Ep 18 - SHE IS FINISHED! - Building a Guitar from 42,000 Year Old Wood

[@selsdon7073]

Brilliant to see you've finished the 42,000 episode build . . . Guitar looks fantastic

[@darthvinci4831]

I've been watching this journey with a lump of pride in my throat and chest (New Zealand viewer). You have created what the Maori would consider a Taonga (a particularly special treasure), made with great respect to the material and immeasurably added to with your skill and care. Ka pai Ben, great job!

[@TomLeg]

@@sollyharr curious echo :-)

[@JoeySchmidt74]

It was nice to see you with your boy, when I saw the missing ring a while back, I feared the worst. Stay strong my dude, you rock.

[@shayin007]

I'm really happy to see, Ben, that you're wearing the watches for which they were once developed....... As tool watches!!❤

[@sporadicamnesic]

Beautiful guitar! Nearly 5 years in the making (if you count how long it took to get the wood shipped over to the UK as well as the actual build) and it's an amazing instrument!

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

I'm convinced Ben gets as much joy out of finding a way to use as many different tools as possible as he does out of building guitars! 😂

[@BoojayDeeth]

Or Is a custom guitar manufacturer who also has a vintage tool retail business.

[@michaelwest3379]

He is unapologetically up front about his tool geekiness. Not quite a surprise lol

[@ryanriggs9963]

"I bought all the tools, I'm gonna use ALL the tools"

[@kiezersosay49]

Phil X said it best... "we're the new nerds!"

[@Bob-of-Zoid]

Yeah like using all the right tools in all the wrong places, and having to use tools where he shouldn't have to because he built himself into a hairy situation.

[@Araye]

wow! your son was just born when you started the fencepost guitar... look at him now! how time flies.

[@1LilDave]

That was amazing ... I was in hospital watching videos to pass the time and just like Rob Wood (name?) I too have been through cancer treatment so I hope he's doing okay. Nice of Ben to give him a call out. And I hope Ben gets to see that I too took comfort in watching some of his builds over the last few days. Perhaps his job is not just to be a creator, an artist, a builder, an entrepreneur but also to offer comfort to those who need distraction from whatever it is they are going through. I mean I may have fallen asleep several times through exhaustion and then struggled to find where I was up to. I wish my phone had a 'we think you fell asleep at this point in the video' feature. And to hear that just sitting in a timber room quietly is therapeutic to Ben - is very cool to hear. I find it very hard to be still but the cancer / chemo / kidney stones sure got me used to that. And I am Kiwi as well - was the client a Kiwi? You may have said and I may have been asleep when you said it. Also you asked in of the videos about what Crimson should focus on. And I think you should make a range of Crimson production models. An S type, a T type, and LP type, an SG type and a brutal humbucker and floyd rose pointy shred monster. They don't have to be new and fresh - they just have to be a Crimson model. And they don't have to be priced to compete with the relevant manufacturers. People will pay to own a Crimson guitar. Your guitars are more than the sum of the parts. I've rambled. Apologies.

[@Doug-Niven]

Absolute stunner. Your attention to the smallest of detail really makes this stand out. Would love to see your clients reaction when they pick it up for the first time.

[@ChuckinOhio]

The finish on this instrument is just amazing, Ben. Great work!

[@pvdguitars2951]

A sad feeling that this series is finished. But oh so thrilled by the end result. Perfection IMHO! Congratulations Ben, congratulations to the owner too. God bless!

[@jaythornhill]

What a journey this has been. Beautiful result! Congratulations to the lucky client.

[@BLBlackDragon]

That is beautiful. The smoked acrylic back plates are spot on. And, I have to say, your soldering skills are vastly improved. (I remember you complaining that you weren't terribly good at soldering. Well, now you are.)

[@matt6288joyce]

Feels the end of an era. Such a fantastic build to watch and marvel at, I’ll miss it

[@stuartrharder8057]

What a treasure you’ve created. Your insistence on perfecting every detail during the construction and finishing a guitar is the mark of a master craftsman. Admiration

[@Bob-of-Zoid]

No it's not the mark of a master craftsman! I'm a master craftsman, and also a luthier, and if you think before you build, and make a real plan, then you don't have to fix so many mistakes, and redo a bunch of stuff! I figured that out on my first build ever, and how long has he been at it? If I were to list everything he did that was out of order, not thought out well, a real bad way of doing a thing, bad design, wrong tool, a huge risk... in just this one video, I'd have to re-watch, pause at every one, type... because there are so many, and it would be a very long list! Add also explaining what I would do different and why, list better tools, and the right order he should have done things in, it would be a 6 page essay in 9pt print!

[@JayDizz92]

do not get rid of this guitar please keep it you deserve it all the work you put in looks amazing nicest guitar I have ever seen honestly

[@mikehoward587]

loved every episode of this build. Please know Ben, that whatever complications are occurring/have occurred for you, we, your online family are in your corner my friend. Please be safe and do take care of yourself.

[@therabbitcanada]

Ben, that guitar is a BEAUTY!!! Seriously amazeballs!!!

[@smmyers5956]

Congratulations BEN and Congratulations to your customer. That is one beautiful piece of functional Art.

[@grinman77]

Ben, I've been watching Crimson videos for years and only just realised that you are basically next door to me! 😂 I'm south of the Ridgeway. Anyway..... thanks to you all for the content, especially this series. Its been a joy to watch. This guitar is a true work of art. Sensational. Hope the owner has many years of joy from it.

[@Kweesh]

Amazing work as usual Ben. The guitar is a work of art 🙏

[@randysych6313]

Absolutely the most beautiful guitar I've seen in many years. Ben,you are one of the best luthiers I've watched build a guitar. Keep designing and building beautiful guitars, they are works of art. I can't wait for your next build.

[@MrGixxer1300r]

All I can say is WOW after watching you cut that toggle switch slot. You have some very schooled hands, and a mind that knows what tools to put in them for what job. This is the first video that I have seen from you in months even though I'm subscribed videos never come up on my feed.

[@normbarrows]

Drill bit stop collars - brilliant! Drilling to depth is something you do a LOT when building guitars. Much more precise than tape or sharpie on the bit. Kudos for continually sharpening the saw. Had to pause the video, jump on Amazon, and get some for myself.

[@svendiagraham]

One nice trick with removing a bolt on neck... Drip a little thin CA in the screw holes on the heel. Just enough to coat and soak into the threads and further solidify the threads to prevent the neck heel from stripping out.

[@coderebel3568]

This has been one of my favourite series, next to the complication and the buckeye burl guitar. They are all stunning pieces of art of course, but this one has to be in the top 3 of the most beautiful Ben has ever built. I'm inspired to build something similar... if I ever get done with my first guitar. 😅

[@edwardgriffin8092]

Last thing done that has bugged me through (almost) the entire length of the video. From around 1:14 I have been crying out, "Ben"... "Please clip the ends off the strings". 🎸🎉🎈🎊You did it. Now I will be able to sleep tonight🥇🏆

[@anthonydevito1298]

Imagine Ben being your dad... lucky kids!!! Cheers.

[@adriano1955]

Congratz Ben, this one is so gorgeous ! Well done 👏🏽

[@brettgl21]

Well done Ben. I had started on a written reprimand for the ground wire incident. Thank for correcting that. HA! Nice work! I love the smoked plastic.

[@connorangwin683]

I have followed this build from the beginning and it is one of a few projects that inspired me to buy some of your products even though ther are much less expensive here in the US or from Amazon. One note, When you were putting in the silver screws in the control plates, my immediate reaction was "why not black," you did it just thereafter. Cheers for an epic build!

[@timc7345]

Good job Ben, well worth taking the time and care! Hope all is well in your world, stay positive mate. Cheers from Tassie.

[@patriklindholm7576]

Thank You for letting me watch You work, sir.

[@dirksw1220]

Saw this hanging on the wall last week. Staggering piece of work.

[@PG-ex3kl]

Yes Ben, definition of cool! Thumbs up for the blue LED.

[@PG-ex3kl]

Love to know the price tag😂

[@darrylflynn1400]

Honestly this build has been the best build you’ve done on here absolutely stunning guitar

[@Nothing-zw3yd]

Beautiful work! I used your water based stains on a recent guitar build, and it turned out amazing.

[@shoetree]

oh Ben YOU are our favorite little tool!

[@HalbeEllgr]

Ben. I wish you nothing but the best both personally and professionally. Thank you for sharing your incredible builds with us all. Look forward to many many more. (Including a few more basses? 😊)

[@drumsNstuff79]

Look at that thing! Oooooh..Ben you've done it again! It looks incredible, and I know it will sound cool! (I own an American Acoustasonic Telecaster myself.) Another job well done!

[@billsguitargarage]

Fantastic! Just as you were screwing in the sliver screws on the back plates, I was like "Nope, those need to be black!"

[@mattfleming2287]

Thanks for all the inspiration. I’ve been watching you since you shed days and my god, have you been busy. Every build is different, every build you and I, by extension, learn something. Great job, Ben.

[@jasonrich6119]

It’s been great watching the progress of this instrument. I would love to see a piece with the owner - the customer who commissioned it - with his / her thoughts on the guitar and possibly the thought process of how they decided on the design. Not to mention thoughts on the KZbin series- was there ever any second thoughts or anxiety about the build.

[@JCFNor]

Congratulations to the new (extremely pasient) owner! It is a beautiful guitar!

[@andrewgent5887]

40K years BC to finished guitar! …that’s some journey and some guitar! 👍

[@jeffreyringenberger1690]

Holy cow she turned out beautiful. Absolutely awesome.

[@andytraverse]

Lost for words, beautiful. And why have I never thought of brass tube as a drilling depth stop!

[@TM-xh3ml]

Congratulations Ben, that is what I call Craftsmanship at its best! You brought a wonderful instrument to life! It took 42 thousand years, that the wood waited to be transformed by you! it has found its destiny! Love it, and love your passion! Greetings Tino

[@Jazzshots]

I am not a guitar builder but I tend to watch your video's whilst editing images in my small studio. I have followed this build all the way through and found it very satisfying to watch. Well done to you and your team and I look forward to seeing more in the future... Thank You...

[@herherje]

No doubt... My favourite moment is seeing the final result. A very special wood transformed in a unique and wonderful pìece of art. ¡¡Congratulations, Ben!!

[@borgonianevolution]

I loved every minute of this build. there were so many things to learn throughout the series working with such delicate wood. Few new techniques as well as how to make oopsies a feature. the guitar is stunning even if I am not a fan of that particular shape. The person who commissioned this is a very lucky person to have this instrument. Hopefully it sees the public eye at some point so we can all admire it even more!

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

I think it could use Black Tuners to match the black knobs and pickup, that would be the finishing touch! Credit where credit is due it turned out beautiful, more beautiful than I thought would be possible with that wood!

[@RDamps]

I agree, strap buttons too

[@bndncn]

I agree that it's a bit bittersweet to see this build done. RAD AS HELL guitar. So sick dude.

[@dandrews1]

Congratulations Ben! It looks amazing.........great job of pushing through all obstacles to complete this magnificent build.1

[@imacinsj]

You killed it man, that is one BEAUTIFUL guitar!

[@dominictramonte2687]

Very nice, Ben. Well done. I could run on, but that says everything I want to say.

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

Yep those back plates and neck plate are cool !

[@davidwellings2783]

Wonderful to finally see this beautiful guitar completed and also, may I say, to see the entertaining, informative and enlightening Mr Crowe, back where he should be - at his work bench making stunning instruments! Cheers Ben - SO worth the wait! 🥰🥰🍷🍷🎸🎸

[@chazstewart4865]

That was a beautifully scenic journey from start to finish. Great job, Ben...... NEXT!

[@oldmanzen6682]

Congrats Ben. It looks absolutely gorgeous. Funny enough, every time you put a silver screw in, I thought, "That would look a lot better with a black sc--oh, nevermind."

[@DaveDickens]

Phew done at last, on the edge of seat stuff! Great series, wonderful tip, thanks Ben! Cheers Dave

[@Ryan_F.]

It lives! Good job, Sam and Ben 😝

[@johnreynolds5594]

my word, what a journey. thank you and congratulations.

[@gothridercreations]

Great work Bun, love the smoked covers, great to see the electronics and not just hide them 😀

[@martintaylor1758]

Joy to watch, from beginning to end. The new owner must be well chuffed. Just to go off on a completely unrelated tangent - would love to see Crimson launch a range of production models of all the main guitar styles.

[@Killick79]

Great job, thanks for sharing the build with us Ben

[@Ferret_76]

Really pretty looking guitar - uncomplicated and elegant. Completely belies the enormous amount of effort put into it! Nicely done!

[@phillipjackson2877]

I think this has to be one of the most beautiful guitars I’ve ever seen

[@stevenlight6785]

Absolutely beautiful. Now will you please get back to that SG. I really want to see you finish it.

[@jusblazed1ful]

Absolutely stunning guitar. I'd even go so far as to say a masterpiece.

[@garyolley1833]

Thanks, an emotional journey to observe to a beautiful conclusion

[@ryanferris7841]

You nailed it Ben!! That’s a thing of beauty

[@madmick9205]

Not got a favorite learning point or process has such. The journey taught so much and all the various skills and tools were learning points. My favorite thing was the thinking process behind each part of the guitars journey. That was priceless learning for me. The patience and care taken are all things I think about whilst working on the guitars that I repair. Ben is often the sound track in my head when I'm thinking about how to approach my work. Especially when it comes to overcoming those things that you need to be able to adapt to. Every guitar will show you it's true spirit and it's nature. No two are the same. But has Ben shows, 'it's learning to listen to it' It's wood. You have to work with it, not against it. That is such an amazing guitar. It's too good for words to express. Great series for sure. Loved it. Thank you:)

[@ChrisWilliams-cb9kt]

Excellent series. The novel (to me at least) use of sooo much superglue was my favourite technique. 👍

[@koosb8162]

Very nicely finished. It will be satisfying to hear it to finish off the experience.

[@jamesh5460]

Definitely putting this build series into a play list to share. Very very cool.

[@brentmenefee5271]

Again,Ben well done...Congrats... She is a Beauty...

[@maggieirving]

Thank you, Ben. Simply wonderful x

[@2allbclear]

Its a beauty. Hope the finish does well with no pick guard.

[@ianthomson9363]

That is a beautiful guitar. I hope the client is pleased with it and has many happy hours playing it and just looking at it.

[@fungusv375]

What A Build! All episodes were my favourite, this been one hell of a journey. Ben, DON'T STOP BUILDING! #NotFightingInTheComments

[@jusblazed1ful]

"Long term project #2" haha Funniest thing I've heard in a while.

[@Jkopala1954]

You should begin a series with "Junior" starting his apprenticeship a d learning the craft.

[@harrisonandrew]

Astonishing! That is a career-defining build in my view. I can’t think of any of your builds that have been so challenging, so inventive and so beautiful. - and that is saying something. Congratulations.

[@scottbehl216]

Good choice on the gloss finish. It is Beautiful !!

[@latheofheaven1017]

Loved this build, Ben. The choice of wood seemed to me to be all wrong for a guitar build - apart from its beauty, and it seems you had to use all your considerable skills to make it work. But you did make it work. Congratulations! Adding the hardware really set off the wood perfectly. Whatever it's costing your client, is worth it. I hope he loves it as much as I do.

[@darrenlittle6636]

Ben, I;ve watched this build from start to finish, and really looked forward to watching the next episode. From Albamy, West Australia, congrats, it's almost a shame it's finished. A guitar I'd one day love to see in person. Stretch.

[@thenovello-pugh]

Amazing creation! What a wonderful thing to leave behind for future generations to play and appreciate! Bravo, Ben!

[@markjohnston2339]

Beautiful Build! Glad to see it in the light. Can't wait to hear it.

[@fepatton]

Congratulations! It looks amazing and those transparent cover plates are a fantastic touch. Cheers!

[@SweetTGuitars]

Listening to your breathing while you were marking out the controls was very entertaining😂 Part ADHD part nervous as a long tail cat in a room of rocking chairs😂 priceless!! Persistence and Longevity my friend!! ✌️🤍

[@johnhutton9105]

She’s a stunner ❤

[@mystro569]

A custom guitar case to go with that gorgeous guitar would be awesome

[@kiltymacbagpipe]

The Jazzmaster is the most beautiful body shape in my opinion and that wood and the quality of the work elevates to what I would describe as art.

[@greggmcneill7407]

What an amazing build! Congratulations! Watching your work on these projects is such a joy. Your videos are a constant companion in my studio while I work. Thanks for this series and for sharing your expertise and craftsmanship.

[@tonyhunt4250]

Welcome back! Wow what a journey with this build! Thank Ben and team always great editing. Brilliant!

[@peterschut63]

The acrylic is indeed fantastic (as an electronic engineer this can’t be beaten)

[@robinfawcett7973]

Absolutely brilliant Ben - loved the whole build. Wouldn't have minded hearing a bit more of it... maybe your client could do a little demo - they're going to love it !!

[@scottharter1161]

Man I just love watching these super custom builds. I'll watch every video.

[@PastelComGini]

Thanks for all your efforts, Ben.