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

[@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.

[@markdoyle9642]

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).

[@mitzioden4926]

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

[@pinballrobbie]

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

[@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.

[@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.... 😂......🎸🔥...........✌️

[@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!

[@bluesfool1]

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

[@norbertoquintanar2608]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@markdoyle9642]

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!

[@markdoyle9642]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@donkimble]

my hand cramped up watching you drill those holes

[@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.

[@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!".

[@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…

[@kendavis8046]

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

[@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

[@mic709]

I get hooked every time.

[@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.

[@russellharris5072]

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

[@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.

[@jessegrant8666]

Good job this guitar now can continue to fill the measure of its creation i love that and your willingness to help it down the road 😊

[@jts3339]

This is when you’re tempted to give the guitar the “El Kabong” treatment from Quick Draw McGraw. Did they show that in Canada?

[@modergav]

This cartoon is pure gold. And old. But so do i. Ahahaha

[@masteronone2079]

I thin' "El Kapoli" would step in and save the day. "Now hoooooold on thar, Baba Looey! I'll do the "thinnin'" around here, and doooon't you forget e-it"

[@kevinohalloran7164]

Stop it! All three of you! You're giving away what age we are! Do chicks watch this stuff?

[@tochriss]

The little cutting device with the scalpel blade (No. 11?) is a gem. And do I detect the use of MS Paint there for the block crack diagram? No shame in it, it's all I use :)

[@twoodfrd]

I enjoy Paint. Occasionally I'll even use Paint 3D

[@American_Jeeper]

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

[@markguitarlfk]

Bravo, man over machine once 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!!!

[@chrisjames1924]

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

[@thosewhowish2b693]

My t-shirt arrive yesterday! Loved the design!

[@matthewbartolone7036]

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

[@michael7v6]

My fav shirt lol. Great work Ted.

[@johnb4871]

The Stewart has an amazingly balanced sound and nice tone. Great work, as always!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@billallen1594]

Thank you Ted for sharing this. The worth thing is tricky on this one in terms of your time 🤔

[@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.

[@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?

[@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. 🙏

[@spiralflash6169]

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

[@kennogawa6638]

That sounds way better than before.

[@bobmeyer7009]

Excellent video! Great to watch a real craftsman at work.

[@gramursowanfaborden5820]

i can hear the quiet, seething rage bubbling up inside you through portions of this.

[@joemcgraw5529]

Love the syringe with the shrink tubing trick ,going to do this to reglue a brace thats loose pin end of a guitar,using a old computer camera to see and a long rod to get the glue where needs to be ,thanks for Idea Ted!!!

[@jean-pierremarinalonzo3204]

C'est la vie !! Bravo 🤩

[@Furtheronmusic]

The neck block crack to me explains possibly the previous nailing up around the heel from episode 1. Fabulous video and story

[@mikemclenison8200]

Nice job, a lot of work. I think I might have been tempted to use a Dremel tool for the screw holes.

[@fieraci8500]

Great tip. Ideal use for the flexible extension! Sadly I do not have that on my dremel. I have a dewalt right angle drill driver gizmo, and I use that and hex mount countersink bits to get into odd spots like that.

[@garycraw9781]

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

[@stevebowen2275]

Loving the upgrade from tone nails to tone screws hahahahahaha

[@jeffmatthon5704]

Just so cool !!

[@charlieniner1552]

You have far more patience than I!!

[@myeyesarewaiting]

What torrid time you had there. Good on you for not throwing in the towel on it. Love learning about the quirks of ladder braced guitars as I have an old (50s/60s) Arnold Hoyer. Good to know what to look out for in terms of potential failure risks.

[@Swingtools]

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

[@orisguitars7315]

Great work

[@melodicdreamer72]

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

[@schm4704]

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

[@goodun2974]

Ted, you'd probably be better off using screws that aren't threaded on the section closest to the underside of the heads, perhaps the last 1/2" or 3/4" or so ---- better for pulling two pieces of wood together.

[@stevengomes4769]

And if you don't have such screws simply grind pff the threads you don't want,

[@gcarson19]

@@stevengomes4769 or ream out the holes in the top piece like he did in the video…

[@Incandescentiron]

Sounds great. Nice musical choice for the demo

[@Chris-uo2vs]

ACTUALLY......IT SOUNDS. GOOD AS USUAL. YOUR WORKMANSHIP IS SANITARY....YOU SAVED IT.

[@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!! 😎😎

[@sibby_547]

Since you were talking about buying some equipment for the channel, have you considered buying a little Go Pro that you could put inside the guitar for some of these hard to see repairs? Just a thought. Love watching your vids and am just waiting for my t-shirt to arrive 👍

[@stainless641]

Really like the witty sense of humour😁

[@luckyno888]

This is like The Hurt Locker.

[@mikethompson6713]

Your wrist muscles got one hell of a workout. 😉 This was the first time I saw some of your technique Well done

[@rahnlawson9463]

I would have liked to see more info on how the Bridge Doctor works. The guitar sounded pretty good at the end of the video. You do some amazing work.

[@PaulAshley]

So glad you did the tone nail upgrade. I couldn't sleep this last week for worrying about it! ;-)

[@jwardcomo]

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

[@novacordaguitars-metecemkuzu]

It'd be sometimes very interesting to know how much such work costs. Where I live (in Germany) hardly anybody would invest so much in such an instrument unless it's an extremely important part of family history or such.

[@tramlad2]

Great video, you are so patient , excellent skills and saved a nice guitar from the skip, well worth it, as it sounds really nice

[@stavrospapadimitriou7631]

The guitar indeed sounds better than it did before! Incidentally my Woodford shirt arrived this morning. Don't expect my wearing it to boost passing trade though, as I live in Germany.

[@guymandude999]

the plaque type cover that Martin uses now, to cover the screw hole on the neck block, might leave a finished look in this case.

[@alanwasono]

If you can source some Huber needles, they're a 90 degree bent needle normally used for medical port access. Might help with tricky glue applications. Your solution was genius though.

[@spaert]

I love the innovation. Not everyone can do that and I applaud your ability. Great video. BTW, the hat arrived and I have to say it's probably the most comfortable one I now own. Not to mention the simple, understated logo. I don't usually buy merch because of how outlandish a lot of it is, but this was spot on. Nicely done. Worth every dime.

[@khaymanib]

I saw the thumbnail and thought oh boy here we go.

[@0goaway0]

Once again. Complements on your drawing skills. Multitalented

[@PMofKhanadah]

pause @15:20, I got a 90* rotary tool attachment that I can drill with up to 1/4" bit. Takles a litte finaggling but helps like this sometimes. I hope the owner realizes how fortunate they are to have you on it.

[@bobbeattie9695]

Could you come to Seattle and fix my 2003 Toyota Tacoma, it has a nasty vibration problem. Love your art and always look forward to more. Stay warm!

[@Bob-Whiting]

I certainly knew what you were talking about but the artwork helped. You are so much better than I, I think. lol Happy Holidays!

[@patriottothecore6215]

I love watching all your amazing skills and especially the pithy comments but most of all I like the special one-off tools you make.

[@kiddcomet3563]

Patient is a must 😵‍💫

[@Goomer]

It really did look very beat up before you started. Good Job.

[@aidantalbot9495]

FYI I really like the sound on your videos, on many you tube vids the voiceovers are way too strident, your sound and voice suit the videos, thank you for posting

[@franklinslamo]

There must be something in the air because I had had two or three like this in a row. You can never get too much practice I guess. :)

[@gardnep]

It is possible that driving those nails in caused the vertical crack in the neck block. A couple of the nails looked quite large for the job they were supposed to do.

[@kiddcomet3563]

Sweet been waiting all week

[@pcbif]

Great work Ted!!! The guitar sounds sweet as well. To be honest, I like the voice-over mic!

[@guitfidle]

Good lord!! I'm a hobby luthier, I have a 1260 I'm slowly piecing together on my bench. I cannot believe the rotten luck you've had with this thing!!

[@scame76]

Darn sounds pretty good....

[@JC-11111]

There's a vid about Scott Baxendale on here that seems to be about him rebuilding old Harmony guitars. It's the first result if you search his name. About 30 or 40 results down, you can see a vid of one of his converted Harmony H165s, IIRC.

[@byroncrump4390]

“If you don’t make plans nothing can go wrong “- spike Milligan. Also flashbacks need to have that blurry wobbly transition, or the 60s Batman spin, sigh yeah I go to car races just for the crashes I’m such a disappointment

[@troz451]

Nice!

[@davefoster6156]

WOW. Talk about everything that could go wrong! They say hindsight is 20/20. If you had any inkling of how this repair was going to go... Would you have done it differently? I'm not criticizing here. You did everything right, and it seemed like the guitar was fighting back the whole way! I was thinking it might have been easier to just open the back up and put in a new neck block and new bracing, but at what cost? Anyway, in the end the guitar sounded good. Great job

[@rbspider]

This reminds me of my 1984 Lincoln Mark VII. I could never get it to where everything in the car worked , something was always broken . Fix the compass system , the trunk motor would break, fix the suspension sensor , the power antenna wouldn't go up and down. At some point you just have to buy a new guitar.

[@R3TR0R4V3]

Wow, that thing turned out to be a real PITA! Nice save though! 👍

[@ants9230]

A couple of self tapping screws can fix almost anything 😁

[@adammono1839]

I rarely have much to add to anything you say but I did think you could file the thread from the screw nearer the head so it wouldn't bite into the wood on the broken part of the block. Rather than doing a second larger hole

[@budddyknippers2005]

Great video I am not sure I would spend that much time and effort Great job making broken guitar sound better than it has a right to Buddy (Louisiana)