Let's tear into a 1930's Martin, shall we?

[@edsautter51]

I worked for Martin in the 80's in the plant where this guitar was built. Brings back memories. My desk was in the same room that C. F. Martin had his desk. Enjoyed the job very much. They kept at that time many parts in the attic of the plant and there were many boxes of old parts there that were from these guitars. It was my personal break room break to just go up there and have a look. Thanks for the fine job of bringing this old girl back to life again. Good to see a master at work.

[@moran68]

Great comment ! Martin kept everything, great forward thinking.

[@aprylrittenhouse4562]

Wow thats awesome

[@pdxbmw77]

I believe Martin moved into a new factory in the mid to late 60’s.

[@edsautter51]

@@pdxbmw77 I believe so. The north street plant was and still is in operation to this day. When I worked there I worked for woodworkers dream. We supplied guitar parts nation wide to repair and builders. Also exotic & domestic lumber. We also repaired the Martin Shenandoah and Stinger guitars. Upstairs the wound and packaged strings. Also the telemarketing shipping was on the north end. My desk was where C. F. Martin's desk was when he worked there. I went there for a factory tour, Chris Martin was our tour guide. I then went to the north street plant and met Dick Boak whom I was eventually hired. Really enjoyed my time there and if given a chance I'd go back there and work. Great memories.

[@thedoddfishtreemonkey.7760]

What an awesome job. I’d love that.

[@jeffcampbell6898]

Those pole holes are used for a mold when it's steamed into an archtop to keep the wood from shifting.

[@Chris-yy7qc]

Exactly

[@twintriode]

I'm gonna call bullshit on that.....no just kidding I had no clue. Thanks.

[@flashhound2]

exactly. it was a go block to heat the wood to acomplish te shape of the top.

[@matthewstephens6848]

I, with zero experience, guessed that. Ted definitely knew. He's just doing that as a fake mystery (he's talked about cleverly influencing interactions on videos before) to drive people to the comments. And it worked. :)

[@mikeknowlden9617]

Steam?!? I was thinking heatgun due to the stains, but the steam would be better.

[@gtbones]

This is one of a couple channels that I always have to wonder and scratch my head as to why anyone would give this a 'thumbs down'....can't wrap my head around that. What were they expecting? Were they confused and thought this was going to be someone repairing a tuba and were disappointed to see the expert repair of a pre-war Martin instead? Did they think they were going to be watching a cat video? I don't get it. Ted is the most masterful luthier I have seen so if one of you 'thumbs down people' reads this can you 'splain it to me please.

[@wombatspatulafreek]

someone thumbed down on ted?? say it aint so... NOT nice.... some people...ted is,one of the nicest people on youtube,if not THE nicest... good work ted! dont let naysayers get your goat

[@ColeWheeler4Lyfe]

Haters gonna hate! 😂

[@telequacker-9529]

In 2134 AD... a luthier is opens up a 200-year old Martin archtop. "It looks like these braces were expertly replaced at some point. Maybe even improved. There's no way you can tell from the outside. And what are these weird holes outlined in soot...?"

[@woodyTM]

Golden! Now the real question is why this future luthier opens up this poor 'ol Martin for another round of treatment

[@ThatSockmonkey]

@@woodyTM clearly, it's because a future hamster died inside the guitar.

[@646oleg]

should have scribed the message on the inside, guy from the north country

[@jasonslayton2970]

Clamp marks from shaping the top?

[@randymoberg4331]

Possibly heat treated (torrified) to try prevent grain splitting (cracks) from the F holes.

[@wombatspatulafreek]

it sounds bright and lively....wicked nice job on that back n binding ,and the braces...kudos! :)

[@BSIII]

You are a freaking master craftsman. Mind blowing work.

[@JoshuaC923]

He is also a great presenter! A lot of craftsman are not very good at communicating their work

[@BSIII]

@@JoshuaC923 I fully agree!

[@JoshuaC923]

Michael O Callaghan Welcome! I discovered this channel about three months ago, almost binged finish all his videos hahaha! They are quite therapeutic after a hectic workday

[@JoshuaC923]

@Michael O Callaghan it sure is!

[@treatb09]

repairing a guitar isn't about being a craftsman. he ruined a prewar martin's bracing... n for what? it was a simple fix i could have had done in an hour... i'm a real luthier, craftsmen are for building guitars. repairing guitars take ingenuity and cleverness... you guys are hailing him for ruining a pre war martin!? you know even less... this is an embarrassment to luthiery.

[@Jordan-rb28]

How you narrate your videos is spot on man, bingeworthy

[@bldallas]

While you have that 85 year old beauty opened up, I would be so tempted to leave a little “Easter Egg,” inside the top sound board. Just writing your name, date of repairs and repairs made. Hidden away, so only another luthier would ever see it if he/she were to take the back off again in another 85 years. Great job on the fix. I’m not big on the tone, though, too bright and thin for me. Thanks for the video, Ted, I always like watching you work.

[@greatnortherntroll6841]

The thing about Ted's work that always amazes me, is his almost effortless, nonchalant, attention to the very smallest of details, and then his exacting methods of attaining the desired goal. My mind was blown when he split that spruce to reveal the exact line of the grain, prior to sawing, simply to maximize the strength of the finished brace! 🤯 I can't imagine anyone else taking that kind of care on a repair job like this, and making it seem so workaday! Thank you for your wonderful videos, Ted. You may not know it, but you're an inspiration to a whole lot of people!

[@eliduttman315]

You see that level of care by all sorts of MASTER crafts people, regardless of the material they work with: wood, metal, leather, polymers, or you name it. A MASTER satisfies an inner need to consistently produce 1st class work. Pay him/her the money and get the job done RIGHT.

[@newoldstock]

A real artist of luthery

[@michaelgarrow3239]

Wood talks to you after a certain level.. 😎🎵🎶

[@reddottx]

Happens a lot in furniture making. Especially chairs.

[@oakleyjack7600]

A mix of luthiery, forensics, pathology, and Craftsmanship. Loved the final product.!👍🎩😎

[@approachableactive]

I'm always so impressed by your way if working. So many repair guys on YT are such hacks. Thanks for sharing your work so we may learn.

[@jegr3398]

Yeah this channel is great

[@knedy]

You should check out Baumgartner Restoration, it isn't guitar restoration but fine art conservation. But boy! If you're a fan of high quality craftmanship that's the top on KZbin, also the videos are really well made and the guy is pretty funny.

[@MichaelLloyd]

While making a video. That is an art in and of itself

[@johnd9357]

@@knedy have you ever watched clickspring? If you’re into high end craftsmanship you MUST watch clickspring. He’s a clock maker, but the attention to detail and the quality of his work is literally out of this world. It’s a must see.

[@bldallas]

Agreed. Ted is the man, when it comes to this stuff.

[@pauleandersonmusic]

I am about to take the back off of my 1949 Martin type A mahogany mandolin. There are numerous cracks that are barely hanging in there plus a missing back brace. It's also time to upgrade the pickup to a K&K mando twin (an excellent pickup for all sorts of smaller steel string instruments). I really put this instrument through a lot while playing for a few years in all kinds of pubs with a traditional Irish band. Yes, there was some drinking involved, but the cracks came when going from cold foggy outdoor spaces to warm dry cars. There's not enough access through the tiny soundhole. The construction and binding and other features remind me a lot of the guitar you are working on here in this video, just a lot smaller. The finish, binding, materials, and details of construction are quite similar. I am excited to get to examine vintage Martin craftmanship up close. I very much appreciate your video and your generousity with your sharing of knowledge. Honestly, for me personally, I don't know of a single more helpful person than you in the entire social media world. This video is so helpful. Thank you.

[@Gunzprobish]

You and Rosa String Works consistently amaze me here on youtube. Excellent content as always.

[@colleenbarry5611]

They are so different and both so wonderful!

[@jeffsguitarrepair2498]

Michael at StringTech Workstations is right up there too.

[@aiden4884]

@@jeffsguitarrepair2498 Love him!!

[@perihelion7798]

@@colleenbarry5611 'Different' is an understatement! But both are kind of amazing.

[@josephtaverna1287]

Jerry Rosa is a legend no doubt

[@Imdor]

Might not be popular, but damn that sounded nice when you were done, love the bright sound.

[@privateer0561]

Sounds great. Well done!

[@firecrackerheart]

i actually love the sound of this thing. great work, ted (as always).

[@TenWilder0]

I'm a fairly competent luthier and guitar repair man myself, I've built many string instruments from scratch and reset necks, re fretted, repaired braces etc. and I have to say I'm really enjoying these videos and learning a thing or two in every one. Subscribed!

[@NautilusGuitars]

Same here! Been doing this for about 15 years. I've built close to 100 instruments, and have a 1952 Martin OOO-21 from across the country with the neck, bridge, and pickguard off for a refinish as I type this. I'm confident about my abilities. But I'm not complacent. I absolutely love watching other luthiers do work. Especially guys as talented as Ted. There's always something to learn. Even the smallest things can make a big difference. It's also nice to see that others run into the same difficulties as you. Just being able to see somebody do a job before you start is super valuable because of how it reveals things you might want to look out for during the process. All that said, it reveals a lot about Ted that so many luthiers enjoy watching him. We are easy to upset when we see the slightest indiscretion. He's one of the only guys I've never winced from watching. He's the real deal.

[@ScottMcdonaldMusic]

Your channel feels like watching the New Yankee Workshop but with guitars instead of foot stools and pie chest. I love it. Expert craftsmanship.

[@robillardjosh]

Love it! I feel like Norm and Ted would be fast friends.

[@hokehinson5987]

The masters hands save another one. The guitar has a unique sound like a piano with that one pedal depressed which allows a hollow sound. Would be happy to enjoy that guitar's sound. Outstanding repair.

[@MotoMarios]

Now I really got impressed. A master luthier offering lessons in extremes for free. What a wonderful world.

[@JohnKorvell]

After watching many of Ted's vids, I have to say this is the best showing his craftsmanship and care.

[@Ater_Swe]

"Now on to carving the braces which is a really difficult task more difficult than you´d imagine" I start to imagine myself trying for a day and a half getting this right, think that I need to get some distance to the job and go and do the dishes. Start from scrats day 3 and will be needing a cry right before lunch and so on and so on. Then the next line in the video. "I´m going, to be honest, this whole process took me about an hour and a half for each brace". I die a little inside and really realize that I live on a different planet when it comes to woodworking. It is really a pleasure to see a real pro in action, love the combination of explaining step by step, the humor, and the inhuman level you are to the rest of us. My hat is very much off for you sir.

[@ared18t]

I saw a dude in a factory cut perfect braces in 20 minutes it was marvelously frightening.

[@erlgro]

Yeah, agreed!! twoodfrd is truly a master! :)

[@timwhite5562]

Jesus, I've been working on guitars for 15 years, and I wouldn't even attempt this job myself. Great work.

[@woodyTM]

Couldn't agree with this comment more! for a personal repair I'd take my sweet sweet time getting it right and probably cussing like a sailor all the way through the process!

[@RickJones222]

I actually said "what?" when you said plaster of paris, and you said "you heard me.." Pretty funny.

[@guitfidle]

Me too!

[@farkroy]

Haha same

[@johnderekmitchell1510]

I've watched you do enough work to know you'd get it done right but DAMN! I was still chewing my nails 🤣. I think I speak for everyone when I say "Thanks for filming your wonderful work and sharing it with the rest of us".

[@saltyscorpion2151]

With all craziness in the world and on YT these days, your channel provides a place to escape to. Keep up the great work.

[@jetphone1974]

Were I not living on the other side of the Pacific, you would be my go-to repairman. Absolutely brilliant craftsmanship. Much respect sir.

[@jimr907]

When I want to reduce my stress level I look for Ted's videos. What a master! His skills always amaze me and I always learn something new. And, as another person commented, the quality of the videos is excellent. Almost as good as watching in person.

[@nathanbarnette1162]

Yes. Along with RSW. My favorites

[@Andrew-jn9yp]

Your voice is so soothing. It's like asmr for real👍👍👍 plus I love watching you repair guitars

[@ministryinsong]

I don’t build guitars - I play them - the owner of this guitar is blessed to have access to a master craftsman like yourself. Your attention to detail is awesome. Whatever they paid you for this work they got a bargain. I tuned in for five minutes as the title grabbed and terrified me and watched the whole thing. Thank you really enjoyed it.

[@Dtruthseek]

I just had to say something. You are as much an artist at what you do as any musician (and your playing is pretty good as well). You have a lot of skill and knowledge, and lots of tools and tricks, but your love of what you do, aside from profit, which obviously is not your motivation, is the thing. I get a sense of peace watching your videos. Thank you.

[@brianlegg6009]

"I get a sense of peace watching your videos." I couldn't quite understand why I like watching these videos so much until I read your comment. You nailed it. Thank You.

[@lorenzoparedes2306]

A wonderful learning journey. I have one truly hand made Mexican acoustic classical guitar my father rescued from a trash barrel more than 30 years ago after its owner installed steel strings, which caused neck bowing and the sides (solid wood) to burst apart along natural grain lines. When my father presented it to me, he said: "I think you have the skills and patience to repair this." There was a mixture of challenge and a compliment in that sentence. My father passed away in 1991, and although I made some crude, improvised repairs with glue, wood putty, and lateral clamping to bring the sides into alignment (I used stacks of books to create downward pressure while the little compression clamps and glue did the rest) I believe I am getting closer to the moment when I will remove that guitar's back to do a more comprehensive repair. These videos provide me with very useful information and even encouragement. Thank you.

[@elianu7027]

That would be really intresting

[@anthonynonya]

This is by far my favorite guitar luthier/repair channel, and one of the best guitar in general channels. I'm blown away in every video.

[@robertlottmann]

Always a joy to see you work...

[@charltonwang]

I can't imagine how stressful it would be to undertake a job such as this but you took it in stride. Thanks for bringing us along on the journey! Nice work.

[@nicolen.9642]

I agree, it would be stressful.

[@Lanarkish]

"I'm gonna be honest. This whole process took me about an hour and a half - for each brace..." I thought Ted was gonna say "about a day for each brace". Spectacular work, precise, no short-cuts and so beautiful to watch. Really gives us a better appreciation of the guitars we play, how they were built and why they sound the way they do. And why we should never try to do this kind of stuff. Master at work!

[@metalhead573]

Beautiful work. I love that you say "if we get really lucky", as if it's not your skill that made that happen.

[@perihelion7798]

I always give these videos a thumbs up, and I do subscribe. I greatly admire exceptional craftsmanship. However, I think some praise should be given for taking the time and effort to make these videos. They are not just entertaining, but educational and inspiring as well. Kudos for all the efforts here.

[@jamesdahl6949]

All I can say is "your talent is AMAZING"!! Pat yourself on the back for me! There can't be many people who have the knowledge and talent you have. Thank you for sharing!

[@danielmoss2394]

You are master. A man of extreme talent and patience. This was fascinating to watch. Thank you.

[@emersonvella]

Good god, Ted. I can't even find the words to explain what I'm feeling. This goes beyond exquisite craftsmanship. Thank you for sharing your genius with us.

[@garywhitt98]

Thanks Ted! It wouldn't have been a holy day without a Woodford special!

[@carsonwhitty]

I love watching you open up guitars the bracing etc. While I know it is something you normally avid like the plague (understandably so), I would love to see more of it if you get the chance.

[@wv838]

Such a distinctive sound. Lovely. Your patience and skills are second to none, Sir. Thank you.

[@JMnyJohns]

Wow. Seriously. You are so comfortable doing what to use home repair people are the most outrageous things. I realize after watching 30+ of your vids that it's just experience. You know what you are doing every step of the way and you have high confidence that it will turn out well, and if it doesn't, that you will figure out a way to solve the problem eventually. Such a joy to watch these. So inspiring. Thanks!

[@sea-ferring]

This repair was breathtaking to watch. I have done just enough woodworking to know that what you do takes great skill and much experience. Thanks so much for sharing your work.

[@paulmerojunkpileguitars]

This is the best, most practical, look at structural issues I have seen yet. Thanks for the sharing of your expertise and simple explanations. Top notch.

[@monday6524]

Major surgery! A great learning experience - Thank you!

[@videopeaberry]

This is by far one of the touchiest, tricky, and skillful repairs I have seen you do. That is suck a fascinating instrument too. I won't be surprised if in 80 some years from now people will speak of the strange things done during construction of objects from this period of time in the same way we speak of the things done during the depression. However I will be surprised I am around in 80 some years.

[@909sickle]

I like when you explain things / history in detail. I learn more about guitars from these repair videos than any other channel.

[@jeeplife2035]

Even tho I don’t play guitars if I had one no matter how old or valuable it was I’d only trust this man alone to do any repairs I had. I’d have no problem sending him whatever guitar I had because I know he would do the job better than anyone else out there. Such a master at his craft and it shows.

[@dannymatthews6365]

What a sweet sounding instrument! I’ve only recently found your channel and I have to say, I’m addicted. I’ve been working with wood for over 50 years and it’s refreshing to see someone who takes pride in their craftsmanship and creates objects of beauty. Thank you.

[@mikaso]

What a beautiful documentary. Enjoyed it very much!

[@mattstacy1652]

Knowledge is one thing but your wood working skills are phenomenal! I know a couple guys who are great repairmen but not exceptional at the final finish work. You have both !!! I’d send any instrument I had to you for repair with the greatest confidence!!! ✊!!!

[@elliottsmith8636]

I love how sharp all his tools are. The chisels cut through hard woods so smoothly

[@KennyHaney-iy3ob]

awesome awesome guitar. master repairman.

[@sidtovey]

Wow. Not sure what I'm more impressed with, the skill or the patience. Amazing work.

[@humminglake]

There is no more need to watch TV. Every aspect of the work exudes attention to detail. Thanks for teaching so many, around the world I'm sure.

[@guitorb]

Give those strings a few months of play and the minor 9 chords are going to sound fabulous. I love watching your videos. It's refreshing to watch a craftsman at work. The way that you explain what you're doing and the reasons why are excellent teaching.

[@imanalien2222]

I really enjoy watching you work. The intonation sounds spot on too!

[@notasilicaanimus]

Your workmanship is not just exemplary, it's inspiring.

[@mrclaus859]

You sir are an artist. Thanks for posting

[@nedneuhaus8882]

I own a '37 R18 and watching this was fascinating! I love the sound of this guitar and appreciate the history and workmanship you share in this video. Y

[@calsurflance5598]

You are the farmer of luthiers. You are out standing in your field!👨‍🌾👨‍🌾🎸🎸👍👍

[@dmav9466]

Thanks. Enjoyed your work, patience and attention to detail. I wouldn’t have known where to start!

[@greatnortherntroll6841]

I Absolutely LOVE the sound of that guitar! 😍 Really sweet repair on this one, Ted! Very, very nice!

[@gengar678]

You did a really nice job on this one. I am not quite convinced about the touchup with shellac and lacquer. I really liked making the mold with the plaster, I have never used this but I might in the future. Thank you for sharing!

[@04087759]

Thank you for your time and videos, they are great. I have learnt so much from them.

[@bobwhelk2118]

Videos are always well made, to the point, and entertaining. Did I mention that I don’t play an instrument nor do I repair them. I’m a carpenter and your knowledge and care have helped my workmanship.

[@spywithme]

Excellent repair, I thought the guitar was going to sound boxy and compressed. To my surprise the guitar was clean and resonant. Thank you for your videos.

[@darnright]

Thank you for all your wonderful videos. you are an amazing craftsman

[@GxBxN]

Amazing video! Wow, what a repair on the Martin! Thank you for posting your repair journeys.

[@bodiedominguez]

Somme great repairs, thank you, I learn a lot from watching your repairs and ideas.

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

17:05 a rare example of seeing this fine luthier, beyond the talented hands at work.

[@joshuacolumbus]

Spectacular work. I learned quite a bit here. Thank you for sharing.

[@BrianKlobyGuitar]

Cool guitar... I like the tone and resonance... most awesome :)

[@skookum-rjb]

Nice work, and yes, removing a back like that took some courage. I was very impressed with the tone. So much better than all carved arch tops that I have ever heard. I would love to hear your and other subscribers opinions about the tone difference carved vs formed arch tops.

[@ocljtc]

Loved the video. The repair was excellent. I enjoyed the guitar tone as well, the single notes were clear and punchy.

[@JackdeDuCoeur]

I really enjoy watching you work. Always well considered and well expressed.

[@cornbobrimlove7892]

Really great work. You have convinced me that you are a true master repairman after watching a lot of your work.

[@dsan94]

Great job! Funny you mentioned Ervin; the luthier I studied under had done his apprenticeship with him in the 70s.

[@CaptainScarlet1961]

Super interesting video as ever, showing with great skill & knowledge anything can be fixed. I've always wondered how those kind of repairs were achieved...

[@oogkauwgum5123]

Stunning craftmanship, sir! A pleasure to watch and learn!

[@davidscola1230]

Ted another fantastic video! Your historical knowledge is very impressive. Always a pleasure to watch.

[@pwman]

Amazing work! Both the insights and expertise and attention to detail. A real joy to listen and watch this project come together!

[@streetmoto1384]

Compelling viewing, thanks for taking the time to document this repair!

[@germanmartinez1994]

Wow that was such incredible work! Super informative and quite fun to watch. Thanks for sharing your craft!

[@TheRoiderien]

You are a true craftsman. Your skill and attention to detail are amazing.

[@keithnoneya]

Very nice job sir. I sure hope you have a young apprentice to teach and pass on your skills to. Thanks for sharing. Best Wishes & Blessings. Keith Noneya

[@dw9229]

If I am not mistaken, the circles on the inside were from the legs of a plate used to push the top in to a form in order to create an even archtop. Though it looks as though it may have been a bit uneven.

[@thewalrus1968]

The best and most talented luthier on youtube...just such a craftsman

[@MrJoeydano]

Now I have to say this is a job I wouldn’t want to even try to attempt ! That was quite a tedious undertaking . But I will say I’m IMPRESSED ! Thanks again for your videos.

[@angeloc700]

Great work! I’ve never seen the plaster molding before but it makes perfect sense! Re: the braces, they were made using a simple radius. You could have done the same, using the mold and a straightedge to determine the deepest part of the bow.

[@kirkrogers6968]

Wow!!! You are amazing. I was really excited to watch this. Imagine how many guitars love you!!!!!

[@jazzizm]

This is hands down the best and most entertaining luthier channel on YT. Bravo!

[@stevepethel6843]

Wow you are so skilled patient and dedicated to giving it your BEST. If that is you playing you're good at that also.Gods continued blessings ...

[@TvProf53]

Your patience and attention to detail are extraordinary!

[@waltersaunders7699]

As usual, you have done an excellent job with great deference to the original makers and the repair needs and requirements of the guitar

[@Jerry-OSBB]

I love this channel SO much. You do such great work. Thank you for sharing. I am not a luthier and never will be, but I am a guitarist and enjoy learning from you on why my guitars might be sounding differently over time and what may be going on. This is an eye opening channel.

[@bigfilsing]

"very chippy" I like that . What an undertaking ! Hats off to you for that. Great video

[@Airwerxco]

thank you for your humble approach to educating about this extremely skilled and little known trade.