Michael Greenfield - Guitar Maker

[Stone Message]

Hi Everyone

Forgive me if this has appeared on the FOG before...

I had been watching something on YouTube and at the end I was not really paying attention as a new video started. It was about Michael Greenfield and his guitars. The video is an hour long and this is the first time that I have ever watched a video of that length from start to finish - in fact I have now watched it a second time.

Here is the link:


Gosh, if I were a couple of years younger I would run away to Canada and beg to be an apprentice in his workshop.

Peter

 

[RKA]

Thanks Peter, that was fabulous!

 

[NL-mikkla]

Thanks Peter, amazing quality and attention to detail.

 

[Dogberryjr]

That was mesmerizing.

 

[JBag09]

It's great to watch the craftsmanship these guys have on one guitar. Working on guitars in mass production doesn't even compare to the details of these.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Purdog]

When I first read the OP message, I said "an hour, I can't watch an hour long video"!!  Of course after the first 5 minutes I was hooked. What a master. I learned many many things while watching, I'll just mention a few I observed.
1. Master guitar makers have AWSOME tools & jigs. Even though one is a Ryobi bandsaw.
2. They create works of art, even without one Festool tool seen in the process (he did have a Mirka sander but that's beside the point)
3. I will never attempt to build an instrument like I had hoped to one day because I would compare it to Michael Greenfields.

 

[Cheese]

When I first read the OP message, I said "an hour, I can't watch an hour long video"!!  Of course after the first 5 minutes I was hooked.

Even though one is a Ryobi bandsaw.

I agree...59 minutes...come on, really? and then I hit the play button. [eek] Really, really interesting. [thumbs up]  [thumbs up]

It's a tweaked Ryobi...looks like a set of Carter ball bearing guides along with a different fence.

Also noticed that a lot of cyanoacrylate is used in the construction along with a lot of hide glue.

For being so precise with everything else, I'm surprised he didn't put a vac hose on the Mirka? That certainly made a mess.

 

[bertv]

I watched this last week and being a fan of Jason Beams YT-vids (he is building a guitar - episode 16 was the latest), I could not but compare Jason’s process with that of Mr Greenfield. The latter of course has build hundreds of guitars, but both of them rely on jigs to the same measure. It was amazing to see the quality of those jigs, I guess not a lot of woodworkers could achive that level of perfection.

 

[Lbob131]

Luthiers take woodworking to a whole  different level. Makes me feel like a bodger.

I have a nice set of Veritas  spoke shaves also  though. [big grin]

 

[Stone Message]

Luthiers take woodworking to a whole  different level. Makes me feel like a bodger.

I have a nice set of Veritas  spoke shaves also  though. [big grin]

Yes, I agree - the whole process and workflow is inspiring. Mind you, there must be a lot of fiddly stuff going on behind the scenes - like producing those spalted inlays. I just love jig work and often take more pleasure making a jig than using the damn thing. His jig work is superb.

I think I might watch the video again (you can tell my wife is away for a couple of days looking after grandchildren).

Peter

 

[Michael Kellough]

Have not seen this yet but based on everyone's response I'm looking forward to it.

 

[Euclid]

Oh dear… work will be starting an hour late here; thanks Peter! 

 

[magellan]

Thank you for the video.  Really a great hour of a great craftsmen

 

[NL-mikkla]

Great video, watched ithbthree times!
Anyone know what chisels hes using?

 

[Billy Bunter]

oh dear, made the mistake of watching the first few minutes out of curiousity. Fascinating stuff. He must spend months sourcing materials.......

 

[Stone Message]

If it is any consolation I have now watched it 4 times and may watch it again when I am next left "home alone" by wife.

If anyone has not watched it yet I highly recommend it to lift your spirits and give you the most fascinating insight into an amazing approach to guitar making.

Peter

 

[Euclid]

Well, I must admit, I've watched it a good many more than four times since Peter first shared the link…

But for a different, but equally satisfying, take on instrument-making, take a look here:https://vimeo.com/22691598

(I think this may have been linked by another member in a previous thread)

 

[Vondawg]

Greenfield guitars (not even known by name,to some players) are one of the FINEST guitars made, his fan fret necks are the dreams of finger style players. Very very nice ! And expensive....20 grand and up for a nice fan fret.