542 RSW Martin 00-18 Journey From Total Destruction

[@harrisonandrew]

There is absolutely no value to showing things that go perfect every time. The real value of this channel is that Jerry shows these repairs warts and all. He shows things will go wrong and, not only does he show how he fixes it, he takes us through his thought processes in reaching that fix. That is of immense value to those of us who want to work on our own guitars. Thank you Jerry!

[@hortonp1000]

Jerry is one of the few people that really show it as it is done. It's as honest as it gets. It a nice change to a lot of "perfect" content that is on KZbin. I cant wait to see it when it's fixed. Thanks for keeping it Real Jerry.

[@TGoonYT]

My two favorites are, Rosa (duh), and twoodfrd

[@fmorelli]

Well actually - he laid out an incorrect approach, then chastised anyone with a different opinion in advance of beginning the work.

[@49mrbassman]

You talking about getting it playing and it not being a museum piece, reminded me of something I did in my early days while learning the art of the luthier. I came across the remains of an old lute in a junk shop in Greenwich in the UK and got it for £50 as a restoration project for my exams. When we took the rosette out of the sound hole under all the dirt and dust was a piece of animal skin vellum which bore the name of Hans Frei, a lute maker who lived in Bologna dating back to the 1500's. I was advised to do a museum restoration and was told it was too old and valuable to attempt to make it playable again. Of course, being a musician, I wanted to hear what it sounded like, so I restored it along with my good friend William Murray. It took 5 years to restore in total, (2 years of planing the restoration and 3 years to actually restore it to a very playable instrument). Long story short, we took it back to Sothebys where we met with a gentleman who we were told was the worlds leading expert on Hans Frei instruments. He was reduced to tears when he opened the case, and got really upset because we hadn't done it as a museum restoration. He told us there were only 3 examples of his lutes left in the world and they were all hanging up in museums. My reply was well you've got 3 to look at and now you've got one that not only can you see it but you can hear what his lutes sounded like. It will always be the most memorable restoration I've ever done.

[@stephensparks3621]

I vote for new braces to put the ole girl back into shape. It will be worth it when complete.

[@yvoncormier9762]

💯

[@OldGuy625]

I am a mechanic, I repair many things with "Common sense". I love the honesty and common sense here. ANYTHING can be fixed or repaired, it's just a matter of time and money. ;) Some of the repairs I see you do, most shops would refuse because they think the guitar is not worth the repair cost. I am in my mid 60's, played guitar since I was 7, the value of a guitar can be way more than a book value to the owner.

[@Timberstuff]

If you look closely you pushed in from the side grain and just pushed up a sliver on the face. Respect 🙏🏼

[@joesguiltyguitar]

Thank you for sharing this video , and I hope you feel better soon ... Be gone headache and may the Lord Jesus Christ bless you ..

[@jasonaustin3270]

Man that guitar was hiding a multitude of sins. Those cracks that happened to you was the least of it's worries. good job.

[@michaellandreth1392]

Jerry the reason the knife went through the top is simple. You failed to do a Neck Reset the first thing !

[@mikec6947]

I literally shouted out loud when the knife went through the top and when that piece of the side came off. I'm surprised my wife didn't come running down from upstairs to see if I needed a ride to the ER 🤣. It's not easy being you, Jerry.

[@zapa1pnt]

Definitely, a couple OOOoohhww! moments. 😱😱

[@stuco]

And then he claimed others botched the repairs, lmao.

[@aaronedwards1239]

Guitar repair 101: Step 1. Dump jar of hide glue inside guitar. Step 2. Dump in box of toothpicks and random wood chunks. Step3. Give it a shake!

[@paullanier8280]

@Peter Rahill or "Shaken and Sticked!"

[@bj.roberts6410]

Wow ,,,,, I mean wow,,,, you sir are a brave man,,,, but it had to be done,,,, and this is just the Top,,,, I've watched so many of your videos this has to be the craziest,,,,, so looking forward to your magic yes it's not easy being you....wow

[@limpindug]

I really admire your honesty bud, it would have been easy to edit the mishaps out so +1 Jerry and respect. 👍👍👍

[@tomnance9563]

That thing is just giving you a fit. Nothing that you can't fix, but wow just oneof those jobs. I appreciate your work ethic and your always an do attitude.

[@fredericthom8113]

Thank you for the editing miss Rosa !!!

[@daveogarf]

Emeri Rosa is a true, fer'-real treasure! And she can sing, too.

[@garywheeler27]

I've watched many of your videos Jerry and I'll wager you'll replace all the bracing and do a first class job as always ! Watching from the UK !

[@cfreeman5631]

Like watching the movie "Titanic" ..nail bitter..Can't wait to see the finished repair.

[@JrodsJourneys]

I really respect that you still shared your struggles with us. Kept a cool head and got the job done 👍

[@nicolen.9642]

I just love these 00/000 Martin. I got a 0000000-15M.A special treat for us. And a journey through fixing the lady. Thanks Jerry 🎶🎶🎶

[@michaelmcclain5091]

Been doing the work since '63 and don't t think I've had one that bad. I commend your for not just throwing your hands in the air and refusing to continue as well as revealing your bloopers to the you tube world. Not manby would have your courage and determination!

[@Alexr2735]

Thanks for all your videos Jerry, you make repair so much easier, you’re a great builder to son, hope someday I can be a fraction of the luthier you are.

[@tinman8518]

I'm real sorry you had a bad headache. Thanks for powering through it to give us another great video!!

[@xavyps8277]

I’m waiting for the Padouk-plate to replace the small one. I’m hoping for another lengthy legendary part 2 video. Sorry Mr.Rosa, but I really love to watch you practicing your craft. 😏😀

[@CB-68-westcreations]

this is a fantastic channel. I’ve learned enough watching these videos to know that I prefer to have a professional do some of the work, but I’ve also found ways to do some of the needed work myself. Nice to see it done correctly by someone with so much experience. It’s also good to know that even the best runs into obstacles.

[@bertrodriguez3087]

Probably one of my favorite videos that you have put out, and I've been following you for years. Thank your for showing all the real world problems you encountered on a difficult job. It is greatly appreciated !!

[@kimwilliford6303]

❤ Jerry, I love your song " Old Dirt Farmer". That song resonates with me. I grew up on a horse farm. My Dad died when I was 9 years old in 1976. You are a great song writer. Keep doing it ok. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@archiehitler5264]

The whole top Jerry!

[@ranjrog]

I can’t wait to see the finished product! This one is sure giving you fits but it is a lot of fun to sit back and watch the process. And don’t worry - I’m not shouting anything at the screen because I don’t have a ghost of an idea on how best to proceed!!

[@lawrencecoffeyjr1300]

My Dad use to say, if it was eazy, anybody could do it. Hang in there Jerry...

[@andrewreynolds2647]

Hi Jerry, it just looks like a complete bodge merchant got his hands on this guitar, dont feel bad, you have done what was needed to put this guitar back to a standard of construction required to make it sing again, some people should never be anywhere near the repair of an instrument, sadly i think you found the mommy and daddy of them all here. I think you did a fantastic job of taking this sows ear fully abused across its life and brought it back to reality and a silk purse. you really did the only thing that was ever going to see this guitar back to what it should be. Great job. Peace and love from Bonny Scotland.

[@noussommesla6591]

My best guess on that knife through top thing: All that extra glue built up at the neckblock and formed an edge. The knife, coming from in between top and block, caught under that edge and was guided upwards through the top. I don't really see how to avoid these things from happening with the conditions at hand, even with the best of luck. And without watching the video further, I suppose the "rosa curse" still comes teamed up with the Rosa skills, so a fine instrument will be resurrected from an early grave before long. Regards!

[@Mr_Gray_Sky]

I like watching your videos. Getting to listen to some Americana along with it is a little treat. Thank you.

[@philgallagher1]

I love the fact that you never hide your mistakes/problems. A lot of people wouldn't show these things, but you use them as a way to show us how to SOLVE the problems. It also shows that if someone with all your experience has these issues then we shouldn't be surprised if we have the same issues. If you didn't show your solutions to mistakes, then we'd have no chance of solving our own problems! I also love the way you said "sometimes you just don't enjoy what you're doing". There are days when you just have to power through.... Even when, as you say "this is just not fun!!".

[@chickengnawer]

Par 4 the Course...U certainly Attract the "Winners..." I got the Most Excercise I got All Week, jumping for Joy, when that Sound Board Finally Released! The Glue Mess and Oddly Placed "Fixes" of Wood, were also a "Joy" to Behold~NOT!! The Doctor is In...Deep! >B-s

[@bruffx9736]

I've seen three of your videos now and I have really enjoyed them I watched them after work and for some reason I can't explain they help me relax... But this video earned my subscription. The seek help part was awesome. LoL,👍

[@nickbellinger1047]

i bet you replace them all ....lol.....thanks for the vid mate

[@somearchitectTX]

Can't wait to see how this turns out. I'm at the edge of my seat!

[@mfc4591]

Its called the law of disturbances, someone disturbed that guitar a great deal before you saw it. sad that you have the work of repairing all the errors, but now it will be done right.

[@davidaylsworth8964]

I like your approach to repair. Found a problem - fix the problem. Even when it was someone else’s problem. I’d take a RSW repaired guitar any day. Enjoying these videos Jerry!

[@peteleoni9665]

Jerry, I never watch your channel before bedtime, I watch you in the morning when the world is fresh, new and the air is abound with optimism. (-: PS. We make our own "luck" most of the time. Still, you get it done and that is what counts.

[@andylundberg5097]

Great episode so far I can’t wait to see it when you’re done and to hear it played

[@7thString84]

Jerry, I've seen hundreds of your videos. And this one hurt. :D I could hardly look at the screen, when you were tackling the neck block. Wow, what a tough one! No one of us could have done it better I think. It was all bad luck, as far as I can tell. So don't worry. I'm very sure, it'll be absolutely fine. And I'm looking forward to the next part! :)

[@SeekingTheLoveThatGodMeans7648]

The spot at the end of the top where the knife went through? Masked by that brown glue on the back, I think, which reflowed when you stuck the hot knife back in there on a slant.

[@danielsaturnino5715]

You have the wrong t-shirt on Jerry! Its not easy being you :D

[@adamkempa5157]

Thanks for showing us the "truth and the whole truth" about this fix. It speaks highly of you. Now if the wood would just cooperate... Toothpicks? Just be thankful that the previous repair guy was not a bricklayer.... Keep Smiling Adam

[@leonardodic3po607]

The only explanation for the knife that came through the top is that it wasn't inserted under the top when you were working it. It must have been inserted into the middle of the top's grain.

[@orionwarren4244]

Kudos to you, Jerry for not editing out the 'warts', tempting as that might have been. Things DO go wrong when working with wood. It's as you say, how you handle it afterwards with the right attitude and knowledge!

[@juptonstone]

Love it! 😂😂😂 SEEK HELP!! As a trained cabinetmaker, i have to asmit you are right.

[@fongy200]

Hey Jerry, I have a Thermistor controlled unit similar to yours but i don't have a big workshop so none of my apparatus are in situ. So to save time I use a cheap pair of women's ceramic straightening Tongues for back or front removals. It's very rare i undertake such work, but i can and i have on a few occasions. Anyway I find having heat go onto the tool, on the top and bottom of the blade, helps loosen up the Glue a little quicker. I have picked up enough tips from you for Heavens sake. In case you hadn't considered. Thanks Jerry.

[@sgnt9337]

I got a good laugh with the toothpick discovery (and your mention of paneling).

[@pereraddison932]

... I just Love this one, Jerry, ha-! You're wonderful to watch, aend listen to. And, If not completely mistaken, I do believe that we may've also been Fortunate to witness a minor miracle, as well. Or at the very least, seen a touch of the workshop spirit at play, there,-!!!...

[@pereraddison932]

... and thank you for the background mando-banjo-guitar music, it's fantastic ...

[@brianm744]

Hey Jerry, I know you are a "tinkerer" so I had an idea... The knife you're using to separate the top from the sides could be modified to mount into an electronic component soldering iron with a thermostat in the base power unit. Not the one that looks like a gun, that's a soldering "gun". Go figure. What I'm getting at is if you dismantled that knife and just had the knife blade with the tang exposed, you could hammer the tang into a partial cylinder, say.... about 1/8 of a circle. Then, place the soldering iron heating element into that partial circle. Craft the proper mounts to secure it internally. Then craft a tube that all of it slides into (make sure you use lots of fiberglass insulator). Re-rivet the tang through the new tube handle with the cord going through the handle and there ya go. Constantly heated knife. Another thought is this could be made into a modular setup with all your knife blades having the same type of tang that slots into the heating element socket. Possible time saver? Just some thoughts.

[@jefferp]

You always say how that is a destructive process. This top removal shows how fragile the guitars are. There is a lot of skill in covering your tracks on a project like this one. Part 2 is going to be great!

[@ericking7406]

I think this was somebody's kindling box.

[@SeekingTheLoveThatGodMeans7648]

It seldom if ever seems to be perfect, because guitars aren't built for easy disassembly. Happily, Jerry (and more and more, Caleb) are experts at mending guitars.

[@bertrodriguez3087]

You can lump it lol !!! I don't think I've heard that since I was a kid !!

[@dukenukembubblegum7311]

Man, that’s so much water you put into that DRY DRY, spruce top

[@Daniel_cheems]

Jerry, don't worry about it! You're doing some good to that instrument... Those braces were carved down too much in the middle, where they warped...

[@abloke8834]

What a nightmare! I'm looking forward to seeing it in the next video. All the best from rainy England

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

This is going to be good!

[@JamesHarris-vb2sh]

I have a '74 D28 that had a pretty bad accident somehow and I am trying to bring it back to life as best as I know how. Thanks to you Jerry I have amassed a fair amount of my knowledge from watching your videos. You have given me the confidence to take on such a challenge with your anything can be fixed approach. I quite agree with that approach as well. At any rate the top of the Martin had been removed and was among some of the things that I acquired as a purchase from someone selling their husbands guitar making tools and assorted things. The old braces and the top and the body for the Martin were all among the things I purchased. The body of the guitar had a new top installed but it had some problems that led me to aspire to put all the original parts back together and give as much originality back to the Martin as was possible. So in the process of trying to go through all the parts that went with the guitar I discovered the original X braces that had been removed due to some damage they sustained. Well the same dowelsyou have found through your Martin top are also in the X braces of this Martin.The dowels are through the X braces and the and the top and anchored into the bridge with pegs covering the holes in the bridge. Dont know if this was original or not but it appears to be. Has anyone else ever seen this? Jim Harris

[@stevesellars7977]

You didn't saw all the way through the fretboard in the first place. I could tell even from just watching the video. You made me cringe a few times there!! Haha You really do good work, but you scare me sometimes....

[@_FG345]

Great job Jerry

[@ZosoHacker]

WHOAH!! What an absolute mess!! Who would do that to a guitar?? Looks like an explosion in a glue factory. Great repair work Jerry.

[@bryanwang9095]

Explosion 😏

[@forresta65]

damn you mean I cant glue that piece of broomstick in my guitar? man oh man!

[@brianoswald2892]

see Kimsie Lutheri's video on his repair of a 1936 00-18. Same strange holes - no explanation

[@johnwills8765]

I think the knife slipped under the hard edge of the glue line

[@ralphnorman4636]

Just finished chocolate repair videos. I have faith this one will be MUCH easier to complete.

[@kft590]

Braces absolutely should come out, especially the X braces

[@andrewreynolds2647]

Cant wait for the next video, i bet you go the whole hog and replace all the braces. I thoroughly enjoyed this video. Peace and love from Bonny Scotland.

[@Carletdesiles]

What will Jerry will do ? If I was in charge I would have choose to planned the actual bracing and stick in the opposite shape and curve of the top new ones on the top flattened existing braces. Or replace all the braces. But the decision could have been done before washing the hide glue. Without the braces the work should have been easier... Thanks Jerry for your channel. And for a consolation it is definitely not easy being me either Jerry ! Glad to be part of the "not easy being me" mankind's world !

[@pierheadjump]

😎 Thanks RSW ⚓️ I’m a 66 YO worker, present moment thinking & concentration is important on long tedious jobs. Where the blade came out the top… at the end grain - the knife got into the top… not into the joint… & popped thru. 😎 That’s a tough tedious labor of love, working on those guitars. 🎸 Thanks for all the enjoyment and experience 🍀

[@billmumbo2697]

Jerry old bean it's was what I call an optical delusion ! ☮️🇫🇴👍🤞

[@zapa1pnt]

I would think of it more as an auditory delusion, if someone thought it sounded good, after the previous "fix".

[@billmumbo2697]

@@zapa1pnt beauty is in the ear of the beholder it's all subjective but it will sound better and Jerry will get over it 👍🤞

[@lumpyguitar5169]

🖐🏽☹️👎🏽 THEY LATHERED IT OVER THE MOON WITH CRAPPY GLUE EVERYWHERE . Nice recovery. Thanks you Mr Jerry. 😎🎸👍🏽🇺🇸

[@nancymilawski1048]

Yes and only 3 toothpicks. Maybe they ran out of the toothpicks after spreading the glue. 😂😂😂😂

[@tracyeaves4847]

Jerry goes the extra mile and makes the right decisions in the best interest of the customer and guitar.

[@chris5355]

Great content, thanks.

[@TheVectorious]

I have never seen an inside of a guitar look like that. What a disaster. It had to be opened. Love your work.

[@kft590]

The issues with the Grain running upward toward the top shows that the piece of wood used for the top was not the best quartersawn spruce. Even Martin gets some bad wood.

[@I-apologize-in-advance]

If I attempted this the guitar would be in a dozen pieces with nope hope of resuscitation. Great job Jerry

[@zapa1pnt]

@HOBO LIFE: So, who is blaming his tools???

[@rhettbickley9097]

So much stuff! Your confidence, your ability, the lessons you impart. Caleb is both blessed and a blessing.

[@bobl2995]

Brilliant video Jerry I wonder if your blade was pushed up when it hit that glue , the glue looked quite solid also those braces look very thin maybe thats why the top bowed who knows .

[@MadMotorDoc]

Never seen anything like that before !!

[@freddyj2476]

I have a 1963 Martin D 18 I found it when I helping a friend clean up his yard it has been beat up I would love to have someone look at it and see what it would take to fix it I'm in Washington state like to hear from you where to send it

[@thalstantrailwalker2393]

I think the knife hit the big glob of glue line and instead of going over it, it went under it and went into the wood... As far as what to do, well, I look forward to seeing what you decide. I would trust your decision a heck of a lot more than anything I might be thinking

[@MrEvitaerc]

I usually clean hide glue mess by laying a wet (not dripping wet) paper towel over the area and waiting for a couple of hours. You might need to replace or re wet the paper tower a few times. After a couple of hours the glue scrapes of pretty easily. This method I believe would save you a bit of time scrubbing the area and could minimize the exposure of the top to water. That being said, the huge amount of glue you had there maybe would require multiple sessions…

[@euhdink4501]

You are right. It is pretty easy to remove this way. But soaking a couple of hours is not my thing. I soak the very spot for 10 minutes, then scrape lightly and repeat this process. This way the water hasn't a chance to soak too deep into the wood.

[@markseven762]

You are the world's greatest Grandpa..Amazing job!

[@wadehampton1534]

Oh my goodness, Jerry, this one had a swimming pool of hide glue puddle inside of it. The toothpicks are an excellent example of "not a cleat"! It's interesting to think about "what were they thinking"? Someone spent a lot of time making that mess, but not nearly as long as it took you to clean it up. I'm amazed at how well you were able to clean up the old glue, and I think that all the braces will need to be replaced because of the decades of warpage in them.

[@danomite359]

"... and after 30 years of doing very careful, detailed meticulous work, Jerry suddenly wrenches the top off this guitar and curses his occupation live on KZbin." :) I do enjoy these videos because it reminds me of so many messes I've been in. LOL

[@daniellipsi1978]

Makes my Martin D12-20 neck reset look like a walk in the park.

[@johnsee7269]

I think I'll glue a piece of 2x4 to the inside top of my Ovation... No wait John you remember what Jerry said. OK, now I see; I guess I'll have to get help; the Preacher or maybe the Building Inspector. Sadly, it wouldn't affect the sound of an Ovation much anyway; lol! 🤓

[@georgeearls3338]

I am no luthier or any kind of professional wood worker of any kind, but I do know a little about wood working, people and a little about history, and am convinced that if they had better glue back in the earlier days they would have used it. It just stands to reason

[@chaskan100]

I'm just guessing here, but I would say the dowels under the bridge were for the alignment of that replacement bridge. just a guess though.

[@christianquessada2007]

MAGIC Gerry 👏👏👏😜

[@byroncrump4390]

“Guess who gets to clean all this mess up?…..APPRENTICE!

[@hampshirepiano6383]

Geeze-wiz I guess that old hide glue was bad the way that joinery just gave away, popped right off!

[@deormanrobey892]

Someone sure went nuts carving the lower bout x braces. 🤪

[@andrewmize823]

Julian Baumgartner restores damaged paintings. He deals with a lot of old, brittle hide glue attached to delicate surfaces with a water-based gel that doesn't permeate the fabric. It's just a hunch, but perhaps if you were able to find out what he uses, it could be of some use to you in situations like this?

[@mikecurtin9831]

I hate it when somebody's mean to a guitar. I look forward to the sequel(s). Thumbs up to crush a troll.

[@hijmestoffels5171]

Waiting for the next part of the Last Hurrah Guitar and the next part of this restoration … I’m not sure if I can handle that much stress. I like this restoration video very much: the greater the mess, the more I enjoy it. I would replace all the braces.

[@MinimGuitars]

I had that happen to me when taking off a piece of plywood - the knife must have been going into the end grain of the top rather than between the top and the side. They must have put the top on upside down!

[@narbonneguitars9331]

Hey..love your work an videos ..I'm working on a mandolin from the 20's a B,L,$F..from New york... dont have much info on it it was sold through Chicago music exchange in its fay... my ??? My question is I pulled the back it was cleanly broken in 2 pieces, I have pieced an glued together the back very cleanly, an curios if a such of a large panel break?.... would it be necessary for cleats I honestly feel the glue repai is strong enough ...I just fear the wood being so old an dry will pull away from the glue at the crack repair...i know how much you dispise some just throwing extra wood under the top or bottom ,,I honestly do also ... there are no gaps in either pieces of the crack repair they are as I said real tightly bonded bak together ...the crack is noticeable being so large but stable in my opnion... that's why I ask for yours ...I know there is no pics or photos for you to judge..its the age of the instrument that puts on the Fence..???

[@zapa1pnt]

You, Definitely, want to use cleats, on that crack Make sure the grain of the cleats is perpendicular to the crack.

[@narbonneguitars9331]

@@zapa1pnt I understand how to add cleats I'm just curios if theirs a rule of thumb for how big the cleat should be for the crack being the full back..half inch cleats every few inches or one real long slim seam cleat

[@RosaStringWorks]

A few small cleats will do no harm.. I typically cleat anything that has stress on the joint.. If there is no stress on it and it glued really well the cleats are probably not necessary

[@ernestschultz5065]

Well at least you got a few free tooth picks out of the deal!

[@lizkeil5777]

The art restoration people use a gelling agent to control the water going through to the canvas under the hide glue, perhaps that might be useful for a future project? I find all your videos fascinating, thank you for sharing your work 😊

[@fenderman6519]

There is no way! Absolutely NO WAY! This guy will EVER come near a guitar I own!