I also have a 1935 Martin 0-18K and am amazed at the tone of this Koa guitar. What it arrived I brought it to my luthier in Seoul and he was amazed at the tone. So much so that he mapped the internal bracing because he thought that there must be something special there. After mapping the bracing, he found that it was the standard bracing of the era. He decided the wonderful tone had to be due to the age of the Koa wood and the hide glue construction. These are truly amazing guitars!
I cant imagine just how intimidating it must be to repair heirlooms , literally pieces of history. And you do it with poise and confidence. Really cool watching you work
Watching you do this work has really enlightened me. I used to fear doing this kind of work. Now I wouldn’t think twice (about sending you the guitar).
What a wonderful guitar. That sound was amazing. Its been cared for so well and taken to good luthiers. The trick of the alcohol was amazing too. I am learning so much from your channel!
Thank you so much for making these videos. Your process is so well thought out. You are also very honest, with no false pretenses. I am a Violin luthier who plays guitar. I am beginning to venture into guitar repair. At least my own guitars. Your observations are so similar to that used in violin work. There are many variables that have to be accounted for and different approaches used to resolve problems. All of that is influenced by the “do no harm” creed.
When a friend of mine won an Emmy award (she actually won the following year also), she called me over to help assemble it. When you win the award, it has a blank base. The engraved base comes later in the mail. The only way to remove and install the base is to take a razor blade to cut a small hole in the felt underneath so that you can get a tool through the felt base to remove the nut holding the base in place. When I told her "I have to take a razor blade to your Emmy award" she understood, but I could tell was a little freaked about it. Seeing you take an iron to this guitar kinda reminded me of that. It's all good.
I was a little surprised at the tone, it sounds much bigger and fuller than I expected. I’m watching the video on an iPad with some amplified JBL speakers and it really sounded nice. Very impressed with the repairs as well. I have some experience but that fingerboard extension would have been too stressful for me on such a historic instrument. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, the alcohol on the finish ghosting seemed to work very well and it’s nice to understand when to use it.
I have no intention of ever repairing a guitar. I just enjoy watching you work. I do play guitar a little but I would never try anything you do. Just like seeing you repair these beautiful instruments.
Another excellent video. I love your honest, pragmatic approach. It's also great that this instrument is being played, not just on a wall or in a case, kept as an investment.
Amazing sound. All I knew about the Martin 18, was a faded memory from playing one in the 60s, and it was of an incomparable sound. This one's even better.
I have learned so much by watching your videos I felt confident enough to fix the action on a vintage acoustic I purchased some time ago. I was able to identify the root causes of the problems and correct most of them. I am still working on the bridge, but am confident it will come out as good as the other work I have done on the nut and bracing. You are a skilled craftsman, teacher and dare I say a true genius and the only one I know with a doctorate in guitarology. Brilliant!
You are very very good at what you do. Repairmen that are true craftsmen like yourself are becoming more and more rare in the guitar world it seems. Thanks for posting!
Hi Tom! I just wanted to say I LOVE your work, and this channel. I’m a subscriber to another luthiery channel that concentrates mainly on building, and electric guitars (Crimson Guitars, if you’re interested!), but watching what you do, coupled with the clear explanations you give for WHY you do what you do gives me the confidence to have a go at my own repairs/adjustments. Obviously, I won’t be starting on anything too valuable…! Keep up the fantastic work, and thank you!
Hi there! I appreciate your work and your humble attitude. Thank you for a great channel. This particular guitar reminds me of a Levin 1917 that I have in my poss ession.
I'm a year late finding this but yes, I thought the same thing. More specifically, instantly recognized the sound as a Martin, even through my phone speaker.
I had a similar problem with the fretboard extension on a 45 yr old Japanese Martin d-35 lookalike & took it to a well known repair tech that told me it couldn’t be straightened and to leave it alone. Being frustrated as hell I brought it home and did almost exactly what you did on this one, not as clean of a job but it worked and returned a 45 year old fretboard extension to perfection. After seeing this video I’m really wanting to do it again like your repair but on another guitar someday. Great video really enjoyed it!
I had the very great pleasure (though it was also bittersweet, as my family was attending a memorial service for my wife's uncle) of visiting the Martin factory in Nazareth. I highly recommend that free tour if you are in the area. On the other hand, the trip ended up costing me more than $3,000, because I decided then that I needed an American-made Martin. So I saved for a couple of years and am now the proud owner of a Martin HD-28. I also had at that time a Mexican-made Martin that I used for several years when I used to do bar gigs. I never took the HD-28 to a gig, because it is a whole lot more palatable if an imbiber stumbles into a guitar stand while the band is on break and damages your $450 instrument than one that is 5-6 times that expensive. Great repair job, by the way!
I have a 1941 B-18 fitted with an ebony nut. It recently had a refret and the discussion with my luthier led to shimming the nut rather than replacing. It's only original once.
A lefty,I at first thought the saddle was running the wrong direction, but i see now ,thanks for the video, one must be good to be allowed to touch this guitar for repair
Superb work. Love the sound of it. And the denatured alcohol is quite clever. I'll learn the technique on old cured scrap first, but very nice to hear.
That nut in the original ebony is gorgeous, the owner was quite right to want it redone. You did a real nice job of it, looks beautifully contoured. I have friends that are lefties and would dabble in their upside down world, it's not easy. You play well for a luthier! LOL
I've built a dozen or so "garage build" thin body acoustic electric nylon strung guitars (think Gibson Chet Atkins models). Almost all of mine have had a maple or ebony nut, saddle, or both at one point in time. Switching to bone really does bring out a sharpness that at times isn't what I was going after in the first place. Too bright - to the extent it gives it an overly brittle tone. There's something to be said about a wooden nut/saddle and the warmth it can bring out of your guitar. Thank you for showing this amazing work, sharing your ideas and helping the rest of us do a little better on our own things!
I've picked up a few tricks of the trade from you, so here's one of mine: for delicate/smaller fretboards (mandolins, plastic pickguards that extend up), I use a ski-wax iron directly on the frets, and shop towel on the guitar body with a sheet of aluminum foil over the towel for heat dispersion. The ski wax iron has a smaller and narrower surface area and even at full rip it isn't as hot as a a clothing iron.
It sounds incredible and what a craftsman you are bravo!!! I wish we could see a reaction video to the artist playing their instrument fixed for the first time!!!
I have a 1927 O-18K. It’s had a few repairs and a refinish. I fell in love with the tone the first time I heard it. It’s surprisingly loud. The koa is thin and susceptible to impacts. My impression is that they were originally manufactured as acoustic lap steels.
Man you really know your guitars! I like to think I know a lot about guitars. When I watch your videos, I don't feel that way so much! The O-18k is spectacular!
Subscribed a while ago, but I just clicked the "bell", so hopefully I won't miss any of your uploads. You know what you're doing, mate, and you make a good video.
Hi Ted, I'm a new subscriber, and I'd just like to say that I absolutely love your channel. The commentary is excellent, and I love the little tidbits of industry knowledge. Thank you for sharing :)
It is so obvious watching your videos just how much you love these instruments. You show a lot of respect For the instrument and also for the music that will come out of it. Wonderful stuff!
I’m taking my Martin in for a bone nut and saddle upgrade. I’m going to ask the tech if he will glue the nut as you recommend in this video. Thanks for another excellent video.
Amazing work. I took up guitar building and repair in my 50’s. I never would have become a millionaire but I would have loved to choose this as my career beginning in my 20s. Watching your videos ensure this was my calling.
Was thinking the same. Used for shrinking doped fabric on full size aircraft restorations and for monokote on radio controlled aircraft. Best one I've used is available at Aircraft Spruce: www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/cspages/aviationart09-04837.php
Awesome repair! I've been studying and practicing the luthier trade for 5 years now and I picked up a few tips from this video. I especially like the denatured alcohol trick. I'm working on a 1930 National Triolian now that used to be my great grandfathers which I never met but, he passed it to my grandfather who died in 1975 when I was 4 and left it to my dad who will eventually be leaving it to me when he decides his time is up. This thing is in bad shape someone painted it black with a paintbrush which I'm removing with alcohol. The neck is bowed badly so it's in the neck jig now and I'm going to heat press it tonight or tomorrow and take some measurements to see If I'm going to have to reset the neck or not. The fretboard has dugouts in it from grandpaws fingernails and the 1st fret is about 1/2 way through the fretboard so I am thinking about replacing it. Of course, all the frets are shot as well and it's missing one set of the original tuning keys (I would love to find an original set somewhere). Someone even thought it was a good idea to carve some art designs in the headstock and the neck lol. Where are you located? I'd like to send you some pics of the guitar's condition and pic your brain for some different ideas on the best ways to restore it and preserve its value.
I wish that my doctor took as much care with my body as you take with the guitars entrusted to you. Like any other trade, there are a few like you who take extreme pride in their work and the rest who are just doing a job.
Fantastic work. Beautiful sound. Golden age indeed. Thanks for posting. BTW, your voice is a dead ringer for a YTer that does astronomy related videos (which are great) - parallax nick. Really similar to my ear.
I also use a small iron to heat the end of the fret board. This board is thin, also the frets will help transmit heat down to the wood. On a thicker board I normally want a higher heat. I place 4 layers of tin foil down to protect the top. It works for me. Last thing I want to do is bubble up the finish on the top...Yikes,...a ton of work to fix. I once had a customer bring me a 1845 Martin parlor guitar, black coffin case, New York stamp inside in excellent shape. I called Martin Co. They said the original C.F. could have built it, or at least touched it. Wow, what a trip that was, and even just sitting down and playing it.
I also have a 1935 Martin 0-18K and am amazed at the tone of this Koa guitar. What it arrived I brought it to my luthier in Seoul and he was amazed at the tone. So much so that he mapped the internal bracing because he thought that there must be something special there. After mapping the bracing, he found that it was the standard bracing of the era. He decided the wonderful tone had to be due to the age of the Koa wood and the hide glue construction. These are truly amazing guitars!
I cant imagine just how intimidating it must be to repair heirlooms , literally pieces of history.
And you do it with poise and confidence. Really cool watching you work
Watching you do this work has really enlightened me. I used to fear doing this kind of work. Now I wouldn’t think twice (about sending you the guitar).
This guitar sounds great.
I feel lucky to have this much time with it
Thanks again
Once again, just simply enthralling to see a real artisan work out his method of repair !
He's a total master.
Pleasure to watch him work.
Beautiful repair! I was especially impressed with how invisible the shims under the end of the fingerboard were. Very nice work indeed.
What a wonderful guitar. That sound was amazing. Its been cared for so well and taken to good luthiers. The trick of the alcohol was amazing too. I am learning so much from your channel!
Another fearless repair perfectly executed. The provenance was also amazing.
Thank you so much for making these videos. Your process is so well thought out. You are also very honest, with no false pretenses. I am a Violin luthier who plays guitar. I am beginning to venture into guitar repair. At least my own guitars. Your observations are so similar to that used in violin work. There are many variables that have to be accounted for and different approaches used to resolve problems. All of that is influenced by the “do no harm” creed.
Man, that ebony nut meeting that ebony fretboard is so pretty.
When a friend of mine won an Emmy award (she actually won the following year also), she called me over to help assemble it. When you win the award, it has a blank base. The engraved base comes later in the mail. The only way to remove and install the base is to take a razor blade to cut a small hole in the felt underneath so that you can get a tool through the felt base to remove the nut holding the base in place. When I told her "I have to take a razor blade to your Emmy award" she understood, but I could tell was a little freaked about it. Seeing you take an iron to this guitar kinda reminded me of that. It's all good.
All's well that ends well, eh?
I get that a lot helping friends reassemble Emmies…
😎
I was a little surprised at the tone, it sounds much bigger and fuller than I expected. I’m watching the video on an iPad with some amplified JBL speakers and it really sounded nice. Very impressed with the repairs as well. I have some experience but that fingerboard extension would have been too stressful for me on such a historic instrument. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, the alcohol on the finish ghosting seemed to work very well and it’s nice to understand when to use it.
I have no intention of ever repairing a guitar. I just enjoy watching you work. I do play guitar a little but I would never try anything you do. Just like seeing you repair these beautiful instruments.
Another excellent video. I love your honest, pragmatic approach. It's also great that this instrument is being played, not just on a wall or in a case, kept as an investment.
Amazing old guitar. What incredible skills you have, your quality of work and attention to detail is second to none.
Wow. Nice job on the repair. The tone of that little guy sounds quite remarkable!
I was shocked at the sound for such a little guitar. It's great!
You did an amazing job with that wedge and wood nut. You're truly one of a kind luthier we can rely on. Good day, sir!
There are many out there, but Sir, you may be one of the best. Every video teaches me something. Thanks!!!!!
Amazing sound. All I knew about the Martin 18, was a faded memory from playing one in the 60s, and it was of an incomparable sound. This one's even better.
I just press thumbs up even before one of your excellent videos starts, and I have never, ever regretted the decision! Thanks again Ted!
I have learned so much by watching your videos I felt confident enough to fix the action on a vintage acoustic I purchased some time ago. I was able to identify the root causes of the problems and correct most of them. I am still working on the bridge, but am confident it will come out as good as the other work I have done on the nut and bracing. You are a skilled craftsman, teacher and dare I say a true genius and the only one I know with a doctorate in guitarology. Brilliant!
You are very very good at what you do. Repairmen that are true craftsmen like yourself are becoming more and more rare in the guitar world it seems. Thanks for posting!
Hi Tom! I just wanted to say I LOVE your work, and this channel. I’m a subscriber to another luthiery channel that concentrates mainly on building, and electric guitars (Crimson Guitars, if you’re interested!), but watching what you do, coupled with the clear explanations you give for WHY you do what you do gives me the confidence to have a go at my own repairs/adjustments. Obviously, I won’t be starting on anything too valuable…!
Keep up the fantastic work, and thank you!
thats some fine skill and applied craftmanship right there,
resulting in a fine sounding and playing instrument, cool!
Beautiful work. Sounds incredible.
The sound of that guitar made me smile. That's a beautiful thing.
Hi there! I appreciate your work and your humble attitude. Thank you for a great channel.
This particular guitar reminds me of a Levin 1917 that I have in my poss
ession.
WOW, That guitar has a beautiful voice!!!
I'm a year late finding this but yes, I thought the same thing. More specifically, instantly recognized the sound as a Martin, even through my phone speaker.
A remarkable instrument in remarkable condition under the care of a remarkable luthier!
Now I upvote your videos even before watching them... Was not disappointed.
I had a similar problem with the fretboard extension on a 45 yr old Japanese Martin d-35 lookalike & took it to a well known repair tech that told me it couldn’t be straightened and to leave it alone. Being frustrated as hell I brought it home and did almost exactly what you did on this one, not as clean of a job but it worked and returned a 45 year old fretboard extension to perfection. After seeing this video I’m really wanting to do it again like your repair but on another guitar someday. Great video really enjoyed it!
I had the very great pleasure (though it was also bittersweet, as my family was attending a memorial service for my wife's uncle) of visiting the Martin factory in Nazareth. I highly recommend that free tour if you are in the area. On the other hand, the trip ended up costing me more than $3,000, because I decided then that I needed an American-made Martin. So I saved for a couple of years and am now the proud owner of a Martin HD-28. I also had at that time a Mexican-made Martin that I used for several years when I used to do bar gigs. I never took the HD-28 to a gig, because it is a whole lot more palatable if an imbiber stumbles into a guitar stand while the band is on break and damages your $450 instrument than one that is 5-6 times that expensive. Great repair job, by the way!
I have a 1941 B-18 fitted with an ebony nut. It recently had a refret and the discussion with my luthier led to shimming the nut rather than replacing. It's only original once.
A lefty,I at first thought the saddle was running the wrong direction, but i see now ,thanks for the video, one must be good to be allowed to touch this guitar for repair
Superb work. Love the sound of it. And the denatured alcohol is quite clever. I'll learn the technique on old cured scrap first, but very nice to hear.
Top notch luthier who knows every trick in the book..well done again sir
That is absolutely beautiful work
You're an excellent craftsman. I love your pride of workmanship.
The sound from that is wonderful
That nut in the original ebony is gorgeous, the owner was quite right to want it redone. You did a real nice job of it, looks beautifully contoured. I have friends that are lefties and would dabble in their upside down world, it's not easy. You play well for a luthier! LOL
Excellent videos, great narration straight forward with no nonsense. Your work reflects why you get to work on great guitars.
I've built a dozen or so "garage build" thin body acoustic electric nylon strung guitars (think Gibson Chet Atkins models). Almost all of mine have had a maple or ebony nut, saddle, or both at one point in time. Switching to bone really does bring out a sharpness that at times isn't what I was going after in the first place. Too bright - to the extent it gives it an overly brittle tone. There's something to be said about a wooden nut/saddle and the warmth it can bring out of your guitar. Thank you for showing this amazing work, sharing your ideas and helping the rest of us do a little better on our own things!
I've picked up a few tricks of the trade from you, so here's one of mine: for delicate/smaller fretboards (mandolins, plastic pickguards that extend up), I use a ski-wax iron directly on the frets, and shop towel on the guitar body with a sheet of aluminum foil over the towel for heat dispersion. The ski wax iron has a smaller and narrower surface area and even at full rip it isn't as hot as a a clothing iron.
It sounds incredible and what a craftsman you are bravo!!! I wish we could see a reaction video to the artist playing their instrument fixed for the first time!!!
Now you are the one I would trust with my old guitar...very nice
I have a 1927 O-18K. It’s had a few repairs and a refinish. I fell in love with the tone the first time I heard it. It’s surprisingly loud. The koa is thin and susceptible to impacts. My impression is that they were originally manufactured as acoustic lap steels.
Cool guitar and creative repair,especially the fretboard wedge. Well done
I always appreciate the tips & learning!!!
Beautiful old Martin, beautiful job...from one luthier to another - excellent work!
love the simple narration....
Man you really know your guitars! I like to think I know a lot about guitars. When I watch your videos, I don't feel that way so much! The O-18k is spectacular!
I'm sure this gem of a guitar has a few stories to tell! Amazing job! Well done!
Yes, a new video from my favorite channel! What a gorgeous Guitar!
Fantastic job beautiful guitar
That ebony nut looks great! Rounded smooth and shiny. Another fine job!
You are a great teacher and Luthier
What an incredible job you did on that. Fine craftsmanship. The guitar sounds fantastic as well. Wow!
Doctor, the patient made a full recovery. Feeling much better.
Subscribed a while ago, but I just clicked the "bell", so hopefully I won't miss any of your uploads. You know what you're doing, mate, and you make a good video.
Hi Ted, I'm a new subscriber, and I'd just like to say that I absolutely love your channel. The commentary is excellent, and I love the little tidbits of industry knowledge. Thank you for sharing :)
I love how your thumbnails look like complete amateur hacks, but you actually do pro work.
You are a rare breed. Excellent work.
Great job. The guitar *and* the video.
Great! I need this.done on my 31 year old Taylor 710. I enjoyed watching an real expert at work!
It is so obvious watching your videos just how much you love these instruments. You show a lot of respect For the instrument and also for the music that will come out of it. Wonderful stuff!
Thank you for taking the time to share you experience and skills.
What a great voice it has.
History, music, incredible craftsmanship-your channel is wonderful
You playing left handed guitar using right hand...
That's freaking amazing, bro.
As a lefty this is almost pornagraphic to me!!....what a beautiful instrument
I’m taking my Martin in for a bone nut and saddle upgrade. I’m going to ask the tech if he will glue the nut as you recommend in this video. Thanks for another excellent video.
Me during the whole video : "pretty sure old timers don't sound that good"
Me after you played it "Yep, I knew I was wrong"
Great work sir !
Amazing work. I took up guitar building and repair in my 50’s. I never would have become a millionaire but I would have loved to choose this as my career beginning in my 20s. Watching your videos ensure this was my calling.
That ebony nut is gorgeous. Nice guitar.
Wow once again a great job, nicely done sir its really nice to watch a true craftsman at work.
Beautiful work
Man that guitar sounds positively gorgeous...
You had me at Left hand
Excellent job
Talent & knowledge...no substitute.
Cool video !! I couldn’t stop watching that video if I wanted to. Plz keep making them!!
Extremely well thought out plan of attack! Just the few little things you did significantly improved the looks and playability. Bravo Zulu!
That thing looks and sounds fantastic! Very nice work.
Love your work TW. I’m one of those who are guilty of putting glue on the bottom of the nut slot. Not anymore !
Wow! Great work. Removing that ghosting was awesome.
Another great video! Thanks for playing at the end so we could hear that sweet sound.
Very nice to see that my Recording King ROS-616 has a pretty similar construction and details. Nice Chineses made guitar!
Wow, a fascinating look at your craft -- thanks for sharing.
Very nice presentation, I learned a great deal. Thanks for sharing your expertise. Regards, Jimp
Really enjoy your videos. Thanks much for taking the time to make them.
Excellent you are very gifted man,You are doing something and I wish I could’ve done my whole life
Absolutely great video. Perfect editing. Thank you. Such a fantastic instrument .
A model plane iron has adjustable heat range. Also check out one for carpet seams. Happy holidays!
Thanks very much for that tip! I have a model plane iron and it never occurred to me to use it for this...
Was thinking the same. Used for shrinking doped fabric on full size aircraft restorations and for monokote on radio controlled aircraft. Best one I've used is available at Aircraft Spruce: www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/cspages/aviationart09-04837.php
A great repair and everything very well explained.
Even some mm conversions. Thank you, from Norway.
I had a 1945 OO-18, but it never sounded that amazing! What a tone!
Love the sound of that one
Always enjoy your quality work and how you explain it! 👍 thanks
Awesome repair! I've been studying and practicing the luthier trade for 5 years now and I picked up a few tips from this video. I especially like the denatured alcohol trick. I'm working on a 1930 National Triolian now that used to be my great grandfathers which I never met but, he passed it to my grandfather who died in 1975 when I was 4 and left it to my dad who will eventually be leaving it to me when he decides his time is up. This thing is in bad shape someone painted it black with a paintbrush which I'm removing with alcohol. The neck is bowed badly so it's in the neck jig now and I'm going to heat press it tonight or tomorrow and take some measurements to see If I'm going to have to reset the neck or not. The fretboard has dugouts in it from grandpaws fingernails and the 1st fret is about 1/2 way through the fretboard so I am thinking about replacing it. Of course, all the frets are shot as well and it's missing one set of the original tuning keys (I would love to find an original set somewhere). Someone even thought it was a good idea to carve some art designs in the headstock and the neck lol. Where are you located? I'd like to send you some pics of the guitar's condition and pic your brain for some different ideas on the best ways to restore it and preserve its value.
I wish that my doctor took as much care with my body as you take with the guitars entrusted to you. Like any other trade, there are a few like you who take extreme pride in their work and the rest who are just doing a job.
Fantastic work. Beautiful sound. Golden age indeed. Thanks for posting. BTW, your voice is a dead ringer for a YTer that does astronomy related videos (which are great) - parallax nick. Really similar to my ear.
I also use a small iron to heat the end of the fret board. This board is thin, also the frets will help transmit heat down to the wood.
On a thicker board I normally want a higher heat. I place 4 layers of tin foil down to protect the top.
It works for me. Last thing I want to do is bubble up the finish on the top...Yikes,...a ton of work to fix.
I once had a customer bring me a 1845 Martin parlor guitar, black coffin case, New York stamp inside in excellent shape.
I called Martin Co. They said the original C.F. could have built it, or at least touched it. Wow, what a trip that was, and even just sitting down and playing it.
Always a pleasure to watch you work!