Roadblocks to Life as a Creative | I am Back

Welcome to CRIMSON GUITARS HQ www.crimsongui...
Nearing the end of a journey of self-development and insanity Ben talks about his life as a guitar builder and craftsman, in particular focusing on common roadblocks that get between people and their dreams.
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
Conclusion
Atomic Habits by James Clear on Audible: www.audible.co...
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Join this channel to get access to the perks:
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Ben's camera setup includes: the Blackmagic ATEM Mini Pro, Prime Cameras (Front facing and over the bench) Canon EOS 250D, suspended from the ceiling (bench side) Canon EOS 90D, and on the movable tripod a Canon M6 Mark II
Any music used in this video from Epidemic Sound - www.epidemicso...
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Thank you again for all your support, we really, really appreciate it! - Ben
Stay tuned and stay awesome!
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[@thorstenschneider1169]

Aren't we in wonderful times where we can openly speak about such things as mental health issues and the struggles and challenges that come with them? It's not too long ago where this was not mentioned or even discussed at all costs, now it is an accepted thing and that helps so many people with in such a situation. All the best on your road ahead. Cool beans and all that jazz :D

[@billsybainbridge3362]

Thanks Ben! Good to see you back. Note that obligation shouldn't require you to be omnipresent at all times. As the sailors used to say when climbing the rigging: "one hand for yourself, and one for the ship, to serve them both and prevent slip". ;)

[@robertriggs7789]

Long time subscriber and big fan Ben. Good to see you back and taking care of yourself!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

much appreciated Robert, thank you.

[@Kyle7K]

Maaaaan, you hit my nail right in the head. I only yesterday learned of execution dysfunction. I do remember you talking of your struggles in your last videos and it sounded like me talking. I am you in the past. You are the future me. Everything you mentioned here is exactly what I've been thinking I needed to do, I just need to implement and take action. Thanks for the motivation to get myself together. I did take a cheap headless Amazon kit and turned it into something I've been dreaming up for a while. Time to finish that, for starters. Then, like you I must organize my work space. I can not waste more hours searching for tools! By now I have 3 or 4 of everything because it's always been faster to just go buyer a new one.

[@dalgguitars]

Good luck on your mind/process cleanse. I have always been envious of your creativity. I look forward to more videos from you! Rock ON!!!

[@Bigthoogs]

Ben. I have been watching you for the better part of 9 years now. I'm so glad that you have taken a step back, realized what needed to change, and actually focused on you. Congrats to you my friend. You are an absolute legend. EDIT: i watched more. Its funny. the first video i watched of yours was the Cheap Kit guitar video 9 years ago. So glad you are revisiting this again. cant wait.

[@michaelvickers1788]

I don't play or build guitars but I have watched you for a number of years. Don't think that you only appeal to a specialist group of people. Watching you and your creative development is great. Also, your "tool wardrobe " is beautiful.

[@jonrickard4762]

Ben take your time, slow down and enjoy making. We love you as you are just be yourself.

[@davidbenson4489]

Good to see you again. I'm a player, not a builder, and have always enjoyed (and been impressed with) your creations. Your roadblocks are different from the ones I've got past, but everybody gets them in life. .FWIW, I've learned woodworking techniques from you (build wooden ship models) and looking forward to more. Best wishes in the future. Do what I do and just carry on as if you were normal. Cheers from Canada

[@pulankaoutdoordesign]

Good to have you back Ben. Always enjoyed youre vids. I wish you all the best for the future.

[@IamtheActionman]

Been a fan of your work and more importantly you since the begining when you in a garden shed making guitars. Glad to hear you're on the mend dude. Cheers!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I appreciate that!

[@shanecassidy3340]

You are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing Please keep doing you!

[@rodcampbell1263]

Big THANKS to you, Ben. I started watching your videos a few years back and finally built my first guitar from scratch about 3 years ago. Last month a guy played one of my guitars I built for myself and asked me to build him one. You helped a ton with that journey. Still just a hobbyist, but I love my hobby! Again, thanks!

[@ParsoJr]

Ben, I too have been newly diagnosed as autistic with ADD this year, at the age of 39. It gives us so much clarity but also gives answers to our many struggles. What I will say, is you presenting in your way, warts and all, is what draws me to your channel. You have the eye, skill and mind of an artist, and you need to work in your way with this. Sometimes inspiration strikes, and you knock content out of the park. Then sometimes burnout hits and we can go weeks and months without picking up the pen/brush/knife/file at all, and that’s ok too. We all know how difficult it is for regular content to be made for neurotypical people, so don’t put pressure on yourself to do this because it’s been a while. We will wait until inspiration strikes again.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Good luck on your journey, you're right.. in the end just knowing what is behind what we do can reframe the whole thing and remove a whole mess of self doubt and self flagellation! My biggest issue is that I am constantly inspired.. I just struggle to decide what to do.. and once I know what I want to do it's the old 'can I face this right now' :( Lot's of situational awareness and changing the environment to facilitate what I want in progress right now and I can see the end of the proverbial tunnel finally :)

[@ParsoJr]

@ if it helps any, removing my own expectations and pressure to “do the things” is helping, I often had many conversations with myself that I need to do tasks, and that led me to task paralysis and nothing got done. It’s taken several months of practice but it’s coming together. That and identifying when my capacity is low, and being ok to recharge and try again the next day. I have a collection of projects that have sat for a few weeks now, but I commit to doing at least part of a project for that day, then flow from there. It may be as simple as unloading the clothes dryer. Then the next day I empty the basket onto the couch. Then the next day I fold the laundry. Once you understand we have to map out our steps for each task, you can kind of negotiate with yourself that 4/10 steps completed is better than not started at all. Once hyper focus hits though, look out 😂 start like me. Pick a project, put out something that reminds you about it in the morning, and you’ll be surprised how effective it is to get over the paralysis of where to begin (I don’t wake up and decide to exercise, but putting my gym clothes out the night before makes me wear them. And seeing I’m wearing the clothes I may as well exercise in some form)

[@bradbuilt9829]

You’re literally the only reason I built some guitars. I binge watched the 24 hr and 12 hr builds until I thought “I could do that”. Other luthiers can depict the process as unattainable and far too difficult for just anyone. But you portrayed it in a way that made so many people take on these amazing guitar builds. The channel definitely needs YOU. Thanks for the authenticity about your struggles too. 👍

[@geoffkeeler5106]

Excellent stuff Ben, I recognise your journey (as a late-diagnosed autistic myself) and the massive changes one can go through. What you do here will undoubtedly be a great help to many, and very sound advice regarding getting order into the workshop, which certainly applies particularly to myself. Thanks for everything, and I m delighted you're back and I look forward to many more videos to come.

[@georgesbou1]

Hi Ben , glad to see your back , you are such an inspiration to many of us , i my self have learned a lot from you and hope to learn more , thank you for being who you are

[@guitardoc64]

Ben, It's great to see you back. Kudos to your heartfelt explanations as to your absence and I'm glad to have you back. Keep the sails full, you've got a lot to teach an old man, lol!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Much appreciated!

[@TimLane-un9gv]

Honestly there’s so much in your experience that’s relatable, even as someone who is not a creator by trade. From having to reset life overnight and rebuilding from scratch, especially where kids are involved, to the full blown burnout, breakdowns and realisation of what’s been going on for an entire lifetime. Really, really appreciate your honesty and candidness Ben, it can be so easy to watch people and candidness Ben, it genuinely means a lot to some of us. And there’s nothing wrong with cheap kit guitars even if they can basically be a gateway drug- making one as good as I could was my lightbulb moment that I might enjoy putting together and working on instruments more than trying (often failing) to learn to play them. 😊

[@TheCatNipGardener]

You rock Ben, you inspire so many people. Keep going

[@Terry_Dale]

So glad you are back Ben, Happy to hear you are in a better place. I shut down a business because I was spending 90% of my time running the business and 10% doing what I wanted... I am better off now but understand where you are coming from. All the best, love your channel. As far as doing a cheap kit, show how to make it the best playing and sounding instrument possible without spending too much money. This would be so beginners starting out can leanr that a cheap kit can actually become a good instrument.

[@gmichaelhall]

Great tshirt design Ben, look really forward to my size being back in stock!!❤ Be well kind man ✌️

[@jessebones7072]

It’s great to see you back “in your own skin” so to speak mate. Onwards and upwards - “it’s better to shoot for the moon and miss it, than to aim for the kerb and hit it”. In regards to the telecaster. Samurai theme it. It’s a warrior, highly skilled, highly trained, honourable. A few splits, cracks defects, etc in the cheap kit. fill them with gold “kintsugi” if you will. A redemption. Good to have you back.

[@davedavem]

I expected the first sentence to be "I don't have enough tools". Great to have you back, Ben!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

having my coffee and replying to comments! :) I missed a trick here.. I 100% don't have enough tools!

[@gavinallen5745]

We love you Ben. No more words needed ❤

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

This is very much appreciated mate, thank you!

[@yasashidoku]

Dear master Ben Crowe, I'm not a guitar builder (yet), but as a humble and amateur woodworker (when I'm not in front of my 3 screens for my work because I still need to pay the bills) with autism and ADHD, what happened/happens to you resonates quite a lot. I got divorced a few years ago, moved 3 times in 3 years... And fighting depression and anxiety (I won against depression after 4 years) I now have my workshop in my home but it's not ready yet because I need to organize my things, setup the table for my lathe, reassemble my table saw, drill press and so on but always find dozens of reasons to procrastinate, even if I have tons of projects in mind... But I know I will do it because I really miss making saw dust. You are an inspiration and talking openly of your struggles, showing that even a master luthier can make mistakes is humbling and reassuring. I can't thank you enough for all the advices and feedback you provide. Tutorials and videos will never replace practice, but thanks to you, I can also now swear 'curse you cross grain!" (lol). Thank you for who you are and thank you for sharing all of this with us. I'm really glad to see you back.

[@kylemoran4343]

Our personal life is WHO we are. Our work life is WHAT we are. The secret to life is intertwining yet still prioritizing your life so they don't get twisted. Realize ONE thing " You can't make someone else's life HAPPY" ! So don't be so hard on yourself. I've been there !

[@devil_mountain_guitars]

Glad to hear that you're getting back to it, Ben!! Your work and your videos have been a big inspiration for my journey into luthiery! Here's to removing the obstacles keeping us from creative work!

[@empty_akuma6577]

I've been a subscriber for many years, and even though this is the first video of the channel I've clicked on in probably a year and a half I have to say: It's good to see you, Ben! I'm also late-diagnosed ADHD at the beginning of my treatment/therapy journey and as a fellow creative mind I relate a lot (even though I'm not a guitar builder). But it's such a joy to hear that you've moved past your roadblocks and that you're on the path of creating again. I'll make sure to keep an eye on my KZbin notifications and I'm excited about what you have in store for us :)

[@imatvejevs]

Nice to see you back! As many here, I build my first bass from scratch only because the video, with hand carwing the neck with a leatherman knife. Blowed my mind and made me do shit. Thanks for being there for us!

[@PLCreations927]

Glad you're feeling ready to be back. I'll add another voice to the chorus of folks who've built an instrument (or more than one) because you inspired us that it was possible, and provided the tools (in some cases literally) to do so. As a teacher (science not lutherie), that's what I aspire to. I look forward to seeing what the future brings and continuing to draw inspiration from what you do.

[@artiefufkin3292]

Good to see this video. What's holding me back? Skill, time, and money.

[@stephenhursey1506]

Great to have you back and to see all your tools behind you I hope to see more of your creativity in your videos but most of all I admire the way you talk about your life your state of mind and how you use your skills too help yourself in healing and staying healthy it helps me to in my battles and you inspire me to heal thank you ben

[@andyroberts792]

Welcome back, Ben. You're a winner.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Much appreciated Andy :)

[@Longdancer]

Welcome back. And thanks sooooooo much for this Video. I came to visit you Guitar museum and premises a few months ago and yes, you've got a great team. Will deffo visit again. Looking forward to everything you do. 👍

[@DrRockter5150]

Thanks, Ben, for the pep talk and understanding that things CAN go smoother if you just allow them to. You asked about why dreams are not achievable and the roadblocks keeping me from building guitars, enjoying the process and loving the reaction to the clients' receiving their guitar... it's 100% financial. I have the ideas and plans in my brain. But having the finances to get it to the level I'd like it to be is something that is keeping it down. I love to build and service guitars, and being that there is zero competition in my area makes is a no-brainer. But not having a shop and working out of a spare bedroom is a little cramped (not to mention a tad embarrassing for a client to visit). Any ideas to drive through this roadblock would be welcome. Keep up the fantastic work, and I look forward to any and all ideas that benefit my future builds.

[@NotThatOneThisOne]

The problem I have with To Do lists is that they put a pressure on my shoulders that stop me doing anything. Rather than giving me something to do, they create a monolithic wall that feels too big to climb. I either end up doing nothing, or I commit far too much time to something that really doesn't deserve it but I know will take a long time to be as polished as I'd want it to be. At those times I end up doing lots but not delivering, not finishing, anything. So it stays on the ever growing list. My solutions are varied and massively helped by people around me. I'm currently working at my best by working on and delivering technically simple (for me) things but delivering them well. I design something that will work before starting it, and also consider ways I can do things better. I spend some time seeing if i can get the aspirational things to work, which they usually do, with the knowledge I can fall back on something a bit more cumbersome if it's taking too much time. And then, as I learn, the 'big' projects appear smaller both as I improve and as I feel less pressure because I'm actually delivering things.

[@NotThatOneThisOne]

Also, more recently, I find huge benefits in using AI. Not because AI is particularly good at things, it's typically not, though it's handy as a quick reference book. But that I find I have to break down and explain what I want it help me with in so many different ways just to get a useful answer that I've worked out out myself.

[@TheRobertReimer]

I can't wait to see your new ideas come to life!

[@tahoemike5828]

Hi Ben, It struck me as funny that one of the very reasons that I've been hanging around this channel for so long is because you responded to the first comment I left. It was an older video even at the time, and that was when you were still up in the attic and we got a tour of crimson every time you ran down the stairs to use the noisy tools. I didn't really think you'd ever see it, but I shared a couple of favorite sayings, "Experience is what you learn from your mistakes. Education is what you learn from other people's mistakes," and, "If you have the time and money to do a job twice, you had the time and money to do it right the first time." I was dumbfounded when you responded, within a day or so. I think it was the first time a creator actually replied to something. It made an impression, like an old fashioned thank you note. I've been here since. There is value in doing it. What you said about deleting, and rewriting, the to-do list stirred an old memory. I once knew an author, Ralph Moody (Little Britches), who told me his writing process. He wrote for a couple of hours each day, before lunch, then set it aside and got on with his day. In the evening, after dinner he would read back what he had written that morning, and go to bed. In the morning when he went to his writing desk he would retype it, from memory, before then doing that day's writing, a paragraph, a page, or a chapter, whatever came out by lunch. I asked about the retyping in the morning, and what if he forgot parts? He said that was the point; if it didn't stick in his mind overnight, it wasn't important enough to remember, and it shouldn't be there anyway. It was his form of editing. Btw, since you made me think of him, look up his books. They are about his life growing up in Colorado, and later in New England, in the late 1800's and the turn of the 20th century, as a real young cowboy and so much more. They are perfect for young ones about your kids age, if you want something completely wholesome to read together, or to them if they'll sit that long. His stories are as real a depiction of those times, and an amazing life, as you will find. He was a good friend of my Grandfather's, and in his 80's when I knew him, and I loved those books. Your tool wardrobe is awesome. It really does say, "Yeah, I'm Back." It totally reminds me of the tool cabinet in the wood shop in High School. There is a french term in the culinary world, "Mise en place," which means things in place; and 'It is the way'. Pinched google def: "Mise en place (MEEZ ahn plahs) is a French term for having all your ingredients measured, cut, peeled, sliced, grated, etc. before you start cooking. Pans are prepared. Mixing bowls, tools and equipment set out. It is a technique chefs use to assemble meals so quickly and effortlessly." You look and sound good, and things are in place. It feels like you are ready to cook! I am excited to hear that you are going to start a good ol' kit-mod build! It's been a long time, and those are fun. Is there any chance, on God's green earth, of you going live with it??? Christmas is coming, it's fair to ask for miracles, they're just coming into season. ~Tahoe Mike

[@frankiechan9651]

Thankyou for sharing this Ben. There were a few years where I was deep into messing with guitars, sparked by one of your "taking a kit guitar and making it great" video series, combined with being in a deep rut of not having made anything for a long time and not realising that it was an issue. In that time I did customise a cheap kit guitar, repainted several others for friends and learnt a great deal about guitars and luthery in general. I also started to learn how to play. Then we had the big pause, compounded by a lot of other drama that just drained all creativity away. Your videos explaining your own journey and the reignition of your passion to learn and create has started a hint of a spark in my own soul. There is a project that was handed to me just prior to the big pause and I am now feeling the itch to complete it and remove that nagging burden of shame that has been hanging around my neck for a few years. Your clearing of the decks/ finishing things videos has greatly contributed to that. Time to dive back into "how to swirl paint a guitar" again ..........

[@13mortcinder]

Everything I know, I learned through your videos, you're a real inspiration.

[@Birkguitars]

So much of this resonates with me. It has taken me three years to get my workshop set up. Adan Savage refers to the process of first order retrieval. I can get to everything I need without having to move three other things first. I have the machines and tools I need, they are accessible and I have enough space to move them and me around. I was assessed last year as autistic (aged 58!!) and that helped me realise why it was that some environments just felt wrong. Now it feels right. It would help if I had a means of heating the space but it leaks like a sieve so right now it is just a bit too cold but I am working on that as well. For now I am at the stage of thinking that if I need a chisel or a plane or a saw I have it immediately to hand. Some items need moving from a shelf to the worktop but I have space for that. My compound mitre saw lives under an old kitchen worktop when not in use. My benchtop jointer thicknesser lives on a shelving unit but can be moved to the bench in seconds. My routers and accessories are all together on another set of shelves. I have raided Screwfix and B&M for storage boxes for everything from screws and bolts to Allen keys and doorknobs. Through this I have learnt to distinguish between roadblocks I can remove and those I have to work around. And the final stage has been accepting that the only constant is change. Back to Adam Savage - the layout of a workshop is not a problem to be solved but a process to be managed. It isn't about what is right. It is about what is right for now. It has taken much longer than expected but the workshop is now a comfortable place on an emotional level. Physically it would help if it were at least 8⁰ C but that will come!

[@gazpal]

Well done, and here's to the future, Ben. Burnout can be torture, but one micro-habit I found absolutely necessary - as a self employed stonemason and semi-pro luthier - was developing the ability to delegate and entrusting - even if only a few - areas of work to others among your team. It helps you to remain organised and able to expand upon whatever you already have, while continually developing skill sets, at your own pace and in whichever direction they may take you. Regardless of where you need to be. Leave work at work, spend time with family, and enjoy being yourself.... crafting things in your spare time and once again ensuring work is fun...... aka treat work as a hobby. Hobbies are fun.

[@vincebuccheri6074]

Welcome back. Your not alone. Looking forward to your next project.

[@dinodimitriosmills3703]

Ben your are a great guy and creator of guitars and life . sorry to hear of your hard time with health stuff dude. I'm glad to see you back on here . good luck with the future of great things to come and ill be watching 🤘

[@brettcusack]

I feel like I've been going through a similar journey so thanks for sharing! I've also just read Atomic Habits too! :)

[@timc7345]

So good to have you back Bun 🎉

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you!! 😊

[@markinthemix6055]

Business can stress you out!!! I have watched your channel grow and your business blow up. The building, the classes, managing it all is stressful. I personally have experienced this in my life.

[@dirksw1220]

Really good to see you back and look forward to many more fascinating videos. From the black Les Paul.

[@docalex0]

Thanks Ben. I love what you do and look forward to my next course. I can relate to what you say. Great to see things on track .

[@stu_y]

I've not yet found the courage or time to build a guitar. But! I have bought a cheap one, stripped it down, replaced everything I could (pickguard, all electrics, bridge, tuners) and did a passable fret job on some worn frets thanks to your vids!

[@mikequenzer9100]

Welcome back!! your talk was inspiring!!

[@jrhalabamacustoms5673]

Wonderful to see you again! Beautiful description of the disorganized disaster my shop has become, gives me hope to start making something of it and hopefully get back the passion I have for creating. Now just to find the door.

[@madmick9205]

Truly glad for you. It's a difficulty journey. One we all struggle with I think. I do, so I got a lot from this. Thank you:)

[@handsofdoubt31]

This couldn't have come at a better time for me! I'm going through a lot of the same life changes as you. This has been so inspiring for me I cannot tell you. I have a feeling you'll be seeing me on one of your courses in the near future. Onwards and upwards!! Thanks Ben and good luck to you sir!

[@julianirving9868]

Ben, really pleased to see that you are back in your 'happy place'. Looking forward to watching you make some sawdust. Kind regards

[@MrDancingBishop]

I've always loved how efficient you are with your space. I find it debilitating I have a shed that's chaotic and I keep my expensive tools in the house, so inevitably ended up with almost two of everything and make so with the worse tools in the shed. I've identified I'm a prepper but almost feel frozen sometimes due to tiredness. I think the only way out is to sell and force one set of tools maybe?! Thanks for your generosity of time and knowledge bud! Your pretty awesome 🎉

[@ninosciorra6312]

Hey Ben i started learning How to build a guitar just following you and your channel ….your attitude became my dream…i way able to build 2 guitars even if with common mistakes….i Was plannning to come to your school to learn and just to meet you in person and thai you….so i’m very happy to see you back….come on master do it again!thanks

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

That is awesome! I'm so please you're building your own guitars, keep it up! 😁

[@borgonianevolution]

Good to see you making your way back to the world mate. This time of year is really hard for me to motivate to do anything. So many negative anniversaries of happenings for me. Simple thing like re arranging my living room so the sun is not on the TV all afternoon reflecting a big ball of glare. Takin me over two weeks just to empty the entertainment center to move it across the room and dust everything off to get it all put back. Between the pain I live with 24/7 and the depression that takes over I get a little of what beat you up as well. Keep at it sir we are ready for you to amaze us once again with things like the Complication and Shred that drew us all in.

[@DanLokar]

Glad to have you back full force, Ben! Really excited about that guitar kit series you mentioned ! 🎉

[@georgeezzell4474]

I’m glad to see you doing better.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

thank you :)

[@stevekeller4814]

I am not a guitar builder, I am a composer and saxophonist. (Although I do have a bass guitar which I am trying to learn…). Plus I repair my own instruments. So I love watching people build things. But I also love inspiration, and you provide that in spades. I do not have ADHD (I think) but do struggle with depression, so I tend to work in waves. Listening to you describe your struggles helps me in oh so many ways. Thank you, please take care of yourself, do what keeps you sane and happy and fulfilled. I will happily watch whatever of that you choose to share.

[@smmyers5956]

Looking good Ben. Love the tool cabinet.

[@jon.martian]

wow Ben that must be one sturdy wardrobe you have there, great to see you've got a direction of focus sorted. what holds me back is being semi-homeless with no real income to speak of and obviously fighting the depression caused by the situation, but somehow still getting a bit done on a couple of guitars where possible, kind of helps me focus, probably not what i should be focusing on but you know. looking forward to the next uploads.

[@X22GJP]

Lovely to see your video and hear about your journey, welcome back 😊 What I would do for a project is take a cheap kit, and set out to make a guitar that looks cheap/tacky/ugly to the point it becomes hard to not love its aesthetic, but, also build one that sounds incredible, defying its looks. Anybody can set out to make a good guitar. Time to flip the narrative!

[@ZenLizardTV]

Great kit guitar videos are my favorite, but I enjoy watching them all. I would never have built a guitar at all if not for this channel and your school, and I’m really ecstatic about what a quality guitar it turned out to be.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Rock on mate, and thank you! I LOVE being a bad influence :)

[@damianrf6309]

Good to see you looking trim and sounding like you’re in a good place, Ben. Can’t wait to see you back building! Could we also see how things are going at the school/museum? I used to really enjoy seeing the Crimson gang and what is on the students’ benches. Greetings to all at Crimson from sunny Brazil!

[@thorggernaut3081]

Thanks Ben you are sooo inspiring dude

[@mattomon1045]

Ben I love that you geting better

[@mickthebandit]

Rockin’ the beard Ben ❤

[@vwlouk2]

Great video; thank you for sharing.

[@jeremyanson8795]

Your creativity is inspirational and continues to take guitar building into interesting and exciting areas, and these insights into the creative process are just as important. Thanks for sharing them. I've been privileged to attend 3 courses at Crimson in the last year - inspired and encouraged by your videos - and agree that you have assembled a brilliant team. Skilled, knowledgeable and great teachers. You and your team at Crimson also make incredible guitars. I was lucky enough to win the awesome elm descendant masterbuild with the cold cast skull flowers. Just amazing! My journey into guitar building - starting with the belief that it was something I could do - is down to you. It feels like I'm joining a virtual family of Ben Crowe-inspired builders ... And hopefully encouraging others to give it a go too.

[@silverbushman]

Great work brother !!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I appreciate that!

[@lucemiserlohn]

I know exactly where you are right now Ben. Glad you made it to the other side unbroken and with a new sense of what your priorities should be. Let's hope I'll get there too, eventually. Is it just me or is every year progressively getting worse and worse? I don't wish for a lot, just a year where nothing ever happens and I can actually invest time to get myself on track again, with no external catastrophes eating up all my attention and time and preventing me from getting the most basic personal things done. That would be great!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

the external shit.. oh I feel this! I've lost nearly a full week of work this past month due to various of my kids being off sick, dr trips, ers etc etc and even silly things like a partners car breaking down can just fuck you for weeks :( what doesn't kill you... :)

[@jeffryallred2174]

Ben, I am a mental health professional in the US. You need to take time for yourself, and allow others on your team to take the lead on occasion

[@m.b.g.musicproduction9658]

Great to have you back, Ben!

[@ianthomson9363]

It's good to have the old Ben back! I'm looking forward to the cheapest kit guitar build and wondering what unusual features it'll have.

[@theupsidedownguitarist1476]

It hit home when you said change your environment to make you happy 😢 so may last year I went through a divorce and it's been so hard on my mental health and I've been in dark places. Before this I loved wood working I made my first guitar because of you, playing and writing music and recording videos for KZbin, Instagram etc I love photography and I was photographing weddings but it all stopped because my head and motivation just couldn't cope with it all. It's been almost 2 years and she has long gone and started a new life while I'm still living in the house we bought trying to sell it as fast as I can but proving difficult.... I hate being in this house, this environment just stops me from being creative, I know once I get out of here I will get back to my familiar self but yeah.. it's been such a tough time

[@jeffryallred2174]

I want to see "what;s on the bench" again. I learned so much as a guitar builder

[@RebelCoderX]

Good to hear you're doing well Ben! I went through some rough years myself.. Now trying to get started as freelance software developer / consultant. What you said got me to think a bit.. I also need to think about what's stopping me. I think for a large part it's fear of added pressure leading to another breakdown. But that's a mistake in thinking because it's predicting the future, and not a nice one at that.. It's taking the idea of success and turning that into something negative, while it's mostly positive. And because of what you said, I realised that I mostly got burned out after I realised all the things I still want to do. And writing down everything on a to-do list is not just offloading it from your head into the list so that you don't need to think about it any more.. It's actually making me think more about all the things I didn't do yet, and beating myself up mentally about it..

[@brendangilmore4297]

Bravo, Sir!

[@oldmanzen6682]

I think you would benefit greatly from a gamification system. I decided to give this a try last year, and it's been incredibly useful in getting projects done. I also use it for a variety of aspects of my life, which has made it better for keeping track of things, and not allowing jobs get out of hand. I've written 2.5 novel first drafts since November of last year, and am almost done the 1st draft for the last book in the trilogy. Then--according to that system--I move on to edits and rewrites. But in between, I get the reward from this system for having accomplished various steps along the way. Anyway, glad to hear that whatever system you're using, that it's working. Can't wait to see this next build. If you're looking for suggestions, I'd love to see you incorporated a print of some kind on the body (be it fabric or other). Take care, Ben!

[@Kevin-nr9lj]

Welcome back, Ben Thank you

[@alphabarbs]

HOORAY

[@electricladyguitarsdevonuk1414]

7yrs into delivering palliative care to my lovely wife of 7yrs. My time isn't mine. No two days the same - impossible to schedule activities and output. About 4 Guitars per year, 30% of target. KZbin channel on hold. Demand for my work is growing, creating more pressure. Spinning two plates on one stick proving problematic! Seeing new guitars in clients' hands/videos is very rewarding

[@bobirvine]

Good to hear the corner has been turned! Roadblocks? Dunno? Built 5 bitza guitars using various EBAY finds, seconds bodies and necks, etc, but retired in April this year (slightly early) thinking I would be joining my local mens shed, out on the bike, building guitars for family and friends, but have had no time due to a family member with dementia.... this takes more time than you would believe, and not just the time spend providing care and company, it is all the little things that build up, and the constant concern.... I have put off going to gigs, not had any type of holiday for around 5 years (and that was a long weekend away), cannot get started on projects, etc.... these things take time and I recognise in myself that whenever a resolution is in place, I will have to rebuild, refocus, and reach back out to all those that have had to take second place... never easy, but so glad that you have turned that corner and can see a way forwards.

[@MickT-by1qo]

I have a Strat kit ready to build. My idea was to cut it down to travel size, (slightly bigger than the puckguard). Only thing that scares me is the neck work it's gonna need. Anyway, awesome to have you back Ben. Keep healthy, stay amazing, keep building!

[@jefferywarburton2116]

One thought would be to make the wheel work before you try to reinvent it. A neck and bridge on Ben's wardrobe could function as a guitar if done properly.

[@jimneybob8847]

I hate crimson guitars. Damn you fine people for supplying excellent products and forever making my bank balance low. Keep up the good work and excellent advice/videos much love from the north east

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I'd apologise, but then I don't want to send mixed signals 😅 Thank you

[@vincentvandervaart8019]

Funny I've come to realise that all your video's have been informative, entertaining, funny sometimes being downright fabulous(building and teaching) and than realising you have adhd, I never watched a video from you that i thought " Well this guy is weird"😊

[@amesmilesoff4768]

Good to see you Ben, I'd love to build my own guitars, sadly a knackered spine stops me. I gain pleasure from watching you and others build them so I'll be watching, see you soon 👍

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

likewise! Why not work on kits? Or.. and this could be great fun even with a fucked back.. you could specialise in inlay work, setups.. etc. not everything needs to be built from scratch using heavy routers etc imo

[@amesmilesoff4768]

Good idea, you've got me thinking now 🤔​@@CrimsonCustomGuitars

[@davedavem]

Just yesterday I was talking to someone about how investigating how to do something is enough to make me think: (1) I can do it, and (2) I've done it. I watched a video called something like "how to make back the cost of a laser cutter in one Christmas gift season". I had to stop myself from buying a laser cutter, because if I did I'd check the box, saying I've bought that and it's paid for itself because I know how to do that from that video. I wouldn't use it, but I'd genuinely believe I could afford it because of that. And I'd get a huge dopamine rush from buying and owning it. Talking about that impulse (really because it made me laugh) genuinely helped me not waste a lot of money yesterday.

[@DuggyDugunder]

Thanks, dude! I felt like you were talking about me. Same diagnosis, spend all my time making guitars and I know I need to market and sell them, but keep rationalizing that it's not time yet because a spoke shaver is beckoning me on to some lovely curly maple or something. Delegate, leverage your skills, consider motivations. Thought I was clicking on some guitar stuff and ended up getting a lot more out of it than I thought.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

And this, right here, is why I put videos like this out! I hope I've managed to help in some small way, talking about all this in this way certainly helps me in many ways! Thank you for watching.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Come back in a few hours... I went off the rails a little bit and spent a few days pouring molten pewter into knot holes 😂 🔥

[@ryanthenormal]

You're why I build guitars. Roadblocks to business: funding and confidence. No, not confidence, more faith that I can make a business viable. Tele kit: I'd use the neck to build version 2 of the guitar in profile picture (semi hollow, Ovation-inspired sound holes), use an old family table wood body with something like cherry for the top, Bigsby, gold foils, chrome hardware, locking tuners, Tusq nut, Jazz bass plate, 1 volume, 1 tone, 3-way toggle. I'd "antiquify" the back and sides and do a transparent crimson to naked burst, poly finish. I'd also put right the mistakes in version 1 that weren't really mistakes, but things I'd change - make the top around the sound holes thinner (I was scared to go too far last time and I could have been braver), add a shallow belly carve and add a very subtle forearm carve.

[@artthoutimelapse7700]

Ben!! I’m at crimson now for 2 weeks on a course! Come down and see us hahahaha

[@billstolz9587]

Glad your back your

[@Mikey__R]

It's definitely interesting seeing the difference between your luthier's cupboard, and the Chris Schwarz anarchist toolchest. I know, different tools for modern luthierie vs traditional cabinetry, but I still think a person's tool collection reflects their mind. My tool collection is still in multiple boxes after the house move two years ago. I need to get my head straight, and my tool collection organised, probably at the same time.

[@eklypse69]

What's holding me back? My electrical training business is really taking off, which has me very busy. On top of that, I'm playing in two bands that are both doing really well.

[@antonylaas7155]

There definitely needs to be a follow up video to this. I struggle like hell to get started with a project. There is no reason for it that I can find, I just don't do it/start. once I have started however, I get into a zone and before you know it 5 hours have gone by and I have had an absolute ball. But getting started ???? that's the hard part.

[@davidf8749]

Absolutely. I have found that saying to yourself "I'll give myself the next 30 mins doing xyz" and maybe setting a timer (pomodoro) will mean that you feel you have enough time to start it and, usually, the momentum will keep you going for much longer.

[@gothridercreations]

Know the feeling Bun, I've been struggling to get my workshop sorted, I need to finish building my shed extention so I have space to build... I have 4 builds on the go and with my job I don't have enough time to dedicate to them... it almost gets depressing when you want to just build, but you know you have months of work before you can. And for your tele, I'd like to see you casting your own hardware... both the bridge and the switch plate 😊

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Knowing what needs to be done also means knowing just how much unrelenting work is between you and what you want to achieve.. it can be soul destroying! :( Casting the hardware.. you read my mind.. though I am also very tempted to planish out the bridge from flat stock... mmmmm

[@devyriffs]

Ben, I would highly recommend Essentialism by Greg McEeown. I believe the answer to a lot of problems people experience as creatives are solved by people in different domains. Running a successful business is a creative endeavour, maintaining a healthy relationship is a creative endeavour… the answer you seek may not rest in the hands of an artist… it may be in the place you least expect.