At a youth-based rock school I help with someone recently donated three student-sized nylon stringed guitars “for the kids”. Several hours after they left I opened the cases. Besides the two no-name starter guitars was a 1916 Martin 00-18. We called them and they had no clue what they had given away. We had to convince them to take it back. Thankfully we hadn’t let the kids get ahold of it. The guitar was astonishingly light and delicate. It sounded great though!
I sincerely appreciate the history lessons of the instruments you work on. It is clear you care about them and it's no wonder why people want to send you their instruments from far and wide. Thanks for posting.
@Khail Kupsky spoiler alert Hateful 8 by Quentin Tarantino... the female prisoner is singing a folk song and Kurt Russell's character gets all miffed and picks up the guitar smashing it to bits. The guitar was a priceless vintage Martin and for the smashing part, a substitute duplicate was supposed to be in that scene. Kurt Russell didn't wait for the break, picked up the Martin and smashed it to bits. The look of horror on the actress's face is real, very real.
Well, that was an education, no doubt about it. A lot in this video I didn't know. The history was very interesting, not to mention the repair itself. Nicely done. Thanks for sharing.
I have a 2 1/2 17 from August 1880 that Hugh Hansen repaired about 12 years ago and it is absolutely wonderful to play and record. It is mahogany with a spruce top and was almost completely destroyed when Hugh got it but he brought it back to life. I think the biggest mistake people make when recording these types of guitars is first, using the wrong microphone and second, trying to get the guitar to do more than it actually does with the wrong microphone preamp settings. Even though the guitar is lower in volume because of the gut strings I prefer to use something like an AKG 451 or Neumann EL 84 placed two or 3 feet from the guitar top and run it through a great preamp and open up the input gain. I use a Manley vox box for most things like this , and yes that microphone and preamp selection is indeed a luxury but you can treat this guitar the same way with much less expensive gear and get a much better results than with more contemporary techniques. As always that’s a great video!
Yes, these little parlour guitars often have such wonderful voices, especially when played as single note melody or lead instruments. Not as good when they are chorded. Thanks for the show, Ted.
Huge amount of history in that guitar. One of my Gretsch Monkees guitars has a lot of history in its relatively short life, as well. I was lucky to find that history.
Always great vids i have fixed three guitars since watching your top notch skills three broken knecks all playing great thanks for sharing ur skills shout out from Scotland
When I was young and at that time I used to restore antiques. The finest old types of furniture from early 19th century around Chicago. You amaze me Sir !!! I love your expertise !!!
Thank you so much for all that "in depth" information🙏 ! Since years I'm hungry for any Martin Details and started to build guitars on my own...but I never learned so much about that company in so short time...Best, Jojo Büld
That tuned up really sweet. Beautiful work. I know how hard it is to tune a moderately old out-of-shape guitar, this shows the quality of the restoration.
This was so nice on so many levels, I really appreciate your explanation especially for repairs of the past. We didn't have the internet or UA-cam in the 1970s to get world wide consensus on how things should be done. Or the ease to view a pencil date inside a guitar, it's just grandpa's old guitar. I inherited my father's Washburn New Model mandolin that he was given in the 1970s. I thought it was probably made in the 30s, and just recently found out it was 1889. It's 130 years old and still sounds like new. Just like old guitars, not worth much except sentimental value. Thanks for your content and sharing your knowledge and talent. My brother is an instrument repair tech and I have an appreciation for the skill involved.
Thanks for these videos, Ted. I learn a lot every time. I won't dump a whole bunch of "you're a genius" type of stuff on you. I'm sure it gets old. How about a simple, I appreciate it.
I’m so glad I came across your channel, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the content. I have a 54 Martin D28 that was my grandfathers, I haven’t taken it out of the case in at least 10 years (life happens) and when I did recently I was heart broken. The top has cracked around the pick guard in a couple places and the wood is cupped along with the pick guard, the bridge also needs some work. I used to play (although not that great) and have recently been wanting to take it up again. I wish you were in my neck of the woods, I have no idea who to take it to and certainly wouldn’t trust it with “just anyone”. This guitar is by far my most prized possession
@@user-otzlixr yep, it's juvenile I know but it always makes me laugh. When I was a kid, working as a furniture mover, an item on an invoice was listed as "one loose green stool". 50 years ago but it still makes me smile.
Shawns little riff at the start of some of your videos has gotten stuck in my head and not in a bad way. I find myself humming it thruout the day and even playing it when im noodling haha. Thanks Shawn :-)
I repaired an 1857 2 1/2, and replaced a brace, and bridge plate (VERY carefully) because the owner wanted to string with x light silk and steels. I completely agree with minimal/ authentic wood repair, and I used a stash of late 19th century spruce top wood from a trashed ancient Tilton. A half step flat is imperative, and as far as I know, the customer is still enjoying it. Wonderful guitars! The Brazilian they used is incredible!
The sound is actually excellent - very like a classical guitar without the bass overtones. The felt pick suits it well. Excellent restoration. A Ted classic and, as usual, full of respect for the instrument.
He gets up every mornin hits the basement yawnin grabs the Martin and puts on some new strings, a little truss rod adjustin and a flip he will be bustin when he sees that the nut needs some filing. And Ted is takin care o bizness, everyday takin care o bizness, looks like Randy B! And you never know when BTO is gonna visit Big T but, until they do, Ted is the best Luthier in Big C. Enjoying the great work and education. You really have a gift. Thank you
I'd just like to say that I appreciate your attention to the history of an instrument, as well as the fact that the instrument was made to e played, not just looked at. So many out there seem too quick to say "replace all of those" or just "refinish that" or even " it is too old just use it as decoration". You have said (and I agree) that while sometimes some or even all of these may be the "right" course of action there there is often another alternative that does more. You always seek to find that balance between history and playability, Keeping the instrument in service doing what it was meant to do. Thank you. P.S. I don't care what your work stool cover looks like, just keep fixing these instruments
every time i see you in your apron at the end, i feel like you’re a blacksmith who’s also a bard. lol keep putting out this quality man. i love watching you restore guitars.
Interesting guitar! Very pretty playing at the end of the video, too. I've heard that pick-and-upstrum technique before but never *seen* how it's done. Gonna have to practice that!
Oldest guitar I’ve worked on was from what I could tell a 1901 Martin. The center strip and a brace had been replaced at one time, so it was hard to identify. It was a spruce top, rosewood sides, and a birch back, which I thought was strange. Very thin material used on these
You've got the most satisfying job in the world. What I like is ...you get straight stuck into repair work...I'd shit myself...Thanks.... it was a pleasure to watch and very therapeutic
I own a 2-17 from about 1927 or 8. I don't remember. I picked it up 20 + yrs ago when I owned Music Stores. It had a rough life. Pick up installed with pots on the top, lah blah blah. I haven't touched it yet. Another project for retirement. I have some of those dating well over 30 yrs. Customers are always first. :( Great vids. Thank You.
Very cute little Acoustic Guitar. These old Acoustic Guitars were built for Gut Strings & today we use Nylon as the Modern Equivalent. It came strung w/ Nylon Strings (D'addario Ball end Folk Nylon Strings with Black Nylon Trebles & Silver Plated Wound Basses) which is a sucsess.
That's quite lovely. BTW, I'd enjoy seeing a video about work maintaining the shop. Tool maintenance other than sharpening, that sort of thing. It would be interesting to get some insights into your experience at Lee Valley, too.
Nice picking and strumming technique at the end. I like how you play each instrument in a style suited for it's vintage. And of course, the luthiery parts are fantastic too, as usual, as well as the historical information. Bravo!
I'm a quite old Martin. I don't sound as good as this one though
Don’t sell yerself short.
@@Claytone-Records honesty isn't selling myself short!
Give yourself another year, or a hundred- maybe you'll get better..
Maybe you just need a good tune-up and cleaning.
@@tinman8518 i think i just need thinner, longer fingers
"Under your beloved's window, on your velocipede.." You old romantic, you!
I’m thinking manuped or humber-tricycle. He was a player with a nice ride that scored often. historically and scientifically speaking. A chad.
At a youth-based rock school I help with someone recently donated three student-sized nylon stringed guitars “for the kids”. Several hours after they left I opened the cases. Besides the two no-name starter guitars was a 1916 Martin 00-18. We called them and they had no clue what they had given away. We had to convince them to take it back. Thankfully we hadn’t let the kids get ahold of it. The guitar was astonishingly light and delicate. It sounded great though!
Man, the grain on the sides is beautiful.
I was thinking the same. That grain is unique.
I laughed out loud at "Those first heady months of Benjamin Harrison's presidency." I bet you are tons of fun at pub trivia.
Or in the case of his grandfather, that heady month of his presidency.
That's Hedley.... Lamarr
I sincerely appreciate the history lessons of the instruments you work on. It is clear you care about them and it's no wonder why people want to send you their instruments from far and wide. Thanks for posting.
Now this is seriously cool, just don't let Kurt Russell near it.
Wow I forgot all about that story I guess that was a true story then what a f****** shame that was
Mr.Ted; do you think you could have repaired that guitar? BTW, blame Martin,,,they should have never lent the guitar.
@Khail Kupsky spoiler alert Hateful 8 by Quentin Tarantino... the female prisoner is singing a folk song and Kurt Russell's character gets all miffed and picks up the guitar smashing it to bits. The guitar was a priceless vintage Martin and for the smashing part, a substitute duplicate was supposed to be in that scene. Kurt Russell didn't wait for the break, picked up the Martin and smashed it to bits. The look of horror on the actress's face is real, very real.
@@that_thing_I_do wow, i hadn't heard that before! Belter!
Me neigther.living proof of why you should never let someone touch or even near your guitar especialy people that dont play.
"Before automobile, and Spandex" two things that clearly define the modern age. This guys makes my day.
Thanks for all the history!
Thank you for the journeys you keep taking with these instruments!
What a piece of history! Amazing, thanks for sharing
Great information and history, amazing repair as always. Thank you Mr. Woodford.
Wow! Timeless craftsmanship.
This is the kind of content we subscribe for. Excellent work Mr. Woodford.
The amount of history you know... and your ability to communicate it... bravo. Just bravo.
I love your level of investigation prior to proceeding with any work. Your insight into prior repairs is appreciated very much.
Another well done restoration. Really like the music you've added at the beginning
Brilliant repairs. Preserving history. TY for sharing. MH
Lovely and thorough craftsmanship.
Very much appreciate your perspective on the issues involved here. Thanks, as always, for posting this.
I absolutely love the new intro. Just makes me smile.
You my friend are an absolute master in your craft, I always enjoy your videos and content.
I always love the way a GOOD small bodied guitar sounds.
wonderful work Ted, Thank you
I love watching you work, and I am jealous you get to do it for a living!
Absolutely Marvellous work !. A great pleasure to watch. Greetings from Scotland 🏴.
Well, that was an education, no doubt about it. A lot in this video I didn't know. The history was very interesting, not to mention the repair itself. Nicely done. Thanks for sharing.
Such a great piece of history there. Very nice!
This thing is gorgeous!
This is fantastic information. Haven't seen these vids previously. The guitar world is truly amazing. My hat's off to you Sir - if I had had one on.
I have a 2 1/2 17 from August 1880 that Hugh Hansen repaired about 12 years ago and it is absolutely wonderful to play and record. It is mahogany with a spruce top and was almost completely destroyed when Hugh got it but he brought it back to life.
I think the biggest mistake people make when recording these types of guitars is first, using the wrong microphone and second, trying to get the guitar to do more than it actually does with the wrong microphone preamp settings.
Even though the guitar is lower in volume because of the gut strings I prefer to use something like an AKG 451 or Neumann EL 84 placed two or 3 feet from the guitar top and run it through a great preamp and open up the input gain. I use a Manley vox box for most things like this , and yes that microphone and preamp selection is indeed a luxury but you can treat this guitar the same way with much less expensive gear and get a much better results than with more contemporary techniques.
As always that’s a great video!
Yes, these little parlour guitars often have such wonderful voices, especially when played as single note melody or lead instruments. Not as good when they are chorded. Thanks for the show, Ted.
@@dooleyfussle8634 KR116 strings would be good
Huge amount of history in that guitar. One of my Gretsch Monkees guitars has a lot of history in its relatively short life, as well. I was lucky to find that history.
This Martin sounds Great! Hopefully someone will love playing it once again. Nice Work
Those old Martins are simply magnificent - incomparable
Informative, entertaining and educational. Can’t ask for more. 👍
Always great vids i have fixed three guitars since watching your top notch skills three broken knecks all playing great thanks for sharing ur skills shout out from Scotland
When I was young and at that time I used to restore antiques. The finest old types of furniture from early 19th century around Chicago. You amaze me Sir !!! I love your expertise !!!
Thank you so much for all that "in depth" information🙏 ! Since years I'm hungry for any Martin Details and started to build guitars on my own...but I never learned so much about that company in so short time...Best, Jojo Büld
That tuned up really sweet. Beautiful work. I know how hard it is to tune a moderately old out-of-shape guitar, this shows the quality of the restoration.
I really enjoy your videos, and your playing! My only wish is that I lived closer to your shop!!
Really interesting. I love your commentary. Thank you.✌️❤️🙏🇦🇺
I love the beautiful hand written "7" even when writing quickly these guys made something stylish
This was so nice on so many levels, I really appreciate your explanation especially for repairs of the past. We didn't have the internet or UA-cam in the 1970s to get world wide consensus on how things should be done. Or the ease to view a pencil date inside a guitar, it's just grandpa's old guitar.
I inherited my father's Washburn New Model mandolin that he was given in the 1970s. I thought it was probably made in the 30s, and just recently found out it was 1889. It's 130 years old and still sounds like new.
Just like old guitars, not worth much except sentimental value.
Thanks for your content and sharing your knowledge and talent. My brother is an instrument repair tech and I have an appreciation for the skill involved.
Thanks for these videos, Ted. I learn a lot every time. I won't dump a whole bunch of "you're a genius" type of stuff on you. I'm sure it gets old. How about a simple, I appreciate it.
I’m so glad I came across your channel, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the content.
I have a 54 Martin D28 that was my grandfathers, I haven’t taken it out of the case in at least 10 years (life happens) and when I did recently I was heart broken. The top has cracked around the pick guard in a couple places and the wood is cupped along with the pick guard, the bridge also needs some work. I used to play (although not that great) and have recently been wanting to take it up again. I wish you were in my neck of the woods, I have no idea who to take it to and certainly wouldn’t trust it with “just anyone”. This guitar is by far my most prized possession
As long as it doesn't bother you, I guess we prefer more acoustic guitar videos versus a fixed stool cover 😁😁
They make some very nice stool covers. I have one on my work bench stool. Nice.
Those of us who live in the Arctic generally dig a little hole in the tundra and cover any stools we leave with a bit of moss.
@@user-otzlixr yep, it's juvenile I know but it always makes me laugh. When I was a kid, working as a furniture mover, an item on an invoice was listed as "one loose green stool". 50 years ago but it still makes me smile.
lovely sound !
I've learned so much from your videos. Thanks for the exact level of luthier nerdery I'm looking for.
Sounds great thank you for velocipede that made my day....
"The one that's obviously high". Guilty as charged. 😊
Another fabulous and informative video, thank you. I don't understand how some people are giving this a thumbs down. What's not to like?
Your knowledge of what to do is remarkable
Really enjoyed this one!
genius craftsman. all the best
Shawns little riff at the start of some of your videos has gotten stuck in my head and not in a bad way. I find myself humming it thruout the day and even playing it when im noodling haha. Thanks Shawn :-)
Sounds great! Has a lot of volume and nice tone....dang!
This is so cool to see, and it’s funny you mention that second book. I recently acquired a copy myself
My dad left me a 3/4 size Martin from about 1865 I believe, still plays beautifully. Very grateful.
Wowsa! What a sweetie.
Nice intro tune.
Beautiful playing Ted ❤️
Really nice piece of Martin history
Just sat down with my coffee and this popped up! Good way to start the day.
+100 ads unless your smart
I repaired an 1857 2 1/2, and replaced a brace, and bridge plate (VERY carefully) because the owner wanted to string with x light silk and steels. I completely agree with minimal/ authentic wood repair, and I used a stash of late 19th century spruce top wood from a trashed ancient Tilton. A half step flat is imperative, and as far as I know, the customer is still enjoying it. Wonderful guitars! The Brazilian they used is incredible!
Great info and history
Thanks a bunch. I really enjoyed that. Appreciated.
sounds sweet to me beautiful tone it has
what a sweet sound ❤
That guitar has a sweet sound❤️
"The LaSt GuY did it". Love the cheeky voice. 😄 You could make a whole series of jokes or memes about The Last Guy:)
The sound is actually excellent - very like a classical guitar without the bass overtones. The felt pick suits it well. Excellent restoration. A Ted classic and, as usual, full of respect for the instrument.
A plastic pick gives you a good folk singer sound like Willie nelson. It's trigger
He gets up every mornin hits the basement yawnin grabs the Martin and puts on some new strings, a little truss rod adjustin and a flip he will be bustin when he sees that the nut needs some filing. And Ted is takin care o bizness, everyday takin care o bizness, looks like Randy B! And you never know when BTO is gonna visit Big T but, until they do, Ted is the best Luthier in Big C. Enjoying the great work and education. You really have a gift. Thank you
I'd just like to say that I appreciate your attention to the history of an instrument, as well as the fact that the instrument was made to e played, not just looked at. So many out there seem too quick to say "replace all of those" or just "refinish that" or even " it is too old just use it as decoration". You have said (and I agree) that while sometimes some or even all of these may be the "right" course of action there there is often another alternative that does more. You always seek to find that balance between history and playability, Keeping the instrument in service doing what it was meant to do. Thank you. P.S. I don't care what your work stool cover looks like, just keep fixing these instruments
Great video. A fine slice of Americana!
I love the figuring on the sides.
Great book!!
probably the best filmed Luthier channel
It has that "Trigger" kind of sound! Lovely!
Fantastic information thank you
First time I've ever seen that suction cup trick! Great idea!
I like it. It's beautiful.
Thank you, I needed that.
This is so cool. Great content, as usual.
every time i see you in your apron at the end, i feel like you’re a blacksmith who’s also a bard. lol
keep putting out this quality man. i love watching you restore guitars.
A blacksmith/carpenter who is also a bard is basically the DND definition of a luthier lol
Glad to see a vid up, I was worried about you....
Interesting guitar! Very pretty playing at the end of the video, too. I've heard that pick-and-upstrum technique before but never *seen* how it's done. Gonna have to practice that!
Well done!
Always informative!
Oldest guitar I’ve worked on was from what I could tell a 1901 Martin. The center strip and a brace had been replaced at one time, so it was hard to identify. It was a spruce top, rosewood sides, and a birch back, which I thought was strange. Very thin material used on these
Nice, just in time for my first Sunday morning beer.👍
You've got the most satisfying job in the world. What I like is ...you get straight stuck into repair work...I'd shit myself...Thanks.... it was a pleasure to watch and very therapeutic
That things a cannon!!!
Little but mighty....
Great post oh great one..
I say that because you're deserving of that!!
Thanks for the background information.
I own a 2-17 from about 1927 or 8. I don't remember. I picked it up 20 + yrs ago when I owned Music Stores. It had a rough life. Pick up installed with pots on the top, lah blah blah. I haven't touched it yet. Another project for retirement. I have some of those dating well over 30 yrs. Customers are always first. :(
Great vids. Thank You.
Very cute little Acoustic Guitar. These old Acoustic Guitars were built for Gut Strings & today we use Nylon as the Modern Equivalent. It came strung w/ Nylon Strings (D'addario Ball end Folk Nylon Strings with Black Nylon Trebles & Silver Plated Wound Basses) which is a sucsess.
That's quite lovely.
BTW, I'd enjoy seeing a video about work maintaining the shop. Tool maintenance other than sharpening, that sort of thing. It would be interesting to get some insights into your experience at Lee Valley, too.
Great post. I hope Ted reads these , others have mentioned a shop maintenance video too.
I know I will in the future too.
Thank you.. cool old guitar.
Great video, thanks.
That was cool! Thanks.
Nice picking and strumming technique at the end. I like how you play each instrument in a style suited for it's vintage. And of course, the luthiery parts are fantastic too, as usual, as well as the historical information. Bravo!
Nice to hear a little guitar intro to your video.