I also have a 1935 Martin 0-18K and am amazed at the tone of this Koa guitar. What it arrived I brought it to my luthier in Seoul and he was amazed at the tone. So much so that he mapped the internal bracing because he thought that there must be something special there. After mapping the bracing, he found that it was the standard bracing of the era. He decided the wonderful tone had to be due to the age of the Koa wood and the hide glue construction. These are truly amazing guitars!
Watching you do this work has really enlightened me. I used to fear doing this kind of work. Now I wouldn’t think twice (about sending you the guitar).
I cant imagine just how intimidating it must be to repair heirlooms , literally pieces of history. And you do it with poise and confidence. Really cool watching you work
Thank you so much for making these videos. Your process is so well thought out. You are also very honest, with no false pretenses. I am a Violin luthier who plays guitar. I am beginning to venture into guitar repair. At least my own guitars. Your observations are so similar to that used in violin work. There are many variables that have to be accounted for and different approaches used to resolve problems. All of that is influenced by the “do no harm” creed.
What a wonderful guitar. That sound was amazing. Its been cared for so well and taken to good luthiers. The trick of the alcohol was amazing too. I am learning so much from your channel!
I was a little surprised at the tone, it sounds much bigger and fuller than I expected. I’m watching the video on an iPad with some amplified JBL speakers and it really sounded nice. Very impressed with the repairs as well. I have some experience but that fingerboard extension would have been too stressful for me on such a historic instrument. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, the alcohol on the finish ghosting seemed to work very well and it’s nice to understand when to use it.
I have no intention of ever repairing a guitar. I just enjoy watching you work. I do play guitar a little but I would never try anything you do. Just like seeing you repair these beautiful instruments.
When a friend of mine won an Emmy award (she actually won the following year also), she called me over to help assemble it. When you win the award, it has a blank base. The engraved base comes later in the mail. The only way to remove and install the base is to take a razor blade to cut a small hole in the felt underneath so that you can get a tool through the felt base to remove the nut holding the base in place. When I told her "I have to take a razor blade to your Emmy award" she understood, but I could tell was a little freaked about it. Seeing you take an iron to this guitar kinda reminded me of that. It's all good.
Another excellent video. I love your honest, pragmatic approach. It's also great that this instrument is being played, not just on a wall or in a case, kept as an investment.
It is so obvious watching your videos just how much you love these instruments. You show a lot of respect For the instrument and also for the music that will come out of it. Wonderful stuff!
Subscribed a while ago, but I just clicked the "bell", so hopefully I won't miss any of your uploads. You know what you're doing, mate, and you make a good video.
I have learned so much by watching your videos I felt confident enough to fix the action on a vintage acoustic I purchased some time ago. I was able to identify the root causes of the problems and correct most of them. I am still working on the bridge, but am confident it will come out as good as the other work I have done on the nut and bracing. You are a skilled craftsman, teacher and dare I say a true genius and the only one I know with a doctorate in guitarology. Brilliant!
Amazing sound. All I knew about the Martin 18, was a faded memory from playing one in the 60s, and it was of an incomparable sound. This one's even better.
You are very very good at what you do. Repairmen that are true craftsmen like yourself are becoming more and more rare in the guitar world it seems. Thanks for posting!
Hi Ted, I'm a new subscriber, and I'd just like to say that I absolutely love your channel. The commentary is excellent, and I love the little tidbits of industry knowledge. Thank you for sharing :)
I'm a year late finding this but yes, I thought the same thing. More specifically, instantly recognized the sound as a Martin, even through my phone speaker.
Superb work. Love the sound of it. And the denatured alcohol is quite clever. I'll learn the technique on old cured scrap first, but very nice to hear.
Hi there! I appreciate your work and your humble attitude. Thank you for a great channel. This particular guitar reminds me of a Levin 1917 that I have in my poss ession.
I had the very great pleasure (though it was also bittersweet, as my family was attending a memorial service for my wife's uncle) of visiting the Martin factory in Nazareth. I highly recommend that free tour if you are in the area. On the other hand, the trip ended up costing me more than $3,000, because I decided then that I needed an American-made Martin. So I saved for a couple of years and am now the proud owner of a Martin HD-28. I also had at that time a Mexican-made Martin that I used for several years when I used to do bar gigs. I never took the HD-28 to a gig, because it is a whole lot more palatable if an imbiber stumbles into a guitar stand while the band is on break and damages your $450 instrument than one that is 5-6 times that expensive. Great repair job, by the way!
It sounds incredible and what a craftsman you are bravo!!! I wish we could see a reaction video to the artist playing their instrument fixed for the first time!!!
Hi Tom! I just wanted to say I LOVE your work, and this channel. I’m a subscriber to another luthiery channel that concentrates mainly on building, and electric guitars (Crimson Guitars, if you’re interested!), but watching what you do, coupled with the clear explanations you give for WHY you do what you do gives me the confidence to have a go at my own repairs/adjustments. Obviously, I won’t be starting on anything too valuable…! Keep up the fantastic work, and thank you!
Great job, I build electric guitars so I always enjoy checking out what skilled acoustic luthiers and repairmen do (when they actually know what they are doing) that is. I've actually learned some cool techniques from you, thank you.
Man you really know your guitars! I like to think I know a lot about guitars. When I watch your videos, I don't feel that way so much! The O-18k is spectacular!
A lefty,I at first thought the saddle was running the wrong direction, but i see now ,thanks for the video, one must be good to be allowed to touch this guitar for repair
I also have a 1935 Martin 0-18K and am amazed at the tone of this Koa guitar. What it arrived I brought it to my luthier in Seoul and he was amazed at the tone. So much so that he mapped the internal bracing because he thought that there must be something special there. After mapping the bracing, he found that it was the standard bracing of the era. He decided the wonderful tone had to be due to the age of the Koa wood and the hide glue construction. These are truly amazing guitars!
Watching you do this work has really enlightened me. I used to fear doing this kind of work. Now I wouldn’t think twice (about sending you the guitar).
I cant imagine just how intimidating it must be to repair heirlooms , literally pieces of history.
And you do it with poise and confidence. Really cool watching you work
Man, that ebony nut meeting that ebony fretboard is so pretty.
Once again, just simply enthralling to see a real artisan work out his method of repair !
He's a total master.
Pleasure to watch him work.
This guitar sounds great.
I feel lucky to have this much time with it
Thanks again
Thank you so much for making these videos. Your process is so well thought out. You are also very honest, with no false pretenses. I am a Violin luthier who plays guitar. I am beginning to venture into guitar repair. At least my own guitars. Your observations are so similar to that used in violin work. There are many variables that have to be accounted for and different approaches used to resolve problems. All of that is influenced by the “do no harm” creed.
Beautiful repair! I was especially impressed with how invisible the shims under the end of the fingerboard were. Very nice work indeed.
What a wonderful guitar. That sound was amazing. Its been cared for so well and taken to good luthiers. The trick of the alcohol was amazing too. I am learning so much from your channel!
I was a little surprised at the tone, it sounds much bigger and fuller than I expected. I’m watching the video on an iPad with some amplified JBL speakers and it really sounded nice. Very impressed with the repairs as well. I have some experience but that fingerboard extension would have been too stressful for me on such a historic instrument. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, the alcohol on the finish ghosting seemed to work very well and it’s nice to understand when to use it.
I have no intention of ever repairing a guitar. I just enjoy watching you work. I do play guitar a little but I would never try anything you do. Just like seeing you repair these beautiful instruments.
Another fearless repair perfectly executed. The provenance was also amazing.
Amazing old guitar. What incredible skills you have, your quality of work and attention to detail is second to none.
When a friend of mine won an Emmy award (she actually won the following year also), she called me over to help assemble it. When you win the award, it has a blank base. The engraved base comes later in the mail. The only way to remove and install the base is to take a razor blade to cut a small hole in the felt underneath so that you can get a tool through the felt base to remove the nut holding the base in place. When I told her "I have to take a razor blade to your Emmy award" she understood, but I could tell was a little freaked about it. Seeing you take an iron to this guitar kinda reminded me of that. It's all good.
All's well that ends well, eh?
I get that a lot helping friends reassemble Emmies…
😎
Fantastic work again and that is such a beautiful sounding guitar
Always a pleasure to watch you work!
Thank you for taking the time to share you experience and skills.
What a great voice it has.
Another excellent video. I love your honest, pragmatic approach. It's also great that this instrument is being played, not just on a wall or in a case, kept as an investment.
I always appreciate the tips & learning!!!
Beautiful work. Sounds incredible.
Beautiful old Martin, beautiful job...from one luthier to another - excellent work!
Always enjoy your quality work and how you explain it! 👍 thanks
What a beauty! Thank you for sharing your talent and skills.
Thank you. Your words of wisdom are invaluable !
Once again...great work. Repair and history! Happy holidays!
Great result! Above and beyond.
Cheers from The Netherlands
Yes, a new video from my favorite channel! What a gorgeous Guitar!
You did an amazing job with that wedge and wood nut. You're truly one of a kind luthier we can rely on. Good day, sir!
Your knowledge impresses me every single time! Wow!! 🔥
Absolutely great video. Perfect editing. Thank you. Such a fantastic instrument .
It is so obvious watching your videos just how much you love these instruments. You show a lot of respect For the instrument and also for the music that will come out of it. Wonderful stuff!
I'm sure this gem of a guitar has a few stories to tell! Amazing job! Well done!
Another great video! Thanks for playing at the end so we could hear that sweet sound.
Subscribed a while ago, but I just clicked the "bell", so hopefully I won't miss any of your uploads. You know what you're doing, mate, and you make a good video.
I have learned so much by watching your videos I felt confident enough to fix the action on a vintage acoustic I purchased some time ago. I was able to identify the root causes of the problems and correct most of them. I am still working on the bridge, but am confident it will come out as good as the other work I have done on the nut and bracing. You are a skilled craftsman, teacher and dare I say a true genius and the only one I know with a doctorate in guitarology. Brilliant!
Now I upvote your videos even before watching them... Was not disappointed.
There are many out there, but Sir, you may be one of the best. Every video teaches me something. Thanks!!!!!
Amazing sound. All I knew about the Martin 18, was a faded memory from playing one in the 60s, and it was of an incomparable sound. This one's even better.
Wow once again a great job, nicely done sir its really nice to watch a true craftsman at work.
Always a treat to see a video from you pop up...
Really enjoy your videos. Thanks much for taking the time to make them.
That ebony nut looks great! Rounded smooth and shiny. Another fine job!
A great repair and everything very well explained.
Even some mm conversions. Thank you, from Norway.
Excellent videos, great narration straight forward with no nonsense. Your work reflects why you get to work on great guitars.
What an incredible job you did on that. Fine craftsmanship. The guitar sounds fantastic as well. Wow!
You're an excellent craftsman. I love your pride of workmanship.
thats some fine skill and applied craftmanship right there,
resulting in a fine sounding and playing instrument, cool!
Extremely well thought out plan of attack! Just the few little things you did significantly improved the looks and playability. Bravo Zulu!
You are very very good at what you do. Repairmen that are true craftsmen like yourself are becoming more and more rare in the guitar world it seems. Thanks for posting!
Beautiful work
That is absolutely beautiful work
That thing looks and sounds fantastic! Very nice work.
Hi Ted, I'm a new subscriber, and I'd just like to say that I absolutely love your channel. The commentary is excellent, and I love the little tidbits of industry knowledge. Thank you for sharing :)
WOW, That guitar has a beautiful voice!!!
I'm a year late finding this but yes, I thought the same thing. More specifically, instantly recognized the sound as a Martin, even through my phone speaker.
Top notch luthier who knows every trick in the book..well done again sir
Superb work. Love the sound of it. And the denatured alcohol is quite clever. I'll learn the technique on old cured scrap first, but very nice to hear.
I just press thumbs up even before one of your excellent videos starts, and I have never, ever regretted the decision! Thanks again Ted!
Wow, a fascinating look at your craft -- thanks for sharing.
Just more good stuff....THANKS! I'm never disappointed watching your videos.
Hi there! I appreciate your work and your humble attitude. Thank you for a great channel.
This particular guitar reminds me of a Levin 1917 that I have in my poss
ession.
Great! I need this.done on my 31 year old Taylor 710. I enjoyed watching an real expert at work!
Hauntingly beautiful sound!
Fantastic job beautiful guitar
History, music, incredible craftsmanship-your channel is wonderful
I had the very great pleasure (though it was also bittersweet, as my family was attending a memorial service for my wife's uncle) of visiting the Martin factory in Nazareth. I highly recommend that free tour if you are in the area. On the other hand, the trip ended up costing me more than $3,000, because I decided then that I needed an American-made Martin. So I saved for a couple of years and am now the proud owner of a Martin HD-28. I also had at that time a Mexican-made Martin that I used for several years when I used to do bar gigs. I never took the HD-28 to a gig, because it is a whole lot more palatable if an imbiber stumbles into a guitar stand while the band is on break and damages your $450 instrument than one that is 5-6 times that expensive. Great repair job, by the way!
love the simple narration....
It sounds incredible and what a craftsman you are bravo!!! I wish we could see a reaction video to the artist playing their instrument fixed for the first time!!!
You are a rare breed. Excellent work.
I recently came across your site and subscribed immediately! Great job!
Really interesting video, thank you. Love that guitar, it sounds fabulous.
Cool guitar and creative repair,especially the fretboard wedge. Well done
That sounds great, thanks for the video , love your work👏👏👏👏👍🇬🇧
Excellent you are very gifted man,You are doing something and I wish I could’ve done my whole life
The sound from that is wonderful
You are a great teacher and Luthier
Wow. Nice job on the repair. The tone of that little guy sounds quite remarkable!
I was shocked at the sound for such a little guitar. It's great!
Great work sir, and the sound of that guitar is amazing wow!
Now you are the one I would trust with my old guitar...very nice
Hi Tom! I just wanted to say I LOVE your work, and this channel. I’m a subscriber to another luthiery channel that concentrates mainly on building, and electric guitars (Crimson Guitars, if you’re interested!), but watching what you do, coupled with the clear explanations you give for WHY you do what you do gives me the confidence to have a go at my own repairs/adjustments. Obviously, I won’t be starting on anything too valuable…!
Keep up the fantastic work, and thank you!
Great job, I build electric guitars so I always enjoy checking out what skilled acoustic luthiers and repairmen do (when they actually know what they are doing) that is. I've actually learned some cool techniques from you, thank you.
Brilliant work man !!
Wow! That is one fine sounding single O ax. Good video. Thanks!
Very nicely done!!
Cool video !! I couldn’t stop watching that video if I wanted to. Plz keep making them!!
That has great tone good job on that restoration.
Man you really know your guitars! I like to think I know a lot about guitars. When I watch your videos, I don't feel that way so much! The O-18k is spectacular!
The sound of that guitar made me smile. That's a beautiful thing.
Man that thing sounds great! Nice work btw!
Great job. The guitar *and* the video.
Great information,
Thanks
Bob
Wow! Great work. Removing that ghosting was awesome.
Absolutely fantastic!!!! Cheers.
Me during the whole video : "pretty sure old timers don't sound that good"
Me after you played it "Yep, I knew I was wrong"
Great work sir !
Wow amazing work thanks for the video
Love your work
Thank you for the fantastic video!
Love the sound of that one
Damned fine work! Beautiful sounding guitar. 🤘🏻
A lefty,I at first thought the saddle was running the wrong direction, but i see now ,thanks for the video, one must be good to be allowed to touch this guitar for repair
great job and great video.