There's this "they don't do it like they used to" in the vintage worship. But actually today most guitars are probably made arguably much better on factories than they were then.
No doubt about it. The Japanese Gretsches are far superior in comparison. The Brooklyn made stuff is barely a notch above the guitars from the old Chicago factories that made all the same guitars under the various names Kay, Harmony, Silvertone, etc. etc. that I grew up on from store Christmas catalogs. . But, that being said, there's still magic in old gals like these even when they do need the rotten binding replaced and neck resets.
You make a valid point about how things were less "perfect" back in them days, and that there's a kind of magic that is lost when things are too perfected. I reckon that someone who clearly loves the craft will put enough magic back into it. All will be well! Looking forward to seeing more of this. I doubt anyone will be disappointed that there will be more episodes!
whilst we do try for the perfection of today it is really encouraging to see hand made adjustments on the classics. They do and have played for years and years - no CNC in sight.
If the repair needs to be done, then it has to be done. Who really wants a £27,500 wall hanger? You are making it playable again, Ben! Wonderful content, and I can't wait to see the conclusion.
This is like watching Neurosurgery performed by an expert Luthier...as Ben eased the dovetail joint gently up until it popped it made me jump! Love seeing this sort of work.
The creaking sounds as it was coming loose gave me very real anxiety. Sounded like an old wooden sailing ship creaking with the tides. But of course, it was in the safest of hands all along.
I suspect a lot of people would have shaved down the bridge as an easy way out and never even contemplated doing it the correct way, bearing in mind what this instrument is and its value. Can't wait for Part 2.
Ben. I purchased (about $30) an inspection camera that plugs into my phone. It has led lighting a 1 metre cable and you can even record. Its perfect for doing guitar internal inspections and at the price. there is no excuse for not owning one. Plus, it will make for entertaining content.
The crack when the neck came apart was ‘heart in the mouth’ type feeling. Some of the best guitar techs I have used are wizards, but this is a Gandelphian effort. Can’t wait for Part 2 😮🎸🫣😉
Its like renovating an old cottage, forget using a level or datums as the eye is the level just like when painting ,the shade is the light if you get my drift sir😂 well done ben , you've come long way but your journey has only just begun ❤
Neck reset on a very rare instrument is always good to watch. Ted Woodford seems to get a lot of Gibson and Martin resets to do, but I have not seen him attack one of these. The 6120T is my holy grail guitar, that I will probably never own, and that one is just drop dead gorgeous!
Welcome back, yo! (LOL) It really is amazing how imprecise guitars can be, and still sound amazing. (one thing I've learned from watching your Luthier Teardown videos) Centerlines?! Those are more of a rough guide.
What a horror story, lovely looking instrument that concealed shoddy workmanship/construction! Great to see you back Ben and it will, as ever, be fascinating, entertaining and informative to see you correct this expensive piece! 🥰🍷🍷🎸🎸
It's not shoddy. It's the techniques employed on this instrument. It remains playable after 70 years. As Ben notes, there's something to be said for their production techniques and *not* being overly-obsessed with perfect joinery.
I did 1935 Gretsch Artist model 150 neck set and it had excatly same neck mortise and dovetail. Undercutting on neck to body and gaps. Probably the same cutter set up for 20 years.
You should've called, Ben. I could've had that neck off in 3 seconds flat. Seriously though, that's when you know you're a master at your craft. Nice work.
Very cool for you to show the imperfections of such a valuable guitar, is good to show people that it does not have to be mm perfect to be beautiful, playable or valuable. Great stuff Bun 😀
15:43 onwards. Yeah, not all that in quality, being vintage. I know he acknowledges this at the end but, still. Ever since I've learned how to build my own from all these videos and more, I lust even less for vintage/aged/relict instruments.
Vintage Gretsch guitars were always out of my budget (even in the 1980s before they got ridiculous) and I knew a couple repair techs that told me every single instrument that came through their shop needed a neck reset. BTW, vintage Hofners came in and you could see that they didn't bother to drill pilot holes for hardware. That is unthinkable for the modern guitar builder.
Your video popped up & I'm clicking immediately if not sooner, no matter what the topic might be. Is that a factory compensated aluminum nut or was that done later?
Do you know the status of the other 13 original production units? People like you make me wish I had taken on this trade 100 years ago when I was young. I do enjoy what you are able to accomplish with all of this six string madness. Having already seen the finished product, my opinion of the "original mojo" - you definitely improved the value of this instrument and I think the improved playability was well worth the effort. Who cares if it looks good if it isn't functional.
I have to wonder, wouldn't making a shorter bridge saddle be less destructive? There's quite a lot of room there to come down. You can always keep the original in the case.
One of the first neck resets i ever did was on a vintage Gibson Hummingbird. Gibson acoustic were bad enough for me at that point, with their tight dovetail neck joints. Doing it and waiting for that "CRACK" on an expensive vintage one was terrifying.
This might be a silly question, but why did you not take off the entire fretboard before drilling? I would assume it would be hideglued on, and relatively easy to get off?
If it was originally somewhat off but played and sounded great, I am of the opinion to restore to the same spec/dimensions etc. If it can be significantly improved, then yes. I guess it all depends on the instrument
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
My toes tensed up when the wood started to make sounds, glad that part's over. 😳👍
Welcome back Ben. Home workshop, no distractions, this is your happy place and best work. Love it!
Thanks so much!
Welcome back Ben, take your time, we'll watch no matter what
Cannot wait for ‘Part Two’ with this Gretsch! Hoping it won’t be TOO long though, Ben. 👍🏼
There's this "they don't do it like they used to" in the vintage worship. But actually today most guitars are probably made arguably much better on factories than they were then.
Modern playing has moved the bar a bit as well. The days of playing cowboy chords people didn't have as many options, but also expectations.
No doubt about it. The Japanese Gretsches are far superior in comparison. The Brooklyn made stuff is barely a notch above the guitars from the old Chicago factories that made all the same guitars under the various names Kay, Harmony, Silvertone, etc. etc. that I grew up on from store Christmas catalogs. . But, that being said, there's still magic in old gals like these even when they do need the rotten binding replaced and neck resets.
You make a valid point about how things were less "perfect" back in them days, and that there's a kind of magic that is lost when things are too perfected.
I reckon that someone who clearly loves the craft will put enough magic back into it. All will be well! Looking forward to seeing more of this. I doubt anyone will be disappointed that there will be more episodes!
whilst we do try for the perfection of today it is really encouraging to see hand made adjustments on the classics. They do and have played for years and years - no CNC in sight.
you go and do your magic and I will happily come back later to see your work. Cheers !
Fascinating stuff. Welcome back Ben - more like this please👍
Perfectly imperfect like you Ben , yo.😊❤
Nice to see you back doing what you love.
Looking at that revealed neck joint is a bit like looking into Tutankhamen’s tomb for the first time, I imagine...
If the repair needs to be done, then it has to be done. Who really wants a £27,500 wall hanger? You are making it playable again, Ben! Wonderful content, and I can't wait to see the conclusion.
Welcome back, yo, indeed! And what a guitar to come back on!
This is like watching Neurosurgery performed by an expert Luthier...as Ben eased the dovetail joint gently up until it popped it made me jump! Love seeing this sort of work.
the moment the neck popped off was frightening! Good job on this precious guitar, Ben
A true pant crapping moment for sure. Yo
The creaking sounds as it was coming loose gave me very real anxiety. Sounded like an old wooden sailing ship creaking with the tides.
But of course, it was in the safest of hands all along.
Yo! Best to see you back tinkering. I think making that neck joint as stable as possible isn't going to mess with any mojos. Chur!
Welcome back Ben 🤜🏻🤛🏻
Good to see you're getting on top of it all Ben, have missed your helpful nature, take care!
thank you
I suspect a lot of people would have shaved down the bridge as an easy way out and never even contemplated doing it the correct way, bearing in mind what this instrument is and its value. Can't wait for Part 2.
Great to see you back.
Enjoyed this one and Ben seems to be in better shape.
Ben, thank you so much for your work here!
Mate... top respect I know you're an expert but took some balls .. hats off to you !!!
Ben, it's great to see you back giving inspiration to people. Loved your tour of the Bell Foundry.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Fantastic video. Looking forward to the next one. Never been brave enough to try a glued neck removal yet.
Ben. I purchased (about $30) an inspection camera that plugs into my phone. It has led lighting a 1 metre cable and you can even record. Its perfect for doing guitar internal inspections and at the price. there is no excuse for not owning one. Plus, it will make for entertaining content.
Oh Ben, a repair in what looks to be a Rolex?! Hells teeth!
Excellent! ❤ What a beauty of a guitar. Doing good stuff here. Can't wait until part 2. Thanks!
Great to see you back in the home workshop again Ben. Your early home workshop videos helped make me believe I could build guitars too. Thanks fella !
Great to hear!
Nice ! Can't wait for the 12th final episode of this repair :D
Yo, glad to see you back.
I love Gretsch guitars but they say of old Gretsch's that every guitar was a prototype. 😅
The crack when the neck came apart was ‘heart in the mouth’ type feeling. Some of the best guitar techs I have used are wizards, but this is a Gandelphian effort. Can’t wait for Part 2 😮🎸🫣😉
Its like renovating an old cottage, forget using a level or datums as the eye is the level just like when painting ,the shade is the light if you get my drift sir😂 well done ben , you've come long way but your journey has only just begun ❤
Great point!
Thank you for your video's Ben.
My pleasure!
Neck reset on a very rare instrument is always good to watch. Ted Woodford seems to get a lot of Gibson and Martin resets to do, but I have not seen him attack one of these. The 6120T is my holy grail guitar, that I will probably never own, and that one is just drop dead gorgeous!
Thanks for sharing your genius, and your personal plight. Glad you're back. Peace and love from Minnesota.
Welcome back, yo! Good to be watching you again :)
Before i watched the whole video i was wondering if it has the massive wood screw that Gretsch used at the heel then plugged and sprayed over!
Welcome back, yo! (LOL)
It really is amazing how imprecise guitars can be, and still sound amazing. (one thing I've learned from watching your Luthier Teardown videos)
Centerlines?! Those are more of a rough guide.
Over-running to a 2nd episode is just great(sch?) ! Welcome back Ben.
Welcome back Ben - another fab video (and what a beautiful Gretsch), very keen to see the second part.
Glad to be back
What a horror story, lovely looking instrument that concealed shoddy workmanship/construction!
Great to see you back Ben and it will, as ever, be fascinating, entertaining and informative to see you correct this expensive piece! 🥰🍷🍷🎸🎸
Many thanks!
It's not shoddy. It's the techniques employed on this instrument. It remains playable after 70 years. As Ben notes, there's something to be said for their production techniques and *not* being overly-obsessed with perfect joinery.
@@mattfinleylive …and you are most welcome to pay thirty grand for it……….!
I did 1935 Gretsch Artist model 150 neck set and it had excatly same neck mortise and dovetail. Undercutting on neck to body and gaps. Probably the same cutter set up for 20 years.
Welcome back Yo!
I love this stuff! Welcome back! hope you are going to live your best life now!
gonna try!
Thanks for sharing.
Ben it is great to see you !
thank you
Great video! And btw you have a pretty epic watch collection ;)
Great to see a repair/build video from you. Hope things are going better for you.
Wow. Great job Ben.
Love it ben what a treat before i lay down for some rest! ❤😮😊
Ian snickering devishely, I'm sure. Well, roasted maple is nice in any case.
I kid, I kid... great job as per usual!
You should've called, Ben. I could've had that neck off in 3 seconds flat.
Seriously though, that's when you know you're a master at your craft. Nice work.
Welcome back Ben. I have missed you brother!!✌️🤍
Thank you
Good having you back! (with a video of the style that got me subscribed in the first place)
Very cool for you to show the imperfections of such a valuable guitar, is good to show people that it does not have to be mm perfect to be beautiful, playable or valuable. Great stuff Bun 😀
Welcome back! Damn good to see you!
Great to have you back yo
Making an old guitar play great does not take away any mojo, it only adds it.
Great video. Entertaining and confirming vintage Gretsch build quality.
Welcome back……. I would be terrified to work on an instrument of that value!
Welcome back, Ben. Great video, as always.
thank you. Glad to be here.
Welcome back, yo!
Loved watching this. Perhaps you'll be adding some mojo by rebuilding the neck joint...
Lovely video!
Thanks for the how to I always learn something when I watch your videos 😊
You are so welcome!
Welcome back.
thank you
Love watching you work the best luthier on RUclips regards
thank you very much.
welcome back yo
Love this. Technical knowledge and experience shining through. So what if its 2 parts or even 3....we'll be watching
Good to see you back doing what you do best, great video😀
Great job so far 🙂👍🤘
welcome back :)
thank you
Just look at that thing! 😍🤩
Awesome work on an awesome guitar
If my G6120 1954 Prototype ever needs serious work, I'll be heading across the Atlantic in the hope of getting your help.
15:43 onwards. Yeah, not all that in quality, being vintage. I know he acknowledges this at the end but, still. Ever since I've learned how to build my own from all these videos and more, I lust even less for vintage/aged/relict instruments.
Nerve-wrecking repair job!
It’s all about the tools and materials used originally versus the tools and materials used by modern Luther’s .
Ben you adding you're to mojo To It !!!!!!!
Fascinating and scary at the same time
Vintage Gretsch guitars were always out of my budget (even in the 1980s before they got ridiculous) and I knew a couple repair techs that told me every single instrument that came through their shop needed a neck reset. BTW, vintage Hofners came in and you could see that they didn't bother to drill pilot holes for hardware. That is unthinkable for the modern guitar builder.
Yo, welcome back dude. Or something....
A Benultimate(?) episode! NOW we're back baby!
When that thing popped loose, I jumped a foot.
YO Ben! Great to see YO back! 😄 keep up the great work, can’t wait to see this fitting nice a snug again
What a fabulous guitar. At £27,500 I would be scared just holding that beast, let alone ripping its neck off.
Part 2 out yet?
Your video popped up & I'm clicking immediately if not sooner, no matter what the topic might be. Is that a factory compensated aluminum nut or was that done later?
Is that the original bigsby? Looks like the original one had smaller screws that were actually on the centre line?
I think you should credit Doc of fretted revival for the foam cutter technique
Do you know the status of the other 13 original production units?
People like you make me wish I had taken on this trade 100 years ago when I was young. I do enjoy what you are able to accomplish with all of this six string madness.
Having already seen the finished product, my opinion of the "original mojo" - you definitely improved the value of this instrument and I think the improved playability was well worth the effort. Who cares if it looks good if it isn't functional.
I have to wonder, wouldn't making a shorter bridge saddle be less destructive? There's quite a lot of room there to come down. You can always keep the original in the case.
Always tune in to your vids Ben, so informative. Just try to not help Amazon take over the entire retail market???
Greate vid Ben, and what a lovely guitar
the center line was more of a suggestion back then
One of the first neck resets i ever did was on a vintage Gibson Hummingbird. Gibson acoustic were bad enough for me at that point, with their tight dovetail neck joints. Doing it and waiting for that "CRACK" on an expensive vintage one was terrifying.
When the neck finally came off, I nearly had a heart attack. Mother of all jump-scares.😅
This might be a silly question, but why did you not take off the entire fretboard before drilling? I would assume it would be hideglued on, and relatively easy to get off?
If it was originally somewhat off but played and sounded great, I am of the opinion to restore to the same spec/dimensions etc. If it can be significantly improved, then yes. I guess it all depends on the instrument