I'm watching this video in awe. I'm only about 10 minutes in, but I think I owned this particular guitar almost 30 years ago. I'm going off the 3 remaining digits (562) and the scribed marking by the E and A string tuners. I'll come back and edit later if I see the last "piece of the puzzle". Edit: if the social security number scribed into the back of the headstock matches the one scribed into the back of the lower bout, it's a '63 6119 I picked from a basement in Coventry RI during a clean out in the early 90s. Long story short, the owner was a Vietnam vet who passed away in the late 80s. Putting your SS number on items you owned while in the military almost assured you'd get it back if you left it behind somewhere (I had a 68 black on black LP custom with the same type of markings). This Tennessean has possibly been around the world, or at least halfway. Vietnam, most definitely, as the man's wife stated he returned to the States after taking it with him. I can detail the repairs I made to it back then to add to it's history, if needed. And no, I did not do the 11-string conversion. It was a proper 6 string when it left my "stable".
@@ericcurry-pitcher5493 That Tennessean has underdone quite few modifications that were not done at factory: - Filtertron pickups (only used in the early single pickup models; they changed to HiloTrons in 1961) - Tuners (those fancy VG's were only used on higher end models like the Country Gentleman) - Pickguard (Original would say Tennessean and it wouldn't be gold) - Gold hardware (never used on this model.) What I think most likely happened is that someone parted out a severely damaged Country Gentleman and just swapped out all those pieces.
I don't know if you have seen Star Trek: The Motion Picture, but while you were sanding away on the headstock and slowly revealing the Gretsch letters... it reminded me of when Kirk was rubbing off dirt from the V'Ger nameplate to reveal that it was actually Voyager VI. Haha! yes I am a nerd through and through. 😂
I don't know in particular why but this video really had me hooked. The patience of it and the skill along with the narration all combined to make it feel warm. I look forward to the next part.Thank you.
You have this ability to slip in a dry remark once in awhile that I find to be hysterical. I usually have this delayed, laugh out loud response as my brain processes what you just said.
Your attention to detail, craftsmanship and reverence for the history of these instruments is inspiring;. If only all repair people possessed these qualities, it wouldn’t be such an emotionally difficult prospect taking one’s guitars in for repair
There's a level of confidence in your work that is incredibly reassuring. It's rare to actually be able to see this level of mastery. Thank you for sharing it with us.
This video solved a riddle I’ve had since the 80s when I bought my 1963 Tennessean. It too has a horseshoe imprint just like the one in the video that I’ve always wondered about. Thank-you!
I'm sure I'm not alone in saying how much I appreciate you letting us watch a Master Craftsman at work. You sharing your years of experience means a lot.
This is great, I’m restoring an old Wilton bench vise from the 60’s and I’m watching this new vid while I do the boring stuff. Makes for a great little Sunday!
Haze of orange sunshine 😂 a rockabilly daydream turned holy nightmare. I love seeing odd Jerry rigs like this from (hopefully) a time before this was vintage.
This channel is like an archeological excavation of guitars. I try to watch every episode although I am barely an amateur at vintage guitar restorations.
I was so excited to see that Gretsch logo revealed beneath the lacquer and appliqué! As it's often said, I enjoy the detailed information and personal insight you provide for each unique instrument. Thank you once again!
another day in the life of a repair person!.....i did one exactly like this last year and it was soooo easy.....you had every thing going against you ..that heavy finish is a nightmare for starters!....this sort of repair really makes you wonder why we even attempt these repairs....after my 40 years of doing it i think you did well!.
Very cool episode, I was native to that part of Ontario so when you started talking "Teenage Head" I smiled....flashback time... Amazing work as usual, maybe I'm biased but as someone who "putters" with guitars youre a "Master" in my eyes...when you talk i shutup and listen and watch...fabulous work at usual...
I've been haunted by Daniel Lanois references in the past 3 years, and just knew you were going to name him in this episode. Southern Ontario Punk scene is legendary. Great work here on these 2 instruments from a brilliant craftsman and story-teller!
Hi there, nice piece of sleuthing on the origins of the Tennessean. Here's my 2 cents' worth. . (I own a mint 1964 Tennessean purchased from Sam Ash 48th NYC in 1997, to replace another 1964 bought at Peate Musical Supplies on Mansfield Street in Montreal in 1965 that I sold in 1967 for a 1967 Martin D18..😳). The pickups are not stock. They are Filtertrons with gold trimmings, whereas Tennesseans (other than very early models from the late fifties) had Hilitrons single coils. The rocking bar bridge does not appear original, it has squarish ends, whereas Tennesseans (and double cutaways 6120s from 1962 to 1965) had thicker, more rounded ends.. Could be from another period Gretsch "student" model..Also, the wood base has been screwed in whereas the originals on the Tennessean were movable (Gretsch idea of adjusting intonation on the go..). You are right about the tuners. it looks like they come from a higher end White Falcon. Is there a serial number embossed on the top edge of the headstock? This was standard for Gretsch until 1965 (see the Gretsch webside vintage dater for details). If not, the guitar (or at least the neck) dates to 1965 or later. I see on your shot of the back of the headstock, as you pointed out, that there is part of the serial number still showing in the middle next to one of the holes that have been filled in.. That is where it should be if if it is 1965 or later, and you have noted the pinholes where the small metal model plaque would have been, also consistent with 1965 or later.. Anyway, glad you are taking on these jobs, good to have someone passionate and dedicated keep these period gems in playing order. Thanks for all your videos!
Thank you Ted, this was a very enjoyable video.I got a lot of learning from it,and most likely watch again. Also the guitars were fascinating pieces of art in my opinion and with some very cool stories. Thanks again
Cut through semi cured epoxy . Yes but with an expertly regulated shear cut. Love watching your shop while I have coffee break from fefitting D bass back. All power to you Ted.
I love these weird, odd-ball guitars that you show us. I can only imagine the story behind them and what they've been though. Thank you for showing us all the oddities on these kinds of instruments, and the bits of history as well. love it!
And that 70 ES-330 is also killer, & a really great back story, I had a 69 or so 330, back in the early 80's when i first started playing in the Aussie band scene (not that I could play then!). Same long neck as this one. great guitars. Sold it in 87, regretted it. bought one again about 10 yr=ears ago. Nice patinerated 1964 330, very much the faded Ice Tea look. And that 16th fret neck join (same as the old Jazz Boxes), my favorite guitar. The P90's sound fantastic . Great job on the resto, cheers from Melbourne Australia.
dude again ill say it you are a master repair man. id love to work at your shop and continue my learning. although 15 or so years ago i stopped doing guitar repairs and shifted to fuzz pedal and amp building as people kept talking to me at shows and asking to by versions of the stuff i built myself now ive been making my living for 14 years building pedals for both my own company and ghost building for others. i still do repairs for past customers and guys and gals in town but its few and far between compared to the pedal and amp stuff
Wow, that poor Gretsch!! I'm working on a '68 Harmony Sovereign with a headstock that was so bad I did overlay veneers on the front AND the back. LOVE that 330! What a wild neck on there. I came really close to buying a '68 quite a few years ago, but I did not like the brown walnut color. Now I wish I had gotten it....
Not an acoustic guy. Had an old baby taylor that was given to me because it wouldn't hold tune with the bridge lifting. Watching your videos inspired me to see what I could do and I was able to heat and remove the bridge, then level and clamp it back on. Works fine now.
Wonderful episode Ted... Thanks ! An old Gretsch headstock as an archeologigal excavation - beautiful ! Scouse accent hilarious and may need a little more work 😉
Ha, had to do a similar patch repair on a semi hollow Sadowsky a few months ago. I think a simbal stand punctured thru the whole guitar with huge blow out in the front.... came out ok :) , given the situation, customer was extremely happy.
Another epic video. Your knowledge of history is immense , not only regarding guitars. It's great to see someone restoring these old guitars to former glory but not as wall hangers but great playing instruments.
I'm 8 minutes in and very excited to see where this Gretsch goes! I had a 60s Tennessean in the late 90s, wanting to be George Harrison. I wish I had looked under the square headstock badge.
You wouldn't have found anything. From 1965 the 6119 Tennessean carried a similar plate to the 6122 Country Gentleman on which the plate reveals the model name. I have a 1964 Tennessean (on the crossover between the earlier painted F holes but unlined and the later painted and white lined) and mine has the white lined painted F holes and oval headed grover tuners. I also have a 1967 6122 Country Gentleman. I have to say that I prefer the Tennessean for playing.
Your attention to detail in restoring these instruments is fantastic! I think that the extra holes for the 11 string conversion were from planetary banjo tuners.
Enjoyed the video. Those are the wrong pickups on the Gretsch, the correct pickups are single-coil Hi-Lo Trons, those look like filter trons. The Tenessean was the economy model.
You sir are someone I would drive from the East Coast of Canada to work on my prized guitar(s). You are so meticulous and careful, amazing work as always
I am strictly a raw amateur. I have done some reworking on cheap guitars to get them sort of playable. A 1960s era Chris Adjustomatic which featured a poorly thought-out removable and adjustable neck. The neck pocket had opened up enough to let the neck sit side ways a few degrees. I have fixed it enouugh that I can use it to play delta type slide guitar. It still has no inherent value, and the 3/64 pvc plastic I used to fill the neck pocket is probably nowhere to be found in the luthier's guidebook, but it worked. This channel is far beyond my skill level, but awfully interesting and informative!
I'm watching this video in awe. I'm only about 10 minutes in, but I think I owned this particular guitar almost 30 years ago. I'm going off the 3 remaining digits (562) and the scribed marking by the E and A string tuners.
I'll come back and edit later if I see the last "piece of the puzzle".
Edit: if the social security number scribed into the back of the headstock matches the one scribed into the back of the lower bout, it's a '63 6119 I picked from a basement in Coventry RI during a clean out in the early 90s. Long story short, the owner was a Vietnam vet who passed away in the late 80s. Putting your SS number on items you owned while in the military almost assured you'd get it back if you left it behind somewhere (I had a 68 black on black LP custom with the same type of markings).
This Tennessean has possibly been around the world, or at least halfway. Vietnam, most definitely, as the man's wife stated he returned to the States after taking it with him.
I can detail the repairs I made to it back then to add to it's history, if needed. And no, I did not do the 11-string conversion. It was a proper 6 string when it left my "stable".
Tuning pegs, (original 6) were they original or the ones we see.?
@@ericcurry-pitcher5493 I'm almost sure they were original to the guitar.
@@ericcurry-pitcher5493 That Tennessean has underdone quite few modifications that were not done at factory:
- Filtertron pickups (only used in the early single pickup models; they changed to HiloTrons in 1961)
- Tuners (those fancy VG's were only used on higher end models like the Country Gentleman)
- Pickguard (Original would say Tennessean and it wouldn't be gold)
- Gold hardware (never used on this model.)
What I think most likely happened is that someone parted out a severely damaged Country Gentleman and just swapped out all those pieces.
The level of this work, never, ever ceases to impress, and entertain! Don't stop doing what you do, and I'll be here to watch it Ted! Thanks!
Your George Harrison impression made me giggle. The 'over there' at the end was spot on.
So glad you worked that horseshoe back into the inlay!! Beautiful work, Ted!!
I don't know if you have seen Star Trek: The Motion Picture, but while you were sanding away on the headstock and slowly revealing the Gretsch letters... it reminded me of when Kirk was rubbing off dirt from the V'Ger nameplate to reveal that it was actually Voyager VI. Haha! yes I am a nerd through and through. 😂
I don't know in particular why but this video really had me hooked. The patience of it and the skill along with the narration all combined to make it feel warm. I look forward to the next part.Thank you.
You have this ability to slip in a dry remark once in awhile that I find to be hysterical. I usually have this delayed, laugh out loud response as my brain processes what you just said.
I love that replacement Gibson neck, really lovely inlay. Thanks for the history on Dave Rave, that name does sound familiar.
Your attention to detail, craftsmanship and reverence for the history of these instruments is inspiring;. If only all repair people possessed these qualities, it wouldn’t be such an emotionally difficult prospect taking one’s guitars in for repair
In the 60s I lusted after a Gretsch but settled for an Aria Diamond. Still have it today! Thanks for the video, Ted! 😀
That poor Gretsch. There really are madmen out there.
I have to pause for a moment just to give a thumbs up for the George Harrison impression 👍👍👍😂
There's a level of confidence in your work that is incredibly reassuring. It's rare to actually be able to see this level of mastery. Thank you for sharing it with us.
No doubt.
I just love watching you work. It's actually very therapeutic. Thank you for this interesting video.
This video solved a riddle I’ve had since the 80s when I bought my 1963 Tennessean. It too has a horseshoe imprint just like the one in the video that I’ve always wondered about. Thank-you!
I'm sure I'm not alone in saying how much I appreciate you letting us watch a Master Craftsman at work. You sharing your years of experience means a lot.
This is great, I’m restoring an old Wilton bench vise from the 60’s and I’m watching this new vid while I do the boring stuff. Makes for a great little Sunday!
Better than a bedtime book,watching a master at work,very therapeutic....night gang from the uk..
Your GH impersonation was hilarious.
Orange Sunshine!! Hahaha. Brilliant Ted. You took me right back to SNL Ask the President bit, where Dan Ackroyd plays Jimmy Carter.
Thanks for letting us in on the Teenage Head history. "Ain't Got No Sense" is one of my favorite tunes from that era.
Haze of orange sunshine 😂 a rockabilly daydream turned holy nightmare. I love seeing odd Jerry rigs like this from (hopefully) a time before this was vintage.
Can't wait to see how they come out! I like these multi week projects
Those Grovers are gorgeous….Gordon Smith guitars and I believe Burns also used the Van Gent tuners
This channel is like an archeological excavation of guitars. I try to watch every episode although I am barely an amateur at vintage guitar restorations.
Indiana Ted and the Temple of Ravaged Guitars.
I love the way the Gretsch logo reappeared. And yes the inlay on that Gibson neck is gorgeous.
Teenage Head brings back memories.
Enjoyed the jack repair so far. Look forward to the finish result
INCREDIBLE CRAFTSMANSHIP as per usual! Thanks for another great story told on your video Ted!!
Thanks for inviting us into the shop, Ted.
Mr Woodford, your videos are extremely informative and well produced. I appreciate you taking us with you on these adventures.
Enjoy your day!
Once again your care and craftsmanship shine. And yeah, you can't lose the horseshoe! The horseshoe's your heart!
Good to see you back at it, Ted. Hope you had an awesome holiday season. Big fan, thanks!
Thanks Ted, another guy who appreciates your videos. I always learn some tip that only experience can discover.
My favorite part of the week!
Splendid as usual 🎉
I was so excited to see that Gretsch logo revealed beneath the lacquer and appliqué! As it's often said, I enjoy the detailed information and personal insight you provide for each unique instrument. Thank you once again!
it was very pleasing to see that lettering come back through the first headstock.
i enjoyed twice as much this episode.
Always a great privilege to watch your restoration work.
another day in the life of a repair person!.....i did one exactly like this last year and it was soooo easy.....you had every thing going against you ..that heavy finish is a nightmare for starters!....this sort of repair really makes you wonder why we even attempt these repairs....after my 40 years of doing it i think you did well!.
Another comprehensive vid (for YT) of two classics.. and, of course, master craftmanship..
Great repairs this week. Really interesting.
CSI - Great White North. Yours are pretty much the only videos where I don't fast forward to the end. Fascinating.
Commenting for engagement.
Thanks as always for sharing your projects. These two were particularly interesting pieces. 🙂
Two cliff-hangers in one video! I ❤
That's an interesting cam clamp at the end. Great stuff ted 🤘
Very cool episode, I was native to that part of Ontario so when you started talking "Teenage Head" I smiled....flashback time...
Amazing work as usual, maybe I'm biased but as someone who "putters" with guitars youre a "Master" in my eyes...when you talk i shutup and listen and watch...fabulous work at usual...
Those are really interesting guitars. I love the history of them. It's good to see them in good hands.
lol, the George Harrison mimic was hilarious. :)
I've been haunted by Daniel Lanois references in the past 3 years, and just knew you were going to name him in this episode. Southern Ontario Punk scene is legendary. Great work here on these 2 instruments from a brilliant craftsman and story-teller!
Hi there, nice piece of sleuthing on the origins of the Tennessean. Here's my 2 cents' worth. . (I own a mint 1964 Tennessean purchased from Sam Ash 48th NYC in 1997, to replace another 1964 bought at Peate Musical Supplies on Mansfield Street in Montreal in 1965 that I sold in 1967 for a 1967 Martin D18..😳). The pickups are not stock. They are Filtertrons with gold trimmings, whereas Tennesseans (other than very early models from the late fifties) had Hilitrons single coils. The rocking bar bridge does not appear original, it has squarish ends, whereas Tennesseans (and double cutaways 6120s from 1962 to 1965) had thicker, more rounded ends.. Could be from another period Gretsch "student" model..Also, the wood base has been screwed in whereas the originals on the Tennessean were movable (Gretsch idea of adjusting intonation on the go..). You are right about the tuners. it looks like they come from a higher end White Falcon. Is there a serial number embossed on the top edge of the headstock? This was standard for Gretsch until 1965 (see the Gretsch webside vintage dater for details). If not, the guitar (or at least the neck) dates to 1965 or later. I see on your shot of the back of the headstock, as you pointed out, that there is part of the serial number still showing in the middle next to one of the holes that have been filled in.. That is where it should be if if it is 1965 or later, and you have noted the pinholes where the small metal model plaque would have been, also consistent with 1965 or later.. Anyway, glad you are taking on these jobs, good to have someone passionate and dedicated keep these period gems in playing order. Thanks for all your videos!
It's beautiful.
Thank you Ted, this was a very enjoyable video.I got a lot of learning from it,and most likely watch again. Also the guitars were fascinating pieces of art in my opinion and with some very cool stories. Thanks again
Great episode thanks for all the work you do to get these uploaded ....
Cut through semi cured epoxy . Yes but with an expertly regulated shear cut.
Love watching your shop while I have coffee break from fefitting D bass back.
All power to you Ted.
Clever and prudent fixes all.
Thanks for the epoxy putty fitting idea Ted. I've always made a simple fit with a chisel in the past.
I love these weird, odd-ball guitars that you show us. I can only imagine the story behind them and what they've been though. Thank you for showing us all the oddities on these kinds of instruments, and the bits of history as well. love it!
Man, seeing that Gretsch logo emerge was very cool.
And that 70 ES-330 is also killer, & a really great back story, I had a 69 or so 330, back in the early 80's when i first started playing in the Aussie band scene (not that I could play then!). Same long neck as this one. great guitars. Sold it in 87, regretted it. bought one again about 10 yr=ears ago. Nice patinerated 1964 330, very much the faded Ice Tea look. And that 16th fret neck join (same as the old Jazz Boxes), my favorite guitar. The P90's sound fantastic . Great job on the resto, cheers from Melbourne Australia.
Heheh.. Great accent for George 'I've got a 'ole in me pocket." Best Regards and Best Wishes!
dude again ill say it you are a master repair man. id love to work at your shop and continue my learning. although 15 or so years ago i stopped doing guitar repairs and shifted to fuzz pedal and amp building as people kept talking to me at shows and asking to by versions of the stuff i built myself now ive been making my living for 14 years building pedals for both my own company and ghost building for others. i still do repairs for past customers and guys and gals in town but its few and far between compared to the pedal and amp stuff
That fancy Gibson neck is LIT!
I laughed out loud when you said "went ova thurr"
Man that thing is a beauty. Love me some Brian Setzer too, Stray Cats are the cats pajamas lol
Exciting projects on beautiful instruments !
I am really looking forward to part 2; always amazed at what you are able to do!
hahah absolutely loving the accents youre throwing into this episode
Wow, that poor Gretsch!! I'm working on a '68 Harmony Sovereign with a headstock that was so bad I did overlay veneers on the front AND the back.
LOVE that 330! What a wild neck on there. I came really close to buying a '68 quite a few years ago, but I did not like the brown walnut color. Now I wish I had gotten it....
Not an acoustic guy. Had an old baby taylor that was given to me because it wouldn't hold tune with the bridge lifting. Watching your videos inspired me to see what I could do and I was able to heat and remove the bridge, then level and clamp it back on. Works fine now.
I always enjoy guitarchaeology
Absolutely fascinating.
What a treat for a video. Awesome.
Love seeing you get out the router , more please young man !
Can't wait for the part 2! The es 330 is exceptionally cool!
Wonderful episode Ted... Thanks ! An old Gretsch headstock as an archeologigal excavation - beautiful ! Scouse accent hilarious and may need a little more work 😉
Master craftsmanship.
Ha, had to do a similar patch repair on a semi hollow Sadowsky a few months ago. I think a simbal stand punctured thru the whole guitar with huge blow out in the front.... came out ok :) , given the situation, customer was extremely happy.
Ted, you are a repair maestro!
Another epic video. Your knowledge of history is immense , not only regarding guitars. It's great to see someone restoring these old guitars to former glory but not as wall hangers but great playing instruments.
Thanks again for another great video.
Guitar archeology is fun to watch, thanks Ted.
so great having videos like this to look forward to, THANK YOU !!
That was very satisfying to watch! Curious after the end result!
enjoyed the craftsmanship Ted ty
awesome video. i really enjoyed watching this one!
Wow. Thank you. Nice work. Can't wait for part 2.
I'm 8 minutes in and very excited to see where this Gretsch goes! I had a 60s Tennessean in the late 90s, wanting to be George Harrison. I wish I had looked under the square headstock badge.
You wouldn't have found anything. From 1965 the 6119 Tennessean carried a similar plate to the 6122 Country Gentleman on which the plate reveals the model name. I have a 1964 Tennessean (on the crossover between the earlier painted F holes but unlined and the later painted and white lined) and mine has the white lined painted F holes and oval headed grover tuners. I also have a 1967 6122 Country Gentleman. I have to say that I prefer the Tennessean for playing.
Amazing work young man, absolutely amazing. Well done.
Your attention to detail in restoring these instruments is fantastic!
I think that the extra holes for the 11 string conversion were from planetary banjo tuners.
Now that is my kind of Gibson. Gretsch is nice, too. Wonderful video again with some really good insights.
Enjoyed the video. Those are the wrong pickups on the Gretsch, the correct pickups are single-coil Hi-Lo Trons, those look like filter trons. The Tenessean was the economy model.
Loved the mystery. Thank you.
You sir are someone I would drive from the East Coast of Canada to work on my prized guitar(s). You are so meticulous and careful, amazing work as always
Always amazing.
You do very outstanding work. Thanks Ted
As usual, very informative! Thanks Ted!
I am strictly a raw amateur. I have done some reworking on cheap guitars to get them sort of playable.
A 1960s era Chris Adjustomatic which featured a poorly thought-out removable and adjustable neck. The neck pocket had opened up enough to let the neck sit side ways a few degrees. I have fixed it enouugh that I can use it to play delta type slide guitar.
It still has no inherent value, and the 3/64 pvc plastic I used to fill the neck pocket is probably nowhere to be found in the luthier's guidebook, but it worked.
This channel is far beyond my skill level, but awfully interesting and informative!
Hamilton, Ontario? I’ve been there a couple times for extended periods. Enjoyed it. Anxious for part 2!
Thanks for the video. 👍