A shrinking pickguard cracks this Martin guitar top!

In Dan Erlewine's shop: This Martin D-35 guitar has a crack in the top, created by the pull of a shrinking pickguard. Dan fixes the problem and shows how to keep this from happening again.
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Items featured in this Trade Secrets:
Acoustic Guitar Pickguard
www.stewmac.com/shopby/product...
Pickguard Adhesive Sheet
www.stewmac.com/shopby/product...
Bridge/Fingerboard Removal Knife
www.stewmac.com/shopby/product...
Behlen Ground Hide Glue
www.stewmac.com/shopby/product...
Spruce Patching Wood
www.stewmac.com/shopby/product...
Double-stick Tape
www.stewmac.com/shopby/product...

[@Goomer]

I bet his wife doesn't know she's missing a bowl.

[@bilbobaggins4710]

I heard when she found out she broke it over his head

[@usware5240]

Oh she knows. Waiting to bring it up during an argument😂

[@shaunm1983]

This guys a surgeon

[@deccers6459]

DirtyBluesStank a tree surgeon

[@Nazzz65]

Hah!!

[@martyairey1764]

More like a dental or neurosurgeon, I bet,@@deccers6459.

[@RobertELee420]

You spelled salesman wrong.

[@DocHollidayGames]

@@thomasmiller1263 Don't feed the troll. He's just a bully hiding behind his keyboard. I agree with you, his comments are hateful and uncalled-for.

[@12south31]

My grandfather had a Martin D-28. He took it with him when he went to WW2 and quickly mailed it back home. He made it home a few years later but the guitar had never arrived home. A few years goes by and he was playing guitars with some friends and his buddy says you'll never believe what happened to me! A few years back a Martin guitar was delivered to my house! Have no idea where it came from but it's great! Of course he explained what happened and the guy gave it back to him. Fast forward some years and my dad and his sister, both children at the time, were chasing each other around the house and my dad jumped on the bed where grandpa had set it down, and crushed it. My dad said grandpa didnt say a word. He just picked up the pieces and went out to the garage for the rest of the day. Long story short, somehow he managed to repair it and make it a really nice guitar again and it's still in the family with a great story!

[@USGiorgi]

That masking tape hinge is pure genius!

[@tr3nta345]

@blake bishop hey bud, are you alright? You've been leaving multiple comments on this video, some from 1 month ago and some 2 weeks, is there any reason you are so hostile and negative towards everyone and need to disagree with everything? I hope you're doing ok.

[@tr3nta345]

@blake bishop About what? I never said the video is good and what he shows is correct or is good craftmanship, and you've never said anything about me personally, why would i be offended or angry at you? I'm just curious what's driving you to act like this. It's hard to take you seriously anyway when you're using XD and writing in capslock.

[@johnbee9957]

I thought the same thing - how I have suffered with re-placing pick guards over the years

[@jetison333]

@@tr3nta345 I'm pretty sure hes just a troll, and an awful one at that.

[@reptarien]

@blake bishop You are not a good troll, find a new hobby.

[@deldudley6561]

Dan should really have his own television show. It's awesome to watch!

[@tedellis2544]

Totally agree

[@PBTophie]

This Old Archtop

[@fatantobelly9156]

I was totally thinking the same thing. He’d be a great host

[@markgenest6206]

Completely agree. Perfect personality for it as well as skill.

[@DiegoVT91]

Whatever Dan charges, he is 100% worth it. He is an artist, his apprentices are so fortunate to learn from a master like him.

[@MrStarguy]

I find this strangely fascinating.

[@FrancoCoccini]

it is fascinating!

[@ericpetrossian1582]

Alex Russell gppp. ,

[@reonero958]

L

[@FrancoCoccini]

@blake bishop are you dumb or what?

[@vanillalion4193]

"This is just like getting your teeth cleaned" *cuts away with exato knife*

[@creationinspired200]

Thats how my dentist does all his work wanna see? 😂

[@DENIEL381]

THIS GUY IS AMAZING PERIOD.

[@tonyjohnantonio3441]

I don’t even play guitar, but I just can’t stop watching this man bring old guitars back to life!

[@markgenest6206]

In awe of the constant ingenuity in solving problems. Dan E you are a genius.

[@itlsofficial]

I wish you were my grandfather... I'd be at your place every day learning from you!

[@in2mu5ic]

+ITLSOFFICIAL He is really great to listen to

[@joaquinmorel7858]

+ITLSOFFICIAL Totally

[@isaacreyes3945]

Hello Stewart I would to work for you I love the art of the art off building guitars my number is [phone] I would love for giving you a hand and showing the art thanks have a happy new year's

[@luthier747]

@@isaacreyes3945 giving your phone number on a public place is realy not a great idea!! It's like putting it on the public toillet wall..

[@all_invite_0hm]

"Americans are such slow learners." Generalizations like that are indicative of poor reasoning skills. Maybe you were on to something when you said "I'm very stupid". You're certainly arrogant.

[@LRS905]

Watch this in high definition and you can see at 3:29, a serial number which is 333159. So this is a 1973 Martin D35.

[@sheddenw]

Good catch!

[@joogledlay1225]

RL R So in 3 years it will be 50 years old and in really nice shape

[@truth1923]

Learning about how guitars age and what goes wrong, and how to fix it; is just amazing. Nothing like an experienced pro to show you the way. Way to go, Dan!

[@DwightMS1]

I love to watch a master at his craft. He has a million clever tricks up his sleeve.

[@bladedspokes]

It's always rewarding to watch a skilled artisan excel in his craft.

[@koonsickgreen6272]

Must feel really good for your customers knowing they received the best solution available.

[@ajboyd9389]

Such a privelage to be able to see a true master of his craft at work

[@Purple_Pixel]

Watching this guy work is like watching a master player.

[@peerpaulin8486]

Great craftsmanship. I was thinking ahead and every time when I thought the next step is impossible to do, Dan came around with another clever idea to make it happen. Even if I will never have to fix a Martin, I learned so many things in a few minutes. It was a great pleasure to watch and listen. Guitars are in the best care when someone like him has it in his hands.

[@sonja_rademacher]

This man is genius and it is so pleasant to listen to him explaining.

[@ManCrew]

He's an artist. Years of knowledge at work.

[@stephenbarton2625]

Pure art watching a master craftsman doing their work. Pure art!

[@wimsele]

Dang! Dan is the definition of a true craftsman.

[@injairgun]

Dan you really need to release a dvd called Dan's tips and tricks for guitar repair! Your videos are the most detailed videos on the 'how to' process for guitars on the internet!

[@fretted]

I could watch this man work all day long! You are the MacGyver of Luthiers!

[@Xminor79]

Amazing. I could (and sometimes do) watch these all day! 🎸

[@coolmanjack1995]

This is so interesting. Never thought about how the plastic behaves differently than the wood. I hope my Taylor doesn't have the same problem

[@LRS905]

I was looking for a video which explained how to adjust new pick up rings on a Les Paul, and ended watching this one. It was entertaining from beginning to end. I really love watching people who enjoy working and repairing things, very evocative of old times, and so different from nowadays "throw everything away" economy...

[@nick4985]

Could listen and watch Dan all day long !

[@fransvenrooy4760]

such delicate repairs are so great to see. And this is the best channel for learning these repairs.

[@donrutter6765]

Dan has taught me so many tricks over the years.

[@BeemerTwelve]

It's incredible how well put together this video is.

[@matthewmartin7639]

I had the same exact thing done to my 72 D-18. The same crack in the same spot and the pick guard was doing the exact same thing. I watched my friend repair it and he did everything that was in this video. Now you can't even tell there was a repair made to it.

[@ThatGuy-ot9uv]

Talented craftsmen make it look so easy. It's a pleasure to watch!

[@Batsinthebelltower]

"Killer red spruce from the 1800s" LOL epic

[@redrock1963]

I know it's been said before but it needs to said again, that making tape hinge is ................pure genius.

[@juansantana3380]

A true master at work , beautiful job.

[@iwerkalone]

Best crack repair video I've seen. Very professional, great job.

[@tmc200527]

I don't think the pick guard shrank over night. I think the guitar top expanded after the removal of the pick guard.

[@rydertilidyer1136]

I love how you talk about it like it's a living being. I treat my baby that way too haha

[@tabcreedence6553]

1:00 It seems that many great tradespersons tend to anthropomorphize the items they are working on. It is not only entertaining to hear, but it is a way to identify with the object and understand it better.

[@bartholomewgc4393]

Tab Creedence wow, great comment

[@MarcGoudreau]

Being meticulous was something all the great masters in the arts and crafts of wood and metal throughout the ages insisted upon... and your approach to repairing the damage from a shrinking pick guard was an excellent example... especially the "old school" approach to using aged wood to fill the split in the wood... no shortcuts :)

[@jerrybates5791]

I don’t even play, but I really enjoy your channel..True craftsmanship on display.

[@brianwalker6273]

I just love watching a great professional at work keep the video coming!! they are a real treat thanks.

[@DJBRUCEK1]

I ADMIRE your patience !!! It was very educational watching !!!

[@SizzlingBurat]

Wow didn't know guitar repairs are so detailed. Liked it

[@nigelrathbone237]

Just changed my pickguard, it was nervewracking but came out ok. Wish I had seen your video first. You are a true craftsman and it was fascinating to watch. What skill you have. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@joelbyrne]

Dan, your knowledge and approach to your demonstrations is outstanding. Thank you so much

[@gneric85]

I have purchased many parts from Stew-Mac. Love this company and love watching these videos. Recently bought a Strat guitar kit and I have my Floyd Rose templates and almost ready to drop that in.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Dan = Legend. I love learning from you. A True Master. You are The Best.

[@labrat7357]

Hi, I really enjoy your videos, you have such a mater of fact down to earth approach to solving problems. I am not a luthier of even a musician, I'm a woodworker and have a variation on getting glue deep into cracks and splits. I use a vacuum pump or a household vacuum cleaner and even my dust collection system in my workshop. The hose on the vacuum cleaner needs to have a a soft collar fitted like the adaptors you get from Rockler. For awkward spots use a flexible piece of hose. It works so well on occasion, I get glue pulled through the unbroken surface from nearby cracks. You can not get that by pumping it into the crack as there is always a certain amount of rebound of the glue..All the best.

[@kevindougherty9576]

fantastic craftsmanship, these videos really give you an appreciation for the attention to detail that goes into restoring these guitars.

[@robhaskell4043]

A master at work! Well done, Sir!

[@gregonline6506]

I really love your respectful way of treating old stuff. Thx

[@chronicmango]

Amazing work, Dan.

[@davidjeremiahmullins3548]

Dan.... You are amazing.... I've been playing for 45 years and enjoy every second of your videos.....

[@daxliniere]

Wow, a true craftsman. I learned so many little tips watching just this one video.

[@dons1493]

You sir are an amazing Luthier! I have learned so much from your videos. Thank you for taking the time to do these videos.

[@jeffloewi5632]

Wonderful video. Artisan at work. TJ Thompson restored my 1919 Martin 0-45. It took about 9 months and now I've some idea of why.

[@Mikej1592]

very cool, always great to see someone that takes obvious pride in their work

[@Ilovealtoids]

His work is so good. I watch his videos and my jaw is to the ground

[@Bernardsam64]

An incredible job, it's a real pleasure to see such a precision and love of quality !

[@guitarjungle8496]

Hell, I watch these stewmac guitar repair videos like kids watch their cartoons! You can acrually feel like that because they're fuckin' magical and also you learn a bunch of useful stuff!

[@in2mu5ic]

Great technique with the masking tape to align the pickguard perfectly. I was waiting to see how you were going to achieve a good fit. Thanks!

[@braydenwilliamsonmusic]

I have to say this video is beyond my very favorite video on KZbin

[@williamchastain2749]

why on earth am i addicted to these videos 😂 I gotta work man lol

[@enidsnarb]

I have been repairing guitars at a shop in California for a couple of decades now ! Sure love watching these videos ! Our shop signed up for the yearly shipping rate from StewMac and now even if it is not a wholesale dealer for tools and parts it saves us time and money to get our shop supplies here ! They are very efficient and fast as far as shipping , and have a lot of fantastic tools !

[@stewmac]

Thanks for your comments, we are glad you are taking advantage of the StewMAX benefits! All the best, Team StewMac

[@Stillkickingarse]

Dan, you're the man! and a source of great inspiration for us budding guitar techs... thanks and keep up the good work!

[@josephliptak]

Love watching a pro at work. Great job!

[@cloudhop]

A total joy to watch this expert work. Clear and precise and first class video.

[@demotester3095]

Great to watch this at always! You make my favorite guitar repair videos on this planet ...

[@jamieferentinos3164]

WATCHING THIS MASTER CRAFTSMEN AT WORK IS SO RELAXING ...

[@keninokla]

Many years ago I too bought a Martin D-35. And my stock pick guard caused a crack just like the one in the video. I did take a different tack for a new pick guard. I have built a few guitars for myself, but I chose to use thin ebony on them. Having had that experience I made a similar ebony pick guard just enough larger to cover the 'footprint' of my D-35 pick guard. That new ebony pick guard worked fine for me, just like the guitars I had built. Ken

[@dale8809]

These videos are great. Very clever how some of these repairs are done.

[@dalycraft]

Dear Dan, if you taped your pick guard caul to the other side of the pickguard (upside down from what you have it as) it wouldn't be necessary to untape it and retape it back to the caul everytime that you're sizing it to the guitar. That way you could sand and shape the pickguard upside down and simply flip it over (with caul attached) to see if it fits without untaping it from your caul. And if it doesn't line up then you simply flip it back over. and continue shaping That way you never have to remove the caul from the pickguard.

[@Edwin-E]

Well done. I like the masking tape hinge, soup bowl and suction technique.

[@crushingalldeceivers]

I've watched about 7 of your videos in a row, and man you are amazing. I have learned a lot from watching these videos.

[@rustyhguitar1]

Exactly the problem my D35 had (among others). It’s currently in VERY good hands here in Australia having some serious repairs done. Looking forward to getting it back.

[@ugmold]

You are a Master! Always fun to watch you work.

[@rhykko77]

Outstanding ! totally professional craftmanship and great teaching !

[@1991stratplus]

What a amazing fix, impresive. How about a spruce pickguard, that would look nice and it wouldn't shrink like old plastic does.

[@bobfodge100]

Love watching the skills of a craftsman.

[@Soundtrack33VEVO]

Mac sure loves Guitars ❤

[@GrowthCurveMarketing]

MASTER craftsman... we are so lucky to be seeing this.

[@3dsman]

A master craftsman at work! Great work Dan!! Also good work by your lighting, sound and vid guys!! Love the shots from inside the guitar!

[@CAPTJACKRACKHAMZGM]

Well Done Sir! This helped me resolve an issue with a Washburn Guitar that I was asked to repair.

[@nomansland4811]

Great job. Very impressive.

[@mixolydian2010]

Wow what skill and love for the guitar. Thanks a lot for sharing your expertise its a privilege.

[@Whitehawkvisionfilms]

That was outstanding info! Thank you! Happy New Year and God Bless!

[@IamtheActionman]

Dan is so inspiring Makes me feel I can and have in fact do wonders with my own guitars. Thanks Dave

[@northland..]

U are a real wizard. So perfect at every project u take on.

[@sixstringlove8242]

The Master back at work!

[@LennyJohnson5]

Brilliant; love watching a craftsman at work.

[@allanpennington]

Success, didn't have a lamp so used a plastic container the right size with boiling water in it sat on top of the guard. Pick guard eased right off with the tiniest sliver off the top sticking to the guard. The original guard has shrunk before my eyes by at least a 1/16". OK will order new guard from Stewmac in appreciation of this video being free and available to the masses. I can hear my guitar gently weep....with happiness!

[@allanpennington]

I still haven't got around to doing my repair and watched this vid again before embarking on the task. Wondering what to use to fill the small area where a sliver of wood came away when I removed the old guard. Would sawdust and some glue be OK to use? Its not visible under the guard so maybe just sealing the un-lacquered original wood will suffice? Dan used superglue to do the sealing. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? He said an alternative was to use lacquer. Is that just clear polyurethane? I think I am lucky that I dont have a crack in the soundboard, (that I can see anyway) even though my guitar was built in 74. The top was depressed slightly however and this has relaxed now the old pick guard has been off for along time.

[@edadpops1709]

Dan ive listened to you on vhs,and cd no you tube . I sure appreciate your sharing your skill.

[@kauko8124]

Wonderful work, sir.

[@mrz80]

Funny... I just watched a short blurb by Chris Martin about their repro of a wartime D-45, and he mentioned that one of the production changes Martin made over the years was to switch to gluing the pickguard down over top of the finish so that a shrinking pickguard wouldn't cause the infamous "pickguard crack" in the top. :D

[@bfflorida2311]

So much knowledge and amazing experience ... Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us..

[@Diasporaliving]

Great work! I just ordered a piece of clear plastic in order to make a pickguard for my acoustic lefty guitar. I hope it turns out as great as yours! Thank you for the video. Cheers.