Ep 13 - Always Another Way! Kauri Guitar Build | Building a Guitar from 42,000 Year Old Wood!

[@rossmckeown8675]

Ahhh sorry to hear about your family struggle man. I hope you're ok. Been watching this channel for years now and your enthusiasm and knowledge has inspired me for years. I hope you're doing ok man.

[@paulcraven9217]

Ben I started watching your channel after 27 years of what I thought was a happy marriage ended. I watched at first because your attitude to everything lifted me up. Then I started actually building guitars and fell in love with it. I’m now about to start building my dream guitar workshop. Life for me was pretty bleak at times but little by little it got better and you were genuinely part of making that happen. Stay strong and if you ever find yourself in New Zealand come visit, I’m sure I’ve got some scape Kauri lying around somewhere.

[@stephencarey6114]

I've already said this once before but it needs to be said again. Your channel and your personality actually saved my life. After struggling with mental health issues I wanted in no uncertain terms to end my suffering. Crimson guitars KZbin channel along with Andertons TV gave me something to look forward to every week. I came through it with you guys to keep me sane entertained and in a very real sense, alive. Thank you Ben and please don't let life get you down. We love you and appreciate you. We can't wait for your next videos to drop. Keep on doing what you do best.

[@markellis8604]

I'm sorry to hear you're going through it at the moment, sounds like you're doing the right things and taking time to evaluate. You have our support, take care of yourself Ben🤙🎸

[@aroebuck1]

Hearing Ben say, "Pippin. Walkies?" And all I could think of was, Wallace and Gromit, "Good morning Gromit. Time for walkies." And Ben, sorry to hear you are struggling. You aren't alone. Even though we don't know all the details, I'm sure there are lots of folks here going through something similar, and we can understand and empathize with you. We appreciate your work. You're a great teacher. Thanks for what you do.

[@stefano.salari]

So sorry to hear what you're struggling with, Ben! For what it could worth, I'd like to tell you that your incredible ability and enthusiasm is helping lots of people that shares your same passion. Hope you're doing well and keep going on, mate.

[@SweetTGuitars]

Hey Ben, I think this method is as good as any I've seen. I also wanted to say that I love this guitar, the fact that it is being made by you is just a cherry on top of a Banana Split brother. Looks like OG curly Redwood but creamier. Man, I've said this many times but after reading some of the comments here, I feel the need to say it again. You have guided me and given me personal help to become a better builder. You've provided me with tools to help make me a better builder. You have inspired me both as a guitar builder and as a human being but the single thing I think is most important that you have done for me is lead me to this well of knowledge and showed me how to drink from it. I am and will remain eternally in your debt my friend. Thank you for everything! Positivity and Longevity! Peace & Love!

[@robraaiii]

Hey Ben. It’s madness to remember that I started watching you to see how your daughter’s guitar turned out… To now where I tune in live twice a week to hang out with the dgd crew. I’ve not yet won but boy have I done my share to help the museum. Goodness 😅. I’m a sucker for a drawing every time. Been a hell of a ride bud, thank you. Rob Allen

[@davidwellings2783]

So good to have you back on my screens! It’s a really empty week not to have a ‘Ben session’, showing a build, a technique, a tool, a process…..! Look forward to the next! Keep cool Mr Crowe! 🥰🥰🍷🍷🎸🎸

[@Seakow]

Ben I ordered an uncut kit guitar about 2 years ago and have finally started building my first guitar after watching you for the past several years. You sir are not only a fantastic teacher, but a true artist. I wish you all the best during these difficult times. Just know that you have a community that is behind you 100%

[@SteenTV]

Take your time and do what you've gotta do. We'll be here. Take care of yourself.

[@nicolasayastuy]

If you are lately asking why you're getting less views or likes/comments is because youtube is not pushing your videos on the subscribed peoples feed. I had to come to your channel if i wanted to see your videos. I fixed this by activating the bell. But before, around mid 2022 your videos just popped up on my feed because i was subscribed, and it was no need for the bell. I don't want to miss your videos, they bring me peace and wisdom. Thanks for the content!

[@garethtravis1786]

@crimsoncustomguitars these "how to do the most unpleasant jobs effectively" type videos are really worth their weight in gold for 1st time builders and aspiring luthiers ❤❤

[@MangoOverload91]

So glad to see this being worked on again but also so sorry to hear about your struggles. I've had a rather tough year, myself. Please remember that things get better with time, even when it seems impossible.

[@dandrews1]

Hey man...always enjoy your work, your vids, etc. I know how much personal battles can affect everything in life, so my defense against those things is to rely on my faith and just know that I will be praying for your victory over those issues. Peace to you, my viral friend...

[@playingeetar247]

Just want to add a note of encouragement! I look forward to your videos every week and enjoy them very much. Lots of good work, info and encouragement. Good luck with what you’re going through and chin up, mate!

[@Mrdirect1951]

Hi Ben Just want to say that as an avid dabbler in guitar builds Your hosted ones are the videos I look forward to most Sounds like a not good time in life Thoughts are with you mate

[@jaythornhill]

Took me a while to realise what you were talking about, but then I saw the ring was missing. Stay strong, Ben. And focus on the important things. Family first.

[@ikestoddard2458]

Stay strong! You are appreciated! Whatever you film is interesting!

[@kennethluebberke8216]

Bless your path, Ben. I truly value the content you produce, and it has helped me in my own personal struggles. To sit, relax, and think about things other than the crap that's been going on in my life has been a blessing for me!

[@timothy4664]

Good on you keeping an open outlook during changes. Div sucks even in the best of circumstances. Peace man.

[@soulrebelno1]

Nice one Ben, I thought you were going to come up with some super-duper, all-in-one, bespoke, specialist tool, but no-it was the old sharp chisel trick and some filing! I've got three necks to do, so your tips will come in very helpful, cheers, more power to your elbow. 💪

[@danielwotton5961]

Ben good to see you are still with us. The search parties were beginning to form.

[@scottmartinezguitarandbass]

When I started the video I was like, what the hell's the big deal, but by the time I got to the end, I was surprised at how completely satisfying it was to see that lacquer come off, and how much better the frets look without it!!! It's TOTALLY worth it. Shame on Fender for not doing it. Hang in there my friend. Change is never easy, but sometimes - it is ESSENTIAL. The process is scary and not many have the courage to do what needs to be done. Life is too short not to take the chance.

[@Kevin-nr9lj]

Sorry to hear about your personal issues :( Take care of yourself. We are with you, Ben..

[@christopherberthelet3977]

I love the carves on shotguns used on instruments. There were brothers in Dallas that carved intricate 3d designs in there instruments can't remember their name locally recognized. I love carving in softer woods been a hobby for decades.

[@normbarrows]

Useful information. I like lacquered fingerboards - they always look freshly oiled, and it avoids a lot of masking and "scraping binding". Cleaning up the frets is the downside. If we had a clearcoat as tough as fretwire, we wouldn't have to scrape frets - you could just leave it on. I've always assumed lacquer would wear out with heavy playing, but never tested it.

[@flat1in3]

Love you, Ben. And good luck. My left hand's a bit lighter these days too. It's not fantastic, but we're all here for you!

[@teotti8019]

Everytime i watch one of your video i'll always leave a like before watching it because i know that it will be interesting and informative its really amazing how obvious is your love for woodworking and guitar making, thanks for your effort in doing these videos!

[@BogsDollocksMusic]

Hey man, sending you all of the loves ❤

[@warrenbates8170]

Sorry to hear of the family struggles ben ❤ stay strong buddy. Loving this build by the way. We're all here for you .

[@Rokkbom]

So sorry to hear that you parted from your Mrs. 😥 Hope you're ok, under the circumstances. The neck looks beautiful. 👌

[@mattomon1045]

Ben you are a teacher ! Teachers Talk You are explaining you're method!

[@themaninthesuitcase]

Sorry to hear you’ve been having a rough time. I can empathise at the moment and I hope there is light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve been watching for years, since the shed, and have always enjoyed your content and have failed to both start and finish multiple builds now. You’re content is something I look forward to and despite the massive growth has retained the “Ben” that is what drew me to the channel on the first place, something sadly rare on KZbin. I hope to cross paths with you at some point be that at a show or when I eventually come for the course I’ve been promising my self for a long time.

[@LisaHarsh]

I’m sorry Ben. That’s a lot to go through. I’m glad your puppy is there for you and you are keeping your head up.

[@rockpilerising]

If you achieve the desired result then it was 'the perfect tool' - for me that's often sandpaper wrapped around some random scrap of wood. As for the ring finger - hope everyone is ok and best wishes.

[@cx1uk]

Sorry to hear about the background to your recent slower pace. Totally understandable. Hope you and the family can get through this as amicably as possible. Your kids will thank you for it (I’m in a split family and thankfully everyone involved gets in like a house on fire (not literally!😂)) so it is possible. Hugs.

[@thenerktwins]

I must have missed it, did he say he's split with his wife?

[@bramweinreder2346]

I hope you're well! I love watching you experiment with new techniques, I hope that's not what put you in an existential crisis!

[@micah_noel]

Amazingly, this is relevant to my interests. My custom fretting technique for my instruments uses round jewelry wire, which wraps around the fingerboard (with no fret slots) and is then attached underneath, with space between the neck and fretboard. I used to tie the ends together in knots, which provided enough tension to keep the frets snug in place. But I’ve recently started tucked the ends into grooves for a much cleaner appearance. This doesn’t give me quite enough tension to keep them from wiggling around and I figured that if I lacquer the top side then it will add some extra glue to keep them snug. I haven’t tested it yet but I figured a lighter polish would make for a smooth transition between the wire and the wood. Hell, considering I’m using viola strings I may even benefit from not having direct contact with the metal frets. The strings will wear down the lacquer anyway. Just maybe not so cleanly.

[@garethsnaim8174]

Hey Ben, my families thoughts for you and yours, stay strong, relax and breath.

[@steveeason2207]

One thing that I have done to avoid this issue is to use thin strips of Teflon sheet, the same thickness as the fret slots. I put it in the slots before lacquering the fretboard. The lacquer doesn't stick to the Teflon so it's easy to take out of the slots, you can then if need be flatten and polish the fretboard before putting the frets in. As for 'Life' Ben, sometimes it needs a massive shake up to be interesting again. I hope that whatever shake up is happening in your life sorts itself out and trust me, life does sort itself out in the strangest ways.

[@thejunkerer]

So sorry to hear the struggles you're going through. Best wishes.

[@billsguitargarage]

So looking forward to seeing this guitar completed. Just amazing work on the entire process!.

[@duanehill4911]

Keep building, Ben. You're the best and the most helpful!

[@SmartAlec77]

Love your videos Ben!!! As a watchmaker by trade it’s part of my job to make/modify tools, sometimes just for one job that might never be repeated! My first thought was a watchmaker’s graver would remove that lacquer but as you say the risk of tear out was too much for this one!!! Look forward to more of your fascinating content!!!!!!!!

[@martintaylor1758]

Brilliant. Your attention to detail is inspiring. Thanks for the vids.

[@realitystudioscustomshop]

Hope things get back to being copasetic for you soon Ben

[@digitaIgorilla]

My nan used to say "God never gives you more than you can cope with". I'm not religious myself but the sentiment is still there. Whatever pressures you are living with, take a breath every now and again, be kind to yourself and you will endure.

[@angusmackay7281]

I mask the freeboard and remove the laquer from the frets with steel wool and finish it with a fret rubber. It works perfectly.

[@barbarapreddy616]

Take care, Ben. Hang in there.

[@richardbacon8701]

Sorry to hear the news Ben. As they say here in NZ, kia kaha! Stay strong! You have been and will always be my mentor. Throughout the vid, I've been saying, what about your making knife?

[@MaxSxB]

I'm shocked, I own an American Deluxe Jazz since 2012 and I never noticed it but THEY DIDN'T REMOVE THE LACQUER ON THE FRETS. The bass is 11 years old now, of course it starts chipping on the frets. Luckily my fretboard is still intact. I may give your method a go and clean this mess up before lacquer starts stripping on the fretboard. Thanks a lot Ben !

[@AndrewKellyLuthier]

One of my favorite tools for precision slicing is a kiridashi, a single bevel Japanese carving knife with a hollow ground flat side.

[@guitarboomer88]

I usually spray before leveling and crowning. Then, In the process of leveling,crowning, and polishing, bring the finish off the fret as I go. But I’m no professional. Best wishes and prayers with the familial situations you are facing.

[@donyoan]

You're absolutely insane! Chapeau!

[@PhantomOfTheMall]

Dean Zelinsky Guitars have been putting a “checkering” on the back of their necks, called the “Z-Glide”, for a little while now. I’m not sure what you have in mind when you mentioned using some checkering on guitar in the future, but the Z-Glide is the first thing that came to mind.

[@pgmaillot]

I have three DbZ guitars and two of them have that checkered neck... Supposedly faster/easier to play. But honestly I never played "fast enough" to see the difference 🙂. It is more comfortable to play if/when the weather is humid/sticky though!

[@PhantomOfTheMall]

@@pgmaillot Completely understandable. I'm not a fast player either, so I'm not sure what benefit I'd get from such a feature! Other than what you mentioned. I mean, if you're touring musician and playing alot of gigs where you sweat your ass off...I suppose it would be perfect. I would to have a DBZ Barchetta, they kind with the big medallion on the headstock. There was no checkering, but the neck had a deep V and was pretty fast. I totally wish I didn't trade that guitar!! 🥺

[@michaelbelman1064]

​@@pgmaillot The pattern is supposed to reduce the amount of contact your hand has with the back of the neck, thereby decreasing friction as temperatures and sweat levels increase as you put it.

[@garethtravis1786]

@therealbencrow strength and positive thoughts to your family ... your health and kids come first

[@martinjacksonsounds]

All the love bro ❤️ you are awesome...such an inspiration.

[@shanethackeray1988]

That “ checkering “ is on the Dean Zilensky guitar necks ( T style models )

[@GabaranRickshaw]

stay strong, we are here

[@MrLinkDay]

13:10 even though the focus is not the greatest to see in detail, it's a pretty beautiful shot

[@danceswithaardvarks3284]

That was very useful and timely thanks. I'm making some pendants using some burl scraps cut into cabachons, at the moment, and facing the same problem with removing the finish from the bezel without scratching the cabachon edges. I was thinking about trying some 3M bristle brushes, but will try something like you are doing here.

[@adammono1839]

I love that file so much! I totally use it on wood, nuts, whatever. Such a great tool! I agree with the benefits of single bevel blades. I've wanted to make or modify a file or chisel for something to make a single bevel knife for ages. Could be a useful tool? Big hugs to ben at this time, hope he's coping OK ❤

[@greenatom]

It's the hardest thing. It WILL get better.

[@fungusv375]

you ok ? as you've dropped a lot of weight, if intended er well done! i not made a guitar as yet as well got the other jobs going on, but tool with the different uses. This is for weeding patios the crack and bits in the middle etc buy a lino knife and just sharpen with file . i work as a gardener and at the mo very busy got about 4 years out of the 1 i have will think about getting new one for the weed. But i will find another use for the old one. i hope you and yours are well etc. and nice to see you chilled . Also no dig gardening is the way forward omg it pays off even in flower beds .

[@LeeBurton-t9d]

I learned how to laquer a board before fretting from that guy in Norway.. kostamo? Badass luthier. It changed the game for me with regards to laquered boards!

[@garethtravis1786]

Am i the only one who thinks a Crimson Guitars patented fret crown lacquer removal tool would be ace ?😊👌

[@PastelComGini]

Wow man, that's a lot of work to solve problems that you wouldn't have with a raw dark wood fretboard. I'll remember that if I try to build a guitar some day. It looks great, tho..

[@mattomon1045]

looks good Ben

[@humblegeorge]

I used a very sharply ground small hard wood block that broke the film off the top and never harmed the fret at all.Now the sides and ends I used my finger nail.Only did one Guitar so Im no Luthier by any means.But my neck plays just fine.

[@TheBorderRyker]

Best wishes, man. We’re not going anywhere. Peace. 🙏🏻

[@stu-j]

Join the club Ben and didn't think my life was going to change so close to being 50 ( 3 weeks time actually) its not easy but it does get better! I sent a email about the 70s Japanese flying V id like to donate to the museum..... im hoping to travel down tothe museum after my birthday and ill dring it with me and i can tell youits cool story.... baby steps mate!

[@danmarshall3089]

heres one tool i have found indespensable that I mad it is a feeler gauge with small teath for cutting nut slots you can cut any size of slot by stacking together the different gauges and the cost compared to traditional nut files you should make a fancy feelar gauge nut slotting tool with fine teeth one side and more teath aggressive teath

[@liamdavis4818]

Just a thought, why not mask the frets off. Using tape that watch restorers use when lapping and polishing watch cases?

[@MrAZed209]

I just had a thunk (past tense of think)... What if you used a strip of masking tape between the frets, but not against the frets, so that the chisel can sit on it. Essentially it gives the chisel a more downward cut on the fret side and the other side of the chisel blade is "lifted" away from the fretboard thus protecting it from scoring and removes the need for sanding and polishing. How does that sound????

[@glarrymoreme]

Great vid, hope your holding up!

[@adamdutton9922]

Look after yourself Ben!

[@clinthughes6121]

Hey Ben. I hope you’re doing well.

[@alexcorona]

The way I do it is tape up the fretboard them use steel wool to remove the finish. I use minwax poly which comes off super easily, honestly a little too easily. When I'm leveling the frets I don't polish them on purpose so then I can do it with the steel wool during this step.

[@nnthsttrls]

C is the shape you need. If you build it, yadda yadda.

[@monsarad888]

Remove lacquer from maple neck frets just by using my crowning files. Never had any problems with that so far.

[@bassvibasics479]

Are you going to be able to remove the scratch on the 8th fret??

[@alexdarknation9703]

Sorry to hear that your life is at a difficult crossroads, I hope it's for the best Silly question bout this step of the build : why not lacquer the fretboard, and then cutting fret slots? Would it ruin the finish?

[@Furtheronmusic]

Why does it look to me as though the lustre of the finish on the fretboard seems to dramatically change between frets 10 & 11?

[@jaydenstramel562]

Saw a guitar once that had a neck that was checkered like that. The company claimed it was the fastest neck you could play cause there was less material your fretting hand was touching

[@peachmelba1000]

Correct me if I'm wrong but if you had to refret a lacquered fretboard guitar, the next to penultimate part of the entire process would be hammering or pressing in the frets, with the original lacquer _in situ._ So on a new build where you desire a lacquered fretboard, why not simply accept that the fret slots will require a quick re-cut, and then install the frets? Additionally, since we take care to cut our fret wire to nearly the finished width for each respective fret position, why not use the time involved in removed sprayed on lacquer from the frets in the service of perfecting the frets before they even go on the neck? It'll take time, but the prospect of damaging the lacquer is greatly reduced, imo. Sorry about your troubles, Ben. Going through some struggles of my own rn. It'll all feel light again. We love you.

[@scottmartinezguitarandbass]

This is a good point. I'd love to hear the answer.

[@waynebake1123]

It would be a unique challenge to keep the fret slots free of lacquer.

[@peachmelba1000]

@@waynebake1123 I personally wouldn't bother trying to keep lacquer out of the fret slots. In fact, I imagine the accumulation of lacquer in the slots would be minimal, provided the thickness of finish on the fretboard was kept to between .25mm and .3mm. Any more would be excessive imo. Anything, even Teflon dam strips, that would go into the slots would either a) form a meniscus along its margins, and/or b) could cause chipping upon removal. I imagine that with open slots, after the lacquer has fully cured, you could relieve the slot edges with a small, fine cut triangular file, and then using a fret saw, simply clean up the extant slots.

[@davidglynnguitars8119]

Very interesting and informative.I do have one question, it looks like the fretboard finish turns dull from about the 10th fret going up the neck(12th fret and beyond). is this a finish issue or has the neck not been fully buffed and polished?

[@jimmypenrose1401]

2:06 Ooh; interesting old bone saw. I wonder if that's US Civil war or WWI vintage. They didn't really even try to save the limbs back in those days; too much gangrene.

[@rosettenzerrer]

I have a Solar guitar, which was reduced from 1400€ to 1250€c because the laquer chipped from the fret ends and the fret board. Not on every fret, but on some. Great guitar, great deal, but looks nasty...maybe a touch up with nailpolish will suffice...?

[@DanLokar]

I read a lot of comments talking about Ben struggling with some personal stuff, but I honestly don't see where he is referencing to this in the video or description?

[@DanLokar]

Either way, I just want to say that I've been watching this channel for years now and it really sparked the interest and then later passion for guitar building! So I really appreciate all the time you have put into this channel and into your company Ben. It really really made a difference in my life and helped me reconnect with my father a ton. Thank you! I hope you can find your way through dark times soon and get well!

[@koosb8162]

Like a young weta shedding its old skin. Nice to hear you have been advised of the pronunciation for kauri too. The next thing that needs to change is my luck in DGD! ✌

[@ChristianSurieux]

Hi, Is it normal that the dot in 3rd fret seems to be not aligned with the others ?

[@maggieirving]

Hugs x

[@PurpleKangaroo4]

genuinely curious why its worse to do the lacquer and then the frets? this just seems like a whole lot of extra work that could have been avoided, but again, idk what the reason is.

[@andreweberhard3873]

Didn’t you get given a nice single bevel marking knife that might do? Pretty sure you can get single bevel scalpel blades too.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I did! But that is at my home workshop. Crossed my mind. Though for the dusty end I would need a much smaller one.

[@AndrewSmith-pc8eq]

This one seemed like an uphill boulder roll, from the start.

[@tahoemike5828]

Well, that explains some things. Sorry to hear.

[@vincentvandervaart8019]

I still can't believe a guitar made to sell for a few thousand pounds has slipped through qc

[@mrnikau1]

QC is not QA

[@pocketchange3543]

I build furniture and use alot of lacquer (for obvious reasons) But I secretly, really hate lacquer.

[@shrimuyopa8117]

I am sorry about the divorce. I don't know the details and I don't want to know the details. However I know it's common for people who own multiple businesses (like myself) to have extremely limited time. I have often heard that the correct way to spell love is "T.I.M.E." And unfortunately we only have so much of it. So we can either give it to our businesses or our family. Taking at a minimum of three hours a week for a date night makes a big difference with the wife. For my kids, I try to involve them in the business as much as I can. That way I get to spend time with them. Anyways, I really enjoyed the video!