Selmer-Style from Michael Dunn

[@gpetheri]

Couldn't find a Bridge Doctor down here in Aus, so I designed my own and installed it in a friends Maton. It worked brilliantly. Before, the bridge was leaning so far forward all the cars fell off.....

[@that_thing_I_do]

Watching, watching, watching... After watching Uncle Ted's video today, I can confidently say," I know that I know nothing."

[@jasonsapp792]

His knowledge of how to measure different troublesome areas is remarkable

[@LeftyPem]

Fretty uncle Teddy

[@jetobey5656]

I jump on your demonstrations ( from viewers POV ) and you educate this 78 year old sometime luthier, sometime repair, I do, however owe you this; you also amaze me with your playing of so many styles. You select a bit of play/music fit for darn near every style of play. Thank you for all of it. As you have hinted; it is not easy to concentrate on precise work and preserve and deliver a fine visual education.

[@pamartin]

Paste wax in the screw head. Always thinking about the next guy to work on it. Awesome consideration. I'm sure you wish those before you had the same courtesy. You do inspire.

[@timothycormier3494]

Thank you Ted!! After a long ass day of “celebrating” my son in law’s birthday and my son’s birthday and oddly enough my own birthday. All in the same day. Where I have to entertain and cook for 15 people. Happy birthday to me right! I have the relaxation of watching you just simply fix a guitar. Thanks man! Thanks for sharing again!

[@notabagel]

Happy birthday!

[@timothycormier3494]

@@notabagel thank you!

[@NKBobcat]

My Saturday early evenings are always spent watching your videos. Watching a master is very fulfilling.

[@laurencehastings7473]

Did I miss something or is today Saturday?

[@NKBobcat]

@@laurencehastings7473 LMAO, I meant Saturday! 68 years old and losing it daily!

[@laurencehastings7473]

@@NKBobcat Don't worry mate , Im 68 too and I had to check my phone to check.

[@zapa1pnt]

I'm 72 and when I wake up, in the morning (I wear a sleep mask), I know what time it is, within 10 minutes. But I still have no idea what day it is. 😁✌🖖

[@kbjerke]

Yay! A Ted video! Now I can relax and enjoy the show!

[@gnudad]

Your history of Selmer/Maccaferri guitars is pretty spot on. Originally, the tops had a "pliage" or bend heated into them, although this has disappeared in current gypsy jazz guitars for the most part. Also, guitars for lead had the "petite bouche" or small oval sound hole, whereas rhythm guitars had a "grande bouche" or much wider sound hole. Usually, this type of guitar had a floating "mustache" bridge with a tailpiece. Perhaps Mr. Dunn was attempting to modernize this type of guitar, making it more appealing to players of the day. His use of cross bracing echoes his abandonment of traditional gypsy jazz guitar construction, along with the pin bridge. I doubt the sound would ever be true to the sound of a more traditionally built gypsy jazz guitar. My $.02, and I have no idea what that is Canadian. 😀 Really enjoy your vids!

[@stu-j]

Fantastic Fantastic Fantastic....as always

[@PeterLindelauf]

One of the best shows ever at Dream Cafe in Penticton, BC, was Michael Dunn and the rest of the Hot Club of Mars band. Real treat to see and hear his guitars up close.

[@howardmaryon]

My dad was a huge Django Rheinhart fan, so I grew up listening to “Quintet of the Hot Club of France” records on 78rpm. They only used microphones for singers in those days, so the instruments had to be very loud, hence the Macaferri design. Also, Django refused to have a drummer in the band, so the percussive beat came from an extra two rhythm guitarists, plus an upright bass player.

[@RahulSharma_JaiMataDi]

Good to see you back after a long long wait Ted

[@bobross5580]

A long long week..🙂

[@that_thing_I_do]

Might as well face it. You're addicted to Ted.

[@RahulSharma_JaiMataDi]

@@that_thing_I_do 😂😂

[@stevehowell231]

I had a plastic version version Macaferri was promoting. (He also played a plastic violin). The guitars were not a commercial success - hence sometime in the 80s a warehouse full of them was found somewhere near New York.

[@wyattsdad8561]

It does kinda remind me of Django’s guitar. When I worked for Saga was when Swing Kids came out. We sold the replica of Django’s guitar. I remember being 21 years old and just digging that guitar so much I almost bought one

[@GizzyDillespee]

A used Saga (they made Gitane, no?) is one of the better values I've seen for Selmer style guitars, if someone's on a very tight budget.

[@wyattsdad8561]

@@GizzyDillespee shoot I cannot remember the name those guitars went under. We sold mainly Blueridge guitars there but also sold a couple different jazz type acoustics but they weren’t Blueridge.

[@musicmann1967]

Nice use of the bridge doctor! I had issues with my Martin D-18, so bought a bridge doctor and brought everything to my repair folks at Brooklyn Lutherie. They fixed the problem and didn't need the bridge doctor at all. Further proof that, no matter how many of these videos I watch, I'm not a repair person!! Haha! I'll stick to set ups and polishing, polishing, polishing.

[@zapa1pnt]

The Bridge Doctor is a good thing, for those who can't afford a "real" fix, or have an instrument not worth it. But, if you cab afford it, the "real" fix is certainly the way to go. 😁✌🖖

[@wyattsdad8561]

I like how technical Ted is about his work. It’s very thorough and well thought out. He’s already planned out his next move while working on the first move. I dig it. I do the same thing with carpentry at work.

[@TomHug]

Really does sound mid-way between a Selmer and a flat-top. Glad you were able to rescue this interesting guitar!

[@picksalot1]

Effective fix, and very nice tone.

[@laurencehastings7473]

Fascinating. First of all the history behind this style of guitar and secondly your approach to identiying the source of the problem and rectifying it. The repair is of course up to your excellent standards.

[@gabriellongworth]

Ooh a novel tool. The sound board measurement device is awesome.

[@zapa1pnt]

I thought Stewmac sold one but theirs is a neck relief gauge and the feet are not adjustable, to fit the body width. So, you have to make your own. 😁✌🖖

[@marvingreen7441]

Hey there, nice surprise and guitar!

[@bengordon2330]

Thank you !

[@davedoubleddykhuizen]

Michael is a wonderful fellow, creative as they come. Also a novelist, travele, model builder, and general fount of knowledge.

[@stephenherzig8775]

I have the same problem with some of those plug cutters. I found that putting it in the freezer for a bit did the trick. Cheers.

[@spud2go]

There is nothing more satisfying to me than the reinstatement of a good instrument to it's intended, or indeed improved, state of play. Thanks, Ted - another successful revival.

[@fulci6734]

Thank you Ted 👍👍👍🎸❤‍🔥

[@troz451]

Always amazing!

[@mccypr]

Thanks! ✌️🎻🙂😎

[@ericcurry-pitcher5493]

Sure nice to hang with uncle Ted on a Saturday. Thanks Unc.

[@hokehinson5987]

Outstanding!! Jango would be happy to play it!

[@Shredder-240]

16:40, doesn't the wooden 'foot' on the bridge doctor face the neck? This looks like it was inserted backwards.

[@catabaticanabatic3800]

Superb.

[@larrynoe6162]

Beautiful sound, in person would be awesome.

[@josesanchez-mb2lg]

A little late commenting here but I have had my Donner almost 3 years and honestly it has been awesome! I play it more than my expensive guitars and I did the setup myself!

[@imspartacvs]

Your skill is amazing to me. I am sucked into every repair. TY Matt Taylor 814 CE Builders Edition Hudson Valley NY

[@IndridCool54]

Thanks Ted! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@johntilson2535]

Nice efficient and cost-effective way to tackle an inherent design problem, Ted. 😎👍

[@JonDeth]

I was just looking at the JLD bridge doctors which is a very clever tool for a common problem *and inspired me to finish building my 2nd neck bending iron today which is a doozy.* After the first version I built I learned that clamping to something perfectly flat isn't enough, and I will add some very small shims at the 1st and around the 24th frets. I built an oven out of some fence slats and used a heat gun but realize now even a cardboard box and space heater will work lol.

[@michaelpilgrim8131]

Thank you, Ted.

[@ccaissie113]

Re: the saddle, A '64 D-18 had a bsd neck reset and the saddle needed to be extra high. The tension broke the bridge, but in this one there's plenty of meat to eliminate that.

[@scottreeves1226]

Great work. Terrific sustain on that guitar!

[@marka.200]

Add me to the list of people who genuinely enjoy and look forward to these videos. I'm loving my new sticker and T-shirt and hoodie too! Wear it proudly.

[@TommySG1]

Very nice work as always Ted, thanks for sharing.

[@markvonwisco7369]

Cool looking guitar. I like how it sounds!

[@Csharpflat5]

Great job

[@mikethetv358]

I had the same issue with the hole for the bridge doctor's screw... had to file it to size and can't make the hole bigger because the cap provided with the kit will be too loose. I believe they are all like that. But it works wonders to fix that kind of sound board issue. Best fix for my Norman 12 strings!

[@petedazer3381]

Hey Ted. I realize you don’t read the comments but I still wanted to say I enjoy your videos immensely.

[@jeromestevenfaigin6059]

Nice! I have a Selmer classical guitar which I rarely use. I only use this one for a tonal characteristics different to the acoustic steel string and electric guitars. I don't like classical guitars, so I paid $150 (with a case) and I added an Artec pre-amp and I was greatly impressed with that add on.

[@douglaswilson7051]

I love your videos. They are so full of great background information and techniques in guitar making and repair. It's very fascinating to watch them. I do have one legitimate question. Would ever consider, just for the fun of it, work on a Hello Kitty guitar. Acoustic or electric, but I do know that the Hello Kitty electric is pretty much a Fender Squire. I think it would be something a little bit different to see what you could do with an acoustic Hello Kitty guitar.

[@1777DK]

I press like before I watch. I don’t have to see it to know it’s good, I know it’s good.

[@natjes6017]

This is an instant like!!!

[@terryjohinke8065]

One of my friends bought a Selmer and the strings were 9s. Too thin for me. Still it sounded good fingepicking. That's how I play. Interetsing guitars. I would like to know how Django played one ( the original Selmer Macafierris). Unusual inside bracing, neither Cross nor Classical. Thanks Ted for educating me again.

[@firecrackerheart]

good one .. .

[@prestonhirsch5644]

Did anyone else notice he put the bridge doctor in backwards? Or is that just me 😆 16:36

[@zapa1pnt]

Yes, I immediately saw that, too. He must have corrected that, or it wouldn't have worked for him.

[@fenderbass0]

I've been staring at the physics of the bridge doctor for a while, and it seems the main action is from the screw element in the bridge pulling down on the top as you tighten the set screw against the dowl. The foot maybe helps a little but it might actually still work anyway in backwards since the screw can still pull down even with the foot not helping (it doesn't push the wrong way but rather does nothing by my analysis). Or he corrected the error off camera and didn't mention it.

[@zapa1pnt]

@@fenderbass0: I've installed them. If you put it in backward it can't do it's job.

[@fenderbass0]

@@zapa1pnt interesting!

[@ragnarironspear1791]

Beautiful work ❤

[@redemptionbreaking]

I’ve seen another tool called a “belly reducer” that uses heat and metal cauls to flatten the top. It’s a much bigger operation though. Any thoughts if the extra effort is worth it?

[@jfredknobloch]

Wonderful stuff! And your playing has really improved over the last few years… I’d love to hear John Jorgensen work out on this thing!

[@marka.200]

Summary: Michael Dunn's Background: Born in Quebec, moved to Vancouver, switched from popular guitar to classical music, and learned guitar making in Spain. Early Career: Introduced to George Bowden, began fixing classical guitars that had shipping issues, and later trained in Spain to improve quality control. Influence and Collaboration: Worked with Ry Cooder on historical lute building techniques and was influenced by Django Reinhardt's music, leading to his focus on Selmer-style guitars. Teaching: Taught guitar building at a community college in British Columbia in the late 60s and early 70s, training notable luthiers like Shelley Park. Selmer-Style Guitars: Designed by Mario Maccaferri, these guitars are associated with Django Reinhardt and feature a large body, cutaway, long scale, D-shaped sound hole, floating bridge, and tailpiece. Selmer Company History: Maccaferri approached Selmer to build these guitars in the early 1930s. Despite initial success, Maccaferri's involvement faded, and Selmer discontinued guitar production by 1952. Michael Dunn’s Design: Dunn’s Selmer-style guitars have evolved to be more accurate to original designs but also include unique hybrids like pin bridges, unusual for Selmer guitars. Specific Guitar Details: The featured guitar, built in 1969 and rebuilt in 1970, is a hybrid with a pin bridge and unconventional bracing patterns similar to flamenco guitars. Structural Issues and Repairs: The guitar had high action and a too-tall saddle, requiring repairs including a bridge doctor installation to address structural deformations. Inspection and Measurements: Dunn uses specialized tools to measure soundboard flexibility and deformation under string tension, ensuring precise repair work. Bracing and Soundboard: The guitar has a thin, lightly built soundboard with an X-brace and fan struts, contributing to its distinctive sharp attack and quick decay. Repair Process: Included adding a bridge pad overlay, careful drilling to avoid cracks, and adjusting the bridge doctor for optimal leverage, resulting in improved action and sound quality.

[@steventsunami9506]

Was it just me or did Ted put the Bridge Dr in backwards? The wooden support nub is supposed to push against the front of the saddle, not the back. Kinda hard to explain...

[@zapa1pnt]

Yep, saw that. I expect he corrected that, or it would not have worked.

[@Ukedc259]

Scrumptious

[@1973retrorabbit]

KZbin compression aside, it seems to have a nice ring (toppy) to it. I'm listening on my laptop with a B&O sound system and speakers, obviously can't hear what you're hearing, in the room, but what I'm hearing sounds good, quite sharp. I can hear how it would sound good in a mix with maybe one or two more rounded guitars playing chords/ rhythm, while this one sits on top playing the melody. (Maybe I'm overthinking this... that happens sometimes, when I hear something I like).

[@JohnSmith-eq5el]

I wonder if one of those inexpensive scope cameras with the movable head would be helpful in your work, they work really well for getting into tight spots...

[@seantpatton]

My favorite 50s band is Ted and the Hey Theres

[@MotoLen51]

What a cool and great sounding guitar!

[@chuckq54]

That is one sweet sounding guitar ❤️❤️❤️ Fantastic work as always! 🏆🏆🏆

[@stimpsonjcat67]

Is it cedar? It looks like cedar.

[@NitroModelsAndComics]

You Ted, are either becoming or have become one of the big names in Luthierie, whether or not you want such acknowledgement. It seems it should be thrust upon you. Your work continues to showcase your skills and excellent judgement.

[@joesantamaria5874]

Welcome back Ted!

[@zombeatle01]

You’re lucky that this wasn’t a traditional “petite bouche” - you’d never get your hand in there! If this were mine, I’d revert it to a floating bridge and tailpiece.

[@troyclayton]

Here in Maine, most of us say Quebec with a "k"- like you did. I follow a YT channel out of BC, and even they say "qua"- like most of the US. I wonder why.

[@justinholmes7028]

There’s an accent over the “e” it’s pronounced more like Kay-bec but most of the Anglo speaking Canadians pronounce it wrong

[@Riverdeepnwide]

É eh!

[@MikeGervasi]

Nice one, Ted. Great to see you use a method available to us mere mortals. I've used one and it felt like a cheat of sorts. Now I feel better :)

[@lumberlikwidator8863]

I thought you were going to break out into “Dueling Banjos “ there for a moment.

[@GWBridge]

Very interesting guitar with a beautiful voice. There are a number of Bridge Doctor videos online, but I recall Ted doing one some time ago that gave me a enough confidence to install one. I found an old Madeira A-30M (guild Japanese import line from maybe late 70's) which is all laminate but has flame maple back and sides. The bridge was leaning forward and the action was very high. The Bridge Doctor installed rather straightforwardly and got rid of most of the problem. The guitar needs more than that, but at least it's playable as well as looking nice on the wall. Of course, you have to hang it backward to see all that flamed maple...so I do.

[@dtreeguy]

Thanks Ted

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Amazing

[@matthewridgeway9250]

Gotta get me a Selmer like this.

[@farber2]

The bridge doctor will change the sound.

[@gedofgont]

The humdrummer will state the obvious.

[@davestambaugh7282]

All of the Selmers that I have seen were all viol type instruments instead of lute type instruments as they have a tail piece for very high tension strings.

[@karelenhenkie666]

They have tailpieces but very low tension strings, way less then standard acoustic guitars. If you string them up with normal strings they will not fair well.

[@TM-ev2tc]

I am not a luthier, but can you sand the fret board thinner if that is what you think the guitar needs.

[@zapa1pnt]

You must be extremely careful, with that. When you sand down the fretboard, you must then deepen the fret slots. If you sand too much, you will cut the slots completely through the fretboard. That's not good. 😁✌🖖

[@wallacewooldridge4070]

u god

[@zapa1pnt]

Hopefully, you meant good.

[@dooleyfussle8634]

Whoa! Nice one there Ted! She has a bit of sustain, I wonder how she would sound as a finger pick style guitar?

[@freesiaboysince]

Oh!! Ted-san still awesome!!

[@scottthomas9181]

I have the Gitane DG500 and the John Jorgensen Modele

[@dwsnsgp]

Kind of perfect???

[@andrewh7085]

Love your videos. I couldn't help notice the freckle on your forearm @ 18:33. As someone of fair complexion who has had a few melanoma's removed I have to say your freckle looks very familiar. Irregular border and multi-colored. I know it's never wise to take stock in an internet diagnosis, but I would definitely have a doctor or dermatologist take a look. Might be nothing, but I thought it would be wrong for me to not say anything.

[@joshrepp5876]

That straight rectangular bridge just doesn’t look right on that thing. Selmers had some crazy looking bridges.

[@davetir]

Nice

[@joedespres5693]

bridge dr, .in backward

[@zapa1pnt]

Thank you, for leaving the "s" off. 👍😁✌🖖

[@DensczBotski]

Slingsbot the pin into your eyeball 😂

[@andreasfetzer7559]

Why not install a tailpiece!!!

[@zapa1pnt]

A tailpiece will cause, excessive, downward pressure on the bridge. A flat top guitar cannot support that pressure. On an arched top guitar, the arch can support that pressure. Just as in architecture, an arch can support a greater load, than a straight span. 😁✌🖖

[@jda4879]

Thank you for mentioning Django Reinhardt

[@Sausage-3-ways]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@karelenhenkie666]

Well well well, thats my kinda style. (I build selmer style guitars for a living) have only just started but i know theres going to be some interesting info here

[@stuartkynoch7289]

I know where you got that dial indicator!! ;)

[@ClarenceCochran-ne7du]

Truly, LMI's closure was a real loss to the Luthier/Repair community. Looking at my bench, I've more LMI tools than StewMac.

[@contrabandjoe7974]

I like this guitar. It's different

[@binderfan436]

21:57 - nice.

[@bldallas]

Hey, a Saturday Night Special!

[@Obscurity202]

Your a lovely man

[@jltrem]

A Dr. Loveless guitar!!