The Ultimate Hensel Experience

[@3ds523]

I was given a Hensel a couple of years ago. It was found in a dumpster behind an apartment building on moving day. The neck was loose, it was covered in some kind of yellow guck as the result of an amateurish attempt at refinishing and had golf tees for bridge pins. I built a few acoustics many years ago and wanted to try fixing this thing as a way to counter covid lockdown boredom. I found your website and emailed you and you were kind enough to respond with a lot of good info, with the advice that the scale length probably needed changing by way of installing a new fingerboard. So it took a year of picking away at it, but I replaced the fingerboard, installed a truss rod, reset the neck, replaced missing back braces and refinished it. It worked well and the ting sounds pretty sweet, dark and warm. Thank you for your advice!

[@stephencampbell2735]

Impressive!

[@Mudder1310]

“Rather carefree string spacing”. That’s the kindest thing I’ve heard all week.

[@arthurcrime]

Ted has a marvellous way with words, a master of understated understatement.

[@pwman]

We need to build a Luthiers Wisdom Book and pull out all of these amazing Tedisms…. A tribute to him..

[@ronkelley5348]

I smiled at that too

[@knorke3642]

Not only do you seem to be the worlds foremost expert on Hensel Guitars...so far as I can see...on KZbin, you also seem to be one of the most skilled, careful and thoughtful guitar repair people. I really appreciate your guitar repairs the most. I feel, that I can really learn a lot from watching your videos. More than I do from most of the others. There always seems to be some commercial thought of "how can I get as many views as possible" behind a lot of the videos of others. Your videos are a lot different, in that they portray a journey with a "happy ending" result at the end of it, without me having to fear for the life of the instrument, as I watch. Thank you very much.

[@itsalwayssomething7490]

I find that he takes the most time and is very thoughtful and thorough with his repairs. I'm sure you'll pay for that quality, but you know it's worth it.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

9:48: This was a lefty conversion but someone plugged & re-routed the hole & converted it back to a Righty

[@bldallas]

No, I’m watching because you are by far my favorite luthier / YT channel and I get excited every weekend, when a new one drops. Heck I’ve checked here 2 other times today, before this video posted. Great stuff, Ted! You are a master….

[@crisbochguitar]

Same here. I learnt a lot from Ted and I love his humour. I would try to do a neck reset on one of my cheap acoustics, just "for fun". The only problem is that I don't know what kind of glue it could have. It's an Ovation style's Japanese Aria. Probably epoxy...

[@skyout19]

@@crisbochguitar Yes, the dry humour appeals to me too, and without the verbal diarrhoea that some youtubers have - not to mention the awful sounding american twang 😖

[@Bag-Of-Toys]

You have the perfect combination of: Knowledge, Entertainment, and Clear visuals. I haven't come across anyone else doing this that does it as well as you do. Kudos. 👏👏👏

[@textme1661]

Thanks for watching and commenting Send a direct message right away I got some special package for you✅....

[@elikirkwood4580]

I cant quite explain it but that guitar has a very melancholic tone. Even in a happier sounding key, it still sounds a bit sad. I really like it

[@kentmains7763]

Incredibly high action is a huge understatement! Wow!

[@yobentley7274]

Those strings looked like a high wire act.

[@larrysawchuk370]

I don't play guitar but I love guitar music and obviously I'm not a luthier. It has taken me a while to figure out why I enjoy you're videos so much. It is because it is a pleasure to watch someone, especially in our throw away, instant gratification, fast food, negative attitude society who gives a f#@! and who does the best he can do, every time and takes the challenges, in stride, with a positive attitude.and a sense of humour. Whether you are a luthier, mechanic, cook, etc. there is a lot to learn here.

[@herrrmike]

This.

[@ileutur6863]

I'm surprised these Hensel guitars haven't become a meme in the community yet. They've been around since the start of the channel and pretty much embody the spirit of "old trashy guitar that needs fixing"

[@RelaxNplay64]

Should be a T shirt lol

[@icebankmicelf]

Its incredible, I restore Kay and Harmony guitars and while the work often isn’t worth it they manage to avoid so many of these problems the Hensels have. I’ve never seen one with a bridge in the wrong spot, for example

[@Theonixco]

@@RelaxNplay64 I'd buy one.

[@J.C...]

@@icebankmicelf Scott Baxendale rebuilds old Kay & Harmony guitars, also. Apparently he's pretty well-known for it? I don't really know. When you Google search his name, it's the first thing that comes up. He does really good work, afaik.

[@MegaWimberly]

That guitar looks proud . Another happy instrument.

[@jafo1970]

You really brought that sucker back to life! As for it not being a Martin or whatever... it'd be a very boring world if we only had Martins. These have their own (albeit limited) charm, beautiful in its own way, after they've passed through your hands. Well done!

[@juffurey]

Especially today, Martins are overrated anyway. Taylor forced them to up their game.

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

Love it when you turn a wreck into something...err...beautiful? Very cool. 🙂👍

[@Hemifan4266]

Basically a complete rebuild. Excellent work as usual....

[@contrabandjoe7974]

very satisfying to see this come back to life

[@markdoyle9642]

I love the PRE-HENSEL...Tale (Huge Smile) Respect!

[@markbernier8434]

You are closing in on that 100K level. I never thought such a niche interest would develop such a following. You also seem to have a community of viewers who both appreciate humour and are very sincere in their appreciation of your skill and knowledge. I wish more channels could say that.

[@BanBanChi]

Add his incredibly soothing voice and you cover all the bases. My wife is starting to wonder if I have a man crush on Ted.

[@NintenDub]

Yup. His voice and the format are why. You can watch video after video. I love it

[@Theonixco]

@@BanBanChi Watching him is like going to therapy.

[@DysonDad]

My friend told me about this guy this weekend, my friends big into guitars, and I can see why he loves this channel - this guy does a great job

[@M21zen]

Hensel and regrettle.

[@dooleyfussle8634]

If he makes a replica Hensel, I think he should call it the "Gratel"!

[@BuffaloC305]

I wish you'd 'autograph' some part of these guitars - like the bottom of the pickguard. The underside of the bridge... or put a little burned-on 'brand' in a corner.

[@fluxx1]

Wow, the sound sample at the end sounds very unique and I like it! I know it's not a studio recording and the sound is difficult to judge, but this particular sample and your particular playing is for some reason sounding so pleasant.

[@alveydoug]

The sound reminds me of the “cigar box” guitars of the earliest blues recordings, which may have had a lot to do with the carbon microphones. There is something intimate about it; a “Front Porch” vs. a “Parlor” guitar. Some folks like non-resonator banjos too. Glad you could fix the action (and show us how much skill and quality materials it takes). Which is why I enjoy this show so much.

[@ericlee6913]

ugh its right on the tip of my tongue but i can't place the song. I wanna say elizabeth cotton but that feels wrong....

[@billallen1594]

@@ericlee6913does sound a bit like freight train in parts 🤔

[@oogkauwgum5123]

A variety of jacks and annoyance, just one of those typical woodford quotes. Someone should collect these and make a book, I’d buy it!

[@joelostrommusic]

Regardless of it being not worth the time and effort to restore, I really enjoyed the video. There's something special IMO about bringing a relic of the past back to life with superb craftsmanship. You're giving life to something that would never have otherwise been able to exist at that level of quality. It's unique; and that alone is worth something IMO.

[@FrehleyBurst9-1878]

Ted, I love your channel and you are an amazing luthier! I dropped you a helpful hint not long ago about taking a daily dose of Zinc (50 mgs) and maybe even some vitamin B-12 and D which I have taken for over 2 decades and we live in the same climate as I'm across the Blue Water Bridge about and Hour west into Michigan. My point is if you take those supplements you will eliminate getting the "Bugs" you have been catching. I have not had a common cold or the flu in 20 years and I'm 57. I never took the "Jab" and tested positive for the covid-19 virus in January but never had any symptoms or felt ill at anytime and it was out of my system in less than a week. I would love to see you continue to make content so take better care of your health my friend! Everyone I know that has started taken Zinc daily claims they feel much better and don't get colds or the flu so it might be worth you trying.

[@ChrisWaigl]

Glad to hear you're back in the saddle. With people in our world (vutual or not) who have a clockwork-like regularity to their publications/posts one wonders and hopes things are ok.

[@LiamDTurner]

💪🔥Watching you repair instruments is ,to me, a revival of my faith in humanity. These days the value of a craft like this is simultaneously being devalued AND more valuable than ever...When the zombie apocalypse comes and we really need to hear that acoustic cover of Don't Stop Believing, good luck getting a machine to level your frets for bowl of people stew....just saying...lol🔥💪

[@KarlKarsnark]

Hensel ain't so Greatel. I do think you should make a line of guitars of your own. It would be great content for the channel and may be a fun new challenge on a personal level. Creating is more rewarding than repairing, and your talents far exceed these tasks. Plenty of other "KZbinrs" with only a fraction of your skills and abilities have done quite well with their own products, and there's no reason you can't to do the same. Having and actual professional involved would be a breath of fresh air. Keep up the great work. Cheers!

[@hijmestoffels5171]

When I was a schoolboy I built my own electric guitar. Everything that could be done wrong I did wrong. But the bridge was in the right place. I don’t understand how professional guitar builders can place the bridge wrong. It is so easy, double the distance from the nut to the 12th fret and add a few mm for compensation. I must admit, I had an excellent science teacher in high school.

[@AlfOfAllTrades]

It's interesting. It sounds like a recording from a sound deadened studio. Clear, crisp but somewhat muted. I like it.

[@jdougn2255]

In addition to your skilled craftsmanship, the celebratory outro is always enjoyable.

[@gwailouh01]

been really enjoying your videos. Look forward to them every weekend.

[@limpindug]

When said and done Ted it sounds pretty good, +1 to the owner for allowing you to save the old fella. Looking good and first class repair. 👍👍🥃Respect to you mate.

[@beytone]

That guitar just got the luxury rejuvenation treatment. What a fantastic job!! You've said it many times, if it's worth it for the owner then it's nobody else's business.

[@SilasHumphreys]

While I did start watching because of that clickbait title, I'm still here because you're consistently informative and entertaining. I enjoy learning by watching you doing, and you've helped me materially improve my woodworking skills.

[@derekmckee3364]

I watch you religiously. I'm 2 miles from Hamilton, Scotland. Your attention to detail and your passion are well above other curators that I watch online. I'm sure you should be the benchmark for other luthiers . Keep on keeping on sir. Just wish you were Hamilton, Scotland. There would be an even bigger queue at your door!

[@eliduttman315]

Totally off topic: I knew someone named Orville McKee from Arkansas, when I served in the U.S. Army (1968). Perhaps a distant relative. That fellow had a Distinguished Flying Cross and very few enlisted men are so decorated. SP4 McKee was retired 100% service connected disability, due to rheumatoid arthritis. Life can be cruel and most unfair.

[@phil36135]

To bé a cheap guitar,that' dang thing has a sweet tone.Of course you practically rebuilt it.Very good resurrection repair, the owner should bé more than happy with it.

[@britlitemail]

Was quite nice to see one get treated really well. Even through the camera mic, it still sounded pretty good! Would be very cool to see your interpretation of one.

[@martgryfny]

great episode, i love the fact i can hear the radio in the background, it only lacks some wood cracking in the fireplace and a dog barking somewhere outside

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

I have a Resonator Acoustic-Electric made by Gretsch & I use very light gauge strings on it (in this case Thomastik JS110 Flatwounds) because the cone is actually cut thinner (as is the bridge). I worked around the acoustic volume issue by stringing the strings backwards underneath the tailpiece rather than above it which gives me a better break angle, & increased the volume. I use that Resonator Guitar for song covers, most recently I've used it to play a cover of the famous Soprano Aria (I'm a Baritenor so I actually sing the Soprano part down an Octave so I wouldn't strain my voice) "For Love of me my Lord is Dying" from Bach's St Matthew Passion (BWV 244).

[@harryblairjr5826]

I've watched/listened to all of the content 2 or three times over. Watchers, turn up the volume on your system for the best listening. Sorry for interruption.

[@mikeduncan792]

Arthur Hensel came to Canada in the 1920s.his family made violins.he had a place in his shop in cabbage town for lost German soldiers.i had an archtop with the upside down kkk blood drop carved where the Edelweiss is on artists. When war broke out he changed his name to hansel.only some were made by Arthur.! Says made by Arthur Early examples are mahogany.later williams made a lot of Hensels out of a shop in Barrie made from birch.

[@nielscremer]

You must have significantly boosted those foam-cutter sales by now! 😊 Another great video, I enjoy each and every one!!

[@zubeystinzen540]

Great workmanship & i love that bit of ragtime ❤️

[@dalgguitars]

14:06 "Prolonged Wiggling" Fantastic Band name!

[@bethanygresoski3126]

This video is a Hensel experience like no other. A gift to the world . Thank You!

[@textme1661]

Thanks for watching and commenting Send a direct message right away I got some special package for you✅......

[@DerangedTechnologist]

Nice use of turnbuckles. As always, lots of insightful and informative commentary. Thanks again (!). Also, hope you get past the virus smoothly and without any lingering badness.

[@bebop425]

I really appreciate the time you put into editing, narrating and working out a lot of your thought process before filming. It makes your videos concise, yet thorough. Get well soon.

[@yobentley7274]

Wow. You are a proper craftsman. Great job.

[@heavymetal19610]

I can't begin to thank you for sharing your skills with us...... Cheers from Vancouver Island

[@Blitterbug]

That is one heck of a sweet-sounding guitar, Ted. Intonation is spot-on. Quiet but lovely. I do so enjoy a skilled artisan at work, and your gentle humour and anecdotal side-tracks are the icing on the cake. Just don't overwork yourself, my friend.

[@textme1661]

Thanks for watching and commenting Send a direct message right away I got some special package for you✅......

[@NINEWALKING]

What a trivia 👏 Invasion of the body snachers, what a scarry movie to watch as a young person. Man I feel old now.

[@LayneGreeneMusic]

I've owned several Hensel's over the years (currently a mandolin, archtop, 2 parlours, and 1 of his slightly larger flat tops), they've all had most of the issues you've mentioned. Really fun to see you work through these and gain some small understanding of the hard work that's gone into making them all into great guitars!

[@RiccardoPareschi]

It is always a pleasure to watch your videos. They are therapeutic, for the passion and calm you put into your work. Thank you.

[@textme1661]

Thanks for watching and commenting Send a direct message right away I got some special package for you✅....

[@vikingbeard]

It's got a pleasant balanced sound and you play a pretty tune. Thank you for another great video.

[@planespeaking]

You need a servo on a geared screw to jack up your interior clamps. Really enjoyed this video. Reminded me I need to build a shooting board

[@BenPortmanlewes]

Missed you, hope you're well.

[@bldallas]

Absolutely amazing and I get it, now that I’ve heard it. The investment, that is. It sounds great and I love the looks of that thing. The plain white binding around the inside of the sound hole, the really cool shape of the screwed on pick guard, even the hand carved headstock that looks like one of my 7th grade wood shop projects. It’s got pre-war Mojo. And now that you’ve done such a spectacular job restoring it, what a killer guitar to own and even gig with. Another great job Ted. Really cool stuff.

[@allfields]

Cease these works for the Ghost of Arthur Hensel is stirring

[@textme1661]

Thanks for watching and commenting Send a direct message right away I got some special package for you✅....

[@audiomurphy]

The sound is superior in my ears. Nice work.

[@glennselwitz1377]

Sounds great to me..you and Jerry Rosa are the very best..

[@chuckquinn8026]

Get well soon (again!) my friend! It isn’t a weekend without watching a new video carefully crafted by you!

[@JobyP]

That puppy sounds good and exactly like it should!

[@adobedoug2564]

Thanks for playing them for us Ted!

[@theenlightenedon1]

Ted you play the guitar in such a beautiful way. It reminds me at the end of each video that ive really found a friend

[@stephennnnnnnnnnnn]

I’m sure you hear it dozens of times every video, but, the artistry and engineering and knowledge shown in these videos is just incredible.

[@J.C...]

LMAO! That Hensel click bait vid is the first one of Ted's vids I ever watched! 🤣 All, because of the title! 👌

[@johnp9975]

Was rubbing my hands together when you were explaining all the work required. Nice one & feel better.

[@celticgodsoriginal]

Thank you for sharing your extensive knowledge on all things guitaristique.

[@Henni63]

That Donald Sutherland comparision was just hilarious!°

[@SuperJaXXas]

Unreal, you are one of a kind dude. I could listen to you talk anytime, anywhere about anything as long as you added in your personal commentary! Kudos....bro!

[@robertnewell5057]

Great to see these again - they have a really charming '60s folk boom' sound (and good reference to Invasion of the Bodysnatchers).

[@Furtheronmusic]

Your work always astounds me. The care and knowledge you demonstrate is just phenomenal. Just to let you know how much I appreciate it

[@fletcherchambers7175]

"carefree string spacing" 😆

[@Bangkokguitar]

That was class A WORK. BRAVO!

[@jadeowenhamblyn4405]

Your playing is coming along!

[@stevesstrings5243]

Always a pleasure!

[@joelnakasone]

Fantastic video! Skilled craftsman, such as yourself, are well deserving of praise. Guitar repair maestro of incalculable conservation and niche ephemera. Like a Hensel.

[@Goomer]

I think it sounds great. Nice work.

[@johnhageman4061]

I will never repair guitars, I clearly don't have the temperament for it. However, I love watching you do it. I think it's mostly around the problem solving aspect. And I appreciate your thoughtfulness and your diplomacy when discussing less than ideal choices made by players, repairers and manufacturers. A couple of years ago I purchased a hobby level CNC router. It's been a lot of fun. I know that CNC routers can be an anathema to proper woodworkers like yourself. However, I wonder if a small desktop CNC machine, such as a Carbide 3d Nomad might be useful for making bridges, (I don't watch your videos in order and have just finished watching you make a Martin bridge). The balance I guess is the enjoyment of the craft on one hand versus the need to have an efficient business. For myself, I see CNC machines as a sort of digital version of a routing template. Anyway, thanks for the videos.

[@textme1661]

Thanks for watching and commenting Send a direct message right away I got some special package for you✅....

[@kingcurtzel]

This guitar sounds very Canadian, whatever that might be. Lovely vid as always.

[@garetkonigsfeld2]

Harber fraight I forget the Canadian equal. Carries a foot pedal that work pretty good for the price. They have an on off and a momentary switch foot pedal. Thanks for sharing 👍.

[@ShainAndrews]

Canadian Tire... and I'm confident he knows where to find tools when he needs them.

[@aidantalbot9495]

Glad you are well again, or on the mend at least and still raising a smile for yourself and your appreciative audience

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Another great video. Thanks for sharing

[@nerfnerfification]

Great video - many thanks twoodfrd. As for the value well yep on an economic basis it makes no sense BUT that discounts the emotional investment in the instrument and so long as the owner does not have to recoup costs then form their point of view it may still be worth it. I have a 1933 Kalamzoo KG-12 under repair which will probably run me a few thousand once done (neck reset, install trussrod, side crack cleating) but I will treasure it as an early blues guitar and really enjoy using it. My wife has my other instruments that will get her plenty of cash when I go so I've not counted the cost here - jsut asked a really good luthier to do it all.

[@natjes6017]

You're not only good att your work, you're fantastic with video editing and narration! Merry Christmas!

[@TheGeniuschrist]

Why is your content so much better than everyone elses?

[@edrushbrook]

Another great repair. I wish I had half your skill. I’m a hack but I really love guitars and trying to improve their playability. I feel it’s the #1 discourager of learning to play

[@willykanos1044]

Good to see you're back.

[@0goaway0]

Great work and playing. Sounds awesome

[@slacker42uk]

Superb work. Again!

[@nellayema2455]

The playability of that was increased manifold. Great job!

[@kennethbransford820]

===== WOW! Your playing has improved. Very impressed on your fingerpicking. ===== As usual, your skills are perfection. ====

[@textme1661]

Thanks for watching and commenting Send a direct message right away I got some special package for you✅....

[@czgunner]

One of my favorite weekly video drops. Thanks!

[@ibalrog]

I really like the sound you got out of it. Unassuming, but pleasing and comfortable.

[@J.C...]

Doing everything on this one?! THANK YOU! 🙏

[@mattc8723]

Im glad youre back Ted!

[@eladeflow]

I've started messing around with CNC woodworking, I was surprised at how slow they want you to run the bits. The idea is to use the entire cutting flutes of the tool and put the heat in the chips, not the tool, you may want to slow it down a bit until the tool bogs.

[@corndog2835]

It would be very interesting to see you dupicate and improve one of these old designs in a series of videos.

[@bgob1456]

"I don't know why, but this makes me laugh." made mr laugh. Thanks.

[@textme1661]

Thanks for watching and commenting Send a direct message right away I got some special package for you✅....

[@keithfraser9705]

Total joy to watch! ThankQ 👍

[@JeeWeeDonkers]

Awesome work and it sounds better than ever, I'd say.