Things went horribly wrong!

The S.S. Stewart wasn't ready to go home. Not by a long shot!
Woodford Instruments Hats, Stickers and Shirts: woodford-instr...
Kent Hughes Channel, with Harmony and S.S. Stewart Guitars: / @kenthughes6895

[@bluesfool1]

Not that you made a mistake, but the difference between novice and master craftsmanship is how well we fix our mistakes, or mishaps.

[@flapjack413]

I like seeing things go wrong in videos, too. I don't want anyone to fail, it's nothing malicious, but more of a true look into the real world of repairs, and other problems that can arise as soon as one is solved. It's much more interesting.

[@connshawnery6489]

Jesus your name is almost as hilarious as mine.

[@bigtoelittlefinger6133]

Dito

[@MyButtsBeenWiped]

I suppose that I lose in this game.

[@ClarenceCochran-ne7du]

Very true. Murphy's Law is always in play.

[@Revlrt1964]

The Upgrade from tone nails to the timbre screws was a fantastic choice .

[@burp1914]

If I had that job there would be a 1/4" bolt thru the neck heel. I'm no luthier, just a mechanic.

[@stratocactus]

These are *Swiss Moon* screws. Wayyyy better than standard screws.

[@frankcoffey]

Those appear to be stainless steel, it would have sounded better with brass screws. :-)

[@chrissandy3609]

Hi 9 8am⁸9 III

[@mightyluv]

@@burp1914 Call it a “sustain bolt” and charge $50 for installation.

[@tylerrichman9]

I'm really glad your channel is growing. KZbin has enabled a luthier such as yourself, to make an income that is more deserving of the level of skill you possess. I really enjoy these videos and look forward to them every week. Thank you for putting the time into making your craft available to the viewing public.

[@fivecitydirttracker4776]

Agreed......... To the point and, for me I did something unusual. I purchased a hat, T and, decal from his merchandise. I believe it totaled $70ish after boarder tarrif. I to enjoy his presentation and the knowledge gained from Ted. Peace. Geo.

[@MaximilianBocek]

Extending a syringe with shrink tubing! Always some jewel in these vids.

[@steveincollins]

that one stood out to me as well, great tip

[@walterw2]

right? it occurs to me that maybe a small zip-tie around the shaft would serve to help seal the tubing onto the syringe if that was an issue

[@picksalot1]

I liked that one, and the "string spreader" to move them out of the way for easier access through the sound hole.

[@zapa1pnt]

@@walterw2: A zip tie would not work, on something that small. The "zip block" has a flat bottom, which will not conform, to the round needle and so not deal.

[@walterw2]

@@zapa1pnt sure; maybe something else around the tubing and the small zip-tie around that

[@JamesDumas-b1x]

Red Knuckles, that guy could belt out some great railroad songs.

[@OSRLiving]

Wow. I think it sounds way better! Good job.

[@richardmcfalls8393]

Watched this one again. You really have to respect a repairman who worries about leaving some visible glue inside a Harmony instrument. S.S. Stewart mutiny thwarted.

[@AHackOfAllTrades]

I just love your sophisticated humor! “Tone nails” indeed.

[@larryburrough3024]

I am a retired Tool & Die maker of 42 years. I am so impressed by your skill. One of your best talents is figuring out the problem and the solution. Love your tools also.

[@aflatminor]

Turning that manual drill by hand would set my tendonitis screaming!! 😳😬 You need a young nephew with small hands to get that glue in!! Super job!! 😎😎

[@MarkDoyleLuthierCat]

Sorry Ted, this repair does make me feel a little more normal, as with my repairs, Murphy lends scissors to Damocles. I appreciate your honesty and integrity. Respect

[@kevinohalloran7164]

Ha! Murphy lending scissors to Damocles! Gonna use that!

[@MarkDoyleLuthierCat]

@@kevinohalloran7164 Thanks, Caution what you ask for, Premonition Happens (Huge Smile). Respect.

[@TheTapMusic]

“Was is hubris? Am I Icarus, with wings too close to the glue?” “. . .” “My evening plans have been altered.” That bit was golden, had me rolling.

[@Cpt_Adama]

OMG I probably would have gone and got drunk after you discovered that crack after you retuned it.🤣

[@stephenmctaggart8400]

I bought one of your shirts. I will wear it proudly in Auckland New Zealand. :)

[@mitzioden4926]

The guitar sounded pretty good when you finished it. Kudos for hanging in there!

[@norbertoquintanar2608]

Brother. I am always impressed by your transparency! Thank you for showing all of the things that happen. Gracias!!!!

[@GIBKEL]

Sisyphus…..definitely rolling the boulder up the mountain. I know it was a PIA…but this “spit and bailing wire” conservation is a beautiful act and it gets to live on and give many more years of joy. I just loves these old basket cases. I’m about to start on one myself. It sounded probably better than it ever had a right to. A fine job T!

[@Mike-kl1qc]

I haven’t found better repair videos on utube. Thank you for teaching your craft. We live in a Star Trek episode, on our wrist and in our pocket we have access to every encyclopedia ever written, in seconds we can access thousands of lifetimes worth of solutions. Incredibly addictive

[@PGodin54]

The art of being a master Luther that you are at bringing guitars back to life and saving them from becoming dust collectors. 👍

[@theshapeexists]

Or in land fills

[@DrKlausTrophobie]

I would have said 5 minutes of comfort... Which means _heat_ .

[@fivecitydirttracker4776]

@@DrKlausTrophobie 5min.....must be a solid body.... 😂......🎸🔥...........✌️

[@donkimble]

my hand cramped up watching you drill those holes

[@lyndamcardle4123]

A wonderful articulation of what can go wrong and how best to repair the damage. Elementary my dear Woodford !

[@richedwards9646]

I really enjoy watching your craftsmanship -you deal with issues so calmly and neatly! I would put you in my top 3 luthiers on youtube- alongside Jerry Rosa and Dan Erlewine! You 3 should get together and start a business together- world class !!!

[@pmscalisi]

They’d probably fight too much

[@johngerson7335]

You nearly quoted a luthier-friend of mine who used to paraphrase Newton's first law of physics when asked "will it change the tone?" in reference to his guitar work and his amp-tech jobs. His answer was "Everything changes everything". Beautiful work Ted, thanks for sharing it. And Happy Holidays!

[@HeliBenj]

The fact that this guitar still makes music has to be a Christmas miracle

[@garywhitt98]

To the ninety-nine percent of us unsurprised by the video title, apparently, upon occasion, things go right. I know...I know. This flies in the face of all experience. However, I have heard that it happens. Ted, you've gotta know that you are right in the middle of our living room...this is where most of us live with the exception, of course, to the Sugar Plum Fairy Pas de Deux soundtrack. We only live there when your reference sends us flying to KZbin's search bar. Our sound track more closely resembles cracking timber superimposed with the sound of the wife calmly informing us that the furnace is very probably broken and the sewer has backed up in the bathroom...again. But, by God, we've got a luthier that plays Tchaikovsky and a few minutes of flashing genius on display in Hamilton. Much appreciated.

[@jimhibert]

No need for preemptive strikes against the trolls. Your work is superb.

[@kendavis8046]

Red knuckles? No judgement, simple respect, dude! And like everyone I know, you play guitar better than I do.

[@dannytriplett8625]

Understanding the cause of the failure is 30% of the battle. Engineering a sound solution priceless. Most fail in the first 30% so will their solutions. Well done sir.

[@guyzumpetta9369]

You are a very funny guy in your own droll way. I hope your humor is not lost on the masses.

[@philipershler420]

First you “un-nailed” the repair then you “screwed up” the repair. This seems like an unlikely sequence of repairs, but in reality a very amazing display of your skill and creativity. I still like the sound of this salvaged ship.

[@wideyxyz2271]

Tone screws are superior to Tone nails. hehehe

[@joey93527]

hello from sunny Scotland love your videos defo genius at work

[@pumpdumpster]

Oh, my life did not go according to plan either! C’est la vie. Thanks for sharing! 👍👏🏻

[@DigitalMocking]

This is one of my favorite videos of yours in the last couple of years, thanks for posting it.

[@Swingtools]

Best content on KZbin. My wife and I actually make snacks and make an event of watching these videos every Sunday.

[@courier11sec]

It's like you're herding cats, and one of those cats runs a bait shop and to keep you from herding them it opened every can of worms in the place, and each of those worms was having a nightmare. Oh my gosh, friend. I'm sorry for how sideways this job has gone, but deeply appreciate you sharing the struggle with us and the calm you maintained while doing so. 🙏

[@walshy2116]

As usual you amazed me and many other fans. You are a true renaissance man!!!

[@richardmcfalls8393]

My right wrist started to hurt while I was watching. Another brilliant save.

[@ianday38]

I think I'd have been using it for firewood when that crack opened up. Good work, you have the patience of a saint.

[@pinballrobbie]

Rotating the spur drill backwards was great! could have done with that tip 50 years ago.

[@josephcapra8484]

I cant tell you how much I appreciate these videos, KZbin is still pretty much the wild west as far as what gets "published" as good information on here, and I have personally occasioned to tell people who clearly have no idea how to properly repair string instruments, Granted, you will hear plenty of:" that's not the way i would do that" that luthiers are famous for , but on youtube, there is still just plain horrific work done and presented as acceptable repair work, complete with folksy mandolin intros, slick graphics and long, loquacious monologues with facial closeups in fisheye lenses from horrific butchers who love the sound of their own voice and are too darned arrogant to bother to research the instruments they were charged to restore, I saw a guy take a beautiful, slbet worn and scratched up early 50's Gibson Southerner Jumbo, stating at outset that he didnt even know what model it was or when it was made, and sand the top without removing that bridge and rubbing black anioline stain directly into the bare spruce, and burying the whole thing under a thick coat of lacquer and power buffing it, The guitar was clearly ruined, and he waxed about having to "keep the cost down for the customer", who was a couple thos had inherited the guitar, and for hiis ruination, he charged them $800USD! I wrote my feelings about his presenting this trash as acceptable work, and later I noticed that he culled everything but positive comments from his videos, I think it is unethical to teach poor luthiery Refdeshing to see someone who makes quality, practical repairs and cares enough to know what he is working on.

[@that_thing_I_do]

Haven't watched the episode yet but I have to give it a like just everyone else in anticipation.

[@jhangii]

Watching you drill on old acoustics is so suspenseful! I’d be so nervous. I’d give myself an ulcer! Very impressive work, very impressive, indeed…

[@hydorah]

SS Stewart was on the rocks! Her back was broken! Incredibly our expert salvor made her fast and effected suitable repair so she could continue her voyage. Quite remarkable. Well done Ted. I was thinking of you tonight when I relocated the bridge rearwards 5mm on Yamaki made 1979 Washburn Hawk. I plugged and filled the old screwholes... And as I dropped a bit of finish onto the plugs which is very visible... I though hmm success, but I'm no Ted Woodford!

[@Charlie-Oooooo]

🤣 A sailor playing railroad songs? I think sea shanties would be more likely 🤣 BTW - love your approach to problem solving! Happy Holidays everyone!!!

[@matthewbartolone7036]

Once again I am amazed at your attack to the odd repair situations, love the videos, thank you

[@dillondriskill6403]

There’s something special about watching his hand move back and forth inside the guitar while he thanks us for our enthusiasm about his merch. A shot that would look extremely odd without context, especially to anyone who isn’t used to guitars, is somehow totally normal and enjoyable to us! Great show!

[@RedLittleBee]

Oh. My. God! But you fixed it - like always. Chapeau 🎩☺️

[@nicolen.9642]

Unexpected surgery on the bridge. Very interesting, bridge doctor. The huge crack is impressive. Great caring work, Ted!

[@melodicdreamer72]

Another amazing repair --> most amazing that the end result doesn't involve carpel tunnel syndrome...Youch!

[@m.e.langieri4957]

Great riff at t he end…and no it makes me sad to see things go horribly wrong…but good diagnostics are always appreciated! Well done Sir

[@perihelion7798]

Heat shrinking the tube onto the syringe...I love stuff like that! Practical genius at work. I really love the sound of these smaller bodied guitars. They lack the bottom end boom of a dreadnaught, but can have a really sweet middle, and ringing high end. Very nice for blues and older forms of guitar music.

[@jackiet4575]

Guitars behaving badly! Lol! I think someone else may have given up and built a nice cozy fire! Awesome work as usual!

[@guitarsnguns]

Sometimes it's good to let those finished jobs 'simmer' just a little while to see if there will be any surprises, especially after major surgery. Nice job!!

[@avenue6.554]

You had me at “Tone nails.” 🤣

[@peterbryan3081]

I really enjoy your videos, Ted. As well as the repairs you do, I particularly enjoy your playing the end of the videos. Thanks you.

[@ClarenceCochran-ne7du]

Enjoy your vids Ted. I wish you'd been available 40+ years ago, when I did setups and minor repairs for a couple local mom & pop music stores. I remember having a Yamaha 12 string come in with a cracked neck block almost identical to this one. I ended up doing the exact same thing, running screws in to pull the block back together. It worked and it's still working to this day (the owner is a friends and still plays it), but at the time I wasn't 100% happy about the repair, feeling like I should have done it differently, but it was the least expensive solution at the time. Watching you do the same, makes me feel better about it now.

[@joeguammusic]

I secretly love it when you fail Ted, because I think it makes your true skill and expertise of your craft shine when you adjust/evolve to the new resolution. Bravo, and thanks for always sharing your videos. 🤙🏼

[@chrisjames1924]

Adam Savage brought me here. I build guitars myself so the heads up is greatly appreciated. Great channel.

[@roytofilovski9530]

Wow, incredible work on that guitar. The owner must really love it because I imagine this repair is not cheap, and the guitar itself is not a high end guitar by any means.

[@kevinharnan8378]

Another wonderful adventure in luthiery-thank you. Can't wait for the tall t shirt

[@sidneysnottley6414]

Always entertaining AND informative - Cheers

[@RobbDizzl]

I love your creativity when solving problems. But what really amazes me is your patience, just the thought of fumbling around in the soundhole makes my blood boil. That would drive me insane. So kudos to you!

[@matthewscott2299]

My shirt came in today. Thanks for everything you show in your videos. I've learned so much. I can't wait to rep Woodford in Cincinnati.

[@jwardcomo]

You get the award for "Most Patient Man of the Year"- Canadian Division

[@larryburrough3024]

Perfect screw holes. What you are doing is the best way to set up the screws to hold. Great Job! You play so well also.

[@mrwhite7222]

A true technician shines when things don’t go right

[@guitartec]

The bridge truss (ie Bridge Doctor) does sort of the same thing as a sound post in a violin, however it does it to different degrees in different guitars; the back and sides now are no longer just reflective. They actually vibrate to the point you can feel it vibrate against your chest in many installations. A truss is an absolute must in a 12 string, and in a Penco I have actually gave it a sort of reverb effect. Trusses usually gives a guitar a more complex voice, sometimes quieting it, sometimes making it louder. Regardless, having the action and intonation back along with the top stability typically far exceeds any negatives brought on by its installation. This is why I've installed countless trusses in low to mid priced guitars. I also have a 22 year old Bridge Doctor in my personal 37 Martin 0-17 which sounds amazing and has thwarted a neck reset for decades now. Trusses are gooooood schtuff!

[@walther9161]

Love the improvisation of items like the heat shrink.. 👍👍👍

[@rodp2310]

Sequels often disappoint - but wow, that was awesome. Can’t help but applaud your skills and ingenuity. 👏👏👏👏 You nailed it in the first one - but then upgraded again. 👍

[@pamartin]

Thank you for inspiring me to be a little more hands-on in maintaining my own collection of axes. Always look forward to your channel posting!!!

[@k4vms]

Bridge Doctors work very well. I have used them on many guitars that experienced a bulge including 12 string guitars. I have a customer had one installed that did not need one because to his ear it increased the sound of the guitar and to his ear made the guitar sound better. I would need equipment to measure the before and after to see what type of a difference it makes. Ricky from IBM, Ret -Now a guitar tech in Englewood Florida

[@jeffscarff1655]

I've installed several Bridge Doctors as well. They do good things, like make an unplayable guitar playable.

[@markguitarlfk]

Bravo, man over machine once again.

[@vlapachuau9004]

I like seeing things go wrong and than seeing your brilliant idea for solutions..

[@russellharris5072]

Wow,what a marathon,I think you did what was needed for such a basic instrument and did it well........................

[@jameswilson3554]

Great job. These videos never fail to amaze me. 2thumbs up.

[@griffisguitars2921]

His slight reflection in the chrome part of the scale (around 2:00-2:30) gave this a Wizard of Oz type feel. We don’t get to see his mannerisms very often so this little bonus was nice! “Pay no attention to the man inside the scale!”

[@redrock1963]

LOL....Yeah I saw the same and felt it was a like a peek behind the curtain.

[@MarkDoyleLuthierCat]

I thought the same think in his "70's Martins, gluing and clamping" showing Ted's reflection in the back of a Martin as he Reflects on Martin History (smile).

[@outerbanks854]

Practice makes perfect... Every cheap old basketcase guitar repair means an old guitar lives to play another day and it keeps you sharp for future expensive old basketcases. I don't care what you fix, I love the how and why of it.

[@RAkers-tu1ey]

This was incredibly educational. The actual process wad dense with technique. I will have to watch it several times, and I AM an experienced woodworker. Thank you.

[@American_Jeeper]

Massive difference with the sound, and definitely for the better.

[@btlmania64]

sounds great ! You have the patience of a Saint .

[@adobedoug2564]

Thanks for playing them for us Ted.

[@TJSINGS63]

I have to commend you on your channel. Not only is it extremely informative, and provides great education, Even though I don't believe I have any skills to repair it gives me a good understanding of my instruments. That being said you are Also extremely talented and you provide great amounts of husir, and dry humor, and irony which is my favorite. Awesome. Thank you.

[@mikecurtin9831]

Even the fact that it was a job and 7/8 didn't keep you from getting it done in only 2 videos. Thanks much for all the tips, and the swap from tone nails to timbre screws was very nicely done.

[@aaronellingsen5404]

The next round of tee shirts should include something like "Woodford's world famous tone enhancing screws and extraordinary glue applicators". Of course you'd also have to include the slogan, "Because penetration is paramount!".

[@stevenpressley5956]

Thank you Ted or simply just being you.. it's a very refreshing take on reality..👍👊

[@schm4704]

If only I had this kind of patience (or a fraction thereof). Impressive!

[@thehowlingterror]

Ingenuity and perseverance. Bravo!

[@jamesfetherston1190]

My fingers and wrist hurt just watching you drill those pilot holes with the jewelers’ drill.

[@michaelnicholas8081]

I dont know what it is about your content but ive learned so much about the instrument ive been playing for the better part of 15 years. can america put this channel in the library of congress please?

[@jafo1970]

I always look forward to our videos, not least because you bring a sense of order and logic to a little corner of the world. (I'm a musician; my job is to bring chaos, I guess!)

[@gemweems2873]

As usual another amazing video from a extremely talented Luther.

[@garycraw9781]

Wow! Tough Problem - Clever Solution. Great Work!!!

[@spiralflash6169]

Great job fixing the split, and very beautiful piece at the end! Thanks for the upload.

[@KBorham]

Horribly wrong thing gone good! Your work rivals that of Don Erlewine's. I always learn something new from your videos.

[@beytone]

This is one of those few occasions when the sequel is even better than the first part! I could feel your frustration, Ted, but think that if you hadn't spent the time to fit the bridge doctor you might have returned the guitar to its owner before noticing the big crack in the neck block and that would have been even worse. Great job as always, loved your approach to each new problem, very nicely resolved!

[@CitizenSmith50]

I really enjoy watching and learning how improvisation can overcome problems which occur when wrangling a recalcitrant instrument ! As the old proverb says ( or was it Frank Zappa ? ) "Necessity is the mother of invention" !

[@staleyexplores]

i think the thing I like about watching your and Jerry Rosa's videos is that you'll are a bit of mad scientists with your craft, ingenious ways that you come up with to fix these instruments. It's quite the skill imho. much respect. ty for sharing these videos.

[@ryanhunt2093]

I'm a huge fan of the artistry here. Cheers!

[@thegeekdude67]

Never gets old watching you work. Excellent job!