Bellevue Guitar Receives Renovations

[@theyarenthere]

"Experience tells me it was a pilsner..." Man your good haha

[@MaximilianBocek]

Ah, but was it a foreign or domestic pilsener?

[@theyarenthere]

@@MaximilianBocek Canadian made, Canadian played I'm guessing, and Canadian repaired, I'm hedging my guess it's a local, or German haha

[@robmarmaduke]

But can he tell the year of the pilsner.....

[@MaximilianBocek]

@@robmarmaduke Ha!

[@Punki001]

@@theyarenthere It was definitely not german pilsner, because we germans drink our beer, we do not spill it.

[@ayatsu3043]

Hi, I'm 16 years old and your content is really informative and really fun and interesting. From historical to practical stringed instrument advice it's really easy to understand. I've learned so much from your channel and I have been able to take better care of my guitar and learned a lot about upkeeping my instruments. Thank you so much.

[@Hafragrautur1]

I am also a fellow 16 year old. You are not alone :P

[@zachary1657]

I am a neighboring 26 year old. I agree with my fellow 10 year apart associates here

[@bigedge395]

i am also another fellow 16 year old that also agrees with this comment

[@jthonn]

Well I'm 60, lol and I concur. He is one of the best luthiers out there, and explains things so you can understand. He does know the history of many vintage guitars. His voice is soothing also, so I try not to watch him too late or he will put me to sleep.

[@thephotoyak]

Why is your age relevant?

[@kevinallen1761]

Maybe a way to increase the value of these guitars is to add a sticker "Repaired by Woodford Guitars". You really have terrific skills. Thank you for sharing.

[@jthonn]

That is a good idea, especially one like that.

[@ElenaChuckYT]

@@jthonn yasssss!

[@ElenaChuckYT]

great idea!!!

[@guidod.1071]

He should. Resale value would surely go up.

[@TheLocalZeroChannel]

i love the idea that there's a growing number of Hensels floating around Southern Ontario that play and sound better than they did when they left the factory. People are going to come across these guitars down the road and find themselves in posession of hidden gems. 'wow, these old Hensels were something weren't they". And why not?

[@that_thing_I_do]

So jealous of this man's skills...plays a pretty good guitar too.

[@TimMillernapavalleyfilmworks]

I’m going through a separation right now and totally depressed. These videos are my therapy. Ty 🙏

[@LebronPhoto1]

Surprisingly, I have removed water damage from many finishes using something I learned a while ago. I use mayonnaise on the spot like if it’s rubbing compound then clean it up.

[@katzuzip]

Sounds great! You are an outstanding repair guy ! Greetings from south america! God bless you

[@gaylen8467]

That headstock carving is my favorite part of this guitar, thanks Ted

[@frankwebster9110]

Thank you for allowing us into your shop. You thinking out loud is some of the best stuff out there. Always sure to get a grin with the narration. Cheers

[@ErgonBill]

Well that sounds far better than I thought it would. Good to see you extending the playing life of these old guitars. It seems to me that they never sounded that good out of the box.

[@markmelville6670]

Here I am again at 4am up with one of my night headaches watching one of your guitar repair videos. You do realize that you are training a whole new generation of luthiers, right? Priceless.

[@OldStreetDoc]

Admittedly, I’m two years late to this party. But still, I felt moved enough to want to say this - even if the chances of your seeing this comment are slim to none. Though late, it’s still true. I really have enjoyed your content, Ted. Perhaps it’s my recognizing many of the things about your personality that are similar if not identical to my own. But nonetheless your’s has become a favorite channel for me. Something I’ll forever be thankful for is just how much I’ve learned from your work. I’ll likely never be fortunate enough to have one of my guitars on your bench. Yet seeing how you approach your work leads me to trust you in ways I cannot of my friendly neighborhood luthiers & guitar repair shops. And they’re great btw. Hensel. I’ve known ‘of’ Hensel guitars for years even though I’ve never seen of played one. And perhaps it’s simply from the videos you’ve made working on them… but there is ‘something’, whatever ‘it’s is, that’s inherent cool about them. Whether it made economical sense or not, as long as I was able to afford it, I tend to think I’d want to do everything I could to not only save it but make it the best I possibly could make it. Strange how this works, but following an inexpensive instrument down a dark financial rabbit hole is frighteningly imaginable. 🤦‍♂️🤣 If you do end up seeing this comment & reading this much of it - I do apologize for taking this much of your time. Maybe I should have led with this, but… Thank you, Ted.

[@DDEENY]

Perhaps the purpose for the cork pads applied to the underside of the pickguard was to serve as "risers" to elevate it above the top, thus preventing a guard bonded to the top from inhibiting the top's tonal response.

[@greatnortherntroll6841]

That Hensel is probably in way better shape now, than the day it was first sold!🤣

[@mellowvids9637]

Great video !

[@dongill9650]

This gentleman is the best.

[@kenthhamner2641]

I wait for these every week! Also "don't buy a Hensel" ....got it! Thanks.

[@jastervoid]

Really nice work recreating that bridge 👍

[@MotoLen51]

The resulting sound is much better than I was expecting!

[@orionwarren4244]

Another great job on what would be considered an historical 'wall piece' and making it playable again, Ted

[@JonNewquist]

I like the choice of 11s. This ended up with the light, sweet sound of a parlor, but with the ergonomic comfort of a triple aught.

[@fender101111]

“At some point a beer was spilled … experience tells me it was a Pilsner” 😂 😂😂

[@tomkirk6942]

Ted, I enjoy watching you work and appreciate your knowledge of the history of these old instruments. I don’t often see anyone bridge the gap between form and function quite like you do, blending elegance and craftsmanship. Bravo sir. Cheers from Northern Utah.

[@G60syncro]

7:50 Mastercraft chisel!! I know because I found one in the ground in the old garage, it had been used to put tar somewhere and was rusted to death! I cleaned it all up, got rid of most of the pits and put a really keen edge on it and it became my toolbox chisel. Then, last year I saw one with the distinctive blue handle and white ring in my brother in law's tool box!

[@twoodfrd]

Noooo. It's actually a Marples, made in Sheffield England back in the 90's.

[@G60syncro]

@@twoodfrd Shite! Canadian tire really stole that design then!! Or else I scored a gem in the dirt!!

[@publicnature]

Hi there, thanks for calming my anxiety with your voice and videos. I am a Materials Engineer at your service. I'm guessing you know some "Beam" theory but ill just mention it in any case. Beams (longer that 1in haha) with different cross-sections like this one the "L" or an "H", "T", "□, "U" or "Z" is how we build buildings. It's a great way to make things "stiffer" and spread forces, and I always wonder why there are not more L's or other types of "beams" acting as braces or truss rods (Like you easily bend a ruler when flat but not when rotating it 90°) I think L or, □ or H shaped braces would solve some problems for ever... Love your channel, Im detailed and i do crazy things to my guitars and I used to design adhesives so many things you do resonate with me. Love your passion for making things well most of all!! Cheers

[@the-chillian]

On that last chord we can really hear your point about the intonation.

[@Barrysautospares]

@ChrisC: Exactly! I was thinking “Actually, it doesn’t sound that.....oh”.

[@AngelLuhrs]

Man, that guitar sounds great. Why am I like this?

[@gramursowanfaborden5820]

"exactly one pencil line wider in all dimensions", i like this, i know what this means.

[@JD-pz7ll]

Huge fan of your channel, the comment at 21:17 gave me a hearty laugh!

[@briananders2068]

Superlative as usual Ted! I must also commend you on the dissemination of repair knowledge. I hadn't been to Stewmac's sight for a while, and had to chuckle at their " crack repair kit" with an included suction cup, and a cleat winder! I always thought any luthier was capable enough to make their own. I still use mine from 40 yrs ago, made with a violin peg. ( thanks, Irving ) You have my vote as the preeminent trend setter of this generation. Kudos!!!

[@DerangedTechnologist]

Splendid work (as always), and what seems to me to be appropriately trenchant commentary. (Not that I have any illusions about being an Imperially Appointed Judge of such things; I'm just an intrigued observer.) Again, thanks.

[@robertnewell5057]

Ah, a Hensel again. Always a pleasure. And a pronunciation lesson as a bonus! Love the headstock as always, and seriously considering doing something similar on my own builds once I've done a few that I'm satisfied look factory perfect - then it's arts and crafts time. Guitar sounds great and I would love to get my hands on one - fat chance in the UK. Done a bit of work on old Harmonies in the past, and your description of the the soundholes was bang on - basically like a well-known brand of crisp (potatoe chip) that comes in a tube and begins with P! Thanks as always

[@franciscobarrazasaavedra4754]

Your content is gold. You make me want to drop my career and become a good luthier. There's basically 1 good luthier. And I have seen what "luthiers" do to guitars. 0 pride on their job

[@LindaLooUK]

I love what you do for these old catalogue guitars. Sounds pretty good too. 👍

[@jamesmills4850]

Am I glad to see you. Always a pleasure. Cheers Ted.

[@briansimpson8116]

These are in the top five best lutherie vids on youtube.

[@scottreeves1226]

I like the sound. It's light, ringing, and jangly. Easy. Uncomplicated. As always, thanks.

[@deadmanhiking9260]

Angle irons always curve when they are under stress, this is because the shear center of the iron is not in the center of the material, it is actually somewhere out between the 2 legs, so a torque is the result.

[@geoffdanker3034]

I really enjoy watching you bring these old guitars back to life. Thanks.

[@jonhillier1]

As well as being fantastically informative, I find you attitude really motivating. I also find your Canadian to English translation fun. Please keep it up. Thanks. I’m English with Canadian connections.

[@toneconsultant]

I know nobody wants to talk $$$$; but I appreciated it here.

[@oogkauwgum5123]

I admire the patience you put into guitars like this and owners . I’d probably say ‘no, not worth it’

[@zapa1pnt]

@oog kauwgum: But that would cut into your business. As long as the customer understands the cost, relative to the value, you do what the customer wants.

[@tabriff3832]

Interesting from a repair view, a construction view, a history view. Part of my interest, I suddenly realised, was due to me subconsciously thinking about my own 1930s guitar... and then you say "Kalamazoo". Well I never. Mine is a KG14, with the nice head stock, which dates it 1938-1940, so I believe. It's in fair condition. For better playability, it needs a re-fret, but I want to keep it original. Due to the light bracing, the top has moved, but I think it's moved all it's going to (will be having an affect on string height, intonation...). My biggest concern though, is the glue turning to dust one day. Sacrilege to sell, but it has money value now as a complete guitar, rather than a case full of wood and dust. If I was any shakes as a guitar player, the answer would be easy.

[@realjumper]

I always have to pick up and play my guitar after watching these great video's....there's no losers here :)

[@Adibarum]

I have been watching and enjoying your videos for a couple of years now.... but this is the fist time I have commented on one....I just wanted to say how much, I enjoy watching your informative and instructive videos, i don't think i have missed one, and as well as being a great luthier, and a creator of really interesting fun videos you are also a darn good Geetar player and I wanted to say "thank you"

[@SkyscraperGuitars]

I like your honesty about the guitars... Not every vintage guitar is worth fawning over.

[@michaelbondick575]

Still amazing 👍♥️

[@audiomurphy]

Sounded pretty darn good to me in my ear buds !

[@solodisfrutaelviaje]

just wanted to say i really liked the afterthought on this episode besides all the great info

[@HeliBenj]

Always the best moment of my sunday

[@Jessica.Amelia]

I’d love to see your left hand during that riff - I’m slowly learning that style …

[@Ukedc259]

Sounds lovely

[@contrabandjoe7974]

Sounds great!!!

[@tomstiel7576]

sounds great to me,awesome content

[@derekmetcalfe5018]

Love watching all your repairs and hopefully some of it will filter into my brain . A question , if there are so many Gibson headstock breaks out there why hasn't someone in Gibson come up with the idea of reinforcing that area much in the same way that you do a repair. It could save a lot of heartache ?

[@nicolen.9642]

Remarkable work on this Bellevue guitar. You're right: beware the cost involved in a flea market guitar. A guitar is designed to be played and sound good. Thanks Ted for the clarity of the issues. 🎶🎶🎶

[@richarddulude2485]

To remove the gosting of the varnish, hairdryer or heat gun works most of the time, it is a delicate procedure as the varnish can bubble if heated too much.

[@darrylhenderson7184]

hi twoodtra i am a guitar repair man not a luthier like you you are awsome ive learned alot from you man i love these guitar i live in states been wanting one but take my time to find the right one keep up the good work and am a lefty and love your lefty repairs

[@mattaldridge3076]

Nice work, Theo! Saved yet another little piece of your history. Came out sounding pretty damn good, too!!

[@jipes]

Really nice to have great advice for buying antique guitars, I already experienced that with old electrics which are very desirable but absolutely impossible to play without neck reset and most of the time refretting so as you clearly explain not worth it

[@ctcards2636]

HAHA! the stick to jack up the top is awesome ! Innovation and creativity ey ? haha. Im sure weve all done something along the lines of this in our learning or our own adventures thru the years. :-)

[@ctcards2636]

I bet that pick guard was loose and vibrating. Hence they put the dampener cork material under it to stop it.

[@donaldholman9070]

Such a cool old guitar. Thank you so much

[@Folly1988]

Excellent work as always Sir

[@izzynutz2000]

Not a bad tone,,.. resonates well... Nice work

[@JoshuaC923]

Again great work and a great video.

[@georges8348]

Way back when we'd use mayonnaise and cigarette ashes(homemade super fine abrasive) to form a paste which could be rubbed on a white ring on a table top with a finger . It would slowly abrade away the white. Why mayonnaise, because everyone had a jar. Why cigarette ashes, because everybody's house had an ashtray in it ,back when.

[@jthonn]

White toothpaste works well also. That thing, I would have lightly sanded it and brushed some schlac or some sort of finish on it. DIY, because it would not be worth a luthier to do it. You could also sand the whole thing and just paint it.

[@zapa1pnt]

@@jthonn If you were going to DIY and sand the finish off, why not give it a decent, varnish, finish?

[@jthonn]

@@zapa1pnt You could, that is why I said brush some schlac on it. That would save most of the patina that way. If you don't care about the patina, you could refinish the whole guitar. You could use spray lacquer or even paint it. I've seen painted guitars that look great. DIY is the way to go on this, so many have more skill, or you don't have to have much skill at all to paint. Plus it is easier and cheaper. That guitar, unless it has sentimental value is just not worth putting the bucks into. If you have to pay a professional to do the work, just buy a new guitar. That guitar is probably not worth what Ted did to it.

[@zapa1pnt]

@@jthonn: My apologies. Your point of shellac went right past me. That happens often. 🥴

[@jthonn]

@@zapa1pnt No problem

[@telecasterbear]

Hensels knockin at the door, hensels ringin the bell.

[@goodun2974]

Telecasterbear, "cause they're waiting for you at Bellevue/ with their oxygen masks"...... most newbie Hensel owners are gonna need oxygen, or smelling salts, to revise them when they find out what its gonna cost to make the guitar playable.

[@shazmah]

Hope you're well Ted, thank you as always

[@pg123ab]

It sounds good, thank you as always for sharing.

[@justafase]

Thanks for taking the time to edit and thoughtfully narrate these. I did a video about a Fender refret for my instagram and it was such a pain to edit!

[@markbernier8434]

Loved that shot of the oversized block plane. Don't feel quite so crazy now. LOL

[@redstrat1234]

Remarkable skills

[@lumpyguitar5169]

😎🎸👍🏽🇺🇸 Another G R E A T informative and appreciated video. TY for taking time.

[@danielsaturnino5715]

Thank you for taking the time to ha ve a video for us. Good stuff.

[@faunaflage]

0:24 - It's true what they say: Some are born Hensel, some achieve Hensel, and others have Hensel thrust upon them.

[@aahl1680]

...Pilsener! Love from Germany....

[@MarkGray1970]

It sounds great!

[@SixSixthSix]

It looks great, even with that white haze. Even the sound is not to bad!

[@matthewbartolone7036]

I appreciate the honest assessment of a catalog guitar as you represented it. Good advice and eyes open should a buyer want to make it playable. Still it sounds unique and fresh, and i don't hav on yet... Thank you

[@goodun2974]

"You sharpen the Hensel [sic] and the Hensel will sharpen your head"! 🤣

[@RicardoBatistaPassos]

You're like 3 meters tall? You look like a giant near that guitar LOL. Love your videos, good sir! Thanks for sharing your knowledge, have a good day!

[@doak4886]

You just have to be one of the very best.

[@dassouki]

P.s. I’ve seen the angle iron “Reinforcement” in a guitar before but it only extended about half an inch into the neck. Only thing I can figure out is that it was used to align the bolt with the top. The guitar I was repairing was a $5 county fair type guitar

[@TKevinBlanc]

Maybe it's just me, but you undersold how that thing was going to sound. To me ears (over my TV speakers) it was bright and crisp. Sounded great.

[@stevewilliams846]

Thanks. I appreciate your videos.

[@lawrencecoffeyjr1300]

I know what you can really do, but we can't always see that. Like you said, the cost is just to great. Very nice work. Thank you sir...

[@bldallas]

Great job, Ted; really sounds good.

[@bobmalone1763]

Totally cool pickguard.

[@billbones1000]

Thank you sir

[@ShannonFerguson]

I love this!

[@donkeyboy585]

I think it sounds lovely. as the ex lights if it were mine I’d keep it tuned down to Dflat

[@arnoldmmbb]

His guitars might not be the most precissely constructed but all of them have a unique character

[@metriczeppelin]

Bravo! After the professional dissing of this guitar I thought it would sound like crap, but it didn't! All things considered I thought it sounded pretty good. Thanks for another educational and informative video, Cheers!

[@spaert]

That's a much better sound than I was expecting from the assessment you made about the brand. Not bad. That said, I know I personally use a Taylor because the action is perfect for me - I don't care for a tough playing guitar. It was the problem I found with mid-90's Martins - I couldn't comfortably play them. Although if I'd known about guitar setup then, things would probably have been different. But Taylors played very nicely and I loved the tone. So I went that way and haven't been sorry.

[@markdalton293]

It sounds pretty damn good to me

[@wl357]

Very cool headstock

[@nerfnerfification]

Sounds really nice to my ears - in one sense if you want one of these older instruments to play you don't count the cost of repairs etc. it's just part of the wonership issues. Love and admire your work but a bit surprised there was not a huge school of indiginous lutherie in Canada back in the 20's etc given your natural resources in wood etc.

[@railroader555]

I love Hensel guitars and, including the Bellevue branded ones, I've repaired half a dozen of them. One thing I must say is that all the ones with the floating pick guards had the cork spacers under them. Just an observation. Thank you for these videos Ted.

[@jimmyers2534]

You noted that the neck not only had a large relief and also a crook. From an engineering standpoint, this seems logical because of the angle reinforcement. Because they are unsymmetrical, angles tend to buckle towards their "open" side, away from the corner (or heal) of the angle. This lateral-torsional buckling is often the limit state for angles in bending and can occur at much lower load levels than would be needed to yield the steel. I suspect that is why angle neck reinforcing was never very common, and I doubt there is much you could do for it without removing the angle and replacing it with a different type of reinforcing.

[@goodun2974]

The angle iron was probably just something they could get cheaply. Perhaps they should have routered a "V" into the neck, directly under the fretboard, and set/glued the angle iron into place with the side edges just shy of touching the underside of the fretboard. That way, the neck wouldn't warp upwards under string pressure ---- but would it split the backside of the neck or cause the fretboard to spring up and jump right off of the guitar?🤔