Total bummer, but much respect to you Ted for taking responsibility and making it right for the customer. Your dedication and integrity to the craft is exemplary.

This is a perfect amalgam of the few major failures I've dealt with in my shop. 1: A Takamine where the owner tried to adjust the truss rod himself instead of dealing with the 20% humidity level at his home. Truss rod broke and needed replaced. The epoxy was basically impossible to separate. Absolute nightmare, but I made it work. 2: A low-end one-off classical that had a faux Spanish heel, and desperately needed a neck reset. After trying to remove the neck like a normal dovetail, it wouldn't budge, and appeared to be an actual Spanish heel (you know what that means). Client decided on the "Kung-Fu" neck reset. Turned out that it was a dovetail, just a bizarrely wide and long one with the joint end _between_ the frets. 3: Japanese Fender Jaguar with a substantial warp in the neck. Heat set it, planed the board, and refretted it. Seemed great for the first few weeks, but the problems came back. I couldn't charge the client more, and didn't feel right with him having paid for work that didn't pan out, so I built him an exact copy with torrefied maple and other premium parts and materials at no extra cost. He liked it so much that he had me build him a new body too. So it worked out in the end. 99% of things work out perfectly, but in a real shop, these issues happen. I really appreciate you showcasing them, because everybody else's portrayal of lutherie on KZfaq is heavily curated and tries to fabricate this fantastical image of everything going right 100% of the time, which is nonsense. I started making videos to show the reality of this work, but your videos have filled that void, so less work for me 🙂 I appreciate you, Todd! When people ask me who to watch for this stuff, you're my first and only choice. Everybody else is either so-so, or falsely portray the job. Your videos are exactly what was needed in this field.

Everyone gets bitten once in a while. I admire you for stepping up and accepting what you have to do to "make it right". I used to be an automobile technician. I really understand that feeling! Thanks for sharing.

I love the fact that even with the absolute shit show that this turned into you still didn't have an ounce of defeat in your voice! Yeah, there was angst and trepidation...but no defeat! Bravo! Can't wait to see how this plays out.

Thanks for sharing this Ted, I look forward to part 2. I know it’s no longer about profit and you’re a good man for taking it for the customer. Given the information, a new neck and fretboard seems like the only thing to do and a huge improvement. You do museum quality work so this will be super interesting for us. God Bless.

Well, that settles it ... time for a Woodford t-shirt! Fascinating video, as ever, Ted - looking forward to Part 2!

Used to tell my coworkers and clients in the world of graphics and communication, expect a perfect result every time and the world will school you. Sometimes things go badly in spite of everything. Your honesty and work ethic are commendable. Informative and instructive video, much appreciated!!!

I know Ted doesn’t spend a lot of time in the comments, but as a watcher of every single video of his, I want to put it out there that he is all class, 100%. Full Stop... Immensely thoughtful and experienced, cautious yet measured in his approach and genuinely upstanding in his commitment to the outcome that best represents the multitude of factors, stabilized by his experiences. I know he will do well by the customer in this situation and I am thankful that he shared this experience for all of us to appreciate and learn and be reminded of what true craftsmanship is made of…

Ouch. On a more selfish note, looking forward to part 2. A treat, I suspect.

My very first drum kit had 'Morris' hi-hats, given to me by my Mum for Christmas 1980, a.k.a. the best Christmas ever 😊👍 Most likely the same company 🙂

I've been watching all your videos religiously but it's the first time I'm commenting. First off, THANK YOU for making those vids. Your work is nothing short of exemplary and it's always kind of zen watch for me. Right now is a very difficult time for me as my beloved cat is sick with leukemia and a debilitating anaemia and this video is the first thing that took my mind off of that for a while. Once again, thank you!

Looking forward to seeing how this repair turns out! Definitely a tough one! Excellent video! Thanks for sharing this !👍😃🎸🎶

When I had my own electronics repair shop, a customer brought in a video disc player(remember them?) that was inoperative. I spent a couple of hours disassembling, and repairing it, until it was working fine. Just to be sure, I left it running on the work bench mostly disassembled. I thought it was in a stable position. I went to the front of the shop, and heard this horrible crash, and crunching sound... the main circuit board had broken in two, upon hitting the floor. A circuit board was not available for replacement, of course, so I spent 6 or 8 hours repairing each broken circuit board land that had broken. It worked flawlessly when I was done. I returned it to the customer, and charged him for the original repair, never telling him about the disaster. I saw him again a couple of years later, and found out he had never used the player after the repair! Being a conscientious technician means doing what is necessary to "make it right". Bravo for your work ethic, and thank you for sharing even when it's a cluster.

You’re amazing at what you do! I can’t wait to see part II!

I love the professional integrity. I’ve had to do this a time or three in my field of work, flooring. It’s not fun, and never cheap. But the message it sends is priceless and lasts a lifetime. Customers never forget when they’ve been taken…or taken care of. Great decision Ted.

My Dad would say “you can explain a higher price but there is no excuse for poor workmanship.” A trait not common these days, thanks for taking the high road. It will maintain your “miracle worker” status. Good on you.

i've always suspected that this sort of thing can happen. and it's not surprising that those doing the repairs are reluctant to acknowledge it. good to see that you are. it says a LOT about one's integrity. kudos!!!!!

This one got my heart racing, can't wait for part two!

Love these videos. The more, the better

Ted, I have high admiration for your decision to address this situation with absolute integrity and the sincere desire to make things right. You are in a minority of artists who work to such high standards. You have my sympathy for the unpredictable outcome of the non-curing epoxy and my respect for treating your customer and his guitar with the utmost respect. There are others on KZfaq who claim to work in your area of expertise that would have told the customer that the guitar was THEIR PROBLEM. You stand head and shoulders above them.

As an electronics repair guy, I also live the knowledge that occasionally I’ll end up with a complete fail. Experience just reduces the likelihood.

This is a video I’ve wanted to see for a long time, a professional making an error and having the guts to put it out there. Good on ya Ted.

I think you knew how important this was for everyone to see, and it made for a great video.

The success is the fascinating video, can't wait to see part two.

You had me on the edge of my seat! Can wait for next week.

I can actually feel your pain. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. You are a stellar human being. Thank you for your videos!

Every week I'm reminded why I love this channel more than any other. It's not just the meticulous and well articulated guitar repair stuff. It's mostly the little history lessons on topics you might never otherwise encounter, the sense of dedication and responsibility that's evident always, and the general cantankerousness in the face of a world that tries its best to befuddle and swindle us all. I don't know how Ted does it, but I sure am glad he does.

This one broke my heart man......much respect to you Ted!

Man looks in the abyss, there’s nothing staring back at him. At that moment, man finds his character. And that is what keeps him out of the abyss........

I am in awe of your transparency and integrity. You're an honorable man.

Ted, since I discovered you channel a few months ago, I slowly made my way through all of your old videos, and am now caught up! Can't wait for part 2 next week.

Integrity. Such a delight to see it in your work ethic, my friend. Well done. This alone deserves respect and admiration.

Can’t wait to see the next video. We feel your pain (but delight in the unintended benefits). Thank you for documenting and sharing it. 🤙

A major bummer - yet I always enjoy watching how you tackle each and every situation; and I especially appreciate your love and respect of the craft. Thanks for the content. I’ll be looking out for the next video!

Thanks, Ted. You are a true craftsman.

Admirable service!

That's rough, I really appreciate the troubleshooting process despite it having a less than desirable outcome. Looking forward to part 2!

Stepping up when it all goes pear shaped. Kudos. Looking forward to round two.

Yes I do want to see it go wrong. Looking forward to part 2.

Dang Ted, thats a total bummer. I am so impressed with your willingness to meet your customers needs and give you kudos for the act. Well done sir!

I love your channel. You are so knowledgeable and talented.

So happy to see him close to 100k subs!! I remember he had only 20k. Such an amazing channel, both entertaining and educational.

Thanks for posting this; we are never proud of our "failures" but admitting to them and working to correct them is the only way we improve from them. Looking forward to the next video.

Thank you, Ted!! You are one heck of a dude!! 💖

Wow, that was a really spicey episode. Thanks for sharing this with us. Looking forward to part 2 next week!

While on one hand, that sucks and I feel your pain. On the other, this is content gold! It's gold, Jerry! Gold! I can't wait to see how you fix it!

Thank you for showing the integrity within you Ted. I had no doubt it was there. You are an amazing man :)

Without in any way wanting to poke around in your misfortune, this was hands-down one of the BEST videos I have seen from you. Not only because of the fascinating account of the failed repair, but also because I am now anticipating a possibly even more fascinating neck rebuild.

The honesty of this man is outstanding

You poor dude. Ted, you did your best and you'll make things right in the end. You can do it! 😊

you are a man of excellent integrity, much props to you good sir

With all of my love and Admiration I would like to say that this KZfaq channel is the AM radio station of my subscriptions. I watch it analytically and attentively and it adds a layer of calm to my viewing experience. Great work as always.

You are amazing !!

Oof! Hey, they can’t all be winners, but you have a winning attitude my friend. Love your videos and like others have said, I cannot wait for part 2.

I've watched you for years and have great respect for your skill and methodology, but it is less than the respect I have for how you handle a disaster. You are a good man.

Perfect timing!

The positive swell of music as you somberly conclude your tragic tale is the kind of juxtaposition I come here for. Great video even in failure.

Respect for your work ethics!

Love your videos, keep it up!

Good on you Ted - integrity is everything.

I haven't come across this level of integrity from a service provider in my entire life.

Holy shit snacks, that turn at the end was not what I was expecting! You are a phenomenal luthier and I have every confidence that this will end up being awesome. I really appreciate seeing when things go bad though, it shows that you’re human and that you don’t just give up, you find a solution.

So much integrity, being willing to go the extra mile to correct a mistake. The owner is lucky they came to you.

Im sorry it turned out the way it did but you're amazing for sharing the experience and taking responsibility in creating a new neck. We're all confident it'll be an even more amazing instrument once you're done with it!

An honourable solution Ted. Kudos to you !

Thanks for making this two parts. I’m going to need the relief. That was honest, but painful.

It's nice to see a REAL craftsman at work.

Your perseverance, sir. You maybe are the best. I'm really excited for the next part, however I offer condolences for all the trouble this thing has been causing you. I personally just had to scrap a quarter sawn ebony fretboard because I made a huge mistake. We won some we lose some. Keep winning.

Thanks for sharing such a difficult situation. Your dedication to doing what’s right for the customer speaks volumes and you are a credit to professional luthiers everywhere 🙏

It doesn't go wrong, it just takes more time to be correct...

Glad to see you are feeling (medically) better. We've all had those crap days/weeks/jobs. Good luck with the new neck!

How one handles failure is far more telling than success. Beyond impressed with your professionalism.

The DRAMA!!! I'm all a-tingle with anticipatory delight!

Thanks for sharing this. This is why I love your videos, always honest and to the point. Good luck with fixing this one, It will be a better guitar once you have finished working on it!

In my line of work we have a problem with ‘results dissemination’ called the file drawer effect - where inconvenient results never see the light of day. This a good example of openness when it’s not a happy ending. As always, your ethics are commendable Ted. Great video, really looking forward to Part 2.

...looking very forward to the next one!!

Not only do I admire your skill, I also admire your honesty and integrity. Thanks for showing this video. My Dad always said you reap what you sow. Cheers

Sorry this one's been such a bear. Recently found your channel and absolutely love it! Also very impressed with your grammar/vocabulary etc.

Ted, you are a class act. Not many left now.

I am in awe of your professionalism sir ! For all of us things sometimes go wrong but to go above and beyond to rectify the situation is a rare thing in the world today Keep up the fantastic work

looking forward to part 2 i hope you and the customer will be all right with the outcome eventually

We're all rooting for you, Ted!

Nice to see it actually go wrong, followed by your commitment to make it right. That's what a true craftsperson does.

The most troublesome cases make for the most compelling viewing. Can't wait for next week!

Can't wait to see how this turns out. Good luck!

You are great mann good inspiration, admire your work

Great video, thanks for sharing something most would not.

Love the wagon on the sticker inside the guitar.

Good luck and I’m sure that the new neck will do the trick! The fact that you have excellent communication with the client will help solve the matter, I’m sure.

In my industry, if we fuck up, we charge the customer to fix it. Yours is a labour of love Ted. Love the videos and hope tomorrow goes better for you.

This outcome is always in the back of my mind- fortunately, hasn’t happened to me yet- btw Ted, u are like a favorite uncle. Your videos are kind of a mainstay of instructional luthiery to me now-the guy that told me about your videos is in fact one of the best guys in the US at this sort of work. I watch all the time, he’s 73 and has no time to teach other that occasionally giving advice -your videos are the best

Ooh that ending was painful! Really feel for you ted!

We learn most from our mistakes. Although frustrating I’m glad you shared this with us. I look forward to part 2

Thanks for sharing.

I dont normally make comments on youtube, but as a custom builder this was awesome to see. Every now and then things go really really badly, and on occasion ive had to start from scratch sometimes half way or even 3/4 of the way through a build. It sucks and feels terrible - knowing youre the only one that can fix it and make it right again is a heavy burden. This is the first time ive ever seen anyone in our industry be honest when mistakes get made. We are human and this reminds me of that. Good on ya for being real about it. Good luck with the new neck!

Bummer, but selfishly looking forward to part two!

Uff. He's lucky that you're working on it.

Fair play for uploading when things go wrong. Im a teained joiner and I've had things go bad a few times, not many, but a few. Mostly due to unforseen circumstances but once just bad luck. you do alot of work, it can happen. Luckily I could fix them and look good as new, or old in many cases. Wood I find is a very forgiving material which is lucky. I always say when there a problem and never hide anything

Man that's gonna be labor intensive. You have my sympathies but I can't wait for the next episode.

I would have been tempted to plane the fretboard off. Love your enthusiasm even in the face of problems.