Guitar Repair : A Nightmare Neck Re-set!

This mid-60's Gibson B25-12 has high action and requires a neck re-set. It also has a crack that runs through the heel! Fun times.

[@Bender13]

Love the comment about collectors whose guitars are simply an asset hidden away from public eyes...never to be played. I truly believe guitars should be played and loved. They contain the DNA of their owners...present in the oils and skin cells deposited on them over the years. They have a soul. My younger brother recently passed and I have his 12 string. We used to play our guitars whenever we got together. When I hold his guitar it feels as if I can still feel his hand on the fret board.

[@Wheel333]

🙏❤️🙏

[@scottgoodrich5825]

I’ve been honking on the same Yamaha I’ve owned since high school. It knows me if that makes any sense.

[@jamesdavid7099]

Amen. 2 stories for you.... One acquaintance has an arsenal of cheap guitars, but also has a top of the line Martin D18. I've never seen it, because he apparently isn't willing to play it, or at least carry it around. On the flip side to that, I was given a Spanish guitar to play, in Mexico, by an elderly woman. This guitar belonged to her brother, who was blind, and apparently played guitar constantly. This guitar had the quintessential grooves cut into the fret board from his fingers, and usual battle scars, but also had a pickguard that appeared to be made of real abalone. It was worn completely through to the wood. No joke. Just imagine that...the hours of playing, the passion. That guitar had more soul than any I've ever set eyes on, let alone played. It could give Willy's Trigger a run for the money.

[@Astral_Lumine]

I make sure to play my guitar but also keep it in the best shape possible so I can display it on my wall one day and remember it

[@gijsbertuslaurensvandevooren]

@Douglas Puett play them in honour of your brother.

[@jeffhebert9643]

Your videos are almost therapeutic . ...your the Bob Ross of guitar repair . ..well done my friend .

[@sickb2200]

Yes. It's like ASMR guitar repair.

[@jetison333]

It's kind of funny seeing these kind of comments on every guitar repair video. I guess it's pretty relaxing to see something fixed up.

[@theallseeingarmpit5519]

They are made from happy trees. We just need a cameo from Mr Squirrel Friend. Love Bob Ross.

[@SlightlyTechnical]

I agree

[@gatronix754]

Hhaha you say he only repair trees??? Because bob ross only paint trees hahah

[@johnsee7269]

Remarkable craftsmanship. Somewhere between art and science. Remarkable!

[@amrfigueroa]

i thought i was watching a doctor performing surgery while teaching med students--- i understood nothing but watched the whole thing out of amazement! 👏

[@ernieflanaganstingraybassm1463]

Your videos are the real deal I miss my repairman to death ..R.I.P Mr Charlie Brewer.....fixed, repaired and set up all my guitars and basses from 1961-2004 when my dad bought me two before i was 3, Charlie you got em stacked outside your shop door and two blocks down Larkin and all the way up I-55 just about a mile or two on Broadway / up to 16th ave, All the way into music row, But every picker said i would rather die than to ever have anyone to fix my guitar so i'll just wait for Charlie and thats what we did and still do Really Miss you Charlie and just tell My daddy, Thank you once again for the 59 sunburst and the 61 Esquire Tele Thats the two that i'm gonna leave Cory Michael my son and Jaden your grandson want's the other one, Love you Daddy cause for first time yesterday, i missed your Birthday and i promise not to ever miss one again.....love your Cotton Jr.....

[@pauljenkins2501]

As someone who can't do any woodwork or DIY for sh*t, I really like watching these videos where real craftsmen are working. Thank you.

[@johnderekmitchell1510]

I'm not a player nor am I a Luthier but I enjoy watching you and Dan explain and repair these beautiful guitars. My Pop has a late '63 early '64 Gibson with a heck of a history. He lost it to a friend for 20 years and bought I know 8 guitars trying to replace it. Anyway, what makes it so distinct is the finish. It doesn't show well in pictures but it was in a house fire sometime before Dad got it from the original owner back in the late '70s. All of the finish from head to heal is cracked from underneath. Top is still smooth. No damage to the wood. Pop met the main Luthier for Gibson for the Greensboro area and finally had it tuned up, if you will. It sounds better than ever.

[@neilbarnwell]

Anyone who's read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance would remember the piece about being Stuck. Where something you're relatively comfortable with suddenly takes a turn for the worse and now for the sake of a stripped screw head, you're Stuck and no longer working on a motorcycle, but a very expensive lump of useless, inanimate metal. I often find myself being that person. There are those though who have confidence in their ability and the knowledge that all problems have a solution, and will simply continue on and resolve the problem. They will file a new slot into the screw head, or drill it off, or something else. You, sir, are one of those wonderful people in that second group, and it is awe-inspiring to watch.

[@jts3339]

It’s refreshing to watch a real professional in comparison to some of the hacks on KZbin. I am a machinist by trade so I am accustomed to close tolerance work and I am encouraged when I see luthiers working in thousandths of an inch instead of hearing “that’s close enough” from poor practitioners who don’t know or don’t care enough to work in the tolerances required for a superior repair job. Another great job to your credit that distinguishes you from the hacks and amateurs.

[@throughmyeyes9940]

let's start with how they're put together in the first place; think they're machinists?!

[@jts3339]

through my eyes: In the “old days”, each guitar was a one-off, made according to the experience gained during training under a master luthier. In 2020, guitars are manufactured according to detailed drawings, standard parts lists, and Standard Operating Procedures. In addition, there are in-process quality checks and final inspections that remove much of the Art of guitar making and replace it with operations that require only strict adherence to procedures to produce a high quality instrument that rivals the handmade instruments of the old days. A modern luthier has a combination of skills that include engineering, carpentry, quality assurance, and (yes) machining. Austin has demonstrated that he possesses all of these skills as well as having the “soft skills” of patience, touch, feel, and the “eye” and judgment of a master craftsman. I started as an apprentice machinist after having 2 years of high school machine shop, worked my way up to Master Machinist while finishing my Engineering degree. I worked in Medical Device design and manufacturing until retiring in 2017. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with people talented in many disciplines and trades, and have also dealt with a lot of hacks. I believe that I can tell the difference between a skilled craftsman and a hack by watching their work habits. Ultimately, good work speaks for itself about the person who performs it. Austin is a master craftsman. He is a pleasure to watch and I would be honored to have him work on my guitar.

[@neilbarnwell]

I love your attitude, Ted. Even when noticing a crack that could mean the heel of the neck is broken off, you never seem to get worried about it - the mark of someone so good at their craft that they know they can overcome anything. Cost/time notwithstanding, you can fix anything. Thank you for taking us with you.

[@michaelpacinus242]

Let me show you something

[@dyamariv3628]

Love all the detail in this video, thanks for taking us along!

[@GrayByrd]

proper intonation, bridge work, string tops are almost same height for strumming clarity, this is where art crossroads knowledge. i really liked that part near the end. this guy knows some things

[@scottdore132]

it's a pleasure watching you work you are a fine craftsman. The worse the job is the more entertaining it is watching you solve problems. Thank you for making great content keep it up

[@michaelpacinus242]

I am pleasure

[@turnsufficient4971]

Wow ! Great work Ted. That sounded amazing.

[@robertrosenfield6696]

Rewatched this one a few times. Outstanding to see a 12 string play as easy as a six string. Thank you for sharing your superior techniques.

[@grundunterrecording4197]

Rarely have I come across someone who knows their stuff as well as you do. This was an absolute pleasure to watch!

[@photondebuger45]

Have you seen a dude called the guitar doctor?? Yeah his stuff is questionable when I question it, it was his vid on how to get rid of fret buzz before leveling the frets. Yeah he was talking about front bow, back bow and like back bow on the first fret yeah and fall away that's good and all. When he got to the I'll say meat and taters of the vid is when he was like this neck has high frets. When he proceeded to do it he got a strait edge.... and measured the straightness of the neck on the frets. To me I was like, what's the one of the darkest reds???..... Oh yeah crimson that was a crimson red flag to me. And what made it worse was he is like I know a not a lot of people don't like my methods but whatever I know more than they do. I was still Damn dude conceded much there's people who also do this as a living and they had people doing this way before you even finished kindergarten and teaching others...... and as a collective group have much more knowledge than he will ever know lol. This guy however, this guy is pure genius I feel dumb never seeing his videos in the first place

[@michaelpacinus242]

Pleasure dome

[@michaelpacinus242]

@@photondebuger45what the fuck kind of typing is this

[@MH-vf6he]

This is my therapy. After a stressful day it is most enjoyable to watch a guitar repair video. Good stuff we appreciate you.

[@8BRInteractive]

I especially loved how you made sure the strings sat at the same height with each other. Great work!

[@harlanbarnhart4656]

Worth the price of admission indeed. Very helpful to see problem solving in real time.

[@あなたがすごいだよ]

Your rant about guitar collectors made this video absolute gold. Haven't actually laughed out loud like that for a while

[@leftoverking]

i repaired an adj45 once. i ended up replacing the original saddle with a wide piece of cow bone that filled the entire old slot. essencially a super wide saddle. i filed compensation into the top, and that piece of bone sat directly on the tonewood top in the old saddle hole. sounded killer! so much better that the old ceramic one that was basically resting on the two screw adjustment points. this one with the ebony replacement reminded me of that experience. great videos!

[@milesfifer171]

Your repairs are second to none. You certainly are a master at your profession. Learning from your demonstrations sure give me more knowledge and confidence in my repairs. Thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@DavidWood2]

Beautiful work with commendable attention to detail. Bravo! It is wonderful that the guitar is now in excellent playable condition - these instruments were made to be played, not just admired as objects.

[@peterbryan3081]

Thank you so much for sharing both the formula and your technique for doing this neck reset. What a valuable gift you have given.

[@froter1]

Love the way you don't jabber on like some of the others on KZbin.. you edit your videos perfectly!

[@russellbautista619]

I enjoy your watching your videos, your knowledge of woods and their characteristics is impressive. Straight to the point with subtle humor. A true craftsman.

[@kevinsumner8335]

Ted, this is the best no nonsense guitar repair video I have seen. You are a thoughtful teacher as well as a learned practitioner.

[@markdoyle9642]

OMG! You discovered why vintage bracing sounds so spectacular ... Alien Life Forms creating alien adhesive mods(?!)...(huge smile)! I appreciate your sesquipedalian Skookum approach to fine modern instruments. Your experience, understanding and practical application of the physics of fretted string instruments recreates the innovation and development of violins from Cremona and Brescia in the 17th century. However, the Italian masters didn't have access to You Tube (smile). You are a master luthier, providing superlative content instructing others to preserve our instruments for centuries to come... By the way, who the heck is Adam Sanage and why is his shout out important? Our community binge watches your channel. Thx.

[@mike194254]

I Have a Levin Guitar bought in the mid 1960's which needed a neck reset and also a refret. I managed to get the neck off using an old pressure cooker to deliver the steam and a football pump valve to get the steam into the neck slot. All went reasonably well but as you have indicated the lacquer took a hit. The fretboard also has a binding down the edge so the frets are slightly inset. I found the frets were very low so replaced them with a similar fret wire. Originally the guitar played very well and many people commented on how good was the action. Now unfortunately it isn't so good. I made many mistakes some of which you have covered in your excellent video; I think I will now have another go at it using your video as reference. Incidentally I have now made 2 guitars (from StewMac kits) so feeling a little more confident in taking on this task. Many thanks for your videos and I look forward to more in the future.

[@giusepperesponte8077]

I don’t think that a lot of the musicians that stumble across this channel really get how skilled Ted is. It’s not just the stuff he does on camera but also the off camera stuff like preparing braces just as one example. His job requires a masterful understanding of how guitars work as well as a whole lot of skill in woodworking.

[@ijosef]

I admire your skill and craftsmanship. Thank you for making these videos.

[@bldallas]

No matter how many times I watch you do a neck reset, Ted, I am always fascinated. I watch lots of luthier videos and have seen others do neck resets. None of them seem to have the level precision and craftsmanship that you put into your work. As I’ve mentioned before, your narration is also great. It really adds to the quality of your videos, and I learn something new every time I watch. Really great job!

[@hilldwler420]

God bless you for keeping the art alive

[@JC-11111]

Man I could watch these videos over and over and over again. What am I saying? I do watch them over & over & over again lol. Thank you so much for sharing these with us, Ted! You're an amazing craftsman & luthier.

[@tomgordonuk1]

The craftsmanship is unparalleled. Much respect.

[@alansturgess1324]

I have no skills or intentions as regards guitar maintenance other than general care for my instruments but I find your uploads fascinating because of all the details and information you give about guitar construction and the types of problem that can develop over time. As a long-time owner of several; 12's this video was especially interesting --- a definite case of "make a coffee and sit down to watch the entire thing". Your attention to detail when it came to making sure that the string heights were equalised was amazing - those disparities in height can be a real bugbear with 12s. I can well imagine how useful your uploads are for both new and experienced luthiers. Many thanks for the time you give when making these films.

[@BreadandFaxes]

Wow, what a beautiful looking and sounding guitar. At the end of the day, after all the grief that neck gave you, the end product is so worth it. That thing sounds beautiful. Amazing work

[@the_sound_geek]

Pragmatic approach and amazing craftsmanship. We need more of this.

[@yobentley7274]

You do a great job and have great skills. I enjoy watching and learning. Thanks.

[@stimpsonjcat67]

God, I love watching someone fix something who truly understands what they are doing. The jig for making the shims had me smiling.

[@tonepilot]

Every time I think it would be fun to own an acoustic, I just watch a video like this.

[@gijsbertuslaurensvandevooren]

It is fun.

[@jimdevlin9045]

You are a master lutherier. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and techniques.

[@altruisticphilanthropic4647]

Another fascinating ride...you gave that Gibson way more love, affection, and attention than the original factory blokes did, back in the day. Thanks again for sharing, and for saving, another fairly rare species...long may she sing. - AH

[@imaxeman69]

You are a true artisan. You're videos are wonderful to watch.

[@mikethompson6713]

You had me sitting on the edge of my seat. Whew! You pulled out another one. Great job.

[@rabonour]

I love that you are very skilled at this work and respect vintage instruments, but as instruments to be played rather than to sit in cases. It comes through in your videos that your priority is making sure these instruments serve their players.

[@imspartacvs]

Excellent work. The subtle saddle adjustment for string height was incredible. AGAIN... Nice work

[@jefsut]

Never done one, but neck resets all look like nightmares to me. Was tempted to try one, but more fun just watching you! Thanks for all you do!

[@channelsixtysix066]

As always, Ted, your videos are fascinating. Never stop being in awe of your craftsmanship.

[@MichaelMcBride58]

Highly educational and much appreciated. Especially your taking the time to write out the neck angle formula and the reference to Don Teeter's guitar repair book ( which I just ordered on Amazon). Thanks!

[@dooleyfussle8634]

Hats off to Mr. Don Teeter, my first guitar mentor back in the 70's

[@alandryer9861]

I love the thoroughness and skill you bring to these repairs - really inspiring to watch!

[@michaelpacinus242]

I am pleasure

[@theshadowknows6969]

I can’t believe this worked. Amazing. Just amazing.

[@pg123ab]

This is the best page for guitar repairs I have found so far. Thank you for sharing

[@woohoomaniac]

love guys like this. Master of his craft, enjoyable and relaxing to watch. Thanks for sharing.

[@TomHug]

Fascinating videos. Really appreciate your deep expertise and craftsmanship. Thanks!

[@smitlag]

I have a new found appreciation for the exacting detail that goes into your work. Keep up the great videos. It is always interesting to watch a master craftsman at their work.

[@robertrosenfield405]

Fantastic work! I appreciate your taking the time to discuss why you do things and not just how.

[@humminglake]

the intonation and saddle height "attention to detail" ... sign of someone who cares. Great work, Glad I found you on KZbin!

[@nicolen.9642]

An "alien form". I love your work Ted. Learning each time. Thank you 🎶🎶🎶

[@MikeLynch]

Awesome job. I love your candor. It's refreshing in today's environment.

[@robertnewell5057]

I have a B45 from early 1963. I bought it with no top, and when I took it out of the case the neck fell off. This one is newer. Gibson put the double X on to stop the tops from popping off in late 63. Before that they braced them exactly like the 6 string version. Apparently, they sounded amazing but fell apart pretty fast. The dovetail was unbelievable, with a whole load of filler in it. Heck of a job. I'm left handed and wanted to play it myself, so I sold the bridge on (brazilian rosewood!) and modified it as a floating bridge and tailpiece, which was an alternative contemporary configuration. I had precisely the same heel crack. Mine fell to bits. Ted kills the steam/probe debate in a second the moment he mentions blush. The older the guitar, the greater the risk. I'll take the half moons over that every day. I missed this the first time round, and he's now using foam cutters, where the drill hole is a good bit smaller.

[@stewsim]

Nightmare is an understatement…wowza…!!! Outstanding work Sir…!!!

[@arnienonymous4458]

Another fantastically performed restoration. Good tips to be had here.

[@joeyschmidt6841]

My word, you made that beat up old beast sing mate.

[@ajcjcarvalho]

It's so satisfying watch your work! I could even say that this is art!

[@steveb9325]

It is an art and it's art.

[@anastasiocatalan416]

Of course, its an exquisite art :-)

[@joemassey1338]

You're an artist man! Thanks for sharing your expertise.

[@SmiTTyy-sh8nc]

Excellent work. You set a high standard and seem to even surpass that !! A pleasure to watch..

[@matthewbartolone7036]

Can not imagine what thoughts went thru your head with the neck heel split. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and how you worked through this one, Love the resolve...

[@joemcgraw5529]

I must say your math on the neck angle is amazing ,never seen this as a commercial Electrician I can apprieciate your formulas as i use them all the time pardon my spelling but you know what im saying ,really leaning more to your techniques your formulas are amazing good job nice to watch someone who was schooled in thier craft im amazed !!!!

[@elainefilion8357]

This is the best neck reset video I have ever watched.I have been resetting necks for 30 = years, have used the steam, but given I am also old and vintage, I hated to invest in the heat stick from Stu Mac.I think I need to invest in the heat stick as the steam causes so much damage and swelling of the wood.I love your presentation and how I happened upon you I don't know, as I was looking for a drama movie to watch.I have been a luthier for 35 + years and I am still a thirsty sponge for knowledge.I am female, age 77 and live in Austin TX the mecca of guitar players.I have done work for Brandie Carlyle, Patty Griffin and Spoon, but I still feel like a babe in the woods ,that I could have done better.This keeps me humble.I am at the age where my tools are old and replacement is expensive. I was so hoping my tools would out live me.Well here I am,still going strong.I hated to invest in the heat stick as it is really over priced in my opinion, but I had no contact with any shop who has tried it until I ran across your video,I think I will order one.I have been dealing with Stu Mac since the late 70's 80's when they were banjo parts and banjo kits. On a personal note, you are Canadian.Where are you.?My father's family deep rooted in Quebec.I was born and raised in Detroit Michigan and spent many happy hours crossing to Windsor ,but I lived in New Brunswick in the mid 60's and still wish I had not left .Did not mean to get off subject. Have you had much experience with circa 189o' BayState or 1890s' Martin.Setting the neck on the Bay State was a nightmare, I took it off 3 times and still was not happy with the outcome. Thanks again Elaine Filion Austin TX

[@jasonglover1255]

I'm not a luthier....but I can't get enough of these videos

[@louarthur7648]

Nice video, thank you for taking the time to record and share your technique.

[@fatabelly]

You are an absolute master! Amazing work and great to watch.

[@OozilyAmeezed]

Excellent video, excellent craftsmanship!

[@michellelucas2026]

I really enjoyed watching you repair the Gibson Guitar 🎸🎶🎶 You are really talented.

[@solarismoon3046]

I too left the guitar forums because of all the arm chair experts that build a couple guitars and think that they know every fucking thing! I've been building, painting restoring, and making my own instruments for over 35 years! I know exactly how you feel about this. I've seen a lot of those bridges on guitars from the 20s' all the way up to the 50s'. Harmony being a smaller company could concentrate on doing a much better job and better workmanship and materials that Gibson. Which begs the one question - why did you sand the slots off the bridge? Now it will play better and sound better too!!! What's wrong with you? Don't you want to keep the true Gibson vibe? You know - the "We are so big everyone will buy our shit regardless of the quality!!" way of thinking. Although we may differ in our methods somewhat it's a real treat to watch you work. It's apparent that you know your stuff. Let the experts come here on KZbin and learn something if they need to. I'm done pandering to them! Thank you for sharing this with the rest of us.

[@calvinbass1839]

Very clear & informative video. Thank you for sharing. Have a blessed day.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I did a neck reset on my 1968 Yamaha FG150 and I thought I had problems! I totally crushed the heel cap and had to make a new one. Your attention to detail is awesome. Your fine-tuning of the height of the different string diameters in the courses is amazing.

[@budandbean1]

Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed this repair, you did some very nice work on this particular guitar. I worked in one almost identical to this one and it had a lot of the same internal problems. I’m surprised that many of these of this same build, the one with just a bridge, have survived.

[@nicolen.9642]

New subscriber! Very meticulous and surgical work. Very interesting! I liked another video on the parlor too (I have one). Thanks for sharing. Cheers from France 🎶🎶🎶

[@frederickcee2901]

More issues addressed in one luthier edu than any I've seen. Ever. TY !!

[@thomboy54]

you are great at what you do you and rosa string works are my favorites on youtube

[@jasonsapp792]

Fun wayching a 5yr old video of yours...some good updates to how your do aspects ...very cool seeing your progress

[@johnvcougar]

Very informative stuff. I've always wondered how acoustic repairs can be effected, learning lots from your vids. Great work. You're a sage.

[@capitolspy]

Love these videos. Don Teeter of OKC worked in my Martins for years.

[@ravingcyclist624]

Awesome video. Thanks for sharing the creative problem-solving and calculations!

[@Peasmouldia]

Really nice job. Watched a shed load of neck re-set videos and yours is up there with the best. I have a 1977 Yamaha 345G, which I've had from new and has a very nice sound, but badly needs a reset. Maybe I'll just play bottle neck till I have the courage to tackle it! Thank you sir.

[@WS-ij1fu]

Please talk to an experienced luthier before you tackle it, Yamaha did not use hide glue on the neck joints some say they used epoxy and dowels. A lot of luthiers will refuse to try to a neck reset.I use my 1977 for slide (fg200).

[@Peasmouldia]

@@WS-ij1fu Thanks. I noticed another comment saying much the same. I do play a lot of slide and have other acoustics with nice action. Shame though as the Yam has a nice sound. Thanks again, much appreciated.

[@johnnypk1963]

Beautiful repair especially the bridge work. Love the individual string height on the 12 strings.

[@elliottmelan3457]

Great video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. A masterpiece of workmanship!

[@Ausblack]

The end result is beautiful. Well done!

[@mmullen2112]

Thank you! I just bought a twelve string cheapie with a break in the heel and this video is inspirational and informative. Cheers

[@mikecabral1579]

The Bob Ross of luthiers. I enjoy watching your craftsmanship. I couldn’t see the scar from the heating probe so I assume that went well. Thanks for sharing.

[@jdraupp]

New to the channel as a subscriber but you are an absolute artisan. Thanks for sharing your incredible craftsmanship.

[@martylasher539]

The term for that spring board effect provided by the arched brace is pre-load. Great video. I started out on a B-25N in the late 60's. It sounded small and pinched and played hard. Intonation stunk.

[@petermussillo5657]

Great work and as a tech I love your attitude towards the haters

[@michaelnc4450]

Another excellent job and video! Thx for posting!!!

[@boogierandy7547]

Excellent work. Thanks for showing us.

[@bigsteve9291]

Excellent repair it pays to all ways have a plan be and take your time a wish the videos where a bit longer some times thanks for sharing this one I am all so a big fan of gerry Rossa you 2 in my opinion are the 2 best repair and restore guys on you tube

[@concernedearthling4877]

great vid!Its the first time Ive seen someone individually intonate a 12 string- as I did mine 35 years ago! also the tip about the strings being in the same plane-never even thought about it, brilliant!

[@willysunday]

Thanks so much for sharing your expertise! Clearly explained and nice camera-work.