'55 Les Paul Jr. gets some frets

[@pmz62]

In 1987, I took my '55 Les Paul Jr. to Fat Tuesdays in NYC, where Les Paul played every Monday night for many years, (before he moved to Iridium, where he also played every Monday night for many more years.) When I asked Les to sign it for me, he picked it up, played a little run up and down the neck, then he told me that the first few years they were made, he helped wire some of the Gibson Les Paul guitars. He said "I might have installed those pickups!" before he handed it back to me. I still have mine, but the finish is crackled, it definitely looks like it's been around since 1955. Les was always very personable and appreciative of his fans. The last time I saw him, (about 2001) I said "You're looking good, Les!" He replied, "Your fuc*in' eyes are goin!"

[@yomomma9815]

very cool!

[@TheGoldtopdude]

Les really was the best. R.I.P.

[@_-_Michael_-_]

Hard to belive he had time in ‘55 to wire guitars, can someone confirm this? I thought he was still touring with Mary a lot. Not like it’s inpossible and sure done at least couple then but how many who knows...

[@Seeker85420]

Highly unlikely Les did any fretwork, that's skilled labor....maybe he cut a piece of fretwire lol

[@mkilner]

Awwhh thats a brilliant story, that end bit had me belly laughing! :)

[@Jabbaerwocky]

Your approach is that of an art conservator-restorer, not that of a typical repairdude. Very different mindset. Much respect!

[@bldallas]

Well said. I’ve also never heard another luthier say anything about doing something specifically to make it easier for future repairs.

[@twoodfrd]

Yeah, I have a degree in art history and spent time on archaeology sites. I guess it carries over.

[@bldallas]

@@twoodfrd that makes so much sense. Very cool!

[@waybackplayback1347]

@@twoodfrd You have gift for walking the razor's edge of OCD and best practices. I despise people my Dad described as "rammy", the kind who blindly tear into (and up) something.

[@walterw2]

@@waybackplayback1347 "rammy"! i know exactly what you mean here and yeah, there's a time and place for that and vintage guitar repair is not it

[@armyofchris]

"Probably witchcraft, you cant get rid of those. Might be dangerous" gave me a real life laugh out loud. I always say that too.

[@MatthewScottmusic]

Thank you.

[@braydensandstedt]

what’s up , matt!

[@chuckBauer2k23]

Is this the junior you had?

[@MyBodyWash]

SRV junior has entered the chat

[@ZaneDalton]

Holy crap, this is yours? Awesome!

[@fuchsia5899]

Your welcome

[@edwinmaier]

It brings a smile to my face to see and hear a nearly 70 year-old guitar rock like that

[@finaljesus]

i love your exquisite vocabulary when used to describe what you’re doin

[@patrickkeenan6331]

Finally Johnny Thunders gets some love!

[@jtgordon100]

I have 1955 Junior. I bought it for $50 in 1974 from my across-the- hall neighbor at the University of Florida. Someone had spray painted it white including the neck! Fortunately the headstock was spared. Many years later I paid a small fortune to have it restored to its 1955 glory. The work was done by Eiichi Ishikawa of Shuriya Guitarcraft in Vancouver. He did a fantastic job! 1955 is my birth year so it is a special guitar for me. Plus it is very fun to play!

[@BessieBopOrBach]

Appreciate the Johnny Thunders shoutout at the end

[@jordanmartinez2432]

Good tip about filing the first few teeth of the fret saw, makes alot of sense!👍 Will remember that one.

[@patrickniedermeyer2112]

A few of the high-end saw manufacturers do this by not putting any set in the first few teeth to make it easier and more accurate to start your cuts.

[@TimbeMovies]

The best thing I’ve recently discovered here in cold and wet England: a cup of tea lay on the sofa and watch this. After some time you will be the utmost relaxed and possibly fall in to a light sleep. Great videos and interesting to watch your craftsmanship. Not that it’s boring haha.

[@alansturgess1324]

"Wonder of wonders, the headpiece is in one piece!" Classic. Years ago I had an Epiphone 'Invader' that was a close clone of this style of guitar. Wish I still had it - it was a budget instrument but was incredible once I changed the tuners.

[@lokarrsboots9337]

T.: "... The headstock is in one piece!" Me: *sad face*

[@tito.tarantula]

Wow, what a beaut'… and that Junior tone, gotta love it.

[@rpm4999]

End frame says Thanks for watching I say thanks for uploading ... please keep them comming👏

[@talyrath]

If I were a guitarist, "Old Gibson nut" might be my username.

[@vltjd]

Thought you weren't gonna rock it for a minute. Expected "Mississippi Queen."

[@Riverdeepnwide]

Oh yes please! Wonderful Leslie West driving his amp into harmonic fits of not knowing which way to run with his Junior at 1:51 of Mississippi Queen. One of my favourite moments in guitar history.

[@robertaccorsini4663]

Leslie West make great sounds with a Jr too. Had to watch this because of him. Great job!

[@baronoflivonia.3512]

I am addicted to your videos, a Sunday afternoon pleasure. Every so often I will look up old videos from you, like this one, and I have commented before that you are a true Artist, and your videos are very informative. I can not play anymore after 44 years in plumbing & mechanical trade my hands and fingers are deformed from pipe wrenches and old age, but my son, instead of taking over business went into music as a player and I impart what I learn from you to him. He is not very mechanically inclined but he can play. Thanks again.

[@Ausblack]

11:51 that sarcasm was just perfect. Love your work, best wishes from Australia

[@ZeeKat]

This guitar is basically as old as the rock n roll, pretty cool. Hope there will be more electrics here, I love how relaxing this channel feels.

[@jameshunter5485]

Something to be said for skill, competence and an appreciation for an obvious treasure. And yet the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

[@anAeijingBuffoon]

The fretboard twist sounds perfect, maybe they should start making them that way from now on.

[@rdooba]

That of boy rocks! Sweet sounds for a 50’s relic 👍

[@mrjah603]

That's an aftermarket compensated bridge. Intonation is compensated for a plain G and should be pretty good. Fantastic video, thank you.

[@frankelbring5264]

Fabulous repair. Real craftmanship and passion!

[@Wheel333]

Little beauty, what a survivor. Great job 🙏❤️🙏

[@jasonz9902]

I have a copy of this guitar made by National made sometime in the early 60's I love this little guitar and it too needs new frets.

[@grazioso58]

once more golden humor, 'uh ahh vintage wiring', even my wife laughed over my shoulder

[@MARTINA-gc3tq]

that rings like a bell...lovely

[@robertpalmer4806]

This is one of the best channels on the internet. As a small town guitar tech you have taught me so much.

[@bradcarter6396]

I cant stop watching your videos! Thanks for sharing all your hard work!

[@activese]

hi, again, "that's wood stain at the back of my fingers, not peanut butter", hilarious, thank you as usual for sharing your awesome work. take care

[@Rand_al_Thor372]

Wouldn't have thought you were a Johnny Thunders fan!! Im a hobbyist and i make tv yellow dc jrs from kits and then decorate em like JTs with the stickers and waterslide decals of pinup girls. I did his portrait on the back of a vintage 1973 Arbiter DC LP Jr clone i bought from the UK. Its Japanese and the picture i chose was from a Japanese photo shoot of the Dolls in 1973, so it all clicks. Wish i could post pics here cuz i took a maestro sg and filled in the swimming pool top route and routed it for a set of mini humbuckers in the neck and middle positions and a P90 in the bridge spot. Before i did all the routing i painted the front like a real cheetah pelt for Cheetah Chrome too. He loves it.

[@jamesdahl6949]

You're too funny, big guy! You may be a little bit heavy but God I wish I had your knowledge! But it's good that you joke about it. I've said it several times but I'm gonna say it again, you're probably one of the most professional people I've ever watched and I admire that!

[@gravidium]

Ted as always your video is more cathartic than anything else. i used to fall asleep to predator or rambo now twoodfrd. Just wanted to let you know that during this time of insanity in the world you give at least 50000 people pause, and a chance to unwind. I fixx kids guitars at school where I work only setups and little odd repairs mostly learnt from you. So indirectly you make them smile and love playing there guitars again. Cheers mate from Aus.

[@hilldwler420]

Creating like an expansion style joint for the fret removal. That’s cool.

[@JMnyJohns]

I love that you are as careful with those old Hensels as a $10K guitar like this. Treat them all with real thought and TLC. Score the fret ends, save the X carving - basically just do the job right. He picked the right guy for his refret. Always love your vids, thanks.

[@alexo5861]

Again Mr. Woodford, A-MA-ZING work!

[@SBanas]

I've seen a lot of videos about a refet jobs but this one is my favourite so far. So many small tips and tricks, that I can use to reduce wood chipping! I've also sanded down any singns of estensive use of my fingerboards, but you convinced me- this is a part of the mojo, a part of guitar's history. From now on, I leave as much of it as possible. Thanks for the video!

[@5hik1maru]

That was skilled fret removal!

[@musicmaneman38]

I have that same LP Jr. 1958. Also a 1959 Fender Pro Amp (tube) from the same era.

[@JohnKorvell]

I love the names of some of the tools. A great indie band name would be The Fret Tang Nippers (for example)

[@davidrees1840]

...or even just Fish Glue

[@tomfitzsimmons6535]

Seen a half dozen refretting videos on youtube, thought I had learned some things. As it turns out- nah. Now I know something about it. Thank you!

[@pskemster]

I have no doubt that the owner must have been very happy. That looked to be a top shelf repair and very good attention to detail.

[@tochriss]

That encompassed all the things I've seen elsewhere on KZbin that made me think "yeah that's a great idea" when it comes to re-fretting. Plus one thing I'd not seen before. Fantastic video.

[@wallyrossow3141]

My wife is a quilter and those plastic sheets are called transfer sheets. They’re available in most fabric stores. They really do a nice job protecting an instrument top when you get near it with a file😎

[@tommypetraglia4688]

I use those flexible plastic cutting board sheets from the kitchen aisle at the grocery store. .5 mm thick

[@DAaron67]

Love seeing more of your sense of humor in the videos, the Simpsons reference in the last one cracked me up. Great video as always!

[@mrrandomassduck]

"To disguise this nefarious deed" I love it. xD

[@HeliBenj]

Man, after having binge-watched every single one of your video it's great to see a new one. This is soothing and entertaining AF

[@Roscoes_House_of_Blues]

I fell in love with this guitar by the end of the video!

[@TheAjCalvillo]

“You can’t get rid of those. That’d be dangerous”. I laughed harder than I should.

[@richardghost4384]

Hi, I can tell this guy knows how to do an excellent job, a real expert .👍

[@jris]

I love your commentary. Thanks for the reminder that the job can be done just as well even if you don’t have the cool guy tools. The Stanley fatty is all too relatable with my quarantine diet of Swiss cake rolls.

[@dev--null]

Fantastic work, re-fretting a neck could be challenging, yet you make it look so easy :)

[@davidrees1840]

Yes, and I like that you have many approaches to it, appropriate to the specific instrument. So many of us have one method for all. Masterful!

[@z6nestudio]

Beautiful guitar! A junior is next on my list of guitars.

[@andylane8815]

I wanted to say something earlier but I guess I needed to process it some before I did. You spoke of talent. You were very kind about it, as you always are. Some have it and some don't. ( email question you answered) realize our limitations is big. I have disabilities that keep me from being able to fully comprehend and execute such fine skills. No, it takes a special person to do this. Someone that can read a measure for one. Lol! Merry Christmas! It took me thirty years but I now play by ear.

[@realniter]

Excellent work on frets! Many luthiers don't give a sheet to it, they don't know that the longer frets with the proper edges are a must.

[@markcarson8566]

I have never seen anyone put so much care and attention to detail that you do, great job!

[@markcarson8566]

I am also a big fan of your since of humor

[@Incandescentiron]

I sincerely appreciate your carefully detailed instructions. Thanks for all your postings!

[@arnienonymous4458]

That guitar is 8 years older than I am, and is in much better shape (even before the work). Sounds great!

[@bluemike175]

Just gotta say, I have no interest in guitar repair myself but I love these videos, found this channel a couple of weeks ago and I think I've watched almost all vids.

[@mauricerogerson5825]

That's what I LOVE about you, Ted. you love the significance of the instrument you work on more than the money you can make! I have couple of instruments I'd like to have you "refresh", a 2009 Les Paul Standard and a circa 1998 frankenstrat I built with a Fender 3 tone sunburst body (w/electronics and case) and rosewood (without hardware) neck I married. The strat has fret and action problems. The Les Paul has crappy sounding pickups and is hard on my fingers. I have a couple other "project" guitars (One of which has sentimental value to me, just me and the guitar. Silly, I know, but you understand) that you could probably help with too! I know you could make me happy with my guitars.

[@yomomma9815]

Another great episode! I learn so much from every installment... mostly that getting an experienced person to do the work is well worth the money. Fascinating to watch nonetheless.

[@robostyle9773]

Killer guitar thanks for the video!

[@nateellis5939]

One of my favorite videos of yours

[@1251wire]

Absolutely great quality workmanship. Thank you.

[@Burztur99]

Oh yes that's just what I needed. Dying off coronavirus right now at least I will see some nice guitar work before that. Cheers man thanks for all this vids.

[@everettlethem6747]

Keep strong man. Many people are with you. ✊

[@pdp977]

Look after yourself - I had it in March and still suffering the after-effects, as is my wife. Be gentle to yourself and don't rush to do anything that requires effort. Sincere best wishes!

[@gerryjamesedwards1227]

Wishing you a speedy and full recovery.

[@Burztur99]

@@pdp977 thank you man, yeah I heard damage of lungs might stay with me

[@Burztur99]

@@everettlethem6747 thanks man !

[@dingdong7440]

Master job Ted!.

[@NinerFourWhiskey]

To think that in the 1950's, they gave these dangerous weapons to children. Children!!!

[@TheGoldtopdude]

We will conquer the world with great guitar tone!!

[@Badhands55]

It is amazing watching you work- you can’t imagine how much is learned with every video- thanks

[@tommypetraglia4688]

Such a pretty guitar with that color and lacquer finish and unbanded edge.

[@JoDoDesigns2011]

Loved the commentary on this video, "Stanley Max, I can relate" and the "Plastic sheets, I want one" 👍👍👍👍👍

[@MrJoeydano]

Realize that guitar is worth 6k plus 👍 another great repair ! Thanks for the video

[@stephenhenion8304]

The Guitar Whisperer !! Doing his thing! Great video and great skills!!

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

I used to have a Epiphone Les Jr.. tune-o-matic bridge, with proper hard tail. Though an Epi, it was actually very well built, responded well to my preferred Ernie Ball .008s , but I never warmed up to it. I prefer vintage small and low frets.. it had slightly larger mediums. The guy I sold it to loved my setup and was very pleased with it. Again, a nice job fixing up a guitar to suit its player.

[@646oleg]

love this axe , one of the best sounding rock guitar . vintage sells for over 10k on used guitar market , reissue 1957 custom shop mint condition for 3.5k

[@jamesunderhill1603]

I'm so glad I'm subbed to this channel. Lovely work, lovely guitar. 👍

[@nicolasrioscardona]

Me encanta ver este luthier, es adictivo. Genial lo que haces.

[@nfijef]

Thanks This Old Teddy!

[@muddymike10]

Love those tones...

[@musicmann1967]

Gorgeous!

[@kk-GUK]

Really great work. 👍

[@dongill9650]

Brilliant work.

[@bristolfashion4421]

Absolutely fabulous video - I have a great Chinese-made LP junior re-issue from the Epiphone brand, which needs a *load* of work - this was really interesting for me :-)))

[@NitroModelsAndComics]

I see a Jr I think Leslie West. Great job. If I was close I have you do my old Explorer, it's in need.

[@dalgguitars]

Old P90 and noise = Rock and Roll baby.

[@zeusapollo8688]

Glorious noise

[@kidguitar]

Thank you! Keep posting, these videos are great!

[@menadafennecfoxwao5379]

I really enjoy your videos. I have really learned a lot from you sharing your vast knowledge and experience.

[@dokdorian]

SOUNDS AMAZING! 19:10

[@jimbrennanguitar]

That guitar sounds incredible !!

[@BenPrevo]

I think that is a retrofit bridge -- nice job !! Max fat = Leslie West !!

[@AlanKaruzo]

very good video, extremely informative ... thank you.

[@izzynutz2000]

Some of those first act guitars that were sold at Walmart we're almost an exact reproduction of the Gibson Junior I've takin a couple of them that I've gotten out of pawn shops for 15 or $20 and set them up and they really play nice they're fast Little guitars like you said rock and roll baby.. anyway nice fret job.. good tips on vintage work..

[@jltrem]

That's a beautiful example of a '55 Jr. So glad I subscribed to your channel. Love watching a master at work.

[@bldallas]

Another great video, thanks Ted! I subscribe to a few other luthier channels, and watch lots of videos. Though those other guys are also talented, none of them are as impressive as the work you do. Your attention to detail and craftsmanship is just amazing. Even your work bench and all of your tools, jigs, etc. are clean and well organized. Maybe it’s my OCD, but I cringe sometimes when I watch the other guys working on a filthy table, while repairing a 50+ year old vintage guitar. Keep doing what you’re doing and thanks again!

[@madgeniusmusic]

Beautiful guitar and you did a wonderful job on it.

[@design8366]

Great job and love the 🎸.

[@falcongunner33]

Just wanna say how inspiring you are to me man! I recently bought a Taylor 714 that was in a car accident and am fixing it up. It’s so much fun for me to try and figure out a repair job with critical thinking and your tips are invaluable!