Repairing an incredible GuitarViol Prototype - a Viola da gamba Guitar hybrid

[@TogaManGuitarViols]

Ben, I have been a fan of your videos for some years now! I am pleased you connected with it (think I pointed it your way ;). There are more of these in action in the UK and Europe in general. What you may not know is that these are a huge hit with film/composers and literally it is difficult to watch HBO, Netflix, or Showtime without hearing one in the scores since the early /mid 2000's. The breakout moment was the movie 300 (Electric) and same composer Tyler Bates makes an appearance in a club scene (John Wick 2). Fans of "Game of Thrones" would be interested to know that all seasons have a lower tuned BEADF#B (90% are EADGBE) - Not the intro theme track; that was a temp track that was done a week before instrument arrived. Most assume they hear Cello's through GOT ;) Anyway, a lot of progress has happened with these models (see my channel ;) Ben great stuff and I'll soon make a response video.

[@TogaManGuitarViols]

@Ciber Tiger It is surreal watching this on my end as I have spent the last 30 years developing this thing as a niche (now other builders are ready to jump on it - oops....). Maybe I created a monster ;) . Stay inspired!

[@guitfidle]

So cool to see your prototype in the wild!!

[@TogaManGuitarViols]

@@guitfidle very surreal on this end :)

[@scraverX]

TogaMan's response is here for reference - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKG2ioiIrtV0m6M

[@leovdvelden8428]

Toga-man .... and Spanish Fox joint it is!

[@dave1812]

i want to see a build series of ben making his version of this instrument!

[@TogaManGuitarViols]

I know the guy who made it ;)

[@robinfawcett7973]

@@TogaManGuitarViols What are your thoughts on that neck joint?

[@TogaManGuitarViols]

@@robinfawcett7973 Hi Robin! Those were some of the earlier years of the acoustics that we’ve now built hundreds of. One built that very same year happens to be heard on all episodes of Game of Thrones! Anyway the neck joints have evolved quite a bit! We now take a Spanish approach to the neck joint. The neck is literally one piece with the block. The other thing I’ve improved is that we put a carbon fiber tow strand 2mm below the surface of the back of the heel. This is like a steel cable like a sailboat mast has stays (but without added weight) is dramatically stronger and solve an age old problem that violins and cellos been plagued with for centuries! I called that neck elevation the Achilles’ heel of the violin. So yes we’re constantly reaching and improving! The finger boards are also dramatically different and offer a zero friction playing surface as well as resistant to climate issues. Also we are in development of some carbon fiber flax laminate building systems for even more resistance to climate issues (and making the instruments light plus strong as heck!). Is it our other pages and see what’s happening ;)

[@TogaManGuitarViols]

As far as that particular neck joint is concerned (in the video), A failure like that can happen under great pressure (six modern strings not four!) if it is left in a hot room or sunshine directly on it heating up the glue and letting it fail. I can’t say that I was in the room when that block was glued; but I do know that it was a very difficult thing to do in the first place. Again we have actually improved that process such that The neck joint and neck are one of the same pieces of wood no glue. It is assembled in a special jig that holds the alignment of the neck and pitch well the rest of it is glued together. The current process is way harder to screw up! Even better there’s no way the neck is going to come off like that on current builds

[@TogaManGuitarViols]

@@robinfawcett7973 kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKG2ioiIrtV0m6M

[@judewright9688]

Imagine seeing one of your first instrument builds being repaired on your favorite guitar repair show. Am I dreaming?

[@judewright9688]

Btw, the small spikes in the neck block were there to keep the joint from slipping around during gluing. Ben is right, the neck pocket was too shallow but the neck pockets are much improved on later Guitarviol models. Great repair job, Ben!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Hey Jude! This is so cool! I love this instrument, you did a fantastic job and I am now thinking naughty thoughts about making a version for myself. Thank you for the inspiration. B

[@jeffreycollins7297]

If you haven't thought of it yet...you should give serious consideration to making a channel where we can watch you build these beautiful instruments. I know I wanna go watch TOUS LES MATINS DU MONDE again for the 115th time now. :D Thanks!

[@judewright9688]

@@jeffreycollins7297 Hi Jeffrey, I don’t build GuitarViols anymore but Jonathan Wilson, the creator of the GuitarViol, continues to make them and he does a lot of videos. Check out his channel: kzbin.info

[@philgallagher1]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars "Hey Jude".... there must be a song in that somewhere!

[@eliotmccann2589]

Yes to more repairs- particularly of instruments as interesting as this!

[@robertprichard3236]

Ben. Please build one and film it. It looks and sounds so fantastic. Such a great change from just guitars. A real eye opener.

[@bigleafwoodcraft1453]

I've played guitar for 20+ years. My son who is 9 just started playing Violin in the school orchestra. Well I've dabbled on his violin and realized how much I love playing the violin. Ridiculously fun. Then I saw this..... I now need to play this. This calls to my heart. A musicians evolution.. xoxo Ben you beautiful man!!!!!!

[@RPupello]

Hi Ben, just saw this. I'm in NYC. I didn't read through all these comments, but here's how I've held a screw on a non-magnetic screw driver for more than 50 years. Take a piece of electrical tape a couple of inches long, poke the screw through the tape, then fold the tape over the screw driver. When the screw is tight, it usually cuts through the tape and you can remove the tape. In your case you could have left the tape long, then pulled it out.

[@jamiekrautkremer7936]

I would LOVE to see a build series making one of these. Such a wonderful change of pace and so interesting

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

something along these lines! B

[@jeffreycollins7297]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars YES!

[@guilhemvalentin6687]

Yes ! I would appreciate more repairs and more acoustic intruments ! And definitively would love to see repairs of acoustic instruments !

[@ChrisFranklyn]

30:08 - "Fiddly-ass instruments". Accidental pun of the week :)

[@DonNicolson]

Please build an semi acoustic version of this. This was such a cool repair Ben loved it. And if you make one can I have it please 😂

[@owenhartmann7354]

“ This is baroque, this is bar-roc...this is broken” 😂

[@SteelSkin667]

baroken*

[@FezMan94]

The timing of the "BURN IT" on this one was great

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Talitha has a great sense of humour! B

[@TogaManGuitarViols]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars And, yes I have burned them! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpXWkmhja9Z5iJo

[@jeffreycollins7297]

This video makes me want to go watch my absolute favorite film TOUS LES MATINS DU MONDE again. St. Columbe was an amazing Viol composer. Any music lover should see it many times.

[@jimbobjimbob8275]

Ben, I use a piece of stretchy rubber hose to hold screws onto screwdrivers. You just need 1/8 inch of the hose past the end of the screwdriver, just enough to grip the screw head.

[@donaldwrissler9059]

Little bit of heat shrink tubing will do in a pinch too; just dont over shrink it as I have never done ;)

[@daleturner3507]

You had me at “perhaps I should build acoustic instruments” I’m definitely into watching your builds.

[@Walking_Death]

Measure twice, cut once, throw away the right bit.

[@Jester-Riddle]

🤣

[@mattschmidt8003]

I have a 50+ year old double bass that I started to refinish years ago and didn't get very far. Now I'm thinking of adding frets and repairing the banged up purfling with fresh inlay. Thank you for the video! Informative and inspirational!!

[@rooiakkidis1]

"then this arrived" followed by the words "burn it" dont think thats the best way to repair it Ben

[@Runoratsu]

Yes, that gave me the chills too 😆

[@emm_arr]

Yeah. Bolt that onto Ben's intro and it sounds like it's what he says before the music kicks in!

[@Jordan_C_Wilde]

came here to see if anyone else picked that up, glad it is the top comment !

[@corwinwhitehorn7759]

Same here 😂

[@DavidMFranks]

Making that long screwdriver is the single most ingenious solution I have ever seen. Much respect is due.

[@EricvandenBurg]

Yes, I built of an instrument like that would be totally interesting!

[@woodstoney]

After watching your videos for many years I am still impressed with your knowledge and dedication. Your somewhat "dry" sense of humor causes me to occasionally belly-laugh in my chair! Thanks for sharing your passion!

[@DominusFeles]

The bonus Ben history was quite fun also! Realizing that I don't know so much of your backstory, could we get more of that?

[@timcarter1164]

Ben, you absolutely need one of these in your life, and we all need to see the video of you making it ASAP. Let there be no hesitation sir! And thank you for another unique and interesting video.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Deal! B

[@duffduff4948]

Hey Ben, what an interesting looking thing that is, now when I was in university many years ago a few of us went to see a band called 'Mamas boys' who were a sort of progressive Irish folk rocky fusion type band and as it happens were rather brilliant and I recall at least one of them (and very possibly more) playing guitar's with bow's and creating this incredible cacophony of sound that filled the auditoria with haunting melodic music that was truly astonishing.... ah the memories :) thanks for creating this and astonishing me as usual. take care my friend.

[@grumpyds]

The repair is wonderful to watch, please do more of them as available. Please also do the build that we know you are going to do in a series of videos. This is enthralling. I simply adore the instrument!

[@gramursowanfaborden5820]

"hey i want to do something along these lines", we want you to, too!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

and I love you for it! B

[@FireAngelOfLondon]

It was fabulous to see you work on this. Keeping the original appearance and handling but making the instrument stronger with the hidden screws was a very respectful way to solve the problem you were presented with. I'd love to see your own build of something like this.

[@andrewurban6108]

This kind of thing reminds my of the show "The Repair Shop". Who wants to see Tony Levin jamming on one of these things with King Crimson.

[@scottreeves1226]

I began watching the Crimson channel by viewing repairs, especially acoustic guitar repairs. Please do more! Also, knowing your viol-making training, I thought that you would remove the back since it would be glued with protein glue. And, since it is known that the Cremona luthiers used mechanical means (nails!) to secure necks in addition to glue, the screw is a perfect choice. Great work. Keep 'em coming! Build a guitar/viol!

[@jeroen9637]

Would love to see you build anything acoustic. Guitar, double bass or something like this. As long as it looks unique :)

[@marksshed1100]

It was great seeing you truly excited about a repair. You have an obvious love of the craftsmanship. Would love to see you put your particular spin on one of these instruments. Something very non traditional.

[@mulgerbill]

"Out of my comfort zone" THAT'S why you have to build one Ben, something good always happens right after you put fingers to lips then look up

[@soundscape5650]

What I'd love to see (in order of preference): - Acoustic guitar builds (from scratch, obviously) - Unusual instrument repairs (either unusual instruments, or unusual problems on common instruments) - A tutorial series on common guitar repairs (such as finish or cosmetic cracking, de-laminated acoustic bridges, broken Gibson head stocks, basically anything common beyond regular setup/fretwork)

[@iplaybass1641]

20 years without touching an instrument like that - he bows it and it DOESN'T sound like a dying cat. Amazing.

[@WillKellyHardKnocksGtrs]

I build these instruments as well for artists/composers such as Bruce Hanifan (Deadliest Catch, Ice Road Truckers, Swamp People) but instead use a different approach to my construction. I take elements from traditional electric guitar building and create an instrument that's substantially different from Togaman instruments in construction. I utilize bolt on necks, semi acoustic chambered bodies and fully adjustable 6-way bridges so the instrument can be dialed in perfectly for intonation/plyaability. I use Graphtec GHOST piezo saddles to drive active Graphtec preamp with MIDI interfaces. Any sound imaginable with these creative inducing instruments!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I think I will take this tact myself when I build mine.. so much fun to be had! B

[@oldmanzen6682]

Great video. Toss another vote into the "hell ya, build one of these" pile.

[@timbeaton5045]

Yep. We've been promised an archtop several times, i think. Time to make good on promises made, n'est-ce-pas??

[@DanPeacock]

The relief you felt when it went together was palpable. What a gorgeous instrument.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

It was very very well made, the glue joint was just a tad small. I'm glad it was though, I got to play with it as a result of the failure! B

[@KellyRobotoson]

The quip about mental health / the top caving in made me laugh and feel way more than I ever expected I would while watching one of these videos. (I love these videos for the record, I just wasn't expecting that haha)

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I have had an interesting journey with my sanity, and that top cave in was a very low point.. I'm glad I can laugh about it now though tbh. B

[@LaynieFingers]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars I think a lot of creative people have been there. I know I have... More recently than I'd like to admit.

[@mykhough6614]

It's nice to get a new guitar but possibly even nicer is to have a cherished guitar that you thought was damaged beyond repair returned as good as new. I repaired a Squier Strat headstock that had broken from the G tuner lengthwise through the headstock, ending up between the nut and the first fret. The look on my friends face when I gave it back was worth every second of the hours it took and the guitar now features heavily on his band's latest album. More repair and problem solving videos please.

[@pauldowie2932]

Ben, would love to see your modern take on an acoustic guitar. Pleeeeeeeese

[@garethlamb6923]

I’ve wanted to see an acoustic build on the channel for a while, so I’m glad this instrument has brought some inspiration.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

It is a kick in my pants that will result in some very interesting videos next year.. I can't wait. B

[@LuciFernato]

Please, please, please build one of these Ben

[@Stahlkeks]

Awesome. You really have to build one of these soon. The repair was nice and the instrument is indeed very interesting. And it sounds awesome. You could really go crazy with beautiful woods and some ornamental carvings.

[@DedMaximChannel]

11:07 When I need to fix a screw on non-magnetic screwdriver, I simply place a strong neodymium magnet on the end of the screwdriver, but i'm not sure if it could work with stainless steel

[@icrin_]

It works

[@willymccoy3427]

Depends on the stainless. Some is magnetic, some isn't.

[@robcooper6062]

Fantasic, truly... your ability and skill to not only repair a hybrid instrument but to get such a beautiful sound from it. Amazing.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you. I had a blast with this one.. once I knew what I was actually going to do that is!

[@robcooper6062]

I have to say I really enjoy watching you do your projects and really appreciate the great skills you have.

[@RomainWhatever]

Ha ha ha “i cut it and use the wrong piece” it’s almost a good feeling seeing you master doing same mistakes as us regular people. Well at least I did this error a lot unfortunately 😅

[@1CrowLaughing]

This is the merriest I've seen Ben in at least a year & a half. It's beautiful! So. Yes. Here's another voice for more repair videos, AND ALSO a request for an acoustic build of some sort. :D

[@JUNK_ZONE]

Hey, if clapping is what you need to do, go for it. I can level out your audio if needed. Anything to help out a great channel.

[@jeffreycollins7297]

I've never needed to do that during one of his videos. I listen with headphones. Cheers!

[@JUNK_ZONE]

@@jeffreycollins7297 And KZbin is available on more than your phone, the sound should be level and translate well with all listening devices. So everyone can hear everything. Edit: I just think the dynamic range is tooooo huge. Like.. old Disney huge. The speaking can be anywhere from a whisper, to proper volume talking, and all the way up to way too loud that you totally miss any of the lower volume stuff if you don't want to ride the volume the entire time or use headphones exclusively. It's a pretty easy fix and I'm well equipped. That's all.

[@Rovinman]

Yes ! It would be absolutely fantastic to see you repairing vintage instruments, like this. I have never seen an instrument like this. Violas etc., yes, but this looks like it could be an amazing challenge to see build !

[@Jonpilen]

You know Ben's already built in his head.

[@ihaveriffs8261]

I’ve been following his work for years and dreaming of owning one. So amazing to see this in your hands ❤️

[@ihaveriffs8261]

Btw, if you can build something like this at a more reasonable price than what they’re currently available for, I’d be happy to give you the challenge.

[@ihaveriffs8261]

Specifically, I’m looking for something with a Jackson Rhoads aesthetic, semi-acoustic with bow-relief cutouts and a nebula dye job. Reverse headstock similar to Solar Guitars. Are you my guy, Ben?

[@szczerzo]

"heat trated" is the politically correct term for burnin things with flamethrower.

[@StonyRC]

Hi Ben, VERY interesting video. Respect to you for pointing out any time you drop the ball ... shows real character in my opinion. Repair videos are ALWAYS interesting (as are build videos). I second some of the comments below requesting a video series of you building your own GuitarViol.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Much appreciated, and yes, I will certainly build myself one one day, hopefully soon!

[@m1k3g3tz]

ok, just paused this at the 6 minute mark - Ben, you need a bore scope, that you can output to a large monitor / tv / camera. we wanna see inside the guts of this thing.

[@bryanfindley6543]

Yes please more repairs. I'm just getting into building guitars and your videos are not only informative but extremely inspiring. So thank you Ben and your staff at Crimson for all the amazing videos!

[@billstoner5559]

Maybe it’s time for the modern master to return to his roots. Just saying...

[@mbrsart]

I had this happen to my (cheap, factory made) upright bass a number of years ago. Fortunately I had a lot more meat to work with, and my extremely amateur glue job is still holding up to this day. I've always been fascinated with these since the first time I found them online back in college, and it's been on my bucket list to get one ever since. The fact that this one is the first prototype made this ever more exciting to watch.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

A repair that holds is that that counts in the end.. and you really should get one of these, I was blown away even with it being a prototype! B

[@erics320]

Many people see this and think yeah, i want one. And after checking out the site and seeing the prices, nah, not for me.

[@jeffreycollins7297]

just a bit more work on one of these than a high end acoustic guitar....just a bit. :D

[@willb3698]

Do you Mean you Can not Afford one? Or do you think they are Overpriced for the considerable amount of work to build a "successful" Viol de Gamba type instrument?

[@erics320]

@@willb3698 I can afford it, its just to much money for an instrument I want to have "for fun". I have a bass, a keyboard and a violin I tinker with, but my main instrument will always be guitar.

[@a.c.fretworks]

This video was such a pleasant surprise to have popped up in my notifications. I've just recently accepted a deposit on a custom build in which the client wants a Flying V electric guitar that can be played with a bow. I've been working out the methods for carving such an extreme compound radius, mounting magnetic pickups so they'll be in the proper location to catch string vibrations but not interfere with bow playing and designing a new base for a Hannes piezo bridge to raise the saddles and orient them along the correct radius... Just because I have a toxic need to make things difficult. I've seen a ton of guitarviol videos and found numerous pictures online and even undertook a painstaking search to determine fretboard specs but was until now unable to find an in-depth view of the anatomy of the instrument. Thanks for sharing this. I can always count on your help in my journey to continue growing as a luthier.

[@vxwoodward]

Elongated screwdriver = stroke of genius. How about electro-magnetization to hold the screw in place

[@falcon8553]

I've seen a lot of your videos this one was fun seeing. Mostly seeing you out of your comfort zone. Awesome work

[@mikhielthorsson6033]

Yes I would love to watch Ben make something similar, even have a special series making these kind of instruments.

[@troyrawls1704]

Don't think you really have to ask, but definitely yes, would love to see more, I had to make a extended screw driver a long time ago in another life, I welded it, it worked, and have used it a couple other times, thanks for sharing your work and your humor

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

and thank you for watching.. more will be coming I am sure.. and I may even find a use for the screwdriver (if one could call it that) one day.. B

[@Viremia]

This was a wonderful video in so many ways. Fascinating instrument. Good to see you fabricate what you need to get the job done (screwdriver). Fixing it up to playability was a lot of fun.

[@natsterjam]

Smegging Awesome! This was an amazing project to watch Ben! Yes please for more videos like this!!!! And I learnt about a new instrument I have never heard of. Thank you.

[@louiswillemse7147]

Absolutely in awe! Thats such a cool instrument. Havent followed you for long. But am finding myself pausing the video to see tour tools on the backdrop/toolboard and everywhere else when the video changes angle. Grew up on a farm in the Transvaal of SA and was taught how to use a lathe on a simular but bigger version of yours. Can SO relate to making a tool to do a job. Thanx for the content.

[@cynjohnson1967]

Love the repair videos and would really enjoy watching you reinterpret one of these and build for yourself. What a treat to watch you excited about an instrument.

[@ManNamedEd]

I really enjoy your repair video's! Watching you come up with solutions to the problems you come across is half the fun!!

[@stickman393]

Anyone else getting "All Creatures Great and Small" vibes? Seriously, Repairs are THE BEST

[@mikefurlong8025]

Next time you need to drive a screw at depth, consider simply using an 8mm steel rod, grinding 4 flats into it at 1/4" and then using a 1/4 drive to 1/4" hex socket to hold whatever type of bit you need - Phillips, Robertson, Pozi, etc. Love the work. Keep the videos coming!

[@alanpiper1942]

Would love to see acoustics made I made a few guitars about 15 years ago and would love to get back into it.started making electric ones 2 years ago and really enjoying them all down to watching crimson guitars so thank you for that.

[@alansturgess1324]

Ted at Twoofrd and Ben at Crimson have to be the two most interesting, skilled and amusing luthiers on KZbin - with Ben taking the honours for out-and-out eccentricity.

[@DougKingJax]

Ben, I really love all of your videos, but this is possibly my favorite. Watching you go outside your comfort zone and work on something as unique as this instrument.

[@bigtills6271]

Lets beroche and roll. Love the crimson relaxed attitude, yet attentive to accuracy, healthy work ethic Ben.

[@Georg93]

Such a beautiful instrument. I would very much like to see a building process of something like this.

[@ianthomson9363]

Another utterly fascinating video! It's a very interesting instrument and some inventive repair techniques too. I'd love to see more like this. It sounds rather good too. Ben, when you build your own version (which would be good to watch!), you're ahead of the game as you already have the tool to insert screws into the neck.

[@davidneilson3508]

An awesome switch from the regular videos. Very interesting and enjoyable to watch. Well done Ben on the repair and the playing.👍👍😊

[@evs2760]

More of these, yes please! And many more that bring this high level of happiness and the joy to your inner kid.

[@jondc4486]

That was a cool looking instrument. Yes, there has to be an acoustic build of some description in the future (I know it’s one of our frequent requests of you). Keep doin what you’re doin, watching your videos I’ve finally built up the courage to start a build of my own.

[@alex0589]

This is the first baroque colonoscopy ive ever watched on youtube. Came for the weird instrument, stayed for the world's longest screwdriver. Nicely done. Cheers.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

'baroque colonoscopy'! I love it! B

[@Neoit0]

Really enjoyed watching this one, would definitely love to see more repairs (as much as I enjoy watching the builds I'm never likely to embark upon a scratch build myself, but a repair on the other hand...) and more unusual instruments as you come across them would be great too!

[@audiotechlabs4650]

After reading the comments, and your acknowledgement of wanting one of these, it seems we will be seeing a build of your version of this instrument in the future! Now that the virus vaccine is being shipped to the U.K., I am praying for this nightmare to be over for you! Just when you think you have built all of the instruments you can, Ben has opened a new can of worms and put himself out there for a new chapter in the on going saga of Crimson Guitars! Interesting info on your luthier training in college. Love from NW Colorado. Thanxz

[@ravingcyclist624]

Amazing instrument! Never seen one of those. Very creative repair. Well done.

[@alwayslearning8365]

I enjoyed that video and would like to see more repairs, and a few unique builds. Thank you.

[@bronsoncarder2491]

You never plugged it in! I wanted to hear what it sounded like through that piezo. You should ask the owner to come in and demo it for you, and capture it direct through piezo. GORGEOUS sound regardless. Gorgeous instrument. Would certainly love to see you make one on the channel.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Next time! And yes.. I would like to do something like this for sure. Seeing this reminded me that I really could do it.. B

[@Paul_Lane]

I’d enjoy seeing a build like this with your twist and spin on it. Great repair and enjoyed the playing you did as well.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you! And at this point I have no choice but to build something like this, and soon! B

[@Paul_Lane]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars that will be a departure from building modern classics like you normally do. As a wood worker I enjoy your vids as I learn more tips and tricks with each build you do. Looking forward to this build after Nebula 2.0...

[@omegaflameZ]

If you're considering doing an acoustic scratch build I know I'd love to see it, Guitar/Viola/Violin/Lute etc. Sounds like a great way to freshen things up after all the kits and just solid body electrics in general (not that there's anything wrong with those). More repair videos would also be well received. Also gotta say, your energy at the end was just infectious, soon as I saw the bow on the workbench I just started jittering, awesome photo too.

[@greggilmour7671]

Lol. I loved it when you made your screwdriver from the wrong piece of bar. I can totally relate to that. Very .encouraging, thank you.

[@JeshuaW]

I have one of these instruments since 2017. Love mine! You typically would want to set the guitarviol in your lap and the post actually goes behind your leg to keep it in place. I play the bow underhand with my fingers in. I am still learning but hope to feature it in a score or just some original music in the next year or two. :)

[@pauldunham8952]

Incredible video! I’d love to see your take on an instrument like this built from scratch. I’d also love to see you build a traditional arch top acoustic, something more rustic and folksy in keeping with the work-from-home moments of this year. Cheers mate!

[@RomainWhatever]

Please build one on camera for you ha ha you seem to enjoy playing it so much it went through the camera. The sound is so nice 😳 This can give anyone tears only with the sound of it 👏 congrats to the creator of this

[@ScottAstr]

I didn't have the patience to scroll through all the comments so I apologise if this has already been posted but I've been subscribed to TogaMan's channel for years now and I know the end pin is supposed to be held behind the right knee while playing rather than placed on the floor or above the leg. I don't know if you, Ben, are still in possession, but I bet that would feel a little more natural!

[@kjemradio]

Wow what a cool instrument! It would be interesting to hear this with an orchestra or along with cello, violin, and viola. For a man who was outside his comfort zone, I'd say he did a top notch job on the repair. Ben you may not "need" one, but you sure as heck need to build one. Bring those hollow body skills back into the light.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I too would love to hear this in more settings and played by musicians better than I! I'm seriously considering a build along these lines, seriously! B

[@christoddheartogold]

I'll add my vote for Ben building one of these, that's one of the coolest instruments I've ever seen!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I agree.. I shall have to do it then. B

[@MrDieseel]

Definitely I want to see how you build acoustic guitar, and more repairs too. It will be exciting !

[@edkovac8978]

I very much enjoyed watching this. Cool content Ben. I would love to watch you to make one of these, however I think you could make it bigger. It looked like you were struggling with it being a smaller instrument. The advantage of being able to make your own instrument is that you can make bespoke to fit. Can't wait to see what you're going to come up with...

[@davanders2006]

Let your madness roll. This is definitely going on my facebook page and share with a few others. Wild instrument Thanks for sharing

[@schpeidermann]

"Underhand" bowing technique is what you need! Like in your old photo!!

[@jackycoudray6029]

That was such a cool video! Really refreshing, need some more repair on differents instruments like that. I think I need to see one of these for real one day and maybe test it out. I can see Ben making a full solid body electric viola da gamba 🤞