Vintage American guitar restoration

[@FastRedPonyCar]

I love how it came tenderly packed in bubble wrap so as not to get damaged.

[@MrSparks54]

I really enjoy watching you work Tanya, old school craftsmanship is just awesome. And no incessant yapping distraction or annoying music fill like many other Luthier channels. Cheers from Utah

[@johnsee7269]

I doubt that she speaks English... Most of us don't speak Russian or the Ukrainian dialect. Off the subject but we have no idea how good life is here in the USA compared to a lot of other countries. Ya get sidetracked with issues like the bizarre Presidential politics and all...

[@pharmdiddy5120]

4 minutes in and I'm already amazed at the level of work going into this old thing

[@stevelaferney3579]

Tanya, such a joy watching you work. You’re so talented and have such a deft hand at getting cracks to disappear. WOW! Outstanding job on such a poorly treated instrument. You give us all hope for even the little repairs we work on that they can be done even better. Thanks so much.

[@markoman5267]

It's nice to hear the guitar being played after it's been repaired.

[@MEGAMIGA]

Outstanding! You did not restore the guitar, you _rebuilt it_ ! What an impressive feat!

[@Cmdrbzrd]

Isn't rebuilding part of restoration though?

[@MEGAMIGA]

@@Cmdrbzrd Well, I understand what you mean! I would say that restoring, to me, goes up to a certain point. After that point is reached, it's rebuilding 😁

[@johnbotsford6897]

You must have put $1500 of work into a $20 guitar. After all that it sounds great!

[@timmoyer4522]

I don't think I've ever seen this level of care, detail, and pure professionalism with guitars. Incredible...

[@100nortonfan7]

I'm very impressed by your having undertaken this restoration/repair! A daunting task, for sure! Thank you for posting this splendid work to bring this instrument back to useful life! A true labor of love.

[@roadking99jokerst60]

Just today found your channel. Proud of you folks living your lives in the face of danger near. On top of so much you do in your video , you show the process and edit wonderfully.

[@wolflahti412]

May-Bell guitars were made by the Slingerland Manufacturing Company started by one of my relatives back in Michigan. Nifty little coincidence to find one being restored here.

[@The.Magnificent.one.2025]

Yes. It is very nice.

[@innokentiili6228]

Самый суровый сеанс некромантии что я видел! Шикарная работа!

[@LtSmash-cn3sc]

Украинская реставрационная в Америке. За кадром слышна украинская речь.

[@Metro_kamik]

А я думал там по русски говорят

[@Vitalik26011986]

@@Metro_kamik Суржик там

[@michaelrusso2625]

This girl is truly amazing! The patience is non ending! A true craftsmen!

[@gryfandjane]

What a joy to hear that old guitar sing again! Lovely work!

[@chrise8986]

I started watching past videos that I've not seen yet when they pop up. This one in particular I have watched twice in a row even🤪. Your living proof that anything you put your mind up to you can achieve. Nicely done🤘🌞😘

[@practicebecomingme]

I've probably watched a dozen videos trying to learn what to do with this guitar I got for cheap that probably needs a neck off and top off repair. Learned more from this video than all the others combined.

[@zewruszewrus3903]

This video doesn't show one important point: you need to carefully measure the scale length before installing the nut. The 12th fret on the fingerboard should divide the length of the string exactly in half.

[@Matt_10203]

I could watch these repairs all day. Extremely professionally done, fantastic work.

[@matthewguski5942]

I have a great deal of respect for anyone willing to put a $1000 of work into a $500 guitar. Great job!!! And now that instrument will be loved and appreciated for another 90 years to come.

[@stoolin9706]

more like $5000 worth of work for a $100 guitar.

[@bultacowally]

@@stoolin9706 I was going to say the same thing...wallhanger

[@joelpanetta4449]

Look at is as good practice. @@stoolin9706

[@jhdgdyhi8]

@@stoolin9706 100 is much. I wouldn't even pay 20 even if it was new. It's just about ok for a YouYube restoration video

[@adaoradoeswrite]

Definitely a $5000 from scratch re-build.

[@kimthompson5871]

Your tools are an extension of your hands . Absolutely amazing work ! You are truly a luthiers luthier . You must be so satisfied bringing a piece of guitar history back to life . Fantastic !

[@scottmefford6917]

Your dedication to the craft is exemplary and your work is stunning.

[@unclerat2131]

When I saw the rosette, I knew what it was; 1935 Slingerland May Bell "Parlor" Guitar. I knew because my aunt had one; now, my brother has it and keeps it handy in his office. A modest little guitar with a surprising tone and volume. The sunburst finish is still holding up, too. Thanks for saving it. I really like your channel.

[@general_zaluzhny]

Аааа ще напишу Наскільки все гарно Монтаж, ракурс, таймінг, професійність. Дивлюсь багато реставрацій, більше всього люблю my mechanics. Дуже радий що в українському ютубі з'явилась реставрація. Дуже гарна робота!

[@TanyaShpachuk]

Дякую))

[@SerhiiKovtunRivne]

В мене боліли очі від тих затемнень між кадрами.

[@EugeneLychany]

Рекомендую також канал Теда Вудфорда, теж дядько знає свою справу

[@leandroleal3679]

Tania está aparecendo no Brasil!!!

[@remi3990]

I’ve been looking for a video of someone bringing back to life a destroyed guitar, now I know it is possible with the right professional hands!

[@musicmanlistener2]

Babe wake up, Shpachuk dropped another restoration, LETS GOOOOOO!!!

[@Donyourmom]

Fr

[@tonynorris6157]

I still would love to hear you play!

[@arisevanixy7753]

@@Donyourmom lllpppp0pp0p0p

[@arisevanixy7753]

@@Donyourmom lL9plplllllllllllp

[@juser-abuser]

Another succesful shpachuking!

[@Randelia]

You are fearless. It is fascinating to watch a complete tear-down & rebuild. I'm glad I found your channel - Keep up the great work!

[@PaisleyPatchouli]

SO MUCH WORK! I think your abilities and skills are more than ready to take on an expensive and collectible Martin or Gibson of this vintage, where the value of your artistry would truly be realized. You really made a silk purse out of a sow's ear on this one Tanya. Congratulations!!

[@supafrogg258]

Thank you, Tanya! That was a lovely restoration. It was therapeutic to watch you at work!

[@Bushradical]

love your channel

[@TanyaShpachuk]

Thank you so much 🙏🏻

[@KathrynLiz1]

More like a resurrection than a restoration.... that little guitar was near death, and now it lives again.... well done! 🙂

[@fredericlacoste853]

So soothing watching you. I can see by the care you take to make or rebuild a guitar that you are a master luthier. Each instruments are having a huge chance to be restore or build by you !

[@robertberzack9358]

Absolutely love watching your work. I find your videos really relaxing and satisfying - good to bring down the stress level, and always leaves me calm!

[@docsketchy]

Wow, I really love your videos. You just get right down to business, no talking, no complaining. And you work seems to be first rate. These are the best luthiery videos I've seen. This guitar seemed unreparable, and you really brought it back to life. Subscribed. Stay safe. Also, I love your fingernails.

[@JaredGivens1]

Gotta appreciate the dedication. The amount of time and work that must have went into this is insane.

[@avideogamer2]

Nothing about this is cost effective, it's about loving what you do

[@tedrowland7800]

Amen

[@riproaring3140]

And if you're lucky enough to be able to do what you love to do, you're lucky enough.

[@adaoradoeswrite]

yup

[@kennethsmith1744]

That old wood is why is worth it

[@edreynolds3745]

One DOES have to remember to feed one's life, s well as one's knowledge.

[@Nik-8it5p]

Seeing the the guitar at the end nobody would ever think the instrument went to hell and back!! Looks as if it was always taken care of. I bet it plays better than when it left the factory. Well done !!❤

[@alexdeleon7135]

I can empathize with things going wrong that you never expected. It is the main reason I do not provide estimates on instruments over 20 years old. I had to stop this episode, and grab cup of tea before continuing . Other guitar repair/restoration channels have never made me do that. This was very well planned, and executed. The bridge plate wood you chose was excellent for reinforcement. Parlor guitars have a tendency to bulge due to thin, unremarkable plates. Your skill with a chisel is admirable. I marveled at watching you join the splices. I always have to protect both sides of the spliced crack before performing a plane motion with a chisel. I was in awe that you not only evened the spiced surface, but did so without shaving the finish surrounding the crack. As if that wasn't enough, you also hand scalloped the brace ends! I can do these things but it takes me twice as long, if not longer to do so. You're awesome, young lady. I'm already looking forward to the next episode. I also noticed that I steeped the last tea bag. So I need to hit up the store. Keep rockin.'

[@TanyaShpachuk]

Thank you!

[@alexdeleon7135]

Anytime.@@TanyaShpachuk

[@carlosrlio05]

You are a gift to guitars maker, lover and most users of the instruments. Love your detailing..

[@walther9161]

Wow!! Can’t imagine it being cost effective to totally rebuild it though.. awesome work!

[@joesantamaria5874]

Maybe it isn’t, but it belonged to the owner’s grandfather. Never know!

[@IDiggPattyMayonnaise]

There's no price tag on sentimental value

[@ScottHz]

Like she said in the description, she wanted to get expereience on acoustic guitars.

[@simplecountrydrummer]

I was just about to say the same thing@@IDiggPattyMayonnaise

[@panzerlieb]

These are very old guitars. Made by the Slingerland company back in the 1920s and 1930s. Slingerland is more known for their drums. This guitar is a nifty piece of history. Of course they were never really worth much, even when new. But this is a great project for learning how to work on vintage acoustic guitars. There may have been a few modifications I would have made to this guitar to prolong it’s life a little. For example adding some kind of neck reinforcement to delay the neck warping. After all, it’s made of poplar. Not the sturdiest of materials for a neck. Another mod would have been a little sound hole reinforcing to prevent cracking But all together very nice work

[@johnnylektric]

My goodness!! Such AMAZING work!! I'm a new subscriber! It's Christmas Day 2023 and I'm on self-quarantine cos of Covid, and a video from this channel popped up in my KZbin feed a couple of hours ago, and now I'm on my 3rd straight video!! Very meticulous and just great job overall! Glad I discovered this channel... Thank you, Santa! :D

[@MrSasasahaa1]

это просто нереально круто! проделана ТИТАНИЧЕСКАЯ просто работа, не представляю сколько сил, времени и нервов было потрачено, но результат - просто сказка, песня :) огромное спасибо за ролик и всего самого-самого лучшего 🙌

[@andreykuznetsov9355]

Тут проще выкинуть было, но видимо заказчику было не важно сколько стоит.

[@MrSasasahaa1]

@@andreykuznetsov9355 да, понимаю, именно поэтому и восхищён)

[@markiacomini3711]

Truly wonderful you saved the baby from a bonfire. Wish we could hear comments about just how bad it was and the thoughts on how to approach the problems but this was absolutely satisfying to watch. Thank you!

[@uamee]

Now this is a restoration! From a pile of wood back to an instrument! Probably cost more than the guitar itself to do, but IMPRESSIVE nonetheless.

[@Luke_735]

This was by far the best guitar restoration video I've watched on KZbin. Absolutely incredible. Bravo!

[@TheKruizr]

You win the "Most Destroyed Guitar to get Rebuilt on KZbin" award! 🏆

[@codpug]

I love watching these types and not the fake ones covered in mud coming out of Asia. Jerry Rosa has like 15 videos putting a violin that came to him in splinters and he restored it back to a playing instrument

[@lynnglidewell7367]

​@@hellofx Probably in the eye of the beholder. Which may say something.

[@K7classicrockfan]

Yeah I saw that too. Makes this look like childs play,​@codpug

[@enrique663]

Sorry.. that still goes to Anjudar Guitars"

[@davidkornblatt851]

This video is great

[@jamesdaily5167]

I like the things I've watched you do you seem very knowledgable its pleasure to watch you work . Thanks !!!!

[@gusviera3905]

It is a joy to watch a master luthier at work. Transforming a broken up parlor guitar into a fine vintage instrument is really a gifted talent and a huge task (not even showing the replacement of the purfling and other pieces🙂). You virtually built the guitar from scratch. Just awesome work. Thank you for the masterclass. Cheers.

[@menow.]

Without having watched through this video yet, I have found that the general public has no idea what decent instrument repair work looks like. I see gushing praise in KZbin comments sections for people I see doing totally HACK work in the video.

[@vitorhlopes]

​@@menow. Finally someone who understand how bad this "restoration" was

[@joaquinjoaguifloresflorrs7445]

@@vitorhlopesllo.kiero keme manden.la.Diresio.pa podel mandal.la

[@1980bwc]

That headstock snapped back off about 3 seconds after this video ended. 😂

[@menow.]

@@1980bwc Oh, I doubt that happened, but only a person who is ignorant of this trade would call this person a "master luthier".

[@johnkeykey8]

Yet again WOW the level of skill and care you put into your restorations is mind blowing for a meal carpenter like myself. Everytime I watch one of your videos I am spellbound until the end and nothing takes me away from the screen until the end. Sending you much admiration and love from John in awe of you ❤❤

[@psevdonim932]

incredible work! I love watching your videos

[@supafrogg258]

I shake my head in disbelief! How can a person take out such rage on an instrument? Through being lovingly crafted, an instrument has been imbued with a soul, which can bring joy and comfort!

[@stuartbarker9373]

That is a truly astonishing achievement, Tanya. I really cannot imagine that anyone else would have even attempted a repair on that bag of bones.

[@xGshikamaru]

Oh wow I wouldn't have expected a guitar like this could be saved. My father found a guitar like this in a trash and gave it to me. I did quite a few things on it and could play it (that's the nylon string you can find on my channel if you're curious), but wow you spent so much time on this I would have thought a guitar with such a damaged soundboard to be beyond savable. Kudos to you

[@petedazer3381]

Your skills are off the charts! Was that guitar worth an extensive restoration? Amazing work!

[@JimD-y3i]

Love your work! You restored/rebuilt it but kept it original, too. It's great to hear it played afterward. Would be interesting to know some of the stories behind the instruments! This one had to have a few!

[@ritualafterlife]

Very very nice. I turn all these jobs down. Just way too stressful. I don't sleep at all thinking, planning, second guessing, gathering, etc, till its done. Then feel horrible about charging a billion$ for an old Kay, or harmony catalog guitar that a drunk stumbled into leaning in the corner. Incredible watching you do it tho. The arm stab scared me a bit. The stuffed sneeze made my ears hurt 🤣. Don't do that! Let it fly! Sneeze that sanding dust outta there!.. Ok now get some sleep.

[@petercollins9268]

Wow!! That was so enjoyable to watch!! Your expertise in restoring beat-up guitars is amazing!!

[@ianmcgillivray4935]

I didn't think that could be fixed! Do you want to do the same to my old Harmony classical?

[@Greentea_15]

What’s wrong with it? I’m curious now.

[@romantrofymenko8739]

12:33 bless you! What you did here is unbelievable. So much work, so much patience!

[@Pes0k2634]

Ходят слухи, что Таня - некромант. Она способна воскрешать любые гитары из любого состояния.

[@tomperri3693]

That was one of the most impressive things I have ever seen in my life. You are a true master at your craft. So cool.

[@cpetroleite]

Uma verdadeira restauração! Perfeito!!!

[@tmign]

Great job. This was more like a renovation than a restoration. Since you switched to x bracing it is now more like a "C.F. May Belle Martin" parlor guitar . Also I was wondering when or if you were going to take that support brace between the lower bouts. While most may consider these guitars not worth the effort financially, I am glad to see you give them a new life. This is what makes you so very special.

[@DeFactuss]

Вы нереально крутая! Золотые руки и голова! Расскажите как к такому мастерству пришли, когда началось, почему, кто учил наставлял? Было бы очень интересно.

[@RussShirley1]

Tanya, this is just incredible. Your degree of craftsmanship is amazing, I thought for sure it would have been end-of-life.

[@JosephClermont-q8v]

To me this is magic, I can honestly say, saving this instrument proves how incredibly skilled you are.

[@tomboese367]

I don't know what we didn't see from the "out takes", but what I saw was pretty marvelous. This looks to be very well done, congratulations!!!

[@williamsporing1500]

The patience you have is unbelievable! A master crafts woman

[@We_All_Seek_Truth]

I love to see old things that most people would toss out, fixed up and made usable again. And you do good work too!

[@timharris6835]

Well done Tanya, you made that live again. And yes it required many techniques to overcome all the problems you gave us an education too.

[@georgeearls3338]

Good job. I like the way how you put in a better bridge support. The neck repair was great, with the tubing, everything is a clamp. You even did a great job on getting rid of the glue squeeze out. If you don't mind a suggestion, if when you are gluing the cracks, you clamp from the sides as well, it would make a better bond, and eliminate some of the crack filling. I know it;s not always possible, but when you can it will help. I'm not trying to criticize, you did a good job.

[@jamesleaver1391]

Astounding. That thing was as close to kindling as I've ever seen. Fantastic craftsmanship and attention to detail.

[@stevenryder5219]

What an amazing restoration Tanya, that had one foot in the grave and you ressurected it, loved watching that, keep up your good work, youre very talented, take care, Ste 🇬🇧

[@BrandyspesialN]

I am totally lost, amazing to see such skilled craftsmanship. The best entertainment I have is watching you. Better than the best movie. Thank you😍

[@joemcgraw5529]

Tanya your Skill level is amazing ,and your not afraid to tackle a project like this which I would be ,that sets you apart from alot of Luthier/techs ,prayers to you and all the people of your Country I cant stress how much it disturbs me to see what is happening ,stay strong and focused

[@bdb-music1608]

The way you treat your guitars means only one thing: big love! 🙂

[@chrishamblin2774]

As always a very Great Job and you should be proud and Thankful for all the talent and gifting That you are. Be Blessed ❤

[@RickB1792]

Love watching these guitar repair videos, but how do these guitars get smashed around so much? In all sincerity, you are a true genius with your repairs and your videos are very relaxing and satisfying.

[@GregoryGreock-hz2mg]

Unbelievable skill and craftsmanship. You should feel proud in your work.

[@dennybell8120]

You are so skilled. It's so much fun to watch you work.

[@Walter-ri1li]

I watched this from beginning to end. I'm totally impressed at your work girl and i wished you were close by I would be only too happy to have you mend 'n defend my really old accustic guitar I have and hadn't touched for years. Been plannin' on but never could get the time let alone forege the equipment to mend it. Ah! Well, I'd love 't talk 'n Tel ya' more of it but time again costs. Loved ya' show your action speak louder than words. I'll be keepin' my eye out for ya' next show keep up the excellent work. I'm watchin'. God Bless.

[@JitendraWagh73179]

From 0 to hero. The journey was so enjoying. Loved the process seeing it gain beauty. ❤❤

[@unknown_1337]

Wow!! Totally amazed at how you were able to restore such a damaged guitar! VERY cool to see the techniques and expert craftsmanship! 👏👍 Thank you for sharing! 🙏

[@39love31]

Great Repair on a oldie but a Goodie! Bless You! Heard you sneeze at the Minute mark 12:32 :) and you Lined and glued the Wood brace while doing so! Awesome :)

[@gianlucapolitano3228]

22:53 it's some Mozart?!?? 😂 Anyway it's absolutely amazing how much care you put in a instruments restorations, very great job! you bring to new life something is trash and make me to reflect, it's in contrast to what happen in your country right now. We have to create the beauty non the ugly. Art, Music is beauty and we just want peace. Cheers and take care. BTW your vids are so relaxing.

[@steffenjansen2359]

nobody would fix this guitar, they would say unpossible. But you did a great job - unbeliviable

[@ThGoSies]

It is a very nice, committed restoration. Warm congratulation! I could learn a lot at watching the progress.

[@lumberlikwidator8863]

I guess there’s hope for my early-1970s set-neck Memphis lawsuit-era guitar, complete with cherry sunburst finish and the open-book headstock. It’s lain in the case for years and I’m glad I hung onto it. Great video!

[@Rowuk2024]

Here in western Europe, this magnificent effort could never result in a price for the instrument that covered the costs. It was WONDERFUL to watch!

[@andersestes]

Thats not a restauration. Thats a resurrection. Great job and facinating to watch. And thats a great blues-guitar.

[@andymoody8363]

Absolulutely wonderful. Such care, skill and attention to detail. Well done.

[@larryg8072]

You are amazing!! I would have never believed there was hope for this guitar.

[@bsnider0787]

Wow. What an incredible transformation! This is someone who truly loves what they do.

[@thefleaflop]

Wow... Nice job.... I have a ton of questions about the restoration, but let me say the production of the video is just as impressive. Love the camera cuts, lighting, camers angles etc.n lets have a beer or cup of coffee one day!....

[@thomasbarker642]

Top quality job first class I cannot tell you how impressed I am with this restoration

[@michaelmacfarlane4025]

Very entertaining, enjoy seeing old instruments restored ❤

[@PaulRuckman]

That's alot of talent and professionalism, you are indeed a fine Luthier young lady!

[@larguitar]

You are awesome. There's always something educational in your videos. Keep up the amazing work.😎

[@Shohruh_Guitar]

You gave the guitar a second life. Thank you 🫡

[@malomoto-m20]

Amazing work and I love the multiple finger nail changes!

[@jeffrowlette]

I'm literally amazed. What an artist you are! 👏

[@RC-xi1xb]

Outstanding JOB! Great job in restoring a classic! BTW love the nails!