387 RSW Martin D35 Impossible Crack Repair

This Martin guitar was in a world of hurt. See how I was able to improve it.
Support: / rosastringworks
Website: www.rosastringworks.com

[@stevehall4708]

If I was the owner of this guitar and went to pick it up after the repair, I would give Jerry a big tip. One of the most impressive “before and after “ videos yet. Amazing repair -great work!

[@cfreeman5631]

Jerry, my profession is as a technical service chemist in a chemical manufacturing company. Before that, I developed products. I can tell you that no spray of a polish type is manufactured without an oil, silicone or solvent component. They all have that combination. Your assumption that those products affect plastics and acetate type surfaces is correct. Plastics are like a sponge to solvents and react by shrinking or expanding. Sometimes that is just a dulling , other times it is what you have here. So, good advice as usual.

[@StoicTrader-]

What about ax wax? Supposedly it doesn't have anything like that in it.

[@SingSurfStrum]

Why do i find these so relaxing, it’s like meditation.

[@1980bwc]

Aint that the truth. I can turn on his videos late at night, and just listen to the audio. I drift right off to sleep.

[@mobibliothehomeofmobi6617]

Ditto

[@davidallen346]

You don't even realized one hour have gone by watching his video, that Martin is a beauty !

[@maltesetony9030]

This man is a magician! The guitar appeared to be a hopeless case, a real lost cause. Great work!

[@musicman4635]

I bought a D35 with a BLACK pickguard in the mid 70's. I didn't apply polish, cleaner or anything, in fact I rarely played it. It sat in its hardshell fiberglass case for about 10 yrs when I noticed the PG starting to lift from a low edge. I found out that it was a common problem with the PGs that Martin used for several years, and all of them curled. They were all black in color. Just maybe this guitar from the 70's was among them. Martin did not want to honor their lifetime guarantee, but with a bit of social media pressure, they sent me to my local Martin Service dealership. They fixed it and it didn't cost me, of course, it was under warranty. By the way, the 'fuzzy' material inside the case changed the binding from a pretty ivory to a discernable orangish color. Martin-caused problems~!

[@leecunningham1072]

The pickguard problem is a known thing with '60s Martins. In those guitars, the guard was put directly on the wood, using solvent on the back of the guard, then sticking to the naked wood. The finish was applied over the pickguard. The plastic used was prone to shrinkage, and since it was glued directly to the wood, would cause the inner (under the G string) and outer edge cracks. You'll note that if you pull one of those pickguards off, and let it sit for a day or two, it will shrink even more, since the wood isn't holding it in place. Martin switched to pickguards with adhesive on the back, applied over the finish. To "age" a glossy new pickguard, sometimes I'll use a 5000 or more micromesh pad, going in the direction of the owner's pick strokes.

[@leecunningham1072]

BTW - love these videos & have picked up a few new tricks. Thanks!

[@susanroycroft89]

Very important information to know, sincere thanks

[@susanroycroft89]

Don here from Hamilton NZ on my Wife's tablet (Susan) I also do minor repairs on acoustic guitar's thanks for that information 😮😊

[@davidpeterson9281]

just found this show a few weeks ago and absolutely love it, you do good work sir and the song at the end is like a bonus

[@ozarkladyscreativemoods]

I don't know how I found you but I am glad I did. I love repairing and saving things. I is just in my nature. Enjoyed your outstanding repair job and your attention to details. New Subscriber.

[@the2connors]

I find your videos very informative & enjoy your accent & singing excellent although I need hearing aids.

[@peterfrancis7999]

It's craftsmen like you that make the rest of us guitar pickers appreciate the fine job you do. Excellent work, with some interesting tips thrown in. Thank you for posting this.

[@richardspees841]

Great repair of a tough break, and you song touched me. Take care and thank much for your sharing of your journey and your skills as a luthier. It is greatly appreciated.

[@dennyferguson7854]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge, it speaks volumes of your character.

[@dm9151]

I love what you do and the time you take to do things right. You don't see enough of that these days. And I love the song, you tell it like it is.

[@tomallen8527]

Jerry, I always enjoy your approach to figuring out what needs to be done to make it right. Another great, and I think frustrating, job.

[@rodrigo329]

Man, i was cracking up in how much this guitar gave you a hard time Thanks for posting and being sincere about it

[@charliedurham1954]

Beautiful song,wonderful repair,gorgeous instrument. You are the MAN !

[@myretoucher1]

Loved watching the repair- patience is the key here!

[@BradfordGuy]

That repair turned out much nicer than I thought it would! Very nice job.

[@perihelion7798]

As usual, thank you for showing your struggles and thinking process during these videos. A lot of KZbin luthiers don't do that, and it makes them appear perfect, which they are not. Also, thanks to Melissa for lending her hands to the video. Unusual, but much appreciated. Amazing job on that player Martin! The back repair was remarkable, and the guitar was beautiful.

[@ricfair9919]

" It's not perfect but it is improved" You have VERY high standards for the quality of your work. Sometimes that can be a problem when you are limited by how much a customer willing to spend on a repair. That Martin is beauty the crack repair was hard to see, customer should be more than happy!

[@RicTic66]

Good job. An hour well spent watching a craftsman. You really go the extra mile. 👍😊🎶

[@vincentlussier8264]

All considering the repair job is great! And my God the sound of an older Martin is so beautiful.

[@ilias4156]

This is the most riveting drama I have ever seen ! The tension , the suspense. Never give up.

[@geneedwards5639]

Your analogy to applying drywall mud is a good one. I’ve done plenty of drywall seams, and it sure takes patience and knowing when to stop when it’s good. I really enjoyed this video of another masterful repair. I love your original ‘love-gone-wrong’ song. Thanks for showing us.

[@gwag8410]

Beautiful work Jerry..... that Martin sounds amazing by the way. The song was one that came directly from the heart, no doubt about that.. very nice..

[@daciuk8]

Just had today’s fix of RSW repairs Jerry, feel so much better for it! From a grey day in old London Town ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿❤️

[@MrMikeb8]

im not a luthier but i love your videos. i feel as if i had to do repairs on my own guitars i feel confident in attempting it. these videos are better than most programs on tv. thanks again.

[@antonastrom4450]

"Maybe not the best song" That was a beautiful song! This was the first video I watched here and I'm already enjoying it! Keep going!

[@pierrelalumiere6109]

glad to see that you are doing the SWING A THING even in those hard time and THANK YOU for that

[@ernestalcorn521]

I really appreciate these videos, you’re country, and honest, I enjoy the humor,and those three go great together. Good day

[@ross9581]

Very good repair on these cracks.Martin D-35 sounds amazing. The repair on the case gave me sone ideas to fix one of my cases.

[@SuperNarcissius]

Gosh, if only I could posses 1/100 th of your talents and bring back to life my old J50 the way you repaired those two raised cracks. Such hability combined with patience is a blessing from the Allmighty. Keep healthy !

[@harleyveejay]

Jerry, your voice was in fine form in this video, another great tutorial. Thanks

[@joshandrews7747]

I'm so glad I found your page. Just got my first "nice" guitar - martin 12 fret 000-15. It's getting set up and so I'm just sitting here watching video of people playing one. I restore vintage pens and could watch you do repairs for hours. KZbin led me to a guy working on Willie's Trigger and I said damn pretty near what I do. Then on to you. I appreciate what you're doing

[@Mulgy]

This could be my new fav guitar you have had in Jerry. So beautiful and such a lovely sound, wow.

[@drjcwardjr]

I enjoy your videos. I’m a picker for fun on my D-28 but appreciate the construction and I fine tweaking of function and sound a quality instrument more and more as a result of watching the final results when you diagnose and apply your skills. Thanks and stay safe.

[@malcseaman9807]

I think you made a fab job of that crack repair! The guitar looked gorgeous when you had finished it all. If I were the customer I would be dead chuffed with it! Great job Jerry!

[@keninnis1]

You did a great job of repairing and hiding those cracks..Good video ..lots of learning information in it.Thanks for sharing...Stay safe my friend.

[@davidjones6218]

Superb work Jerry, fantastic work! And such a sweet song at the end too... Absolute gent. 👏👏👏👏👏

[@toddtech404]

I've become a big fan. I learned working on instruments from a adopted uncle by the name of Steve Hepner. He also was a mandolin player. He passed on a few years ago but what he showed me as a teen hanging out in his shop will last a lifetime. Its amazing we have all kinds of information, tips and tricks and all kinds of fancy tools these days. By the way I love your thickness sander.

[@ste123456754]

fantastic job you have hell of a lot of patience real craftmanship really enjoyed watching

[@kenyoder8014]

I’m addicted to your repair videos. Great song too!

[@mikecurtin9831]

Thanks much for the video, thumbs up to crush a troll. I'm a big fan of the D-35. I have a D-35 that was made in '72, I bought it new in '73. By 1997, my pick guard had curled up until the pointed end was higher than the strings. I slowly peeled it off one evening and fortunately didn't remove any wood and didn't have any cracks in the top. (I've heard of other people having that problem, too.) I had always wanted a tortoise shell pick guard, but black was the only option when that guitar was made. My then-wife called the factory and ordered me a plastic tortoise shell replacement. They told her that when they built mine that they would stick the pick guard down and then spray the guitar. They said that now they finish the body and THEN stick down the pick guard, so they suggested that I coat the bare wood with multiple coats of lacquer until it was flush with the existing finish and then stick the new pick guard down, so that's what I did. So far it still looks good.

[@LauriPlaysOfficial]

I stumbled across this channel a week or so back after picking up my guitar again after a couple of decades. I don’t know why I am enjoying these so much! 🤣 It’s rather like taking in a zen garden, very relaxing. Very much enjoying your channel!

[@garyginther6742]

A Martin D-35 is a a great sounding model, and that one is also a beautiful looker!! I really LOVE that finish!!! You made the back look unbelievable! Great job on spiffing that one up!!!

[@eddyj3862]

Hi Jerry!!! Every repair video you do, you always seem to make out in the Jerry Rosa way that you are on to a fail, but you never fail and the repair's always turn out fantastic and always a hell of a lot better than when they came in to your workshop!!! also you sort of pulled down your own song you wrote which i thought was a good'n and if the Legend Marty Robbins was still with us, he would have made that a hit. Yourself and Randy Shartiger have taught me so much about guitar repairs and i am so grateful to you both my American friends!!!! Eddy from Sunny old Liverpool England.

[@jeankennedy7522]

I enjoy watching your attention to detail.

[@lindawoody8501]

How wonderful a job you did! Even that case issue. Super.

[@one1gretsch]

Thanks for showing an interesting repair, it turned out really good in the end. The song and sound of the guitar were good too. To Melissa, the color of your nails made me wish for the spring to come, still much snow in the northern part of Norway.

[@williammead9966]

Nicely done Jerry. Thanks for sharing.

[@acurabby]

I am a fan Jerry, great insights to your repairs and humor. Thanks and great original about Love Gone Bad tune as well. Cheers!

[@MuscleDad420]

Great work! I wouldn't sweat the troughs in the finish. The owner knows how bad it was to begin with. Getting those cracks sealed, leveled best you can and finished are a huge improvement and what matters most at the end of the day.

[@paulcullen5015]

I’ve been binge watching your fabulous videos during the Covid lockdown from my home in Scotland, really informative and you are great to watch. Was looking forward to catching you and your band at the Milngavie folk club, hope that happens one day soon. Keep the videos coming.

[@harmontrucking4926]

I have been telling customers that sprays do that to their pickguards for years. And I always get told I'm crazy, well I'm happy to hear I'm not the only one. I've been doing this for 18yrs and your the first to share this same thought.

[@MMitchellMarmel]

You're definitely the Martin luthier king! ;-)

[@RosaStringWorks]

Thank you. I see what you did there. LOL

[@MMitchellMarmel]

@@RosaStringWorks ^.^

[@johnc321]

No this man is the Maestro , I think you should say Master another great performance

[@stephencampbell2735]

Lmao

[@davecarey7452]

Great job as usual. Repaired a back crack on a J-50 several years ago compounded with broken cross braces. Now after watching your video, I've realised that I should have used my wife's assistance and ca glue. The sample song tops it off.

[@roberteweil]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video. And what a super job you did on the restoration! It had a really pleasant sound that weren't well with your song at the end.

[@davidmcausland4088]

God what a wonderful job you did gone are the cracks and all the other little problems have turned out perfect too

[@ziggylayneable]

Love Ya Jerry you're a great guy and you know your Business!... You've turned me from "The guitar tech", into someone who can actually reset a neck on an acoustic guitar. Until I started watching you a couple years back I couldn't do that.

[@Cheesemaster413]

I have heard many explanations of the notorious Martin pick guard crack that range from the plastic shrinking to the plastic not allowing the spruce to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. I also remember hearing once that the curling like this D-35 was caused by chemicals in cigarette smoke !. Nice back repair Jerry !

[@constitutionalist3931]

Good job. I've fixed a lot of cracked guitars, but I haven't seen one any tougher than that one. I can relate to your comment about knowing when to stop. I've messed up some decent repairs by simply trying to make them look a little better. Keep up the good work.

[@matthewb8229]

Love gone wrong songs are the best. Well, next to a murder ballad. Who doesn't love a good murder ballad? No one, that's who. Great video Jerry.

[@ijosef]

Agreed! I'd like to hear Jerry do "Knoxville Girl", as made famous by the Louvin Brothers.

[@hideawayblues6878]

Excellent repair video. My only suggestion, if the customer would allow, would be to video their reaction to seeing the guitar after the transformation. I can only imagine that they would be picking their jaw off the floor just when opening up the case. That's just a suggestion. It really is an excellent video and I have liked and subscribed.

[@ronfiveo]

This double crack is extremely close to what is going on with my mid to late 60s Regal jumbo. Very nice job well done. I've kinda had to take a break from it due to hurricane Hannah, but the Lord was very kind and we only had a little branch problems and debris on the yard. We didn't even loose power except for just about 2 minutes. My prayers go to those who are flooded out.

[@dono1606]

Thx Jerry! I have a D-35 w/o cracks! TYG! I think your repair was great. I love the Renaissance wax!

[@jonathanfrieze8497]

a couple of them hammer strikes were scaring me great job love the free content doing gods work

[@TheDasbull]

Excellent work sir! Years ago I was given a very abused classical guitar with a hole punched in the front along with "several" cracks. I had never repaired a guitar - figured I had nothing to lose. Couple of tubes of super glue, some time spent, and a now somewhat ugly beautiful sounding instrument... After watching your wonderful videos I am considering attempting to make it look closer to how it sounds 😊 Thank you sir!

[@jamiej14544]

Had this been my guitar, I would have been very pleased with the results. Looks like a new guitar!

[@bruceducker2029]

After watching the full video, I must say that was a good repair. The approach to the cracks seemed to work out well and the finish is a dang sight better than what it was on the back. For a guitar with a "matte" finish, that bugger came out awesome. I almost bought one of the newer Martins, with their funky matte finishes. I'm glad I didn't. Now mind you, Martins are good guitars, but my money was better spent elsewhere. Thanks for the video and thanks to Melissa for the helping hands.

[@bobbysipes2469]

That is a pretty amazing fix. your the greatest Jerry.

[@kenthebean6619]

Brilliant, as usual from you. Who'd dare mess with a Martin D 35 ? Only the brave! Thanks, and don't worry about the song...I'm sure it will come around one day!

[@MrVbobby]

you are much to humble I have worked with all types of wood for years and would be happy with the result you got. Don't be so tough on yourself.

[@Scarcraih]

Wow! What a great job you did on this guitar! It sure looked a lot better than I thought it would. I sure wish there was a luthier with your skill in my neck of the woods.

[@braydenwilliamsonmusic]

Wonderful Videos Jerry, wishing you and your family the best of health and safety!

[@colleenbarry5611]

Watching your shows has given me the confidence to finally set up the 50-something year old Guild electric hollow body guitar I was given six years ago. Dropped down the adjustable bridge (which had also been placed poorly), fixed the intonation, swapped out the strings and it plays soooooooo much better! Thanks, Jerry!

[@RosaStringWorks]

Nice to hear. Congratulations.

[@hoggjazz]

Great repair! Made me get out my own D35 and pick a little!

[@douglasmorrison9098]

They are really fortunate you were able to restore that finish as you did after what they had done to it

[@chickengnawer]

Well, U Solved ANOTHER Dilemma~And as Usual~ACED It! Amazing Work once again, "Doc"!

[@Badhands55]

Great video - watching your channel is one of my favorites - the thing I like the most about your videos ( as a person that is trying to become a luthier), is that sometimes you go into a job and just figure out what you are going to do, or how you are going to go about it , kinda like u never know what gonna show up next. As a student, it gives ( me) a chance in my mind like what would I do? And then watch you effect repair- sometimes I guess right, and sometimes not - it’s always fun and I always learn something for watching - Jerry speaking for myself , you going to all the trouble to make these videos is a great help to someone like me. Thanks! - BTW, the post it sticky pads idea is brilliant

[@Justinalexanderb]

Amazing work! That before and after is crazy.

[@andyfaithful_]

Sincere congratulations! you are truly a master!! a cordial greeting from Italy😃

[@jnparesa]

Fantastic job on the repair and a great song!

[@richardalanprow283]

Always a pleasure watching you work! I'm like you the intonation would have driven me nuts!!

[@henryhunter5026]

Great job on a very nasty couple of wood cracks. The finished job was as good as it could ever have been in my opinion. I’m not surprised that spray furniture polish causes glued on scratch plates to lift as in the past I’ve found that it is quite good for removing the sticky residue left by price labels . Keep the excellent videos coming and stay well in these troubling times.

[@dazuk1969]

You do yourself down Mr RSW...you tried everything to get those two cracks back together. I dont know how long it was left like that but i think the wood expanded somehow, which meant they were never going to reseat....all things considered you did an amazing job...but you always do. I really love the running commentary, mixed with thinking out loud, and just plain ol talking to yourself...very endearing. Absolute peace and respect to ya Mr RSW.

[@RogerBarraud]

Very likely correct. Once it's exposed like that, the water in the atmosphere will start to wick into the grain and swell it.

[@gurugrandad]

I might be a bit sadistic....but I love watching the difficult repairs...especially when they come out this well...nice one👍

[@4ngu54110tt]

Yeah...nah...yeah...that's a great job Jerry. I think you probably couldn't have done any better. I'm sure the customer will be pleased. Its very cool you take care of the case as much as the instrument. Thanks for taking the time to put out the video. I let the ads play too. Cheers 😊

[@madgeniusmusic]

Amazing video Jerry, and I love your song.

[@robwalton7749]

Your idea for the dowel being a spreader is good one. I use a turnbuckle with different length ends and cauls that way I can adjust it to fit inside and then expand it once inside. When my new workshop is finished, I'll find the box that I packed it in and send you a pic. Great job by the way..

[@JoshuaCraigStrain]

It was a GREAT SONG !! Nice repair -NICE attention to detail !! SO MUCH better to catch all that unknown (to us) stuff before than after (obviously) !! God's got his own's backs !!

[@OlneyaTesota]

Love your work and your singing....JC

[@jefferp]

You got the wounded Martin looking great! Nice job!

[@JimmyRadloff]

Nice work friend. You definitely gave that guitar new life.

[@alexanderleischner8069]

Top Job, very enjoyable to watch as allways!

[@chrisofnottingham]

Top quality content Jerry, thank you.

[@jamesgero5730]

i was taught by a master luthier,,, your level and crown and especially final polish boggles my mind.

[@20glen20]

Great repair Jerry. You don't have to agonize over , you can still see it. , and its not perfect... , Because we all knew it was going to be really good repair.... Look forward to your next repair, love your work. Oh and it was nice to have the guest appearance too. :) Glenn.

[@ericvel]

Incredible work sir and a fine song too!

[@eatdawg1]

Martin glued the pick guard directly to the wood on the top back in the 70's as they did going back to the prewar days. Then they sprayed lacquer over the top, pick guard and all. The lacquer caused the pick guard to shrink which created the classic Martin pick guard crack. This led to their practice of using self-adhesive pick guards on top of the finish. You did a good job!

[@UCS0608]

Right. I had the same problem with my D-35 from 1973. Fortunately the crack was small and it was beatufully fixed by a friend who's a marvelous luthier and does this all the time! I actually saw a video from Stewmac where this problem was solved on a D-35. I thought it would be smart to check out my guitar as well and guess what...? So I had it fixed and sent an email to StewMac to thank them! :)

[@gregmccarty8253]

I had the same problem with my 1972 D-28. My good friend and ace luthier Larry Brown removed the curled pickguard and made a new one. Perfect.

[@waynemarc77]

Jerry, ONCE AGAIN... AMAZING!

[@richfolkes]

Nothing compares to you, Mr. Rosa. Nothing!