Ep 16 Bridge the Gap | Hand Tool Only Acoustic Travel Guitar Build - Guitar from a 4x4 FENCE POST

[@ianb4801]

I was a teenager when this build started. Now I’m 68YO…

[@phatputer]

Not going to lie, had almost forgotten about this, but very happy to see it continued

[@jeffwilliams1255]

I had too

[@graham6229]

@@jeffwilliams1255 I wish I hadn't .Its aweful.

[@jeffwilliams1255]

@@graham6229 what do you mean?

[@unknownsong2318]

@@jeffwilliams1255 Awfully AWESOME!!!

[@Richard56er]

Watching Ben work with a chisel just shows the importance of keeping your tools in pristine condition. A well sharpened chisel makes the job look so much easier. Clearly a craftsman at work.

[@pedullastudio]

Part of me was dreading the thought of you having to remove that old masking tape. The other part of me knew it was deserved for making us wait so long! This series has to be one of my favourites (of the many favourites). Thanks Ben!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

So so deserved! I hang my head in shame! 😞 BTW. Your 'wood isn't supposed to do this' video has given me naughty thoughts! kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4uyimx6d72jqKs

[@DeeSeaAreEss]

Ben, please supply more links to other craftspeople- that bench is amazing. Like your guitars, wood working as an art form.

[@pedullastudio]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars haha I hope those naughty thoughts will make it to your next guitar build

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I wish I had more time to spend watching other people.. however, this is a great idea. Maybe I can add it to the Crimson newsletter or something? A weekly shout out to other makers or businesses who inspire me?

[@DominusFeles]

Soon there will be time for the next bass build and raffle! Yay!

[@gothridercreations]

In the next build series I'm looking forward to watching Bun cut down a tree with his favorite 2in chisel 😂

[@gothridercreations]

Any chance I can come visit Crimson HQ tomorrow (Monday 10th) Bun??? Just found out I'm in the area and would love to see the magic factory 😀

[@MerovingianBR]

This is Ben at his best! Focusing his immense creativity and skills at building guitars! Very happy with the building videos this past couple months!

[@graham6229]

What, chiseling ?

[@veguitars]

Ah Ben. Ull get at least three more vids on the hand tool build 😅 I don't mind. Am loving every second of it. Cheers for picking this one up again🎉 V!

[@baskingdragon]

I choked on my coffee when I saw that saw. I have one just like it (although actually straighter) in the shed that I only use for cutting down trees. As rubbish as the saw was though, I think that was one of the straightest cuts I ever saw you saw...seen you saw, saw you sawed? I think my brain just melted! Look, Ben, I just think it would have been nice to have seen you grab a vintage saw. I love to see you use 'ye olde' tools and I bet I'm not the only fool. Now back to listening to Black Country Communion.

[@woodman-mh2dl]

Mr. Crowe, I enjoy your videos. You asked for suggestions regarding things to do after your current projects come to their completion. I think it would be interesting to see the complete processing of a customer guitar order. From initial contact with the customer regarding their choice of instrument and options, through the build process to completion and delivery. It could be both informative and encouraging to potential customers. Just a thought. Carry on.

[@Melmac481]

🐿 This one will not hinder you to build another magnificant guitarr! I will hold him here for you and not let him get in youre creative way!

[@danielchristensen4780]

YES! I HAVE WAITED SO LONG FOR THIS VIDEO! SO CLOSE TO FINISHED! (Sorry for the caps, that is me yelling in joy at my computer screen)

[@ryanferris7841]

I for 1 I’m Happy to see this back!

[@JeffGillis-lv1rz]

Glad to see the return of luthiery.

[@loopinnerthe]

This makes war and peace seem like a little Sunday afternoon jotting. The best guitar build I have ever seen.

[@misinformationwithrandy]

I have been waiting (patiently) for this. It's been one of my favorites because it's not your electric variety of builds. Thanks for following through, Ben!

[@bramweinreder2346]

Using tools for creative purposes is what it's all about. Rather than planes I use rasps and files to level narrow edges. Then I wrap sanding paper around the back of a miter jig or something else that's square and straight, put it on the work bench, and rub the almost level edge against it to make it pretty straight and finished. Planes are great for large surfaces, but situations where I need to worry about grain direction etc this is my preferred method.

[@randymatheny8621]

This hand build, started me with the channel

[@chriszaferes5984]

Ben, we need more videos from you period! You need to do another 6, 9 or 12 hour builds again. You are the very BEST brother!

[@guitfidle]

Dude, that stuff cuts like butter! That angling vise is pretty handy there, wish I had one of those. Most of us regular viewers have gotten used to "one day builds" that take a long time.... just sayin' 😁

[@DurksBrothers]

Worth the wait! I make it over 18 months rather than a year!

[@RonnyUlfstein-pu6zh]

No stress😊all the best greetings to Ben

[@gregbrooks7850]

It just came to me in this episode, when you were making that beautiful curls more towards the very end when working on the ends of the bridge. Those chisel sounds with the softness of the wood making those very sexy curls, my word sir you had me concentrating pretty darn hard there. If you could somehow convince one of your fine fine workers like SOPHIA, yes She will do incredibly well. It’s an ASMR HAND TOOLS ONLY BUILDS WITH SOPHIA or SOPHIE, whatever she wants to title it is 100% kool with all of us, especially the guys. She’s already a very soft quiet, she’s always lovely, always has the most beautiful smile. Her personality lights up any room, which is obvious to a blind man. Sophia is very very very knowledgeable about the tools and especially on how to use them properly. What i’m trying to say Boys and Girls is that she’s what you call a PROFESSIONAL BADASS LUTHIER!!! she can sharpen a chisel or plane blade so sharp that she could cut certain things and the person wouldn’t even feel it. I should know, i remember back in the day i saw Soph in the back alleys of England or something ya know she didn’t shine shoes she sharpened blades. So one time, these goofballs started to Mess with Sweet Little Soph. The guys kept poking and prodding saying mean things, overall being a bunch of jerks. So, when Soph had enough of their tomfoolery she takes out her 24in. Chisel and sliced clear through all 3 guys upper and lower eyelashes. As soon as that happen, energy forces from with the 3 men started to crazy and spin around very very fast and in a matter of 2min. Those spinning forces she created on their insides with the chisel is now gravitational pulling themselves into themselves and will convert to nothingness. LESSON: Be nice to Soph and she will be an angel for you. LOL, we all love you Sophia, always follow your heart bc it will guide you towards your passion and then that will take you the rest of the way while your heart guides you through.

[@wiltshiredoug9959]

More like this please

[@41DegreesSouth]

+1

[@DaveDickens]

A year, it took me nearly three years to build my first guitar and we all know guitars just get better with age! Wonderful stuff Ben. Cheers Dave

[@JustDalyn]

It’s been so difficult to be patient, and not bug you in the comments to continue posting videos in this series. After watching your videos for a while, this project inspired me to create my first instrument. I thought my progress would be slow enough that I could follow along and use techniques shown throughout in my own build. I had to improvise and do my own research 😂. I am still so thankful for you and everything you do, and I look forward to seeing what you make next. Personally, I would love to see more acoustic/semi hollow body builds.

[@MrHornpipe]

I’ve been eagerly awaiting this and it didn’t disappoint! Can’t wait to hear what it sounds like! You’re such a tease!

[@psnaith1]

Good to have you back Ben!

[@codyjay5634]

one small step for man, one large leap for mankind

[@willwolfinger2770]

When you explained how the plane works to actually flatten out a piece, I was typing a question as to how it works, how you don’t just smooth out a curve or angle. Thanks for reading my mind, Ben. Do it again!

[@johnashton5907]

Dear Ben, you can put sound posts under the bridge like a violin, I have and it enhances the tone!

[@johnkelly6866]

Come on Mr Ben, finish this Please, I’m hooked and want to see it play.

[@sutorguitarsbytondewit6854]

finaly the first of a serie last video's of the hand tool only build 😜

[@davidhill5684]

Great to see this one back on the workbench! It's a classy piece of work, I could imagine being very nervous about screwing it up! Once again it's a joy to see chiselling going on! Can't wait for the next one

[@Jimbotube1980]

So glad to see this build progressing! But don’t worry about the “one day build” taking a year. If I can still binge watch every episode in 24hrs it counts as a one day build 😁😁

[@rickyt11010]

This started as a Christmas build it needs to end as one! Said it would be dine by Christmas, you never said which Christmas!

[@moogoomoogoo5990]

Woke up to see this. Nice way to enjoy a cup of coffee. Or 2 😎

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Morning!

[@timothycormier3494]

I’m just happy that I didn’t miss the end of this build. I kinda wrote it off as a miss. Turns out, you haven’t finished it yet. Very cool ben! Can’t wait to see the finished product. The others aswell. The SG mostly.

[@rauschguitars]

I'm very happy to see this one back on your bench! Looking forward to hearing it.

[@barbarapreddy616]

Glad to see this one back on the bench as well.

[@rrhett2119]

Watching you whittle that bridge reminded me of the joke of the wood turner who starts with a 100lbs log to make a swizzle stick! 😂 That said, I've been loving this series. It is just a joy to watch a craftsman using quality SHARP tools to make a thing of beauty.

[@mikehoward587]

The technical skill always amazes me, but I am always floored by the art. The technical aspects intimidate me to the point of being fearful, but I am so inspired by the art of guitar building that I very much want to learn. It is very much like sculpture to me...the ability to see what is in the wood and then the ability to shape it from that wood...how wonderful is that.

[@unknownsong2318]

Dude, absolutely love it so far! Super cool!

[@BigD4Real.]

It’s a miracle. I’ve been waiting for this build forever.

[@timhooten6119]

I have followed this build from the very beginning, and can't wait to hear the final result. -I would love to see another build, using the same plans, using as many power tools and jigs as possible this time. How long would it take, and would the sound be different? Please consider the idea.

[@tonyhunt4250]

Brilliant! can't wait for the ending! Let me know when you need my address to send it to.

[@Eeklex]

It never occurred to me until you mentioned the thinness of the top: even though it’s glued to the top instead of the bottom, I would think the bridge would have a significant stiffening effect.

[@robyndawnhannigan]

Ben, thank you for your insight into the actual process of making guitars, and for making it accessible. That, is a piece of wood, and a chisel, and all the other useful things that one just should have in a workshop. No powertools. A good vise and a plane and little else more complicated than that. Thanks for showing us how to trace from a master drawing and transfer to trace paper, then to pencil on wood, and finally carve. Something i noticed too was few timelapse videos. i really felt that if i rewatched this video and did it alongside you i could see myself doing it too.

[@adriano1955]

This ! Is what we want ❤

[@RAkers-tu1ey]

Great video. I have been looking forward to this. I am reminded of my old cabinet maker boss - "when you only have a hammer, everything is a nail - when you own every tool in creation, everything is an experiment". A lot of experiments here.

[@BLBlackDragon]

Looking good. Can't wait to hear it.

[@niclastname]

Yayyyy! This has been by far my favorite build to watch for a very long time. Glad it's back!

[@rickym29]

I've become a grandad since Ben started this. I wasn't even a dad when he started! Can we PLEASE finish this one?!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Made me 😆 thank you. I feel feel genuine guilt that this guitar isn't yet complete.. it is my first job for the new year. I swear on my deep-seated fear of deadlines!

[@barrychristian4050]

New crimson product.... Hand cut wedges!😁 Am very surprised that that ye old parchment paper didn't crack when it was unrolled 😁 On a serious note am very happy to see this video and look forward to the rest of the build

[@MrHornpipe]

Are you ever going to string this beauty up? We need completion! Please!!

[@jimmythejock4376]

Quality chiselling ❤

[@bobbyjackson4452]

I agree with @Richard56er. Ben is so confident with the chisel in situations where I would be unduly timid.

[@VAXHeadroom]

Ben: "I'll have no active builds" Us: "Time to start that Hurdy Gurdy!" :)

[@jakobskaaning7730]

Love your skills with a chisel and a plane. We wont mention your sawing skills

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I blame the tool, and we shall talk of this no more.. lol

[@ianthomson9363]

Good to see this one back. I hope there'll be some facets on the bridge to match the heel of the neck and the guitar's shape.

[@Splattle101]

So nice to see another episode on this guitar! I'd begun to think you'd abandoned it.

[@Kevin-nr9lj]

Finally we see the Hand Tool Only Build again :D Can't wait for the next episode

[@steveprice1595]

All those gloriously sharp tools, and Ben uses a saw that I wouldn’t use to slice bread 😂

[@Luthlan]

This is my favourite build. I'm savouring every moment. It's going to sound and look (already does) great! I'm sure.

[@andrearambaldi4618]

Finally, that is one of my favorite project, I very like hand tools works

[@christopherberthelet3977]

Ben acorn to Arabella on KZbin has a pattern makers vise on the wooden boat they built out of timber they milled from their property. Awesome tool.

[@ryanpettifer7371]

Looking forward to seeing this finished.

[@mattomon1045]

great bridge

[@kennethluebberke8216]

Masochist, fool?.....MASTER! Seriously, Ben, it's always a delight to watch you work! And BTW, you promised a shotgun build! I think that should be your next build.

[@jeremymcateer3977]

Thanks for bringing this one back. Love this build.

[@BoneheadGuitars]

Relaxingly fun to watch this one Ben.

[@davidqueree]

Fair play and hats off to you Ben. All your hard work, commitment, dedication, passion, skills and attention to detail is 100% We all have our favourite bands and musicians. As far as luthiers go. Your my No1. I almost cringed at my own comment there. But it had to be said. Thanks dude for all of this. 🤘🏻🤘🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@higheriam]

If this was a baby crib, the kid would have outgrown it by now.😮

[@Ramplcro]

Great. Happy you returned 😄. For hand ripping long stock a 600-700 mm frame saw (if cut from the edge to line is up to 20 cm wide) with japanese hardened teath rip saw blade works wonders.

[@Other_Wooden_Oddities]

Ugh buddy, you are the man but that top has quite the flex, good luck Sifu.

[@EnemyBikeCo]

I'm sooo looking forward to the final assembly and sound test video in 2026. 😊

[@trishgood5415]

A modern saw and plane😳😞 You never have the accuracy issues with your vintage tools😜😎🤣

[@hugocarvalheiro]

Love hand tool builds. Keep them coming!

[@ScottMcdonaldMusic]

I’d forgotten about this guitar, I was excited when you started selling the kits. I wanted but never got one. I do however like seeing that I’m not the only person that will start new projects before “not” completing old ones.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I have a problem, but I am thinking about working on that next.. 😅

[@angelsongguitars9402]

Looking great Ben. One thing I feel it needs some purple heart accents. Or maybe I've just developed an obsession due to my ggbo2023scratch build😊

[@Clayne151]

Dont know what to do next? 😅 Suggestion: Do a electric violin. There are very few videos about that out there, and those that are, are like 10 minutes ones without much detail. Inspirations: Look up wood violins for a flying v one. You can get petty wild with the design.

[@jefferywarburton2116]

Adding the bridge should, i would think help the deflection of the top, at least a bit.

[@timothyallen3161]

Dude come on get it done already. I love your show but you're killing me with this. Lol.

[@dominictramonte2687]

I have been waiting a very long time for this. I remember how excited I was when you said we'd have a hand tool only build and it was going to take only one day. I knew, of course, that wasn't going to happen. But I figured a week, or maybe a month. And I was horrified when you took up a powered hand drill to do... something, I forget what. "Nooooooo!" I said, along with just about everyone else who noticed it. But slips don't count, and you recovered. I remember when you decided to not make it a take-apart because of the joint you needed to make on the neck. That was a disappointment, but I survived. I thought it was... aaahhh... under strength. Not that I'm a luthier; but I am a carpenter of long experience and about half of a structural engineer (School of Hard Knocks.) Apparently you agreed; witness the long time with no work we were waiting for you to dare to string it. But hey! Now we're going along on it again. The bridge looks fantastic, and nothing used but a saw, chisel, plane and some sandpaper. Good job. And if it destroys itself, I'll be sad but not defeated. You'll just have to take it in stride and build another. Hopefully in less time this time. :-)

[@peterdelaforce662]

that chisel is sharper than my wife’s tongue lol, gutted I’ve had to wait so long for this episode, but we’ll worth it.

[@RonnyUlfstein-pu6zh]

Wondering when the next episode is coming 😊

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Ben has taken a break for a while - please be patient

[@S-T-E-V-E]

Ben that Bridge is ginormous! Why are you making it so big on such a small guitar? That other bridge is from a full size guitar, look at the bridge on a Martin Backpacker!

[@AlliePaints]

I zoned out of luthiery for two years and came back to see it's only just now getting finished 🤣😆🤣

[@AlliePaints]

i'm gonna have a nervous breakdown

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Probably go down in histroy as the longest build yet.

[@AlliePaints]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars lol it’s definitely one of my favorites. I want to do a bass like this but I’m waiting to see how loud yours is 🤣😂🤣

[@glarrymoreme]

Lovely stuff, so calming. A true magician

[@cheapskate8656]

Love this guitar. Bridge is looking good.

[@BBGuitars]

The mostly handtool build continues!! 😉No way!

[@jamescrisafulli2140]

Gorgeous build!!!

[@ravencroftguitars]

My favourite build of yours since Nebula 2. I may just have to do my own version (with power tools), just to see if I can. Beautiful stuff.

[@chadwilliams8583]

I've been waiting for this episode.Hey Ben what low angle Jack is that??

[@mrfatbobrider1969]

Funny Ben When you started plaining the bridge I thought 🤔 I wonder why he isn’t using his shooting board… and then 🎆

[@hugocarvalheiro]

It's been a month already! Come on! Chop, chop, chop!

[@alpeterson]

Kinda forgot about this one. Also I think this one is many videos for a few sparsely sprinkled interesting bits, I’m sure a tiny elaborate travel acoustic is interesting for a lot of folks but I’m not feeling it. The SG however, yeah. I’d also slap myself with a strop for another goofy time challenge video like the 9 hour build.

[@peachmelba1000]

So, see you all end of November, then? I'm kidding. I'm the king of the guitar building procrastinators. Ben is my 2nd in command haha

[@user-gd5zo8pr6l]

When will you finish this project, been waiting for 2 years😇

[@tomcartmill401]

You could put your plain into the vice and use it like that.🙂