That is a beautiful guitar. The craftsmanship of a handmade boutique maker where only four hundred guitars in an entire career makes me realize he wasn't in it for the money.
Your comments about repair having little to do with an interest in guitars, and your comments about burnout were very interesting. I'm one of those folks that was inspired enough by your videos to try it for myself, except for me it's stayed a hobby, so the interest has not given way to the frustration associated with making it a career. I've been going strong for a little over 2 years now and every guitar across my bench is still a challenge that excites me and teaches me. One way that I've kept it fun is that most of my jobs are used guitars that I've bought to repair, then I resell them to make my profit. Because they're "my" guitars, there's no real stress of schedules or of damaging someone else's pride and joy. This has become a hobby that I love, and the majority of the new procedures that I've tried were after watching you do it.
And there's a little tell in there, "*most of* my jobs"... Because at some point your buddies are going to realise you are doing good work and before you know it there's a top of the line Ovation acoustic and a 1968 SG on your bench :) Fear is your friend, fear keeps you focused...:)
I've always had the philosophy, do what you're good at to make money, but only ever do what makes you happy as a hobby, or part time. Its a rare thing, or rare type of person to be able to both have a job that you're good at, and keeps you happy for more than a short term. The simple act of making it a business, and the baggage that comes with it can often will suck the joy out of anything quickly. Ted seems to be the rare type here.
This was my retirement hobby with the same basic strategy (I only work on my "own" guitars). The hunt for old/ challenging guitars to repair was part of it. It's neat to see the "Pro" solve many of the same problems I had. Lot's of head slaps along the way!
I'm into that as well but I suck at selling stuff. I need to get better at the selling aspect because I can do the same thing buy guitars that need repairs fix them up and sell them for more than I paid for them. I usually end up keeping them for myself. I just got a Mitchell 12-string beautiful guitar somehow the saddle disappeared so the person sold it without a saddle to a pawnshop and I found it. got it dirt cheap installed a saddle in it and I can probably make a hundred bucks off it at least, all ready to go and the action is beautiful. And it plays like a dream.
@@dorfsteen I play bass in several groups and can usually sell my repairs into those groups, often for younger/beginner players. Lately I've been downsizing and had to let a number of my unrepaired ones go in garage sales. I've also "lent" a couple to friends of friends and ended up selling them.
Ted - you are NOT "cranky"! My wife and I consider you to be quite knowledgeable and articulate; filled dry humor, and very enjoyable to watch and learn from - even though we'll never service any of my brother's 50+ guitars! Personally, watching anyone who can overcome "today's impossible challenge" (Like with that broken husk of a Les Paul neck a month or so ago - AMAZING!) and enform their audience is a true joy, and you sir fall into that category! : )
Interesting musing about the comments to you about being a Luthier. Here's a different perspective .. My daughter (22 year old in her final year of her Chemical Engineering Masters) is a fan (as well as her peers). She enjoys the critical thinking, problems solving and accuracy.... hers words - things she doesn't see in her peers and industry. The up and coming skilled craftspeople of the need to find their inspirations somewhere ;). Love the channel.
She might also enjoy watching Eric O over at _South Main Auto_ here on RUclips. She might not be interested in car repair in general, but Eric emphasizes critical and logical thinking in order to diagnose and then fix a problem.
I'm teaching my 12 year old daughter for those same reasons. She asked to learn, and I'm loving that she is getting a practical skill, but also learning patience, to think sequentially, and understand consequences.
@@matthewf1979 . A repairer with over 50 years experience. Originally apprenticed to Jack Brentnalls violin workshop in 1971. Worked on instruments for Issac Guillory, John Renbourne and technical advisor to Hohner, JHS and many others. Yeah, I guess I’m new around here!
@@paulmcronk the thing about anonymous internet comment sections is there's no evidence to believe anything you say. Tom here, is on video, showing his face and his excellent work for years now. You must be new here and not have had watched any of his hundreds of other videos to see his work.
@@matthewf1979 . Believe what you like my friend and, as I’ve already said, if you’re happy and impressed with this standard of work, then no problem. May I recommend to you Andy Farrell, Kimberley, Nottingham. Alan Marshall, luthier, Northworthy Guitars, Hulland Ward. Jason, Millers Music Derby. All well documented, all capable of carrying out a much higher degree of workmanship. And all of whom will vouch for my credentials! But, if you’re happy, there you go!
I was there in the 70s; I got one of Jean's very first classicals and met a few of the crew. I had a Mossman, and a couple other luthier built gems of the period including a renaissance lute! Almost got a job with Larrivee! What a time that was, and that Graf is testimony to the talent and dedication that convened in that place and at that time, when there was so much promise and potential.
The Graf's problem with the nut and the input jack is exactly what's been going on with my Larivee for years! And now I see a connection between the two makers. Thanks!
It wonderful to see a guitar maker I know and respect getting featured on this channel, I met Oskar a few years back at his home shop, and we got to talk about guitar building and history, as well as his own personal development. He was quite enthusiastic about showing me some of the guitars he built, and the flattops were some of the best, most dynamic and responsive acoustic instruments I’vd ever been lucky enough to try. He’s also had an influence by letting the blue skies festival happen on some of his land, which is just a wonderful friendly live music experience that my family has been going to since I was little.
Hi, I always learn something from watching your videos and I've been repairing instruments for about 15 years. So I suppose I've crossed over to the other side by now. What I appreciate most is that when you're suffering, I'm suffering too, just not physically. I have big hands as well, and you know what that means, they're always getting stuck in the sound hole and are gnarly after all of the abuse. But I have to say that there's nothing better that taking a persons prized possession and bringing it back from the dead to sing again. I recently repaired my partner's father's classical guitar that he played for her as she was growing up in the heady days of the folk revolution. The poor thing had been hidden in the back of a closet for many years and it was only after his death that someone thought to go looking for it. It was in deep deep trouble. But I took my time and pieced it back together and the look on June's face was well worth all the torment and trouble and a bit more. So, I guess the good really does balance out the bad. You are a very talented craftsman and a great teacher. I just wanted to thank you.
Man, you could write a juicy book with the amount of guitar history that you know and how well you write/speak. Maybe about history of American luthiery, or a luthiery textbook even. Ever thought about that?
Thanks so much for this video. I own an Oskar Graf acoustic bass guitar (and a Marc Beneteau 6-string, another fine underknown Canadian luthier), and spent a little time in Oskar's former shop. One of the most peaceful places one might imagine, with a great forest view out the window. Oskar never rushes, but he doesn't waste time; everything is considered before he does it.
You know , I love guitars and I love playing but watching him work, the thing that is constantly in the back of my mind is the (I would imagine) constant need to re-string , tune, remove, repeat, test, re-string, makes me bonkers just to think about it. takes a better man than me. Well done as usual Mr Woodford.
I have a 1977 Mossman Flint Hills that I bought brand new. It's picked up its share of scratches and dings over the years, but it's an amazing guitar. Every now and then, a guitar aficionado will recognize it and comment on how cool it is. There is just something special about a guitar from a serious luthier, hand-made and fretted over, if you will pardon the pun!
Coming from a machining background, I smile a bit when I hear .005” is such a small adjustment. I love to see the precision you achieve on these instruments, especially since you are working with wood and other natural materials. Thank you for these videos!
After watching a bunch of your vids I decided to repair my old wrecked Epiphone acoustic bolt neck guitar that was a gift from my young wife in 1972. After many years of neglect the top collapsed under tension crushing the rosette in half and breaking the side under the neck as the neck block rotated forward. With much cursing, super glue, shims and braces I have returned this POS instrument to life. There originally was a zero fret that was NOT anywhere near to making intonation possible so I placed small chips of walrus ivory on the fretboard above the actual first fret and got it in tune, only the high and low E were ok. I am emotionally attached to this thing and will never discard it. Than you very much for all your good and well explained work, best regards, Giovanni
I play guitar and I love guitars but I don't want to be a luthier. Never the less I've learned so much watching you and am able to self diagnose issues with my guitars much more accurately.
Absolutely love the details of that Graf, it's magnificent. Professionalism is in being so good at it that you are bored and annoyed, but completely conscientious anyway.
You're not cranky at all, Ted ! You're a joy to listen to and watch. Ive been watching you for possibly over 10 yrs - under different accounts. You're the best and enjoyable to watch.
I suggest creating a tip jar that viewers can choose to toss you a couple bucks here and there. Even if I give you 1 dollar per hour of entertainment it's a great deal and It will help your channel. Just a thought.
Wow! To hear you mention Stuart Mossman is wonderful! Met him once, got to play his guitar that he brought to the picking party! He was suffering from not wearing PPE finishing guitars, so sad. The guitar was great and so was he!
I have a guitar player who is constantly on a search for the one guitar to rule them all. Thanks to the sheer amount of guitars he's bought and sold over the years, I've had the opportunity to play some amazing guitars. Among them was a Mossman. To this day it's still one of the best sounding acoustic guitars I've ever played.
Greetings from France. It's particularly satisfying right now to have a regular dose, amidst the insanity around us, of someone who does nothing more than take oddly shaped wooden contraptions and makes them better.
Watching and listening to you explain and do things is quite enjoyable. I always feel the instruments were SO lucky to have landed in your hands. Some people I see work on both furniture and instruments have me holding my breath and feeling sorry for the objects. More people need your level of skill and perfection!
Next time, try to glue a regular printer paper soaked in superglue on the bottom of the nut. It will dry hard and will be just enough to solve the buzz, keeping the original low action. It blends very fine with the bone too and saves a lot of time.
I'm not guitarist ,I'm a drummer and I like watching guitar repairs like yours for the craftsmanship and the out side the box " what's the best way to tackle this" type things. Nice work and you take pride to not do shabby work.
I felt that about liking guitars. I’m a trainer and i tell my clients I don’t like working out, but i love to problem solve and that’s what i work on getting better at, i workout cause with all my injuries i ache hard if i dont. Thank you for all these as they’re therapeutic :)
I know that I always tell you about my brain injury. It's pretty serious. I was a guitar player with 30 years. I think this is within the next step i experience in my journey and watching you really teaches me a lot. I wish to thank you Ted. You taking my time watching your videos and I so very thing up, I am really soaking it up you need to please believe me. The ability to work on the guitar it means a hell of a lot to me if I cannot play anymore
Thank you so much for making this content!! Absolutely love the guitar history and the step by step repairs. So thankful I discovered your channel. This is my favorite thing to watch on RUclips.
Interesting exposé about Canadian guitar making. As a classical player, who has played and owned everything (including a gorgeous Fleta for twenty plus years), I now play a Canadian guitar by Daryl Perry. I have never looked back. I am not surprised about the high level of guitar making in Canada.
I sell furniture for a living. Sometimes I have to make a few minor repairs, and (or) modifications (sometime during assembly) to make something safe and sell-able. Scraping of old glue and re gluing/screwing, re-tapping threads poorly cut, widening/deepening a hole to accommodate the bolt, etc. I find that after watching your videos, I quietly say to myself as I begin doing this "hey there gang, today we're going to be reattaching this rail to this bed frame....". Sometimes an item can't be saved (safety reasons, etc), and it feels defeating. How often do you lose the battle and have to raise the white flag?
A beautiful guitar but a buzz on the second string G. When the guy is clearly playing the open 5th, A string!! And 8/64ths?!! Surely that’s an 1/8th!! Both the guitar and luthier deserve better than this amateurish effort.
No it’s not petty! It’s called accuracy, something as a repairer for over 50 years having worked on instruments for Issac Guillory, John Renbourne and many others, it’s something I regard as a basic essential. If you don’t know your A string from your B string then I wouldn’t let you near one of my customer’s instruments! Being Canadian doesn’t mean you should be ignorant of rudimentary arithmetic! Stick to furniture mate.
@@TruthAndMoreTruth Not petty! It’s called accuracy!! As a repairer with over 50 years experience and having worked on instruments for Issac Guillory, John Rennourne and many others, I’ve come to regard accuracy as basic essential! If you don’t know your A string from your B string or your 5th from your 2nd then I wouldn’t let you anywhere near one of my customers’ guitars! And being Canadian is no excuse for not understanding rudimentary arithmetic! I’m sick and tired of having to try to correct poor workmanship caused by novices following downright incorrect RUclips tutorials. May I suggest you stick to furniture my friend, that way you will save everyone a hell of a lot of grief!
@@paulmcronk If you're such a superior repair person, where are your videos? Also, I'll stick with what ever the fuck I want buddy. Check your meds, you're being intolerably petty.
Well, I’ve always been an overachiever because Uncle Wally’s Guitar Repairs has been in business for almost 20 yrs. now. I’m just as happy doing repairs as I was when I graduated from Luthier’s school. Building instruments and/or repairing them is a labor of love. I didn’t get into this business for money, I got into it because of my appreciation of craftsmanship and music. My grandfather was a violin maker so I guess some of it is in my blood. Always enjoy your videos and almost always learn something new. Keep up the good work. Thank you
The rosette on that Graf is absolutely gorgeous. The entire guitar is beautiful, but that rosette is the standout feature, for me. I've started doing some minor lutherie thanks to inspiration from your calm, methodical approach, but for now it's staying as a hobby. I haven't even started looking to try to make money from it. And as for monograms and the like... I have an autograph, and I have a signature, and as they should be they're different things, so even though my income from "celebrity" so far has been enough to buy one container of oatmeal it's not possible to use an autograph to bamboozle my bank into giving access to my money; of the two, my autograph is the more legible one. I sign things often enough that my signature has ceased to be writing and become an easily repeatable drawing.
I wonder if that little strip of Ebony on the nut slot edge was to prevent grain tear or break out ? You pointed out that the builder was thinking ahead when he designed the bridge and allowed for ease of maintenance but what if he was thinking about less damage to the guitar during bridge saddle cutting and nut removal ? Not many guitars have such a large trailing edge like that in the nut slot so maybe he was aware that end grain can get damaged easily when the nut is removed ?
It is there to compensate for a nut which is slightly too narrow for the recess. Common practice both at manufacture but far more likely when a nut has, at sometime, been replaced. And instantly points to why the guitar is buzzing on first string, first fret! Correct procedure would be to remove the strip and make a new nut to the correct width and height! A skilled job! But something I’ve had to do hundreds of times and something which is regarded as fairy routine procedure in any repair shop worth its salt! This really is fundamental stuff and would have been immediately noticed by any competent repairer! And, of course, let’s file down the the bottom of the saddle! Thus compromising the saddle’s vital contact with the bridge and any piezo pickup lurking there; well, can you file perfectly flat?! Far better to re-profile the top of the saddle but, of course, that’s a little more complicated than sandpaper and a, hopefully, perfectly flat surface and a perfectly steady hand!
@@paulmcronk The lacquer on the face of the headstock is continuous right across the add on piece, it looks like it was fitted before the lacquer was applied.
Your problem, Ted, is that even when what you're doing is boring, you have the ability to make it entertaining. You have the wisdom and wit to make even the most boring, repetitious and tedious job fascinating to watch because of the comments you make while engaged in the activity. I am so impressed by how you go to painstaking effort to ensure that what you do will in no way cause a nick, ding, or scratch to the guitar. Oh, if I had only been so cautious with my guitars over the years! I wait with baited breath for your new videos, they are the highlight of my meager existence! Thank you so much for your efforts!
For an exercise in burnout, I submit electronics repair. There was never a shortage of work. These days, I only repair guitars and amps for my friends and myself. Long gone are the days of wanting to do it for a living...
Thank you so much for spreading your knowledge all around. We need more craftsman like you to show their skill. We all can learn. I enjoyed every minute. I hope I can spread some knowledge, too. Long time ago I went to a doctors office and bought myself a pair of nose pliers for kids. I dipped the part that goes into the nose in Plasti Dip and use them for any output jack rapair. It grabs the jack perfectly from the inside and is sooooo handy! Regards, Etna.
WOW 2 years Hmm…. The Luthier I work with and learn with has been doing this work for 30 + years. Not full time for 30 years but in the current location in Englewood, FL for 12 years. It’s a combination retail sales of guitars, amps, banjos, and accessories and repairs. We have a person work the retail end while we are in the back shop area doing repairs of electric guitars, acoustic guitars, classical guitars, banjos, and ukuleles. As I have mention in prior comments I am on my second career doing and learning these repairs after taking early retirement from IBM where I was an engineer. I was burning out flying around country working on IT Systems, Writting application, etc. This type of work is far and away quite different then my prior profession. Been at it now 3 years and I still enjoy it. Much of the enjoyment comes for the people I work with and the gigging musicians and beginners that come in the store needing repairs, help with one ting or another or just to hang out. It’s sort of a hang out for the local musicians and beginners. The presentation was very fortuitous, today I was working on 2 acoustic guitars with failing electronics. I alway learn something watching your presentation. Thanks for publishing them FYI - My friend the Luthier came up with a tool for dealing with the combination input jack and strap button. He takes a 1/4 “ male jack and attaches it to the end of a section of .22 rifle cleaning rod. The way it works is obvious and saves a lot of time. Just thought I’d share that with everyone. Ricky from IBM, Ret Englewood, FL
A while back I bought a Sony ICF-9550W AM/FM table radio from 1976 from Goodwill. Both the dial lights and pointer light were burnt out. They of course were low voltage incandescent lamps. Over the past couple weeks I'd been planning and buying supplies to replace them with LEDs. Today I installed the bridge rectifier, filter capacitor, lamp holders, and lamps; and it works great! I learned electronics back in the Air Force, and love it as a hobby. But I could not do it as a profession. I'd get sick of it too fast. That's the difference.
I have applied the repair principals I have picked up from this channel mostly to things other than guitars. I find more value in watching people find creative ways to solving problems rather than getting a specific solution to a specific problem. Any content where I see someone approach a problem in a way that I would never have thought of, is very captivating to me for some reason. I think there is just a type of person out there that gravitates towards that type of RUclips content. Thanks for taking the time to put all of this out there. I certainly enjoy and get a lot out of it.
What a great tip. I have a semi-hollow electric that had an annoying flubby sound quite noticeable on the G and B strings but only when amplified. I thought it might have been pickup-related but after watching this video, I found that the end-pin jack was loose, tightened it and the problem was gone. 👍 Thank you.
I think people don't understand that any passion-based job can be a struggle when you passion dies (and of course it will. It always does). Like you said, the trick is the find something deeper to be passionate about
I can totally understand about burnout when you are working on something day after day. I like to restore and refinish old furniture. It can be frustrating sometimes when you ar trying to get something just right. I like working with my hands and creating. I think that you are a master at what you do and I enjoy and look forward to seeing the craftsmanship!
That Graf is one of the sweetest sounding guitars I've ever heard. It's the sound that attracted me to the Taylor I bought many years ago and love so much. But better. If I'd known about Graf I probably would have gone that route. If one had been available and I could have afforded it - the Taylor was a plenty big enough chunk out of my budget at the time! Thanks for letting me see and hear one.
Ted- I was one of those hippie builders during my days at U. Of Iowa. And, yes, there was a smoky haze, but we adhered to high standards. And, that is how I learned. After having to retire from law practice, I returned to luthierie, but, now frustrated by a full shop waiting to be moved into basement, plus some major rework of wiring.
I’m in the middle of making my own custom shop making original electric guitars. I can’t really thank you enough for all the information I’ve gathered from your videos. Your channel is a treasure trove man, seriously thank you for taking the time.
been luthiering since i was a teenager, I love it, and love guitar. i was the klid that took apart his action figures and scoots and all the remotes though.
I know your work is a stressful battle. But it is *so* satisfying to watch your achievements!! If I ever need one of my guitars to have some serious attention, *you* would be the one I'd go to!! THANK you for the video!
As guitarist Is always a pleasure to watch your videos because I see the great passion you put in your work. I’ve always had a passion for luthier work (my uncle was a famous violin and viola luthier) but I have always limited myself to the ordinary maintenance of my instruments and I have always gone to luthiers for important changes even if, to test myself, I've built a couple of electric guitars.
That is a beautiful guitar. The craftsmanship of a handmade boutique maker where only four hundred guitars in an entire career makes me realize he wasn't in it for the money.
it sure is nice.lots of little/big details
Your comments about repair having little to do with an interest in guitars, and your comments about burnout were very interesting. I'm one of those folks that was inspired enough by your videos to try it for myself, except for me it's stayed a hobby, so the interest has not given way to the frustration associated with making it a career. I've been going strong for a little over 2 years now and every guitar across my bench is still a challenge that excites me and teaches me. One way that I've kept it fun is that most of my jobs are used guitars that I've bought to repair, then I resell them to make my profit. Because they're "my" guitars, there's no real stress of schedules or of damaging someone else's pride and joy. This has become a hobby that I love, and the majority of the new procedures that I've tried were after watching you do it.
And there's a little tell in there, "*most of* my jobs"... Because at some point your buddies are going to realise you are doing good work and before you know it there's a top of the line Ovation acoustic and a 1968 SG on your bench :) Fear is your friend, fear keeps you focused...:)
I've always had the philosophy, do what you're good at to make money, but only ever do what makes you happy as a hobby, or part time. Its a rare thing, or rare type of person to be able to both have a job that you're good at, and keeps you happy for more than a short term. The simple act of making it a business, and the baggage that comes with it can often will suck the joy out of anything quickly. Ted seems to be the rare type here.
This was my retirement hobby with the same basic strategy (I only work on my "own" guitars). The hunt for old/ challenging guitars to repair was part of it. It's neat to see the "Pro" solve many of the same problems I had. Lot's of head slaps along the way!
I'm into that as well but I suck at selling stuff. I need to get better at the selling aspect because I can do the same thing buy guitars that need repairs fix them up and sell them for more than I paid for them. I usually end up keeping them for myself. I just got a Mitchell 12-string beautiful guitar somehow the saddle disappeared so the person sold it without a saddle to a pawnshop and I found it. got it dirt cheap installed a saddle in it and I can probably make a hundred bucks off it at least, all ready to go and the action is beautiful. And it plays like a dream.
@@dorfsteen I play bass in several groups and can usually sell my repairs into those groups, often for younger/beginner players. Lately I've been downsizing and had to let a number of my unrepaired ones go in garage sales. I've also "lent" a couple to friends of friends and ended up selling them.
That heel and rosette are some of the most elegant designs I've seen on a guitar- almost reminiscent of art-deco. What a beautiful instrument.
I’ve seen all your videos, you never once struck me as cranky. Your fellow countryman, Dave, on the other hand…
Ted - you are NOT "cranky"! My wife and I consider you to be quite knowledgeable and articulate; filled dry humor, and very enjoyable to watch and learn from - even though we'll never service any of my brother's 50+ guitars! Personally, watching anyone who can overcome "today's impossible challenge" (Like with that broken husk of a Les Paul neck a month or so ago - AMAZING!) and enform their audience is a true joy, and you sir fall into that category! : )
I agree with you there
When it comes to cranky Canadian luthiers, it is Dave, of the World of Fun Stuff, that defines “cranky”.
Interesting musing about the comments to you about being a Luthier. Here's a different perspective .. My daughter (22 year old in her final year of her Chemical Engineering Masters) is a fan (as well as her peers). She enjoys the critical thinking, problems solving and accuracy.... hers words - things she doesn't see in her peers and industry. The up and coming skilled craftspeople of the need to find their inspirations somewhere ;). Love the channel.
She might also enjoy watching Eric O over at _South Main Auto_ here on RUclips. She might not be interested in car repair in general, but Eric emphasizes critical and logical thinking in order to diagnose and then fix a problem.
@@lwilton also watch the Psionic Audio channel for amp repair, modification, and sane redesign.
I'm teaching my 12 year old daughter for those same reasons. She asked to learn, and I'm loving that she is getting a practical skill, but also learning patience, to think sequentially, and understand consequences.
That Graf is stunning. Perfection everywhere you look. What a treat indeed.
Beautiful instrument but somewhat disconcerting that the guy doesn’t know his 2nd string from his 5th!! Personally, I would avoid as a repairer!!
@@paulmcronk You must be new around here.
@@matthewf1979 . A repairer with over 50 years experience. Originally apprenticed to Jack Brentnalls violin workshop in 1971. Worked on instruments for Issac Guillory, John Renbourne and technical advisor to Hohner, JHS and many others.
Yeah, I guess I’m new around here!
@@paulmcronk the thing about anonymous internet comment sections is there's no evidence to believe anything you say.
Tom here, is on video, showing his face and his excellent work for years now. You must be new here and not have had watched any of his hundreds of other videos to see his work.
@@matthewf1979 . Believe what you like my friend and, as I’ve already said, if you’re happy and impressed with this standard of work, then no problem.
May I recommend to you Andy Farrell, Kimberley, Nottingham. Alan Marshall, luthier, Northworthy Guitars, Hulland Ward. Jason, Millers Music Derby. All well documented, all capable of carrying out a much higher degree of workmanship. And all of whom will vouch for my credentials! But, if you’re happy, there you go!
I was there in the 70s; I got one of Jean's very first classicals and met a few of the crew. I had a Mossman, and a couple other luthier built gems of the period including a renaissance lute! Almost got a job with Larrivee! What a time that was, and that Graf is testimony to the talent and dedication that convened in that place and at that time, when there was so much promise and potential.
The Graf's problem with the nut and the input jack is exactly what's been going on with my Larivee for years! And now I see a connection between the two makers. Thanks!
It wonderful to see a guitar maker I know and respect getting featured on this channel, I met Oskar a few years back at his home shop, and we got to talk about guitar building and history, as well as his own personal development.
He was quite enthusiastic about showing me some of the guitars he built, and the flattops were some of the best, most dynamic and responsive acoustic instruments I’vd ever been lucky enough to try.
He’s also had an influence by letting the blue skies festival happen on some of his land, which is just a wonderful friendly live music experience that my family has been going to since I was little.
The Bass in the intro Music really makes it pop better
Hi, I always learn something from watching your videos and I've been repairing instruments for about 15 years. So I suppose I've crossed over to the other side by now. What I appreciate most is that when you're suffering, I'm suffering too, just not physically. I have big hands as well, and you know what that means, they're always getting stuck in the sound hole and are gnarly after all of the abuse. But I have to say that there's nothing better that taking a persons prized possession and bringing it back from the dead to sing again. I recently repaired my partner's father's classical guitar that he played for her as she was growing up in the heady days of the folk revolution. The poor thing had been hidden in the back of a closet for many years and it was only after his death that someone thought to go looking for it. It was in deep deep trouble. But I took my time and pieced it back together and the look on June's face was well worth all the torment and trouble and a bit more. So, I guess the good really does balance out the bad. You are a very talented craftsman and a great teacher. I just wanted to thank you.
Man, you could write a juicy book with the amount of guitar history that you know and how well you write/speak. Maybe about history of American luthiery, or a luthiery textbook even. Ever thought about that?
Thanks so much for this video. I own an Oskar Graf acoustic bass guitar (and a Marc Beneteau 6-string, another fine underknown Canadian luthier), and spent a little time in Oskar's former shop. One of the most peaceful places one might imagine, with a great forest view out the window. Oskar never rushes, but he doesn't waste time; everything is considered before he does it.
I've been repairing guitars for 7 years, and you are a constant inspiration to raise my standards and patience levels.
You know , I love guitars and I love playing but watching him work, the thing that is constantly in the back of my mind is the (I would imagine) constant need to re-string , tune, remove, repeat, test, re-string, makes me bonkers just to think about it. takes a better man than me. Well done as usual Mr Woodford.
Ted talking about slipping something slender and stiff into a hole super casual
I have a 1977 Mossman Flint Hills that I bought brand new. It's picked up its share of scratches and dings over the years, but it's an amazing guitar. Every now and then, a guitar aficionado will recognize it and comment on how cool it is. There is just something special about a guitar from a serious luthier, hand-made and fretted over, if you will pardon the pun!
Coming from a machining background, I smile a bit when I hear .005” is such a small adjustment. I love to see the precision you achieve on these instruments, especially since you are working with wood and other natural materials.
Thank you for these videos!
After watching a bunch of your vids I decided to repair my old wrecked Epiphone acoustic bolt neck guitar that was a gift from my young wife in 1972. After many years of neglect the top collapsed under tension crushing the rosette in half and breaking the side under the neck as the neck block rotated forward. With much cursing, super glue, shims and braces I have returned this POS instrument to life. There originally was a zero fret that was NOT anywhere near to making intonation possible so I placed small chips of walrus ivory on the fretboard above the actual first fret and got it in tune, only the high and low E were ok. I am emotionally attached to this thing and will never discard it. Than you very much for all your good and well explained work, best regards, Giovanni
I play guitar and I love guitars but I don't want to be a luthier. Never the less I've learned so much watching you and am able to self diagnose issues with my guitars much more accurately.
Absolutely love the details of that Graf, it's magnificent. Professionalism is in being so good at it that you are bored and annoyed, but completely conscientious anyway.
You're not cranky at all, Ted ! You're a joy to listen to and watch. Ive been watching you for possibly over 10 yrs - under different accounts. You're the best and enjoyable to watch.
I suggest creating a tip jar that viewers can choose to toss you a couple bucks here and there. Even if I give you 1 dollar per hour of entertainment it's a great deal and It will help your channel. Just a thought.
I really loved the history lesson at the start.
Wow! To hear you mention Stuart Mossman is wonderful! Met him once, got to play his guitar that he brought to the picking party! He was suffering from not wearing PPE finishing guitars, so sad. The guitar was great and so was he!
I have a guitar player who is constantly on a search for the one guitar to rule them all. Thanks to the sheer amount of guitars he's bought and sold over the years, I've had the opportunity to play some amazing guitars. Among them was a Mossman. To this day it's still one of the best sounding acoustic guitars I've ever played.
Greetings from France.
It's particularly satisfying right now to have a regular dose, amidst the insanity around us, of someone who does nothing more than take oddly shaped wooden contraptions and makes them better.
What draws me to your videos is not only that I love guitars but the fact that you are a true craftsman. I appreciate your knowledge and precise work.
Beautiful Guitar 💐
Ha Ha Ha - it looked like you were sneaking up on a sleeping cat trying to get that screw started. Nice work!
That Graf is truly a visual feast. Normally don't care for that level of decoration but here is proof it can be done tastefully.
Love watching the care you give to each and every job...you are a Luthier's Luther!!!!
Watching and listening to you explain and do things is quite enjoyable. I always feel the instruments were SO lucky to have landed in your hands. Some people I see work on both furniture and instruments have me holding my breath and feeling sorry for the objects. More people need your level of skill and perfection!
Next time, try to glue a regular printer paper soaked in superglue on the bottom of the nut. It will dry hard and will be just enough to solve the buzz, keeping the original low action. It blends very fine with the bone too and saves a lot of time.
I'm not guitarist ,I'm a drummer and I like watching guitar repairs like yours for the craftsmanship and the out side the box " what's the best way to tackle this" type things. Nice work and you take pride to not do shabby work.
2:38 WOW, the detail and craftsmanship! Geez
I felt that about liking guitars. I’m a trainer and i tell my clients I don’t like working out, but i love to problem solve and that’s what i work on getting better at, i workout cause with all my injuries i ache hard if i dont. Thank you for all these as they’re therapeutic :)
I know that I always tell you about my brain injury. It's pretty serious. I was a guitar player with 30 years. I think this is within the next step i experience in my journey and watching you really teaches me a lot. I wish to thank you Ted. You taking my time watching your videos and I so very thing up, I am really soaking it up you need to please believe me. The ability to work on the guitar it means a hell of a lot to me if I cannot play anymore
Thank you so much for making this content!! Absolutely love the guitar history and the step by step repairs. So thankful I discovered your channel. This is my favorite thing to watch on RUclips.
'Driftwood Guitars' and 'Tom Sands' might also be worth a look if you've not seen them, along with Tony Polecastro's 'Acoustic Life'.
@@nedludd3641 thanks for the recommendation will check out
Interesting exposé about Canadian guitar making. As a classical player, who has played and owned everything (including a gorgeous Fleta for twenty plus years), I now play a Canadian guitar by Daryl Perry. I have never looked back. I am not surprised about the high level of guitar making in Canada.
One could easily fall asleep next to a campfire with Ted playing guitar. AMSR.
Oh. My. Days!
That Graf is one hell of an instrument, both in appearance and, more importantly, sonically too.
I don't have any particular attraction to guitars, I just like to watch craftsmen doing their job well. I appreciate your craftsmanship!
Polishing ....... Polishing ........... ........... ............. Polishing.
Fwew, the suspence was killing me.
I sell furniture for a living. Sometimes I have to make a few minor repairs, and (or) modifications (sometime during assembly) to make something safe and sell-able. Scraping of old glue and re gluing/screwing, re-tapping threads poorly cut, widening/deepening a hole to accommodate the bolt, etc.
I find that after watching your videos, I quietly say to myself as I begin doing this "hey there gang, today we're going to be reattaching this rail to this bed frame....".
Sometimes an item can't be saved (safety reasons, etc), and it feels defeating. How often do you lose the battle and have to raise the white flag?
A beautiful guitar but a buzz on the second string G. When the guy is clearly playing the open 5th, A string!! And 8/64ths?!! Surely that’s an 1/8th!!
Both the guitar and luthier deserve better than this amateurish effort.
@@paulmcronk Criticizing him for not reducing a fraction (he's Canadian) and miss stating which string is petty AF.
No it’s not petty! It’s called accuracy, something as a repairer for over 50 years having worked on instruments for Issac Guillory, John Renbourne and many others, it’s something I regard as a basic essential. If you don’t know your A string from your B string then I wouldn’t let you near one of my customer’s instruments!
Being Canadian doesn’t mean you should be ignorant of rudimentary arithmetic!
Stick to furniture mate.
@@TruthAndMoreTruth
Not petty! It’s called accuracy!!
As a repairer with over 50 years experience and having worked on instruments for Issac Guillory, John Rennourne and many others, I’ve come to regard accuracy as basic essential!
If you don’t know your A string from your B string or your 5th from your 2nd then I wouldn’t let you anywhere near one of my customers’ guitars!
And being Canadian is no excuse for not understanding rudimentary arithmetic!
I’m sick and tired of having to try to correct poor workmanship caused by novices following downright incorrect RUclips tutorials.
May I suggest you stick to furniture my friend, that way you will save everyone a hell of a lot of grief!
@@paulmcronk If you're such a superior repair person, where are your videos? Also, I'll stick with what ever the fuck I want buddy. Check your meds, you're being intolerably petty.
Well, I’ve always been an overachiever because Uncle Wally’s Guitar Repairs has been in business for almost 20 yrs. now. I’m just as happy doing repairs as I was when I graduated from Luthier’s school. Building instruments and/or repairing them is a labor of love. I didn’t get into this business for money, I got into it because of my appreciation of craftsmanship and music. My grandfather was a violin maker so I guess some of it is in my blood. Always enjoy your videos and almost always learn something new. Keep up the good work. Thank you
The rosette on that Graf is absolutely gorgeous. The entire guitar is beautiful, but that rosette is the standout feature, for me.
I've started doing some minor lutherie thanks to inspiration from your calm, methodical approach, but for now it's staying as a hobby. I haven't even started looking to try to make money from it.
And as for monograms and the like... I have an autograph, and I have a signature, and as they should be they're different things, so even though my income from "celebrity" so far has been enough to buy one container of oatmeal it's not possible to use an autograph to bamboozle my bank into giving access to my money; of the two, my autograph is the more legible one. I sign things often enough that my signature has ceased to be writing and become an easily repeatable drawing.
I wonder if that little strip of Ebony on the nut slot edge was to prevent grain tear or break out ?
You pointed out that the builder was thinking ahead when he designed the bridge and allowed for ease of maintenance but what if he was thinking about less damage to the guitar during bridge saddle cutting and nut removal ? Not many guitars have such a large trailing edge like that in the nut slot so maybe he was aware that end grain can get damaged easily when the nut is removed ?
Solid train of thought there, Ian. Makes sense.
Exactly what I was thinking👍🏻
It is there to compensate for a nut which is slightly too narrow for the recess. Common practice both at manufacture but far more likely when a nut has, at sometime, been replaced. And instantly points to why the guitar is buzzing on first string, first fret! Correct procedure would be to remove the strip and make a new nut to the correct width and height! A skilled job! But something I’ve had to do hundreds of times and something which is regarded as fairy routine procedure in any repair shop worth its salt!
This really is fundamental stuff and would have been immediately noticed by any competent repairer!
And, of course, let’s file down the the bottom of the saddle! Thus compromising the saddle’s vital contact with the bridge and any piezo pickup lurking there; well, can you file perfectly flat?!
Far better to re-profile the top of the saddle but, of course, that’s a little more complicated than sandpaper and a, hopefully, perfectly flat surface and a perfectly steady hand!
@@paulmcronk The lacquer on the face of the headstock is continuous right across the add on piece, it looks like it was fitted before the lacquer was applied.
@@paulmcronk Are you saying T. Woodford is not a competent repairer?
The internal bracing shot looks fittingly like a cathedral ceiling, only thing missing was a painting by Michelangelo or one of the other turtles
Your problem, Ted, is that even when what you're doing is boring, you have the ability to make it entertaining. You have the wisdom and wit to make even the most boring, repetitious and tedious job fascinating to watch because of the comments you make while engaged in the activity. I am so impressed by how you go to painstaking effort to ensure that what you do will in no way cause a nick, ding, or scratch to the guitar. Oh, if I had only been so cautious with my guitars over the years! I wait with baited breath for your new videos, they are the highlight of my meager existence! Thank you so much for your efforts!
I don't play guitar however I am a fan of the instrument. I watch and thouroughly everyone of your videos.
I'm livin day till dawn to see the next twoodfrd video drop to my inbox. many thanks
For an exercise in burnout, I submit electronics repair. There was never a shortage of work. These days, I only repair guitars and amps for my friends and myself. Long gone are the days of wanting to do it for a living...
Thank you so much for spreading your knowledge all around. We need more craftsman like you to show their skill. We all can learn. I enjoyed every minute. I hope I can spread some knowledge, too. Long time ago I went to a doctors office and bought myself a pair of nose pliers for kids. I dipped the part that goes into the nose in Plasti Dip and use them for any output jack rapair. It grabs the jack perfectly from the inside and is sooooo handy!
Regards,
Etna.
Cheers to the lucky soul who owns that Graf.
Amazing as always.
What a lovely instrument. M Graf was a clever builder.
WOW 2 years Hmm…. The Luthier I work with and learn with has been doing this work for 30 + years. Not full time for 30 years but in the current location in Englewood, FL for 12 years. It’s a combination retail sales of guitars, amps, banjos, and accessories and repairs. We have a person work the retail end while we are in the back shop area doing repairs of electric guitars, acoustic guitars, classical guitars, banjos, and ukuleles.
As I have mention in prior comments I am on my second career doing and learning these repairs after taking early retirement from IBM where I was an engineer. I was burning out flying around country working on IT Systems, Writting application, etc. This type of work is far and away quite different then my prior profession. Been at it now 3 years and I still enjoy it. Much of the enjoyment comes for the people I work with and the gigging musicians and beginners that come in the store needing repairs, help with one ting or another or just to hang out. It’s sort of a hang out for the local musicians and beginners. The presentation was very fortuitous, today I was working on 2 acoustic guitars with failing electronics.
I alway learn something watching your presentation.
Thanks for publishing them
FYI - My friend the Luthier came up with a tool for dealing with the combination input jack and strap button. He takes a 1/4 “ male jack and attaches it to the end of a section of .22 rifle cleaning rod. The way it works is obvious and saves a lot of time. Just thought I’d share that with everyone.
Ricky from IBM, Ret Englewood, FL
Oh boy do I love your videos! Keep'em coming please
Thank you for ALL your videos. 👍🙂
A while back I bought a Sony ICF-9550W AM/FM table radio from 1976 from Goodwill. Both the dial lights and pointer light were burnt out. They of course were low voltage incandescent lamps. Over the past couple weeks I'd been planning and buying supplies to replace them with LEDs. Today I installed the bridge rectifier, filter capacitor, lamp holders, and lamps; and it works great! I learned electronics back in the Air Force, and love it as a hobby. But I could not do it as a profession. I'd get sick of it too fast. That's the difference.
I have applied the repair principals I have picked up from this channel mostly to things other than guitars. I find more value in watching people find creative ways to solving problems rather than getting a specific solution to a specific problem. Any content where I see someone approach a problem in a way that I would never have thought of, is very captivating to me for some reason. I think there is just a type of person out there that gravitates towards that type of RUclips content. Thanks for taking the time to put all of this out there. I certainly enjoy and get a lot out of it.
*Clatter*
"..... Yeah......"
I feel your pain! lol
Thank you for another great video, Ted!
I’ll enjoy this one!!!! Love your vids. They are like a history lesson and luthier school all in one
excellent......thanks!!!!!!the Graf sounds great!!!
thank you. very cool instruments.
Such great information that is not well known about our amazing guitar legacy!
Thanks so much.
Gorgeous wood selection and placement. Wow! Thanks for the tour.
That Graf is a real beauty!
What a great tip. I have a semi-hollow electric that had an annoying flubby sound quite noticeable on the G and B strings but only when amplified. I thought it might have been pickup-related but after watching this video, I found that the end-pin jack was loose, tightened it and the problem was gone. 👍 Thank you.
Wow, that's a BEAUTIFUL guitar!
Beautiful guitar
I think people don't understand that any passion-based job can be a struggle when you passion dies (and of course it will. It always does).
Like you said, the trick is the find something deeper to be passionate about
Always enjoy your work and narration. 🙂
Gorgeous Graf acoustic! ❤️❤️❤️
I can totally understand about burnout when you are working on something day after day. I like to restore and refinish old furniture. It can be frustrating sometimes when you ar trying to get something just right. I like working with my hands and creating. I think that you are a master at what you do and I enjoy and look forward to seeing the craftsmanship!
“As good or better than you were yesterday.” Sounds like a Formula 1 mentality to me!
Awesome channel and craftsmanship 👍🏻
All I can say is...God bless you Ted for all you do...we players appreciate you!!!
That Graf is one of the sweetest sounding guitars I've ever heard. It's the sound that attracted me to the Taylor I bought many years ago and love so much. But better. If I'd known about Graf I probably would have gone that route. If one had been available and I could have afforded it - the Taylor was a plenty big enough chunk out of my budget at the time! Thanks for letting me see and hear one.
I always enjoy your channel so much.
Your voice gives me hope in these dark times.
I'm just not sure how.
Thank you 🎸
Ted- I was one of those hippie builders during my days at U. Of Iowa. And, yes, there was a smoky haze, but we adhered to high standards. And, that is how I learned. After having to retire from law practice, I returned to luthierie, but, now frustrated by a full shop waiting to be moved into basement, plus some major rework of wiring.
You do a good job entertaining us guitar freaks
I’m in the middle of making my own custom shop making original electric guitars. I can’t really thank you enough for all the information I’ve gathered from your videos. Your channel is a treasure trove man, seriously thank you for taking the time.
That is one lovely acoustic.
Just a kind note to fortify. Another excellent Sunday luthier video.Thank you.
Love the reference to race cars,,,,thats my profession and this kind of work parallels in so many ways !
been luthiering since i was a teenager, I love it, and love guitar. i was the klid that took apart his action figures and scoots and all the remotes though.
Nice looking National. I like the steel ones, too.
Thanks for playing them for us Ted.
I know your work is a stressful battle. But it is *so* satisfying to watch your achievements!! If I ever need one of my guitars to have some serious attention, *you* would be the one I'd go to!! THANK you for the video!
Love that headstock
Amazing work
Enjoy your channel bud thanks for sharing. Respect.
I'm really happy to see how you shimmed that nut. That's a fix that's accessible. Thank you for showing that.
Great video...thank you!
As guitarist Is always a pleasure to watch your videos because I see the great passion you put in your work. I’ve always had a passion for luthier work (my uncle was a famous violin and viola luthier) but I have always limited myself to the ordinary maintenance of my instruments and I have always gone to luthiers for important changes even if, to test myself, I've built a couple of electric guitars.
Ted… a wealth of historic luthieric knowledge. I disengage from the weekly guitar mass encouraged, educated, and edified. Go Team Woodford.