Guitar Repair - Replacing a Bridge

[@forfilmmusic]

More than another video of a guitar fixing a guitar. Rather a graduate course inrepair. Complete bridge fabrication, clear instructions, and simple demo to show how it sounds. Love it

[@FC-cz6zd]

One of the main reason we tune in is you're a gifted communicator. It's fun to listen to someone who knows what they're doing and able to communicate it effectively.

[@danielweinbaum]

I find it funny that you find it funny that we like to watch you perform magic ! I am almost 55 and I have been playing the guitar since I was 11. I have had several guitars and amps that had I known how to repair them I would still have them. Most players just play and don't even think about repairing their equipment ! I have seen so many videos of people making and fixing guitars on youtube... yours stick out big time ! When I see the work that you do and how you figure things out it just me blows away. Your video production should be commended as well...your format is appreciated. You repair the instrument and you play it at the end and don't bore us with music that you may have made over the years ! Just awesome !!! I can't stop watching !!!

[@zipperpillow]

Crisper, brighter, louder with far better sustain. You transformed that thing. No more string buzz, better action and it probably stays in tune for a change. Well done, lad.

[@mightyluv]

I really enjoy watching your vids; they are so full of great tips and technical information, but also the necessary useful wisdom that is often left out of the conversation on other repair videos. You’re an inspiration to this guitar butcher, thanks for all you do.

[@lorenzoparedes2306]

And here I am, three years later. Your lesson is as valid as the day you created it. I am intrigued by the range of guitars Harmony made. I live near Chicago, and I even wonder where the factory was located. You did wonderful work on that guitar, and you did "wake it up". The before and after segments make that very clear. Also, the information on string angle break is very useful, especially because I am working on regluing the bridge on an Art & Lutherie Folk Wild Cherry model that I just fished out of Ebay. The guitar has had bridge/saddle work done before, and the break angle on the treble strings leaves much to be desired. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and your experience. No substitute for the latter where craftsmanship is involved.

[@brushstroke3733]

Thanks much to you, I have begun working on my own guitars. I learn so much from watching you work, but I think in general people just love your mastery, expertise, and attention to detail, and your ability to explain why you have chosen to do whatever you are doing the way you've chosen to do it. Thank you.

[@TommySG1]

Your patience is a rare gift, so many people including myself would start prying harder pulling that bridge off and of course ruin the face of the guitar.

[@chrisfitzmaurice7484]

He's right. There's something strangely satisfying about watching how this is done.

[@iamerighi]

Oh God, this channel is so satisfying. Man you make me feel comfortable when I put my hands on the guitar. Thank you so much for sharing your incredible knowledge!

[@mccypr]

This kind of channel is kind of like “This Old House” for guitar lovers. Thanks!

[@julole]

this video is so interesting to watch even though I don't need any repairs to my guitar, No waste of words. Not presenting himself for a couple of minutes. straight to the point. Simplicity of words and showing great expertise. And of course I liked the ending. Great job

[@hullinstruments]

Man oh man the old h162’s and 165’s Have got to be one of my all-time favorites. Started buying them 15 years ago when I was in high school, because they were cheap… Usually under $100, sound amazing for the price, and I always love the look of them. If I had to guess… I’ve had 30 or more. A lot of my learning and “firsts” on the H165’s… First neck reset, first re-brace, first re- top, re-back, and a huge amount of other “firsts“!!! they are always worth the time and love it costs… And are the guitars that inspired me to build so many all mahogany OOO style guitars. Love your channel… I don’t do “walk-Ins” or common repairs anymore, and try my best to give my loyal customers the majority of my time… Restoring important pieces and things that interest me. I don’t think about it much but whenever I watch your channel I miss this type of repair work. You’re a great craftsman and your patience is wonderful! I got so sick of a lot of the work, because it took me away from building. But watching your channel brings back a lot of memories… And I’m so thankful I had the chance to build my skills and patience doing repair work and making a living.

[@bobfera5625]

I really enjoyed this. Thanks. I was not having a great morning you helped me find some Zen.

[@arnoldzilban8274]

New strings on an instrument is like unsettled wine...but it is without question or objection that you had masterfully spruced up this instrument, giving it a well deserved rejuvenation.

[@randelcross]

Nicely done!! The spike in viewership is because you are the "real deal". Keep up the good work! It's ok, you don't have to be a Luthier/entertainer... ignore trolls...

[@harpethguitar]

It’s great to watch a guitar repair and have it demonstrated before and after by a great guitarist like Ted Woodford!

[@IamtheActionman]

So therapeutic to watch. Learning so much at the same time

[@mushroomsamba82]

I'm part of that recent influx. I started watching guitar repair channels a number of years ago when I wanted to learn how to set up and maintain my own guitars. Stuff like this would be out of my league, but I still enjoy watching because I find it relaxing.

[@kevinbrooks4083]

Excellent work. You make it look so easy. I just picked up a Harmony Commander Archtop that the seller called a "wall-hanger". I'm turning it into a player, and with your videos, you will help make it happen. Thanks

[@masonr9399]

Wow I'm doing the same conversion on a Holiday branded H165. This video couldn't have shown up at a better time. Love your work, Cheers.

[@alwaysmidnight3698]

It was nice to meet you yesterday my friend. And I can attest to the quality of your work as I actually played this guitar last night and it sounded and felt fantastic. I feel a lot more confident in looking at vintage guitars now that I know where I can bring them to be rehabilitated.

[@alext8828]

Using tung oil as a resist. Never stops thinking. Good man.

[@tonyefc8423]

Really excellent short film. Enjoyable, informative and rather addictive. Thank you.

[@paulbouchard9521]

You do an amazing job of explaining what we're looking at I a really engaging and concise way. Excellent videos.

[@MrTommy4000]

break angles are called down bearing on pianos. the high treble always has more down bearing than the rest of the instrument. down bearing is a balance of dynamics and sustain. the greater the angle the louder it plays, up to a point when too much destroys the tonal projection. just like a guitar, the strings are thicker in the bass changing about every 5 notes getting thinner as you go up the scale. the thin ones are also much shorter in length. they really need the boost to sound even with rest of the notes. you taught me plenty about guitars today , thank-You

[@robertrosenfield405]

I needed that. The new strings are more ringing. Worth flattening the top too. Great job. Continue to march.

[@roadshowautosports]

Wow! Much fuller sounds after you sprinkled your magic dust on this guitar!!! Awesome!!! I wish you could make a very detailed video on acoustic saddle making! There are videos out there but your kind of detail and dedication set you apart! Great work!

[@chistake7585]

As someone who's tired of his acoustic being damn near impossible to play because the bridge and saddle are set too high, you've given me a lot of ideas. Really appreciate the expertise.

[@mauricedibert2635]

These videos remind me of Bob Ross videos of him painting. Relaxing

[@Hillcapper1]

Exactly! What a great analogy....

[@justinspivey8728]

I thought the same! It's like the most relaxing educational experience I've ever had! I LOVE this channel!

[@TheQakman]

Nailed it. Lol

[@antoniopaloumusic3914]

Me too

[@scottdenney6475]

lol, I had a similar thought, only they remind of watching the new yankee workshop

[@MarshallGTV]

I found it TREMENDOUSLY fascinating watching you work on the bracing for that Hensel. I have really enjoyed watching your chiseling and other wood working. I don’t do it myself, maybe someday I’ll build a guit but not anytime soon. Keep up the great work!

[@Vice3200]

I literally ordered a replacement bridge for my Harmony like 30 min before this video came out. Great timing!

[@Incandescentiron]

Wow, "wake up" that guitar indeed. Sounds great, I hope your client was impressed.

[@Azazagoth]

Thanks so much bro. You make a very important element of an acoustic guitar sound wonderful. My guitar has such a great tone now. Again…..all my thanks!!!

[@larryadams1873]

Awesome video! Very interesting and informative. I used to repair guitars years ago and it’s always cool to see how other people approach repairs. Keep the vids coming!

[@viridian_meridian]

Found your channel recently and binge-watched everything... Cellist, not a guitarist, but I want to learn someday, and I still find your videos really interesting. Nice to see someone put so much effort into their craft. Cheers!

[@joebowers3060]

Great videos! One after another. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and skill.

[@sonam6873]

It’s indeed really fun to watch your videos. I have a curiosity for the inner workings of a musical instrument and love watching repair videos. It’s relaxing too. 😌

[@uptownphotography]

Very well detailed video and nice work.. I was actually looking for an acoustic bridge replacement with the string pegs to get an idea what is under the bridge, but found your video very interesting and well made, so I stopped by to watch. Now I need to find a video with a bridge removal with string pegs so i can see what under the bridge (where the pegs are located) as I want to cut some string bridge slots for a better break angle and it would be helpful to see what I am cutting into before I start this project. Thanks and very nice work you do. Phil

[@nate4472]

New subscriber here! You really opened that old guitar up and made it sing, exceptional work. If there was one request I would have it would be a video on how to properly fit bridge pins.

[@twoodfrd]

Thanks, good suggestion. I'll keep it in mind.

[@SwagmanMcGee]

Great channel my dude. Very informative and a joy to see the finished product of all your repairs. Attempting a bridge reset right now with your inspiration - hopefully it comes out half as good as this one!

[@arnienonymous4458]

The improvement in sound was very noticeable. As always, excellent work!

[@lemuelsim]

Don't really like long tutorial videos but this was therapeutic to watch! Love it.

[@cjw1397]

I’ve recently discovered your channel and I just wanted to say that your videos are very informative and fun to watch. I’m trying to learn guitar repair and your videos help a lot so thank you!

[@earlelfrink]

Got a guitar exactly like that. been hanging on my shop wall for 20 years. I been contemplating changing it to an X braced martin pattern for a long, long time. but now I'm inspired to just modify it like you did here. it sounded pretty good I think. Beginning to think the latter to X brace conversion might not be worth the effort. Thanks for the videos.

[@redrock1963]

Earl Elfrink - This link - kzbin.info/www/bejne/epKUg4qQqauYbac - is a link of two Harmony H-162's (same as the H-165's except they have a Spruce top instead of a Mahogany top) that have been mod'ed - They are now X-braced with pin bridges etc. They sound beautiful. You may change your mind about yours being X-braced.

[@D00MLOORD]

Found you recently when I decided to look up if my Gibson SG Special with a broken headstock would be repairable. I wasn't disappointed. I'm currently looking up my region if there's anyone able to do that, but that's a different story entirerly. Really impressed by your work, and it's so satisfying to watch someone who's really good at what they do.

[@jrpipik]

I have a 70s era Harmony that I haven't played in ages. I always liked that pull-through style bridge, but one day I was strumming away and the whole thing popped off. A repair guy I knew glued it back on and I never had trouble with it again. Maybe not ideal for sound, but so much easier than bridge pins!

[@mixxxxer48]

Cead Mile Failte mean to the emerald Isle you should have your own TV show. My whole family watches your work and you have great skills and a very calming narritive. Love it.

[@izzy4el]

I know that's a tremendous amount of work you have to put in for each instrument, but you have to be having a blast. Love your videos!

[@ravingcyclist624]

Awesome video! It's great to see such care and attention to detail.

[@Sungodv]

Watching a job so well done is very satisfying...Canada has one helluva luthier!

[@backspin6698]

I think it's relaxing, to watch and listening to. It is wood, skilled hands. And I learn something new. I like to set up my guitars myself, and this is a nice way to learn new things. I also find great pleasure to watch Uncle Doug, D-lab and the Guitologist. Damn, there is some sexy filter capacitors and tubes out there.

[@johnm3946]

I got nervous when you routed the bridge saddle. Thanks for giving new life to old guitars.

[@ChiefStressman]

Great job & nice detailed workmanship. You got that old woolly sounding guitar back to life with a sweet crisp resonant tone, better than new!

[@bobbysixkiller7920]

thanks a lot for all the sharing... trust me it´s not not always usual to share all your trade secrets and it´s such a help for me as a guitar repair guy. i´m so glad that internet world is still not spoiled with all the anxiety that others would "steel" your know how. I´ve been actually fired for beeing too much curious about how things in the guitar factory are done:-( I hope that my generation won´t be so paranoid and finally will understand that sharing knowledge is great for all of us. Good luck to your life and work

[@abelincoln95]

Dude! To see you save a guitar. (Busted headstocks that look like kindling!) Are truly ASMR moments..

[@andrewwalsh531]

thanks, nice video.... I am right in the middle of doing the same thing to my Harmony H165....same era, same guitar. In looking for bridge gluing tips, your video showed up & I was quite surprised & delighted to see its content. Very instructive & I will use your tip to glue that support piece in for the underside bridge plate. So it was well worth the time it took to watch the video. Again, thank you!

[@oiudatropen9548]

Thanks for another great repair video. As always, excellent commentary, very nicely paced. A real pleasure to watch.you do such beautiful work with pretty bacic tools. Ialways learn something watching your videos.Thank you!

[@matthewbartolone7036]

Fine work and you walk us through the important steps, thanks for taking the time

[@hendrikappelgryn4667]

I like how you do the repairs, it's logical and makes sense how it's done, i recently had to do a bridge repair on a drednaught shape box as the bridge was lifting from the base due to way the bridge was originally glued to the body. It was glued directly on the fininished paint and not the raw wood but i shouls see by tomorrow if the repair took strongly

[@philipsanders7694]

The reason people enjoy watching your everyday work is that you don't talk down to your audience, that goes a long way

[@josephpedroza632]

You do great work. I am learning a lot from your videos. The Harmony sounded so much better

[@peterbryan3081]

I know it's partly the new strings, but has that guitar ever come alive! Really nice job.

[@orsummerton]

Damn that sounded so bright and crisp!

[@JorgeWeerts]

Very nice job. Congratulations. Thank you for share.

[@mitzioden4926]

It has a warmer sound, and louder volume. Good job!

[@tooManywaystoFall]

Sounds warmer and nice work! Appreciate your dedication to the craft...

[@fredmcg9442]

You sir are a true craftsman! Love to watch your videos, thank you!

[@avgrphx]

Attempting my first repair on my mid 2000's Alvarez acoustic/electric. String tension has pulled the bridge up and bellied the soundboard behind it significantly. In removing the bridge with some heat it has pulled up a small amount of the wood in some spots where the glue wasn't fully softened. How can I address that missing wood before attaching the bridge?...its basically the depth of the grain of the soundboard if you understand what I'm trying to say. Adam Savage turned me on to your channel, and I love it! I have always attempted my own repairs but now I'm armed with KNOWLEDGE. :)

[@flynlulus]

Killer gtr. Thanks for giving it another 50 years@

[@davespears2241]

Just love to see anything fixed great work

[@fenderstratguy]

The "After" tone sounded good. It had the warm tones I'd very much expect from a mahogany top, but also a surprisingly bright response from the treble strings.

[@joesimon2018]

New strings

[@fenderstratguy]

Joe Simon Yeah but mahogany tops can be really warm

[@darrenkerton9837]

Man you are good! Cheers for the knowledge 🎶

[@robn71]

Really good to see a craftsman at work

[@gabrieldauz3533]

Wow i can really hear it being louder and brighter. Cool!

[@dannytriplett8625]

Love watching your videos. My wife sews and she has this mini iron that might be useful to heat a small area. They are available on Amazon. Keep the videos coming..

[@mikemarshall5162]

I've been lucky to get to bring my guitars to a luthier/tech named Mike Weems in South Carolina. He's a real nice guy too, and I usually waste a few minutes of his time talking to him and he's shows me interesting stuff he's doing and tries to answer my questions about stuff if I have them. But I can't hang out there. I love hanging out here! Thanks!

[@mattildahubbardo]

the new bridge gives the whole guitar a nice fresh look.

[@richardjohnson9702]

BIG difference!!! Outstanding work!!!

[@BrenTravisMusician]

We love to watch your day job. It's a great way to wind down and watch skills we wish we had. Would love to see you route a bass bridge on a through neck or shim on a bolt-on to lower action.

[@edwardlopata7309]

Very Helpful video. Here is a photo of a classical guitar of mine, solid spruce top, that I am curious how you would tackle. In particular is there a relatively inexpensive clamping solution.

[@pietbliksem]

Great stuff! Definitely more clarity and detail in the sound.

[@rentaspoon219]

First time here since just started playing guitar but god that after shot sounded good!

[@9jmorrison]

can heat the pallet knife too, it helps with fret boards too.

[@GuitarNTabs]

Amazing, twoodfrd! Thanks for making this video, I enjoyed the full length! Excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail! 😊 You talked about video requests, so I might have one, or two... It would be nice to see a dedicated video on making a bone nut, and all that involves! The same would apply for a video about making a bone saddle! That would be really great, if you can find the time and project! Thanks again Best regards and good day! Cheers.

[@like2view]

You've convinced me ... much too complicated to do this myself and the cheap guitar I have is just not worth it despite the reasonable action. Excellent video balanced in presentation! Wishing you continued success! The after test ..to my ears .. seemed to have an improved bass response..definitive and louder. Hard to tell on the treble side ..ie the new strings or improved volume here too!!

[@MrStorm029029]

This is helping me refurb my 60s Framus acoustic. Thanks much!

[@jtarman70]

Whether its the strings, the work you did to it or both, it sounds a whole lot better now

[@tiki_trash]

WOW! I used to have one just like that. It had cracks in the top and sides that I repaired and it sounded much better after the repairs but in the end I wound up selling it.

[@erickericksen7085]

Very Nice ! I have a 60's Stella / Harmony which was my 1st Guitar back in the 70's. I am putting a new solid Spruce Top, Bridge, Tuners, & will be X braced 1 " below sound hole. Hoping this will be a Good Blues Guitar. 24 1/4" Scale on mine, 12 Frets to Body.

[@jerryhubbard4461]

That old cigar box sounds pretty good. Nice work.

[@Arnd2it]

Very nicely done! I don't know if you did this and just didn't show it, but I recommend you run an exacto blade around the bridge before you remove it to keep the finish from chipping.

[@pallecla]

And you don't think he - as a trained luthier/tech - knows all the tricks on how to remove a bridge...

[@Arnd2it]

I didn't see it in the video, did you? I've lived long enough to know that people who make assumptions are usually wrong.

[@pallecla]

It is not a step-by-step how-to video. If you are assuming it is, then you are wrong (you have lived long enough to know that..). It is a short video showing some of the work involved in replacing a bridge.

[@Arnd2it]

Thank you for the explanation. I wasn't aware you were the producer/director of the video. Perhaps next time you should request your name appear in the credits...

[@pallecla]

LOL

[@lloydfranks1357]

It sounds a lot fuller an louder great work!

[@antagonizerr]

It's a lot brighter now. Great conversion.

[@antoniopaloumusic3914]

I enjoy you knowledge, technics, discourse and jokes, jejeje nice channel man 👍

[@danielweinbaum]

WOW !!! Much richer sound ! Fantastic !

[@SIRONEDRAGON]

great job and thanks for the before and after section.

[@wacokid2532]

i'm a crude guitarist who tries to fix his guitars but has no luthier knowledge. Bot am emboldened to try to get better with your excellent tutorials ! to borrow from history "first, do no harm"

[@thomasbarker7735]

I could watch your videos all day amazing work again a real Pro would love to see more work on Electric guitars as well please

[@lorencing]

Great video, thanks. Maybe you could help me with this problem ... I made a diy wooden clamp that goes over the bridge, is curved on the bottom to fit the bridge top and connects, trough the string peg holes, with the lower (inside of guitar body - under the bridge) part of the clamp via 4 threaded (4mm) rods that are tightened with 4 wing nuts ... and there is one hole on each side of the upper clap for the rod that pushes the wings of the bridge down with the help of small pieces of wood. So ... I have removed everything except for the lower part of the clamp which is now glued to the top from the inside and does not want to come off. Tried really hard to kinda snap it away, with no success. Drilled all 12 holes all the way trough the bottom (I used a metal drill bit for the four holes that had metal inserts for the rods, there is still a thin metal cylinder left inside of the lower clamp - could present a problem if I wanted to use a hole reamer to try to slowly remove wood in hope of the glue to let go) of the lower part of the clamp wood and it still does not budge, not for a 1/1000 of an inch or millimetre. Would you maybe know how does one go about a thing like that? How can I "know" where the thing is glued or how much, when there is no way to see? Is that possible or should I leave the part glued and try to slowly widen the holes so that the pegs fit normally and just leave it inside? ... ... ... this really bummed me out.