With much due respect, a second grader taught me a trick while stringing popcorn for our Christmas tree ...while silently cursing at reinstalling a Martin F-55 hollow pickup switch. Tie strings to the posts of the pots before removing the nuts, pulling the string through the nut washer and top like stringing popcorn. When reinstalling after rewiring, re-tie the strings to the posts and draw the pots through the guitar top washers and nuts in exactly the same order they were removed. Your videos have become my comfort screen time to sit back, relax, and listen to an excellent Luthier. Thank You Ted.
A trick I learned working on my semi-hollow: aquarium tubing; helps with keeping track of things, and with washers and nut, also saves you from a lot of trouble
Catching up on older vids and still fascinated by your techniques as well as presentation. Watching is like freshwater stream fishing for me: always cathartic. Thank you.
Your skills and abilities are just amazing! I know you have worked for years to hone them so you can do these modifications and repairs, but you make it all look so easy! Great video once again.
Tired of waiting for Sunday, so going back in time. As a hobby fettler of guitars I thank you for sharing your skill and knowledge with us. I mostly give my stuff away to people that can't afford guitars. Like you I like to recycle...
Nice. That's kinda the sound I went for with the one in my profile pic. Put it together from a kit from Pitbull in AU, put one of the new TV Jones Ray Butts in the neck, and a Dynasonic clone in the bridge. Rockabilly for days.
I used to see which wire was connected with ground, or go by a color code,but, I like the way you did that because it would work with unknown homemade types of pickups as well.
Your videos are always great but I found this one particularly interesting and beautifully explained ... thanks, buddy .... keep 'em coming because a lot of us out here love watching your work
I'm fond of this style of guitar. I have three of them: archtop, hollow body, with a pickup. Two are true hollow bodies, and the other has a block in it, like an ES-335. Two have single P 90's and the other has a neck humbucker, and a bridge P 90 that I installed. They sound very nice, and are easy to play due to the thin bodies. They are all pretty attractive, also. However, the true hollowbodies feedback like demons if you are not very careful. Hint: get a piece of medical tubing with a 3/16" [5 mm] ID, and use it to grab the pot shafts. You then simply pull them through the holes and secure them. Easy-peasy. Repeat. A 1/8" [3 mm] piece of tubing works for most switches, etc. These latex tubes are extremely handy.
I like the look of these guitars. I can't play them because I like to rest the palm of my pick hand on the bridge. Yes, I'm a electric guitar player. Bad habits I know. But I use the muff alot. But when I play hollow body I use strumming techniques or use my pinky finger for my base when picking the strings. But when I'm finger picking no need for a base. But these half hollow bodies will just mess me up. Maybe I should learn a different style of playing to incorporate this guitar into my repitar. And yeah I know, bad spelling. I blame it on phonics!
having had various archtop and hollowbody guitars and having the same deal with the difficulty of getting the electronics back in pots jacks etc first time I did it unprepared. here is how you do it the prepared way...Each jack/pot you take out you tie a piece of either high breaking strain fishing plastic line to each one or if you are a cheapskate or a non fisherman Dental floss will cut it basically anything that isnt going to snap if something gets hung up, but no massive tugging just gentle coaxing. Then when they are out, remove the line from the pot/jack/.switch but leave it though the holes and the pickup holes and tape both sides down (you can even label them if you wanna waste time as pulling will quickly tell you which is what) Then when you want to replace tie all the innards to the correct strings, pull them through gently to their correct hole and button down, Have done 4 pot, switch and jack wiring harness replacements with this system in 15 minutes max...Simple easy and once you have tried it once if you can find a better way good luck to you...Preparation is the art of thinking ahead...
@Ray Clark You're _what_ when a video has just posted...? (10-1 it's, "About to throw my phone off a roof for mis-hearing what I was trying to say...")...
Ted this was fine example of your on point Luthiery, and covered a beautiful guitar-form I enjoy learning more about. Thank you for sharing your experience with us all.
another classy job - the d'armond sounds great, I had one of their soundhole p/ups years ago and it sounded very similar but squealed like a pig without great care
Another neat job and a nice idea allowing for future pickup installations. I think that I’ve seen the idea of running the pickup leads under the scratch plate and through the f holes on old Harmony Rocket guitars.
i really enjoy watching your videos your a master at your craft and i love how you explain everything in detail please keep the videos coming thank you for showing us your talent easily one of the best channels or the best channel on CZcams
When taking pots out of a hollow body I used to part undo the nut and tie a long thread around the pot - after you finished soldering or whatever I pulled the pots back into place with the thread - bit of fiddling into position then re fit the nut remove the thread and tighten. In your case as you had to rout the hole this wouldn't work but otherwise I used this trick many times. I have a 2 pickup Eastman and got the pickups swapped out for Duncan Alnico Pro IIs. The shop I bought the pickups (and the guitar) from did it for free - great service! I had a lot of trouble with sharp fret ends - I think this may be common on Eastmans.
Great job Ted and as always I learned a few things. If I was that player I would have wanted the out-of phase *option* on a push-pull pot. Not a sound you’d need all the time but I bet w the DeArmond it would be a cool low-fi slide sound.
I put a blob of blue tak on the spiked retaining washers to keep them in place when dragging in a wiring harness. Using a tuning fork to test pickup settings without the strings installed/available is also a good trick as it gives you an idea of how the whole thing is sounding. I don't have anything like your skills or knowledge so you probably know better!
Have you ever tried using the surgical tubing method to feed the pots through. I found it works great. Fish tubing through the hole and put it over the pot shafts then pull the tubing on through. You can feed the washers and nuts over the tubing to secure them.
"Thanks for watching"?? No thank you for inviting us in. That was great.
Your work is incredible - as is your attention to detail. Your customers are very fortunate.
This channel is a "breath of fresh air". I was getting tired of just set-ups.
That ebony bridge is a thing of beauty. Nicely done
Ted , as always I learn so much from your videos. Thanks. ( Terry from OZ).
Super cool idea to mount the rear pickup. Very clever.
I'll say it again - you're an artiste, sir! And yeah, DeArmond pickups kinda have this... I dunno, "pop" to them.
With much due respect, a second grader taught me a trick while stringing popcorn for our Christmas tree ...while silently cursing at reinstalling a Martin F-55 hollow pickup switch. Tie strings to the posts of the pots before removing the nuts, pulling the string through the nut washer and top like stringing popcorn. When reinstalling after rewiring, re-tie the strings to the posts and draw the pots through the guitar top washers and nuts in exactly the same order they were removed. Your videos have become my comfort screen time to sit back, relax, and listen to an excellent Luthier. Thank You Ted.
These are always great! He's got such a cool vibe too.
Yeah, someone you'd enjoy just chilling with, talking music and guitars. Cheers.
Ooh that D'Armond sounds so sweet! I'd love to hear a rocker like Alvin Lee shredding with that tone. It's a bit noisy, but what a nice bite!
A trick I learned working on my semi-hollow: aquarium tubing; helps with keeping track of things, and with washers and nut, also saves you from a lot of trouble
That sounds like a pretty nice combo of pick ups… Perfect for a slide.
I love that string winder clamp idea! Makes me want to crack a side just to try it out legit 😀
I cringe at cutting that beautiful pick guard. But YOU are the man to do it! Thank you for all your videos.
Beautiful work. To the customer .... you have a nice guitar there
Catching up on older vids and still fascinated by your techniques as well as presentation. Watching is like freshwater stream fishing for me: always cathartic. Thank you.
Great video - nice trick with the drinking straw tips!
Always a highlight to my day when I find you have a new video.
Super awesome... nice work! That fiddle sounds really good with the bucker nd the DeArmond :)
Sounds great! The middle position is my favourite.
Thank you for helping me relax. I find your videos fascinating yet calming and your approach is really creative.
I see why he likes that guitar. Sounds great!
I like the carved ebony.. Sounds good. Thanks for sharing
I like the way you decide the way to tackle whatever task, and it always turns out perfect.
That thang sounds SHWEET! Great job.
A new, balanced, pair of pickups would be way less scary to start with. That's one beautiful bridge, Mister.
Your skills and abilities are just amazing! I know you have worked for years to hone them so you can do these modifications and repairs, but you make it all look so easy! Great video once again.
I could watch your repair/restore vids all day. Another learning experience.
There’s just nobody like you! Gorgeous meticulous work as always...
Just awesome. what an artist you are. pure genius
Thank you sir. I really appreciate the video. Nice guitar. Fascinating work.
I always enjoy watching a craftsman at work.
So much more comforting than watching the evening news.
Love those old Dearmond pickups! Surprised at how well it balances with the humbucker.
Really well and thoroughly explained...excellent...
Your good! Very good!
Your customers are lucky.
Beautiful work. Again!! That new bridge top is a think of extreme skill and beauty.
Tired of waiting for Sunday, so going back in time. As a hobby fettler of guitars I thank you for sharing your skill and knowledge with us. I mostly give my stuff away to people that can't afford guitars. Like you I like to recycle...
Nice. That's kinda the sound I went for with the one in my profile pic. Put it together from a kit from Pitbull in AU, put one of the new TV Jones Ray Butts in the neck, and a Dynasonic clone in the bridge. Rockabilly for days.
I used to see which wire was connected with ground, or go by a color code,but, I like the way you did that because it would work with unknown homemade types of pickups as well.
Your videos are always great but I found this one particularly interesting and beautifully explained ... thanks, buddy .... keep 'em coming because a lot of us out here love watching your work
"Solder or sold-her" 😀 Always one good jab per episode.
I'm fond of this style of guitar. I have three of them: archtop, hollow body, with a pickup.
Two are true hollow bodies, and the other has a block in it, like an ES-335.
Two have single P 90's and the other has a neck humbucker, and a bridge P 90 that I installed.
They sound very nice, and are easy to play due to the thin bodies. They are all pretty attractive, also.
However, the true hollowbodies feedback like demons if you are not very careful.
Hint: get a piece of medical tubing with a 3/16" [5 mm] ID, and use it to grab the pot shafts.
You then simply pull them through the holes and secure them. Easy-peasy. Repeat.
A 1/8" [3 mm] piece of tubing works for most switches, etc. These latex tubes are extremely handy.
I have a 335, a 339 and a 335. Love them all.
I like the look of these guitars. I can't play them because I like to rest the palm of my pick hand on the bridge. Yes, I'm a electric guitar player. Bad habits I know. But I use the muff alot. But when I play hollow body I use strumming techniques or use my pinky finger for my base when picking the strings. But when I'm finger picking no need for a base. But these half hollow bodies will just mess me up. Maybe I should learn a different style of playing to incorporate this guitar into my repitar. And yeah I know, bad spelling. I blame it on phonics!
having had various archtop and hollowbody guitars and having the same deal with the difficulty of getting the electronics back in pots jacks etc first time I did it unprepared. here is how you do it the prepared way...Each jack/pot you take out you tie a piece of either high breaking strain fishing plastic line to each one or if you are a cheapskate or a non fisherman Dental floss will cut it basically anything that isnt going to snap if something gets hung up, but no massive tugging just gentle coaxing. Then when they are out, remove the line from the pot/jack/.switch but leave it though the holes and the pickup holes and tape both sides down (you can even label them if you wanna waste time as pulling will quickly tell you which is what) Then when you want to replace tie all the innards to the correct strings, pull them through gently to their correct hole and button down, Have done 4 pot, switch and jack wiring harness replacements with this system in 15 minutes max...Simple easy and once you have tried it once if you can find a better way good luck to you...Preparation is the art of thinking ahead...
Another great episode! This D'Armond in the bridge position really sounds great!
Thank you for all the insights and all the little tips and tricks!
A little beeswax on the lock washer helps hold it in place, too.
beautiful work, love the bridge work especially, you are a true craftsman.
That black hum bucker needs a chrome cover.
Such professional work, cheers for the share
Not often I'm when a video has just posted:) The world needs a lot more luthiers like you.
@Ray Clark You're _what_ when a video has just posted...? (10-1 it's, "About to throw my phone off a roof for mis-hearing what I was trying to say...")...
@@Jah_Rastafari_ORIG LOL:) Made ya think.
Beautiful work and a lovely sound.
I always enjoy a "tip of the day". They usually make life smarter & easier ! Thnx. I do the same trick with the straw, except I use aquarium hose.
That’s some incredible craftsmanship right there. Love how the guitar sounds!
Great stuff here! I can watch you work all day.
I could watch these all day, keep em coming!
Absolutely incredible work, as per usual
Ted this was fine example of your on point Luthiery, and covered a beautiful guitar-form I enjoy learning more about. Thank you for sharing your experience with us all.
As always an outstanding job. The replacement bridge is a thing of beauty. If only you lived in Scotland.
Once again... Beautiful work Ted! Thanks for sharing your day!!
You are very good at what you do ! Guitar Surgeon 👍
What a cool guitar. You can hear how it must be awesome with a slide. Great work!
Beautiful. And your little demo perked my ears. I've not played around with alternate tunings, but inspired me to toy around with it. Thank you.
Very nice looking guitar. Sounds nice.
Beautiful work ones again!
Fantastic. Thanks for sharing! You always film well.
That sounded really good.
another classy job - the d'armond sounds great, I had one of their soundhole p/ups years ago and it sounded very similar but squealed like a pig without great care
End product looked and sounded amazing as per usual! Love and adoration my friend!
Wow. Your skills and expertise are inspiring.
Thanks for taking the time to share this with us.
Yeah, great sound out of that DeArmond!
Sounds great. Nice job on that bridge.
I like the "Straw Trick"!
Great work. Nice to see this level of craftsmanship on a cool guitar.
Very excellent work as usual. Thanks for the lesson from Belleville ON.
Great video !!!!! I love it when you do some unorthodox jobs like this one ! Beautiful guitar
Just fantastic craftsmanship and attention to detail
This channel is incredible. thanks for all the info.
Beautiful work
Wow your work on that bridge is amazing.
Another neat job and a nice idea allowing for future pickup installations. I think that I’ve seen the idea of running the pickup leads under the scratch plate and through the f holes on old Harmony Rocket guitars.
Fantastic work and tuition.
So glad I watched this. I have to track down a phantom hum in a Gretsch next week and some of these tips will help a lot.
The straws are genius!
Another amazing job! I love your creativity and attention to details. Fantastic craftsmanship, as well. Great job!
Wonderful work as always. Thanks!
i really enjoy watching your videos your a master at your craft and i love how you explain everything in detail please keep the videos coming thank you for showing us your talent easily one of the best channels or the best channel on CZcams
Wow nice work. That thing sounds really really good too.
Very nice 👍
👍👍😎 A true artist at work, every time!
A craftsman who has made mistakes and found clever ways to avoid them in the future
True master of your craft sir!
Those pickups were cool. I may buy some DeArmond pickups for my Harmony Rocket
Takes a lot of skill to do all that. Those pickups sound great!
That's a lovely guitar.
That new pickup sounds awesome
When taking pots out of a hollow body I used to part undo the nut and tie a long thread around the pot - after you finished soldering or whatever I pulled the pots back into place with the thread - bit of fiddling into position then re fit the nut remove the thread and tighten. In your case as you had to rout the hole this wouldn't work but otherwise I used this trick many times. I have a 2 pickup Eastman and got the pickups swapped out for Duncan Alnico Pro IIs. The shop I bought the pickups (and the guitar) from did it for free - great service! I had a lot of trouble with sharp fret ends - I think this may be common on Eastmans.
Great job Ted and as always I learned a few things. If I was that player I would have wanted the out-of phase *option* on a push-pull pot. Not a sound you’d need all the time but I bet w the DeArmond it would be a cool low-fi slide sound.
You do a great job editing these videos. Well done.
I put a blob of blue tak on the spiked retaining washers to keep them in place when dragging in a wiring harness. Using a tuning fork to test pickup settings without the strings installed/available is also a good trick as it gives you an idea of how the whole thing is sounding. I don't have anything like your skills or knowledge so you probably know better!
Nothing seems to phase you. Well done
Have you ever tried using the surgical tubing method to feed the pots through. I found it works great. Fish tubing through the hole and put it over the pot shafts then pull the tubing on through. You can feed the washers and nuts over the tubing to secure them.
I have always learned something here. As well , I have watch many guitar techs over the last 40 years , Twoodfrd is very talented and a player😊🇨🇦