Guitar Repair - You Won't Believe What I Found Inside...

[@ClintonCaraway-CNC]

I've been a woodworker longer than I can remember (my father is also a woodworker) but I am NOT a luthier. I do love watching videos like this. The attention to detail and patience is very impressive.

[@patrickwilson7378]

I love how you did the fine repairs on this one for the right reasons. One, doing it for a good customer at a nominal fee, two, for the experience, and three, because you were intrigued and curious at what lay inside. Virtue is its own reward! Fantastic job!

[@FezMan94]

Watching you repair someone else's mistakes and breathing life back into this guitar was thoroughly satisfying

[@kodiakfamily8032]

I don't understand why there are so many thumbs down. That was amazing craftsmanship. Well done!!

[@danielmargolis3210]

Some people are just contrary.

[@ModernVintageFilm]

Click bait title?? Still good viduh

[@rockstrong4342]

I wouldn't down-vote because of it but my jaw dropped at the jump to the final product - what was a beautiful old guitar became something much less in my eyes. Artist/craftsman/customer choice, I liked everything else he did.

[@alexcorona]

Click bait title

[@dougwheeler4549]

Its great to see in this day of so much modernism and lack of pride and quality in making or manufacturing a product that someone first of all seeks vintage guitars and most importantly someone restores them with extreme care and talent. A true artform that gladly remains alive and well. And isn't always about money. But the sake of saving something just because you can and want to.

[@ricochofsky8293]

Not being a craftsman myself, I'm always fascinated by the skill and artistry a luthier brings to the process of restoring an instrument.

[@shaunsanders9673]

Great to see the guitar deconstructed so professionally - I didn't realize that was possible. A labor of love, of course. Beautiful work.

[@erichanhauser3190]

I've deconstructed two guitars. I smashed em.

[@SandersAmps]

@@erichanhauser3190 Yeah, I did that once. Regret it now, but oh well...

[@mavericklane6206]

The best Luthier I have ever seen. Attention to both detail and quality reflects exemplary work and inspiring to those people who desire to ever become Luthiers.

[@barryelkins1733]

A real Luthier would never cut the dovetail off the neck , they would do a proper neck set

[@dirtyorganboy2264]

Dudes a good banger but not a luthier, I think he would admit that

[@cosmoschtroumpf]

A real luthier would not use tape to glue binding...

[@CageyPea]

Amazing patience, precision, and skill . . . I found this quite soothing to watch, actually, even with the Ripley's-Believe-It-Or-Not moments when it first came to the bracing on the inside!

[@roberttorbett2279]

I have a Japanese was like that.Years ago my wife and I had a woodcraft business. She was an artist and I did the engineering and wood butchering. I built a shop and had all the toys to do anything I wanted to do to wood. One of my favorite things I built was a full feature easel made from the finest oak I could find. I've tried to find anything like it to no avail. It now resides with our local school system. After my wife passed in 2018, I donated all her art supplies including that easel along with a couple of others. Not one piece of hers was ever sold. She would not have been in the least bit happy with me. That easel was her pride and joy.

[@rodneylucas2930]

Great craftsmanship. You took a guitar that basically looked like it was junk and repaired all the issues with incredible finesse and care. If I lived anywhere near you I know where I would go for repair on my guitars. Great video I really enjoyed it.

[@darrenkastl8160]

Ups it, Fed ex it, yrc it, ?

[@KeshCGY]

Geez, this was an incredible demonstration of workmanship, the kind that is as hard to find as gold. Bravo!

[@Tricknologyinc]

The intonation is amazing. It rings like a bell! It has a warm and middy tone and a peal on top that's just reveling.

[@blakjack3053]

For being a trainwreck on the inside it was very well restored. Sounds beautiful.

[@Drontenpeel]

Beautiful. I was immersed in the whole process. Zen and the art of guitar maintenance.

[@guitourney]

Incredible workmanship. Today was a shit day and seeing this really helped me. There's something about seeing things done right when everything else goes wrong

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

guitourney day was a shit one for me as one of my cats, only 2 years old, died 😥

[@faunaflage]

@@malcolmhardwick4258 : condolences. courage!

[@volgawolfhounds741]

Like your comment. ;) Done right, that is.

[@toneleudy]

sorry to hear about your cat@@malcolmhardwick4258 .....pets are family.

[@blackie75]

Incredible clickbait as well lol.

[@gsh319]

The rough finish you spoke about, rough and with lanes, works so as to relieve grain stress lessening the chance of split. Very nice work my friend

[@Kubooxooki]

As an atheist, all I can say is "Praise the Lord for your hands, man!" They're a gift to the world. This video was great. Thanks for putting so much love and care into that instrument.

[@williamroark]

Kubooxooki as an “Atheist”???.... o.k. get a dictionary

[@davidseals352]

I didn’t know what to expect but what I saw was an incredible repair on a mistreated guitar. The gentleman who charged a minimal amount by working off the clock for all the right reasons is someone who did something that we really don’t have the words in the English language to describe. The reward I see is he will have a place in the biggest and best band there is. I see him playing in The Hell Of A Band waiting for him in Rock N Roll Heaven. Thank you sir for staying true to yourself in a world where people have become only numbers. If I make it there I would be honored to asset you in anyway I possibly can in keeping all the instruments in good working order for the band. God Bless Dave

[@colinatherton9081]

This was a pleasure to watch, you are a true artisan and it’s lovely to see such an old instrument get the expert attention it deserves. Thank you for sharing:

[@alanhardman2447]

I love watching a true Craftsman at work! And I've gotta say, you're one of the best I've seen. At 66 years old, I've seen some incredible craftsmen, most in the manual machining industry...

[@todddenny323]

It’s a real joy to watch a true craftsman.

[@rainmanevesong]

Masterful craftsmanship. "I did just to see if I could" -- shows a true soul and respect. Thanks for the amazing detail. Well done mate.

[@miken2716]

Truly spellbinding! I’m not sure what was most impressive? His knowledge, his craft skills or his devotion. In this fast, slick, clever world it is such a relief to see something so profoundly honest. Quite inspirational. Thank you. You are a master.

[@kajem575]

Taste in music.

[@ron.v]

This is not the caliber of lutherie an average musician should expect from such a talented craftsman for the price you planned to charge. The rest of us can't expect to receive the same treatment but we can be grateful you shared the process with the rest of the world. The look and sound at the end of the video was reward enough for us. Thank you.

[@dogtagx2]

I appreciate that you have such a work ethic that you fix the little things that you see needing a little touch up here, and some love there. You take your time to do the very best work possible with what you have to work with. I am not as skilled as you, but I have seen 3 of your videos so far this evening, and you have a gift. The work you did on that Slash signature neck break......amazing. I was horrified looking at the break and would had had to hang my head low, and admit that it’s heart had made its last beat.......but you brought it back to life. Skill my man. Skill. I repair gunstocks, and I have learned from just 3 of your videos 10 years worth of education. Awesome. 😇

[@curtiseverett1671]

well said.

[@dkreitz785]

As a skilled woodworker and cabinet builder, I see there is no way I have the patience to work on guitars !! Very nicely done. And after remodeling houses for over 40 years I can believe what you found inside....LOL

[@rb032682]

Interesting. I know a couple luthiers who ended up being cabinet makers because they make more money doing high-quality cabinets.

[@jamiegoodson950]

Never watched a repair this video really helped me understand the foundation of how a guitars put together. It's an art a true professional is at work here.

[@wayneilnicki]

Sawing off a dovetail joint !! What a hack! I hope it is his guitar he is ruining. Should have been steamed apart, and re fitted with a chisel and shim.

[@jamiegoodson950]

@@wayneilnicki I never thought of steam. I've never repaired a guitar other than Strings but that makes a lot of sence. Nice response

[@memyshelfandeye318]

@@wayneilnicki Yeah. Steam would have helped. Which part of "epoxied on" you didn't understand? Maybe actually paying attention to the vid would help ...

[@lostandalone3096]

I teared up a bit when I heard it come back to life. Thanks for posting this.

[@LiloUkulele]

Very satisfying to watch. Great respect for your attitude... Last year I fixed a bad broken neck repair for a friend, when I asked a professional shop for some advice they thumbed their nose and said to throw it away and buy a new one. I pressed ahead into uncharted waters and succeeded to my friend's approval. She was very happy to have her old friend back again. Thanks for sharing that little journey!

[@dr.skipkazarian5556]

Great restoration....powerful sense of patience....excellent intuitive skills....and a very fine rendition of "Little Martha"----just perfect! Thank you.

[@jeffreybuckingham3782]

Mr. Woodford, You Sir are a True Artisan! I Love the way You approach a project, then figure out how to record it, then actually complete the project. Bravo!! You are a Beast!

[@bradh6185]

This is better than anything on TV. I would like to have seen the owner's reaction.

[@moncorp1]

He'll never really know unless he watches the video. Can't see inside.

[@drutgat2]

What an incredibly satisfying video to watch. I almost felt as if I was in a meditative state. Many thanks for this. I not only appreciated your craftsmanship, but - even more - the fact that you looked on this as a learning experience, one that you deliberately take on from time-to-time. And only charging the customer a nominal fee - what a nice thing to do. Your good karma 'quotient' must be very high. Thanks again.

[@jguitar23]

You did a tender loving job on this cute granny!! ♡ Sounds really lovely. (I'd do a cuter, smaller label next time on beige paper.)

[@query1527]

A tip: if you need to test out a left handed guitar, play it in the mirror; your reflection will be right handed and able to play it.

[@nathanwhiting5475]

Lol

[@darrenayres3146]

Or play it on your knee

[@MrJimmyWalsh]

I wonder though... this might actually help a little. Probably not, but I'm definitely gonna try it once I finish building the left I'm working on.

[@pedror6433]

@@MrJimmyWalsh did you finish it my friend? I am a left handed musician and would love to see it

[@AbsoluteAbsurd]

lol

[@lucasbrunne5193]

Great Job on the repair. It makes me happy that the owner actually plays it and that your work doesn't end up on a wall as decoration.

[@jbann23]

Now THAT'S a guitar repair video. Very entertaining and informative to say the least. Inspiring video that should be watched by every would be luthier out there. Downright awesome.

[@garycontreras5288]

@Smoke DeGrasse Tyson Slat Key Soquel Rag by Doobie Brothers way back from early 1970's

[@rocknfan100]

Slack Key Soquel Rag

[@timpolzin5374]

S

[@MattWhatsGoinOn]

Click where?

[@jonholcombe]

@@rocknfan100 Little Martha by Duane Allman. Slat Key is a beautiful instrumental though.

[@vanmonroe4346]

Don't play or have a guitar, but it's fascinating to watch a master craftsman do his thing. Also enjoy his explanation and general banter. Nice! Remarkable transformation of guitar.

[@mrd6741]

I so admire anyone with this quality of craftsmanship. An artist to be sure.

[@Donorcyclist]

This guitar would have made me cry when I opened it. What a massive amount of work! Thanks for taking us along.

[@tramlad2]

Lovely skilled work sir, saving an old classic guitar, brilliant skills, enjoyed that very much. The guitar has a lovely vintage tone.

[@tyrssen1]

The best thing I ever found in a guitar was a joint. Well actually, it kinda fell out of the guitar when I was refinishing it.

[@mvmmotovlogmusic2815]

Still. You found it. That’s what’s important.

[@collecter3456]

Was it unused? Would have been funny if that person never knew where they set it down.

[@tyrssen1]

@@collecter3456 Oh it was complete, all right; it had been tossed to me across a room, and disappeared.

[@collecter3456]

@@tyrssen1 lol.

[@matsosa]

Did you smoke it?

[@markcooper8561]

As an enthusiastic amateur repairer working mainly on my own instruments and stuff I 'find', I've been watching your stuff for s while now and progressively going back over your videos as time allows me. I loved this one. The costs don't make any sense, but it is a historical and fairly rare instrument so at some point to the owner the price of the restoration becomes moot. Your attention to detail and sympathetic restoration methods are by far the best I've ever seen. Coupled with your soothing voice and uncluttered narrative you make content that is not only instructive but pure contentment to watch. Thank you!

[@TheKhanhhoa]

WELL SAID....BEAUTIFUL VIDEO in EVERY RESPECT

[@Impulse21s]

My 85' Martin J12-40M was gigged for over 25 years, in every kind of venue imaginable. Now every time I open the case, the smell of cigarettes and stale beer slap you in the face, especially at the sound hole. Makes me smile every time, and I wouldn't change a thing. Great work! Thx.

[@yvonnewilson3505]

This is an awesome example of the patience of a professional luthier. It is incredible to me and out of my level !

[@mikewaggoner4016]

Sir you have genuine integrity and I accuse you of being a GOOD ROLE MODEL-and that is now RARE so-be blessed and stay well !

[@Spankypenguin1]

The difference between me as a guitar player and him as a craftsman. He sees a challenging and rewarding renovation project. I see firewood.

[@Timb0zo]

why? because its left handed? xD

[@AN-gh6jf]

And to top it off he said the most challenging thing was not to glue his fingers to the guitar.

[@pennykattack5789]

I am astonished by the professionalism and dedication you devoted to that guitar. What a sound! Congratulations on an amazing job. I've seen the small wounds on your hands, the signs of a dedicated Craftsman.

[@meza72]

Amazing attention to detail. This man knows the difference between "making it work" vs making it right".

[@Rocketman88002]

Mystical wonders! Unbelievable! Lakes of glue! This whole thing was on the verge of collapse. Hilarious evaluation but so true! Thank God for experts like you. Beautifully done rebuild!!!

[@johnparker2636]

Love the professionalism and dedication to fix this.

[@ResoBridge]

Astounding work and you answered the question I always have when I see these videos of someone painstakingly pull off the seemingly impossible restoration repair - this sort of thing is usually too expensive to justify doing the work.

[@1pcfred]

Some jobs you do for your own self edification.

[@georgescarlett2320]

Just did my first fingerboard removal/ truss rod replacement/ refret, on a friends "Guinea pig Donor", DX Martin 12ver, that WAS going into the dumpster. Came out fantastic, and it's back in his show!! God IS good! Gb g

[@Xpyburnt_ndz]

Great save on her!!! Well done. Great craftsmanship. VERY impressed!

[@rmalmeida1976]

The amount of attention to detail and craftmanship you display is astounding and inspiring.

[@trackie1957]

I’ve put many an hour into restoring old bicycles that weren’t worth much to begin with, but they were bicycles, capable of bringing much joy, so I did it anyway. Nice work. Makes the world just a little better.

[@gerysasko3410]

Amazing skill, patience and work. Now this is a luthier!

[@STEAMBOLTANNIE]

HE COULD BE PRESBYTERIAN!!

[@gw2934]

That's it I can't sit anymore and just watch the genius repairman at work, I'm leaving the wife and coming to be his apprentice, my dream job! !

[@hieronymusbosch6255]

It's heartening and pleasantly surprising that people like you, and the person who commissioned this work, still exist. This video should be viewed by people aged 17-25...to give them a view of a perspective that is not typically encountered in high school or college or in the workplace, or anywhere...a perspective that knowledgeable, painstaking, expert skill in restoration and craftsmanship affords the human race beautiful art and architecture and furniture and musical instruments. Plus, you sound like a totally normal guy. Great stuff.

[@erikarneberg11]

“Of course, the main challenge is not gluing your fingers to the guitar…”. What a great line, particularly because I’ve been there, done that! Thank you!

[@bigbasil1908]

You are an artist. It's amazing how you gave that old guitar a whole new lease of life. And it looked really nice how you finished it with the darker colour on the sides, back and neck

[@duffermod1]

Unbelievable job. I'm an Antique Fireplace Restorer and it makes me feel good when I have saved an item going in the trash. Amazing work sir well done.

[@johndagricola]

Beautiful, beautiful work! Thank you for a very inspiring video.

[@marlonbrando9522]

Nothing like watching a true craftsman demonstrating his trade! I’d like to screw my guitar up just to have him repair it again.

[@philost7427]

Dear Luther, I am 73 and have been a guitar maker since the mid 1970s, in between performing. Repair work helped pay the rent. I did not enjoy the repair work. The instruments were usually poorly made on the cheap without one thought given to sound. And the owner had hopes their guitar would sound like a handmade instrument. Your repair of this instrument was masterful. I believe this guitar warranted the restoration. You seem like a good artisan with a empathetic soul wihich you managed to donate a portion of to this guitar. The music you played, left handed was quite nice. That box now has a beautiful mellow tone, new songs just waiting to be coaxed out. Very well done, indeed. I had to subscribe and look forward to seeing more of your professional expertise! Infinite blessings, Phil

[@opal177]

What a pleasure to watch a professional doing his good work.

[@toneconsultant]

Glad you mentioned you didn’t charge full price because I kept thinking, “why would anyone want that much work into this guitar.” Amazing view. 2nd to none

[@johnnybrace]

a pleasure to watch you work sir, and love the "Little Martha" closure....beautiful.

[@Xgeek5702]

You are a true craftsmen. Thanks for sharing the journey.

[@josephbrewer7026]

Extensive work required on this one. Someone must love it. Posted before finishing the video. Good on you for taking on this project for all the right reasons. Good customer, vintage guitar and absolutely informative and interesting video.

[@robertrosenfield405]

It really was faded. I saw your refinished back and sides and realized looking inside it was dark mahogany. It really faded a lot. Wonderful restoration. And it does sound very nice. Thank you for sharing.

[@anthonywilliams6764]

I watched and listened, and my eyes watered as I heard the playing at the end of the upload. Thank you.

[@ronniebaker4549]

"Little Martha", great choice of songs! You obviously have worked on a lot of guitars. The things you had to know, like the bridge would pull up made all the difference. I'm glad there are people with patience and experience to do the repairs, I just want to play. Hehehe.

[@aserodriguez1425]

Absolutely loved this video. Wish you did more of these almost complete restorations, hopefully you both get a client that is willing to spend the big money, and that they have an instrument your very interested I restoring. As an artist myself I know that when it comes to big jobs it's a requirement for you to be interested and excited to take it on. But once again amazing job, and amazing video.

[@robertacolarette1594]

God, the patience of this man and the delicacy with which he works is fascinating.

[@Isaacsasmrchannel]

the amount of relief i found watching this transformation was fantastic. Thanks

[@hoverboard1000]

I found this presentation enjoyable and therapeutic... a la Bob Ross.

[@theflash1425]

Almost a perfect comparison, except that Bob reminded me of someone who smoked a LOT of weed!

[@shanghunter7697]

@@theflash1425 Yes, both sound very feminine.

[@Thomasdgolden]

“Stretch your wings”. I also have stretched my wings on customers guitars. This is a great video.

[@jackquentin1950]

First of all, beautiful playing by Brian. Second, you're like a miracle worker. The guitar looked hopeless but the finished product certainly looked great.

[@jumboegg5845]

Hi Jack. I'd really like to know what the song was (for sentimental reasons), do you know what it was?

[@peter7624]

It's nice to watch an expert bringing an old instrument back to life. A lovely job and a great video, thanks!

[@pembertonsmithmusic1986]

This was so relaxing to watch, having the right tools for the job is so satisfying

[@stephenjones8928]

This repair was worth it. This guitar is crying because you saved its life. Mr. Hensel would be proud as well.

[@Ottonic6]

Nice job. Who cares what it cost you to restore. I do restorations like that quite often and never charge the actual time involved because it was as rewarding to me to see the finished product as it was for the customer and that alone is worth more to me than money. Very well done my friend.

[@banacek60chord43]

More tradesmen should have your sense of worth; in my day, it was known as 'what the job will stand,' You are a gentleman of the old school to know this.

[@grumpyg9350]

I really appreciate you taking the time to share this. Thank you.

[@chrisj2268]

First class craftsmanship, the right attitude, and the right tools, amazing work sir! :)

[@Bogie3855]

I work with abandoned broken furniture on occasion and run into a lot of the same problems. Fortunately I have the hand tools to deal with them and often donate the rescued furniture to struggling single mothers given the chance. It is a reward in itself and what I refer to as Karmic Banking. Feels good in the end and is immensely satisfying. Good on you for making someone elses life just a bunch better. We live in a 110yr old house in Vancouver BC Canada and in a small closet hidden away was a box of 18in pieces of very old clear Sitka Spruce. There was enough there to build a half dozen guitars or violins. I advertised and sold it to a luthier for a very fair price. He was prepared to pay me my asking for each piece rather than the whole pile. Cash was out of his pocket in the blink of an eye. Kind of a pay it forward thing as I could have used it to make some very pretty boxes or such but far better it was used this way. We also have an opportunity to not only repair someone elses "fixes" but to make a piece better than it was even. My hobby makes me very happy at times.

[@evoeightyci]

Much love for your craft. Love to watch people forge knives and repair guitars. Pretty much anything people do to make things last. The cost to repair far outweighed any chance of profit yet you continued on for the love. The end result was a clean beautiful sound and a friend helped out. Double bonus.

[@lukethedrifter100]

So satisfying to watch. The guitar sounds awesome, I bet the owner will never sell it on....well done.😁

[@normsky5504]

The original repair was carried out by a trained ferret going in through the sound hole.

[@kylem9901]

🤣

[@Boosty_Boost]

Hahahaha 😂🤣 yes!

[@timothyhine2258]

I agree. He must have had his buddy the beaver cutting the braces.

[@marksmith2798]

🤣

[@aserodriguez1425]

Looks like it was a gopher who is a luthier in his spare time 😆

[@northtexasluthier2249]

I did a restoration on a 1976 Gibson F5 mando, their top of the line. The neck was held on with a sheetrock screw, original from the factory! Great work, video:)

[@dwebster50]

So so cool. You heave a very high levEl of understanding wood and the finishes . You are the only person I would a Trust to restore my 55 & 1947 ... They were very much part of early country music in Canada . It’s time to set things in motion. Thank you for sharing this rebuild. Wow 😊

[@eugenebell3166]

That was seriously cool to watch, can't believe how labour intensive guitar repairs can be. Definitely worth all the time vested here, well done.

[@hootguitars]

I loved the commentary..You really know what you are doing..Great job.

[@johnhensley1026]

It is so satisfying watching you deconstruct, repair and reassemble all of these guitars. It really is a pleasure to watch your work. Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@mmichaeldonavon]

I thoroughly enjoyed watching you repair this guitar. I am not a musician but I have worked with wood a bi - built three Experimental Amateur Built planes - all wood and fabric. I loved watching you work with the wood. Enjoyed seeing you work with those tools. The other commenters are correct: You are a craftsman. Thanks,

[@phillipbrome5064]

i really enjoyed watching this, i learn something new every time i see a rebuild

[@Jim1457a]

@ 1:27 reminds me of an old sign I remember seeing at mechanic shops... "Labor rate- $65/hr... $75/hr if you want to watch.... $95/hr if you already tried to do it yourself"

[@whwilson3708]

$125/hr if you laugh

[@gregoryhughes4160]

$200/hr. if you're in a hurry...

[@stevens5541]

UNSUBSCRIBE

[@wingracer1614]

May favorite such sign is "We can fix it cheap, fast or good. Choose any two." Previous owner of this guitar seems to have chosen cheap and fast.

[@nicholastotoro7721]

I didn't want to laugh at those "replacement" braces, but I did, anyway.

[@lakeeyre8740]

Thank you for a relaxed, no hype presentation. Captivating from beginig to end.

[@miscellaneousstuffandnonse5348]

I think "repair" dramatically undersells what you did here, it was more of a resurrection. Incredible work, thank you for sharing it.

[@gryfandjane]

What an interesting old guitar, and I’ll bet it could tell some stories. Sounds lovely, too. That said, those replacement braces appear to have been shaped by beavers. ;-)

[@johnlshilling1446]

@Gryf Ketcherside --- was that a lewd and crude comment? No? Well, I'll take it that way. Just for spitz and giggles. LOL!