Watch a Master Luthier Build a Guitar (from scratch)
Join us as we travel to Michael Bashkin's workshop to make an acoustic guitar from scratch. Michael is not only a master luthier, but one of the top names in the world when it comes to building a finely-made steel string acoustic guitar. He's generously invited the StewMac team in for a peek behind the curtain into his process. We hope you enjoy it!
Special thanks to Michael Bashkin! Check out his enlightening podcast collaboration with Fretboard Journal, "Luthier on Luthier", on your favorite streaming platform.
www.bashkinguitars.com/
Instagram @bashkin_guitars
All music in the video was performed by Sean McGowan, as well as the final live performance. Huge thanks to Sean!
seanmcgowanguitar.com/
Instagram @seanmcgowanguitar
If you're thinking of starting or continuing your own guitar building adventures, StewMac has everything you're looking for. Here are just a few of the items you might be looking for to build your own acoustic guitar:
www.stewmac.com/making-an-aco...
Video Chapters:
0:00 Choosing your wood
2:52 Joining the back and sides
7:56 The rosette
14:20 Bending sides
17:28 Linings
21:24 Bracing
35:23 Gluing the back on
36:40 Voicing the open box
37:27 Gluing the top on
40:15 Cleaning up the sides
42:09 Voicing the closed box
43:57 Binding and purfling
51:01 Rough carving the neck
54:50 The headstock overlay
1:00:18 Installing the truss rod & fingerboard
1:03:54 Fine tuning the neck
1:06:52 Setting the neck angle
1:09:49 Fitting the neck to the body
1:12:18 Final sanding
1:14:10 Pore filling
1:23:20 Sealer & lacquer
1:28:46 Wet sanding & buffing
1:31:02 Final fitting of neck and body
1:32:48 Installing frets
1:35:18 Installing tuners
1:37:10 Gluing on the bridge
1:39:27 Making the nut & saddle
1:41:57 Stringing up
1:44:24 Fine tuning & playing
- - - - - - - - - - - -
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We are thrilled to finally release this epic build video after a year of planning, shooting and editing! HUGE thanks to Michael Bashkin for generously opening his workshop to us. Hope you enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed making it. Cheers! 😊🎬
This is absolutely fascinating . I’ve watched it twice. Thanks for showing this process and this artist in particular.
Amazing job guys! Thanks
Well done.
Awesome documentary! Great production. It was a real treat to see how the instrument I am learning to play is being handcrafted by a true artisan. Thank you.
Just to think that's maybe 3% at best of know-how about creating this guitar. I've seen some other vids about luthier job, it looked complicated and demanding but this one was a mind-boggler. Just strange that I heard custom guitars lose more of their value than mass produced ones, maybe that depends on its quality or something because can't picture this with regard to this one in the movie.
I haven’t touched my guitar since my dog passed 2 years ago. She loved to listen to me play and without her here I lost all desire. I know , I’m weak!! After 2 years and 4 months I got my guitar out and it’s because of this video. I even got to snuggle my dog for the first time in my dreams and I can’t tell you how much I needed that and I don’t care how pathetic that sounds. I needed this video , and I thank you’s for making it.
@chadfengel we really appreciate your heartfelt comment. I'm not sure if you saw his dog's few cameos in the video, but Michael is a canine lover, as well as many of us over here at StewMac. It brought tears to our eyes hearing how this video inspired you to pick up the ole guitar again, and reunite with your pup in your dreams! Take good care, and thanks again for the comment.
If you're too big to express your feelings, you're too big. I would be comfortable assuming that most of us who would watch this video have something deep inside of us that we need to get off our chest. I went through something similar when I lost my duck dog, Ace. I haven't been duck hunting in 5 years, because I'm afraid I won't enjoy it without him, or even worse, I might actually enjoy it and I think that would make me feel guilty. He was my best friend. He'd probably want me to go, but I still haven't found it in me. We men are strange creatures, but that's alright.
You, sir ... are absolutely amazing! 😳 Your skills in the making of such a fine instrument are "over the top!!" Your attention to detail is unmatched! I've never seen a guitar being made ... and your video was flawless! Well done!!! And your ending is totally priceless! 😂 Your great sense of humor matches your creativeness with all those woods! Wow! Just WOW! Keep up the good work, sir! Oh ... and your humility that you want "your tuning head to tell who made it" ... and not putting your name on it for all to see ... speaks volumes about your heart, too! Unbelievable! Job well done!! ❤️🎶🎵🥰
It is what it is. Had a black lab named Daisie that was one of those once in a 1000 lifetimes dog. Trained herself, not in commands, this dog understood plain english. She was only 8 and my daughter 9 when the vet said inoperable cancer in the snout. We fed her steroids til they quit working and we let her go as soon as we knew she was uncomfortable, 10 years ago last month. I still don't think I'll have another dog even after all this time. I owe it to her to remember her, but I will never tell that story to a woman I am romantically involved with or interested in and neither should you. They will pay to watch Matthew McConaughey live your story in a movie, but regardless of what they say, women have 5 allowable conditions for men: Stoic, funny, strong, working, and sleeping. Stray from those and they stray from you. It is what it is.
Good dog.
OMG!! The ending is epic!! Michael’s craftsmanship is second to none. Thank you for putting this together and sharing it with the world.
Thanks a bunch! It's true, Michael is a true master of the craft.
LOL
A cringe followed by a good laugh.
I dunno b’y, Jean Larrivée’s pretty damn good. But yes this was amazing and he’s truly a master! Would love to try one.
I wish I had a good acoustic guitar. I bought a Dean koa wood acoustic/electric and it`s nice, but has issues requiring a neck adjustment that raised the strings too high for easy playing. The nut is too high as well but can`t be lowered or the buzzing would likely make it unplayable. But a brand new Ashthorpe acoustic/electric that cost me only 70 bucks plays like a dream and plugged in is perfectly acceptable for live performances. I`m considering taking the high quality tuners off my old worn out Samick to put on it but I hope some day to play the Samick again but can`t afford to have repairs done. I played it for 20 years and it was played for many years before I got it in bands. Because the strings are so hard to press down on my Dean I`m already damaging the frets just practicing. Not sure why companies sell guitars that have issues. But it happens so much to me. And nothing can be done about it. I decided to just keep it so some kid wouldn`t become a victim and give up. I can play it but it isn`t fun.
This is the most meticulous guitar build I have ever seen. It would be a huge privilege to own one of these guitars.
I second that.
Marshall Brune has shown a really detailed build spit into different vids. He and his dad, R.E. Brune, make phenomenal guitars. I believe it's on his channel. I'm pretty certain there's also a build from him on Rob Scallons channel from when Marshall helped him build a guitar, IIRC. The stuff on Marshall's channel is like 12 or 14 vids that are all 12-20 mins long. So you're looking at around 3 hrs or more altogether, I'd guess. 12 vids at 20 mins is 4 hrs(240 mins). 12 at 12 mins is 2 hrs 24 mins(144 mins). So I just went for the middle at 180 mins or 3 hrs.
I just started watching it. Exactly my thoughts!!!
what are you waiting for?
@@cattnippmoney
I was just gonna watch a few minutes of this for nostalgic purposes. An hour and 49 minutes later..... ❤
This guitar, and this video are masterpieces. I was lucky enough to have been gifted a guitar from a local luthier. All my friends and family came together to present it to me for my 40th birthday. The builder came to my party and presented the guitar to me in person. To this day, I still tear up thinking about it. The guitar itself has volume and tone like nothing else. It was built with some rare wood that had to be harvested from an antique door that he bought in New Orleans, and had shipped back to Connecticut. I'm sitting here looking at this instrument now with even more appreciation after watching this video.
The camera work, angle choices and editing were as good as the guitar. Nice job!
Thanks a bunch! We figured it was only right that the camera quality matched Michael's superior level of work 🙂
Wow…minus his luthier knowledge, this man is STILL a master woodworker of the highest caliber. I’m glad that he’s found customers who are willing to pay what his masterpieces are worth.
This is one of the most beautiful videos Ive ever seen in KZhead
omg the ending. thank you michael. just fantastic.
😜
Michael, We met at Swannanoa back in 2009, and you were the only person who gave me honest and critical feedback on one of my earlier guitars. I really appreciated that. You have an amazing eye for detail. I’ve thought about your feedback many times over the years, and I’ve tried to up my game with every build. Thanks for being honest with an aspiring builder, and thanks for generously offering your time and opening your shop to us in this amazing video!
Lenny, do you still build guitars, and if you do, do you have a website? Thanks
Wow...THANK YOU Michael. Very kind of you to open your shop and give us a peak behind the curtain at how you build guitars. Best wishes, Mark.
Mr. Bashkin is clearly a master of luthiering. His command of the technology and artistry is legendary. This presentation's well-done and worth every minute of time watching whether one is a luthier or not. Without doubt, the Stradivari's and Jurado's of the 1700's and 1800's were at the pinnacle of those times' developments. Without doubt, Mr. Bashkin is, in my opinion, worthy of such recognition. And special thanks to the folks of Stew-Mac and KZhead for making this presentation available to common folk like me.
Wow - thank you so much for the positive feedback. It's because of viewers like you that we make these videos!
I honestly felt a bit sad when the video ended.
Holy Smokes!! What a fantastic story and doc about this artist of wood. The ending was genius by the way.
Thank you! Cheers!
My gosh I wish I had the money to give this man for one of these gorgeous machines. I can only imagine these being so highly sought after so many years after they are made. Take a long hard look people, super heroes are real... this level of luthiering is a lot more rare than you know. Just wow.
Easily the best 2 hour rabbit hole I’ve ever entered. That ending though 😅
As an amateur builder, I am in awe of Michael’s talent and attention to every aspect of building an acoustic guitar. Very impressed and inspired. Thank you for sharing.
As an amateur builder also, I totally agree. Thanks also.
@@hymnplayer same, new builder, like only built an electric and done a few repairs on camera for youtube.
Most impressive
I didn't know who this guy is, but I live in his town and I randomly took a $400 Chinese Alvarez acoustic guitar to him to get a set up done. He took the time to check out my cheap guitar and made a few minor tweaks to it. Never once did I feel an ounce of snobbery from him. Later, I looked at his website and found out his level, lol! Good dude!
I've watched this entire video twice now, and am absolutely floored by both the craftsmanship and the film making that went into this project. As both a guitarist and Colorado native, this was an especially meaningful, eye opening experience for me. Thank you.
Wow, thank you! So glad you enjoyed it.
What a great video, and the end was too funny! 😂😂🤣🤣
Dude makes woodworking look like Lego! Awesome stuff.
Great video and EXTREMELY informative. The end make me laugh out loud.
Thanks. We were so thrilled to work with Michael on this. Glad you liked the ending. 😎
The sound of that back mating with the sides was exceedingly satisfying! Nice work Michael!!
For everyone watching what he’s doing, which is great, make note of the most important tool in the mix, an optivisor, this will change your life when you work on things. It’s in the details.
This was one of the most enjoyable video's to watch on KZhead.
Mr. Bashkin repaired my Larivee D-03 way back in 2002. He had a cool shop in the basement of his home where he was doing repairs and custom builds. So cool to see this video randomly on youtube! And so cool to see the upgraded shop! Excellent work sir!!
It´s kind of a hypnotic feeling watching skilled people working. 😴
I agree with everyone here! The end…well, it was perfect… 10 out of 10!
This is what it looks like to take pride in your work... amazing Craft thanks for the video
Always nice to see a pro at work. Great video.
Thanks 👍
This is the most thorough acoustic guitar build I’ve ever seen
I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVED this!!! I started watching at lunch time and said screw work till I got to see and hear the guitar! I would watch a luthier build start to finish every week! Better than any of the other crap to watch.
Wow! Talk about top notch! The ending was was hilarious twist too. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. Greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much for the great feedback!
As a classical/acoustic lutherie student, you have no idea how helpful this is to get new perspectives on how others make guitars. Thank you Michael for letting the StewMac guys in, and thank you StewMac for uploading this.
@droid1008 Awesome! That's the main reason we wanted to make this video - to inspire others working on their own craft. Really glad you enjoyed it.
Had definitely heard of Bashkin guitars. What a fabulous way to get acquainted with his work. Unbelievable intimacy in such a level of master craftsmanship. Didn’t know his bar was so high….. second to none. His techniques for specific build steps were unique from some of the other world’s top builders. I could watch him for days on end. Now the whole world can delight themselves in knowing Michael Bashkin. Bravo Stewart MacDonald for your choice of him for your video excellence!!!
Thanks for the great feedback! We're very honored Michael wanted to do this project with us.
Wow what a great visit we just got and really informative and being a novice builder this was truly a nice insight thanks
Glad it was helpful!
What a gift. Thank you so much Michael.
... it was a pleasure to watch this great video and witness the built all the way through ... :)
I have no idea how I missed this video. First, obviously the craftsmanship is off the charts. If this video doesn’t translate into orders, something’s off in the universe. Any player would be extremely lucky to possess an instrument made with such thought, care and talent. Second to the team that shot and edited this video: I don’t think it could possibly be done better. It really was masterfully executed. It’s a PERFECT guitar building video. Really… you missed nothing! And you even tossed in a joke at the end. Bravo 👏
Great ending!!! What a process! Very inspiring!
This is poetry on a video. I'm almost in tears at its beauty. Would watch it full-length in a movie theater. Thank you so much.
It's art. It's science. It's just all encompassing and completely alive.
That was so wonderful to see! Thank you.
This is such a gift ! Thank you, Mr.Bashkin and StewMac. I am in a crisis because of several strokes, and my family will not allow me to have my shop in the basement. The house was bought for me by a beloved former spouse and she wants me to down size and and then set up in the dining room I guess I cannot be casual about dust collection. I may have missed the bridge plate.
Loved that ending. Actually loved the whole lot. Your attention to detail is incredible.
Glad to hear it! Thank you!
What an amazing visual document. Thank you!
Lovley! Thank you Michael for sharing
The end scene is hilarious!! Great that you can have a sense of humor while making such a exacting and beautiful guitar. Bravo from one guitar builder to another… very impressed with your work for years now and just love this video you’ve put together.
Thanks for this Michael, it’s inspirational. Gives us all something to shoot for 😊
This fantastic. I’ve always loved the Michael greenfield doc in his shop and watched it a dozen time a over the years for enjoyment. This is right in that vein and better because of how much Michael Bashkin has shared over the years and he’s been a part of my life. He makes this all look so easy and perfect. It’s astounding. Thank you for making this. I’ve watched 3 times already and will watch it many more
Thankyou for sharing this with us, amazing craftsmanship! Loved every minute of the video.
I don't know what's even harder: to learn how to play the guitar, or to learn how to build a guitar. Probably the latter, as mistakes are certainly more "expensive" in all senses of the word. So yeah, great guitar playing sometimes may seem like magic, but nothing astonishes me more than this level of craftsmanship.
This guitar is a masterpiece.
I've been listening to the LOL podcast for ages, it's so cool to get to see your workshop. Thanks Michael!
Thank you so much for this wonderful and well thought out production.I was really captivated by this story and Michael's sincere passion for his craft. Probably the best of it's kind that I have had the privilege to watch.
What an absolute treat and beautiful craftsmanship!! 👏🏻
Wow. This builder is a master instrument builder; from solid wood bindings to extreme craftsmanship and artistry, and an all wood philosophy this builder is genius in his use of computer numerical controlled systems and hand tools. I would sell my soul to own one of his creations...
That was so pleasant to watch, really makes you appreaciate the work, love and dedication behind a handmade guitar!
This is better than anything on Netflix. Wonderful work.
So wonderful to see the talent and passion of a creator such as Michael....
This video is GOLD! Thanks for sharing and thanks to Maestro Bashkin for this beautiful gift!
Simply beautiful, start to finish.
Wow. This hits me in so many ways - beautiful woods, exceptional fine woodworking, acoustics, and in the end, an incredible hand-made instrument.
So very generous of you. Thank you very much. Best wishes.
beautiful quality nothing better than seeing a crafts man produce a beautiful instrument thanks 👍👍👍
This is beautiful - and inspiring - to watch. Thank you.
What an absolutely amazing journey, thankyou!!!!!!
I'm in johnstown Colorado! Excellent work sir! I'm starting to build guitars and this is very inspiring.
Very cool! Colorado seems to have a rich luthier community, so you are in good company. Best of luck on your builds!
Thanks for letting us see a Master at work ( with Very informative narration) I'm a guitarist, retired now, Iv'e had some good advice from several Luthier's over the years and now as a hobby, I buy acoustic guitar's ( structurely sound ones) and improve their sound, and do VERY SMALL repairs, then move them on. Sincerely, thank you, & I'm Don from Hamilton NZ, on my Wife's tablet-Susan😊😮
Thanks so much, Don! We're glad you enjoyed the video.
What a beautiful work of art. Thank you StewMac for the amazing video.
Simply amazing video, thank you so much for sharing. I almost sprayed coffee out of my nose at the end.
😅 Had to do it...
I just finished my second student build which was mostly solo but with some help at some key spots in the process and this video has inspired me to go through the whole process again and again! Watching this and reflecting on my own process there have been times where I clearly rushed things and am looking forward to refining both my process and my work.
This was absolutely fantastic and thrilling to watch! Thank you for making this video!
Just amazing. So much care, detail, precision, knowledge and skill at every point. Thank you.
I literally jumped out of my skin! 😮 Unbelievable craftsmanship,,,
I can't thank you enough for this. This is my first ever guitar build and I am so emotionally caught up I can't believe it. Michaels's skill and craftmanship combined with the editing has left me in a Zen like space. Unbelievable just unbelievable how this whole experience has affected me. The detail and patience shown here is incredible but totally fascinating to watch. Thank you so much.
Just an amazing video! Just love the handmade craftmanship you put into almost every step. Thoroughly enjoyed watching a master at his trade.
TY for sharing this,, Amazing craftmanship. I realy enjoy this
As a Luthier myself, I really enjoyed this video and Bashkins attention to detail, especially back and soundboard tuning. Every Luthier has their preferred tonewoods they like to pair up, this was a nice insight as to Bashkins choices and why. Thanks for sharing this video.
It is art, I love watching craftsmen apply their skills.
Absolutely superb document. Ive seen a few full build videos and to be fair, they are all rather good... but this is next level. The dissemination of years of knowledge is very much appreciated.
Brilliant! A great insight as to how much work goes into a master build. Thanks!
lovely perfectionism. it's no wonder your instruments are so exceptional, michael .. .
Nice one Michael. They are all good, but I think it's your best Luthier on Luthier episode yet. I wish something this thoughtful and comprehensive had been available 30 years ago. Well done, thanks StewMac.
Very kind words... thank YOU!
Brilliant!! Such skill, attention to detail, artistry and a fantastic sense of humour! Bravo Michael and StewMac for making this video. Thank you!
What a gift! Thank you StewMac and MB!!!
Really enjoyed this video and the craftsmanship.
🎉🎉🎉Master of luthier.❤❤❤ Indeed an excellent craftmanship.
This was an incredible cooperative endeavor that you've shared with us. Thank-You Michael for allowing us to see a master at work. Thank-You StewMac for producing this fine film.
Art in motion. A revalation to watch the creation of somthing truly unique.
Thanks for sharing your guitar building process. I'm from the Philippines. Not a guitar builder, just a player interested in quality instruments.
what an incredible masterpiece of art! congrats!
Wow! What a master. The attention to detail was amazing. Great work and thanks for bringing these insights.
Thanks so much! It was a true pleasure to work with Michael on this project.
Awesome work. Loved the last scene! Lol.
Thank you for uploading this video it was fantastic to watch,incredible dedication and talent.
That is some real passion for work and amazing craftsmanship
This was such a wonderful and calming video of a master craftsman creating such an intricate masterpiece. Thank you Michael and StewMac for this joint venture. Sublime.
I think it takes someone that has built guitars to truly admire the perfection you see here.
While to someone who appreciates woodworking, it's as fascinating for possibly different reasons, however appreciated nonetheless.
masterful work ,,, how i wish :) ,,, whoever gets your guitars are some very lucky people ,,, take good care
So good- probably the most enjoyable guitar build I’ve watched