Headstock Shoptalk

[@theajthomas]

Hey Ted - Adam Savage gave you another shoutout in a recent video. Said you were the reason he was using hide glue on his scabbard project. You inspire the masses AND the minor celebrities.

[@matthewstephens6848]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqKceHuApq2ha7c That's the video. He mentions Ted slightly before 17 minutes.

[@tolkienfan1972]

This makes me happy

[@philbert006]

"What would Ted Woodford do?"

[@TheTapeFarm]

“I’ve dropped mine a dozen times and it’s never broke” to which my response is “What’s wrong with you.” I love your clarity.

[@RF944]

I don't know why, but headstock repairs always seem therapeutic.

[@chriswareham]

Agreed. A headstock break is so catastrophic looking that it's deeply satisfying to see them repaired.

[@hrsey71]

good repairs take time. thats just the truth of it. i have a mid 70s marshall amp i brought in for repair and i told the guy to just make sure its done right, i dont care how long you have it. 6 months later it sounds amazing and im a happy customer

[@QuestionMan]

"to which I respond . . . what's wrong with you!" 😂😂😂 We live in a golden age where madness is virtue.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

Saw a video where many were applauding J Mascis knocking his guitars together "cuz there just tools"

[@jspanos500]

"What is wrong with you?" That Q and the way he asked it was spot on.

[@KBorham]

That routing work is a real nailbiter. You never fail to amaze with your skill, confidence and final result. Can't wait to see the sequel!

[@kelvinklauck]

Yeah, ted is the router master, what he can do with that little tool os no joke

[@DanelonNicolas]

Headstock! yay!! I love headstock repairs!!

[@familyengineering5591]

Headstock repairs are my favorite of yours to watch

[@coleredding4478]

I love how evil the acoustic sounded at the end, would make a great cover of Hellhound on my trail

[@frankwebster9110]

I suspect he used that chording to express how he feels about that particular job 😅

[@anderaparicio9748]

Cool video. I like to see all the different headstock break approaches

[@CalebePriester]

Always a pleasure to see you working.

[@jasonpitre1249]

Hi Ted, as a fellow tech, I really hope that you are taking time for yourself. I know we have to work (and a lot) to make enough money to survive in this industry. But I see you posting on a Sunday and I am hoping that you are not working. Please take care my friend, and remember to be good to yourself.

[@jasonpitre1249]

By the way, I think you are the best there is. A true inspiration. Cheers!

[@GilgaFrank]

Always a pleasure to watch your work. While I'd never attempt these repairs it's fascinating to see how it's done. Keep on polishng,Ted!

[@chrispfeifer7628]

Another great video and repair. As crazy as it is, I find myself waiting and watching for your next release. Thanks

[@rafacortez6610]

Hello Grettings from Valencia Venezuela 🇻🇪 Congratulations master luthier, you really know how to fix all with a great technique and ingeneering. I am not a luthier but I like to repair my guitars and watching your videos have learned things, that I am trying to recover my 43 years old Ovation 12 strings guitar with a damaged , by myself, lol, truss rod. Good work!!

[@rlm2112]

Headstock repairs are so satisfying to watch. I applaud your skill and commitment to greatness 😊

[@lokarrsboots9337]

agreed. It never gets old.

[@dwebster50]

Watched this repair & fascinated all the way….then after , I went to my music rm and opened up my 55 J45, My wish in life to have Ted do the reset and refret on my 1955 Gibson , it so should be heard and be an easy play . I never heard an acoustic sound so alive ,

[@dwebster50]

From an Inspired subscriber Alberta Dave 🏅

[@bobmcdoggish9659]

Ted, I know this probably sounds funny, but I save your videos to watch late at night. Your careful craftsmanship, which is WAY beyond my skill level, is extremely peaceful and puts me in a good place to sleep. Thank you for your videos.

[@matthewstephens6848]

I save em for a morning with my cereal and coffee. :)

[@ObjectiveDynamics]

Funnily I too watch at the end of the day once all the shouting's over. I save them for days before watching though. They are my absolute favourite videos and I like to keep them in reserve

[@WW-1995]

I do exactly the same

[@antonstefanov2146]

Ah the touch up with the crackles was majestic

[@norbertoquintanar2608]

THANK YOU!! I know it's hard to make these videos. But your videos are more than instructional, they're therapeutic!! Gracias!!

[@samuelhatman8995]

Ted! At 13:12 is the image of "How I remember my Guitar when it was perfect, and just aged!" That is why we come from outside Canada with requests for your artistry in the care of the repair. And I do practice your advice with excellent local Luthiers in small shops like yours. My 64 J45 is cherish old and perfect, never dropped one fret set and some hopefully unseen modifications to open the voice. Owned since new, played daily, it is a true workhorse and lots of music to go!

[@rankenfile]

Your fortitude is appreciated.

[@davidwrobel8089]

I sure sometimes many of this projects barely pay for themselves, at that point it becomes a labor of love. Carry on Geppetto.

[@D989501L]

Nice to see you back. Regards Richard 🇬🇧

[@yobentley7274]

I can see your Fret Guru Dagger on the wall. Awesome file brother.

[@thestrum71]

Thank you sir for sharing this!

[@phil36135]

I liked the way you repaired the headstocks, and loved the tune you played at the end. Your skills in guitar repair is awesome, but your musical skills are great also. Thanks for the weekly fix!

[@mccypr]

I don’t think that I’ve ever seen this break problem with a Fender. Thanks! 😎

[@hackerguitar]

The headstock repair was solid and the finish work makes the repair look splendid. I’m truly looking forward to see how you get the bridge on the LG off. That looks like a world-class challenge…

[@podfuk]

Your repair videos are never boring Ted. Thanks for sharing!

[@northmanlogging2769]

as a guy that has abused... allll of my guitars, yes they are companions, but they are companions that channel a great deal of emotion... not all of that emotion is bright shiney and happy... my les paul's are still cheaper then any therapy and probably more effective.

[@tagzedawg]

I would happily watch you do these repairs in real time, regardless of how many similar ones you've done before. I just love watching you work and seeing the expertise and care that goes into it.

[@HayesTech]

Another very good video. And to those that would complain about about how long it takes to repair the guitar, properly, just have no clue as to what all is involved in wood working and refinishing. You did a very nice job and I would trust you to repair any of my guitars.

[@monsarad888]

Among all displayed knowledge and craftsmanship I like Ted's home made clamps & frames best!

[@dongill6216]

Astonishing level of craftsmanship.

[@stellingbanjodude]

Ah Gibsons! The Luthiers bane.

[@seanj3667]

You misspelled "reliable income". Without Gibson, Ted would have half the work he has.

[@stellingbanjodude]

@@seanj3667 I understand that. I had a Gibson last year nearly ruin my desire for luthery. But it’s finally out of my life.

[@beenaplumber8379]

I love that chuckle at the end!

[@guitfidle]

That repair was totally inspired by one Mr Ted Woodford 😍😍

[@troyclayton]

6:42 I'd love to see how boards glued end to end faired after a few years of differentially expanding along the joint surface. People jump to conclusions before we have any data about the most important thing- stability over time. Great video, thanks!

[@kevisp77]

The great thing about you, is that I've seen many guitars NOT hit the dumpster. I have an obsession with guitars and cringe every single time one is smashed in the garbage and the owner says "it couldn't be fixed". You have an uncanny knack for coming up with some simple (but not obvious) strategies that will work. It may not be perfect, but it will keep the guitar going indefinitely. For some of us, there is a certain amount of loyalty to our instruments no matter what they look like. It's VERY nice to see you always coming up with new and exciting ways to fix problems and keep them strumming!!

[@TZerot0]

Great work as always Ted, keep it up :)

[@bluesplayer59]

Fascinating attention to detail 👌 . I like your picking too 😀 👍

[@theshapeexists]

It hasn’t got above freezing where I’m at in Colorado in 3 weeks. My furnace has basically been trying to keep up non stop, so I feel your pain.

[@goodun2974]

Meanwhile, here in Southern New England, it rains hard and prolonged every 3rd day, and we've only had one 4" snowfall and a couple of little dustings. Temperatures in the upper forties or higher on a daily basis.

[@damnperrys1]

Always a wonderful start to the day when I see you've uploaded a video. Thank you so much for sharing with us mortals!

[@m.f.3347]

Pigment powder is hard to come by in my local shops but I find crushing up chalk pastels does the trick just as well!

[@matthewstephens6848]

Nice tip.

[@tjsogmc]

Any old instrument has some kind of story to tell. And some have been rather abused with botched repairs over the years. You never know what you are getting into until you start the job, that's for sure.

[@johnnypk1963]

Outstanding video

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

This is a common problem w/ Gibson Guitars. The angled headstock needs a reinforcement to keep it stable.

[@goodun2974]

Gibson should probably design their headstock to be removable, similarly to how one pulls a neck off for a reset, and/or make the headstock itself out of 3 or 4 laminations that key deeply into the neck.

[@frankwebster9110]

I respect the patience. This may be one of the key elements that excludes many from the profession. Hats Off Ted

[@Ninety2guits]

Great video. Nice work!

[@garethdwatkins]

I must say I find your videos very therapeutic. I don't play guitar, although my son does very well, and I wish I did.... but there is something about your skill and engaging commentary that has me hooked.. One thing though that is so amusing is the use of imperial units, that are soooo convoluted, I just cant imagine what these huge fractions begin to represent in visual terms... I went to school in the UK and I'm certainly a fair bit older than you are, but we never used imperial.. The country changed to metric in the early 70's so I have never really known most imperial units other than pounds in some areas, and miles for distance...I thought Canada went metric in the 70's also.. I've been in France for getting on 35 years, so imperial is a very distant memory... Anyway I look forward to you videos.. Salutations de France..

[@yobentley7274]

Every Norm Abram "New Yankee Work Shop" project starts with "lets make a jig".

[@brianhanson9367]

Great work

[@MikeyMack303]

Great work,.as always, Ted Thank you for sharing that with us!

[@larsfrandsen2501]

Awesome craft. And very nice playing, too! Narration is absolutely spot-on.

[@pawwalton2157]

Thanks for sharing your skills, experience, techniques and approach for repairing instruments.

[@johnhall1031]

Appreciate the regular output. I look forward to these every weekend.

[@ernestpinder7557]

Your work is amazing - and your dialogue is the most engaging on the web.Thank you for taking us along

[@sallyweiner4180]

I love your channel, thank you

[@Bob-of-Zoid]

Nothing like the psychological effect of a router bit hitting steel! A good bit will cut it, but then no longer be a good bit, and those are not cheep!

[@JonDeth]

*I built a wooden box, drilled a couple holes, stuffed one with a heat gun and baked my 1st 2 necks!* Turned out great with minor damage on both, but the first just needs buffed, the 2nd well, I melted some binding lol. I will heat it up, smooth it over, sand it and then glue fill with some coloring. *I also drew a line on the heat gun's thermostat for what melted the binding lol* Best neck I own melted, HOWEVER, the warp is gone and the repair will come out ideal and invisible. *Now 20+ guitars to go!*

[@garetkonigsfeld2]

I bet the guy that glued the bridge. Actually, it is set out loud "who needs to get a luthier repair guy." "It doesn't get any better than that." Another amazing job. Thanks for sharing 👍.

[@jimduffy9773]

I wish you would focus on Fender Headstock issues. Oh WAIT, Fender guitars don't have the headstock issues. Nor do most other manufacturers.

[@ThomasZachary]

I know how hard it is to create these videos and do your full-time job at the same time. Thanks so much for sharing this stuff with the world. As an armature luthier I've learned so much from your videos.

[@courier11sec]

Thanks as always for sharing your work with us. You're absolutely right that repair on any old contraptions, be they wood or iron can't be scheduled precisely. It's just not the nature of repair.

[@guitarnutbolinuli5788]

As a player who has payed good money for poorly done repairs, I'd be happy to wait for work of the caliber you've displayed. Thanks for the content, big fan!

[@frankwebster9110]

I couldn't agree more. In my area luthier's let alone Masters are almost non-existent. When you do get some work done, you cross your fingers.

[@eppot1]

👍love your fix it all !!

[@HonkyTonkHellraiser]

I watch another guitar repair channel on KZbin and man do you do a better job. You take so much more care than they do. It's all in the small details.

[@dude36]

Thanks Ted. Always inspiring. I appreciate the care and attention you bring to each project and I’m encouraged to get back on all my old projects as well.

[@brucefreedman3655]

Thanks for another interesting and most informative video. Can’t wait to see how the SG turned out!

[@grene1955]

That was some dam nice pickin' there at the end!

[@hipshotdigital]

Based upon viewing your videos focused on the fragility of Gibson necks and headstocks, I went to examine our J160 E which had been living in its case since August. Low and behold, a hairline fracture running across the neck beneath the headstock. I took it to our friend Dave Boehlke, a talented luthier and repair guy and while examining the fracture in the mahogany neck he described the challenges of using penetrating glues in the acidic environment of mahogany. He said before gluing he’d apply a subtle amount of a base solution to neutralize the acids. I imagine he uses baking soda and water and lets it dry out after cleaning for several days before gluing. Fingers crossed that his methods will work. We have the greatest of confidence they will. Thanks for sharing all your insights and talents. I truly enjoy your videos.

[@archloy]

This is suspect, no polishing this week ! 🙃 Thanks for that Ted, always entertaining and interesting to see your work :)

[@jeremywilliams703]

You are a joy to watch and listen to. You probably won’t read this, but I hope it helps the algorithm! ✌️❤️🙏🇦🇺

[@Curtislow2]

After 10 years of professional YT viewing, I still find it puzzling that someone would take the time out of their lives to thumbs down vote a video to someone who is so obviously a master!

[@johnkalli7654]

Always a joy to watch a master craftsman like yourself practicing your craft. I look forward each week to your videos because you are often presented with the craziest of problems, but always seem to have a plan to resolve even the most fiddly of issues! Thanks for sharing your love of the craft with us (even when it frustrates you)!

[@Separade]

Excitement! Gibson Headstock Break videos are the best 🎉

[@mikepower4113]

You are definitely a master at your craft. Thoroughly enjoy watching your repairs.

[@gemweems2873]

As usual another amazing video. Look forward to each one..

[@jean-pierremarinalonzo3204]

Really nice music, thank yoo ! 😁

[@diabolicalartificer]

Excellent work as always, the guitarists in your neck of the woods are very lucky. I haven't seen any luthiers on KZbin who go to the same lengths as you do to finesse & fettle a guitar.

[@locolunch]

Gonna proudly wear my shirt tomorrow!

[@adamnewman5225]

ted, thanks so much for the great tutorials on all things guitar. I have been learning so much about the many forces that are in play in a guitar body. Will I ever do a neck reset? Time will tell about the circus in the wishing well. peace&love.

[@DTGuitarTech]

Thank you for then video. That backstrap is so well done!!

[@Bob-of-Zoid]

I lost count of how many snapped off Gibson (mainly Les Paul's) headstocks I have repaired in my 40 years of luthiery, and can count on one hand how many others!

[@wizardoftoys]

Again.....gob smacked att Your brilliance! Thanks again😊!

[@williamkerr3350]

I could watch your videos day in day out,love your sense of humour as well ,thanks

[@dingdang3845]

🤟🏻 thank you for making these videos, I love all of them

[@musicmann1967]

It's always a pleasure to watch you work. The highest level of craftsmanship. While I would probably never attempt 95% of what you do, I do learn a lot, and "knowledge is power," as they say (or used to say, anyway! lol). Thanks for these incredible videos.

[@blackbirdpie217]

I don't think end grain is necessarily any weaker to glue to than gluing along the grain; But wood isn't isotropic. It just doesn't have the same strength across the grain as along the grain, That is, the lignin bonds between fibers is nowhere near as strong as a solidly crosslinked continuous unbroken cellulose beam, so we need to lower our expectation of an end grain glue up to be NOT as strong as a solid beam of wood grain-wise, but it should be about as strong as the wood 90 degrees to it. Or so I think. Those two guitars turned out great!

[@jcripp7974]

Cool picking at the end. One of your best so far.

[@tomstiel7576]

headstock repairs are my favorite repair videos you do,,,you make all the others look bad

[@timothycormier3494]

I gotta say. After watching for years now. Your color matching and blending techniques are excellent. You’ve showed us many different techniques and they all work out great! Hahah easy for me to say from just watching a 15 minute video. But teds soothing Morgan freedman esque voice makes it all good!😂. Not that you sound like Morgan freedman. But ya know😂

[@J.C...]

I watched someone fix a headstock where they removed the fretboard, cut chunks of wood off of the headstock and neck, then made what amounted to a double scarf joint with a new piece of wood angled at each end and glued to the angled cut on each broken piece. It looked TERRIBLE when he got done and I'd have been EXTREMELY upset had it been my guitar. All it needed was a couple of slots routed into the neck and headstock pieces and a couple of plugs laid into them. Instead, he almost destroyed the guitar. It looks BAD. I'd have demanded he replace the guitar, TBH.

[@bldallas]

Another great video showcasing you mastery of the craft. I know that old Gibson is worth saving, but I’m guessing you’ll have at least 12 hours or about $1000 into doing as all the repairs. That’s a big commitment, but I’m excited to see/hear the thing when you’re done.

[@davidmckean955]

And after all that work it will still need a neck reset in 5 years.

[@rwdplz1]

"What's wrong with you?" My little brother's first guitar stand was this cheap, SUPER unstable piece of crap my mother bought him, and if you so much as stared at it wrong, it would fall over. The Squier Strat he had at the time was pretty durable.

[@andrewpartington7274]

Can't wait to see the bridge reglue!

[@autodidacticprofessor869]

I will say that my Gibson Flying V has taken two dives off its stand, one face-first and the other, it flipped around and hit the TIP of the pointy headstock on its back, on a hard oakwood floor and aside from a ding, no evidence of cracks or damage. I guess I got some good wood!!! And... I don't ever leave it on a stand now. ;)

[@markdalton293]

ted I was really looking forward to see you finish that SG

[@Pheonixco]

I guess in its worn state and poorly repaired stated, that would be called "character" for what it sounds like. No doubt when you get it sorted out it'll sound much better.