We are thrilled to finally release this epic build video after a year of planning, shooting and editing! HUGE thanks to Michael Bashkin for generously opening his workshop to us. Hope you enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed making it. Cheers! 😊🎬
Awesome documentary! Great production. It was a real treat to see how the instrument I am learning to play is being handcrafted by a true artisan. Thank you.
Just to think that's maybe 3% at best of know-how about creating this guitar. I've seen some other vids about luthier job, it looked complicated and demanding but this one was a mind-boggler. Just strange that I heard custom guitars lose more of their value than mass produced ones, maybe that depends on its quality or something because can't picture this with regard to this one in the movie.
I haven’t touched my guitar since my dog passed 2 years ago. She loved to listen to me play and without her here I lost all desire. I know , I’m weak!! After 2 years and 4 months I got my guitar out and it’s because of this video. I even got to snuggle my dog for the first time in my dreams and I can’t tell you how much I needed that and I don’t care how pathetic that sounds. I needed this video , and I thank you’s for making it.
@chadfengel we really appreciate your heartfelt comment. I'm not sure if you saw his dog's few cameos in the video, but Michael is a canine lover, as well as many of us over here at StewMac. It brought tears to our eyes hearing how this video inspired you to pick up the ole guitar again, and reunite with your pup in your dreams! Take good care, and thanks again for the comment.
If you're too big to express your feelings, you're too big. I would be comfortable assuming that most of us who would watch this video have something deep inside of us that we need to get off our chest. I went through something similar when I lost my duck dog, Ace. I haven't been duck hunting in 5 years, because I'm afraid I won't enjoy it without him, or even worse, I might actually enjoy it and I think that would make me feel guilty. He was my best friend. He'd probably want me to go, but I still haven't found it in me. We men are strange creatures, but that's alright.
You, sir ... are absolutely amazing! 😳 Your skills in the making of such a fine instrument are "over the top!!" Your attention to detail is unmatched! I've never seen a guitar being made ... and your video was flawless! Well done!!! And your ending is totally priceless! 😂 Your great sense of humor matches your creativeness with all those woods! Wow! Just WOW! Keep up the good work, sir! Oh ... and your humility that you want "your tuning head to tell who made it" ... and not putting your name on it for all to see ... speaks volumes about your heart, too! Unbelievable! Job well done!! ❤️🎶🎵🥰
It is what it is. Had a black lab named Daisie that was one of those once in a 1000 lifetimes dog. Trained herself, not in commands, this dog understood plain english. She was only 8 and my daughter 9 when the vet said inoperable cancer in the snout. We fed her steroids til they quit working and we let her go as soon as we knew she was uncomfortable, 10 years ago last month. I still don't think I'll have another dog even after all this time. I owe it to her to remember her, but I will never tell that story to a woman I am romantically involved with or interested in and neither should you. They will pay to watch Matthew McConaughey live your story in a movie, but regardless of what they say, women have 5 allowable conditions for men: Stoic, funny, strong, working, and sleeping. Stray from those and they stray from you. It is what it is.
I wish I had a good acoustic guitar. I bought a Dean koa wood acoustic/electric and it`s nice, but has issues requiring a neck adjustment that raised the strings too high for easy playing. The nut is too high as well but can`t be lowered or the buzzing would likely make it unplayable. But a brand new Ashthorpe acoustic/electric that cost me only 70 bucks plays like a dream and plugged in is perfectly acceptable for live performances. I`m considering taking the high quality tuners off my old worn out Samick to put on it but I hope some day to play the Samick again but can`t afford to have repairs done. I played it for 20 years and it was played for many years before I got it in bands. Because the strings are so hard to press down on my Dean I`m already damaging the frets just practicing. Not sure why companies sell guitars that have issues. But it happens so much to me. And nothing can be done about it. I decided to just keep it so some kid wouldn`t become a victim and give up. I can play it but it isn`t fun.
Marshall Brune has shown a really detailed build spit into different vids. He and his dad, R.E. Brune, make phenomenal guitars. I believe it's on his channel. I'm pretty certain there's also a build from him on Rob Scallons channel from when Marshall helped him build a guitar, IIRC. The stuff on Marshall's channel is like 12 or 14 vids that are all 12-20 mins long. So you're looking at around 3 hrs or more altogether, I'd guess. 12 vids at 20 mins is 4 hrs(240 mins). 12 at 12 mins is 2 hrs 24 mins(144 mins). So I just went for the middle at 180 mins or 3 hrs.
I didn't know who this guy is, but I live in his town and I randomly took a $400 Chinese Alvarez acoustic guitar to him to get a set up done. He took the time to check out my cheap guitar and made a few minor tweaks to it. Never once did I feel an ounce of snobbery from him. Later, I looked at his website and found out his level, lol! Good dude!
This guitar, and this video are masterpieces. I was lucky enough to have been gifted a guitar from a local luthier. All my friends and family came together to present it to me for my 40th birthday. The builder came to my party and presented the guitar to me in person. To this day, I still tear up thinking about it. The guitar itself has volume and tone like nothing else. It was built with some rare wood that had to be harvested from an antique door that he bought in New Orleans, and had shipped back to Connecticut. I'm sitting here looking at this instrument now with even more appreciation after watching this video.
My gosh I wish I had the money to give this man for one of these gorgeous machines. I can only imagine these being so highly sought after so many years after they are made. Take a long hard look people, super heroes are real... this level of luthiering is a lot more rare than you know. Just wow.
Wow…minus his luthier knowledge, this man is STILL a master woodworker of the highest caliber. I’m glad that he’s found customers who are willing to pay what his masterpieces are worth.
Michael, We met at Swannanoa back in 2009, and you were the only person who gave me honest and critical feedback on one of my earlier guitars. I really appreciated that. You have an amazing eye for detail. I’ve thought about your feedback many times over the years, and I’ve tried to up my game with every build. Thanks for being honest with an aspiring builder, and thanks for generously offering your time and opening your shop to us in this amazing video!
Mr. Bashkin is clearly a master of luthiering. His command of the technology and artistry is legendary. This presentation's well-done and worth every minute of time watching whether one is a luthier or not. Without doubt, the Stradivari's and Jurado's of the 1700's and 1800's were at the pinnacle of those times' developments. Without doubt, Mr. Bashkin is, in my opinion, worthy of such recognition. And special thanks to the folks of Stew-Mac and RUclips for making this presentation available to common folk like me.
Mr. Bashkin repaired my Larivee D-03 way back in 2002. He had a cool shop in the basement of his home where he was doing repairs and custom builds. So cool to see this video randomly on youtube! And so cool to see the upgraded shop! Excellent work sir!!
As a classical/acoustic lutherie student, you have no idea how helpful this is to get new perspectives on how others make guitars. Thank you Michael for letting the StewMac guys in, and thank you StewMac for uploading this.
I've watched this entire video twice now, and am absolutely floored by both the craftsmanship and the film making that went into this project. As both a guitarist and Colorado native, this was an especially meaningful, eye opening experience for me. Thank you.
As an amateur builder, I am in awe of Michael’s talent and attention to every aspect of building an acoustic guitar. Very impressed and inspired. Thank you for sharing.
Had definitely heard of Bashkin guitars. What a fabulous way to get acquainted with his work. Unbelievable intimacy in such a level of master craftsmanship. Didn’t know his bar was so high….. second to none. His techniques for specific build steps were unique from some of the other world’s top builders. I could watch him for days on end. Now the whole world can delight themselves in knowing Michael Bashkin. Bravo Stewart MacDonald for your choice of him for your video excellence!!!
The end scene is hilarious!! Great that you can have a sense of humor while making such a exacting and beautiful guitar. Bravo from one guitar builder to another… very impressed with your work for years now and just love this video you’ve put together.
I honestly couldn't imagine a more peaceful life than crafting something so beautiful every day and making a living from it! Not sure I could do this job as I wouldn't want to let a single guitar go! Michael's guitars are out of my price range right now, but one day
Wow. This builder is a master instrument builder; from solid wood bindings to extreme craftsmanship and artistry, and an all wood philosophy this builder is genius in his use of computer numerical controlled systems and hand tools. I would sell my soul to own one of his creations...
I keep thinking I’ve seen the most extensive guitar build video on RUclips and then I’m astounded by another. I think I can safely say this build will be hard to beat. The amount of obviously hard earned experience with every detail down to the smallest is incredible. The amount of time spent on the neck, frets and fretboard, nut, bridge and overall setup is so important and good to show to other builders. The tone of the this guitar is incredibly balanced. Thanks to Michael, StewMac, and all involved with the production of this video. Oh and the ending was a nice bit of humor!😁
@AudioAtmos thank you very much for the comment! It was an incredible experience to follow Michael in his shop. Really glad you enjoyed the end result.
I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVED this!!! I started watching at lunch time and said screw work till I got to see and hear the guitar! I would watch a luthier build start to finish every week! Better than any of the other crap to watch.
Nice one Michael. They are all good, but I think it's your best Luthier on Luthier episode yet. I wish something this thoughtful and comprehensive had been available 30 years ago. Well done, thanks StewMac.
For everyone watching what he’s doing, which is great, make note of the most important tool in the mix, an optivisor, this will change your life when you work on things. It’s in the details.
I can't thank you enough for this. This is my first ever guitar build and I am so emotionally caught up I can't believe it. Michaels's skill and craftmanship combined with the editing has left me in a Zen like space. Unbelievable just unbelievable how this whole experience has affected me. The detail and patience shown here is incredible but totally fascinating to watch. Thank you so much.
As a Luthier myself, I really enjoyed this video and Bashkins attention to detail, especially back and soundboard tuning. Every Luthier has their preferred tonewoods they like to pair up, this was a nice insight as to Bashkins choices and why. Thanks for sharing this video.
I was THE lucky one that actually got to see this beauty in Michael's shop. What an Artist! We are actually based in the same city. I feel really grateful to get to know Michael. This is work of a real artist!
I don't know how many guitar build videos I've watched. From 'I'll figure it out along the way' to instructional and all in-between. But for an hour and 48 minute build, I was entertained the whole time and this guy is world class!
Thanks for letting us see a Master at work ( with Very informative narration) I'm a guitarist, retired now, Iv'e had some good advice from several Luthier's over the years and now as a hobby, I buy acoustic guitar's ( structurely sound ones) and improve their sound, and do VERY SMALL repairs, then move them on. Sincerely, thank you, & I'm Don from Hamilton NZ, on my Wife's tablet-Susan😊😮
I just finished my second student build which was mostly solo but with some help at some key spots in the process and this video has inspired me to go through the whole process again and again! Watching this and reflecting on my own process there have been times where I clearly rushed things and am looking forward to refining both my process and my work.
I am lucky enough to own a Bashkin guitar. Michael built in a few personal things, inlays etc and I deem my guitar the most beautiful guitar ever build. Micahael is truly master craftsman!!
Thank you Michael for sharing your gifts and talent with us through this video. Your last statement gives goose bumps Michael Bashkin "A really cool aspect of being a guitar maker is not only do I get to use art and science to make these, what I think are beautiful objects but then this physical entity that I’ve created in my shop then I get to hand off to somebody else and they get to make their own art with it and create and so, it’s something that keeps on giving and creating and hopefully inspire other people so it’s not just here what I do in the shop but it’s also what happens to the guitar after it leaves the shop and it takes on a life of it’s own”
I thought I'd have a quick look, the next thing I know an hour and a half passed by as if it were 10 minutes. I was totally captivated by your talent. Thank you for staying on point without any unnecessary distractions. I envy your skill and dedication. I wish I could experience what you do. I was so enthralled that I almost fell out of my chair at the end.
It was an absolute pleasure watching and listening to this Master share his craft. Mr. Bashkin you are incredible. Thank you to all involved in arranging, filming and bringing this to the community...well done.
Wow! Just Wow, I mean, just speechless. I've watched the entire production piece and, every second of it I was in complete awe. If I were to hold that guitar, I could even say I was there present as it was built. Just amazing.
I am almost as impressed with the level of workmanship as I am with the level of detail on the manicuring of your fingernails sir... Both are exceptional... But seriously, this entire process was a joy to watch. I can onlly imagine just how much you have learned along the way. There is a certain amount of fearlessness involved in trying to achieve perfect widths, levels, joins, strengths, tones, weights and balances. Big respect ❤
I don't know what's even harder: to learn how to play the guitar, or to learn how to build a guitar. Probably the latter, as mistakes are certainly more "expensive" in all senses of the word. So yeah, great guitar playing sometimes may seem like magic, but nothing astonishes me more than this level of craftsmanship.
I have been an enthusiastic amateur guitarist for nearly 70 years which has seen me embrace the odd repair. I appreciate the instrument design as much as the music it can produce in the right hands. This video absolutely captivated me on every level. The guitar seems to represent the very best in mankind. The concept, the choice of materials, the beautifying, and the many manual skills that go into both the making and the playing. There is also the question of imagination and development of the musical phrases and riffs that help to make the instrument actually work on a musical level. Its said they have the shape of a woman to add to the aesthetic appeal. They certainly look good when hung on a wall! Thank you so much for making and displaying the high level art-form of a Luthier.
It was pleasure to see the intricacy and detail a master luthier embraces when creating an heirloom instrument. I usually do leatherwork while I watch videos but 10 minutes in I had to put down the leather and just watch. And if nothing else, the last 30 seconds were worth the first 148 minutes. Great craftsman and excellent video.
This is such a gift ! Thank you, Mr.Bashkin and StewMac. I am in a crisis because of several strokes, and my family will not allow me to have my shop in the basement. The house was bought for me by a beloved former spouse and she wants me to down size and and then set up in the dining room I guess I cannot be casual about dust collection. I may have missed the bridge plate.
This was such a joy to watch and learn more about how our instruments make their way into the world. Thank you for all the work on this lovely documentary both Michael and the StewMac team!
Buying a guitar from this guy wouldn't feel like a assembly line product,but a part of himself that he poured into pieces of wood and made a work of art
Wow ! Thanks for taking the time Michael Bashkin to make the video with StewMac ! Very interesting and informative ... it takes a lot of concentration just to make the guitar ... let alone go through every step on camera. Your work is beautiful !
I have built 4 guitars as a hobby, and have repaired?modifies many instruments. I had the great privilege many years ago in 1979 to spend the afternoon with with William (Grit) Laskin in his workshop. Grit is renowned for his workmanship, his "Laskin Arm/Rib Bevels, and especially for his stunning artistic inlay work. i really appreciate your attention to detail as well your thoughtful innovation. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
I go back and forth between this wonderful video and the one of Jack White building a guitar in 15 minutes by hammering some nails into an old piece of barn wood, a pick up and piano wire 😂
At 52, kids all out or off in college, and having been in bands for over 30 yrs, this video just mesmerized me. Like being taken through a journey of my life up to now with memories one after another. Your craftsmanship is clearly superb. Thanks tons for this. Fantastic job.
Master Luthier!!!!!!!! what a total under statement!!!!!!. Michael, I'm at a loss for words. HUGE RESPECT. Your work is beautiful. Thank you for sharing.👊👊👊
I have no idea how I missed this video. First, obviously the craftsmanship is off the charts. If this video doesn’t translate into orders, something’s off in the universe. Any player would be extremely lucky to possess an instrument made with such thought, care and talent. Second to the team that shot and edited this video: I don’t think it could possibly be done better. It really was masterfully executed. It’s a PERFECT guitar building video. Really… you missed nothing! And you even tossed in a joke at the end. Bravo 👏
man, I gotta respond to this....I'd never heard of this guy. So as I watched this I realized that with a few exceptions, this is how I built my first guitar - under the supervision of the sadly deceased John Whiteside in New Hampshire. Very similar techniques but of course nowhere near the detail. But the detail in this...the headstock veneer, the way he makes the inlays, fingerboard markers, and the sound (found a couple of sound samples on reverb and you tube). Wow. I'm not sure most handmade one-off guitars like these have the sound to justify the price, but this sure did. I could see dropping mid to high 4 figures on one of these. Not sure I deserve it though... And just a caveat for aspiring luthiers; this is not really a "how to" video. it does show most of the steps, but for example, the neck just sort of magically appears. Most of us don't have near the resources he does - jigs, CNC, thickness sander (I wish....). No real explanation of how to carve the angles of the cheeks to optimize the final neck angle or whether there are angles on the head and foot blocks. We see him voice the top but really don't know what is happening with the readout. Not a lot on fretting. But an hour and 48 minutes of sheer mastery. So many cool jigs, so many cool ideas (Indexing pins on the bridge to prevent it from slipping as it is glued on - who'd a thought!). And as I spent 2 years building my masterpiece, this is a great video for friends and family to watch to see what goes into making a handmade guitar. Kudos Mr. Bashkin.
perhaps the best, most useful StewMac video to date. This is a treasure trove for all acoustic builders. Thank you both (StewMac and Michael Bashkin) for doing this.
Refreshing in this tech age to see that there are some things a computer can't do and it takes the incredible skill and craftsmanship of a human to accomplish.
absolutely floored by the precision and patience and workmanship. Makes a person really understand and appreciate the skill set and details needed for a precision instrument.
We are thrilled to finally release this epic build video after a year of planning, shooting and editing! HUGE thanks to Michael Bashkin for generously opening his workshop to us. Hope you enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed making it. Cheers! 😊🎬
This is absolutely fascinating .
I’ve watched it twice.
Thanks for showing this process and this artist in particular.
Amazing job guys! Thanks
Well done.
Awesome documentary! Great production. It was a real treat to see how the instrument I am learning to play is being handcrafted by a true artisan. Thank you.
Just to think that's maybe 3% at best of know-how about creating this guitar. I've seen some other vids about luthier job, it looked complicated and demanding but this one was a mind-boggler. Just strange that I heard custom guitars lose more of their value than mass produced ones, maybe that depends on its quality or something because can't picture this with regard to this one in the movie.
I haven’t touched my guitar since my dog passed 2 years ago. She loved to listen to me play and without her here I lost all desire. I know , I’m weak!! After 2 years and 4 months I got my guitar out and it’s because of this video. I even got to snuggle my dog for the first time in my dreams and I can’t tell you how much I needed that and I don’t care how pathetic that sounds. I needed this video , and I thank you’s for making it.
@chadfengel we really appreciate your heartfelt comment. I'm not sure if you saw his dog's few cameos in the video, but Michael is a canine lover, as well as many of us over here at StewMac. It brought tears to our eyes hearing how this video inspired you to pick up the ole guitar again, and reunite with your pup in your dreams! Take good care, and thanks again for the comment.
If you're too big to express your feelings, you're too big. I would be comfortable assuming that most of us who would watch this video have something deep inside of us that we need to get off our chest. I went through something similar when I lost my duck dog, Ace. I haven't been duck hunting in 5 years, because I'm afraid I won't enjoy it without him, or even worse, I might actually enjoy it and I think that would make me feel guilty. He was my best friend. He'd probably want me to go, but I still haven't found it in me. We men are strange creatures, but that's alright.
You, sir ... are absolutely amazing! 😳
Your skills in the making of such a fine instrument are "over the top!!"
Your attention to detail is unmatched!
I've never seen a guitar being made ... and your video was flawless!
Well done!!!
And your ending is totally priceless! 😂
Your great sense of humor matches your creativeness with all those woods!
Wow! Just WOW!
Keep up the good work, sir!
Oh ... and your humility that you want "your tuning head to tell who made it" ... and not putting your name on it for all to see ... speaks volumes about your heart, too!
Unbelievable!
Job well done!!
❤️🎶🎵🥰
It is what it is. Had a black lab named Daisie that was one of those once in a 1000 lifetimes dog. Trained herself, not in commands, this dog understood plain english. She was only 8 and my daughter 9 when the vet said inoperable cancer in the snout. We fed her steroids til they quit working and we let her go as soon as we knew she was uncomfortable, 10 years ago last month. I still don't think I'll have another dog even after all this time. I owe it to her to remember her, but I will never tell that story to a woman I am romantically involved with or interested in and neither should you. They will pay to watch Matthew McConaughey live your story in a movie, but regardless of what they say, women have 5 allowable conditions for men: Stoic, funny, strong, working, and sleeping. Stray from those and they stray from you. It is what it is.
Good dog.
OMG!! The ending is epic!! Michael’s craftsmanship is second to none. Thank you for putting this together and sharing it with the world.
Thanks a bunch! It's true, Michael is a true master of the craft.
LOL
A cringe followed by a good laugh.
I dunno b’y, Jean Larrivée’s pretty damn good. But yes this was amazing and he’s truly a master! Would love to try one.
I wish I had a good acoustic guitar. I bought a Dean koa wood acoustic/electric and it`s nice, but has issues requiring a neck adjustment that raised the strings too high for easy playing. The nut is too high as well but can`t be lowered or the buzzing would likely make it unplayable. But a brand new Ashthorpe acoustic/electric that cost me only 70 bucks plays like a dream and plugged in is perfectly acceptable for live performances. I`m considering taking the high quality tuners off my old worn out Samick to put on it but I hope some day to play the Samick again but can`t afford to have repairs done. I played it for 20 years and it was played for many years before I got it in bands. Because the strings are so hard to press down on my Dean I`m already damaging the frets just practicing. Not sure why companies sell guitars that have issues. But it happens so much to me. And nothing can be done about it. I decided to just keep it so some kid wouldn`t become a victim and give up. I can play it but it isn`t fun.
This is the most meticulous guitar build I have ever seen. It would be a huge privilege to own one of these guitars.
I second that.
Marshall Brune has shown a really detailed build spit into different vids. He and his dad, R.E. Brune, make phenomenal guitars. I believe it's on his channel. I'm pretty certain there's also a build from him on Rob Scallons channel from when Marshall helped him build a guitar, IIRC.
The stuff on Marshall's channel is like 12 or 14 vids that are all 12-20 mins long. So you're looking at around 3 hrs or more altogether, I'd guess. 12 vids at 20 mins is 4 hrs(240 mins). 12 at 12 mins is 2 hrs 24 mins(144 mins). So I just went for the middle at 180 mins or 3 hrs.
I just started watching it. Exactly my thoughts!!!
what are you waiting for?
@@cattnippmoney
I didn't know who this guy is, but I live in his town and I randomly took a $400 Chinese Alvarez acoustic guitar to him to get a set up done. He took the time to check out my cheap guitar and made a few minor tweaks to it. Never once did I feel an ounce of snobbery from him. Later, I looked at his website and found out his level, lol! Good dude!
That’s really awesome!
This guitar, and this video are masterpieces. I was lucky enough to have been gifted a guitar from a local luthier. All my friends and family came together to present it to me for my 40th birthday. The builder came to my party and presented the guitar to me in person. To this day, I still tear up thinking about it. The guitar itself has volume and tone like nothing else. It was built with some rare wood that had to be harvested from an antique door that he bought in New Orleans, and had shipped back to Connecticut. I'm sitting here looking at this instrument now with even more appreciation after watching this video.
I was just gonna watch a few minutes of this for nostalgic purposes. An hour and 49 minutes later..... ❤
The camera work, angle choices and editing were as good as the guitar. Nice job!
Thanks a bunch! We figured it was only right that the camera quality matched Michael's superior level of work 🙂
Wow...THANK YOU Michael. Very kind of you to open your shop and give us a peak behind the curtain at how you build guitars. Best wishes, Mark.
My gosh I wish I had the money to give this man for one of these gorgeous machines.
I can only imagine these being so highly sought after so many years after they are made.
Take a long hard look people, super heroes are real... this level of luthiering is a lot more rare than you know.
Just wow.
Wow…minus his luthier knowledge, this man is STILL a master woodworker of the highest caliber. I’m glad that he’s found customers who are willing to pay what his masterpieces are worth.
Michael, We met at Swannanoa back in 2009, and you were the only person who gave me honest and critical feedback on one of my earlier guitars. I really appreciated that. You have an amazing eye for detail. I’ve thought about your feedback many times over the years, and I’ve tried to up my game with every build. Thanks for being honest with an aspiring builder, and thanks for generously offering your time and opening your shop to us in this amazing video!
Lenny, do you still build guitars, and if you do, do you have a website? Thanks
Mr. Bashkin is clearly a master of luthiering. His command of the technology and artistry is legendary. This presentation's well-done and worth every minute of time watching whether one is a luthier or not. Without doubt, the Stradivari's and Jurado's of the 1700's and 1800's were at the pinnacle of those times' developments. Without doubt, Mr. Bashkin is, in my opinion, worthy of such recognition. And special thanks to the folks of Stew-Mac and RUclips for making this presentation available to common folk like me.
Wow - thank you so much for the positive feedback. It's because of viewers like you that we make these videos!
I honestly felt a bit sad when the video ended.
Mr. Bashkin repaired my Larivee D-03 way back in 2002. He had a cool shop in the basement of his home where he was doing repairs and custom builds. So cool to see this video randomly on youtube! And so cool to see the upgraded shop! Excellent work sir!!
omg the ending. thank you michael. just fantastic.
😜
This is one of the most beautiful videos Ive ever seen in RUclips
Dude makes woodworking look like Lego! Awesome stuff.
The sound of that back mating with the sides was exceedingly satisfying! Nice work Michael!!
As a classical/acoustic lutherie student, you have no idea how helpful this is to get new perspectives on how others make guitars. Thank you Michael for letting the StewMac guys in, and thank you StewMac for uploading this.
@droid1008 Awesome! That's the main reason we wanted to make this video - to inspire others working on their own craft. Really glad you enjoyed it.
I've watched this entire video twice now, and am absolutely floored by both the craftsmanship and the film making that went into this project. As both a guitarist and Colorado native, this was an especially meaningful, eye opening experience for me. Thank you.
Wow, thank you! So glad you enjoyed it.
As an amateur builder, I am in awe of Michael’s talent and attention to every aspect of building an acoustic guitar. Very impressed and inspired. Thank you for sharing.
As an amateur builder also, I totally agree. Thanks also.
@@hymnplayer same, new builder, like only built an electric and done a few repairs on camera for youtube.
Most impressive
I agree with everyone here! The end…well, it was perfect… 10 out of 10!
Had definitely heard of Bashkin guitars. What a fabulous way to get acquainted with his work. Unbelievable intimacy in such a level of master craftsmanship. Didn’t know his bar was so high….. second to none. His techniques for specific build steps were unique from some of the other world’s top builders. I could watch him for days on end.
Now the whole world can delight themselves in knowing Michael Bashkin.
Bravo Stewart MacDonald for your choice of him for your video excellence!!!
Thanks for the great feedback! We're very honored Michael wanted to do this project with us.
This is what it looks like to take pride in your work... amazing Craft thanks for the video
This video is GOLD! Thanks for sharing and thanks to Maestro Bashkin for this beautiful gift!
The end scene is hilarious!! Great that you can have a sense of humor while making such a exacting and beautiful guitar. Bravo from one guitar builder to another… very impressed with your work for years now and just love this video you’ve put together.
I honestly couldn't imagine a more peaceful life than crafting something so beautiful every day and making a living from it!
Not sure I could do this job as I wouldn't want to let a single guitar go!
Michael's guitars are out of my price range right now, but one day
Thank you so much!
Holy Smokes!! What a fantastic story and doc about this artist of wood. The ending was genius by the way.
Thank you! Cheers!
lovely perfectionism. it's no wonder your instruments are so exceptional, michael .. .
So wonderful to see the talent and passion of a creator such as Michael....
I literally jumped out of my skin! 😮 Unbelievable craftsmanship,,,
This is poetry on a video. I'm almost in tears at its beauty. Would watch it full-length in a movie theater. Thank you so much.
Wow. This builder is a master instrument builder; from solid wood bindings to extreme craftsmanship and artistry, and an all wood philosophy this builder is genius in his use of computer numerical controlled systems and hand tools. I would sell my soul to own one of his creations...
Thanks for sharing your guitar building process. I'm from the Philippines. Not a guitar builder, just a player interested in quality instruments.
This was one of the most enjoyable video's to watch on RUclips.
beautiful quality nothing better than seeing a crafts man produce a beautiful instrument thanks 👍👍👍
I keep thinking I’ve seen the most extensive guitar build video on RUclips and then I’m astounded by another. I think I can safely say this build will be hard to beat. The amount of obviously hard earned experience with every detail down to the smallest is incredible. The amount of time spent on the neck, frets and fretboard, nut, bridge and overall setup is so important and good to show to other builders. The tone of the this guitar is incredibly balanced. Thanks to Michael, StewMac, and all involved with the production of this video. Oh and the ending was a nice bit of humor!😁
@AudioAtmos thank you very much for the comment! It was an incredible experience to follow Michael in his shop. Really glad you enjoyed the end result.
I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVED this!!! I started watching at lunch time and said screw work till I got to see and hear the guitar! I would watch a luthier build start to finish every week! Better than any of the other crap to watch.
Wow! What a master. The attention to detail was amazing. Great work and thanks for bringing these insights.
Thanks so much! It was a true pleasure to work with Michael on this project.
Wow! Talk about top notch!
The ending was was hilarious twist too.
Thank you so much for sharing this with us. Greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much for the great feedback!
Nice one Michael. They are all good, but I think it's your best Luthier on Luthier episode yet. I wish something this thoughtful and comprehensive had been available 30 years ago. Well done, thanks StewMac.
Very kind words... thank YOU!
For everyone watching what he’s doing, which is great, make note of the most important tool in the mix, an optivisor, this will change your life when you work on things. It’s in the details.
I can't thank you enough for this. This is my first ever guitar build and I am so emotionally caught up I can't believe it. Michaels's skill and craftmanship combined with the editing has left me in a Zen like space. Unbelievable just unbelievable how this whole experience has affected me. The detail and patience shown here is incredible but totally fascinating to watch. Thank you so much.
It is art, I love watching craftsmen apply their skills.
As a Luthier myself, I really enjoyed this video and Bashkins attention to detail, especially back and soundboard tuning. Every Luthier has their preferred tonewoods they like to pair up, this was a nice insight as to Bashkins choices and why. Thanks for sharing this video.
I was THE lucky one that actually got to see this beauty in Michael's shop. What an Artist! We are actually based in the same city. I feel really grateful to get to know Michael. This is work of a real artist!
The jigs and tools used here are meticulously maintained, making this process even more incredible....what an honor to watch a MASTER at work
Great video and EXTREMELY informative. The end make me laugh out loud.
Thanks. We were so thrilled to work with Michael on this. Glad you liked the ending. 😎
What an absolute treat and beautiful craftsmanship!! 👏🏻
I don't know how many guitar build videos I've watched. From 'I'll figure it out along the way' to instructional and all in-between. But for an hour and 48 minute build, I was entertained the whole time and this guy is world class!
Thanks so much for tuning in! Really glad you enjoyed it.
That ending though! What an amazingly spent hour and 49 minutes of my life! Wow... That's all I got is...wow.
Thanks for letting us see a Master at work ( with Very informative narration) I'm a guitarist, retired now, Iv'e had some good advice from several Luthier's over the years and now as a hobby, I buy acoustic guitar's ( structurely sound ones) and improve their sound, and do VERY SMALL repairs, then move them on. Sincerely, thank you, & I'm Don from Hamilton NZ, on my Wife's tablet-Susan😊😮
Thanks so much, Don! We're glad you enjoyed the video.
Loved that ending. Actually loved the whole lot. Your attention to detail is incredible.
Glad to hear it! Thank you!
Great ending!!! What a process! Very inspiring!
I just finished my second student build which was mostly solo but with some help at some key spots in the process and this video has inspired me to go through the whole process again and again! Watching this and reflecting on my own process there have been times where I clearly rushed things and am looking forward to refining both my process and my work.
What a gift. Thank you so much Michael.
What a great video, and the end was too funny! 😂😂🤣🤣
I am lucky enough to own a Bashkin guitar. Michael built in a few personal things, inlays etc and I deem my guitar the most beautiful guitar ever build. Micahael is truly master craftsman!!
Thank you Michael for sharing your gifts and talent with us through this video.
Your last statement gives goose bumps
Michael Bashkin
"A really cool aspect of being a guitar maker is not only do I get to use art and science to make these, what I think are beautiful objects but then this physical entity that I’ve created in my shop then I get to hand off to somebody else and they get to make their own art with it and create and so, it’s something that keeps on giving and creating and hopefully inspire other people so it’s not just here what I do in the shop but it’s also what happens to the guitar after it leaves the shop and it takes on a life of it’s own”
We loved that part too, he's an inspiration to all of us builders and players.
Art in motion. A revalation to watch the creation of somthing truly unique.
🎉🎉🎉Master of luthier.❤❤❤ Indeed an excellent craftmanship.
His Surgical Clean Shop indicates his surgical Skills at guitar design and construction! Top shelf expose'... thanks Stew Mac!!
You bet, thanks for tuning in!
I thought I'd have a quick look, the next thing I know an hour and a half passed by as if it were 10 minutes. I was totally captivated by your talent. Thank you for staying on point without any unnecessary distractions. I envy your skill and dedication. I wish I could experience what you do. I was so enthralled that I almost fell out of my chair at the end.
It was an absolute pleasure watching and listening to this Master share his craft. Mr. Bashkin you are incredible. Thank you to all involved in arranging, filming and bringing this to the community...well done.
@markroberts2186 Thanks a bunch for the positive feedback! The whole process was a pleasure for us to put together and share with the YT community.
Wow! Just Wow, I mean, just speechless. I've watched the entire production piece and, every second of it I was in complete awe. If I were to hold that guitar, I could even say I was there present as it was built. Just amazing.
Wow, thank you!
I am almost as impressed with the level of workmanship as I am with the level of detail on the manicuring of your fingernails sir... Both are exceptional...
But seriously, this entire process was a joy to watch. I can onlly imagine just how much you have learned along the way. There is a certain amount of fearlessness involved in trying to achieve perfect widths, levels, joins, strengths, tones, weights and balances. Big respect ❤
I've been listening to the LOL podcast for ages, it's so cool to get to see your workshop. Thanks Michael!
I don't know what's even harder: to learn how to play the guitar, or to learn how to build a guitar. Probably the latter, as mistakes are certainly more "expensive" in all senses of the word. So yeah, great guitar playing sometimes may seem like magic, but nothing astonishes me more than this level of craftsmanship.
This guitar is a masterpiece.
I have been an enthusiastic amateur guitarist for nearly 70 years which has seen me embrace the odd repair. I appreciate the instrument design as much as the music it can produce in the right hands. This video absolutely captivated me on every level. The guitar seems to represent the very best in mankind. The concept, the choice of materials, the beautifying, and the many manual skills that go into both the making and the playing. There is also the question of imagination and development of the musical phrases and riffs that help to make the instrument actually work on a musical level. Its said they have the shape of a woman to add to the aesthetic appeal. They certainly look good when hung on a wall! Thank you so much for making and displaying the high level art-form of a Luthier.
... it was a pleasure to watch this great video and witness the built all the way through ... :)
I admire this very talented capable man, it was a real pleasure to watch him create an instrument.
So awesome
Oh my God, the ending, so freaking hysterical!
It was pleasure to see the intricacy and detail a master luthier embraces when creating an heirloom instrument. I usually do leatherwork while I watch videos but 10 minutes in I had to put down the leather and just watch. And if nothing else, the last 30 seconds were worth the first 148 minutes. Great craftsman and excellent video.
This is such a gift ! Thank you, Mr.Bashkin and StewMac. I am in a crisis because of several strokes, and my family will not allow me to have my shop in the basement. The house was bought for me by a beloved former spouse and she wants me to down size and and then set up in the dining room I guess I cannot be casual about dust collection. I may have missed the bridge plate.
This was such a joy to watch and learn more about how our instruments make their way into the world. Thank you for all the work on this lovely documentary both Michael and the StewMac team!
Really glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the positive feedback.
Buying a guitar from this guy wouldn't feel like a assembly line product,but a part of himself that he poured into pieces of wood and made a work of art
That is some real passion for work and amazing craftsmanship
Coming back after two months just to rewatch this amazing video. It's truly something unreal.
Wow ! Thanks for taking the time Michael Bashkin to make the video with StewMac ! Very interesting and informative ... it takes a lot of concentration just to make the guitar ... let alone go through every step on camera. Your work is beautiful !
It’s true! With a camera involved oftentimes the lighting and positioning wasn’t optimal for Michael, but he was a total trooper through it all.
wow what a great video, really enjoyed that. Amazing craftsman. Thanks for sharing.
It´s kind of a hypnotic feeling watching skilled people working. 😴
I have built 4 guitars as a hobby, and have repaired?modifies many instruments. I had the great privilege many years ago in 1979 to spend the afternoon with with William (Grit) Laskin in his workshop. Grit is renowned for his workmanship, his "Laskin Arm/Rib Bevels, and especially for his stunning artistic inlay work. i really appreciate your attention to detail as well your thoughtful innovation. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Really enjoyed this video and the craftsmanship.
I go back and forth between this wonderful video and the one of Jack White building a guitar in 15 minutes by hammering some nails into an old piece of barn wood, a pick up and piano wire 😂
At 52, kids all out or off in college, and having been in bands for over 30 yrs, this video just mesmerized me. Like being taken through a journey of my life up to now with memories one after another. Your craftsmanship is clearly superb. Thanks tons for this. Fantastic job.
Master Luthier!!!!!!!! what a total under statement!!!!!!. Michael, I'm at a loss for words. HUGE RESPECT. Your work is beautiful. Thank you for sharing.👊👊👊
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Classy fellow and builder, met him and shared a table with him in Santa Barbara some years ago.
You guys ate the table??!
Now that's dedication to wood workers!!
This is the reason i watch RUclips
I have no idea how I missed this video. First, obviously the craftsmanship is off the charts. If this video doesn’t translate into orders, something’s off in the universe. Any player would be extremely lucky to possess an instrument made with such thought, care and talent. Second to the team that shot and edited this video: I don’t think it could possibly be done better. It really was masterfully executed. It’s a PERFECT guitar building video. Really… you missed nothing! And you even tossed in a joke at the end. Bravo 👏
man, I gotta respond to this....I'd never heard of this guy. So as I watched this I realized that with a few exceptions, this is how I built my first guitar - under the supervision of the sadly deceased John Whiteside in New Hampshire. Very similar techniques but of course nowhere near the detail. But the detail in this...the headstock veneer, the way he makes the inlays, fingerboard markers, and the sound (found a couple of sound samples on reverb and you tube). Wow. I'm not sure most handmade one-off guitars like these have the sound to justify the price, but this sure did. I could see dropping mid to high 4 figures on one of these. Not sure I deserve it though...
And just a caveat for aspiring luthiers; this is not really a "how to" video. it does show most of the steps, but for example, the neck just sort of magically appears. Most of us don't have near the resources he does - jigs, CNC, thickness sander (I wish....). No real explanation of how to carve the angles of the cheeks to optimize the final neck angle or whether there are angles on the head and foot blocks. We see him voice the top but really don't know what is happening with the readout. Not a lot on fretting. But an hour and 48 minutes of sheer mastery. So many cool jigs, so many cool ideas (Indexing pins on the bridge to prevent it from slipping as it is glued on - who'd a thought!). And as I spent 2 years building my masterpiece, this is a great video for friends and family to watch to see what goes into making a handmade guitar. Kudos Mr. Bashkin.
Excellent video! Thank you for sharing your craftsmanship. The D18 that you and Robbie filmed the reset of is still doing fine. DF
Simply amazing video, thank you so much for sharing. I almost sprayed coffee out of my nose at the end.
😅 Had to do it...
This man is an American treasure. Many folks throw around the term master. To call him anything but would be an insult. Outstanding build!
I wish I had a gazillion dollars! Not only would I send my existing guitar to him, I’d have him build me a guitar! Guy is a master!! Hats off!
I'm in johnstown Colorado! Excellent work sir! I'm starting to build guitars and this is very inspiring.
Very cool! Colorado seems to have a rich luthier community, so you are in good company. Best of luck on your builds!
perhaps the best, most useful StewMac video to date. This is a treasure trove for all acoustic builders. Thank you both (StewMac and Michael Bashkin) for doing this.
Wow, thank you! It certainly was one of our most involved video projects, and well worth the effort we hope. So glad that it's been useful to you!
Refreshing in this tech age to see that there are some things a computer can't do and it takes the incredible skill and craftsmanship of a human to accomplish.
absolutely floored by the precision and patience and workmanship. Makes a person really understand and appreciate the skill set and details needed for a precision instrument.