The documentary showcases the craftsmanship of Michael Greenfield, a renowned guitar maker, as he creates a custom instrument from scratch. The process takes around four to five months and involves various stages, including:
1. Bending the sides of the guitar using a laminated rimset and thermal controllers.
2. Preparing the soundboard, including bookmatching the wood and ensuring its flatness.
3. Creating the neck, using Honduran Mahogany, and carefully shaping and fitting it to the body.
4. Installing the truss rod and frets, using high-quality materials and precise techniques.
5. Applying a finish to the guitar, using a base coat and multiple layers of sanding to achieve a perfect surface.
6. Assembling the guitar, including attaching the neck, bridge, and tuners.
7. Setting the action, intonation, and final adjustments to ensure optimal playability and sound quality.
Throughout the documentary, Michael Greenfield shares his expertise, highlighting the importance of precision, attention to detail, and the use of high-quality materials. The film provides a unique insight into the craftsmanship and dedication required to create a bespoke guitar.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The person in the video is Michael Greenfield, a guitar maker.
2. Michael's clients are artists, collectors, and those who want the best.
3. He makes personalized musical instruments and functional works of art.
4. The process of making a guitar takes around 4-5 months.
5. Michael uses a laminated rimset, which is made by gluing thin pieces of wood together.
6. The rimset is bent using a combination of heat and pressure.
7. The wood is heated to 250°F for one minute, then cooled to 190°F for 30 minutes.
8. The heat causes the natural resins in the wood to plasticize, allowing it to bend.
9. Once cooled, the resins resolidify, holding the wood in place.
10. Michael uses a Go-Bar Deck to clamp the guitar body.
11. The Go-Bar Deck is an ancient tool that originated in China.
12. Michael signs every soundboard he makes.
13. He uses a special fixture to establish the geometry of the neck.
14. The neck is made from Honduran Mahogany, which is a stable and lightweight wood.
15. Michael uses a router plane to make precise cuts in the neck.
16. He uses a copper-titanium alloy fret wire, which is harder than traditional nickel-silver wire.
17. The fret wire is cut to fit each slot precisely.
18. Michael uses a special tool to hammer the frets into place.
19. The nut is made from cow bone and is shaped to fit the neck precisely.
20. The bridge is made from a single piece of wood and is designed to fit the soundboard precisely.
21. The guitar is strung up for the first time, and the intonation is checked.
22. The frets are dressed to achieve perfect intonation.
23. The guitar is polished and finished with a special treatment.
24. The fingerboard is made from ebony and is treated with a special protector.
25. The guitar is given a final inspection before being shipped to the customer.
26. The customer receives a packet with documentation, including a certificate of authenticity and warranty information.
27. The guitar is shipped in a custom-made carbon fiber case made in Croatia.