1961 Martin D-18, a History of Repairs

An in-depth look at all the bumps and bruises and how they were cared for.

[@johnb5519]

The history of instruments and their makers is quite an intriguing subject, and never gets boring in my opinion.

[@notme1998]

Fr

[@mightyluv]

There are some really great violin build videos on YT, it’s humbling to witness the level of craftsmanship and patience involved.

[@johnb5519]

@@mightyluv Yes, I have watched a few of them, and the intricacies of even .010 of an inch here and there, make or break it, when trying to achieve perfection. Another interesting topic is that of piano's and their makers in North America, and of course, the rest of the world.

[@mightyluv]

@@johnb5519 I’ll check out the piano builder vids, thanks. I used to have an old upright and would peek inside of it once in a while, there’s a lot going on in there 😬

[@johnb5519]

@@mightyluv I am not sure if there are piano vid's, as most of what I have seen and read is from books. I'll have to search to see if there are vid's too.

[@johntilson2535]

That baby sings now. That's what good aged wood and a superb intonation setup will get you. Nice job there, Woody!

[@samuelhatman8995]

3 years later, I still receive wonderful commentary/education and know you likely will not see this comment. I don't care. Great video to compliment breakfast before this old guy rushes to... my job as a retired maker at a local small town hardware store. Many of us play guitar, some wealthy, some poor, some collectors, some luthierie school graduates with their own repair business. Thanks for your work and valuable content!

[@MustObeyTheRules]

That’s a super cool detail about the headstock and template wear

[@icebankmicelf]

For a real drastic difference, compare a ‘65 Martin with a ‘75

[@vincentfinneran7414]

The first time I went to the factory in the 70’s one of the guys told me about the worn template because I had noticed(Martin nerd)the difference in my ‘71 and an early 60’s I’d seen. You could spend some time with the folks in old factory.

[@JoshuaC923]

Really cool story

[@mightyluv]

It really shows the difference between traditional factory methods and the “perfection” of modern CNC machining so prevalent now. Wear and erosion might result in slight changes to the standard over time, but that’s what makes a great story.

[@Hans-KRC]

Just get home from a disc golf tournament, grab some lunch, and there's a 21 minute twoodfrd video! What a day!

[@telequacker-9529]

It's midnight and I've got too much bullshit on my mind and need to relax... And there's a 21 minute twoodford video uploaded, I'm set.

[@davidm6149]

Hey man, leave some chicks for the rest of us

[@tomahoks]

How did you do?

[@superchroma]

Is this what the kids are calling frisbee these days?

[@matthewcasey4795]

Ted should be the one to write the book on guitar repair.

[@zwz.zdenek]

If we ever have to go back from the internet to books, we would have more pressing concerns than guitar repairs.

[@stringsalive20]

I still use books regularly. I reference the various repair & building manuals, and theoretical treatises on guitar frequently. The two can certainly exist in tandemz

[@mightyluv]

@@zwz.zdenek Sure, but once you’ve fought off the marauding cannibalistic hordes and gathered your nightly ration of edible roots and leaves, you’ll have a bit of free time to dig into “Ted’s Big Book of Post-Apocalyptic Guitar Repair” 😀

[@karelenhenkie666]

I don't know about you but I use these videos as my repair manual. A book would be nice to have but a detailed explanation video where you can actually see everything being Don in real time is very valuable.

[@tommypetraglia4688]

@@zwz.zdenek There'll always be books. Books are instant reference. Books don't a complex machine to access them. Books won't have their files corrupted or degraded 100 years from now.

[@topwanker]

I just found this channel today. I've never binged a single youtube channel as much as I have this evening.

[@gdslick]

I'm unlikely to ever try repairing a guitar, but as a guitar player and lover of guitars, I'm learning a lot about guitars from your channel

[@LillyAvali]

"this video might be heavy on the talking" that's what i'm here for, i love hearing people talk :3 sometimes i leave your videos on in the background as i do things, they're both great to watch and great to listen to

[@CHlEFFIN]

I go to sleep with his videos playing in the background

[@Geeman002]

I love it when you get into history of guitars and guitar repair! Watching this one a third time. A pleasure to hear your knowledge and watch you execute your craft! Thank you sir!

[@johndickens7847]

A jaw droppingly good video. The respect and care you show these instruments is awe inspiring.

[@FreeSpeechWarrior]

Tim, the idea of a vintage guitar actually does go back further than 40 years ago. When I was in high school in the seventies, a friend of mine owned several Martin guitars. His parents could afford anything he wanted. He knew back then that Martin guitars were the best that money could buy. He knew that because Martin had a reputation at that point. So I think even then if you had an older Martin guitar it was considered a classic or vintage.

[@jasonpitre1249]

Hey Ted, I just want to thank you. I am a guitar tech out of Windsor Ontario. Your videos have helped to me to transition into more structural and cosmetic repair. I want you to know how much you are appreciated. Thank you sir!

[@Jackofallthetrades]

"This one's going to be heavy on the talking..." = Educational AND entertaining :)

[@ahmedabdelfattah4975]

It's always a good day when you upload

[@marka.200]

I am now addicted to Ted's videos. Yes, I'm a wannabe amateur luthier but thankfully so far only inflict my "skills" on my own guitars. Ted makes me want to expand my devotion to the art. Somebody stop me.

[@dooleyfussle8634]

I've spent the last twenty years only repairing my own guitars. Of course, I have owned around 40 or 50 of them and as soon as I repaired one I sold it and bought another one in some flea market or garage sale to go to the end of the line and wait it's turn. I worked up from student Stellas to plywood campers to solid wood Harmonys and Yamahas. I'm now down to fewer than 10 with a couple of decent parlours to challenge my final skill level. Ted's getting me there!

[@marka.200]

@@dooleyfussle8634 Appreciate the reply, my guitar count is about half of yours except I can't seem to let them go, partially because I have tried various methods of selling and each one is its own nightmare. Have you found a good way to sell your guitars you've repaired/upgraded that isn't a huge pain? Dare I wish for enjoyment in the selling process as well as the buying and repairing?

[@dooleyfussle8634]

@Nunya Bidnez I usually end up selling mine to fellow musicians/ acquaintances. I play in several groups so generally have lots of people around needing a second or camping guitar. I also managed to trade one once for some car repair work. The down side is I always gave a "lifetime" warranty with mine so end up getting to repair them several times for free. I think I reset the neck 3 times on one of my Harmony Sovereign rebraces! I've also given them to kids and grandkids. I usually forestall anyone asking me to work on one of their guitars by saying you will have to sell it to me as I only work on my own guitars!

[@berniesr]

As always your insights into guitars and their repairs is alway interesting.

[@scottreeves1226]

The football-shaped patch could have been done by Martin or at least by someone familiar with Martin's techniques. I had a crack on the bass side upper bout of a mid-1950s D-18 repaired by a man who had worked in the Martin repair shop, and that is exactly the technique he used. Great video!

[@beytone]

Another awesome video. I love the tone of that set of strings!

[@108ashtangi]

Another amazing video. You are the guitar historian we’ve all been waiting for.

[@planetaplanta]

thats a hell of an eye you got for this stuff, the experience shows itself. thank you for all this valuable info!!

[@frederickthompson8686]

Fascinating, as usual. I love the "forensic" approach that informs the repair. Thanks!

[@Unclejake]

A lot of great information, thanks for taking the time to make this.

[@plakor6133]

Very sweet! It's fun to watch you work.

[@kennethdavis1732]

Thanks for making my day.

[@ed801975]

Very interesting analysis, and gorgeous guitar! I never get tired of watching this stuff!

[@patrickkeenan6331]

Love these repair videos! Another great job. as well!

[@JMnyJohns]

Love these sorts of vids where you go in-depth and really teach us stuff we never heard before (the evolution of repairs this time). You're a jewel Ted. :)

[@jefsut]

Brilliant and fascinating video ... thanks!

[@gaylen8467]

Nice bunch of historical stuff, thanks

[@podfuk]

Fantastic video and sweet sounding guitar!

[@percival743]

Your videos are the only thing getting me through quarantine

[@JoshuaC923]

Wow that guitar definitely has a story or two to tell. That bridge repair shows what a patient person you are. Great work

[@davidthebiker2955]

Oh my goodness. This vid is GOLD!! Thank you sir!

[@guilhemvalentin6687]

So interesting analysis, thanks for that !

[@xxxLesPaulxxx]

Your work on the saddles always impresses me.

[@kevisp77]

I am amazed at how hard he's using the saw - especially on the thinner saddles - and the fact he never shows one breaking!!

[@jerrytee2688]

Another excellent episode, you never disappoint. Thanks man.

[@dickranmarsupial4911]

Such a great video! Ted is so knowledgeable and pays forensic-level attention to details and clues. Impressed.

[@scottbrower9052]

I love this guitar. Of all the old acoustics you've worked on, this one speaks to me from an overall appearance standpoint. Just lovely....honest wear, patina, repairs & all.

[@jts3339]

Good work speaks for itself. You said it all, my friend.

[@madgeniusmusic]

Great video Ted, and on one of my bucket list guitars.

[@harlanbarnhart4656]

I would like to have seen the inside of the football repair. Great video as always. You get a thumbs up from me every time.

[@robertoboyle1153]

Interesting and informative as always, thank you.

[@thorstenfriedrich]

good to hear your voice - it delivers sort of continuity in these difficult times...

[@scottbrower9052]

Excellent point. Agreed.

[@perihelion7798]

I am subscribed to several luthier/repair channels. I find them informational and inspiring. However, this is the first one to provide some history on guitar repair. Truly remarkable stuff. Thanks!

[@danielweinbaum]

NO WORDS CAN DESCRIBE HOW AWESOME YOUR CONTENT IS !!!

[@richardweinberger6302]

Excellent lesson, and great sound from that guitar. I went into the Los Angeles Hans Weisshair shop several years ago, to have a violin bow rehaired. I thought I was in an operating room, everyone wearing immaculate matching uniforms, wow. He did write the book on string instrument repair, there are some amazing tales of real Strads, totally destroyed, then totally reconstructed, with many detailed photos to watch the process.

[@RonDylewski]

Thanks, Ted, for a great lesson. I had a late 40's Martin O-18 and will now go back and check photos of the headstock!

[@fabiod.z.chitarra]

Beautiful job! Great!!!

[@bluemurov9945]

Thank you. I have learned so much from your videos and I enjoy your knowledge of different guitar makes, luthiers and the big brands. Just repaired a long crack in the top of a tenor uke.

[@JonNewquist]

I love the talking. Thanks for doing it.

[@robinosborne266]

Another fantastic video !!! Your depth of knowledge and skill never ceases to amaze me and I look forward to watching every video that you produce. Thanks for enabling the closed caption (subtitle) option on all of your videos because I am profoundly deaf after failed a surgical procedure in October of this year and watching videos from experts like yourself really help fill in the time in my currently silent world. Hoping to have Cochlear Implant carried out when I have fully healed after last surgery, so I shall be able to hear the sound of the beautiful instruments that you repair. Take care and stay safe.

[@60sfoley]

Great video, thanks.. fascinating history of repair 👍

[@mikeguiggey2586]

Excellent, thank you for 21 fine minutes..and 23 seconds..

[@rexroman5211]

Just superb videos! I learn so much

[@pedalpukus]

This channel is so much win!

[@joshualavender]

Didn't mind the time spent just looking and talking, since the topics covered were so interesting!

[@mitzioden4926]

I always enjoy your videos. Very interesting and educational.

[@Goomer]

Really enjoyed this one.

[@soundguyjimmy]

Kablooey! 🤣 I love your channel it’s by far one of the most satisfying guitar repair content on KZbin I’ve learned so much on your channel, thank you for sharing your knowledge brother

[@nickparnell6574]

I love your channel, have watched every video and you do such great job. Thanks for being you

[@donaldholman9070]

Great job.. thank you

[@troz451]

Always good! Thanks

[@Aeidotronics]

Was about to comment on the headstock corners, but you beat me to it!

[@grundunterrecording4197]

I really enjoyed that one, thanks a lot!

[@nebula_M42]

Finally I've caught up on your videos!

[@pipercub45]

Wow! A lot of good information put into an entertaining video. Thanks.

[@gasgiant7122]

Recently discovered your fantastic channel so I'm not watching in any order but apart from the professional attention to detail the other thread that entangles the video's is your brilliant sense of humour, thank you.

[@Chemcaster]

Loved the bit about the machine wear softening the headstock corners!!

[@musicmann1967]

"That was nice they recycled" Winner: Driest of the dry remarks!! LOL

[@theRandy712]

"Gonna be a lot of talking" - Don't threaten us with a good time! Great video

[@georgefrench1907]

Great history lesson. Thanks.

[@spwicks1980]

Look at the fingerboard wear. That must be one hell of a player. Its been well loved by its owners. Good to see :)

[@mhaight]

You ability to articulate so concisely and with ultimate practicality is what draws me to this channel every single week or vid release.

[@mhaight]

ALso the very high quality video. Love it.

[@gryfandjane]

Very interesting indeed! I have a 1964 D-18 with a number of old repairs, so this one looked pretty familiar.

[@jimmythecricket25]

Amazing craftsman, impressive!!

[@brent4uc]

Just when I think that things are getting boring on other channels you teach us about the fret board taper sanding instead of a neck reset and printer paper for a nut shim. LOL. You continue to captivate me with your knowledge of the history of guitar repair and I will continue to be a thumbs up viewer.

[@starpartyguy5605]

Haven’t taken my guitar out of the case in 20 years. KZbin put your video on my recommendation list and I now have to get my fingers dirty. I have an Epiphone Les Paul. I was grateful to find the strings were loosened before storing. Next is lessons. Thanks for spurring my interest!

[@Ukedc259]

Marvellous stuff sir

[@alexo5861]

Mr. Woodford thank you for the repair history lesson, as a Tinknocker I liked to your explanation of the metal template wearing.

[@hoodoo-man]

Thanks for the top tip using the bent string to gauge the intonation point.

[@matthewatkinson7558]

Good one. Learned a lot and realized I’ve run into that cut fingerboard thing. Funny I thought I broke it when I was pulling it off for a reset!

[@calsurflance5598]

Very informative narrative. Thank You. I have a D16 GT and the Mahogany sides are extremely thin, however it stays in tune forever, has sustain for days, and is a cannon. I love it! I got to chat with Gordon Lightfoot a few years back about his D-18. It is a very worn 1948, and has been his main 6 string for more than 25 years. The D-18 is everything you need and nothing you don’t.

[@TheHiphopdrunkie]

dude your well of knowledge and quality informantion/ verbal education is why i come here. i love your commentary

[@HeliBenj]

The only channel where I slam that like button before even watching the video just to make sure I don't forget to.

[@plateoshrimp9685]

fascinating history of an individual instrument.

[@RickJones222]

You da best, Teddy!

[@williamwaltonmusic]

I actually prefer the rounded shape of the 60’s headstocks. Interesting to find out the reasoning behind it!

[@bldallas]

Finding it difficult to resist a “nut that gleams” joke. Bust seriously, great video; learned several new things on this one. The D-18 is, in my opinion, the perfect dreadnaught guitar. They play/sound amazing and don’t have all the unneeded flashiness (pearloid / abalone inlays, gold tuners, etc) on the more expensive Martins. I have a 2016 D-18E Retro that I dearly love. Really great guitar.

[@Violaodabossa]

Great video, as always. Thank you Ted. Best wishes from Germany >Lutz

[@leftovernoise]

Outstanding!

[@nicktrousers]

VERY interesting. Hope one day youll have a yamaki on the bench! maybe we get to hear some of your knowledge on them

[@markbernier8434]

The bit about the shaper made me chuckle. Same thing with stamping dies, every impression makes an infinitesimal difference.

[@docscantlin]

Excellent presentation. I learned, early in the game, having repaired at Gruhn's and Pickers Supply for a few years, a repairman's bread and butter is a Martin guitar. Glued on necks (resets could have bought me a new Cadillac), No truss rod (ouch!), poor intonation, braces way too big (loved to see the grins on owners after a scalloping session). Yellow glue (bridges coming up when heated in the trunk of a car). And those lovely pickguards cracking and caving in the top. Yep, Martins were a love/hate affair for repairmen and owners. Gibson and later Taylor and then finally Martin itself, improved some of these flaws. Of course the musicians were not as critical or savvy as today. And their choices were much more limited. My two somewhat interesting Martin related stories are when Manny Uminof (sp) came up to Toronto from New York to show us how to do a neck set in 1971. His technique; "pop" open the back at the neck block and tuck the sides in a bit and trim. Usually resulted in a mess! About that time Martin's official response concerning resetting a neck was, "Martin guitars never need a neck reset". Oh, dear.... We've come a long way, baby... Love your work and knowledge level...

[@tinman8518]

Great video/repair! Subscribed.

[@dwebster50]

Yes Sir…This is the most interesting repair dialog I have heard from you… I saw techniques flash into view , I have never seen before. Simply amazing knowledge shown here. For the viewers, a comment . Don’t take your vintage guitar to anyone but this gentleman. Your analytical Troubleshooting is so correct , it is mouth dropping.. I think it would be very interesting to put that knowledge of yours into an illustrated book. “Acoustic guitar Acceptable Procedures” Thank you Alberta Dave

[@billallen1594]

I enjoy the talking ones. Thank you

[@phooesnax]

I don’t really play. Played 45 years ago....sax since. My kids just gave me a guitar. Don’t know how it will go but I sure enjoy watch your repairs!

[@wrenchhead4378]

Excellent vid... keep it up

[@jthonn]

Good grief Charlie Brown! That thing had so many repairs that I can see why you made this video. You could almost write a repair manual out of it. I thought you were going to address the cracks, but I guess it wasn't necessary. Sounds good now and hope that fixed the tuning issue. Great work once again!