Guitar Repair: Tokai gets a Set Up

[@jespyker1]

"Figure out the way that works for you and stick with it, and tell everyone it's the right way." (10:46) You, sir, are a genius.

[@vsmicer]

When stringing Bigsbys, I use a rubber eraser....really good, never slips, grips nicely, leaves no marks. A Stabilo/Faber Castell one seems to be right - perfect size, leaves no dry residue.

[@f1s2hg3]

I enjoy this show more than all other luthier shows because you are organized and focused and you prioritize and explain things other host are not able to do so keep up the excellent Royal Canadian job.

[@stevenkarnisky411]

The assessment is well worth the time spent watching! Your thoughtful approach is helping me maintain and improve my guitars!

[@ThelBosch]

“The Tokei is back to being Tokay” joke made me snort. I don’t do that often. You caught me off guard there. Well done on the joke and the setup. I love yr electric videos!

[@skiziskin]

Tokei is actually pronounced Tokay.

[@ThelBosch]

skiziskin okay

[@billbuttlicker647]

@@ThelBosch tokay

[@mermaidelina]

For the record, I LOVE that you have mostly acoustic repair on your channel! You're brilliant at what you do!

[@MikeyMack303]

I love the little rant about Ronsonol, especially the part about "That's the one that Jimi used"!!! Absolutely classic!!!

[@carmineredd1198]

i used to steal the big cans and squirt them at my older brother then light him afire. good times

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

Jimi was indeed a druggie... no disputing that... its what killed him. I never thought about him as specifically 'an abuser' of white women... He seemed to me to be an equal opportunity kind of guy..it just happened a lot of white chicks were attracted to the fame and drugs associated with him. They engaged in the same self abuse with chemical substances as he. Druggies attract druggies.

[@patrickfitzgerald2861]

@@jenniferwhitewolf3784 Correct. It should also be mentioned that many of them were underage girls - not so unusual at the time.

[@avd-wd9581]

@Resist WeMuch Racist much?

[@bryanbentley5448]

Since I have an absotively horrible memory, I have developed a mnemonic device to help remember which way to move the saddle to set intonation. I use the harmonic/fretted approach and this helps me keep it straight in the ol' noggin: If the FRETTED note is FLAT, move the saddle FORWARD (toward the nut). I hope this helps someone down the road.

[@jts3339]

Watching you work on an electric is a treat, but every guitar problem is unique to the instrument, so every episode is a Master Class.

[@escarabajo833]

He´s a geniuos craftman but daaaaaanm i love the metric system...

[@cameronwhite9959]

My Canadian brother in law worked with a guy who used both imperial and metric “give me a one metre three inch plank”

[@68able2]

i like 64ths so much tho

[@qua7771]

You use metric for guitar work? The measurements never work out as easily for me unless the guitar was designed around that system.

[@gcarson19]

Thumbs up for the 64ths rant alone! I love bipartisan viewpoints that take and use information regardless of some wearying allegiance to parties or systems. Well done!👍

[@markvonwisco7369]

Although I'm in the US, I generally prefer the metric system, especially for weights and volumes. I prefer the Imperial system for length.

[@f1s2hg3]

Your very professional and thoughtful person who cares about his business and your doing well. Thanks again for your time and hard work making the impossible job easy.

[@stevegrooms1142]

There are many ways to experience a video like this. For me, the biggest delight is sharing the thinking of someone interesting as he deals with a problem. That's the same reason I enjoy reading novels. Like most readers, I've discovered some authors whose minds work in interesting ways. A personal favorite is Henning Mankell. I come to these luthiery videos because I enjoy the way Ted thinks. It helps that he is smart and precise with words, plus I enjoy his professionalism.

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

I am working my way back to videos from before when I found your great channel. I play electric, but love the beauty and wood craft of acoustics. Your workmanship is absolutely top quality. My dad, ( RIP) was a master wood crafter.. it is so rewarding to see a younger person such as yourself take the pride in your work and to have developed the skills... Bravo.

[@greatnortherntroll6841]

You've got such a thoughtful approach to even the smallest of jobs, and I find myself being mesmerized by your attention to detail... Very nicely done, Ted! 😊

[@MrTartlet]

Tip for restringing a Bigsby B7-like vibrato: prebend string at the ball end with pliers (like a 90 degree bend or so) and actually restring the other way around - going from the bridge, under the tension bar and around the vibrato bar itself (this way there is less chance that you'll scratch up the finish with sharp string ends). Never had strings pop off the vibrato during change this way.

[@aaron.s.robinson]

Me either. Just makes sense.

[@robertbeaman5761]

I like about 3 winds around the tuning post but I usually end up wit any where from 1 to 100

[@patrickfitzgerald2861]

Dude! You need locking tuners in a really bad way! 🤣

[@donaldschleicher1184]

When I first started playing guitar in the mid 70’s my teacher taught me to pinch the wound strings when I restrung my guitar because it locked the inner string and the winding so the inner string would not be able to slip inside and detune. Sounded good to me and I still do it that way today.

[@walshy2116]

I actually love watching your assessments.

[@randolphpatterson5061]

One time in the old days, I got to set up a cheap Strat copy, and the first thing I found was that the nut slots were too high. I filed them deeper until it felt good, then went about doing whatever else was needed. The action was still high, so I lowered the bridge to get it comfortable. Then, to my dismay, I realized the the strings were now mostly lying down on the !st fret. I had to install another nut from my parts drawer & go about shaping it to fit & cutting the slots. I would advise saving any nut slot filing until all the other factors in the setup have been addressed, save for the pickup height adjustment & final intonation. BTW, that's a great tip for the Bigsby. Thumbs up as usual, Mr. T.

[@lavalizard1]

OMG - the bigsby wedge tip is a revelation ... that’s gonna make my life soooooo much easier. Cheers. (Love your vids btw)

[@beytone]

I don’t know why it took me so long to find your channel, but since I did I’m watching all your videos, new and old ones, and I love them all. Thanks for sharing your mastery and so many priceless tips!!

[@pepek69andhalf]

One of the most valuable channels on KZbin. Feeling like VIP watching each video among only 10 000 subscribers.

[@bushcraftsupply7407]

Always learn a lot from your videos. Thank you.

[@marshallhoward9497]

Good enough for Jimmy good enough for me. I really enjoy your work and your delightful presentation.

[@michaelpolutta3131]

My favorite way to set intonation is to get the open string in tune, then adjust the saddle until the 9th & 21st frets (fretted) are as close to a perfect octave as possible.

[@randolphpatterson5061]

That's a good idea. That way, if there are intonation problems afterward, you'll know it's almost always that the break point of string contact in the nut slot has receded away from the leading edge of the nut.

[@sgtrutters5892]

Liked! Especially for the wedge tip on the Bigsby!!! I hate stringing those things.

[@franklinslamo]

High Frets - Make sure the frets are seated. A lot of times the fret is sitting proud of the slot and will need to be hammered/pressed in and probably glued to hold them.

[@carlocondoluci574]

Hi, You really are an artesan, expert, witty, a pleasure to watch and listen. thank you

[@abelincoln95]

I am in agreement with you on the acoustics being more interesting to work on & film. You also get a very "eclectic" variety of brands to work on as well, which makes for different content. Thanks for the posting!!

[@johnn7776]

I’ve been lucky enough to build (perhaps assemble?) a few electric guitars, always T type and with beautifully made parts from Warmoth, for example the fantasy Thinline Nocaster in the profile picture. I read somewhere that Leo Fender compared making his guitars more to furniture manufacture than luthiery. I really enjoy seeing your acoustic videos, especially major surgery when you make new parts or remove backs and repair major damage. It’s fascinating. But also good to see how a luthier approaches electric guitar repairs. It’s all interesting, thanks for taking the time to post.

[@HBSuccess]

Another good vid! FWIW I stopped using pure lemon oil a while ago - I had cpl of instruments in where the lemon oil dissolved whatever adhesive was holding in the inlays, and also the binding return on the end of the fingerboard. This was prior to the current crop of industrial CA glue (nobody I knew used it anyway) so if that wasn’t bad enough , it also made whatever binding cement I was using at the time refuse to cure - it wound up being a multi-day trial and error mess to find something that would hold everything together again. To be fair - my lemon oil might have been reacting w something the owners did prior - who knows. But this happened to 2-3 guitars in a row so I abandoned it. What I’ve found works great is either pure food grade mineral oil - like you’d use use on cutting boards - or nut oils like walnut oil.

[@markvonwisco7369]

@2:30 "Depending on how sensitive you are." To the chagrin of various band mates, I'm that guy. Especially not a fan of out of tune B strings.

[@peterhbg]

Ur vids are soothing, sir. Thank u. ❤ from 🇸🇪

[@michaelnc4450]

Excellent! Thanks so much for showing how to check the setup!

[@cyprianalexzander7368]

I enjoy both. With acoustic instruments, your love of the instrument and wood comes through and creates engaging and edifying videos. I will watch any instrument video you make except for anything featuring a bassoon -- just can't go there.

[@Freebird57]

Hi, I've found your channel a few days ago, I'm from the UK. I really love your work, wish I could just setup my guitars myself lol. The reason this owner bends the tip of his string if he's like me is it stops the end ripping into his case or gig bag, I had a Gretsch 5120 and it tore the inside of its gig bag to the point I had to buy some iron on patches then I seen someone on KZbin bend his string it's to stop it happening. Try it it's saves money on patches on your gig bags lol. Keep up the good work, Paul UK

[@f1s2hg3]

Your show is getting better and I see you have good sponsors

[@tedbownas2748]

Chuckled at your assessment of string wrapping. I like two to three wraps on the wound (bass side) strings, a few more on unwound (treble) strings. Change my mind. 😂

[@mattfleming2287]

Love your sense of humor. Great videos and some great tips!

[@songwriterjj6022]

Dusty and Gross. I saw them at the Grand Ole Opry in 1982!

[@Ibaneddie76]

It's funny you mentioned liking your acoustic jobs as videos better than the electric. I agree, I build and work on primarily electric guitars but view primarily your acoustic repair videos, I appreciate how in depth you go and vast knowledge of repair techniques coupled with your awesome vocabulary. It makes for great and entertaining videos.

[@FineArtbyAldo]

I like that wedge trick for the bigsby. 👍

[@terryjohinke8065]

I'm with you on stringing. I usually have one wrap over and 1-2 under. Less is better.

[@JCTrucks410]

Happy to see you work on an electric.

[@allancopland1768]

Those clever little loops on the string ends, that's how aircraft engineers roll. No ripped fingers that way.

[@zaraak323i]

I love the Bigsby tip! I do a bit of live work for bands and the first time I had to change a string on a Bigsby was in a live situation. I think it took me two and a half songs! It's really not the time to learn about that system. I'm happy to say that I've now got it down to half a song but this tip will probably get it down to the break between songs! Thanks!

[@ravingcyclist624]

Excellent video. Awesome work!

[@MrGixxer1300r]

really nice work. I like seeing what a pro does.

[@joeferris5086]

lol the way you worked in those high notes at the end

[@ThatOtherRaccoon]

VALUABLE information to use a wedge of soft wood. I had SO many issues when I first strung my Gretsch with a Bixby. It was a nightmare...wish I'd watched this video sooner.

[@Riverdeepnwide]

Jimi at Monterey 👍🏻 Another great video thank you!

[@microcolossal2295]

Just found the channel and this vid helped me set up my guitar to play even nicer. Thanks.

[@thenormalyears]

im not a masochist but my Martin does have some higher action so I can play with more gusto when needed

[@grumpyg9350]

Simply amazing.

[@braderrick]

I enjoy all of your videos and it’s nice to see the different ways other approach things. My OCD would have required straightening the neck and leveling/crowning everything right off the bat. I know some don’t have this in their budget however. Anyway, great work as always and thanks for posting.

[@jonathanmartin3375]

RE stringing a bigsby - I just capo the string on the 12 fret while I tune it up.

[@terryjohinke8065]

BTW Tokai are really good guitars.

[@henryhunter5026]

Enjoyable video. I also measure string action at the 12th fret and use 64ths , in my case 3/64 high and 5/64 low seems to be perfect on electric guitars but as you mentioned all players have their own preferences.

[@gavocrazy]

oughta start asking your customers if you can mention their name as a little shout out in your video. I'm always really curious to see what kind of music these instruments go on to play. Another great video

[@markbryant4641]

yeah! Good idea.

[@markvonwisco7369]

You have to be careful about doxxing though...

[@f1s2hg3]

Thanks for the tip of the day and that is your catch phrase the tip of the day is this!

[@jackbarlow4104]

Use a capo around the 10th fret to restring a Bigsby, my tip for the day.

[@duskhunter3803]

Master at work.

[@maialopes7352]

You should not use paper on cleaning or polishing the painting. Paper is made from wood, and the wood particules can easyly scratch a polished surface.

[@squaringcircles]

Do more electric videos! (I had to, even though I love all of them.)

[@ahf5471]

I’ve noticed many of these symptoms on modern electric guitars. It seems to coincide with the proliferation of “jumbo” frets on nearly everything.

[@kylemoran4343]

Glad the electronics were Tokay, cause work'n in the f-holes with big hands is slightly time consuming. Been there several times on my own ES-175 and 335. & yes I employee the clear aquarium hose technique, for the pots and switch, but still not fun, Lol. Nice video ! Acoustic, Electric, it doesn't matter ! It's still GUITARS ! :-)

[@garywhitt98]

Excellent video!

[@scaira60]

I love you tiny amp**** Your channel is great Thank you

[@paolomartini143]

Great video, love your work!

[@andrewmize823]

Back in the 90's I had a Tokai LP copy. I kick myself on a fairly regular basis for selling that guitar, because I've owned a couple of Gibson LP's I didn't like nearly as much.

[@matthewjamestaylor]

I love your videos! Cheers.

[@MiikeyLawless]

Wow, i just realized that I set my action wayyyyy low lol. So much effort to get it that way without buzzing as well.

[@charlesmoore1307]

If it don't buzz, and its smooth and you like it, It's not too low! My flying v could hold a thin pick b'tween the fret and the string and not buzz. I thought i had it perfect!

[@MiikeyLawless]

@@charlesmoore1307 definitely. I usually have to do a full fret level. The only issue is fretting out with the more radiused fret boards.

[@Riverdeepnwide]

Charles, Michael, if I may add to your conversation, I have a G&L Tribute and. PRS Standard which both set up clean at 2/64ths. Marvellous and probably unusual that they do but just for me I like to raise it up to 3 to 5/64ths to get a hold on the string and feel it working under the fingers. More like the usual setups on most guitars. Great fun!

[@beardnyethedrumguy]

Hahahahaha ya killed me with that “and tell everyone yours is the right way”!!! Died laughing

[@rustyaxelrod]

Bigsby style trem without roller saddle bridge can be a headache if the player uses it much.

[@mikelbicaku1930]

Just came here from watching a Rosa String Works video. You're too gentle my friend. I just witnessed a neck being taken off with a rubber hammer.

[@Burztur99]

We definitely wanna see more electric guitars

[@matthewmargetts8516]

Hi Ted, thanks for another interesting video. Given the topic of intonation that you've covered here I wanted to ask your opinion on compensated nuts. It seems to be more and more common that customers ask for a compensated nut to be fitted and it's one thing I haven't heard you talk about. I have started making them now but I would be interested to know your thoughts about the subject.

[@petersage5157]

I hear a treble note blooming on the final play test. Fret buzzing out?

[@mihovildanicic5305]

Use whatever system You like, it's your life and your video! Greetings from metric!

[@ianrose5505]

Thank you great honest information

[@billdyke9745]

It amazes me that anyone sends a electric to a luthier for a set up. Stupidly easy and reversible stuff. A hex key for the rod and a screwdriver for the bridge are all the tools you need. Don't measure, go by feel. When it feels right it is right. My preference would be different to yours, probably. Nuts can be a little daunting, but if they're made from a worthwhile material they will have been cut well, so what do you have to lose? Watch a couple of Uncle Ted's set up videos and give it a go...

[@SIRONEDRAGON]

great job

[@TheTrashologist]

Man that solo at the end was bad ass! If you get a free minute could you pleasssssse post the tabs?

[@pontusoskarsson5998]

The D chord is naturally a bit "out of tune" for me. I think it's due to how frets are an approximation and don't correct for string tension and thickness. Unless you have true temperament frets installed. Most of us are used to that sound, but it can be annoying sometimes and in certain songs and with certain sounds dialed in it feels worse.

[@JOMOENGINEERING1]

When doing intonation I would do it open and 12th. Then I pick the string on every fret up to the 5th at least, and if they are going a little sharp I would then intonate the 12th a little flat, so that the first 5 are going less sharp, it's a fine balance. Do you do that also ?

[@JoelzombieThomas]

"The Tokai's back to being To-Kay" That's when I hit "like".

[@ghendric]

I have the same problem with the frets on my Taylor acoustic..

[@billdyke9745]

Other guitar burning products are available... I like Ronsonol because it was invented by Mick Ronson, Bowie's guitar player... ( If you believe that, please come to my poker night)...

[@gr328]

Interesting video. Everyone has their own way of doing things ;-)

[@100amps]

I appreciate the acoustic instrument work more, myself. There are scads of electric guitar videos (and other fun stuff) out there already.

[@moogoomoogoo5990]

I laughed out loud on the Jimi reference.

[@drummerhammar]

Do you read the hight of the snare above the fret from the top or the bottem of the snare?

[@barry3045]

I have a Burny JS that needs your expertise. wish you lived next door :-)

[@wonderwalls3565]

Have you eve worked on bill Lawrence Teles?

[@arlingtonhynes]

14:06 Ohhhh. Damn. All I ever needed was a wedge.

[@bgilley8199]

What's a fair price to file down a couple nut slots to the correct height on a nut like the one on this guitar?

[@davidefogagnolo]

yeah bring everything you can on this channel, it's always fun to see how you deal with guitars! do you work on bass guitars too?

[@adambeausoleil914]

Do you usually adjust the pole pieces to match the fret board radius during a set up?

[@robertrosenfield405]

That was different from normal. Never ever seen that before