This is actually my favorite Crimson Guitar to date, and I was absolutely terrified it was just going to explode on camera, and am VERY relieved that it seems to be holding together. Although I must say, for better or worse... It sounds just a WEE bit like a banjo, heh. If I had the cash in hand, I'd have one. Or ten.
I like this guitar, its gorgeous. I think the lack of tail piece is a great idea however they are not all at the same angle and their could be a more attractive way of achieving the same result imo
Thanks to the moronic drill and the guitar that wasn't clamped down. A lot of old tools are good and that hand powered drill might work to scramble some eggs but with all the amazing workshop, this is what ben is using? Block with certain angle , the proxxon or a little makita with a good drillbit and done. It all works a lot better when the drill doesn't loose RPM cause you can't turn it at the same speed throughout one turn. The guitar getting shoved away is the next great thing. Where are the bench cookies or some kind of clamp? The whole guitar is beautiful. The 6 pins he made have also not same dome-shape to them. Would've been better to make six and round them off/polish them to the same shape and shine. Ben, if you see this. Secure your work piece. I watched your stuff since the early shed days with you breathing in all that dust. Secure what you're working on. You work with blades and shaves and the whole thing moves around. Buy a big swivel-vise (here you can buy something old again...happy? ) Put that on a height adjustable base that is anchored in the ground. Build some soft jaws for it. Put in your work piece and move to the right height, right angle and everything will stay right where you left it. Don't know if you were too excited on finishing your build. Practice as you preach and take your time on those last steps. Maybe 15 minutes more and they'd be all straight and look the same. A blemish on your otherwise outstanding work.
I don't know man, I kinda like that the pins aren't all even. It's a human element in a beautiful instrument, something you don't get in an everyday Squier or Dean. Sure, it could have been done more precisely, but the point of it (I thought) was to use old tools to make a modern instrument inspired by older features (the bridge and hollow body). Using a drill press and other modern tools kinda would've taken that element out of it, which I think would've been a shame. What a beautiful instrument though, I think we can both agree on that!
It's less about the look of the pins itself, but at different angles in both axis, it has that crooked teeth look. Since it is the eye catching thing on the guitar (besides the stain), people will look at it closely before buying it. Wit the different angle you also get slightly different string lengths behind the bridge. That's fine if there was intention behind it like placing all the pins for the wound strings a lot further back. The shape/shine maybe that's where your human element comes in. I hope his guitar holds up. The pins there at the edge can be an issue. I'm not someone who sees imperfections as a sign of hand shaped craftsmanship. I rather set the bar higher than with the factory guitars. The feel, the sanding process, the experience in the finishing process...I like time eating inlays and the work behind it. Loved Ben's ice bear. I think he was just too keen on stringing it up and that's why it happened.
Man.... I used to watch your videos all the time a couple of years ago but that's when I went onto engineering rather than luthery. I loved and still love this channel, this channel has grown so much and the quality is much higher. great work!
THAT GUITAR IS RIDICULOUS, JUST WHEN I THINK BEN CAN'T TOP HIMSELF HE BUSTS OUT WITH A GUITAR LIKE THIS. REALLY INSPIRING. MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT CRIMSON IS BEN'S WILLINGNESS TO TRY ANYTHING AND USUALLY WITH AMAZING RESULTS. AWESOM, OR COOL BEANS I SHOULD SAY.
MAN THATS FREAKING COOL. JUST GAVE ME A BUNCH OF AWSOME IDEAS. ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING FINISHES I'VE EVER SEEN AND THE BRIDGE AND TAIL PEICE ARE EXTREMELY COOL WITH THERE SIMPLICITY AND INGENUITY. KEEP UP THE AMAZING WORK.
I like airy sounding guitars. With those string ends and body hollowness that should be as airy as you can get. That string holding system is cool. You could make a sloped recess in the top near the end and put the pins there, then nothing sticks out.
It's so refreshing to see someone using true hand tools to make guitars. I get you can use a battery drill or even a drill press instead of a rotary drill, a machine planer instead of a hand plane or even a buffing machine instead of a rag and polish but there is definitely something nice about keeping it a truly hand built guitar
Although not keeping the guitar fixed to the bench has resulted in the A string pin being a different angle to the rest as a result of freehand drilling.
Some old tools still are comparable to new tools of today but in the case of that hand drill.....that thing is only holding him back and risking quality using it. Some old tools are obsolete for a reason. This hand drill is no exception. Not only did it take him 5 times the amount of time but he ended up drilling one of the holes at the wrong angle.
from experience, I can tell you that it sounds like a bunch of high pitched notes that are not at all in tune with eachother. But ive been known to hit that part on guitars occasionally with a good bit of overdrive and/or delay to get a chaotic, spacey sound. or to annoy drummers....
Not taking anything away from this level of craftsmanship , truly amazing. I would like to say one thing though. I feel you might get a little cleaner tone and more sustain if there was a brass bar curved to match the back where the strings attach between the strings and the wood. Notch a small groove for each string in the brass bar and drill holes in the brass bar to fit over the 6 pegs , then fasten the top and bottom with brass screws to the body of the guitar. If you use a brass bar , the tone will be a tad brighter and more sustain , if you use stainless , you will end up with a slight bit more brightness and even more sustain due to stainless being a slightly harder metal than brass. This will lift the strings a little higher ( depending on thickness of the bar , I suggest about 4mm thick ) and no contact with the wood. Not to mention , no damage over time to the wood body , and the bar is easily replaceable. Just an idea I had , but man , like it is , that is one insanely beautiful piece of art.
Beautiful work, brethren! I almost tried a similar rod technique on a guitar I turned into an octave mandolin, but changed my mind. I love how it turned out on your build, and the finish is beautiful! (Much respect on the head ink, as well!)
Wow! I LIKE IT. Very nice. I think I have seen a tailpiece like that or similar to, on a cigar box guitar. I think this build is my favorite. Something about this one. The finish is fantastic 👌
Those colors are gorgeous Ben! I love dark purple,those little yellow unstained parts lush but the blue just adds to the cosmic look... an Santo an Johnny's Sleepwalk! NICE TOUCH!
What is truly amazing to me is the fact that you have a shop full of machines and yet you often use the hand tools! I remember seeing you drill tuner holes with a freakin' hand drill...and since my mortified response at the computer screen, I too have moved more towards 'the art' of the hand job. (I couldn't think of a better way to put that ((??)). I would like to know about the very first guitar you sold as Crimson guitar. I try to watch all of your videos because they are awesome!!
very interested how the rest of the build goes... the bridge, pickup etc. interested to see how it sounds and also how it holds up to use and tension. Many thanks for another excellent video Ben.
Really enjoyed that mate. Been looking into making my own guitar, would love to see you discuss this build later on and mention (or even make) a version 2. The pin system on the bottom is interesting but maybe a touch too exposed for general use. No faulting the stain, and the burnt bridge is cool for sure.
An interesting and innovative idea that has plenty of scope for refinement. The portion that holds the pegs could be inlaid with ebony, and recessed so that the string ends don't protrude.
That is so innovative !!!!! Great job. And cheers to you for having the guts to try that idea. Don't give up on it !!!!!! A couple more interactions and I think you will have a very solid and stable guitar. Not to mention a model that will sell very well. Wish I could get my hands on a finished model. Please do up date us on where you are on the development of that design. It makes me want to go take one of my cheaper guitars and modify it. Yours is gorgeous.... great job
I suggest moving the pins pins from the top side to more towards the back on the heel of the butt. Make end of the wire round so you don’t poke yourself. Really excellent technique with the burning torch! Thanks I got to try that on the whole damn guitar! I got a couple of clunkers I could play around with
just looked up alpherinstruments, they are using double dyed stabilized woods for alot of their builds. they tag californa woods in their pictures and they are the only company ive found who makes dyed stabilized slabs big enough for a guitar top.
Ben--- YOU need to chill your frazzled central nervous system for a week or two here in California, and escape the very British situation of immersion in stress as a natural consequence of life. ... That is an amazing guitar you just made!! I REALLY ENJOY YOUR CHANNEL, but I have a feeling that you need to restore your energy reserves
You could create sliding "post-bridge" pins so that you could tune a chord on the bridge pin side of the strings. Zappa had his LP with a piezo nut to pick up the pitch behind the fretted note. Really wasn't musical, but definitely experimental. Love the finish and your work!
Cheers Azareth, I love challenging myself and still have so much fun doing it that I can't see myself stopping any time soon. Thanks for commenting! Ben
Check out the demo of this guitar! ruclips.net/video/JRa1piXYhdk/видео.html
Is it possible to have Stabilised maple be sourced for a build, the colour effect is very similar to the galaxy effect and takes much less time
The top of this guitar is the most bealtyful that i have ever seen! Congratulations for the awesomeness!
What about these raw and boring strings? Will you burn them too?
How did you make that paint work???
where do you get those bridges? or did you make it?
This is what happens when an Instrument meant to create art has become art itself, fantastic work, sir.
When your parents tell you not to play with fire so you become a master Luthier to professionally play with fire .
"If it looks straight, it is straight." -- Jimmy DiResta
CrossWood I like that
I thought the same thing! "Ah, the DIRESTA Method..." Nothin' wrong with that! Haha!
"If it looks straight, it is straight." -- Jimmy DiResta
True of things, but not always of people.
CrossWood you should see me
Well I'd take his advice and totally agree tbh. 😃
This is actually my favorite Crimson Guitar to date, and I was absolutely terrified it was just going to explode on camera, and am VERY relieved that it seems to be holding together.
Although I must say, for better or worse... It sounds just a WEE bit like a banjo, heh.
If I had the cash in hand, I'd have one.
Or ten.
I like this guitar, its gorgeous. I think the lack of tail piece is a great idea however they are not all at the same angle and their could be a more attractive way of achieving the same result imo
Thanks to the moronic drill and the guitar that wasn't clamped down. A lot of old tools are good and that hand powered drill might work to scramble some eggs but with all the amazing workshop, this is what ben is using?
Block with certain angle , the proxxon or a little makita with a good drillbit and done. It all works a lot better when the drill doesn't loose RPM cause you can't turn it at the same speed throughout one turn. The guitar getting shoved away is the next great thing. Where are the bench cookies or some kind of clamp? The whole guitar is beautiful. The 6 pins he made have also not same dome-shape to them. Would've been better to make six and round them off/polish them to the same shape and shine.
Ben, if you see this. Secure your work piece. I watched your stuff since the early shed days with you breathing in all that dust. Secure what you're working on. You work with blades and shaves and the whole thing moves around. Buy a big swivel-vise (here you can buy something old again...happy? ) Put that on a height adjustable base that is anchored in the ground. Build some soft jaws for it. Put in your work piece and move to the right height, right angle and everything will stay right where you left it.
Don't know if you were too excited on finishing your build. Practice as you preach and take your time on those last steps.
Maybe 15 minutes more and they'd be all straight and look the same. A blemish on your otherwise outstanding work.
I don't know man, I kinda like that the pins aren't all even. It's a human element in a beautiful instrument, something you don't get in an everyday Squier or Dean. Sure, it could have been done more precisely, but the point of it (I thought) was to use old tools to make a modern instrument inspired by older features (the bridge and hollow body). Using a drill press and other modern tools kinda would've taken that element out of it, which I think would've been a shame. What a beautiful instrument though, I think we can both agree on that!
It's less about the look of the pins itself, but at different angles in both axis, it has that crooked teeth look. Since it is the eye catching thing on the guitar (besides the stain), people will look at it closely before buying it.
Wit the different angle you also get slightly different string lengths behind the bridge. That's fine if there was intention behind it like placing all the pins for the wound strings a lot further back. The shape/shine maybe that's where your human element comes in.
I hope his guitar holds up. The pins there at the edge can be an issue. I'm not someone who sees imperfections as a sign of hand shaped craftsmanship. I rather set the bar higher than with the factory guitars. The feel, the sanding process, the experience in the finishing process...I like time eating inlays and the work behind it. Loved Ben's ice bear. I think he was just too keen on stringing it up and that's why it happened.
onpsxmember I've heard him say a few times that he's gone back and fixed things like what you brought up after the filming.
When you stopped tightening up that first string the first time it matched up satisfyingly with the backing track.
Man.... I used to watch your videos all the time a couple of years ago but that's when I went onto engineering rather than luthery. I loved and still love this channel, this channel has grown so much and the quality is much higher. great work!
Not suppose to burn bridges. .hehe
mad3arber that deserves applause
Yes😂😂😂
Ha ha!
😂😂😂
Nice.. Clever.
Sounds like Apple's motto:
"If I burn a hole in it, charge more, call it a feature"
THAT GUITAR IS RIDICULOUS, JUST WHEN I THINK BEN CAN'T TOP HIMSELF HE BUSTS OUT WITH A GUITAR LIKE THIS. REALLY INSPIRING. MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT CRIMSON IS BEN'S WILLINGNESS TO TRY ANYTHING AND USUALLY WITH AMAZING RESULTS. AWESOM, OR COOL BEANS I SHOULD SAY.
Ben's out there burning bridges!
Beautiful guitar it is, simply unbelievable
That guitar is stunning! The color, the wood-figure, the tailpiece and the fact that the pickups are hidden. LOVE IT!
Cheers from Norway
MAN THATS FREAKING COOL. JUST GAVE ME A BUNCH OF AWSOME IDEAS. ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING FINISHES I'VE EVER SEEN AND THE BRIDGE AND TAIL PEICE ARE EXTREMELY COOL WITH THERE SIMPLICITY AND INGENUITY. KEEP UP THE AMAZING WORK.
that workshop is so tooled up its amazing
This guy is the bob ross of guitars.
It's hard to say which one of them's got the more impressive combover though
Hes not even the bob vila...someone oughta beat the devil outta you
But bob was ex military bad ass who could kill you while looking like an art teacher. Lol.
@@Paul_The_Spaceman He was the Bob Ross of killing ...
Can’t stop looking at it. Trying to nitpick it only to come to the conclusion that this guitar is uniquely existent. 👏
Thank you Caleb, thank you very much! B
The floating bridge is awesome. And the finish is beyond words. And the idea of it being a hollow body with a radius is a great idea.
I like airy sounding guitars. With those string ends and body hollowness that should be as airy as you can get. That string holding system is cool. You could make a sloped recess in the top near the end and put the pins there, then nothing sticks out.
all i can say is... MOAR! videos with you and your skills. I love watching a plan come together. your stress / work lowers my blood pressure.
It's so refreshing to see someone using true hand tools to make guitars. I get you can use a battery drill or even a drill press instead of a rotary drill, a machine planer instead of a hand plane or even a buffing machine instead of a rag and polish but there is definitely something nice about keeping it a truly hand built guitar
I also love that invisible tailpiece it looks so much more sophisticated than a standard stop tail or even a bigsby/other trem
Although not keeping the guitar fixed to the bench has resulted in the A string pin being a different angle to the rest as a result of freehand drilling.
That could probably be fixed with judicious use of pliers, yes?
Some old tools still are comparable to new tools of today but in the case of that hand drill.....that thing is only holding him back and risking quality using it. Some old tools are obsolete for a reason. This hand drill is no exception. Not only did it take him 5 times the amount of time but he ended up drilling one of the holes at the wrong angle.
MadMetalManiac74 agreed.
This is more than a guitar, it’s apiece of art in itself, the finish on that top is mesmerizing
That was a really cool take on the song sleepwalk at the end of the video. I really liked it
the music at the end bring me up to heaven
Love these videos! Keep up the innovation, Mr. Crowe!
Nice to see the mug in use :)... genuine tension (pun intended) in the video and the top lol...no innovation without risk!
Ben....you are indeed an artist. I really enjoy your channel.
that finish is amazing. i love the colors
That galaxy finish is the best guitar finish I have ever seen.... Ever.
I can get over the fact that this guys head is got so many big tattoos while there are almost none on his arms. You sir are bad ass
That's a great shape of guitar. Strings and bridge looks sick bro
I was hoping he would strum the smaller section.
from experience, I can tell you that it sounds like a bunch of high pitched notes that are not at all in tune with eachother. But ive been known to hit that part on guitars occasionally with a good bit of overdrive and/or delay to get a chaotic, spacey sound. or to annoy drummers....
Not taking anything away from this level of craftsmanship , truly amazing. I would like to say one thing though. I feel you might get a little cleaner tone and more sustain if there was a brass bar curved to match the back where the strings attach between the strings and the wood. Notch a small groove for each string in the brass bar and drill holes in the brass bar to fit over the 6 pegs , then fasten the top and bottom with brass screws to the body of the guitar. If you use a brass bar , the tone will be a tad brighter and more sustain , if you use stainless , you will end up with a slight bit more brightness and even more sustain due to stainless being a slightly harder metal than brass. This will lift the strings a little higher ( depending on thickness of the bar , I suggest about 4mm thick ) and no contact with the wood. Not to mention , no damage over time to the wood body , and the bar is easily replaceable. Just an idea I had , but man , like it is , that is one insanely beautiful piece of art.
Brilliant tailpiece idea. Sheer genius.
Beautiful work, brethren! I almost tried a similar rod technique on a guitar I turned into an octave mandolin, but changed my mind. I love how it turned out on your build, and the finish is beautiful! (Much respect on the head ink, as well!)
I absolutely love that finish!
Those vintage drills are just way too cool and that tailpiece idea is surely unique. Great work!
I love the look of the strings going all the way across the body.... Amazing... I want this guitar lol
That finish is amazing.
Wow! I LIKE IT.
Very nice. I think I have seen a tailpiece like that or similar to, on a cigar box guitar. I think this build is my favorite. Something about this one. The finish is fantastic 👌
This is probably the most beautiful guitar I've ever seen!!!
You have impeccable taste and I love you for it! B
You can say it… it is an awesome finish!
Ben is officially an arsonist! lol seriously though a masterpiece, very innovative
I know others have said it, but I love that galaxy finish! Stunning.
Those colors are gorgeous Ben! I love dark purple,those little yellow unstained parts lush but the blue just adds to the cosmic look... an Santo an Johnny's Sleepwalk! NICE TOUCH!
I love the colours on that guitar
I WISH i could afford this amazing unique Guitar. I love it. You do a great job. Thats really customized
oh that's gorgeous in every way
What is truly amazing to me is the fact that you have a shop full of machines and yet you often use the hand tools! I remember seeing you drill tuner holes with a freakin' hand drill...and since my mortified response at the computer screen, I too have moved more towards 'the art' of the hand job. (I couldn't think of a better way to put that ((??)). I would like to know about the very first guitar you sold as Crimson guitar. I try to watch all of your videos because they are awesome!!
I love that style of tail piece.
I love that bridge idea!!! you are a genius!!!
the wood is F. GORGEOUS !!!!!
very interested how the rest of the build goes... the bridge, pickup etc. interested to see how it sounds and also how it holds up to use and tension. Many thanks for another excellent video Ben.
Never really seen this channel before.. mind blown.. subscribed. I hadn't thought about using old world tools in my projects, very inspiring.
Absolutely brilliant idea for the tailpiece. Would be good to see the build.
Innovation is at the heart of creation. .. anyone could buy and install a tail-piece... you proved that unnecessary. Bravo.
Whoa...it sounds like a mix between an acoustic ahd a banjo. That pin bridge and saddle really makes the strings resonate. Fantastic.
It´s so awesome watching someone doing his job and having fun doing it. Keep up this awesome work!
+Mark thank you for your support, I will only stop this when I'm not enjoying it and that will probably never happen! Vb, B
there's no words to express how much satisfaction I felt watching this video, your job and your workshop, subscribed ;)
There are a lot of really cool ideas on this guitar!
That is AWESOME galaxy finish!
I freaking love the look of that. Very clean open look. 👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you for the demonstration on how to make a guitar kit. Now I have a idea how to build a electric guitar.
The finish looks like a false colour Hubble image, very cool.
Really enjoyed that mate. Been looking into making my own guitar, would love to see you discuss this build later on and mention (or even make) a version 2. The pin system on the bottom is interesting but maybe a touch too exposed for general use. No faulting the stain, and the burnt bridge is cool for sure.
I love the clean look on top of the crazy point job. they mesh very nicely.
You complete mad man. I can't wait to finally come to you with my ideas for a custom!
What a great idea!!! Should start using it more often.
That’s a bold experiment for a guitar! I would love to see a build where you make an ES 335 style guitar with that finish.
It’s like a jazzmaster with even more string!
One word: BEAUTIFUL!!
the golden hammer! fine work ben, the bridgeburner!
Incredible guitars man. This one is stunning.
Cool idea! And that finish is awesome!
i love it, i tend to have a horrible habit of resting my hand on the bridge. this guitar might solve that for me
I love that fingerstyle sleepwalk at the end
Awesome finish - CONFIRMED.
Innovation and beauty.
Well done !!
What a cool idea for a tailpiece. I may try that with a cigar box guitar. And a stunning guitar.
An interesting and innovative idea that has plenty of scope for refinement. The portion that holds the pegs could be inlaid with ebony, and recessed so that the string ends don't protrude.
Great work, I could totally feel your excitement during the filming process!
Love the colors!!! Nice build!
That is so innovative !!!!! Great job. And cheers to you for having the guts to try that idea. Don't give up on it !!!!!! A couple more interactions and I think you will have a very solid and stable guitar. Not to mention a model that will sell very well. Wish I could get my hands on a finished model. Please do up date us on where you are on the development of that design. It makes me want to go take one of my cheaper guitars and modify it. Yours is gorgeous.... great job
This is the first video I've seen from this channel and it was amazing. I'll be back 🔥
Ben you are so talented guitar maker.
My like is for your jam at the end
Nice going
I love the way you explain things, dude! Never hit subscribe so fast.
That thing is gorgeous. First video I've watched of yours and I really enjoyed it
I suggest moving the pins pins from the top side to more towards the back on the heel of the butt. Make end of the wire round so you don’t poke yourself. Really excellent technique with the burning torch! Thanks I got to try that on the whole damn guitar! I got a couple of clunkers I could play around with
I don't even care that it's 360p, gonna watch.
how did you get that galaxy style finish? possibly a subject for a stunning stains video?
it looks like double dyed stabilized wood...im interested to see how he did this!
He basically randomly fanned blues and purples on then used water I think it was to blend it a bit
Buckeye wood. Just stain it blue and purple lol
look up alpherinstruments on instagram. they do it often
just looked up alpherinstruments, they are using double dyed stabilized woods for alot of their builds. they tag californa woods in their pictures and they are the only company ive found who makes dyed stabilized slabs big enough for a guitar top.
Ben--- YOU need to chill your frazzled central nervous system for a week or two here in California, and escape the very British situation of immersion in stress as a natural consequence of life. ... That is an amazing guitar you just made!! I REALLY ENJOY YOUR CHANNEL, but I have a feeling that you need to restore your energy reserves
Beautiful finish. Beautiful guitar!
Thank you.. I am about to start building the next version of it.. with the same finish of course! B
Awesome bridge and tail piece.
You could create sliding "post-bridge" pins so that you could tune a chord on the bridge pin side of the strings.
Zappa had his LP with a piezo nut to pick up the pitch behind the fretted note. Really wasn't musical, but definitely experimental.
Love the finish and your work!
that top is majestic
exactly what i was after
Dude that riff at 12:20 was sick! I'd love to learn it, if it's from a song I could find?
I wish I would know this song as well :/
Absolutely ethereal tone, wow! Thanks for such a wicked video, never cease to amaze.
Cheers Azareth, I love challenging myself and still have so much fun doing it that I can't see myself stopping any time soon. Thanks for commenting! Ben
That Tail piece is so sweet!
It suits the rest of the guitar. Amazing :)
+Th0mas2471 thanks, I really appreciate that! B
Sounds like a resonator kinda.
Love it