Old SG needs a bit of care

It's been around the block a few times and it's time for new frets and some deconstruction of old repairs.

[@chupathingy5862]

50 years of funk in those fret slots, man... That's so disgustingly fascinating.

[@gramursowanfaborden5820]

been restoring a hand drill built in 1912 recently, that's 108 years' worth of grime. in the past i've sanded guitars of a similar age and older to this SG and rediscovered different layers laid down by previous generations, each containing distinct odours.

[@telequacker-9529]

The funk of 40,000 years!

[@goodun2974]

Joe Walsh says it's just 49 years worth of funk, hence Funk 49.....😁

[@johnnyx9892]

Keef Richards would have snorted it.

[@ahf5471]

Everyone’s favorite luthier wordsmith...

[@BSIII]

His wordsmithing is my favorite part, aside his chisel carves. Those chisel carves are very satisfying.

[@Adam-wl8wn]

👃🏾

[@perihelion7798]

I used to hate SG's, until I actually played one for several minutes, years ago. I now own 7 of them. IMO, they are one of the easiest guitars to hold and play. And -- frets forever. Nice work. Thanks.

[@Zezezeze69]

I play an sg bass and love it. Neck feels absolutely perfect

[@68able2]

sgs are very comfortable despite the neck dive. i like me a good strat though

[@donkeyboy585]

I love mine(but one is all I need lol) I prefer to hold on to the neck anyway dive or not

[@kampfkustomer2343]

Indeed. I really like them for lead work, the strap position allows it to slide right over Angus style. Neck dive is mild compared to many basses, and the fix is a nice wide strap. Going back to Cali from TX this spring to rescue mine, a 24 fret 90s SG-1. 1H, too - that's my 'shred stick'.

[@perihelion7798]

@@kampfkustomer2343 Yep...but I'm still a Tele guy at heart. The Tele is the workhorse of guitars, and does so without glamour or pretension. It just works.

[@michaellupu2080]

The way you disassembled that nut reminds me why I enjoy your content so much; many years ago I sent my Vintage P-bass to "the best guitar repairman in my country" for a new nut, but when I got it back after a few months, one of the walls of the nut channel was severely chipped off and it was left that way, and the new nut was shimmed on a strip of plastic, not glued either. I draw inspiration from people who are excellent at their handiwork and pay close attention to detail, and your videos fit the bill. Take care, Ted.

[@vajohnaldischarge]

I believe it’s Ted

[@michaellupu2080]

@@vajohnaldischarge You're absolutely right, thank you for bringing this to my attention.

[@ileutur6863]

@@michaellupu2080 And yet Ted wonders why people keep contacting him about doing repairs. The world is full of neglectful, inconsistent and overall incompetent repair guys, everyone wants someone like Ted to handle their instrument

[@michaellupu2080]

@@ileutur6863 I couldn't agree more.

[@goodun2974]

"This is a player's-grade instrument, lots of dings and wear". Translation: it sounds good and is (or once was) fun to play and the owner has loved it to death. I'll take one of those over a pristine time-capsule specimen any day! PS, I can't ever see an SG without thinking, Zappa!

[@sleepymarauder4178]

Look at the Main Squeeze and Derek Trucks. They both rock SG guitars

[@michaelgarrow3239]

Yessss!!!

[@robertstevens8794]

Really enjoy the calm manner in which you approach your repairs. Right now there are a good deal of Carnival Barkers working the you tube guitar community in the States. Someone recently said " Canada must feel like they rented an apartment above a Meth Lab". Looking forward to your future Videos. Thank You.

[@fab-heidema]

twoodfrd: “Well hey there, gang” Me: SLAMS that like button

[@ProphetNikoz]

YES

[@loumonte658]

Oils seeping in between frets and end grain was great info. I would never have thought of that. 🍻

[@cndream1]

Your technical explanations are just so fascinating and informative - Bravo to you

[@MilenaPeix]

Loved the video! I could watch you doing a re-fret a thousand times, I promise we don’t get bored. Honestly I love every single one of your videos! Really well explained and interesting. Thank you for doing them! All the love❤️

[@kevinfitzgerald4561]

It’s therapeutic watching a master at his craft. You’ve transformed that guitar well done.

[@somearchitectTX]

It makes me so happy to see you using a Stanley level as a fret leveling beam!! Mine works great.

[@rudybigboote3883]

I just use a good piece of hardwood like maple and run it over my jointer just before sticking the sand paper on it. Works great and it’s much cheaper than a fret leveling beam.

[@PunkPino]

not gonna lie, i was going a little crazy without your videos

[@stevedimebag]

I think u speak on behalf of all of ‘the gang’ - I know I’ve been checking at least every 4 hour interval for the last week or so!

[@arctichare8185]

Indeed they do yield some healing properties to support mental health.

[@trym2121]

Maybe you should convince him to do streaming

[@adobedoug2564]

I’ve been rewatching previous content.

[@niandra_t]

That Mark Agnesi diss lol

[@chrisclines2880]

Yeah agnisi is a tool. Long ago I tried interviewing him for a college assignment and he told me he had better things to do.

[@KAIOabstrct]

Play authentic

[@jgmeals]

Towards the end of his job at Norman's he started dissing Fender little more and hyping up Gibson.

[@user-eu3mn6ss5l]

@@chrisclines2880 That's terrible.

[@vvvvaaaacccc]

his vibe really creeps me out.

[@benlogan430]

I bought an SG from 2004 with a neck repair that looked like the one you just fixed up. Doesn’t look good, but it stays in tune and was only $450. Still going strong! Excellent work as always!

[@OtaconNachos]

This is seriously one of the few channels that has any grace. Always love whatever is uploaded!

[@shrippie-4214]

I could really watch luthier videos forever also kind of a luthier myself

[@moonchild4806]

Man that bridge pickup is surprisingly jangly. I really don't understand why 70s Gibsons get a bad rep other than just being "different" than the 50s-60s models

[@thejoestays]

If anyone ever questions what kind of funky changes Norlin made to the classics direct them to the SG-I. The neck sits well above the body, narrow nut, shallow headstock angle. It feels more like a Rickenbacker neck than a Gibson. It's been my go-to guitar for years.

[@henryhunter5026]

Thanks for another great video. I wonder if the original “harmonica” bridge was a lower profile than the replacement ABR. This might explain why, along with the low neck angle, it’s difficult to obtain a low string action.

[@ianaston6564]

I have the same guitar, mine's brown also (except under the plate and in the cavity!) and for ten+ years I've struggled to date it other than '70-73. The info you gave on pickup position, height and neck angle makes me believe it's a 73 - no headstock break yet though! Thanks a lot and great video!

[@esseel7896]

look on the pots code in the back cavity mate. ive had my 73 special since 1987 and for years i didnt know what year, but then the pot codes showed 73. combined with the mini hums and harmonica bridge... deffo a 73 all the best.

[@rakentrail]

Did one of these in the 90's. Someone sanded away most of the fretboard in a failed attempt to compound radius it! I used a thicker fretboard and tall frets like you did. It turned out to be quite a player! All the guys at the shop played it when it was done and none of them ever noticed the board was thicker!

[@wellfuckyoumr]

Southwestern Pennsylvanian here, didn’t know anyone in Canada said crick instead of creek.

[@stratocactus]

French here. Can't tell the difference between crick and creek XD

[@pdp977]

Birmingham, England: people around here used to use "crick" to refer to (mostly) the local canals. When I was a kid many references were made to throwing unwanted bicycles etc., into the crick. The canals have gone through a renewal program - there are more canals in Birmingham than in Venice - and From the frequency with which I heard it I'd imagine tons of rusty metal were dragged out during it.

[@Riverdeepnwide]

Always used to joke with my mom about how she pronounced "Crick" and "warsh your hands". A lovely memory. She was from rural Ontario near Prescott.

[@gordonkennygordon]

Rural Utah here - we got cricks here too :)

[@kjdude8765]

As a Michigander I've always held a crick to be a small creek.

[@JosePineda-jn8jk]

Damn I miss working at a custom shop. I was on frets when I started and every now and again I had the pleasure of pulling frets and god I love that slow work!

[@westwoodmusic604]

No Dogs in Space shoutout! My favorite podcast!

[@manifestgtr]

Repairs running in packs is kind of an interesting little chaos phenomenon that I’ve noticed, too. Certain things like cracked acoustic tops in winter or broken headstocks during the height of the gigging season are one thing. Of course that’s gonna happen. But every once in a while it’s like “Wait...three vintage thinline teles this month? What’s going on here?” I know it’s just chaos and “pattern recognition” for the most part...pareidolia as it were. It’s funny that it happens to other repair guys though.

[@goodun2974]

Former audio electronics repair tech here......same phenomena noted!

[@RutherfordRyan1]

I was hoping for “ Highway to Hell” Ted... great job

[@mcgrawreek]

Though I am not an electric guitar man, I always love to watch your work on them and listening to your knowledge on the history of electric guitars and model differences. Who knows, I might step into one some day. Thank you.

[@HailRider]

My favorite channel. Love watching a Master Luthier. So much zen in these vids.

[@GIBKEL]

I bought a 62’ Junior and a 2020 Jr-last year? Had to send both back. Yes-I love them...I really do. Sometimes it boils down to economics and/or a good luthier. . You worked wonders. I’ve played some amazing ones. I think you may have mistook “sweaty hands”, for bong water mishaps and Cheeto grease. I got excited when I thought you were going to spline it. Something about that repair restores my faith I mankind.

[@lewistaylor1965]

I have this model SG from the very early 70's (Gibsons numbering method is a bit vague around this time for dating your SG)...Anyhoo, my SG is this colour and even under the pick guard it is this colour...I don't think mine was ever cherry but looks exactly the same as this...I managed to get mine in a CashConverter shop in Kings Heath Birmingham UK in 1996 for £320...It was good deal even back then they were going for about £1000 in London...at the time I wouldn't have been able to get one otherwise...I had no money...So it's still with me today...and is a lovely guitar to play...

[@Ibaneddie76]

Great job per usual, those pickups sound great even with their goofy position!

[@davefoster6156]

When I saw the neck, I thought it was still broken! In the end, happy ending, looks great, frets look good too! Fine job

[@pedraw]

I could watch you work all day. That's a lovely sounding SG.

[@nigelpickett2471]

As a Gibson player/owner for 50 years and used, abused, toured, gigged, recorded, I have NEVER broken a headstock, am I lucky? Even my '64 SG Special is break free. BTW, I really enjoy watching your content, seeing someone who really knows what they are doing and has an enthusiasm for it I find really rewarding. Thanks.

[@c.p.1589]

Me too. Gibsons don't break, people break them.

[@mattrogers1946]

Love those late 60s SG Specials! The P90s have such a great sound. The neck on my '68 plays like a dream.Thanks for the video!

[@SuperShecky]

Those are mini humbuckers. Gibson used them for a while for lower end instruments. I don't know if they're the same as regular mini humbuckers, with plastic covers substituted. But, yeah, they sound fine. Unfortunately by this time, PAF style were becoming all the rage, and these became the garbage in the eyes of mojo seekers. Perhaps enough time has passed? Everything gets mojo with age.

[@mattrogers1946]

@@SuperShecky If you read my comment again I was referring to the pre Norlin 60s SG Specials with P90s...

[@chinaswirlrod9802]

Had the same guitar. The cherry red was still visible under pick guard, pick up rings and poker chip. The rest was the same walnut colour. Great guitar.

[@MrGixxer1300r]

Nice easy repairs that turned out well,

[@dwebster50]

So in tune with every guitar you get. Likely the best person to take any guitar to. I have not seen anyone better. Thank you for posting. Alberta Dave 🇨🇦😊🇨🇦

[@hydorah]

Nice straightforward job! Good results! I see you strung it up orthodox style not with the strings 'top wrapping' over the tailpiece. From a personal perspective, I think it looks daft when the strings are top wrapped and it makes the break angle over the bridge shallower which I also do not like

[@evetsnitram8866]

I had this model back in the 70s and it was redder. Same pickups! I slapped a couple DiMarzzio humbuckers in it.

[@finaljesus]

i love everything about your videos your attention to detail the explanation very knowledgeable overall

[@jbafromny]

I had one of these for about 15 years. It had an ABR bridge, not a harmonica bridge, so I suspect that's original. It was exactly that walnut color. If it was ever cherry, it faded very early in its life.

[@BenState]

Love those inlays.

[@davidmacleod9313]

Love your videos! I have a mended ‘74 SG and still have my harmonica bridge. My SG is so light! (6lbs?) It has an ebony fretboard. Neck pickup butted right up against the neck. Small block inlay including the first fret. It came with a real psychedelic case. (Gibson Artist Series) It still plays AND SOUNDS great! Wish I could send a picture. And, btw, I am the guy that coined the term “whammybar” back in 69 NOT Lonnie Mack. Just sayin’. Big deal, huh?

[@jamesdavid7099]

Not only are you a top notch luthier, you're a straight up instrument historian. I sure dig the info.

[@adamwright4482]

Wow! Man, you're making some of the best videos on the Tube. You crushed that finished job and you have great taste in podcasts.

[@arctichare8185]

Your videos always a treat-and-a-half, and I'm more inspired to tackle some buzzing fret issues on my Seagull dreadnought.

[@Rigid_Digits614]

Outstanding work

[@johnnypk1963]

Great point abt overusing fretboard oils and the negative effects it can cause. If the frets r glued that’s much less of an issues but.

[@SketchEtcher]

Just, wow! It seems impossible and yet he shows how it is done.

[@TroubadourJuggernaut]

I cannot imagine how booked up you are with your level of care ... I would drive my guitars from the East Coast of Canada to you if need be !!

[@kylemoran4343]

My SG makes for a great "slide guitar". The way it's designed, makes it easy to slide all the way to the body without my hand doing contortions to reach that last fret, and it still sounds clean. Cheers !

[@BSIII]

Wow, I want that SG bad. Especially with the jumbo frets. Sounds amazing.

[@davidledford6482]

63 is old,we had a mahogany one, felt like it weighed maybe 3 pounds,i knew nothing of them,an traded for an i banez flying v...

[@stevesmith6554]

Great work to an old classic. You are 100% correct. The repair doesnt look "perfect" and the eye doesnt draw right to it, but it blends in well with the patina of the older finish. Really nice frets.

[@rodneychristian9834]

Every SG I have ever owned had neck issues and I sometimes felt that if you just looked at it wrong the headstock would drop off. Lol when they were repaired properly and only for short time they were a lot of fun. But too much trouble.

[@32251]

Enjoy your vids. Fine work. I do have to take issue with your fret removal. I never have chipping. Use a heat lamp with small pieces of cardboard covered in aluminum foil set about 1/8” from the fret. Heat for say 30 seconds then use a set of old diamond brand end cutters flattened on the grinder. Just pinch the fret and that puts downward pressure on the wood at the slot. Never never raise the tool! Pinch all the way across....that’s it....never any wood chipped out. Your mileage may vary.

[@billyrocca9029]

That axe sounds sooo good!

[@thomastommy1192]

Awesome video thanks for sharing. Stay well and safe my friend.

[@maladamedialabs4214]

When I was younger I bought (or obtained from the trash) some beat up guitars and made them somewhat playable. Sometimes I wish I kept working on guitars if only as a hobby. I find your videos informative and soothing - something I need a lot of these days. -m

[@SkyscraperGuitars]

Over oiling is a serious issue... Is there a manual out there that says oil them every day? I see that once in awhile and you have to sit the owner down and let them know that once every 6 months is usually good... I'm guessing there are guitar stores that push polishes and cleaning products. Great looking repairs as usual. Thanks for bringing us along. -Greg

[@universellesradio]

I live in London, ON and I hope to one day to get some work done by you, great stuff

[@briankientz2926]

Good repair work. I actually think the placement of those pickups help this guitar's sound. I built a tele once that I moved both pickups toward the center of the body and was very happy with the results ...

[@twoodfrd]

I think it does good things for the bridge pickup. The minibuckers can be a bit strident to my ear. This one was kind of smoothed out.

[@GP-Music.]

Had to stop jamming to watch, always enjoy!

[@bjstein4242]

Nice job.. I have a 1976 standard with harmonica bridge and really like it. I tend to stay away from the 72-74 oddball era where the bridge pickup is moved away from the bridge and sounds a bit muddy.. the neck was also pushed down in these years.. but they corrected this kid year 1974 I believe. norlin era SG don't get enough credit as they do play very well.. nice job!!

[@XLBiker13]

First time viewer. Very nice work! And very enjoyable video. I'll be back for sure. Thanks.

[@lowqualityguitarvideos]

Ive owned two of these, still have one. Cool guitars.

[@jthonn]

Some more fine work, that SG sounds great.

[@mperkins37]

Im own Grandads 56 Les Paul Custom w/ headstock break. player grede for sure..

[@patriottothecore6215]

Interesting. I’ve got an undamaged 1972 SG with original bigsby which has faded in exactly the same way. I have the original harmonica bridge but I put an ABR on it because the original gives unstable tuning. Nice job Ted.

[@ricksalt6860]

excellent work .

[@WonkyLFO]

Don’t care how many 12 strings or fret jobs u get at once❤️ love the long vids

[@ironguy6482]

I love watching your videos before bed

[@briansimpson8116]

Always look forward to your videos. Can't wait watch a build.

[@fergusnix3544]

What a find this channel is very nice to Relax too

[@jvin248]

Moving the bridge pickup more 'inside' and away from the bridge will give a darker/meatier tone more like a P90 pickup. I've rotated traditionally placed humbuckers 180deg so the screw poles were on the 'inside' to do a similar effect.

[@Thrash155]

I'm always amazed at the repairs you do on instruments. Its just memorizing. Thank You for Sharing your craft.

[@stringlocker]

Over the years Gibson has painted the SGs all kinds of candy colors but isn't this the color we really want.

[@gw2031]

Hi Mr T,,could you squeeze into a future video the technique for finishing Fret ends,?,,what you do after you remove the sharp burrs ,,how one rounds them over etc,,,that's my stumbling block !!many thanks,George ,Scotland UK.

[@AdamGotheridge]

You are like a surgeon with this things. 😎😎

[@ernestoborrego5102]

Nice work!

[@the_nondrive_side]

i usually don't like these SG models.. this one I come to want by the time you were describing the action change benefits of taller frets.

[@johnlee1948]

you are a mighty god of guitar repair

[@firecrackerheart]

beautiful.

[@pg123ab]

Best guitar Luthery and repair channel. 🙏

[@Furtheronmusic]

Good job I noticed it was top wrapped when it arrived but you strung it normally

[@jipes]

Much better strings angle with the strings not wrapped around. Nice job on the neck

[@guitarprepnplus1]

I have a lefty SG faded. 2017. Weighs 5.5 lbs. My back loves it. Love you channel. 🎸💨👍

[@russcorbett3923]

Just watched a commercial for KAWAI pianos ,,,,, WOW !!!! The craftsmanship that goes into making them is Amazing !!!!!!

[@wrenchhead4378]

This is a better repair than the gibson custom shop would have done

[@sweettoof9002]

I think this would have originally had P-90's. Too bad it still doesn't. Great job as usual.

[@micsayre]

Originally had the minihumbuckers you see...

[@nfijef]

So good T.

[@randomguy-if7sd]

Your vids are so relaxing, take all the stress away, thank you

[@vadeking]

I didn't realize the Special ever had block inlays. But a quick Google image search seems to confirm it. I love tiny little details such as this that manage to get by me for years!

[@thecaveofthedead]

My buddy has one of these. The minihums sound great. I'm 90% sure they came with an ABR1 not a harmonica. I also assumed a harmonica, my buddy told me his had an ABR1, and I seem to remember confirming with the catalogue pic. I think because it was the special. The bridge on this guitar doesn't look original but I think it would have had a different ABR1. Totally agree with the assessment of the neck. One of the narrowest Gibsons at the nut I've played, but not a thin neck.

[@austinsexton4413]

Shout out to "No Dogs In Space" love it!!

[@johngerson7335]

Beautiful work, as usual! Sweet guitar too.

[@phillipbingham487]

very nice.. and nice playing

[@PetraKann]

Good job !