70's Basses

[@johnwhitaker545]

I know you don’t read the comments but… more videos like this would be awesome. The banter/insight was appreciated. Not that I have a single complaint about your regular content

[@slipbeat]

I was just about to say something similar. Even the rare camera angle is appreciated, not that I would prefer more of that.

[@lennonwhitehead1352]

Live Twoodford 24/7 camera! I’m in!!

[@JackBealeGuitar]

He doesn't read the comments? 😢

[@johnwhitaker545]

@@lennonwhitehead1352 I’d be interested in a live feed for sure. Maybe not 24/7 but your enthusiasm is commendable

[@johnwhitaker545]

@@JackBealeGuitar I’m almost certain I’ve heard him say something about not checking comments. He’s a pretty busy person so I’m not even mad

[@GilgaFrank]

Got to love the repair guy who can cite Albert Camus and Anthony Burgess while dressing frets

[@rockstopsthetraffic]

Nothing wrong with being well-read and otherwise educated while doing "manual" work, for real.

[@pgmorrow]

And the origin story of Spinal Tap: "I dunno, I musta left it at the airport."

[@ileutur6863]

@@rockstopsthetraffic A lot of blue collar workers would disagree with you, unfortunately

[@rockstopsthetraffic]

@@ileutur6863 I don't give a shit.

[@rockstopsthetraffic]

@@ileutur6863 Primarily, though, I don't like "intellectuals" gatekeeping access to knowledge with their perceptions of people who do things like work wood.

[@jeremywilliams703]

Thank you. Your commentary on turning down work was a masterclass. I really hope your health improves. ✌️❤️🙏🇦🇺

[@kuhboom22]

The guitar tuning noises over the review screenshot was perfect lol.

[@ileutur6863]

I don't understand how anyone can be angry at a repair man for being honest. I'd much rather do business with someone who outright tells me I'm gonna wait for a long time, than someone who promises to get right to it and then doesn't answer the phone for months.

[@robertpendergrast2500]

Ted I am not a musician, but definitely a music lover. I watch you for a number of reasons. 1. Your voice is meditative, as is your craft and for me it creates a relaxing atmosphere. 2. It is compelling to watching someone (you) who is masterful in their craft 3. Your intelligence is obvious and I admire that. Thanks for sharing your skills, knowledge and humanity with your community. All the best for your health challenges.

[@rasher009]

I too watch for reasons that are little to do with guitar repair. Seen one fret honing and you've seen them all,. But I do love the subtle humour, the hint of sarcasm, the philosophical journey that put someone alone in their basement for a livelihood (and the insight to know it's for the best), the Canadian weather report and the view of the world from a slightly cynical highly intelligent citadel of inner-peace and harmony. I imagine if you have these qualities, you are either an artisan craftsman, or a serial killer in jail somewhere. I am an avid fan.

[@gteefxr3094]

Can you say "craft" again? It's so soothing.

[@cameroncameron2826]

@@rasher009 hehe i love those remarks too. Because i get what you say and the other poster robert even though i am a guitarist, am into checking out the work part. But yes theres a whole other dimension thats addictive about the program as you two posters say & i love it for that also.

[@qua7771]

He's one of the few luthiers that can play too.

[@mightyV444]

6:36 - Tongue-in-cheek Oil! 😆

[@galeng73]

I like how you just barely blurred out Jake Newburry. I used to do minor repairs and setups for people, mostly for a few extra dollars - and always staying within my own limitations. Further, I've been self-employed/owned my own business for much of my adult life. I'm happily retired now, thanks. But, it took me a while to really grasp that it's okay to 'fire' a customer. It's okay to not take on work from people who obviously would be a pain in the arse to work for. Hell, it'd maybe identify me to certain people, but I modeled traffic. As much as I love Massachusetts, my company worked on 'The Big Dig' (for reasons the locals will recall) but I'd never accept another job from Mass DOT. In fact, we moved the main office to North Carolina. Some jobs just aren't worth it, no matter how lucrative they might appear.

[@jesinbeverly]

When I look at reviews, I always go right to the one star reviews.. without fail, most of them can be chalked up to a personality problem and in no way represent the service/item being reviewed..

[@lwilton]

I'm generally looking at hardware store product reviews, and I'd say the majority of the 1-star's are from people that very clearly, willfully, did not read any of the information about the product in the ad, and had absolutely no idea how to use it, and ignored that directions for use that were provided with the product. Naturally it didn't do what they wanted, whatever that was. I guess you could chalk that up to a personality problem. :-)

[@billknudson7895]

Obnoxious customers usually fit this old maxim: an empty can rattles the loudest.

[@KurtLawson]

Always enjoy your videos, but motivated to comment to wish that whatever medical issues is ailing you gets resolved and you make a full recovery. Thanks for sharing.

[@chrisdrake447]

Informative on so many levels, as usual. Thanks, Ted, and wishing you better health.

[@podfuk]

Agree, you don't need to be guitar repair guy to take some great advise from Ted.

[@JonathanKelly24]

Hey man, take care of yourself. Hoping your health improves. You're a good, kind person.

[@thewizardmountain]

this is one of my favourite videos you've ever done. first, i saw the grabber! hell yeah! bass guitar! gene simmons! then, your stories about customers... i'm in an entirely different industry and i can totally relate. dealt with those types. love your content, and thankful we don't have to wait a year for each video! thank you!

[@deaddoll1361]

I think anyone who has a business can relate. That type of customer is just another headache along with too many others, knowing how to deal with them and not taking it personally is a skill as important as the many others you'll need.

[@nathenate7974]

These videos always make me pickup my guitars. Your videos make people respect and take care of their intruments more, I believe. Its awesome seeing someone so knowledgeable do their thing. Keep em coming Ted! 👍

[@OzziePete1]

Nice to see your face, Ted. Your videos are very informative and this one, with all the customer relations advice, is gold. Thanx for taking the time to share all this.

[@dalgguitars]

"Ooooo White Lightening." Made me laugh. Always fun, thank you.

[@frankperricone2065]

My first bass was almost a new 1976 Ripper. When I decided to switch from guitar to bass after a year of guitar lessons, at 13 I decided I liked the sound of the bass. So went bass shopping for my first bass with my father it was between a new 76 Ripper for around $400 or a short scale 1966 Gibson EB-0 for $150, I choose the EB-0, I was a Jack Bruce fan and we were not rich and I still had to get an amp so I went for the cheaper bass. Still have the EB-0 but sometimes I wish I would have got the Ripper. Now I have many basses but I can't justify getting a $2500 instrument. By the way you forget Rick Danco of the Band played a Ripper most of the time.

[@bobwilson9797]

I’m in the printing trade and knowing when to say, “Try Kinko’s” is the most valuable skill for a counter person. Luthiers applying scrimshaw was a wonderful plot twist, brilliant. Patrick O’Brian’s influence I infer, erudite as you are. Handsomely now…grass combing lubbers! All the best of health to you.

[@gregvondare]

Dude, as much as I admire your work, quoting from "Clockwork Orange" on the fly like that is truly impressive. Carry on, Doctor.

[@JaimeCerrada]

Your videos are not only very interesting (I'm a guitar player who adjust his own guitars) but also a great way to end the week (I'm from Spain and I usually watch them on Sunday nights).

[@PhilJakes]

Ive learned so much from Ted and his detailed explanations....just a player myself too. Ill never attempt any of the repairs he does, but because of him i can intelligently talk about setup all day long. And am able to set up my own guitars quite nicely.

[@jazzizm]

same here, self-adjusting guitar player from Germany, sunday night, nice way to calm down before bedtime

[@nebula_M42]

Saludos desde Málaga :)

[@J.C...]

Johan Segeborn has a good video comparing the Ripper & Grabber for anyone who wants to see what they were like. He's a superb player, as well.

[@50Something]

Johan is amazing! Love his channel!

[@mightyV444]

Thank you for the suggestion, J C! 😀👍

[@J.C...]

​@@mightyV444 you're welcome! 👌

[@ronaldlane6785]

Honestly Ted, even if I wasn't a musician I would watch your channel simply for the entertainment value alone. I love your sense of humor and the stories and incite that you've amassed from many years in the business. I have learned a lot from watching your channel and I'm becoming more and more comfortable and proficient doing my own updates and repairs. I doubt you would have the time or desire to write a book about the trials and tribulations of instrument repair, but when you take your sick days, maybe reminiscing into a recorder just might give you enough material for you or a ghost writer to compile a book (with some scattered photos of years past and unique builds). I would definitely buy one! Perhaps the proceeds could finance a decent retirement.

[@rasher009]

I can imagine a novel in the vein of Carson McCullers' The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, or Spike Lee's Do The Right Thing, both similar in subject and message. It's in there ready to fall upon the page.

[@NotAsTraceable]

15:48...that is soooooo true. When someone comes to me and they're talking bad about their past series of professionals...I immediately know that they're going to be very difficult to please and eventually add me to the complaint list. When I was new in the profession however, it would really stroke my ego and I would gladly take on the tasks.

[@falcongunner33]

Came for the guitar repair, stayed and enjoyed the lesson in psychology on assholes. Thanks Ted!

[@kevinhill1848]

Brilliant video Ted. So enjoyed watching and listening, really therapeutic. Take good care of yourself, sending you love and light. 👍

[@steviiiii]

love the Ripper... beautiful example..!!

[@damnperrys1]

Thank you so much for sharing your world with us. I hope that your health improves and that you are back to full strength again very, very soon!

[@ianbrown4180]

Thanks. As usual I enjoyed it. Sorry to hear you haven’t been well and I hope you find a cure. Take care and keep up the good work.

[@gigmandrew8975]

Thank you for your insightful business commentary. It will help me when I have to decline certain jobs. From Ohio

[@CitizenSmith50]

As a guitar player who is passionate about doing my own repairs and maintenance; being subscribed to your channel presents a fantastic source of information in a concise but thorough manner, and I will be eternally grateful (my nearest guitar shop is a 500Km round trip away!). It has even prompted me to attempt to construct several guitars of my own, with quite reasonable results! Many thanks, from a remote rural township in South Australia!

[@NinerFourWhiskey]

LOL, good narrative. I worked under a great tube amp guy as a teen in a music shop and learned basic guitar work too. Later on went to school and became an electrical engineer. Every now and then, I dabble in restoring vintage amps (I'm vintage now too). Word gets around and soon, I'm swamped in stuff and requests to work on things i don't want to work on. BTDT.

[@BudDylan]

I once knew a guy who could play "a#" on bass . Legend.

[@rguitar78]

I watch that septic guy's youtube shorts all the time...great channel for philosophy for sure!

[@Sadsoft]

The grabber is my absolute favorite

[@SquankK]

BILL LAWRENCE!!!!! His Pickups are LEGENDARY! also those dowels on the headstock of the Fender bass remind me of the Hipshot drop tuner.

[@NewNormac]

I wish every artist that selling their wares, HR, or really anyone who deals with the public at mass, could see this and practice it. Thank you Sir ~Smile oN

[@JohnHenryJr]

as a bassist, this video makes me so happy. i honestly can't recall if i've seen a bass video from you before. thx!

[@Open5to6]

Dude, I hope your health stabilizes! Thanks for the all the effort making these videos.

[@bigbasil1908]

I do like a fretless bass. My friends dad had one that was a hand made one off and it was lovely to play. It had a polished but grainy wood finish. He also had a couple of kind of matching electric guitars made by the same guy.

[@jazzcritter]

You blew my mind with the Grabber when you moved the pickup towards the neck the sound got brighter I thought it would get deeper!

[@mellowvids9637]

Superb video. As a former small business owner I can confirm that some people don't ever find happiness.

[@mattc8723]

Aw Dude I love James Butler's videos!

[@Johnny.D]

Back in the mid-90s, I offered to do a setup on a friend's Grabber that had a neck bow worse than this one. Short story version the truss rod snapped, and we ended up putting a Fender bass neck on it. Which he actually preferred. Hope you are feeling better soon.

[@mrz80]

That bare-blonde PJ is truly a thing of beauty.

[@dooleyfussle8634]

Yeah, we always called them the "PBJ"!

[@GregorydavidMck]

Your skills are many. Thank you, from the Great Grey Kawarthas. Cheers.

[@kc.88]

Wow! Those saddle screws!!! Take care! Get well soon! Health is number 1 priority.

[@johnr7303]

Fabulous comments on dealing with WOTs and lots of enquiries. All very aspirational.

[@QuestionMan]

I am tremendously blessed to have an incredible luthier/repair shop just down the street. Not blessed with a guitar that is worth having him work on. I attended some university-sponsored workshops that he taught. Philosophical is how I would describe him too.

[@alexcorona]

Grabber was really common in the 70s. Ford had several Grabber colors that they still use to this day on their mustangs. My favorite was the special grabber version they made for their Maverick. Gorgeous decal package it was.

[@jazzizm]

This has to be one the best of Ted’s videos ever.

[@permit40]

Also, you are one of my favorite KZbin channels. Thank you for your content.

[@donhall2759]

Thanks for trying to put folks wise to the different oils we use. Complicated, unless one reads the label.

[@NimrodBoz]

The shout out to Evan Gluck in New York was a pleasant surprise. I've taken several guitars (and basses) to him and he does excellent work out of his home.

[@beenaplumber8379]

I love the tone the Grabber got with the pickup slid up toward the neck. The overtones sounded kinda Rickenbacker-ish, at least on my crappy laptop. I'd love one of those. I never heard of them before now. I'm surprised too. I've been a bassist since 1982, and I used to spend a lot of time in the music stores dreaming of my ultimate bass (ok, it's always been the Rick). I remember one I've seen a few times since, with a stainless steel neck - a Kramer (just found the video!). It was just too cool! I remember it was heavy and muddy though. There were a lot of used ones in the stores in those days, so maybe not so cool?

[@Theonixco]

Oddly enough I came across Butlers videos about the same time last year when I came across yours. His demeanor reminds me of some of the more fair and level headed folks in my life, much as how you remind me of good folks who are the low-key/humble but knowledgable type.

[@georgeslecarboulec2325]

I enjoy viewing a lot of your videos, sometimes I do not know what the heck are you talking about but each video I saw, kinda interiorize or familiarize more and more with your comments and its is fantastic. Thank you. I do not know play any instrument at all, but there is a lot of education here. Thanks to You. Greetings for Mexico.

[@guitarsofold100]

Glad to see your direct communication through the camera Ted !

[@k4vms]

You are correct, in our shop we are running 6 - 8 week behind for just setups, restoration is much longer. We just finished 2 guitars that were in the shop over a year. One was a 1958 Gretsch owned by the original owner (86 years old). We are just slammed Ricky from IBM(guitar tech) Englewood, FL

[@k4vms]

There is just 3 of us in the shop. One handles the small retail area of the shop, strings, picks, small selection of guitars, and other accessories and the Luthier and myself in the back doing repairs. And we are just slammed

[@michaelparker8603]

" to match the lapels on your mostly unbuttoned rayon shirt" Ted, you are a funny guy!!

[@sifka1607]

Funny you should mention Norway! Cheers from Norway 😁 Hope to one day see you do a full guitar build 😀

[@Samstrainsofficially]

Rule 1 of running a business "the customer is not always right" 😂

[@czgunner]

I'm sure sorry to hear about your health struggles. I hope you get that figured out and start feeling better!

[@IanEastonOfficial]

Health-wise, I hope you're ok mate. Sending best wishes from the UK. From a burns survivor and workshop owner.

[@dirkrembrandt4180]

ted I didn’t think it was possible, but you outdid yourself again with the duchamp reference. always something in your videos, but that was a true gem

[@limpindug]

Hope you get your health sorted, nothing more important bud. Thanks for you time and sage advice. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍👍👍🥃Respect to you mate.

[@williamkerr3350]

Great show,nice work and wonderful wisdom,thanks.

[@brentstewart59]

Very cool. I don't imagine Gibson sold a whole ton of these basses. Hope your health gets better soon Ted. Thanks for sharing

[@deblane401]

Ted, thank you for answering my question. George in Montana

[@mattaebi]

That is a first generation grabber with a flat headstock like a pbass. after the first year or less, they had an angled headtock with a scarf joint. The pickup can be adjusted to be movable even mid-song with just the right amount of pressure on the 4 screws on the corners of the plate. There is supposed to be a thin felt on the plate under the side of the pickguard to get enough friction.

[@mcdugalmcstiffy6889]

You are very well spoken. I enjoy listening to you.

[@fletcherchambers7175]

REALLY liked this one. Wanna go hug my local luthier.

[@thebreakfastmenu]

I never thought I'd hear Ted talk about incels while taking stickers off a 70s Gibson bass, but I suppose that's exactly why I'm subscribed. You never know what comes through the door.

[@sauletto1]

I had that exact model new with case my dad bought me for my 15th birthday ! kept it about 6 years then stupidly had to pawn it, then didn't pay it out in time. One of my biggest life regrets ... Just you having this bass looking so good in the thumbnail pic got me to subscribe !!! This video made my day. :)

[@scillyautomatic]

I use Boiled linseed oil on all my new builds. Usually two applications. Then, it never goes on the guitar again unless I am trying to patch a scuff like the buckle damage on the back of this unit.

[@theRandy712]

One of my favorite episodes.

[@MegaStingray73]

More power to your channel. God bless you and your family. Keep safe.

[@ericcurry-pitcher5493]

After spending some time with other repair channels, I can see you are the best. Definitely more careful and caring. Your overall knowledge and ability to draw from it, truly impressive. Thanks uncle Ted.

[@Arnd2it]

You can buy mineral oil at a pharmacy or dollar store for $2/pint. It's very often used on wood cutting boards because it doesn't turn rancid like veg oils will. It's secondary use is as a laxative.

[@MaximilianBocek]

You know, I'd stick around for the incredible density of information and display of expertise, but I'd stay around for the Easter egg art history references! Nice segue to the Duchamp reference! I'd say "lots of class" but instead I'll say "Large Glass".

[@emmettmarrujo5075]

As always enjoy your commentary and insights, and the Duchamp reference gave me a chuckle!

[@mattrogers1946]

Loved the Clockwork Orange reference.

[@fliving70]

“In a staggering disregard for history…” 😂😂😂

[@walterw2]

fantastic as always! i appreciated your breakdown of fingerboard oiling and i'm with you on "lemon oil"; looks pretty when you smear it on, goes away after a while, doesn't accomplish much beyond that. supposedly if you use too much for too long it can soften the fret slots also, don't know if this is the case here but i get the impression that longer, ramblier youtube videos are less work for the creators because there's less editing. if so i'm totally here for it! discurse away, it's good stuff (including the proto spinal tap reference)

[@scottreynolds4252]

Good luck with your health and God bless you and your family. Thanks for the sweet video -- always interesting. --

[@DSteinman]

Secretly hoping to see a video from your doctor with a vlog-style breakdown of your successful treatment, complete with banter and anecdotes. Best wishes for your health!

[@GRequinBlanc]

Loved the music accompaniment to the review.

[@Curtismyguitarworks]

I've been working on instruments for close to 15 years now and I love your videos. I have learned a lot from you and I am grateful for that. Right now I have a Squier Dimension five-string bass for a client that I'm going to do is set up on and put a new volume potentiometer into

[@kylemoran4343]

Ah the life of a tradesman ! I never once felt like trading it in ! Well wishes Ted !

[@leiferickson3183]

Oh My God! That non-repair story! You are LEGEND! (I repaired guitar amps for 12 years in a previous life so I have seen it too, but pre internet)

[@Andyjpro]

Plastic single edge razor blades are great for scraping up stuff where one would normally use their fingernails

[@Andyjpro]

and there it is later in the video suggesting that it's a preference : ^)

[@johnwilliams1223]

My son wanted a grabber for so long, so my wife and I finally bought him one. He loves it.

[@bigbasil1908]

I've made a few apple wood flint knapping tool handles and treated those by squashing walnut onto them to squeeze out the oil and then smeared the oil all over the handle and let it soak in. Repeated doing this until the handles had a nice coating. Could probably do this on a freshly made fretboard if you don't have a container of drying oils. The flint knapping tool handles have a nice shiny smooth appearance but the amount of walnut oil used was really very tiny (half a walnut or less) and they smell pleasantly of walnut

[@AllTheTimeWasted]

Man, you’re great! On so many levels.

[@donaldholman9070]

I really wish that there were not ass hats like the ones you have run into. I love your videos and I respect your take on the world. .thank you for sharing.

[@mightyV444]

I remember the bassist in my cousin's band in the late 70's playing a Grabber G-3, and it sounded really good on their studio recordings 🙂

[@ForeverDownByLaw]

Your playing on the fretless reminds me of Geezer Butler. Well done!

[@LGuitarB]

What a very nice bass and also very interesting video!

[@larguitar]

Great video. You really need to be a guitar nerd to appreciate everything you do. My compliments to the way you present the information. Thank you.😎

[@RAkers-tu1ey]

So true. In most service businesses. I feel your chagrin.

[@MichaelSmith-rn1qw]

I used to own a Fender Fretless Jazz bass, and it did have fret position lines in the fingerboard. Looking at that Gibson Bass, reminds me of my 1973 SB450 bass that I paid $200 for at a pawn shop in Houston in January 1989. It's been used on dozens of recordings and live performances. I did strip the old finish off of it years ago and sprayed it with several coats of satin finish, and also corrected the wiring from the pickups to the pickup selector switches when all the hardware was removed.