very critical view of them) found a person that loves them and plays them. so thank you and everyone else for being my teachers! P.S my tip for a new builder - mark each fret from the beginning of the fingerboard and not the distance from one fret to the next. :D
I've never been much of a guitar player, but what little ability I once had has gone due to developing trigger finger. I've watch a lot of video's about lap steels and after watching your channel for a while, picking up tips from your videos, I decided to attempt to make one. Quite honestly, it's just a lump of wood with a few guitar bits fitted to it. As simple as that sounds there's still a huge amount of room for error, and I feel I made all of them. So for a person without time served experience to decide to attempt and construct an acoustic guitar that sounds good and plays like a guitar blows my mind. Much respect to anyone who can complete that kind of project. Oh and thanks for the insights on set ups, they gave me the confidence to try and really helped. Now if I could just figure out how to play it...
Wow! That guitar sounds excellent! Now that Ted's set it up, I hope that it gives the builder joy when he plays it. The minor "goofs" made while learning to build it are easily forgiven--especially when the final product sounds that good.
I can do a basic setup and intonation on an electric guitar or bass. Just based on that experience, the builder of this guitar did a great job! Also, that's a nice piece of spruce on the top of the guitar.
Thanks Ted. Having recently done a setup on my acoustic. Your advice in this video, gave me extra confidence in what I did. The only regret is that I used cheap nut files which caused me problems and extra time messing about getting the slots correct. I really need to get quality nut files. But hey, Christmas is coming!
I haven’t built a guitar yet (I have some other projects to finish) but I fully intend to build one. It is encouraging to hear Ted’s reaction to this initial build that looks and sounds great. I would be perfectly fine with building an unplayable wreck the first time as long as the tenth one incorporates all of my painful learning from the first nine.
my first playable electric was the 4th try of making an electriuc guitar. and overl last 15 years i met people geniuinly wanting to buy it from me because it is a n odd ball that plays well enough to just have fun with it, plus it is black and blue everywhere. it was lended to a friend to a jam session, it came back with dirty strings and worn out 3 frets at the top after a week of constant plating it was on a school assembly , i even let a catholic nun play it :P i made my first working guitar with basically no tools, i invested in tools later making it's sisters but it is always only "good enough" but i don't know if i could repeat that now , first guitars are just that special
I saw a guy yesterday that was telling people to never touch the truss rod because you have no idea what, you're doing and you can mess up and blah blah blah. I couldnt help myself. I had to correct him. Turn the thing. If you don't like the result, turn it back where it was. It's that simple. It's a truss rod, not nuclear chemistry 🤷🤦
That guitar sounds damn good
It sure does!
Yea, I noticed that too.
Really rich.
more than damm good!!
Not falling down a set of stairs it wouldn't. I'll see myself out.
I'd be really happy to turn that out.
I really appreciated how much empathy you had for the beginner builder, being constructive with notes while explaining why something was difficult and only improves with experience.
Congratulations to the Luthier for completing the project. Cosmetics aside, it plays and sounds lovely. I think what impressed me is how close it was. Ted went through the same steps as he usually does and finesses the details. There was no huge mistake or fatal error. I think that itself says the project was well done.
Ted is the real deal. A genuinely nice human being. We need more of that in today's world.
Cheers, Ted!
You were very kind to the luthier, which means his next guitar will be even better.
For 20 minutes and 44 seconds, everything was right with the world.
Thanks for another great video, Ted. Uplifting and informative, as always.
If the maker of that guitar is reading this, I would be SUPER PROUD to have produced an instrument that nice, bumps and all. The imperfections just tell a story. I've never built an acoustic and I think I know myself too well to ever attempt it. Well done.
The loudness, sustain and tone are all quite impressive!
Wow that oil brought the look of the guitar to life
"Perfect" is the enemy of "Good". That instrument sounds pretty good.
I took a masterclass in Delaware with Dennis MacPherson in his workshop and I got to use all of his tools. I chose to build the Triple O. I carved the neck and "Drove the bus" as they say in the business, and tuning the tone bars. It was amazing and I wish I could afford to do it again, but I learned a lot my first go around. I asked as many questions as I could and most of them I cooked up after having watched over 100 hours of Ted and other luthier channels. He was impressed by how much I knew but laughed at the idea of me putting my nose to the wood and actually building a guitar. They are completely different things watching and learning vs building and learning. I froze up multiple times out of fear. What I ended up with was the best sounding guitar I've ever played, and I built it with my own hands. She is elegant and simplistic. Ebony, A+ Spruce, and Rosewood.
Dennis also taught Thomas Ripsam how to build. Thom became the first ever non familial President of Martin Guitars back in '21.
I built my acoustic guitar in 1992 in Tugaski Saskatchewan under the tutelage of Dave Freeman. I still use it a gigs. It sounds great. That dreadnaught sounds lovely as well. He should be proud
I come here every week for the expertise which is freely shared and helps me look after my guitars, but I also love the philosophies which you espouse. You are, without doubt, my favourite UA-cam luthier,.
I love the bright projection of this guitar! That is one heck of a first build!
Huge congrats to the owner/builder of this beautiful guitar! 🏆🏆
Another fine day in the twoodfrd shop, making 36,000 people happier in just 3 days. Ted takes a seemingly mundane task and makes it magical, philosophical and inspirational. Thanks Ted…
Hats off to the builder...they have every right to be very proud of what they accomplished! And it sounds great!
First off, Ted is telling everyone something very important; when you build that first guitar, as daunting as it may seem, is something very few people can do. Be happy that you finished the build and then seek out somebody like Ted to get you to the finish line. The second thing Ted covers is extremely important; in life, there are things where we may cut corners to save money. Nothing wrong with that. When it comes to specialized files like nut files or a crowning file, don't cut corners. When I bought my crowning file, it was expensive but, it has Diamonds and that file will last the rest of my life plus another lifetime. Value is getting something you want or need at a price that is not too high or too low. If I'm pricing tools, I'm looking at the very top and then the cheapest. I try to stay more expensive than mid way. Great educational video Ted!
I'm not a luthier, but I've never been disappointed in getting quality tools. I've lost count how many times it took to learn that lesson. :-)
I'd enjoy owning a guitar like that. Every time you look at the binding you'd think of the poor guy's face when it happened and here you are still playing the heck out of it. He did great.
In the 80s I bought a neck billet without the dovetail cut, a premade neck block and pre bent mahogany sides. spanish cedar 2 piece unglued top, 2 piece unglued. mahogany back , bone nut and saddle blank, uncut spruce braces, blank ebony finger board , prebent herring bone rossette and top purfling with back strip. economy tuning keys and a bottle of titebond glue all for around $200.00 I had a Cheap jig saw a drill, utility knife, and stand paper, was about all the tools I had at the time. To cut out for the inlay purfling I used a razer blade screwed to a small block of wood at the proper width. Finished it with 2 part epoxy and turned out a ugly but nice playing and great sounding guitar, oh yes I also used a ebony bridge.Somewere in the range of $200.00 to $250.00 I was very happy, of course materials have went up since the 80s and I don't know if you can even get neck billets anymore, but a billet isn't much more than a mahogany board. Any way thanks I just wanted to share my 1st build.
First build or not, I really like this way this one sounds. Seems pretty open with nice sustain. The owner should be proud of how well it came out. I was SO relieved when you oiled the fretboard and bridge! 😁
Sounds great.
Must be quite a feeling, to hand a guitar b ack to it's owner, who built it, and say, "Here you go. You built this."
Those words in the beginning nearly brought tears in my eyes. Someone truly undesrtands. My first acoustic is four years into building and now so near completion. It is only missing bridge bone, its slot, pin holes, and string slots at the nut. Talk about being excited and terrified at the same time!
The builder & the maestro should be proud. To me sounds always tops looks..outstanding results!
What a wonderful instrument! Kudos to the person who had the guts to attempt the build.
Never built an acoustic. But my first electric neck carve has left that inevitable baseball bat feeling at Monday.
Sweet guitar. Your playing is improving. Bravo!
Would greatly appreciate if you filmed the full process of marking and filing the intonation points on the saddle in a future video. Thank you! 17:50
Ditto!
And my weekends complete ❤
I love the synchronicity with Not a Luthier, he also did a video on homemade guitars this week. I find it an interesting change of pace in comparison to established makers, as you can never fully realize how much of an art form luthiery is by only seeing it performed flawlessly.
I was thinking the same thing.
Good on you for giving a little pep talk to all newbie builders. That guitar looks a bit like some of my early electronic builds, and constructive feedback from a real pro always helped a lot on the rare occasions that I got some.
Like you said: this is an excellent first guitar and it sounds fine too! Hats off to the builder.
Congratulations to the builder - everything is in the right place, and it sounds great. Thanks for 'bigging up' the amateur guitar builders - I finished my first acoustic earlier this year (after a couple of electrics), and I don't think anyone who has never done it can truly comprehend just how many operations there are to it - each of which needs to be somewhat right. I thought I knew, but I didn't! Yes, mine has 'rookie marks' too, but you have to go looking for them ;) I was convinced it was going to cave in and turn to match-wood as soon as I strung it up, but a few months on, it's just dandy. I can't make the association between the pile of wood that I started with and the musical instrument that now exists - it's just too far fetched. Thanks again.
Some of your videos have more esoteric tips and tricks (not diminishing their value in any way); for this one to circle back to the “start” was so enlightening and enjoyable; all the more so as we contemplate building our first instrument.
Also, thank you for explaining (even without directly saying) the “buy once, cry once” concept for tools!
I hope the person who made that guitar is still making them. This one sounds great!
I would call that a successful build, it seems to play well, and it has a really nice sound to it. And despite the little imperfections, which give it character by the way, it looks pretty good.
I gained a new appreciation for luthiers especially after watching Daisy Tempest's latest guitar build
That's really nice. That headstock facing is a lovely bit of timber. Superb tones in the play-out
It looks really well done for a first build!
My dad was mid build on a Martin HD-28 kit when he died, he left me with the task of completing it for him and I got as far as the neck set and gave up because it seemed like the wood shrank so the dove tail doesn't fit properly, I got it snug and fit straight but the neck itself stands proud of the top by about an 8th of an inch. I emailed Stewmac in 2007 to ask what I should do about it and Dan Erlewine sent an email back telling me I am screwed in not those exact words.
i'd be proud to have that as my first build.
Much like an engine builder, installing said engine, then taking it to the tuner expert. Nice guitar.
Ted's thoughts here remind me of the guitar setup/refret course that I did last year. The resident guitar tech told me "you're going to make mistakes when doing your first few but the key is learning from them". The big lesson I took from the course was respect the tools as I managed to gash my thumb trying to remove the tuner ferrules from my bass using a sharp chisel.
Luthiery is something Ive been interested in for quite some time and it is the very points you made in the first couple minutes here that have held me back from even starting; sometimes called, "analysis paralysis" Ive always equated it in my mind as the cheetah on the plain failing to make a kill because the herd has all stuck together, making it nearly impossible for her to choose just which gazelle to zero in on- or "where do I start??" The list of steps in my head and also having the knowledge enough to realize I probably am unaware of many more steps still, oh god where to even begin? This unfortunately is a difficulty I suffer from in nearly every other area of my life as well.
It's amazing what just a little bit of oil did for the fretboard and the bridge. Really brought out the beauty of both pieces of wood.
That guitar sounds great which is the MOST important consideration IMHO
Yes a very nice sounding guitar. I would be proud of that build.
Well done to the luthier!! My first one at Timeless is still holding on. Had the bridge pull off, the curse of a western red cedar top.
I found a question I posted about 14 years ago asking about how to do the flutes on a vihuela back. Thanks for your answer, Ted. I will build ot one day....one day
The first guitar I made I basically just threw it at the repair guy recommended to me (Mr Glyn, makes great pickups now, lovely guy) because the nut was so high, and the frets were a bit all over the place. He tried to talk me into doing the setup myself, but I knew I didn't have the materials and skills at that time to do that bit, even tho I had done every single part up until that point from scratch, self taught, in my high school's wood shop. (Or in my driveway in a fridge box for the painting, and the neck clamped to the picnic table for carving...) Nut files, and fret leveling, can both be intimidating at first! By the time I was doing the second build I was confidently smashing out gorgeous fretwork, bone nuts, etc. But the only reason I think I was mentally able to pursue it was because Mr Glyn got that guitar to the best shape it could be in when I couldn't have got it there myself. Because it went from unplayable to one of my favorite guitars to play, to this day, in 3 days.
Wow Ted. That was "the missing lesson" for your customer's course. Well done. Now if there was just a course like that near me on the West Coast.
What a lovely little video. Sometimes on any project it's the last little steps that feel like they take the longest and you're already weary. I hope the owner loves his work a little bit more after this.
Imagine how tickled that owner is going to be with his build now! It sounds fantastic and I'm sure plays great! Nice one, Ted!
I appreciate that you share your expertise with your viewers. I will probably never try a build, but I have learned enough to do a setup.
Every time I see the twoodfrd title and a luthier thumbnail, I start singing the intro song before even clicking the video.
Nice. Something the maker can be proud of
The body and soundboard sounds great! Well worth the setup - nice job!!
Oiling the fingerboard and bridge really brought out the beauty of the guitar. Nice work sir.
Makes me want to get my Strat kit guitar of the wall and finish the setup part of the project . The setup kinda took the wind out of my sails . Thanks
That is a great sounding guitar, It sounds lots better than many high end guitars to me!
Thanks so much Ted. You hit the nail in the head - I’ve got a first build that I’m struggling with the set up! Now u don’t feel like I’m alone!! Back to the workshop for me and I’m finishing that build.
I don’t know what that was you played at the end, but I loved it! Great video of encouragement and respect to the builder. Everyone has to start somewhere. And with the little bit of TLC you have that guitar, it sounds GREAT!!!
Nice work Ted & playing at the end wasn't too shabby either😄
Once again Ted you tell it like it is congratulations to the fella that built the guitar really nice sound and with your magic touch Ted he has a fantastic guitar 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I have immense admiration for those who can build an acoustic or hollow body electric. I've build a lot of solid body electrics, many with set necks and even a few neck through. I can't even imagine myself attempting the complex artistic technics used for acoustics.
Thanks for posting Ted
I don't know how you manage to walk the tight rope of being such a talented luthier, and such a profound speaker. I used to come here for the work, but now I come here for the conversation. You're an inspirational dude. Thanks, Ted.
I heard that there are more than 150 steps to build an acoustic. Thank you. and congrats to the builder!
Whom ever built the guitar, I applaud you! You are courageous! For all the points that Ted has brought up, I can only cower and confess that this is the reason I have only built "parts" type electrics.
To those that actually build acoustics, I bow in honest humility.
Excellent encouragement, Ted. You let us know it can be done well. Thank you.
Thank you, Master Ted
In my opinion, it is a beautiful instrument..... great sound.....
Thank you for showing how you do a "basic" setup. It's one of those things most players think they know but it's always good to see a real professional do. Nice guitar too!
Really good for a first build! They're usually a horror show. The bridge is in the right place, neck angle good - huge win. And it sounds great! The binding boo-boo could be corrected if someone wanted to spend the time.
Sounds like a nicely balanced guitar, string to string.
You are absolutely right-on with your remarks about one's first guitar. Mine followed a similar arc, and it is a fine instrument that, sadly, doesn't get played. Funny how one's playing style can change faster than one's building ambitions. Thanks to the more experienced luthiers who guided me to my end point. Thanks for explaining the journey to the unwary.
Halfway through my first instrument. An f style mandolin. I had been stalled out for a few months with exactly the afflictions you were describing. Picking things back up to carry on. The tight radius around the scroll for the sides is giving me pause. Nothing to do but give it a go I guess.
no mater how bad a day i am having watching your videos and hearing your strumming at the end makes things all better keep up the good work
man, even hearing indirect compliments over internet, feels good :) i've built some 10 acoustic guitars with hand tools. i found it really enjoyable. things always go wrong when making one, but since i had youtube, people like ted, stewmac guys and others, and willingness to go and improvise, i knew everything has a fix. and every one of my guitars (even tho i take very critical view of them) found a person that loves them and plays them. so thank you and everyone else for being my teachers!
P.S my tip for a new builder - mark each fret from the beginning of the fingerboard and not the distance from one fret to the next. :D
Ted, I really enjoy your narration. It's knowledgeable, concise and clear. You might want to consider the teaching gig if it should come around again.
I've never been much of a guitar player, but what little ability I once had has gone due to developing trigger finger. I've watch a lot of video's about lap steels and after watching your channel for a while, picking up tips from your videos, I decided to attempt to make one. Quite honestly, it's just a lump of wood with a few guitar bits fitted to it. As simple as that sounds there's still a huge amount of room for error, and I feel I made all of them.
So for a person without time served experience to decide to attempt and construct an acoustic guitar that sounds good and plays like a guitar blows my mind.
Much respect to anyone who can complete that kind of project. Oh and thanks for the insights on set ups, they gave me the confidence to try and really helped. Now if I could just figure out how to play it...
It sounded amazingly good to me too
Great to see 125K!
To watch and listen and learn from Ted is like a really good therapy session. Thank you Ted!!!
Wow what a nice finish for a home made piece. Nice hybrid picking too. Thanks for the post and information
Wow! That guitar sounds excellent! Now that Ted's set it up, I hope that it gives the builder joy when he plays it. The minor "goofs" made while learning to build it are easily forgiven--especially when the final product sounds that good.
Wow! Such a ringer! Great tone and so well balanced. I'd be proud to call that my guitar!
I can do a basic setup and intonation on an electric guitar or bass. Just based on that experience, the builder of this guitar did a great job! Also, that's a nice piece of spruce on the top of the guitar.
Thanks Ted. Having recently done a setup on my acoustic. Your advice in this video, gave me extra confidence in what I did. The only regret is that I used cheap nut files which caused me problems and extra time messing about getting the slots correct. I really need to get quality nut files. But hey, Christmas is coming!
Wow, the end result was great!
Daggum boss very pleasing tone and actually good looking guitar 🎸 cheers 🍻 boss
Your the best Ted. The Guitar sounds awesome.
Sounds great! Now I’m sure it feels and plays equally as great. Good for the owner and you both.
I haven’t built a guitar yet (I have some other projects to finish) but I fully intend to build one. It is encouraging to hear Ted’s reaction to this initial build that looks and sounds great. I would be perfectly fine with building an unplayable wreck the first time as long as the tenth one incorporates all of my painful learning from the first nine.
Wow, great sounding.
Thanks, Ted!
that little "ahhhh" you exclaimed as you oiled the bridge totally cracked me up
Many pros would probably roll their eyes at the efforts of an amateur., so it's nice to hear Ted find such encouraging words about this guitar. 👍
Such a clean tone. I was so waiting for you to do a friendly fix of the binding, your ocd must have been screaming.
Amazing first build, sound great 👍
my first playable electric was the 4th try of making an electriuc guitar. and overl last 15 years i met people geniuinly wanting to buy it from me because it is a n odd ball that plays well enough to just have fun with it, plus it is black and blue everywhere. it was lended to a friend to a jam session, it came back with dirty strings and worn out 3 frets at the top after a week of constant plating
it was on a school assembly , i even let a catholic nun play it :P
i made my first working guitar with basically no tools, i invested in tools later making it's sisters but it is always only "good enough" but i don't know if i could repeat that now , first guitars are just that special
I saw a guy yesterday that was telling people to never touch the truss rod because you have no idea what, you're doing and you can mess up and blah blah blah.
I couldnt help myself. I had to correct him. Turn the thing. If you don't like the result, turn it back where it was. It's that simple. It's a truss rod, not nuclear chemistry 🤷🤦
Thanks, this was a nice video and learning experience!😊