Correct the Neck! Old Kay gets some lovin'

This 50's Kay archtop was hotrodded into a sleek tone machine a decade ago but has since run into some real action issues.

[@thesingingsinner]

I can't wait to pick er' up and play it. You are the Wizard ! THANK YOU.

[@gmon78]

How was it?

[@JR-bj3uf]

I love the look of that guitar.

[@stevesoldwedel]

That's a purdy git-fiddle. Very cool. Never seen anything like it.

[@jeffreyp1855]

Ginger, I'd love to know the history of that guitar! ❤

[@memeshack9454]

Boomers are drawn to female country singers like flies to a carcass

[@danielmargolis3210]

Always interested in arch top content.

[@taotuhao5969]

FYI: You can find a cheap spectrophotometer on Ebay for around $30, You can buy a super high quality used spectrophotometer that is ordinarily very expensive for around 30 bucks as well. These devices are exactly what body shops and printing companies use to perfectly match the exact color, then you can have the exact match paint overnighted to you. I used to work in the printing industry and hardly anyone realizes that these types of tools exist. I have learned so much for your channel, and I am glad to give something small back.

[@samueltaylor4989]

Tao Tuhao true, however it’s never going to be a perfect match, and if you don’t have a color mixing station like auto body shops have to adjust the color, it’s pretty useless.

[@taotuhao5969]

@@samueltaylor4989 Absolutely, but you can actually order a specific color based on the CMYK values. However, texture matching is certainly more of a challenge and in this case the color is somewhat metallic so the exact match will be difficult, even when you have industrial grade equipment . Speaking from experience , you can get extremely close.

[@Sungodv]

@@samueltaylor4989 This would take TWoody's repairs to a new level...great suggestion.

[@fairguinevere666]

@@samueltaylor4989 My local paint shop will measure and mix for you, only issue is the minimum size and price, but if the customer feels strongly about it it'd be well worth the effort.

[@joelonsdale]

I fear that Twoodfrd doesn't read the comments...

[@mushroomsamba82]

I swear man, you must have the patience of a saint

[@bootlebeats6331]

Man I wish there were more repair people with your skill set around. You take pride in your work and show respect for each instrument. I hope you're teaching the next gen.

[@SilentHouseStudios]

I love your attention to detail. This stuff is what luthiering is all about!

[@camilo1455]

R U in Austin? It's lutherie btw

[@SilentHouseStudios]

lutherie does sound better but luthiering is used in the common vernacular.

[@camilo1455]

@@SilentHouseStudios didn't know that. Don't have a lot of friends do their own work. I started learning in the 80s in Austin, still learning. A LOT of do-it-your-self-ers back then, as well as Austin spawned several world-class luthiers.

[@SilentHouseStudios]

@@camilo1455 that's really cool. I apprenticed with a violin luthier in highschool but his shop didn't stay open long and I never really made it back into that field of work. But I still play music and I love treating my instruments with special attention.

[@iVenge]

A man who knows how to build things is a man who knows how to repair things.

[@TinkerToneworks]

We need a 10 hour long guitar repair ASMR video.

[@f1s2hg3]

Your talent makes people happy that means no matter how tough the job you are making impossible dreams come true and that’s good! Thanks for sharing your professionalism with USA

[@Jakfilm]

Love hearing your narration, the wisdom and the passion.

[@jipes]

Wonderful fix I love thes cheapo guitars they sometimes have a great character

[@yusdiy]

Your woodwork is phenomenal. Thank you for doing such in depth repair videos. You are a patience repairer. Thumbs up and thank you sir.

[@FloridaManMatty]

2:41 - $50 says its BONDO. I know guys who use it to “fix” EVERYTHING. Cars, boats, interior walls, skateboard decks, gun racks...you name it. It’s basically just moldable Duct Tape.

[@patricksheridan7509]

looks like b5 blue it's a plymouth car color when I need a match I go to an auto body supply store they will take a picture of your color and computer match it and put it in a spray can

[@rogerj412]

That's asking for a poor color match. Too many variables that have to be taken into consideration. You'd be better off with taking whatever object you need to paint match outside and looking at it and color swatches under the natural light of the sun.

[@rustyaxelrod]

Roger J - try that computer color matching service on something that doesn’t matter too much, you will be surprised at how good it is. I was skeptical too but I gave it a shot. I’ve used it a couple of times now and it’s been spot on and well worth the trouble if your project has to be right. My local paint supply has a system that not only reads the color with a camera but dispenses the tint into the base as well, I think some only analyze the color and print the mix instructions. There may be a difference.

[@kongandbasses8732]

I love it when people like you show the rest of us that it is possible to repair and restore old guitars, let 'em be cheapos. Every guitar needs to be played, they are too precious to get reduced to a wallhanger.

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

WOW ...it sounded great!!! You did the world a favour! the guitar could get past on for years and many will cherish it!

[@dingdang3845]

I like the sound your repair/the customers guitar puts out

[@timlilly]

Wonderful. You really breathed life back into that.

[@jimmer1047]

So enjoyable watching a master craftsman going about his work. I so admire your patience. I wish I had a little. I do try.

[@altruisticphilanthropic4647]

"NOT REPAIR FRIENDLY"...Man, that could/should be etched into this old warhorse's headstock [ I'm now also seriously considering this as my own tombstone etching - "He simply wasn't repair friendly". ]. Your ability to "hold your tongue" while critiquing the previous repair person's work is exemplary...truly. As always, every dang guitar leaves your shop sighing in ecstatic relief, singing better than before, and most likely checking herself out in every available mirror - "Uuumm, lookin' good, gorgeous gal...lookin' real good". Thanks again...keep posting, please.

[@jts3339]

In addition to the great work that you consistently perform I respect that you chose not to disparage the work that was previously done on this guitar. There is an individual on KZbin who spends more time being critical of the instruments and the manufacturers than he does working, while the quality of his work is usually below expectations. I really appreciate that you spend your time (and ours) concentrating on problem solving instead of idle criticism.

[@josephtaverna1287]

Jts3339 I think I know who you're talkin about if it's an older man he does incredible work have a great day

[@charvelgtrs]

But this work was a straight up disaster. Its a bit different than nitpicking. This work was unacceptable by any standard. We need to hold bad luthiers accountable.

[@jts3339]

@@charvelgtrs The best way to hold poor practitioners of any trade accountable is not to shame them; it’s to withhold bringing them our work until they correct their ways or go out of business. Good or bad work speaks for itself.

[@joelonsdale]

Although saying "I won't disparage the work of..." is really the ultimate humble put down!

[@tompaul2591]

@@jts3339 true but others should be warned to save them the trouble.

[@caboseisstupid]

I've learned so much about Canadian artists through your channel. Some Canadian brands and luthiers too!

[@jeffchambers449]

I have had success color matching by having my local auto paint supply mix up a water based duplicate. A clear topcoat is required. I am amazed at the accuracy they achieve.

[@alext9067]

They make a flexible extension for going around corners. 1/4" is the size I have. Works like a charm. Get one for those tight jobs. Or use a long extension thru the hole for the pick up jack and a ball headed Allen to turn the furniture bolt. Also, for wood saturation, you can get a product called Git Rot from any boating store. I got mine from West Marine here on LI, NY. It's a 2 part epoxy that the wood will soak up like a sponge. Get it and keep it on the shelf. It has many uses.

[@danielsgrunge]

That color is so beautiful

[@BarefootBill]

You have my sympathies with those bolts! Another fine video!

[@jefflitchfield4950]

I have found that the nail polish store has almost every color of guitar touch-up paint will ever need and as a bonus 99% of nail polish is nitrocellulose lacquer. But as usual your work is spectacular and I appreciate you sharing.

[@DavidN4real]

Awesome repair, thanks for sharing!

[@andrewsguitars]

For bolts like that, I go through the endpin hole! I love your work and appreciate your channel.

[@GregorydavidMck]

I'm rewatching these videos. I love the sound of that thing. Nice playing past Ted. Excellent! 😎

[@copperaudio9664]

My hat's off to you Ted. Fixing others half baked mistakes takes resolve and solid marbles.

[@GalleryBones]

Great video as always, keep up the great job

[@beenaplumber8379]

That thing sounds haunting - in a good way. It's got the weirdest resonance. It's beautiful!

[@greatnortherntroll6841]

As a pro mechanic, and hobbiest wood worker, I'm always amazed at the tools that luthiers DON'T have! Fer instance, a 1/4" drive hex bit, flex socket set... would've taken you about 2 minutes to demount/remount the neck. Lol Nice work nonetheless! 👏

[@doak4886]

And you wonder why people from all over North America want you to work on their instruments.

[@richardsmalls7721]

Absolutely. There are so many hacks out there that don't have a problem handing you an instrument that they've actually damaged more than they've "repaired".

[@randelcross]

Excellent work... and advise to the wannabes'... you are indeed a master! Cheers!

[@CorvusCoroneCanisLupusSawel]

Great work once again.

[@Grandpa.Dan8881]

Well spoken and detailed. Keep them coming...

[@johnkeetch5793]

The colour reminds me of my old Malibu 1972 blue with little bit of metallic.

[@barrywebber100]

Great job, thanks for posting.

[@kiddcomet3563]

You do awesome work my friend 👍

[@ewin1st]

Sounds like a great guitar . Great work again

[@Bluesplayer789]

Masterful work

[@kenthomas1109]

Classy to avoid disparaging previous repairer.

[@offal]

The tone from that thing is amazing, great looking too.

[@dalgguitars]

Thank you so much for the video!!!

[@luvkountry]

Great workmanship. Patients and perseverance is the way to go to achieve good end results. Love seeing your very informative videos. Going to attempt a neck reset on an old guitar. Don't know what company made it but it is called Prestige... not the company from out West. This one was around quite a few years before they got started. Thanks for sharing your marvelous talent.

[@curtisvonepp4335]

YOU WILL BE AMAZED HOW WELL A AUTOPAINT PPG PAINT SHOP WILL MATCH THAT BLUE PAINT CHECKEM OUT .

[@Johnny.D]

You are a genius. I have an old Harmony that you could probably make play again. Maybe someday when I am back in the TO area. Nice work!

[@jmc1186]

Omg that thing sounds killer!!

[@frankiedrain9226]

Amazing, that thing sounds mint!

[@joshuamaramara9045]

That’s really really amazing☺️

[@MarkMcCluney]

Some of those metallic style paints can be matched with nail varnish. There's an enormous range of colours and finish types. Just right for 'dabbing in'.

[@peterjames2580]

I build F5's and man I dig your show!

[@josephbrewer7026]

Nice work! I have to say I really like the custom colours and Art Deco tail piece on this guitar. I’m sure Ginger loves it.

[@JosePineda-jn8jk]

Looks very similar to the Kiesel pearl blue color but I’m sure in person it’s just slightly different. I’m want to get into repairs like this but man after watching there is a lot I don’t know haha. I did paint at a custom shop for years and a lot of neck work with fret dressing, setup work, as well as oil finishing guitars. This is inspirational for sure

[@ravingcyclist624]

Excellent! Thanks !!

[@theothertonydutch]

Lovely color selection.

[@wraith1977]

Man I bet she was thrilled after getting this guitar back from you!

[@CaptainRon1913]

Pretty killer sounding guitar. Nice job saving it

[@alext8828]

I like a bolt-on neck. You're absolutely right about that one being a pain. There has to be a clever workaround for that problem. It's still better than playing with a set neck. (IMHO)

[@jimmygrant3151]

OK, before I watch the rest of this. I agree with the neck needen to be raised. I would take the neck off, glue on some extra wood material, and then shape it to fit the curved top all the while raising it to get the desired string height. I hope that's what you are going to do as well...Let's watch and learn...continue...Oh, yeah, taking from the heal to change the angle. Great stuff..adding the shims fills the space. Awesome...my way was much harder. Thanks, this was a great demonstration.

[@robmarmaduke]

Nicely done

[@Mark-ec8ix]

Metal flake Blue. At a guess it's translucent blue over silver "did that to a lampshade once". Love the color

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

Looks like Fender's Lake Placid blue color.

[@stepvanjoe3469]

Great video just subbed your channel and thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@johnnybx3254]

Great job 👍👏👏

[@thomastommy1192]

The lady should have brought that guitar to you in the first place huh? People do some crazy things. Great video thanks for sharing.

[@olgoat52]

Great idea on the spruce shims. I have an older kay on the bench (for far too long). Previous neck reset done with gorilla glue, off angle to the body and action way to high. I ended up cutting it off and I have futzed with trying to carve a replacement support under the fingerboard extension but have not been able to do a good job. The shim idea maybe the way to go. As big a PITA as yours was, I would kill to have a pickup hole to work with as I plan to convert it to a bolt on neck. A favor to a friend is turning into a taxing situation for our relationship. Taking way to long. :) Thanks for the great video

[@nicholastotoro7721]

My heart fell into my stomach looking at that neck before the work began... and it's not even my guitar.

[@nocantelya2531]

That guitar is stylin' !!

[@vince8081]

great work

[@bluetoad2001]

pretty cool sound, Old Kay arch top why not❤️😎☮️

[@f1s2hg3]

Love those old guitars

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

Amazing how much that tail-piece looks like a Guild.

[@jukemove]

Very nice job.

[@express49]

Amazing !

[@carsonwhitty]

An automotive paint shop could match that color pretty close. It may not have been in the budget but it wouldn't be too expensive to mix up just a little bit.

[@onpsxmember]

I'd even take a drive to ratchet that thing back in when taking it apart took half an hour. You really got patience.

[@twoodfrd]

The socket body was too thick. It pressed against the top and it wouldn't allow the bit to hit the bolt at the correct angle. Fun times.

[@thehark6247]

good save, and some fine pickin

[@ZANcomix]

I think that color is radio blue~ awesome work too!

[@KorieG]

It would be so, so, so freaking cool to see the authentic reactions of these customers once they received their previously destroyed guitar brought back to them in sometimes a "better than new" state. Thanks for the upload, man! You are amazing! Later... (just subscribed)

[@thehowlingterror]

Nice one Mr.

[@rockstopsthetraffic]

"a 1/4"-20 furniture-style bolt" Funny because I was installing stainless steel 1/4"-20 machine screws (with those lovely robertson 3 heads) at a friend/client's house today, for a tabletop I built him.

[@NoteConference]

Badass Job!

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

Amazing job! That thing was a mess

[@bittuh]

Your fellow Canuck, Luthier John Carruthers, welded a screw driver tip onto a long extension to reach the neck block for those Kung Fu neck resets. He goes right thru the hole for the end pin in the tail block. I've used it in his shop chucked into a screw gun. love your vids...

[@393939100]

Use a 1\4 inch drive ratchet for the Allen head bolts there is all different size extensions for length . I'm an automotive mechanic and nothing is user-friendly especially on the new cars lol

[@camilo1455]

Was gonna say I have that ratcheting device he mentioned - 1/4" drive, long-handled ratchet, extensions & Allen heads on the "sockets" ...indispensable!

[@carl4043]

Next time you have to deal with screws like that simply get a 1/4 drive ratchet set and 1/4 drive hex bit set. If you can't find the correct length extension you can simply cut one off and grind a new square on the end to fit your application.

[@twoodfrd]

Hehe. I tried! The socket body had clearance problems against the top and I didn't want to sacrifice my nice ball-end bit.

[@octanekustomguitarworks510]

@@twoodfrd thats when you build custom tool 101a..grind off outer OD of socket housing till it fits!

[@mellowvids9637]

love it

[@kerrykrishna]

Another great job. You know that many Luthiers get a steel rod welded up with an allan key on the end and do the screw removal and tightening from the tail piece end pin hole? It is one LONG tool! Frank Ford has something I think ion his photoessays.

[@deltasonics1997]

Gold Tone sells a zero fret nut. A truly wonderful device. I had them install one on my 1953 model 1354 Silvertone (Kay) archtop. Brightened the tone and really brought out the fullness these old Kay's are capable of when properly set up. Thanks for these videos. A great source of information. Very generous.

[@aserrodriguez6609]

DEFINITELY needed to lighten that color up ALLOT MORE . SO GOOD AT WHAT YOU DO! The one area you need some work is definitely the painting or all the finishing work, because if you put the time and care into the finishing work that you put into all the repair, fret ,bridge, just all your wood and other work, you would bye 100% the best out there

[@neilatkinson174]

That blue, what a colour man

[@robertrosenfield405]

Great Job! I wonder if the top was off to do the bolt on neck modification previously

[@joemcgraw5529]

Harbor freight has a tiny ratchet that comes with different attachments ,if its a allen screw head you can fit it to it may have to cut angle of allen off so its straight ,would save alot of time and aggravation ,I use it for doing electrical projects in tight spaces also have a right angle ratchet saves so much time

[@beeleo]

Another amazing video. Thanks for the demo playing at the end too. And there are 2 'Dislikes' (at this time)??? What's to dislike? Blue guitars... maybe? Ugh.

[@howardklein9834]

GOOD JOB!

[@bellesmom238]

THATS SOME SHODDY WORK , THERE I SAID IT, I HAVE AN OLD KAY , AND I LOVE IT

[@samueltaylor4989]

You can buy an Allen head socket for a socket wrench for those hard to reach fasteners also there is a flex adapter so it will work with any angle.

[@jeffmariajenson9751]

Nice job,!