'65 Epiphone Serenader Plugged and Set.

This mid-60's 12 string is in great shape except for some cracks in the massive bridge. It needs a few things to get it ready for professional use.

[@AlfieSmithz1]

Great work. Thanks so much! I'm very lucky to have you as my Luthier.

[@waybackplayback1347]

Yes you are! I think that if I needed a hip replacement, I would call Ted.

[@BSIII]

You're definitely lucky! That guitar is awesome.

[@nickafiedguitarstechandrep9617]

Ted is truly the Doctor

[@MichaelLloyd]

You definitely are very lucky!!

[@Jah_Rastafari_ORIG]

@@nickafiedguitarstechandrep9617 Dammit, Jim!

[@OGSontar]

Glad I quit smoking before I got my Les Paul and my Washburn 12-string. And my monitor. And...the list goes on. Wish I'd never started smoking, but very glad I quit. 6 years in Aug '21.

[@m.f.3347]

congrats

[@davidfrank2824]

You really do great work. I just don't understand how I am just finding you now. I have stayed up all night watching others fix guitars. To me that is the fun part of guitars. I'm looking forward to watching more of your videos.

[@danielsaturnino5715]

You do great work. You say "thank you for watching", I say thanks for sharing.

[@falcongunner33]

I love it when you roast all the people sitting at home, doing nothing that think they know better than you. Hilarious every time!

[@falcongunner33]

@@unsubpress7093 seriously! I'm here to learn and enjoy a master at work

[@rich1051414]

Usually such people just throw words they heard another youtuber say at other youtubers, lacking understanding of the context those things were said.

[@banjomandoguy]

Great job. I'm sort of a lurker, and luthier "hobbist". I've learned a lot of trick and shortcuts. You've got a great touch for fixing flaws and dings. Thanks for all your postings.

[@harleyveejay]

Man that thing sounds great! Open tuning probably helps a little, but I was surprised at the tone.

[@patracam]

Super ! quel son ! et quel jolie démonstration à la fin !!! Bravo et merci (from Belgium)

[@markcarson8566]

I’m always amazed at the amount of meticulous work that you put in on any guitar that you work on, and the history that you know about it, great job!!!

[@nativeearth129]

I know I’m late to this particular picnic, but… the “metal” bridge is like the one I have on my old Bruno Ventura. I hadn’t seen this before and thought maybe it was unique to the BV… Mine seems to enhance the tone and sustain. I wonder if the bone is a better choice,,,if I ever do anything to the Bruno? Mark, I agree wholeheartedly, Ted goes above and beyond. Cathartic process these videos are. UnclePheel

[@sickb2200]

Oooo...it's got that Leo Kottke ring to it.

[@tommypetraglia4688]

Thank you for that very sweet lick. When are you going to give us a music video? Oh, and on cleaning guitars... when I was in grade school I had bad feet and needed to wear corrections made to leather upper and soles and rubber heeled shoes. After about 2 years they were thoroughly worn, but being quality made my father took the to his cobbler for soles and heels. But let me tell you how completely stunned I was when the man put on the counter when he was done. They were polished and buffed to a high gloss and the leather renewed. They were so like new shoes they felt like clouds on my feet. Same thing to any guitar come cross my bench. I'd take the chance to breathe new life into it.

[@johnbhumphrey]

I was amazed you didn't replace the bridge giving it's condition. I was even more amazed on how well you repaired it. It looked like nothing was ever wrong with it when finished.

[@thedaylightco]

if its a clean crack, alway better and easier to clamp and fix then replace the bridge plate inside if needed

[@monday6524]

Loved seeing the challenges of a 12 string - thank you!

[@PaisleyPatchouli]

I love Gibson B-25s. I've had several, (6 & 12 strings, all from the 60s) but I've always had to sell them. Had a B-25-12 that came with an original tailpiece and a super slim adjustable bridge, which I likewise converted to screw-less. Had a perfectly flat top because of that tailpiece, no bridge bulge at all! I think the B-25 is around a 00 size body, which sounds great as a 12 string to me. The 1960s one I had came with the widest fingerboard I'd ever seen; it was over 2" wide at the nut, wider than a classical! That was the reason I ended up selling it, it just felt too wide for me, but of course I missed it right away and haven't been able to find a suitable Gibson replacement, so I've had to make do with a Taylor GA-3-12 string, which has a much more comfortable neck for me, but does have a considerably larger body, more like a 000, so I do miss that 00. Coincidentally I've come to the conclusion that Taylor makes the most accurate, easiest playing, decent sounding 12 strings for the money (especially the cheaper models), so until I find another good B-25, it's only Taylor 12 strings for me, especially as I get older and comfort plays a huge part in the equation... That was a great repair, especially how the bridge came out, you really gave it a second life. Sounded really good too, really made me miss mine! ;)

[@izzynutz2000]

I just recently found a 1966 Japanese Greco 12 string I took it to a long time friend of mine the saddle and bridge had collapsed and he went in and steamed it and jacked it up turned out absolutely beautiful

[@steelhead197]

Best mug I have ever seen! Sorry I’m late to the party! Thanks 🙏 🇨🇦

[@plasma3211]

You put so much care into what you do! A whole lot of value kids that your not going to find just anywhere!

[@sisyphushappyxvx]

You got a shoutout on the latest Shop Talk Live, Fine Woodworking's podcast. Hopefully you'll see some increased traffic. Cheers!

[@josephmitchell204]

I heard that.

[@mr.b.5589]

as a former amateur luthier i can appreciate your efforts in making this guitar fit its original intention. i have a washburn 12 string that has all the earmarks of a needed neck reset. i dont have my tools or workbench anymore but i wish i did. the neck relief and action is near perfect but the break angle at the saddle is null and void. the saddle cant be raised without annihilating the action. so im looking for a local luthier to price out the work. its a beautiful looking and sounding guitar. your video has inspired me to make it right again. wish me luck. and thank you for alll your videos. i only recently found your page and regret this note is 2 years late.

[@kchall5]

Okay, it took me a moment to figure out what was going on with the Lionel Richie cup. Good one.

[@RoyZenzo]

The best asmr psycho-therapy channel

[@stephendixon8575]

Wow, I can hardly believe how food that bridge loooked after the TLC you gave it - I was looking at the sorry state of it as you were filing the cracks with CA glue and thinking, ‘there’s just no way ...’ you were ever going to get that thing looking to the standards you normally aim for - but oh, boy how wrong I was (again). You’re work never ceases to amaze me at what you’re capable of or your attention to detail. If you were not on the wrong side if the planet for me I’d definitely bring my instruments to you 👍

[@robertrosenfield405]

The old bridge has character. Thanks for saving it. does sound great!

[@hokehinson5987]

Wow! You blew me out of the water with saving that bridge and end product was superb 👌

[@mikeebrady]

Damn, that was some impressive playing at the end.

[@kaylybbert2120]

I sure thought you would change out the bridge - but you did a great job and fooled me - excellent work!

[@BadChizzle]

Really well done! More of a fan of yours each video I peep. That a Guitar sounds full of life.

[@matthewbartolone7036]

Another fine video, Thank you for sharing your time and expertise, added bonus, the demo of how the guitar sounds, like it a lot.

[@steveh1273]

Wow, excellent job, especially on that bridge. Wish you had shown more of repairing those cracks.

[@Curtislow2]

Love your articulation, execution and attitude.

[@alswearingen323]

Your meticulous attention to detail is something we all should strive for, whether we are hobby luthiers (like me) or pros. Come to think of it, it seems it would be a better world if we put that into practice in every job we do, in whatever area that might be.

[@terryjohinke518]

I had one in a dreadnought form as well as a Texan. They were great guitars . Had both for 17 years ( from 17 to 34) but sold them for a water heater as a family man. They were original Epiphone guitars made in Kalamazoo ( where the original workers remained and worked). They were used extensively by the Beatles and Stones in the 60s +. Also by Carl Wilson when I saw Beach Boys in "78. Everyone I know says they were the best guitars I've owned in 50+ years Those saddle screws actually worked really well. Once again great work Ted. Sounds great. ( Terry from Oz).

[@phil36135]

nice repair and a great sounding guitar

[@JC-11111]

Man, that, water thin super glue is the bees knees 😆 After only using gel forever, having that is a Godsend 👍

[@HayesTech]

Lol... You are so right about the long bolts they used to adjust the saddle. I just did a video on glueing my bridge down on my 1963 Epiphone Texan and couldn't believe how long those boots were. Awesome video again sir. I can't wait to watch you next one. I've learned so much from your videos.

[@jgiannol]

Very nicely done, and a great sounding axe. I'm glad you repaired that bridge, it's beautiful old piece of wood that would have been difficult to find a replacement for with even half as much character.

[@johnmillhouse8146]

I was gladdened when I one of your videos you mentioned Tasmanian Blackwood or Tasmania at least without reference to the Tasmanian Devil ( Bugs Bunny cartoons) I know of a bass guitar which a local Hobart Luthier made some 40 years ago.It is still going strong.!! I really enjoy Veging out on your fine videos.😊

[@terryjohinke8065]

I had a 12 string like that but no problems. An old Epiphone has a non embossed E on the pickguard. I liked the screws on the bridge, mine could adjust the saddle. Great sound- had to sell due to recession here in 1989. I had had it for 15 or 17 years. Low action was easy to play.

[@spacejamgoliath]

That thing sounded niiiice at the end. Didn't even know I wanted a 12 string before that

[@JC-11111]

"If that was my guitar, I'd...." 🤣 #CalmDownItsNotYourGuitar

[@virgiltibbs6971]

The shavings from the saddle plug look delicious.

[@terryjohinke518]

Ted- I had an Epiphone 12 string for 17 years. I got it in t973 . It was like a J-45. Those bridge screws really work. After setting it up I never had to touch it again They are good ( Made in Japan ) guitars. The bridge / saddle was never a problem and the guitar sounded great.

[@LegsON]

My God, the gigantic bridge is SOMETHING.

[@dannymarks988]

great one! Learned a lot as always from your work and enjoy your delivery as well. Thanks Doug, I have one of these and will apply some of what you showed here to mine. Thanks

[@supervillain3213]

This seems like a really cool guitar. It looks like all the things done to it were just enough to keep it playing over the years without spending a lot of money.

[@frankcoffey]

That thing sounds amazing! Should be great for live work but I would love to record with it.

[@mccypr]

I’ve wanted one of these guitars for a longish time. There is another version with a floating bridge. I can’t believe how much you improved the bridge. Thanks!

[@AlfieSmithz1]

Some of them have a tailpiece but I believe all the bridges are still fixed to the top not floating like a archtop.

[@GregorydavidMck]

Nice chops at the end there.

[@randelcross]

Excellent work once again! Great tips, advice... I thought the fingerboard on this guitar was stunning! Nice sound... Thank you for sharing your bench time!

[@akareject]

Loved the close up on the tea mug. Made me chuckle.

[@woodbox50]

Thank you for this post, this repair. I have the same guitar from Kalamazoo. it is still in the closet looking for the day my chops are as great as yours. I will devour this post for some time. Awesome work.

[@jcripp7974]

If its in the closet it aint ever happening

[@wv838]

Using paper to pack that jig was genius. Infinitely adjustable. Noted! As always, thank you for sharing.

[@ringsystemmusic]

Yep- paper is an old, old trick for shimming. I think our TV is still leveled through the usage of paper shims, actually!

[@thomastommy1192]

I use to have an Epiphone 12 string just like that. It had the pegs to hold the strings just like that. But the last row of pegs did not set like thoes do. I think they were all the same height. Awesome video thanks for sharing.

[@donaldholman9070]

I have never worked with ebony. It looks amazing. Thank you for sharing. Great video

[@kennethluebberke8216]

Just WOW! Purely excellent!

[@rayclark9643]

Awesome bridge recovery!

[@doovie101]

I don't know if it's just me, but it seems in the last videos that you have played, you seem to be getting better! Sounds good!

[@mikecurtin9831]

Many new things to add to my bag of tricks. Thanks very much and thumbs up to crush a troll.

[@thomasbarker7735]

Awesome work again Ted love your videos

[@neonamadeus2584]

Wonderful work and a lovely sounding guitar .

[@SkyscraperGuitars]

That looks SO much better with the pins straight and level.

[@berniesr]

I really enjoy these videos

[@chastitunatea7426]

That thing sounds amazing very bright brassy yk. I love the bridge work its like watch a open heart surgery it is so fine detailed and i just feel like i couldnt do it cus im not talented enough

[@bennevis6843]

Wish I had a hand made guitar from you the detail and precision would be great. Mabey one day you should make one

[@jonadams5980]

Love to watch you work. The guitar looks and sounds great!

[@pauleandersonmusic]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge - Sweet playing at the end!

[@MaximilianBocek]

Beautiful. I would have replaced the bridge ........ Let's hold it right there. Who cares what I would have done? Old guitars are a joy, but when they're hurting, there are a plethora of hard decisions and trade-offs to be made. Should it be returned to its original state? Should it be put into the best state possible in its current condition? Should it be modified to a whole new setup? There are no hard-and-fast rules in this game, unless the instrument is museum-grade or something, and the choices are much pared down. For myself, I want the guitar to be fun to play and sound good, two things which will ensure that it will always find a good home. If it's pretty, so much the better. You were right about the bridge.

[@MrJoeydano]

Really enjoy your videos 👍 Thanks I wish you we’re closer for my Acoustic Guitars that need some attention but I’m learning .

[@tomkirk6942]

Excellent work. Really dig your channel/skills. Cheers.

[@alyoshakaramazov8469]

I really like the patina that was left after you cleaned it. I don’t normally care for 12 string guitars, unless they are played by Leo Kottke, but this one looks and sounds great!

[@euro1859]

She sounds sweet!! Nice job!

[@PetraKann]

Fantastic repair job. Kept the original character of the guitar, and significantly improved the stability and integrity of the instrument (especially for a 12 string steel guitar which places increased loads on the various components)

[@Melonheadinbed]

fantastic job! really enjoyed watching

[@brianwilliams4240]

Excellent as usual. Have great respect and admiration of your skill !!

[@squishy312]

That thing sounds amazing. Love a good 12-string. Great work!

[@DriftinDoug]

Those bridge and saddle challenges: you go where man fears to tread.

[@Pgcmoore]

outstanding!!! my ep cortez (6 string) from the same year as this which was destroyed in a fire looked like a pristine version of this 12, this repair brought me joy because it reminded me of it, and also sadness from the loss of it

[@jastervoid]

Wow! Might be my favorite guitar I’ve seen you work on.

[@DANWRIGHTITIS]

Outstanding work as always Mister!! Much love , Peace & VOLUME from MADRID

[@turtferguson4831]

Love these videos. Thanks for the time

[@thetreblerebel]

You are damn good guitar fixer upper. I enjoy these tidbits of skill.

[@danhansson409]

Hey man, I really enjoy your videos. You are superhero when it comes to guitars

[@steveroberts]

Fantastic work as usual. Thanks

[@jonahguitarguy]

Good call on keeping that bridge. I think I would have wanted to yank it off of there but it looks quite acceptable in the end.

[@WoodesosGuitarMods]

13:03 - I have found running the drill in reverse will still make the hole nice and clean and never punches through the other side.

[@meltedwheeliebin]

That sounds superb. Another first class job

[@parttroll1]

Great work and great chops at the end. 👍🏻👌🏻

[@alphasportstv]

Fantastic! I could have bought a battle-scarred B25-12 at Folkway a few years back for $600...I should have, and sent it straight to you. Next time ;)

[@darrylhenderson5147]

man you do a great job on every fiddle you touch. I learn a lot from you thanks so much kman here can you do another show on sharpening hand chiesels

[@lerdeleon737]

Man you do exceptional work! Can't say that enough

[@davidjohnstone2952]

The Lionel Richie mug made me laugh....love you vids....always look forward to the next one keep up the good work...

[@donaldholman9070]

Fantastic sound!

[@markk3877]

Nice work as always Ted!

[@bldallas]

Another really nice job, thank you! Your videos a addicting. I like the way you talk thru your process and explain why you are or are not doing certain things. Never would have dreamt of using lighter fluid to clean an old guitar. I would be worried it would take off or gum up the finish, but it worked great. Thanks again. BD

[@joelfildes5544]

Leo Kotke would be proud ! Nice job

[@one1gretsch]

Great job there, Ted! Making a compensated 12 string nut must be something special, a six-string gets thicker along the line, but the 12 string one, not so much. It turned out very good!

[@dekleinebozewolf]

As always packed full of excellent advice!

[@espectradiego5]

I really enjoy your videos. Thanks

[@paolomartini143]

Very cool job on this 12 strings, thanks!

[@lautarogarabentos7488]

Nice work!! Really love your videos