204 RSW 102 Year Old Gibson L1 Restoration

[@roberteasleysr9108]

Another issue of guitar emergency , Dr . Rosa , cures another ailing guitar . Your patients is amazing !!!

[@RosaStringWorks]

+Robert Easley Sr thank you very much.

[@sgtgrash]

I have been following your channel for a while, and it is apparent that you care as much about the instruments that pass through your hands as you do for the quality of your work. You are a true craftsman, sir.

[@RosaStringWorks]

+sgtgrash thank you very much.

[@davidoverhoff1837]

Watching your painstaking work on this old Gibson gave me an even greater appreciation for the work you did on my two Fenders. I've fallen back in love with my 35 year old six string, which I've owned since brand new; your antler nut and saddle have made this a MUCH better guitar. It sounds amazing! The 12 string is certainly playable now, but it's not a rosewood guitar and doesn't get me like the 6 string. Worth every cent. Thanks, Jerry!

[@RosaStringWorks]

You are very welcome my friend. Thank you so much for the comment. Always love to hear that the customer is happy. Thanks for watching.

[@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm]

i don`t think anyone has as much time at the bench fixing classic -- vintage old guitars than you with total hand`s on repaired ! well done again and - thank you .

[@sea-ferring]

There's absolutely nothing wrong with spending extra time to honor both the instrument and the precious wood it was built from. If I were in your position I would want to do exactly the same thing. It may not be the most collectable of guitars but it is still 100+ years old, and it deserves a good restoration. Kudos to you Jerry!

[@peterbryan3081]

Jerry, you sir are a master! You say things like "maybe I'm crazy for doing this" but that is because you care about what you do and you care about the instruments you work on. This is one of my favourites of your videos because you display a work ethic that is so sadly lacking in today's world. Thank you so much for reinforcing how important "pride in work" really is!

[@Draco-Ignis99]

Wow this comment really hit the nail on the head. So true 👍

[@Draco-Ignis99]

Wow this comment really hit the nail on the head. So true 👍

[@texasfossilguy]

The fact that you do things consistently on the side of perfection makes me appreciate you even more. You definitely did the right thing here.

[@donaldmusic6274]

Great job Jerry. I have a lot of respect for the way you treat your customer's instruments. You don't cut corners and that is admirable

[@RosaStringWorks]

+Donald Music thank you very kindly my friend.

[@Fear_the_Doughnut]

It's that old time craftsmanship, when they built stuff they really built it. that tail block is a good testament to that.

[@spiralflash6169]

Wonderful job on this great old L1! There's something very satisfying about watching a master craftsman bring new life to a centenarian while staying true to its history. It sounds beautiful!

[@wilmeaux12]

Believe that is the best L-1 sound yet. Your singing could not compliment it better.

[@thomasnewton9818]

Nice repair job. You probably didn't make your hourly rate but it's good to see a craftsman holding a high standard. Thanks for your video. I learned a lot.

[@914Catfish]

Nice work. I am glad there are still people around who can fix an old gem like this.

[@RosaStringWorks]

+914Catfish thank you very much.

[@robertbarnum2395]

Again, a great job emphasizing why I had you build my beautiful mandolin! Fine work Jerry!

[@RosaStringWorks]

+Robert Barnum thank you my friend.

[@1980bwc]

Glad you took the time to do it right Mr. Jerry. Its not a money thing, its fixing an important piece of music history the right way. The customer wanting a budget repair job just good enough to play this vintage Gibson, is like taking a Mercedes to a garage and telling them to not spend much time on it and just fix it good enough that it can be driven. I can see wanting a budget repair on an old Silvertone. Not a Gibson. Lol

[@RosaStringWorks]

+Bryan Wayne thank you for taking a look.

[@richardthacker]

Wonderful work. As ever. Loved this video and guitar. Love the early Gibsons. All we need next is a 3-point f model mandolin. We used to say "if you must throw money, please fold it first".

[@RosaStringWorks]

+Richard Thacker thanks for taking a look.

[@scottreeves6932]

Excellent work, Jerry! A luthier working on a valuable violin would not hesitate to remove the back to make such extensive repairs. Also, I looked for pictures of a 1914 L1 and found a couple with string pins, so either it was make that way or string escape was not an uncommon issue. Thanks for this excellent episode.

[@RosaStringWorks]

+Scott Reeves thanks for looking into it. Thanks for watching.

[@pwman]

I always love watching these videos. especially when Jerry decides to fix it the right way, regardless of budget. A true craftsman dedicated to the purity of the instrument!! Always a pleasure Jerry! Thanks for giving these old instruments a second life!!

[@RosaStringWorks]

+Patrick McMahon you're welcome. Thank you so much for watching.

[@HBSuccess]

Jerry you continue to impress the heck out of me - and not just for mad skills with tools but just as much for your work ethic and doing the right thing because it's the right thing. Thanks for sharing that old girl - you gave her another 102 yrs. I hope the owner watches this video.

[@RosaStringWorks]

+Tioga Fretworks thank you very much. I'm sure you will. He did watch the case video.

[@amitnewton]

My word!!! Jerry, if there is one thing that people must learn from you, it is never to scrounge in effort, and to do a job to the best of your ability. No wonder you're up to your nose in work all the time. Great video once more!

[@RosaStringWorks]

+amit newton thank you very much my friend.

[@lyndamcardle4123]

Watching this is simply therapy - just to watch and see a craftsman / artisan at his craft !

[@ClintHennis-zy9ck]

My mother , always told me . Any thing worth doing , is worth doing right . Great job.

[@shergold7726]

That was amazing. So nice to see an old guitar like that being brought back to life. Great work Jerry.

[@RosaStringWorks]

+Shergold77 thank you very much.

[@milenakorovljev4209]

Aboundnce of integrity made you who you are. Congratulations! It's a pleasure to watch you thinking and working.

[@michaeladamcaira9174]

Its such a joy to watch a fellow luthier work with such passion,well done Jerry

[@RosaStringWorks]

+michaeladam caira thank you my friend.

[@busdriver127]

I really enjoy watching a man doing what he enjoys. I watched a craftsman rebuild an antique door in situ that had been damaged by a fire about 45 years ago. The door had been broken and burned by a fire in a print shop. The building was an old store front with those old fashioned multi paned doors common around the first of the 20th century. I talked to him and discovered he was a former teacher who gave up classrooms to do what he enjoyed more. I was able to talk to him because my area was the only room not damaged by the fire. It was located above and behind the shop in what had been the hayloft above the stable, a very old building. He too, did beautiful work.

[@davescott1494]

Been a player for 49 years and would never go as deep as you do bro. I am learning a lot from your videos. Thank you sir. You take chances that seem impossible and make them work. My hat is off bro.

[@andymcquade]

I'm continually amazed by each restoration you honour us with (most folk don't realize just how much work goes into 1 hour of screen time just on the edit -hint: times 4, minimum). I don't want to make you shuffle awkwardly, but artisan skills to one side, your character makes these videos far and away the best guitar repair/ restorations I've ever seen, or will see.

[@lowreedman]

What a wonderful job. You are a true craftsman and your unwillingness to do an improper repair deserves tremendous respect. Particularly these days where everyone seems to focus on the cost of everything rather than the value it may have.

[@LarWolkan]

So glad it lives to sing again! Something cool about those old instruments and keeping them going! Great Work Jerry!

[@RosaStringWorks]

+LarWolkan me too. Thanks for watching.

[@cesalt2408]

I just came back from New Orleans after dropping off a vintage guitar to Salvadore Giardina. I read about him after so many musicians' stringed instruments were in need of restoration after Hurricane Katrina. I wanted to know a little about restoration, and since he doesn't have a channel, I came across your own incredible work. Your efforts as a luthier are held in the highest regard by me and so many other musicians who depend on the integrity of their instruments to deliver quality sound. Calibrated vibration is everything in our world, and we can't deliver it without you.

[@RosaStringWorks]

Thank you my friend.

[@steveparkes1]

As usual Jerry, a masterclass in patience, resourcefulness and skill. You put the instrument first, even if it costs you in time and money. Heck, I almost feel like donating to the cause!! But your reward is clear...... a good nights sleep and a clear conscience, that is priceless my friend, Kind Regards from the UK.

[@RosaStringWorks]

+steveparkes1 thank you very much. On stage I say please no applause just throw money... Preferably soft money. LOL thanks for watching.

[@steveparkes1]

Haaaaa, Here in England, I usually say, "I will take any money, as long as it isn't matrimony"!!

[@dalemorris4372]

Jerry, I just want to say I look forward every week to your videos. Love your dedication, expertise, attention to detail and self-deprecating humor. Please continue. Thanks!

[@RosaStringWorks]

+Dale Morris thank you very much my friend.

[@shaneharrison4775]

Thanks Jerry love that old tune haven't heard it in a very long time I believe I was 11 or 12 when ole shike Sherwood and a few of the ole boys had a night of playing old tunes before a jamboree and bluegrass festival. I miss those days

[@phonicwheel933]

What a difficult job, but you handled it just fine. As you say, it is nice to see an old guitar brought back to life!

[@RosaStringWorks]

Thank you for taking a look.

[@jeremyanderson4971]

Great job Jerry and once again your attention to detail paid off in the way the guitar looks and plays when you were finished.

[@RosaStringWorks]

+Jeremy Anderson thank you very much.

[@caroloertle2594]

Jerry, My husband has been watching you for two+ weeks as he was a wood carver and chain saw carver for Stihl for 25 years. I came in from the kitchen as you were singing Fallen Leaves. The singing and the song were so sweet and moved both of us to subscribe. I'm a 30 year Sweet Adeline and appreciate your performance and the heart and the Spirit that I felt as you sang this tender song. I look forward to you singing as you finish your videos. It's a great ending with the most personal touch that has made me an avid watcher and listener. Bravo! My husband must have felt the same spirit after your song because that's when he went and subscribed too. Thank you so much. Best Wishes from Utah.

[@RosaStringWorks]

Thank you very kindly. Very nice of you to say so.

[@motorcop505]

Your crack clamp is awesome. The level of detail you spend with your tiny cleats says it all about your high standards! The fact that you took on that tail piece gratis status, Gladys, is amazing. Another great video!

[@certified68crazy3]

Jerry I am reminded of a poem I learned more than a half century ago watching this video . It is something that I have tried to follow for life . For want of a nail a shoe was lost and for want of a shoe a horse was lost for want of a horse a soldier was lost and for want of a soldier a battle was lost . The point being the pride you can take in knowing you did your very best well done ! Take care my friend.

[@RosaStringWorks]

+certified 68 crazy very nice. Thank you very much.

[@banjoman101145]

Shakespeare, RICHARD. II

[@richfolkes]

@@banjoman101145. That's Richard III, sir.

[@roygunter3244]

In this world of "it costs more to fix than buy a new one" it is great to see a craftsman fix a piece of history. It is also great that the person who owned it cared enough to save it.

[@RosaStringWorks]

+roy gunter thank you very much.

[@andrewbryan359]

I know what you mean when you talk about "budget" jobs but there's nothing budget about the results you get and the skill, imagination and patience you put into the work. Wonderful restoration and another great video to watch. I always seem to be waiting for the next one! Well done! A craftsman at work!

[@RosaStringWorks]

+Andrew Bryan thank you my friend.

[@webbtrekker534]

A remarkable instrument now with a new life for another 102 years!

[@juhs]

You did such an amazing job on this one, I'm sure the customer really appreciated the extra work and attention to detail you put into it

[@danbreyfogle8486]

Great job on that old guitar. Doing the job right is the most important part of it all and I believe you did everything right on this one.

[@gnuages]

I own a 1918 L1 which I bought in 1987 -- it had many of the same issues as the one in this video. I brought it to George Youngblood in Guilford, CT. He took it in January and returned it in July, fully restored using many of the same procedures you used, though he would glue, clamp, then watch what impact that change had on the rest of the guitar, which took a long time. I don't recall setting any limits on what I wanted to spend: as it turned out, I purchased the guitar, had his restoration (complete with neck reset), and paid for a new Harptone case for just about $500 total. I have since found a period correct case, not unlike the one you restored in the other video. I play my guitar all the time! Thanks for filming and posting this -- nicely done!

[@Bun_Can_Do_It]

Hi Jerry, love your videos. Your attention to detail and preserving original integrity is awesome. I too have been in a couple situations with my line of repairs that I do, where repairing it and preserving it correctly is more important than the monetary compensation. When someone criticizes the way I repair things, I just remind them who is doing the repairs and that the customer trusts my judgement and experience enough to fix them the way I know how.

[@RosaStringWorks]

+Bun thank you.

[@TheCookofthehouse]

What an amazing restoration. That is clearly what my grandfather's 112 years old guitar needs you to do to her. Thanks for sharing this absolutely incredible restoration of such an old guitar! Beautiful work with incredible expertise. Thanks Gerry!

[@SodCase]

You should be very proud of the work you do sir. you bring the past back to life, and imo the craftsmanship you do is a art that more people should learn.. thank you for making these videos so that it may inspire others to pick up the craft that you do so well..

[@TheCookofthehouse]

I don't get tired of watching some of your videos again and again and again. Some of them I've already watched over 10 times easily!

[@agwbcfjc2]

You're a genius Mr. Rosa--another brilliant restoration. Thank you for sharing the journey with us. Simply amazing.

[@RosaStringWorks]

+agwbcfjc2 thank you very much.

[@gijsbertuslaurensvandevooren]

Very good work of Gibson, to glue the future cracks already when new.

[@barrywebber100]

How nice the guitar looked and played after you worked your magic on it Jerry. It is so fascinating to see how you get to the end result - living history! Thanks for posting.

[@lrstaf6]

This guitar has an excellent sound and it looks beautiful now. It was well worth rescuing. I for one am glad that there are still a few who take great pride in their work and love what they do enough to do the very best they can even when they don't make a huge profit. You have my respect and I'm sure the respect of the owner and most of the others watching your videos as well. Really enjoyed this video.

[@ijosef]

Great work! Even though this guitar needed to be rescued, it's amazing that it survived this long without being thrown away or subjected to all sorts of hack repairs and modifications. We forget that vintage, high value guitars weren't always that way - there was a time when it was just another old guitar like so many others.

[@RosaStringWorks]

+ijosef that is very true. Thank you so much for watching.

[@howardlaunius7484]

Nice job.... It was fun watching you bring the old gal back to life!!

[@josephtaverna1287]

Jerry your videos are without question some of the best on the internet and you singing and play how can you beat that you have a great night my friend take care

[@MrJoeydano]

Jerry I can’t tell you how many times I’ve done the same thing for customers with no PAY because I’m an idiot that I just can’t live with knowing that the job needs to be done right 👍 one good thing is I can say I’ve had a lot of happy Customers over the years who miss me when I’ve been reassigned in other territories 🙏

[@adders45]

My mum would sing 'Fallen leaves' whilst washing up Wow that took me back fifty+ years

[@jpalberthoward9]

You sure get a lot of those. I almost bought one back in '02. It was a 1914 L3, and it was cherry red. It had that same crazy bridge and an equally insane neck angle. It was in excellent condition, and it played like butter. It also had a sound that I have not heard before or since. I fell in love with it in minutes and the only reason I didn't grab it was it would have reduced my dollars to zero, with 2 weeks to go till next payday. I didn't want to risk going that long with no money, and so I chickened out. I'm still nuts about that style and sound, and I hope perhaps I'll find one that needs work like all of the ones you've done in the past couple of years. Keep up the good work, yer killing it in grand style. You and your work are 5 star first class!!!

[@richfolkes]

You have outdone yourself again, Mr. Rosa. I take my hat off to you once more.

[@robertkibbler1564]

Can't beat that repair! Well done again Jerry,on to the next..Rob.

[@RosaStringWorks]

+Robert Kibbler thank you my friend.

[@QuerkyMan]

I can’t believe your confidence and honesty (audacity) in baring all.

[@perihelion7798]

I'm trying to catch up, and bingeing on Jerry's videos. I watched another repair guy remove a neck that was glued in with Titebond. He used heat and steam, and it worked just fine. Took a little while, but came apart clean.

[@TheFalcro1234]

I don't comment very often but in this case I just have to say, what was my opinion a series of tough decisions on how to properly repair this instrument. But I agree with every one of them. For me there is nothing better than knowing I did the job "right" and in this case right means the best repair possible given the circumstances. I don't need a string instrument repaired but if I ever do, you will be my first call. You are a consumate professional master of your craft I work with metal so breaks and boo boos are ususally much more forgiving.

[@Medicated1]

I find it sad that 7 people down voted this.. you obviously have a real love for what you do and the patience you have is way beyond mine, I really like your videos, not just to see the repairs, but to see what these instruments look like before you do them, then the after playing you do.. you bring life back into lifeless instruments and give them a new lease on life, I'm sure the owners are damned proud of the work that you do, and that's all that really matters.

[@grumpis8070]

Gorgeous old hunk o wood. So happy I found this channel. It gives me hope my collection will still be playable when im dead. Larravee lv03 rw gibson 1936 j35 RI gibson 1952 j 185 RI gibson j45 srw martine baby Ed Sheerin horensteiner repo cello

[@jjc882011]

You take pride in your work, even though the budget for this job does not allow you to do the extra. You are one of the few, who cares about your profession. Congratulations on the job well done.

[@ApexWoodworks]

What an amazing artisan you are, Mr. Rosa! I especially like how you constantly go the full distance to effect your repairs. Congratulations!!

[@walterhambrick8705]

Jerry, thank you for sharing. I trust your judgement about what to do. Your experience gives you a feeling of what to do; sometimes you may not know why consciously. Trust your instinct.

[@stuartdrakley2106]

What a great sounding old guitar, love it. Well done Jerry.

[@sjp52047]

I think that "properly" restoring and preserving this old guitar, and it's case was well worth the effort, and the money. It sounds great!. Another wonderful job Jerry. Regards, Solomon

[@RosaStringWorks]

+Life After Work thank you so much my friend.

[@TheCookofthehouse]

Well, my friend you just gave a handful additional reasons to send you two guitars instead of one. It'll happen in July as you know but I'll fully document the problems with photos before I put the instruments in the mail. As you know one of the guitars belonged to my Grandfather and it is possible dated 1898 or something like that. Maybe, just maybe 1902. The second one is much more recent, it's from the sixties and it is, in fact, my Wife's first guitar. Thanks for one very difficult job well done and thoroughly documented on video with your comments on "off".

[@RosaStringWorks]

+Mario Tulio Thank you very much. Looking forward to working with you.

[@billallen1594]

Thanks Jerry, you did an a stunning job on this one. I'm sure they were pleased

[@adamkempa5157]

Looks great - I Kinda knew that the back and tail block were coming off - you always do the right thing Keep Smiling Adam

[@robertrosenfield405]

Fantastic repair! It did make a lot of sense to trim the sides because of the splaying. It sounds wonderful! You're not in business to just get rich! You have to love what you do! As I try to remember if I took my meds or not.......

[@highpower3006]

Another beautiful job! People that don't do this type of work just don't really have a clue as to the skill it takes to repair something and make it look it homogeneous with the rest of the instrument.

[@RosaStringWorks]

+highpower3006 thank you very much.

[@Gunslinger000]

Exceptional luthier work, Jerry. I have improved my skill level by watching you. Well done and thanks.

[@charleslambiase5670]

Hey Jerry happy 4th of July just got home from work I had a special project to do I normally don't work 7 days a week but nevertheless got it done now I'm relaxing watching your channel and watching this special projects and then I will practice but I'm going to watch this project first I'm going to treat myself today thank you 💜

[@roberthilton9656]

What great pride and workmanship. A very rare quality in todays world. Thank you for this video.

[@MRFUSON-uj9bs]

By the way my family watches movies for entertainment. I watch your videos. And I love them just as much as you love making'em !

[@RosaStringWorks]

+MR. FUSON thank you very much.

[@TXCrafts1]

Great video and beautiful guitar. A tip I learned for removing and breaking hide glue is to wet it with alcohol first, the alochol will dehydrate the glue and causes it to flake and peel.

[@RosaStringWorks]

+TXCrafts1 I'll try alcohol next time. Usually just a little moisture and heat is all it takes. Thanks for watching.

[@michaelmcclain5091]

Nice job, especially the see trim and new end graft!

[@shartne]

Your a good singer I really enjoy listening to you play and sing. Cool old song too. Excellent work on that 102 year old guitar.

[@RosaStringWorks]

Very much.

[@rodmackinnon8497]

Excellent restoration . . . glad your love of doing a good job . . . overrides the budget . . . myself I still struggle and stress with hide-glue, have gotten the nerve to go to Tide-bond.

[@RosaStringWorks]

+Rod MacKinnon thanks for checking it out.

[@ZMugg1]

When I bought my upright bass (1954 American Standard) it had been painted with black house paint and sounded terrible. I removed the paint (GASP) and dyed it with Fiebings black leather dye. It brought out all the low and high mids and made the furniture grade veneer (it's plywood) look beautiful. It also increased the overall volume.

[@herbrv]

Never get tired of watching your works.

[@dino_j]

Great job, I think you made the right decisions all around. This is a 100 year old guitar, there's no way I would have approached any sort of quick fix or budget option for this (even if I had the skills to do so, which I don't!). What a great guitar, it looks and sounds awesome!

[@RosaStringWorks]

+Dean Jarvis thank you very much Dean.

[@bigsteve9291]

really enjoy your craftsmanship and dedication to restore these old guitars

[@RosaStringWorks]

+big steve thank you very much.

[@virgiltibbs6971]

I love that you can’t do shoddy work. I really admire that.

[@tonyt.1596]

Always doing the right thing is never wrong. Great videos and inspiration. Thank Jerry!

[@markself1079]

Love watching your videos, Mr. Rosa. You do some awesome restorations on the old instruments. God Bless.

[@palusguitar]

This has to be one of the best videos I've seen. You are a true craftsman. I've just begun my journey working on guitars and am truly inspired by by your work. I have subscribed and am looking forward to watching all of your videos, old and new. Thank you! Peace and Love

[@henryhunter5026]

Great job on a wonderful old instrument, it sounds really good. I’ve watched most of your videos and you always give it you best shot whatever the price or age of the instrument. Amazing skills and attention to detail and when it comes to bringing old instruments back from the dead you’re the number one resurrection man.

[@RosaStringWorks]

+Henry Hunter thank you very much.

[@lonewarrior6633]

25:00 ......... I nearly fell over with laughter! I could smell it from across the pond! Thumbs up from the UK 🤣

[@ed801975]

Another tremendous restoraton of a beautiful old guitar! I love watching you work!

[@RosaStringWorks]

+ed801975 thank you very much.

[@kenhughes4715]

Hi Jerry, I absolutely loved this video. I had a 1918 L1 and this gave me great memories. You did a fantastic job. This came out perfect. Thank you for saving this L1. Kenny

[@RosaStringWorks]

+Ken hughes thank you very much.

[@springy-2112]

Jerry ive not visited for a while, no excuses, but i'm back. What a joy to watch a beautiful sympathetic restoration on a fantastic piece of history..your extra effort only proves you have an eye for detail and perfection and a very big heart!..bless you , Peace and Love from England.xx

[@RosaStringWorks]

+springy 2112 thank you very kindly my friend.

[@wallyrossow3141]

I have to agree with you Jerry, budget be damned, my pride makes me unable to just glue something back together knowing it was wrong. I just can’t do it. I salute you sir and don’t fret over what some knucklehead says you’re doing wrong by giving of your time. Good job😎

[@jeffgrier8488]

Jerry, I think the extra time you spent on that old guitar was certainly worth it, it looks nice and sounds better! Great work and a great tune too!

[@RosaStringWorks]

+Jeff Grier thank you very much.

[@audiotechlabs4650]

I read the comments and I agree with everyone, you did a beautiful job on the Gibson. I have a similar tailpiece from a 1957 ES 135 that has the bridge made onto the two rods extending from the hinge. The bottom has the same hole for the strap button and mounting screws. They used the same type of hardware for many years. Great to see another, If Jerry can't fix em, nobody can fix em, video! Thankz

[@RosaStringWorks]

+Audio Tech Labs thank you so much.