Just a work-a-day luthier

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  • Опубліковано 2 жов 2020
  • Another day in the life of a guitar repair dude.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 357

  • @nickdryad
    @nickdryad 3 роки тому +471

    I had a friend who left his banjo in the car and forgot to lock it. When he got back an hour later there were two.

  • @tedbownas2748
    @tedbownas2748 3 роки тому +107

    "A patent that never should have been granted" made me lol. 😂

  • @philipwray9734
    @philipwray9734 3 роки тому +121

    I've become addicted to this channel. I look for the next instalment every day. Thanks for this latest fix!

    • @ProphetNikoz
      @ProphetNikoz 3 роки тому +1

      +1 addicted. Great channel

    • @griffisguitars2921
      @griffisguitars2921 3 роки тому

      Hello Philip. Welcome to the meeting. We can’t help with your addiction but we can relate

  • @PelicanIslandLabs
    @PelicanIslandLabs 3 роки тому +42

    That banjo repair was painful to watch. Huge props to you for trying to fix that mess. You're a WAY better person than I am for attempting (and succeeding) to fix that 'thing'.

  • @gtrman12887
    @gtrman12887 3 роки тому +46

    "It was built by '(VOCALIZED) BEEEEEEEP'..."

    • @yewmiii
      @yewmiii 3 роки тому +3

      and then proceeds to say his name aloud without a bleep

  • @jonathanmartin3375
    @jonathanmartin3375 3 роки тому +45

    That guitar went from a Steel Adjustable Neck to a Steel Reinforced Neck.

  • @rakentrail
    @rakentrail 3 роки тому +52

    Looks like a solder monster puked on the back of those pots!

    • @voided76
      @voided76 3 роки тому

      Yep.
      Looks like I did it. I gotta re-fix my strat so bad. even though it sounds fine. I'm ashamed of it even now

  • @tommypetraglia4688
    @tommypetraglia4688 3 роки тому +86

    •What's the difference between a banjo and a lawnmower? You can tune a lawnmower.
    •The two things you'll never hear:
    Oh, you're Jehovah's witnesses? Well come right in.
    Hey look that's the banjo player's Porsche
    •The most beautiful sound in the world is of an accordian landing on a banjo in a dumpster - also known as perfect pitch

    • @rustyaxelrod
      @rustyaxelrod 3 роки тому +3

      Hey! 😤

    • @colleenbarry5611
      @colleenbarry5611 3 роки тому +1

      Haha!

    • @tommypetraglia4688
      @tommypetraglia4688 3 роки тому +7

      @@rustyaxelrod
      Sssshuh, oops, sorry. Nothing personal.
      Totally big fan of Bluegrass, and all the banjo greats, Scruggs, Stanley, Trishka, Krause, Thompson, Seeger and Crowe, and of course Sonny Osborne doing his roll while brother Jimmy holds that Ruuuuuuuuuby note as the audience goes nuts. I counted 40 secs once
      Axully seen that live more a few times.
      And who doesn't agree Garcia on the 5 string was a virtuouso in his own right
      (though Fleck with his "techno" gig always rubbed me wrong as it lacks roots and soul)
      Memorable meet at Winterhawk Copake NY 1984... I saw Vassar Clemmons hanging by a fence after a Sat set having his pipe so I went over to him and offered him a drink, he had his fiddle with the itty bitty man's head, I made a request "Jessica" he said Oh son, I'm glad you like that one but I dont have the talent with me to pull that off.
      But then that night he was joined by Grismon and Rowan for Old And In The Way (no jerry) which ran almost til dawn until the New York State troopers showed up asking Don't you people ever sleep?
      And when Rowan sang
      "... When you're dealing cards with death, the joker's wild, the ace is high
      Jack bid the Mississippi River, Running Elk raised him the sky
      Jack saw him with the sun and moon and upped him with the stars
      Running Elk bet the Rocky Mountains, Jupiter, and Mars
      The sun was sinking in the west when Jack drew the ace of spades
      Running Elk just rolled his eyes, he smiled and passed away
      Jack picked up his torquoise stones and cast them to the sky
      He stared into the setting sun and then made a mournful cry "
      ... I was laid back on the side of a hill in the foothills of the Adirondacks with the brilliance of stars piercing the velvet of night as sweet melifulious tunes wafted up on a cool summer breeze from the stage below.
      And back at the tent grounds it was picking and strumming til the sun came up
      Car camped in the rough many a long weekend like a couple of hobos chasing festivals around the East Coast.
      So forgive me I didn't mean to offend and here, enjoy
      ua-cam.com/video/4VDsrxZNuGs/v-deo.html

    • @rustyaxelrod
      @rustyaxelrod 3 роки тому

      Tommy Petraglia - you seem a nice fellow who enjoys banjo and given the jokes I’m sure you know it’s a common thing to needle the banjo player, I’ve even told some myself. I wasn’t really offended, just being the straight guy for ya 🤓 I like Some of Bella’s stuff but you’re right that he’s more “modern” or whatever, its his interpretations of classical music and original stuff I enjoy.
      Of course the bluegrass stuff is the most exciting, personally I like the great vocal harmonies and when the banjo comes in it just seem to bring everything up a notch. I spend much more time on guitar, mostly to get the kids to sing, I enjoy the family aspect of playing music having grown up that way.
      I’m still bummed out over Ralph’s passing. I guess none of us will be here forever. I was searching around for something to listen to the other day and found Ralph Stanley with George Jones doing From the Window Up Above here on UA-cam, give that a listen sometime, when I was a kid (in the 1970’s) I had an uncle who would play that song whenever anyone would listen and was surprised to hear such a good version of it. Anyway, keep on jammin my friend and again, no offense taken.

    • @EarlMalmsteen
      @EarlMalmsteen 3 роки тому +1

      I’m a a banjo player and have a Tesla. Close anyway :-) and I still like the banjo jokes

  • @jenniferwhitewolf3784
    @jenniferwhitewolf3784 3 роки тому +4

    My favorite luthier channels, right here, and Jerry Rosa.. Different, and both very enjoyable. I'm not a luthier, just a hobby woodworker that enjoys guitars..and learning the advanced techniques of these 2 masters of their craft.

  • @johndvorak5198
    @johndvorak5198 3 роки тому +14

    I love all of the wear on my guitars. They each have their stories from playing and touring

  • @oh-totoro
    @oh-totoro 3 роки тому +7

    "There's no way for us to turn back time to a period before you damaged your guitar." I don't know man, I've seen some pretty incredible repairs on this channel.

  • @vanshankguitars
    @vanshankguitars 3 роки тому

    The one thing I truly appreciate from your videos has to be your candor. Thanks again!

  • @74gunnm
    @74gunnm 3 роки тому

    Watching these videos is incredibly calming. They're becoming a highlight of my day.

  • @PhilosopherThom
    @PhilosopherThom 3 роки тому

    I always live the way you respect whomever worked on something before you. True class!

  • @bubbasouth69
    @bubbasouth69 3 роки тому +5

    It’s amazing how you can take instruments that seem hopelessly doomed for the junkyard back to life and playable. It’s a pleasure to watch you at work!

  • @paulewilliam8395
    @paulewilliam8395 3 роки тому +4

    A while back I bought an old Kay banjo with that same tail piece. For the longest time I just thought I was incompetent at restringing a banjo. Thank you for showing that it’s the tail piece, not me!

  • @ralphbyers6136
    @ralphbyers6136 3 роки тому

    Ted. Your videos bring me a great deal of comfort, entertainment and enjoyment! Thank you most sincerely for your excellent work!

  • @SuperCeller
    @SuperCeller 3 роки тому +23

    Oof. Felt my soul leave my body a bit when I saw that truss rod.

  • @podfuk
    @podfuk 3 роки тому +19

    18:59 you played my song, I want my royalties!

  • @sgnt9337
    @sgnt9337 3 роки тому +4

    That "plug cutter" idea was a neat trick to free up that binding screw.

  • @matthewf1979
    @matthewf1979 3 роки тому +11

    If the banjo customer was ok with doing a 180* on the ring, it might have been the quickest fix.
    I don’t touch those things for a reason, but it seems like it might have worked.
    Thanks for sharing “A day in the misery of a luthier”. lol

  • @RAkers-tu1ey
    @RAkers-tu1ey 3 роки тому +3

    I am anxious to see that neck setup. Very informative, as always. Thanks. I have been using actual string tension and a "T" bar sander of various lengths to level the recalcitrant frets. Tedious to level and then crown properly.

  • @pdp977
    @pdp977 3 роки тому +5

    Your patience astounds me. Your posts are the highlight of my weekend. No, I don't have a life...

  • @bigrickRC1144
    @bigrickRC1144 3 роки тому

    Wow Boss.. you have to have the patients of Job to deal with some of the instruments you get to work on. NEVER boring that’s for sure.
    Love this channel and your work skillz figuring it all out Sir!
    Keep up the great work.. it’s always impressive.

  • @gnawbabygnaw
    @gnawbabygnaw 5 місяців тому

    I So enjoy watching these videos of yours. 😊🤙🤙

  • @kevinchamberlain7928
    @kevinchamberlain7928 2 роки тому +1

    As a carpenter and joiner of over 30 years experience, my Estwing hammers are HAMMERED. I love the feel of them! Willy Nelson has a guitar called Trigger - same deal! Marks = usage = life = character!

  • @saulroblessoy
    @saulroblessoy 3 роки тому +4

    "There is no way we can turn back time before you damage your guitar!" Priceless advice hahahahaha

  • @sLiCk83
    @sLiCk83 3 роки тому +2

    Love to see a Classical Guitar set-up. For a change.

  • @RafaelYamaga
    @RafaelYamaga 3 роки тому +3

    I literally almost fell off the chair when, after all that misery with the black electric, he realized the pickups are out of phase with each other. WHAT A DAY.

  • @SixSixthSix
    @SixSixthSix 3 роки тому

    The videos keep getting better!
    Cheers from the Netherlands!

  • @rstats2127
    @rstats2127 2 роки тому +1

    Whole lotta of work on a guitar that sounds like junk and looks like junk also, you are a saint for working on it.

  • @bigtoelittlefinger6133
    @bigtoelittlefinger6133 3 роки тому +1

    Fixed my old spines on the neck on a almost unfixable worked a treat thank u the mahogany worked a treat still in tune 5 weeks later next 12 stringer same brake I got the faith no pun intended

  • @notasilicaanimus
    @notasilicaanimus 3 роки тому +6

    Looking forward to the next installment.

  • @wookyoftheyear
    @wookyoftheyear 3 роки тому

    Thanks for sharing. I'm thinking about changing jobs to becoming a luthier, taking my first step doing an acoustic build (just braced up the top the other day). Super informative seeing the wacky challenges you tackle.

  • @ianrose5505
    @ianrose5505 3 роки тому

    Great thank you it's good to see some of the frustrating days and issues you get, it's hard to draw the line with the amount of hours involved thank you

  • @patricklacey7930
    @patricklacey7930 3 роки тому +1

    “That’s one patent that should never have been granted”.... love it!

  • @barriepotter3753
    @barriepotter3753 3 роки тому +1

    My 5-string had a similar tail-piece. I got got through several strings trying to re-string it; each time at least one loop would break. Eventually replaced it with a much simpler design with no cover - improved the tone as well!

  • @rick_.
    @rick_. 3 роки тому +12

    Epoxied truss rod: better than finding a hidden screw that just ruined a good saw!

  • @dfab9901
    @dfab9901 3 роки тому

    Really enjoy your videos. Many thanks!

  • @sidneysnottley6414
    @sidneysnottley6414 3 роки тому

    Now that was an entertaining & eclectic range of jobs - Cheers.

  • @peterfredrickmeyer
    @peterfredrickmeyer 3 роки тому

    This vid is a great example of an actual day in real repair shop great work

  • @1777DK
    @1777DK 3 роки тому +21

    Wood working experience = he once snapped a tree branch, stepping on it.

  • @rylynnpdx
    @rylynnpdx 7 місяців тому

    You're a brave man taking on the 'homemade" guitar. I stopped taking in project guitars of suspect origin a while ago and my stress and frustration went down considerably .

  • @stevesstrings5243
    @stevesstrings5243 3 роки тому

    Great stuff! Always educational!

  • @JeanMarceaux
    @JeanMarceaux 9 місяців тому

    That is a truly gorgeous looking classical. The combination of colors, the shape of the bridge, the lip that comes up around the handrest -- all clicks just right to produce a visually striking instrument.
    The first time I've actually looked at a classical and thought "wow", they usually all look the same to me.
    Also, I've never heard you this frustrated as you were with that banjo tailpiece.

  • @jipes
    @jipes 3 роки тому

    Nice ressucitation of this old banjo great work ! It actually sounds quite good

  • @MikeyMack303
    @MikeyMack303 3 роки тому +1

    I'm happy to see that you're still using "Jimi's favorite naphtha"!

  • @donaldholman9070
    @donaldholman9070 3 роки тому

    It is another great video! Thank you.

  • @mikezeestraten7000
    @mikezeestraten7000 3 роки тому

    I love this channel.

  • @Epiphone100
    @Epiphone100 3 роки тому

    Lovely work as ever !!!!!

  • @robertnewell5057
    @robertnewell5057 3 роки тому

    Ted, you are a really funny bloke, as well as being a great luthier. Your discussion of guitar care and people's expectations was spot on. I have several high end acoustics and I don't TRY and put scratches on them, but I don't care if I do and woldn't dream of getting them fixed. I'm an amateur maker of modest ability, and all my guitars are French polished. I go through the exact run of instructions about how to care for a guitar that you did. if you want your guitar pristine, you just have to do that stuff. Had a friend ask me over the phone if I would 'fix' the intonation on his guitar. After a few minutes of dickering I asked what should have been the first question: 'When did you last change your strings?' Oh, a couple of years ago.' Problem solved.

  • @LongTrout
    @LongTrout 3 роки тому +1

    This is THE CRAFT. You seem to do it very well....I could imagine a bad day could be VERY traumatic.

  • @Mcqlfc
    @Mcqlfc Рік тому

    If I had a fraction of your talent then I would be a happy man!

  • @BrenTravisMusician
    @BrenTravisMusician 3 роки тому

    Your patience and problem solving is impressive.

  • @h.l.westlake2587
    @h.l.westlake2587 3 роки тому

    Some of my best and fav guitars had dings, cracks, and even holes....
    ROCK ON FREAKS

  • @ToolforOffice
    @ToolforOffice 3 роки тому

    This was pretty chill to watch

  • @f1s2hg3
    @f1s2hg3 3 роки тому

    Banjo description is a perfect example of the experience in the field of your profession.

  • @RosaStringWorks
    @RosaStringWorks 3 роки тому +1

    Just did one of those banjos recently. They are a definite challenge. Shims are quite common on those. Nice job.

  • @cyb3r3vil30
    @cyb3r3vil30 3 роки тому +1

    I gotta say I seen that coming
    When the truss rod cover was glued
    Down I thought Oh Man they didn't
    Yes they Did 😂
    I do got to admit though you put out good quality informative videos!
    TFS Enjoyed!

  • @TonyUrryMakes
    @TonyUrryMakes 3 роки тому

    I have the same tail piece on my harmony banjo. I am glad to see I’m not alone in thinking it’s crap.

  • @noremacbeez
    @noremacbeez 3 роки тому +2

    What the actual hell?.... you dont get paid enough.... "oh nice the pickups are out of phase".....literally crying with laughter!!!!!

  • @BessieBopOrBach
    @BessieBopOrBach 3 роки тому

    Amazing rescue job on that banjo.

  • @innerexit
    @innerexit 3 роки тому

    I'm so impressed with the work that you do!! I really want to get into the business even though I still am not the greatest at setting up my own guitars. Wondering if there's a local luthier that might let me apprentice under them.

  • @simonnotthepieman1581
    @simonnotthepieman1581 3 роки тому +2

    I have an old Banjo (1928) in my list of projects to get to shortly. It needs a new vellum, new inlays (very intricate), and some other stuff. It's currently sitting in a pile waiting for its turn to get picked up. It's a good example of an old Banjo, John G Abbott, the best Banjo maker in UK at the time. Funny you mentioned Louisville in connection to Banjo's. I lived there for 10yrs. Never have I known an area with so many musicians. Almost everyone you meet can play something or loves singing. Here in London, it's more like 1 in 500 can play an instrument

  • @sgt.pembry9688
    @sgt.pembry9688 3 роки тому +2

    And I thought I had seen very bad solder jobs before..... that just crushed the Internet.

  • @colleenbarry5611
    @colleenbarry5611 3 роки тому +8

    Have you ever tried using the Way-Back Machine to make dings and scratches for away? You’re welcome, for that tip!

  • @vegasspaceprogram6623
    @vegasspaceprogram6623 2 роки тому

    That classical is beautiful! I looks so pretty!

  • @ScottHz
    @ScottHz 3 роки тому +1

    15:36 - that was nice - reminded me of some of the Doc Watson and Family albums, or the old Folkways catalog :)

  • @patm5086
    @patm5086 2 роки тому

    I have an Aria 70's Les Paul that broke just like the one on this vid. I repaired it and it is holding and tunes up well

  • @danielnoel3060
    @danielnoel3060 3 роки тому

    Nice video showing diversity of your work day.

  • @chrispearson3813
    @chrispearson3813 3 роки тому

    As a fairly accomplished woodworker I grew tired of making square stuff and decided to try making a Strat and Tele. I had a nice collection of figured exotic wood and made 2 stunning guitars. I invested in the proper tools and hand radiused the fretboards etc. Made the jig for cutting fret slots etc. Anyway, that's where my knowledge ran out and I called on friends for the electric work paid my guitar guy for the setup. Everybody has to start somewhere.

  • @Riverdeepnwide
    @Riverdeepnwide 3 роки тому +21

    13:00
    Pardon me but I farted just like that not even a minute ago.

    • @bonek350
      @bonek350 3 роки тому +2

      Nice work, brother!

  • @steby123
    @steby123 3 роки тому

    I have had to restring banjos with the same tail piece, I feel your pain! Non of my banjos have that patience tester.

  • @JebJulian
    @JebJulian 3 роки тому +1

    Control cavity. "oh yeah"...well put.

  • @markbryant4641
    @markbryant4641 3 роки тому +5

    This is very chiropractic.
    "I say there chiro. I have a problem. I'm buckling under pressure."
    "I'm going to adjust your neck angle."
    "I see."
    "I'll try not to damage your flesh ring. "
    " ...I see."

  • @Noahcantgame
    @Noahcantgame Рік тому

    The subtitles on the banjo portion had me rolling

  • @Phlloyd1
    @Phlloyd1 3 роки тому

    Woohoo! Great to see a ted vid today!

  • @charlesmohelsky4823
    @charlesmohelsky4823 2 місяці тому

    When repositioned an old banjo head you can slightly dampen it so it is a little softer and won’t tear. Let it sit and dry before you reef down on the screws.

  • @ClarenceCochran-ne7du
    @ClarenceCochran-ne7du 2 місяці тому

    Harmony used the same single dowel rod attachment with their banjos with the Bakelite Pots. I've worked on several, and every one, whether Tenor, Plectrum or 5 string, they've all been a pain in the butt. I've ended up shimming the neck end most of those I've worked on Ted.
    Harmony used a similar tail piece, that I ended up removing and getting rid of the loop end all together, as the always seem to break right where you have to that 90° bend. The one Plectrum I own, I ended up converting to use ball end strings.

  • @matthewbartolone7036
    @matthewbartolone7036 9 місяців тому

    Thank you for taking the time

  • @dooleyfussle8634
    @dooleyfussle8634 3 роки тому

    I repaired a mando banjo with many similar issues. Now that I see what is going on, maybe I can get it playable! It's just a wall hanger now. Thanks Ted.

  • @teriakamoto
    @teriakamoto 3 роки тому

    New viewer, Subscriber. Thanks for sharing ! Guitars get scratched, dinged. It's just what they do. The functionality of the instrument is the main concern of a player. If you buy Guitars to hang in a Glass viewing case then that is something that I have absolutely no understanding of but that is the person I like buying a used Guitar from as long as they aren't confusing sentimental value with actual value.

  • @koshersalt3233
    @koshersalt3233 3 роки тому

    I’ve got a tenor with similar damage. It’s got sentimental value though, and it’s very reassuring to see that it could one day be patched up to something presentable!

  • @activese
    @activese 3 роки тому +4

    hahahaha, it's one patent that never should been granted, hilarious

  • @edclark550
    @edclark550 3 роки тому

    Worth watching just for the opening statements!

  • @BadChizzle
    @BadChizzle 3 роки тому +1

    Both the first two instruments were bleep... and I felt your pain. I think banjos are just super hard to work on. I have tried a little banjo work. Very basic stuff. Destroyed the bridge and bought another. Ha ha! I feel like, without that truss rod working in the electric, it’s amazing if you can get it near playable... lucky stars!
    Whatever those are. Ha ha!
    The Classical Guitar is really nice looking! I hope you can find a solution for its needs. I have a soft spot in my Guitar Heart for them...
    Thank you for another fine video, sharing your work. I learn much from you... and enjoy a good reveal shot, like the truss rod cover over the glue pool. Painfully good stuff.
    To whomever did that or owns the electric Guitar, throughout the years, I have done dastardly things to some of my instruments, out of lack of knowledge... and am passing no judgement, as I have not one leg to stand on, with that regard. So... please, do not be disheartened by anything in my comments.
    🤦🏻‍♂️🎸🔚😬 I have even done bad things to beautiful Violins. I confess this all before the universe... and am just trying to better myself and be the change I wish to see.
    🦦

  • @f1s2hg3
    @f1s2hg3 3 роки тому

    This show proves Leo Fender is a genuine genius for the bolt on neck

  • @mightyluv
    @mightyluv 3 роки тому +11

    “Flesh ring...”
    “Gross; stop.”
    “Say it with me: flesh ring.”
    “Stop it, would ya?”
    “Fleshhhhhh...”
    “STOP IT!!”

    • @mrz80
      @mrz80 3 роки тому

      :D

  • @robertrosenfield6696
    @robertrosenfield6696 3 роки тому

    Great job!

  • @nfijef
    @nfijef 3 роки тому +1

    I used to work at Lyrical Lumber in Orlando Fl, and man, people have no idea the time it takes to fix something right. They wanted you to spend 6 hours on their 300 dollar guitar for 50 bucks .RIP Bill Covert (Owner and teacher at L.L.) Great work my friend< I often wish I couldve gotten better at the craft, but the customers and time/ pay ratio killed me. I just stuck to playing guitar (and I can't complain:)

  • @briansavage932
    @briansavage932 3 роки тому

    "pickups are out of phase. Great!"
    *immediately cuts to another project*
    😂😂

  • @71tbomb
    @71tbomb 3 роки тому

    Scratch'es Smatc'es. My Axe is an ARIA with T top pickups .Looks like a Les Paul. Feels & sounds like one.It's had so much damage over the years, but it still looks great & the feel & sound is Awesome.

  • @begelston
    @begelston 3 роки тому +1

    Hey, hello from Minnesota - love this channel! Please let us know what ended up happening with the classical guitar toward the end of the video :)

  • @joeferris5086
    @joeferris5086 10 місяців тому

    I would love some videos where you talk about polishing with the autobody compound. I've made a few attempts at this and some of my attempts have been better than others.

  • @racpa5
    @racpa5 3 роки тому +1

    That’s the politest SMH I’ve watched. Lol

  • @426envy
    @426envy 3 роки тому +1

    I almost spit out my lunch during the banjo segment.

  • @SkyscraperGuitars
    @SkyscraperGuitars 3 роки тому

    I'm curious about the classical guitar and what the course of action will be... Staying tuned.

  • @ignacioarbanil4964
    @ignacioarbanil4964 3 роки тому

    What a great day for luthery

  • @JohnSmith-ym4sl
    @JohnSmith-ym4sl 3 роки тому

    Lolololthe flesh head text was hilarious

  • @WryGrass100
    @WryGrass100 3 роки тому

    So, for more reasons than there's space, this is the best luthier channel on line. The variety in this edition makes the point. But, I have to note--wasn't that replacement screw a PHILLIPS HEAD!! And please give a follow-up on that classical. That's gonna be interesting if you wind up fixing it.