Ivory Out.. Silver In. Fixing a VERY Expensive Guitar Inlay.

[@jeremyanson8795]

So good to see Ben back on the channel sharing ideas and his considerable skills. Hope the carpal tunnel symptoms are manageable.

[@chazbotable]

As a jeweler who wishes I were a guitar maker, I'm definitely going to borrow your fanta-stic idea! You can reinforce a piece of fine grit sand paper with tape on the back, cut a thin strip from your sandpaper, and put it in your saw frame instead of a sawblade. You can then use your "saw" to clean up the edges of your tiny pieces instead of trying to fit solid files in tight spots.

[@flapjack413]

Ben, if the carpal tunnel symptoms persist, consider carpal tunnel release surgery. I had both carpal and cubital tunnel release surgery on my right arm back in 2017, and have been symptom free ever since. The recovery time is very short, too. After about two weeks, I was able to do literally anything I wanted to again, and after about one month, my hand was almost back to full strength. Just make sure to find a good surgeon. I lucked out and had one of the best in my state right in my area.

[@stu-j]

37 years of heavy industry my hands are absolutely cabbaged so I feel your pain! 5 surgeries on my hands and now I only have 30% use now! Winter is always the worst time for me so this year it's like I've not been pain fee!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I'm really sorry to hear that

[@redknight1322]

Ben, I enjoyed watching this video as you adapted to your physical limitations while recreating masterful replacement inlays for this unique guitar. You've faced some significant personal challenges but you've come out the other side stronger, more thoughtful, and willing to recognize when you needed help to get through the dark. I'm glad to see you back and being more creative than ever. I look forward to your next great project and want you to know that while I'm just one of many fans you've shown me, there is no shame in seeking help when you're struggling. Thank you so much for that... 🤗

[@brich5314]

Your watch collection is amazing, Ben!

[@lordbodford1]

Missed Ben need more of him

[@timc7345]

Gr8 to see you back Bun, on the gaspers again, keep strong mate.

[@davidjones6218]

💥💥💥Been soooo waiting for this! Superb.🤯 Ben, you are looking great man.👏👏

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you

[@Thornbeard]

Having been to the workshop in Santa Rosa I personally think it is worth it. Everything on a Alembic is custom. Pickups Alembic, bridge tailpiece and tuners Alembic. Their designs are original and their own. They pay a living wage to every single worker and follow all wood or material regulations to the letter. They have a large building full of woods they have had since the 70's that are just impossible to find now days in the quality they have. So yeah fucking expensive instruments. The price reflects everything but mostly it reflects the labor. Too often I think we devalue the labor of others.

[@daveayerstdavies]

Cool ideas, but is silver a good choice for a fretboard inlay? It's prone to ugly black tarnish unless polished regularly.

[@damianrf6309]

Great to see you back, Ben. Beautiful work, as ever.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you

[@davidwellings2783]

Really good to hear the dulcet tones, see the twinkling eyes from your ‘captain’s parlour’! Don’t think it would be my choice for a bass, but hey, each to his own!! Some great tips along the way! Cheers Ben! 🥰🥰🎸🎸☕️☕️

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you. It's good to be back

[@robinfawcett7973]

Great to see you again Ben ! Happy Solstice

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you. Same to you!

[@NotThatOneThisOne]

I've had various problems with joints, ligaments and tendons over time. Something i firmly recommend is a number of sessions in a good spa. Don't think we have any in the UK, so I'd suggest the mineral spas around Zakopane, near Krakow. Like sitting in a Lazarus Pit.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you for the advice

[@jbacon4514]

Glad to see you back, Ben!!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you

[@skratman]

Hi Ben. Last video I saw you were sadly shutting up shop. I must have missed a couple, but great to see you back on. I hope you are well (apart from the carpal tunnel issues) All the best.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you. I don't intent to ever stop making things, just have to slow down for a bit

[@mattomon1045]

Ben you have to experiment now and then !

[@ianthomson9363]

Fantastic stuff. I was fascinated to see how the process evolved and the results are definitely worth the time and effort. It's good to see you doing what you do so well.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you very much!

[@unusefull]

Beautiful job ! Thanks for sharing !

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@archloy]

My personal way to make that kind of fine inlays is more simple and straightforward : I will give up and let my depression raising by watching on youtube a master luthiers doing things like that, with hands problems x) (hopefully, I did not try insane inlays for now, so I'm OK ! :p ) More seriously, the result is stunning Ben, glad you share that with us !

[@BWorks]

They make metal clays that you can shape like puddy and then heat to burn away the binder, leaving solid metal behind. I've never tried them but i could see it being useful for something like this. They make them in silver, gold, copper - maybe others?

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I've been wanting to experiment with that clay for a while, thank you for reminding me about this.

[@nicholas3139]

ha! look at you, working smarter, not harder😅! excellent job- glad to see you taking your time, being gentle with the technique & yourself.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thanks 👍

[@LRBerry]

Have to say you're looking slimmer. I hope your hands improve. Great work with the silver.

[@davedavem]

100% with you on the getting lost in an idea thing. People wrongly diagnose they as procrastination...

[@edwardsierpowski3839]

I watched enthralled by your work and search for an easier solution. Unless the owner would be against it- I would have used fine silver powder mixed into resin and dropped it in, then carefully smoothed it down. It would have had a microscopic silver glitter effect.

[@jimbobjimbob8275]

Ben even quicker with the masking tape is to place it over the hole and rub with a grubby finger, no need to cut holes out

[@rojobemusic3754]

Ben, what is the clip on microphone you are using in this video? I've seen many people on KZbin using these and I need one in my life. Regards, Paul, Budding amateur luthier, RoJoBe Music.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

This is a Rode - rode.com/en/microphones/wireless/wirelessgoii?variant_sku=WIGOII

[@rojobemusic3754]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars Thank you

[@ThroughFallenEyes]

Editor: small tip. The sawing at around 8:50 was ear piercingly loud. On a phone speaker where I have to crank the volume to hear Ben, it was actually painful.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

My sincere apologies for breaking your ears. The volume is adjusted for screechy, high-pitched noises, just not enough this time.

[@jojo-df8eh]

B6 an B12 alone or in a complex vitamin are good against carpal tunnel !!!

[@mikebrowne4289]

Was that a Dexcom or CHM sensor I spotted on your forearm?

[@erichbuehler6317]

Why not use a silver powder/superglue? Perfect fill much easier. Customer request for solid silver?

[@Slikx666]

Improvise, overcome, adapt. 😀

[@JoePerkinsMusic]

Are you at Glastonbury again this year Ben?

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Yes

[@tonyhunt4250]

Loved watching!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@Kweesh]

Ben is back, huzzah. Any plans to do a full build?

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Future projects in the planning stages

[@Kevin-nr9lj]

Came out looking fantastic. Hope your hands get better soon, Ben

[@jerryheffernan1643]

We need to see you do a build challenge miss watching them

[@paulneeds]

Isn’t it a 6 string? I played an Alembic Omega bass once - and loved it. If I hadn’t already ordered a custom bass I’d have bought it - the prices were similar back around 1983. I’d still love an Alembic Spider like Entwistle’s, even just as a wall hanger to gaze at…

[@TimothySilvesterplus]

I wear gloves almost everytime im handling chemicals now. Keeping my liver and kidneys happier has reduced joint pain immensely. Hand therapist/physio also a great investment. And ofcourse for us ADHD folk drinking enough water 😂. Fewer videos is fine with me knowing that you are looking after yourself better is reminding all of us viewers to do the same ❤

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you for the support and advice.

[@realitystudioscustomshop]

Yay! new crimson vid :D always a good day

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you

[@frankiechan9651]

While the putty was certainly worth trying - I am wondering if there could have been any way to use a CNC to carve out some generic, slightly oversize claws. While you still need to shape them them to perfectly fit the cavities, it would possibly have saved a lot of time/ your hands in the sawing.

[@FossilFishy]

At first I wondered if Ben is having heart problems, but I’m guessing that that electrode is for a TENS unit.

[@zuchtfisch]

Dipping the shapes you‘ve taken off the fretboard into casting sand and using that to make a cast would be faster I guess 😂

[@JoeThornhill]

I think at least half of them came out in dust and tiny bits, though.

[@cobbyblue45]

Awesome.

[@mattomon1045]

Ben coo repair!

[@JoeThornhill]

In the word of Willie from Temple of doom: "Well, it's about time!"

[@jesusgom0245]

Just amazing!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thanks

[@sutorguitarsbytondewit6854]

WOW FINALI A REAL VIDEO, i dont like shorts, shows to much leg 😅

[@paulneeds]

Really good to see a substantial video, rather than the usual incessant ‘shorts’ which I really don’t like, and I’m sorry but I rarely watch them.

[@tahoemike5828]

I've been wondering where you were.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Not far, just taking it easy for a while

[@neilmeansneil]

Interesting but I miss the guitar builds!

[@andresilva8444]

I saw Alembic and I thought you were making moonshine. 40k for that guitar? for that money I can make my own. Good job Bun.

[@rudisentosa6765]

Cool guitar...🤩

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

It really is

[@paulneeds]

And that looks SO much better than the ivory did!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thanks, I agree

[@martintaylor1758]

Yikes. It’s a wee bit bling!

[@JoeThornhill]

What IS up with your middle finger? It looks like you've been chain smoking, but I can't imagine it after everything you've been through.

[@onbedoeldekut1515]

How can it be legal to sell instruments with ivory in the 21st century?

[@GrandadTinkerer]

So what would you have done with instruments that were constructed with materials from before we knew that it was wrong to do so?

[@dickstryker]

Second hand (antique) ivory is still legal to trade in.

[@fbrz84]

The instrument was built decades ago and piano keys were used to make the inlays. Many things made in the 19th and 20th century have ivory in them and that's just the way it was. Getting rid of the ivory in them just because it is ivory seems beyond stupid. Acknowledge the material, point out where it is, bring awareness to it, leave it alone. Not that difficult.

[@PaulCooksStuff]

The customer isn't always right, but the customer is always the customer. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks - the customer wanted it removed for their own reasons.

[@stevenpipes1555]

You are doing some fine and detailed work there, no doubt, but I have to say it. This project is stupid! All of that for a tiny amount of RECLAIMED ivory? Why? Just say it's bone! Make a new spec sheet if you have to. Taking that risk, with someone else's master art work, just to please some overly sensitive social justice warrior. It's infuriating! They act like you hunted down an elephant just for your dragon claws. The piano keys were probably reclaimed meterial as well. Elephants do die on their own too you know! Tusks can be found on the ground too, they're not ONLY taken from hunted animals.

[@Forest_Fifer]

Ben's doing this because a customer asked him to, and is willing to pay for it. The reason behind it is not for us to know. Maybe the customer wants the ability to export it without lying, with no doubt horrible consequences if he gets caught. Maybe he's getting old and is thinking of his legacy?

[@WolfmanZeroX]

you did a great job as usual but that inlay is ugly as sin the dragon looks like a muppet and the detail is horrible it looks like a 50 quid neck from wish