THE FUTURE OF GUITAR MAKING?

[@anthonymorales842]

how can one not love these students courageous designs. What an honor for both you and the students

[@MichaelWatts]

Yes indeed - they went for it! Very cool!

[@simonspearing6652]

Such a shame not to hear any of them😔

[@MichaelWatts]

There just wasn’t time I’m afraid Simon - but maybe in the future

[@82ndairbornevet]

I have to agree, although they were all lovely looking instruments, it would have been nice to hear how they played.

[@patberning]

Thanks, Michael, a really enjoyable watch.

[@theverseshed]

"no recording took place on that day" which presumably explains why we see so many fascinating guitars without even a hint of a sound sample.

[@MichaelWatts]

Yes, that is absolutely quite correct! Sadly there just wasn’t time

[@堺誠司-b6z]

Thank You❗️Fantastic Time❣️🌏from Japan.

[@MichaelWatts]

Arigato gozaimasu!

[@intersanctum]

Your content is a real treat in guitar community. Just as your exquisite playing.

[@MichaelWatts]

Thank you! That means a lot to me!

[@paulboden7850]

That was very kind and clever of you to bring and share the Kostal.

[@MichaelWatts]

It was my pleasure - there is no substitute for personal experience after all!

[@kevingreene6893]

Great to see this level of innovation in guitar building. A real environment for ideas sharing and cross contamination, in a positive sense, and positive development with honesty and genuine craft application with hard work. Brilliantly presented, as always, Michael :)

[@michaelraymond2175]

What an honor for everyone that was in this celebration, you are the perfect human to have been with all these new builders at this type of event. I'm so happy to see all of the innovations and hard work that these people will bring forward in this trade/art. Thank you very kindly for sharing your day with us all.

[@MichaelWatts]

Thank you so much Michael - that means a lot to me. And thanks for watching!

[@justinlouismusic]

What a great story. Wonderful guitars. The future of lutherie is secure! 😊

[@MichaelWatts]

Thank you for watching Justin! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@thomassicard3733]

Beautiful luthiery!! Thanks for this wonderful video!

[@MichaelWatts]

Thank you too!

[@thomassicard3733]

@@MichaelWatts I have a plebian (but wonderful) Seagull Mini-Jumbo Acoustic (my beautiful blonde, I do love her and she seems to love me, as well). However, I had a Robin Savoy Deluxe semi-hollow body electric - mahogany everything, except for the fretboard (rosewood) and the carved top. The carved top was an incredibly beautiful tortoise shell maple! Still, it is the finest electric guitar I ever played - aesthetically GORGEOUS, meticulously hand-crafted (yeah, it weighed A TON - get your strap, please!) - but perhaps what made it so incredible soundwise were the awesome Rio Grande Texas BBQ humbucker pickups. Just the right amount of 'growl'. Wish I still had it.

[@edwardpetersen4309]

Nice to live in a time on this planet where Guitar Maker is a viable and not unusual career pursuit.

[@MichaelWatts]

Very true Edward!

[@dalgguitars]

what fun!

[@docdoc]

If it makes you feel better, i recently attended a guitar makers event and there were two 10 string yepes guitars. No one could play them , not even the concert artists present. It takes quite a bit of getting used to !

[@ICE-ig6sz]

In terms of guitar production, CNC is the biggest trend, best advice for anyone starting to make guitar now is learning solid works and mastercam

[@geoffpeck1043]

Excellent 👏👏

[@MichaelWatts]

Thanks Geoff!

[@Glicksman1]

BTW, the D'Aquisto bridge you referred to is called a "wedge bridge", and was designed to improve bridge/top connectivity.

[@MichaelWatts]

Yes that’s absolutely right

[@RobinBassett]

This is a great insight. Hope these folk all see success. Must admit I have a soft spot for Italian guitar styles.

[@MichaelWatts]

Thank you for watching Robin! I wish every success to these students!

[@IvayloNikolov]

Michael, it must have been an incredible experience :-) So many talented people ... beautiful!

[@MichaelWatts]

It was very interesting, thank you for watching Ivaylo!

[@acousticguitarcanada]

Wonderful...

[@MichaelWatts]

Thank you for watching!

[@Muzikman127]

I bet that 12 string sounded wonderful. I'm an absolute sucker for silk and steel strings on a resonant instrument. That roundholed archtop looks like a really interesting instrument too, I wonder how it sounds! Great video, just wish we could have heard some of these guitars!!

[@Muzikman127]

(And of course, the star of the show and the reason I clicked, that bridge-over-soundhole construction, fascinating!)

[@MichaelWatts]

It was really nice - great idea to go silk and steel

[@BrianTruesby]

Loved this one, Michael!

[@MichaelWatts]

Thank you Brian!

[@BrianOwens-n7v]

Michael watts you continue to inspire me to this day! I have followed your channel since day one and you always have the most kind words to say and so humble so ty my friend for all that you do for me and my acoustic guitar journey! In my eyes you are a legend!

[@MichaelWatts]

That’s very kind! Thank you for your support!

[@ellenrik]

Simply amazing designs and what an exciting time for the future of guitar.

[@MichaelWatts]

Absolutely! Great work especially considering these were only the 2nd or 3rd guitars the students had made

[@terrywright7893]

So encouraging that luthiery is attracting such a variety of gifted, creative newcomers. Referencing your comments about performing unamplified, how do you amplify your Jason Kostal signature model: microphone(s) or pickup? Would appreciate some details…thank you, in anticipation, Michael.

[@MichaelWatts]

I’ll take a look in detail in a future video!

[@whythesadface]

Your video was great Michael. It did make me sad though. I was accepted into Newark in the 90s but because of my country and lack of money I couldn't continue.

[@MichaelWatts]

Thanks for watching - I’m really sorry to hear that though - I hope you’ll get the chance at some point

[@scoggers1628]

Some fascinating designs on display there. Thanks for sharing, Michael. On a side note, I for one would very much welcome a video in which you break out into an impromptu rave, hahaha!

[@MichaelWatts]

Thank you! Ah, the 90s are calling me back!

[@AJLucasLuthier]

It was great to be there and listen to your thoughts about the guitars as well as your performance Michael. Thanks!

[@MichaelWatts]

Thank you so much Adrian!

[@voornaam3191]

Great to see so many guitars, that are said to sound wonderful. And talking goes on and on and on. Can anybody pinch me? This is a sadistic video.

[@alastair6356]

Some amazing designs , imaginative and innovative. 🤩👍It would be nice to hear some.

[@MichaelWatts]

Sadly there wasn’t time to record them but maybe in the future!

[@miahconnell23]

I am so very glad youTube’s algorithm put this video-and your channel-in front of me 🙏 I look forward to taking a closer look after work. I truly love the slightly wider nut width and slightly more substantial necks I’ve found on Brazilian guitars (violão ). I have a feeling I’ll get to type to or chat with other people who prefer the slightly less common things that I appreciate through here 😊 [You mentioned Baden Powell in this vid, where you picked up a multi-multi- stringed instrument. First “click” and you’ve already name-dropped one of my favourites ! ]

[@MichaelWatts]

Thank you very much for watching Miah! I hope you enjoy what you find here and please do feel free to suggest topics for me to look at should you wish.

[@RByrne]

Some great builds! This was so cool of you to do for these students. You mentioned Dermot's as being "almost Irish" inspired. I have a Lowden with a rosette made of 3 copper rings, and my Dad had an old Avalon with a rosette similar to Dermot, a solid copper ring. I really liked Joe Verco's build too.

[@MichaelWatts]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@nickpearsonuk]

Joe’s guitar is really lovely. Elegant and beautifully crafted. It’s really punchy but with enough roundness and complexity to fill out the sound. This was my favourite guitar of the collection - excluding mine of course!

[@terryraymond1577]

This lovely person deserves more attention. Such great playing and eloquent commentary.

[@RCROSSH]

If that's the future of the guitar, I just want the present.

[@MichaelWatts]

That was the future too at some point

[@RCROSSH]

@@MichaelWatts of course!

[@gingerjam2192]

Your Kostal is such a beauty ❤

[@MichaelWatts]

Thank you! I like it!

[@chrisdrake447]

Thank you for delivering us a ring-side seat to this modern luthiery extravaganza, Michael. If looks led to dropped jaws, one can only imagine what these Instrument actually sounded like... Phew ...

[@MichaelWatts]

Thank you for watching Chris!

[@sangirardiecavicchi648]

Excellent episode. As always your videos are interesting! All the best from Italy

[@MichaelWatts]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@PcBguitarLibrary]

The 12 string nylon makes too much sense. I fingerpick 12s because its design allows for a lot of accidental composition and melodic discoveries within standard shapes , but always go back to nylon flamenco because properties of nylons are just absolutely perfect for finger play and control.

[@ElMcMeen1a]

Really enjoy your presentations, Michael!

[@MichaelWatts]

Thank you very much El! That means a lot to me coming from you!

[@ElMcMeen1a]

@@MichaelWatts Do you ever get to the US?

[@JoshuaC923]

I could feel your excitement through the screen, can't imagine what it felt like to be there playing all those amazing instruments. What a treat!

[@MichaelWatts]

It was!

[@corvusmonedulas4895]

couldn't find any info on the luthiers I was interested in. some links would be great!

[@MichaelWatts]

@@corvusmonedulas4895 well they were all still students at the time I made this film but there will be an update on one of them soon. The rest are mostly on instagram and easy to find

[@dennismenezes9423]

Now I'm curious to listen your Baden Powell's playing , or any other fav brazilian music of yours :)

[@MichaelWatts]

It’s normally better when I’m on a 6 string guitar!

[@jameslanclos568]

The Chris Snow guitar blows me away.

[@MichaelWatts]

It’s very cool

[@jameslanclos568]

@@MichaelWatts I would have loved to hear a sound sample from that guitar.

[@kennethbransford820]

=== How can we hear how the sounded? Wouldn't this be the peak of curiosity? == Waiting for sound samples of the event. Unless? ===

[@MichaelWatts]

There just wasn't time on the day but it may be possible in the future

[@nathaliecreuset1095]

very interesting video. Where can we have an idea of how all those guitars are sounding ?

[@MichaelWatts]

Thank you Nathalie! I honestly don’t know, I hope the students will manage to get something together

[@nathaliecreuset1095]

@@MichaelWatts Tx for your reply Go on with guitar infos ;)

[@rinkinkel]

lpve the sound...

[@DovidM]

With regard to Chris Snow’s guitar in the thumbnail, what’s the downward force on the bridge, and what will prevent the part of the bridge over the gap from warping?

[@MichaelWatts]

There is laminated Falcate bracing under the bridge. Extraordinary stuff!

[@davidharris7431]

Innovation on the edge , some different designs there . Here's me building Martin dreadnoughts ..... Peace ✌

[@MichaelWatts]

Everyone is on the same team!

[@TheGuitarsquatch]

Where can we hear the soundhole bridge guitar?

[@MichaelWatts]

That’s entirely up to Chris - I hope he’ll get some recordings happening

[@scottbrower9052]

Love the Chris Snow design.

[@MichaelWatts]

It is intense! I really enjoyed it

[@kirwee100]

Fantastic looking selection- how do we hear them to truly enjoy them?

[@MichaelWatts]

Thanks for watching -- I was only there for a day so there wasn't time to film individual demos but it may be possible in the future.

[@jiminnorthdallas1227]

Would have been so much better to actually hear them. Nothing fancy, just a simple SM58 mic 2-3 feet in front, to keep it uniform, so as to compare. I’ll subscribe and watch for the next one!

[@MichaelWatts]

I hear what you’re saying Jim - there just wasn’t time to get any filming done that day. But I hope that may change in the future

[@PS-fg3hp]

Dont know you but KZbin's algorithm got me here. You sound like a young David Attenborough!

[@MichaelWatts]

Thank you! I’m glad you found my channel!

[@soundknight]

2 Woods, Andre's tachi

[@MichaelWatts]

Also true! Good spot

[@ernstroad]

Did any of them make sounds?

[@MichaelWatts]

Every single one

[@ernstroad]

@@MichaelWatts Wow. It would be great to hear one of them, Two, maybe. That way we might judge whether those gizmos are worth it.

[@nickiemcnichols5397]

The best sounding guitar I ever heard was built with solid mahogany.

[@MichaelWatts]

Gotta love all mahogany

[@nickiemcnichols5397]

@@MichaelWatts yes, soon I’ll be getting a solid mahogany bari/tenor ukulele from a luthier.

[@videosfromallan]

Would love to know the IG for Chris Snow if he has one

[@gorthnahoe]

Why can’t we hear them.

[@MichaelWatts]

I’m just as disappointed as you are but I’m hoping the students will be able to make some recordings in the future.

[@fractuss]

Future? The thumbnail? I doubt it.

[@fractuss]

Love it though...

[@gingerjam2192]

Contradictions collapse

[@MichaelWatts]

There was talent in that room - and that guitar was a well made and good-sounding exploration of engineering and tensions.

[@groove40]

Americans should come to Portugal and learn how they build their “viola de Fado”. It looks like a classic guitar with steel strings. Of course it’s handmade. They are so good you can play classical guitar repertoire with their steel strings (like many did in the past). I am not saying that some of your handmade and old parlor guitars aren’t fine but most of your modern guitars sound harsh…The US is world known for great electric and terrible acoustic guitars…😂

[@duellingscarguevara]

Hand me my lute.

[@JoshuaC923]

Of course it's Darude sandstorm😂

[@MJWPub]

THE FUTURE OF GUITAR MAKING? No. Where did all the volume go? It never got from the saddle to the guitar body!

[@MichaelWatts]

I wish I was that confident when I was wrong

[@alexmeleshenko4834]

Digging in? with todays advanced microphones and pickups--it is not necessary to dig in anymore---I had having to force to play louder---you have to lose nuance and dynamics ---anyway thanks for posting this informative video!!!

[@MichaelWatts]

That’s right - but this was totally acoustic with no amplification at all. Still, the guitars sounded great.

[@voornaam3191]

Watts? Zero Watt here.

[@MichaelWatts]

Shit… how long did that take you?

[@pgnandt]

No guitar was heard in this video. Shame.

[@MichaelWatts]

That’s right, there wasn’t time for a proper recording session. Still - you got to see them.

[@pgnandt]

@@MichaelWatts Thanks for the video man.