I’m 74 years old and fairly new to the guitar world. In fact I’m in the process of learning how to play. I’m addicted to this channel and find it fascinating. I’m learning so much about Guitars from watching them being repaired. Thank you.
And he has complete video series of builds right from the beginning. I never thought about the bracing inside guitars until I started watching this channel. 😀
Sorry that looks just like my old guitar. It got smashed by seat in truck. Friend reclined on it. I used gorilla glue and those toothpicks to help solidify the face, and the back. Broke my heart. Left it at a guitar shop for repairs, and couldn’t afford to pick it up. Supposed to have belonged to Jerry g!! Gifted to a music teacher.
One reason we love your videos, Jerry it’s because it’s almost like we’re in your head hearing your thoughts. You do such a great job explaining. I love it when you think about trying to make a decision about what to do. “ I think I might do this or maybe do this first no I’ll go ahead and do that one.” It’s great
I love these videos. Very informative and strangely relaxing to watch. I'd love to be able to tear apart a guitar and rebuild it like he does. A true art.
So many thanks Jerry, Don here from Hamilton NZ on my Wife's tablet (Susan) I'm just a poor guitarist, But I Really love your videos and you're explaining as you go ,Sincere Thanks, regards Don
It's funny how you acknowledge someone in the future might critique your work, but it's day and night better that the work you replaced. Good work enjoy watching.
I'm getting ready to build my first Guitar ( 000 12 fret slot head ) from StewMac and watching these vidios gives me some awesome knowledge. I have a door shop and installed for 30 years so that helps some I hope. Learned a lot from your vids, thanks.
Hi Happy to see Part 2 Boy you are cleaning it up (you almost needed a shovel for the amount of old glue) - enjoyed the new video inserts - you have to keep trying new stuff - the proof will be in the final sound & playability.
"If it don't work and it don't play and you can't use it; what good is it? I mean you can sit it on a shelf and look at it but what's that do for you?" ROFLOL! Best realist statement ever! 😂
I took this video as inspiration to fix the bracing on my Yamaha. Thanks. I used trimmed clothes pins for clamps ( against the back side ), and it seriously made the guitar both better bass, and brighter.
Hi Jerry; With the braces, additional height adds considerably more strength per millimeter than additional width does. Just by eliminating that cutaway for the bridge plate you probably quadrupled that braces strength. leaving the height of the braces higher will probably at least double their strength again. So, what you are doing is correct mechanically. I have been enjoying this series of videos very much so far. Thanks for making and sharing them.
I’m watching this 9/2023. I’ve watched Olaf work w hide glue and he uses loose cotton fibers and water on old glue for 10 mins. It softens the glue and makes it easy to wipe away. Olaf’s argument is that hide glue has been used for 5000 yrs and once you know how to use it it can last forever although humidity can affect it. New glues rarely last 30yrs. Olaf works on violins in Australia. Love your show.
For the Hyde glue I’d recommend gelled water. Use a synthetic clay/water mix to make a gel. The gel prevents the water from soaking down and keeps the water on the surface to soften the glue up and make it easier to scrape. For a reference, check out Baumgardner Restorations here on UA-cam. Granted he’s working on paintings and not guitars. But if it’s safe enough to prevent water damage for a 300-400 year old canvas painting, I’d say it would be safe on a guitar. He also uses it on frames and stretchers, as well as paintings on wood to remove Hyde/rabbit skin glue. I think it would’ve made this process tremendously easier.
That glue looks like the resin glue my Dad used to use for wood working before the modern PVA type carpenter's glues became popular. It came as a powder that you mixed with warm water and it dried a dark, reddish brown. It stuck the wood really well but any squeeze out was as brittle as glass.
Having a Martin repair tech tell me he was having a problem getting the top of my 30 year old D series to flatten out- and watching you working on this OO series, I’m wondering how you could ever solve the problem once and for all. I think every guitar I’ve ever owned has suffered from neck and bridge issues. It’s just the nature of the beast!
I may be wrong, but it looked like there was a small brace that was taken off but not replaced. Perhaps Jerry caught it before he glued the top back on. I guess we’ll find out in the next episode. Regardless, this repair is really looking much better!
You should have done a cover of Nanci Griffith’s “Listen to the Radio” for this one. “I got a 00-18 Martin guitar in the back seat of my car and I’m leaving Mississippi with the radio on”
I have always used imperial and metric, but I never understood the relationship between the two. It is only since watching Jerry that I have gained an idea of this. A real game changer was the 0.040" is roughly 1mm. Now I am working in thousands, much more than I use mm, but I can convert easily for those without an idea of inches.
One thing that surprised me was not putting a straight edge on the underside (top), under all clamps, when clamping the braces in. But, he's the master.
Dear Jerry I pity you ! What a mess I can't imagine the guys from Martin doing such a disaster. It's such a nice feeling to see this guitar re-born again !
Jerry, everyone can see that your hands are hurting. Ever give any thought about the new sanding/cutting/vibrating tools? I have used them with some success, though you have to be very careful on account of the power in the tool can do some kind of damage. But removing tons of glue might be a great use for these brutes!
Should you fill in the space on the x-brace that the old plate went under? You mentioned that that may have contributed to the bow, at least weakened the brace. You could have used a slice of the old plate that was already tucked under. Wow! What a mess!!
Looks like you forgot to replace the short brace that you took away from the bass side of the top. I hope you caught that one. I'll be looking for part three to see.
The purpose of the scalloped bracing is not for loos, it’s so the top can vibrate . The environment it was stored in was too much for the scalloped bracing. You made a wise decision by compromising on scalloping the new braces.
You have the instrument in hand, so if I'm wrong I'm not surprised, but from the side views I've seen in this video of some of the original braces, they don't look particularly well quartered.
The excessive glue you discovered inside the back and sides would make me want to think twice about tackling the removal. However, you did, and as always, watching you clean these messes is more than entertaining for me.
Love your videos Jerry. And this one is fascinating. I find the floating screen within the screen to be distracting when it happens. I am not sure you need it or that it does anything good.
Really enjoying all of your videos and learning a ton. Just wondering if it would be possible to use your steam needle to remove the braces from the top of the Martin D 18?
I've gotta ask. Why carve down the braces at all? Is it for looks, weight? I don't get Why they are not just cut to size but then again I'm not a luthier, just a curious admirer of excellent work.
I’m 74 years old and fairly new to the guitar world. In fact I’m in the process of learning how to play. I’m addicted to this channel and find it fascinating. I’m learning so much about Guitars from watching them being repaired. Thank you.
And he has complete video series of builds right from the beginning. I never thought about the bracing inside guitars until I started watching this channel. 😀
Sorry that looks just like my old guitar. It got smashed by seat in truck. Friend reclined on it. I used gorilla glue and those toothpicks to help solidify the face, and the back. Broke my heart. Left it at a guitar shop for repairs, and couldn’t afford to pick it up. Supposed to have belonged to Jerry g!! Gifted to a music teacher.
I like your approach to repairs. Very methodical, patient and then observation for results. Excellent lesson, thank you.
“Feel free to disagree with me, I can’t force you to be correct”😅. Killing me!😅😅😅
Restoring that guitar was a MONUMENTAL task wow. Great job Jerry! Thanks for the fun🎉
Bravo, bravissimo Signor Rosa !!!
Jerry, your dry sense of humor just kills me…rope burns LOL. Anyway, you are amazing bringing the wrecks back to life. ❤️
One tough fix Jerry. Congrats!
One reason we love your videos, Jerry it’s because it’s almost like we’re in your head hearing your thoughts. You do such a great job explaining. I love it when you think about trying to make a decision about what to do. “ I think I might do this or maybe do this first no I’ll go ahead and do that one.” It’s great
This is almost a 'chocolate' level rebuild... The education and wisdom in this one is fantastic.
Love the laid back, amusing and super honest narration on this and all your videos. It's always a treat when I see a new post by RSW.
I love these videos. Very informative and strangely relaxing to watch. I'd love to be able to tear apart a guitar and rebuild it like he does. A true art.
So many thanks Jerry, Don here from Hamilton NZ on my Wife's tablet (Susan) I'm just a poor guitarist, But I Really love your videos and you're explaining as you go ,Sincere Thanks, regards Don
You are a saint for dealing with that glue. Harsh on your poor hands. You are good mandolin player, hope you can maintain both skills. ❤
I'm glad I found you
The improvement is already enormous. Thanks very much for showing the process. Thumbs up to crush a troll, and the same thing on your son's channel.
😎 Thanks RSW ⚓️ When I get at a mess like that…. I find scraping…. Then score the mess… crisscross… to allow the sudsy water penetrate. Tough job 🎸
Pleasure to watch an artist at work.
It's funny how you acknowledge someone in the future might critique your work, but it's day and night better that the work you replaced. Good work enjoy watching.
I'm getting ready to build my first Guitar ( 000 12 fret slot head ) from StewMac and watching these vidios gives me some awesome knowledge. I have a door shop and installed for 30 years so that helps some I hope. Learned a lot from your vids, thanks.
11/10 for dedication and ingenuity!
We've come to expect that from you, Jerry!
Ha ha! I loved Caleb's comment! "...Is it going to cost 6 million Dollars?" Nice one Caleb. :)
And Jerry says he never talks! First class comment Caleb!
Hi Happy to see Part 2 Boy you are cleaning it up (you almost needed a shovel for the amount of old glue) - enjoyed the new video inserts - you have to keep trying new stuff - the proof will be in the final sound & playability.
Another fantastic video keep them coming Jerry, thanks
Emeri is doing a great job producing
"If it don't work and it don't play and you can't use it; what good is it? I mean you can sit it on a shelf and look at it but what's that do for you?" ROFLOL! Best realist statement ever! 😂
I like your song, "It's in the Wind," Jerry. Cool fiddle player, too, IMO.
I like the way you explain grain direction and strangh . So many people don't get it .
I took this video as inspiration to fix the bracing on my Yamaha. Thanks. I used trimmed clothes pins for clamps ( against the back side ), and it seriously made the guitar both better bass, and brighter.
You never fail to satisfy me, Mr. Rosa.
Hi Jerry;
With the braces, additional height adds considerably more strength per millimeter than additional width does. Just by eliminating that cutaway for the bridge plate you probably quadrupled that braces strength. leaving the height of the braces higher will probably at least double their strength again. So, what you are doing is correct mechanically. I have been enjoying this series of videos very much so far. Thanks for making and sharing them.
Now it's a real ordeal to restore. Cost is to be considered for sure (making a new top).
Very interesting to watch and learn. Thank you Jerry 🎶🎶🎶👌
Doctor Jerry, that is!
Excellent work Mr Jerry!
Jerry did you forget the little side brace
I’m watching this 9/2023. I’ve watched Olaf work w hide glue and he uses loose cotton fibers and water on old glue for 10 mins. It softens the glue and makes it easy to wipe away. Olaf’s argument is that hide glue has been used for 5000 yrs and once you know how to use it it can last forever although humidity can affect it. New glues rarely last 30yrs. Olaf works on violins in Australia. Love your show.
Nice work and instruction
that lady singing HE CUT ME has one heck of a voice.
For the Hyde glue I’d recommend gelled water.
Use a synthetic clay/water mix to make a gel. The gel prevents the water from soaking down and keeps the water on the surface to soften the glue up and make it easier to scrape.
For a reference, check out Baumgardner Restorations here on UA-cam. Granted he’s working on paintings and not guitars.
But if it’s safe enough to prevent water damage for a 300-400 year old canvas painting, I’d say it
would be safe on a guitar.
He also uses it on frames and stretchers, as well as paintings on wood to remove Hyde/rabbit skin glue.
I think it would’ve made this process tremendously easier.
Nice work Jerry.
I sure do hope you replaced that small brace on the top before it got all glued up.
Better than a series on Netflix !😘
lots of time and effort!
Jerry FWIW I did some research on the Martins a cpl yrs ago - the tops are FLAT. The backs do have a slight radius.
Don’t forget about the bass side fan brace!
After that first episode, I’m looking forward to this wreck getting finished up.
That glue looks like the resin glue my Dad used to use for wood working before the modern PVA type carpenter's glues became popular. It came as a powder that you mixed with warm water and it dried a dark, reddish brown. It stuck the wood really well but any squeeze out was as brittle as glass.
@dhouse Wouldn't that be waterproof?
@dhouse They are probably similar products except for whatever makes the Rescorcinol waterproof
Great content, thanks.
And at the end Jerry will sing to us a nice song as usual
Good job my friend
Nice work Jerry
great to be so close to a serious master
Opinions are like bungholes, everybody has one!
Still can’t wait to hear it playing when you’re done I bet the owners going to be thrilled
The Glue on the Back, made me think of Hardened Caramel, like you'd see on a Candy Apple...
Wow Jerry, a lot to contend with on this one ! Great job so far tho!
I love the way Jerry can rescue the hopeless cases.
Having a Martin repair tech tell me he was having a problem getting the top of my 30 year old D series to flatten out- and watching you working on this OO series, I’m wondering how you could ever solve the problem once and for all. I think every guitar I’ve ever owned has suffered from neck and bridge issues. It’s just the nature of the beast!
lol@a mill and a 1/4 and keleb's wise crack......thanks for the vid RSW
6 million $ man takes me back to my childhood 🤠
I may be wrong, but it looked like there was a small brace that was taken off but not replaced. Perhaps Jerry caught it before he glued the top back on. I guess we’ll find out in the next episode. Regardless, this repair is really looking much better!
Enjoying the progress!!
Sticky as a lollypop ! Ah Ah, you made me laugh 😂😂😂
You should have done a cover of Nanci Griffith’s “Listen to the Radio” for this one. “I got a 00-18 Martin guitar in the back seat of my car and I’m leaving Mississippi with the radio on”
I have always used imperial and metric, but I never understood the relationship between the two. It is only since watching Jerry that I have gained an idea of this. A real game changer was the 0.040" is roughly 1mm. Now I am working in thousands, much more than I use mm, but I can convert easily for those without an idea of inches.
This is definitely a serious rebuild. I was wondering that you still have a short brace to put back on the top.
I'm shouting that too!
Removing old softened glue I rub saw dust on it . You might have some laying around. It keeps it off of fingers and tools.
More great content and editing!
One thing that surprised me was not putting a straight edge on the underside (top), under all clamps, when clamping the braces in. But, he's the master.
Dear Jerry I pity you ! What a mess I can't imagine the guys from Martin doing such a disaster. It's such a nice feeling to see this guitar re-born again !
Overtime wood takes new shape and likes it.. It's like a person wants back his younger face but the old face stay put
That top looks like a war time top. The grain is very wide indicating a lack of beam strength.
Jerry, everyone can see that your hands are hurting. Ever give any thought about the new sanding/cutting/vibrating tools? I have used them with some success, though you have to be very careful on account of the power in the tool can do some kind of damage. But removing tons of glue might be a great use for these brutes!
Wonder if they put so much glue in the top repairs that it dripped onto the bottom when the guitar was turned over?
Should you fill in the space on the x-brace that the old plate went under? You mentioned that that may have contributed to the bow, at least weakened the brace. You could have used a slice of the old plate that was already tucked under. Wow! What a mess!!
Looks like you forgot to replace the short brace that you took away from the bass side of the top. I hope you caught that one. I'll be looking for part three to see.
"Feel free to disagree with me, I can't force you to be correct" Now I'm Definitively stealing that one.
The purpose of the scalloped bracing is not for loos, it’s so the top can vibrate . The environment it was stored in was too much for the scalloped bracing. You made a wise decision by compromising on scalloping the new braces.
You have the instrument in hand, so if I'm wrong I'm not surprised, but from the side views I've seen in this video of some of the original braces, they don't look particularly well quartered.
I would put a really big strong brace right behind the bridge and force the top straight.
You're forgetting a short tone brace on the top. I hope you notice it, and put in on before top reinstallation.
The excessive glue you discovered inside the back and sides would make me want to think twice about tackling the removal. However, you did, and as always, watching you clean these messes is more than entertaining for me.
Is there a short brace missing on the top up by the waist? Looks like you can see where the original one was glued in.
YOU ARE BATMAN!!!!!!!!!
11:00 Houston, we have a problem!
Love your videos Jerry. And this one is fascinating. I find the floating screen within the screen to be distracting when it happens. I am not sure you need it or that it does anything good.
Still interested to know what year this Martin was made. Would take a couple of minutes, if that, to find out.
Do you remember which video was the one where you showed how you sharpen the scrapers? Just got a set
Really enjoying all of your videos and learning a ton. Just wondering if it would be possible to use your steam needle to remove the braces from the top of the Martin D 18?
Jerry you are to strong ❤️
The tapping tone at 42:45 sounded like an B flat to me. I checked it twice.
I'd call this a Lazarus guitar.
as usual, the worst part of the repair is undoing the old repair work.
Perhaps if you had painted a little adhesive remover on the glue it would come off much easier ,,,,
Love the song He Cut Me
Obviously the CA a glue helps to seal cracks but does it creat more cracks down the road?
I've gotta ask. Why carve down the braces at all? Is it for looks, weight? I don't get Why they are not just cut to size but then again I'm not a luthier, just a curious admirer of excellent work.
It's a Martin!!! It's worth fixing!! Replace the braces,
I was thinking they spilled some glue down the sound hole by accident.
"We have the technology".
Have you tried vacuum pressing for such repairs??