Finally Finished! Hand Tool Only Travel Guitar LIVES!

[@MarcSiqueira]

"We shouldn't have to live inside a box... we shouldn't be forced to think the way everybody else thinks... to think the way that people expect us to... and trying to push myself, defines me". Ben Crowe Hot damm! What a intro Ben! What a lesson that quote is. Congrats on finishing the project! The guitar is gorgeous and also sounds wonderful! Through the process i kept thinking either Ben is too smart or i am too dumb or both cuz i cant see where he is going with it, that is, until i see the part done and get my mind blown, like Oh damm so that was it! 😂🤣

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you so much.

[@Birkguitars]

Someone once said to me "I like having you around because you make my ideas look sensible". Ben fulfils that role for me. Genius. Lunacy. Inspiration. Terror. Utter bewilderment. 🙌🙏👏

[@typerexc]

And magnificence. Don't leave out magnificence. Sensible may get the job done, but will never, won't ever make the heart sing.

[@Birkguitars]

@@typerexc Fair point. Definitely magnificence.

[@brucefaulkner30]

you have said all I was trying to put in words!

[@tebbsy]

BRAVO! She’s a beauty. Absolutely in awe of your patience, especially with all those incredibly fiddly and tiny elements

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you so much.. This one was a right challenge but I am incredibly happy with her. Thanks for watching!

[@MrDeanelwood]

Wilhelm scream - classy touch Ben ;)

[@typerexc]

Read this right before watching it, and ROTFLMAO when it happened. Sweet.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

All thanks go to my editor, Bear, for this jem.

[@typerexc]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars Thanks, Bear! Love the subtle touches like that.

[@rea59]

I'm a woodworker, not a luthier nor do I play an instrument. I found this channel due to the hand tool only build. After the very first video on this project, I subscribed to see it through. It has been an amazing journey. Your skills are to be commended. Well done Ben!

[@TheBigburcie]

There's lots of little tricks and ideas that he uses that can be translated to other areas of woodworking so it can definitely scratch the itch of someone who has never picked up a guitar and may not ever.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you very much for joining us on this journey.

[@patrickniedermeyer2112]

Cheers, mate. I'm two years out of a divorce myself, and I'm now truly enoying my new place in life. It is so refreshing to have that in the rear view mirror. Time has allowed appropriate perspective to form. Nice work on the guitar.

[@mattstackhouse6292]

Ben, you are looking remarkably well. Guitar is looking great, always been a great fan of your luthiery.

[@stevesorrell9835]

This was completely worth the wait! Thank you, Ben. What an awesome and inspiring journey.

[@bobbyjackson4452]

Thank you so much. I've been following this build from the start and am so glad to see it completed. I'm sorry to hear about your marriage issues; I hope things work out for the better.

[@dagz9539]

I believe a guitar tells a story, and this is the best example of such a huge personal journey in Ben's life. It's been an amazing story to be a part of, one of self learning, development, heartbreak and constant challenge. I find this whole guitar and build, truly inspiring. Congratulations on completion 🎉

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you so much

[@tonyhunt4250]

Ok my life is complete now. I absolutely love it. Congratulations on finishing it.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Wow, thank you!

[@bassplayer137]

"Projects that are not going to take this long" : yeah right ;) I'll see it when i believe it. I'll be here all the way no matter how long you take on your projects, I love seeing you work and hearing you talk, it's very soothing to me

[@Blast_HardCheese]

Can't wait for the next 38 video "one day" build

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

😂

[@chriscarmichael8579]

You could put all these videos together, make it 24 hours long, and then you have your 1 day build 😁 Great guitar as always, love your work Ben

[@nickjahraus9780]

Had several comments ready to put down before the finish and then I read the other comments first and lo and behold, I concur wholeheartedly. Bravo and kudos for another phenominal build.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you very much.

[@MrHornpipe]

Wow Ben. All the delayed gratification has been more than worthwhile. You have created a masterpiece! And I’m sure we all share your joy on the first playing! It’s been a delight from start to finish. Thanks for your perseverance above and beyond the call of duty. And watching you cleaning out those saddle grooves with a super sharp chisel sent shivers down my spine! Congratulations.. now play that thing!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thanks so much!

[@tasty-bean]

I saw a vintage woden 4 1/2 hand plane in a charity shop today, and as i was holding it, in that moment i think i saw the appeal of making a guitar with hand tools only. I really admire your work!

[@damianrf6309]

Congratulations, Ben! She’s a beauty. Your craftsmanship is astounding. I know how much it must mean to you to finally have finished after everything life has thrown at you, recently. I’m so happy to see you back on top. Greetings from Brazil!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you very much! And salutations from the UK

[@damianrf6309]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars Thanks! I miss Blighty. You’re not far from my old neck the woods, Bournemouth.

[@peterdelaforce662]

Ben I have thoroughly enjoyed these videos, from a fence post to a work of art. Can’t wait for the next one.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Awesome, thank you!

[@AutomailUser]

Bravo, Ben!

[@andrewj3372]

Watching this series has felt like watching you grow into this instrument. It has such a mellow tone and hand tool only embodies the patience it took to make it. Enjoy a wonderful guitar.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you so much.

[@typerexc]

I love the time that it takes to do something to your heart's content. There's more than one thing going on with this guitar, and if you slow down enough, you can hear it.

[@normbarrows2]

Creating something is often as much or even more fun that just owning something. I can't believe it's finally done. Feels good to cross something off your "to do" list, eh? It really does sound good - even on video.

[@psguardian]

Congrats on completion! I too enjoy 'making' far far more than seems natural... It's ok so long as the things built are still purposeful.

[@dominictramonte2687]

Congratulations, Ben. It's beautiful. I'm not a luthier, or even a guitarist, but I was surprised by the sound. The body seems to be too small to have such a voice. But have a voice it does. I could say much more; I've been watching this build from back when it was going to be a two or three day job. I cringed when you used the electric drill. But I'm not going to. You are you, and you know what you've done. Congrats.

[@GP-Music.]

Can't believe my eyes! What a long journey indeed!

[@davidtymon8258]

My favourite build video of yours so far! Excellent work and inspiring to watch. I also have a pair of those little parallel welders plier clamps. They're an invaluable little tool. I'd be lost without them.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you so much. And I agree, such an invaluable little tool.

[@martinbaker1609]

Ben, I have to say that it turned out looking fantastic, well worth the wait. Hats off to you.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you kindly.

[@barrychristian4050]

No strap buttons!!! That's another 3 videos of hand made mother of pearl strap buttons to look forward to 😂

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Oh no!

[@normbarrows2]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars Oh yes! The viewers demand it!

[@delta_OG916]

Oh yes. Looking forward to it.😂

[@Eeklex]

BRA-FREAKING-VO! The saddle fashioning is most inventive and was fun to watch. Woe, though, if one goes flying on a string break never to be found. - Paul

[@TunguskaGuitars]

This was cathartic and apparently I needed it. A wonderful ending. Thanks man, your utter joy in the builds are what keep me coming back. ❤

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you, sincerely.

[@JamesMears76]

It's finished, congratulations Ben 👏👏

[@chrisgifford3888]

I was waiting so long for this. It's brilliant! Such a lovely object to have. Well done Ben! 🎉

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you

[@garyrose5211]

Excellent build Ben. It's sounds like a mix of Baroque, Medieval and Small bodied acoustic guitar. I'm sure it will sound even better when all the woods have settled in.😀

[@jefferywarburton2116]

That Is a lovely fence post Ben Crow.

[@neilb9823]

The bridge looks like a model Thames Barrier! Lovely build Ben - now relax.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Many thanks!

[@stuartgrier5605]

Ben, what an instrument. You really are certifiable, but like all geniuses, you are a craftsman and insane. Brilliant.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you. I'll take that as a compliment 😅

[@charlespiper2439]

Darn you, Ben. You “guilted” me into getting back in my wood shop and work on my bass that has been sitting for years due to family and career. Amazing build, as always and thank you for figuratively booting me in the bum and creating sawdust and, possibly, a bass guitar😊

[@oldmanzen6682]

Spectacularly beautiful, Ben. Great work. And the delays have clearly been understandable. Glad we got to see this finished.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Me too, it's been worth it in the end.

[@oldmanzen6682]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars If anything, considering the whirlwind that has been your last year, I would guess it feels quite cathartic to finish the project. Good for you. Hope this guitar reminds you of your resilience and strength whenever you look at it, as well as the monumental support network you have online that got to be there with you throughout the build.

[@vanislescotty]

Congrats, it was worth the wait. A beautiful guitar. Way to persevere.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you kindly!

[@andrewedgecombe]

That was a journey! So satisfying the whole way, and doubly so the resultant instrument. Very glad that you stuck with it and allowed us to come on the journey

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for sticking around through the madness 🙏

[@anthonyb5279]

WOW that was masterful! Innovative! best work I have ever seen you do!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you very much 🙏

[@MrKittenmitts]

I feel so relieved re the tuning machines. I have been stressing for weeks about them. Also Yay!!!

[@koosb8162]

I am happy for you to have discovered this multi-facetted jewel in your fencepost. I hope it brings further joy.

[@Kwaker76]

Lovely. I hope that this guitar build can, at least in part, be a positive reminder from a part of your life that, I'm sure, must have been very difficult at times. All the best Ben and I very much look forward to seeing what your next project will be. Whatever it is, I can confidently predict that you will intend for it to be a videos series of 2 or 3 and will end being 10-12! But that won't matter and it'll be watching either way.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you

[@angelsongguitars9402]

Awesome build I've been anticipating this completion since the beginning. Sounds awesome.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you. It's great to finally hear the results

[@timcoombe7880]

Good to see this project finally put to bed. All that mother of pearl! You must be absolutely nacred! I’ll see myself out…

[@mathieufoley2339]

been following this build since day one. just... wow! amazing.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you

[@tomwalsh857]

Thanks for finishing This project I taught the day would never come. Great job

[@simonhopkins3867]

Musical art. ❤️ Stay strong stay safe and keep taking buddy.

[@mattomon1045]

Ben i knew you can you do it ! that's a fantic saddle and bridge !

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you

[@stu_y]

I enjoyed this journey very much. And it sounds beautiful! Amazing stuff, as always.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you

[@ericlopez9640]

Congratulations, brother. The end definitely justified the means. Can't wait to see what comes next for you and the channel.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

You and me both!

[@timothycormier3494]

Wow! Congratulations man! You finished it! What a long strange trip it has been!

[@BLBlackDragon]

YAY! IT'S DONE! It is gorgeous. It sounds amazing. You can check off another project. (LOL) I'm glad things are working out for you with the kids. I've been working from home for about six years now, and it's allowed me to be here for mine, when an office job would have made it almost impossible. I hope they are enjoying having time with dad. I also hope all this positivity has been helping your mood. You seem more up than you were earlier this year. Can't wait to see what you tackle next.

[@natokino]

She's so beautiful…! I love this project ! Thank you for this lovely guitar.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Glad you like it!

[@Mechetegames]

It is so cool to see this guitar finished. It is truly unique. There is not another instrument in the entire world like this one. Absolutely gorgeous. Well done, and thank you for finishing it. There was a point where I was worried we weren't ever going to see another video on this series. Bravo good sir. Bravo.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you

[@XanBos]

When this video popped up, I was ecstatic! This was the build I was hoping to see all the way through! I loved the dovetail detail for the bridge! Done with such finesse and precision, and it looks good too! I did see a problem with the tuners at the beginning of the video, they did look too fragile. You have been through a lot (I had the big D in my life as well, it’s not pretty) It’s understandable that some things would be on the back shelf. But I’m glad to see that things are working out for you. The sound of your traveling guitar is louder than I would have thought! And such a deep rich haunting tone as well! When you started with an old post, I really wondered how this guitar would sound. Well you proved that it can sound lovely with time and effort! Well done!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you

[@Ryan_F.]

What a beautiful guitar. Congrats on finishing the build and have fun playing it! Sounds nice from the short samples you shared

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you

[@sutorguitarsbytondewit6854]

I have'nt watched it yet, but will it be , can it be , is it really true , the last part for real. TIME TO WATCH

[@Splattle101]

Great to see another video on this build, and it's the final! Fantastic to see it finished, and sad. What a terrific journey.

[@tomszájer]

Ben, you are my hero!🤘 After spending so much time and work on this little guitar, you will come up with even more ideas to make the instrument even more special. Everyone else wants to put it together. In addition, it is very instructive that after a wrong step, there is still a plan B that can be used to save things. 👏

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you, sincerely. Thank goodness I didn't have to go to plan C 😅

[@marcusadams8067]

So glad that things are working out for you

[@ryanferris7841]

Never mind the guitar! You have some lovely pieces off furniture there 😮 great work

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thanks so much!

[@deanmakin5762]

I think it turned out absolutely Beautiful. What a great build and some really cool ideas.

[@nathanspeers9616]

Lovely series to follow and I have been inspired as has my daughter to build our own guitar and bass! Thanks!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you, and that is Awesome! All my best to you and your daughter.

[@stephencarey6114]

Absolutely stunning Ben. 👏

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you

[@DaveDickens]

Fantastic series Ben, I’m completely inspired to get on with my acoustic build. I love your approach to trying new techniques making new tools. Thank you so much! Cheers Dave

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

That's awesome Dave, all the best with your build and I hope you'll share it with us when you're finished 🙏

[@m.a.bushling]

Love it, Sir! It's absolutely brilliant.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you kindly!

[@ianthomson9363]

I love it! I enjoyed the whole process of reworking the saddles and they look great. As do the tuning key buttons now they're smaller. The sound is surprisingly good too. Overall, it's a beautiful instrument, definitely a silk purse from a sow's ear!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you 😁

[@3l84r70]

Mate, you had me at @0:57... really enjoyed this build.. also very happy for you that you are now are spending more time with your children. Cheers from the land down under.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thanks a ton!

[@tahoemike5828]

The things one sees, if one lives long enough! Congratulations, I bet that feels like a big weight off. Now; on-weird, up-weird, and ever & always for-weird. What a treat to have a Saturday morning video long enough to enjoy a cup of coffee over!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

So true!

[@DTGuitarTech]

Ben. Absolutely amazing. Watched this right from the start. Your attention to the finest detail is astonishing. I can’t think of another person who would make and install dovetailed saddles. Absolutely amazing! Loving your work. Keep it up. But prioritise yourself.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you 🙏

[@chrisinfidel]

Excellent craftsmanship. Well done from Yorkshire 👍

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Wow, thank you

[@maheshchander03]

Ben, you have some mad skills man. #envious

[@muttcrewmusic]

Very happy to see this build come to completion. Congrats and all the best.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you!

[@FossilFishy]

A thing of beauty and a joy to behold. Congrats. I’ve got a Backpaker and yours has a similar tonal quality (as best as I can tell over KZbin) but is much, much more resonant.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you

[@paulshouse524]

An epic build and a great guitar! You've inspired me to get an old Disston rip saw to resaw with, thanks. It's been cleaned, the handle repaired, sharpened and set ready to go.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

That's awesome!

[@robinfawcett7973]

Whoopee! It's Alive....

[@endze1613]

Sam came in for a cameo at the end!!! :D :D Stoked to see it finished! Ever since I saw the drawing I was in love. You made it a work of art in every respect, congratulations! :)

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you!

[@scottishgentlemen6038]

A beautiful instrument, with a lovely and distinctive voice. It's been quite a journey! Gotta say, I like the tuners better the way they ended up. I honestly think they suit the overall design more in their final form. Fantastic work. Thank you for taking us all along for the ride!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you, for coming on this ride with me 🙏

[@MrLinkDay]

It has such a deep and heavy tone, it is quite great. Beautiful yet again, Ben!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you

[@PrimalScream91]

What you're playing at 45:15 sounds a lot like the theme for Old Gods of Appalachia!

[@mrfatbobrider1969]

The tuning keys would look good flipped up the other way as in the mother of pearls two points facing the headstock , just a thought… Also sorry to hear about your situation with your marriage but hey being able to still have your children in your life is a blessing 💜also been down that road but all is good if everyone is happy 💜

[@MojoGuitarGuy]

Nice Wilhelm scream.

[@kennethluebberke8216]

Simply gorgeous work, Ben! I've been watching and waiting since the beginning, and I'm not left wanting!

[@hcolguitars]

Tuners were so beautiful!! Broke my heart... anyway! Your build, your thoughts! Sooo inspiring. Subscribed again ❤ Keep it up Ben.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Welcome back.. I loved the look of the tuners, as tuners.. But when see as a whole they were just too wide on the guitar.. Maybe I should remake so we for a 'normal' guitar?😈

[@hcolguitars]

@CrimsonCustomGuitars too big? Perhaps, yes, for this particular build. Not my opinion. Comfi. Elegant... "délicats". Usefull too! Sooooo well designed... 🥰 it is what it is

[@smmyers5956]

Nice ending Ben. Has decent sound for its size. If it was half again as deep i think it would be perfect. REALLY looking forward to your next build. Glad to see you looking so relaxed.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you 🙏

[@jellybingus416]

I don't really like the traveler guitars but this one looks great, thanks for finishing it up, it looks and sounds great!

[@rossstokes4822]

Shot Ben, great guitar!

[@STEVEN-STEELE]

That's a killer little axe. I love the fact that it's so portable, yet it's not just a utilitarian guitar like so many portable guitars are. This one has beauty as well. The design on the body looks subdued yet still draws the eye. fretboard, in particular, stands out. I admit I prefer the tuners cut off as you did. Your bridge is a working bit of art.Iv actually started on a bridge for the 3rd time. Not anything like yours, but it will make dialing in intonation easy yet remain made of natural materials. As much as it is easily taken along on trips. I'd rather make a hardshell case for it. I've never been a fan of gig bags other than used as dust protectors. But that guitar deserves more than a bit of foam filled polyester to protec. So iv no real use for gigbags. Unless they are total beaters, then again, a beater usually has begun to play wonderfully when some drunk tree falls onto it, leaning at the camp. A big shout out to your sound editor in using the Wilhelm Scream. It's very famous among sound editors in film . It's been used for over 70 years. It was even used in the original 1977 Star Wars when Luke shoots a Stormtrooper that then falls off a ledge. It was 1st used in 1956 in a movie called Distant Drums. When the last soldier in a line crossing a small pond is attacked by an Alligator. Unless one knows it. Iv no doubt anyone watching movies as a weekend or weekly form of relaxation. They hear it at the very least once a week. Once you hear it and then know. You can't unhear it. It becomes as recognizable as the start of well-known songs.I don't get to watch your videos as much as I'd like. I've been a huge fan of your work, sir. Iv built my own guitars. Mostly solid bodies, I enjoy the stain and painting the most. Prep is the most important part of that. Again, I'm a huge fan and so enjoy watching a master such as yourself, who isn't afraid to try things and let us see if they work or not. That takes guts. I look forward to your videos. I may send you a picture of the bridge I'm making. I think you will like it.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you very much.

[@wertawonka]

Sounds beautiful

[@stephenkeen6044]

I feel it needs some proper phosphor bronze acoustic strings to "warm up" the sound a little... Or it could just be the camera isn't picking up the bass frequencies well, but... Congratulations on completing the instrument, Ben! I concur, it is beautiful.

[@chandrastory5239]

🎉 Congrats on finishing! My husband built his first guitar in June based on this handtool-only build. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@ossirioth]

Great Wilhelm scream!

[@KAOTSOUKI]

Very smart and epic content 🙏

[@patrickkeenan6331]

Excellent work, Ben!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thanks

[@drej1714]

Looking more and more like Rob Halford every day. 😂 Been following this build since the beginning. Awesome to see it finally completed! Great job Ben.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you

[@steveeason2207]

Woohoo.. it's done!! Love it. I'm wanting to make a baroque inspired guitar at some point and there are some great little design bits that I may have to attempt. And YES...I too get much more of a buzz making guitars than owning the final product. This is why I have 15 guitars in the house 😂

[@moogoomoogoo5990]

For us from the United States, I feel the anticipation of this episode is on par to that of the final episode of Mash in 1983.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Oh wow! That's something to live up to, that episode nearly broke me 🥹

[@paulbecket7399]

me I've always wanted a lute backed, guitar necked (with a tipped back head like a lute), synthetic gut strung instrument but have neither the money nor skill to make my own so watching you do a hand built series of vids has been great ! keep up the good work !!

[@MrHornpipe]

Look out some videos about Oud making.. there are loads. What amazing skill!