Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses reviews

Joel Gazzaniga reviewed: Electric guitar (6 String) Building day course

"Great fun and really interesting. Ted has a great knowledge of guitars and is full of tips and advice for newbies like me and lots of stories from when he was in bands. Also, if he suggests getting a pie from the local pie shop, you say yes! Yum All in all well worth the two and a half hour drive. Might go back for a strumstick! Thanks Ted"

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Thanks Joel I look forward to seeing you and well done on the build my friend. Ps The wammy bar is in the post and thank the wife too! kind regards Ted"

Norman Kelsall reviewed: Clock making day

"Great Course, great result at the end of a cracking day, Help and guidance from Ted, as and when needed to progress through the day and finish up with a very nice clock. Who would have thought that after seening a jumble of wood at the beginning. A day well spent with Ted. Keep up the good work."

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Thanks Norman you were a true gentleman and always welcome on my courses. I think the colour of your clock was fantastic and I'm sure it will look nice by the fireplace for many years to come. Kind regards Ted Ps. Keep a look out for any new courses in the near future mate."

Stephen Bloomfield reviewed: Bandsaw box making day

"A very enjoyable day even for someone -- perhaps especially for someone -- who had not done any woodwork since schooldays. Tim was very good company and a good tutor -- ready to help but not intrusive. I shall be going back to make another item."

Michael West reviewed: Guitar Strumstick Dulcimer 3 strings instrument

"This course was hands down one of the best days I have had this year. Ted is so knowledgeable and such a fantastic chap! You will no doubt learn loads on this course and you will end up with a fantastic and fun instrument at the end of it. The workshop is very comfortable and well equipped, also very pleasant and interesting conversation was to be had in the periods of waiting for glue to set up and breaks. I strongly recommend anyone interested to take this course you will not regret it. Thank you Ted for such a fantastic day, you have inspired me to look into setting up my own workshop and I'm sure I'll be joining you again in the future for another course Mike"

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"I have to say Mike completed his instrument in good time and he really knows many things including woodwork terminology. I was not surprised when his work turned out great. I know we will meet again and speak about music very soon. Well done Mike"

James Inglis reviewed: Electric guitar (6 String) Building day course

"We had a thoroughly enjoyable day with Ted. He is a highly personable tutor with great skill, knowledge and patience. I am now looking forward to stripping the guitar back to component form and adding a colourful design finish to the woodwork, comfortable in the knowledge that I can rebuild it without too much trouble. Highly recommended!"

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"James asked lots of questions about the technical issues involved in guitar building and he was able to do most of the work himself. Well done James I hope you can come back soon for another woodworking course. Thanks again and kind regards Ted."

John Hollyoak reviewed: Electric guitar (6 String) Building day course

"Great course. Very interesting to see guitar being put together stage by stage. Ted explained everything clearly and paid great attention to detail. I found the day very enjoyable and can recommend the course to anyone who has an interest in electric guitars. Ted is also an excellent player and shows you what can be achieved on your creation. He is also an all round good bloke!"

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"John was a very practical 5and has some good skills. I hope to see him again soon as he has time on his hands now. Well done John"

Paul Foster reviewed: Bandsaw box making day

"A excellent one-on-one 1-day course, at the end of which (much to my surprise) I created a box of far better quality than I thought myself capable of. Tom is a very knowledgeable and convivial host, for which nothing was too much trouble. I left with a useful insight into some of the tools (bandsaw and sanders) and techniques I am interested in pursuing at home. Highly recommended."

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Well done to a fine craftsman. I think Paul had great hand skills at the outset and his control of the bandsaw was second to none! With very little help from me Paul has created a little box to last him into old age. Please come again on another course Paul, you know your welcome indeed? Kind regards Ted"

Mr David Witter reviewed: Bandsaw box making day

"Finally (lockdown permitting) I got my Bandsaw Box Making day. Ted was very flexible with the re-booking due to 3rd wave lockdown restrictions. I did ensure that I had a good look at Google Maps first, but my SATNAV route did come off the A500 a junction too soon, the one-way system and locals are not very forgiving. My past woodwork experiences were 40+ years ago at school and so it was good to be back in a proper workshop. Ted is a salt-of-the-earth, easy-going person and so it was nice to chat as the day progressed. The Bandsaw is by far the workhorse here, I'd recommend a few practice runs on marked-up scrap pieces to develop the feel for moving the wooden block through your stenciled outline. Outside and inside curves provide their own challenges when adjusting the piece and time spent here helps to produce cleaner lines later. With the parts cut out, it was time to use the belt and oscillating sanders being mindful to maintain those consistent lines and edges for a smooth fit. Ted is always on hand to advise and help with your progress, but it is very much your own creation. Once the box is glued, which is no mean feat (I think we had 12 clamps to keep the box and drawer secured), we can use the sanders to get rid of any remaining overlaps - ready for the Danish oil finish. I was very happy with the day and what I'd achieved. A big thank you to Ted for showing me the way and providing this opportunity."

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"David was a typical hands on no fuss sort of guy and the results of his effort certainly paid off. After a few practice runs on the bandsaw he was soon going for the real thing. I hope he get to use his box as much as I use mine ! I'm looking forward to David coming back on another course soon too. Well done mate the inner craftsman was with you all day! see you soon!"

Brian Shaw reviewed: Guitar Strumstick Dulcimer 3 strings instrument

"Received this course as a birthday present for my 50th. I must say, Ted was very enthusiastic and I thoroughly enjoyed the day. The course was very easy to follow with Ted's guidance. I was not put under pressure to do anything I didn't want to do. At the end of the course I had completed my instrument. Overall it was a very satisfactory day and a great birthday gift from my children. Thank you, Brian S"

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Well done Brian a true craftsman indeed. Hope you get many hours of fun with the new instrument ! Hope to see you soon."

David OSullivan reviewed: Guitar Strumstick Dulcimer 3 strings instrument

"Really enjoyed the course. I learned a lot about woodworking in general and guitar making. I'll definitely come back for another course in the future. Thank you Ted. All the best. Dave"

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"David was a typical hands on no fuss sort of guy and the results of his effort certainly paid off. After a few practice runs on the bandsaw he was soon going for the real thing. I hope he get to use his box as much as I use mine ! I'm looking forward to David coming back on another course soon too. Well done mate the inner craftsman was with you all day! see you soon!"

Pete Eveleigh reviewed: Electric guitar (6 String) Building day course

"Had a great day building a kit guitar with Ted. He's a knowledgable teacher and I enjoyed the chat through the day. Also plenty of tea on hand which is always a bonus. I'll be returning to do another course with him asap."

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Thanks Peter your a true gentleman my friend. I hope the 6 string electric guitar gives you many hours of enjoyment? Its also good to know you and your daughter are thinking of doing a course together? It would be nice to see you again soon for sure? Kind regards Ted"

Chis reviewed: Guitar Strumstick Dulcimer 3 strings instrument

"Was a really good day, very enjoyable and ted was very knowledgeable about guitars and luthiery. Excellent learning to use tools like the band saw, table router, drills, scrapers and sanders. Ted takes you through each step and has some great tips and tricks. The instument was excellent and finished to a high standard even though it was only done in one day. Thanks to ted for a good time and will now look into making my own projects at home."

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Well done and good luck in your future builds."

Frankie Lawson reviewed: Guitar Strumstick Dulcimer 3 strings instrument

"I got this course as a gift. This was because I'm looking to study instrument making at university. This was the first time I've picked up tools in about 5 years but Tim's guidance and willingness to answer any questions really helped me get comfortable and confident in the techniques Ted's a great person to be around is all round interesting, funny while managing to stay informative. I had an amazing day and left with a great sounding instrument. I can wholeheartedly recommend this course."

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Thank you Frankie I dare say you will be a great craftsman in the future. Many thanks to your mum for buying the course and I hope to see you on another day course soon. Merry Christmas and Happy struming in 2021....... Remember practice makes perfect ???"

Chris Hibberd reviewed: Guitar Strumstick Dulcimer 3 strings instrument

"What a fantastic course! Tim is a really friendly, patient tutor, who is as hands on or off as you need throughout. The workshop is well kitted out with all the equipment you need without being an intimidating space. We started the day understanding the timber and marking out the first couple of cuts and then straight into it on the bandsaw. Tim gave a good explanation on the use of each machine and was always on hand to advise. There was time to make practice cuts before commiting them to the final instrument and always a way to work around things that you might find tricky. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and have learned a lot of techniques about something that I've never tried before. The end result was a strum stick that I'm really proud of and plays amazingly well. I would not hesitate to recommend Tim's courses to anyone of any experience level who wants to try something new. You wont be disappointed!"

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"I have to say Chris is a fantastic student who had good skills due to his love of woodwork. He is methodical and precise in his approach too. As always the day does goes far to quickly and to finish this instrument takes effort and concentration ......so well done Chris you made a great strum-stick to be proud of. I hope to see you again so my friend it was a pleasure to work with you and please let me know if you master some tunes on that delightful instrument? Ps. See you on the bandsaw box course mate next time ? Kind regards Ted"

Paul Stephens reviewed: Guitar Strumstick Dulcimer 3 strings instrument

"Got to say this was one of the most enjoyable days I have had, I saw the course online and dropped hints to my wife who got me the course as a present. Ted proved to be not only a great teacher but wonderful company and easy to get on with chatting about our mutual love of music and he doesn't make a bad cuppa either. I learnt so much during the day and ended up with a Strumstick from wood I could not believe would turn into a stringed instrument, not only was I impressed so was my wife and friends who have seen it. Ted is also a very talented musician so at least I got to hear how the Strumstick could sound before I got my hands on it. Due to the amount of fun I had more hints were dropped to my wife and I have since been down to Ted's for a day on the Bandsaw course."

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Cheers Paul your hand skills are excellent my friend and I'm sure you could build a full size guitar with a little help. I'm hoping to start a Jewelry box course in January let me know if you want to come because you're welcome any time. Happy struming in 2020 thanks again Ted"

Glyn Williams reviewed: Guitar Strumstick Dulcimer 3 strings instrument

"What a great way to spend a day! Tim is great company and can talk about anything which is really important when you're spending 8 hours together in a small space. He was very knowledgeable about the task in hand and helped me as a novice safely through every step of the process while still leaving me with a sense of achievement. The finished product was also impressive and I happily show it off to anyone who'll listen. Thanks very much Tim, I'd recommend the course to anyone with an interest in getting to know equipment and techniques. All the best"

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Thanks Glyn You have a lot of experience with guitars my friend, we certainly got talking about guitars and the world. I'm sure you can make a bandsaw box with me next time? I hope the Strumstick meets the wife's approval too ? A little bit of practice is all you need Glyn....let me know when you have time and hope to see you very soon and please tell your friends as well. Kind regards Tim"

Norman Kelsall reviewed: Guitar Strumstick Dulcimer 3 strings instrument

"How can you make an amazing 3 String Strumstick from a stick and a few other pieces of wood, on Teds woodworking course, well YOU can. Having little knowledge of woodworking, tools or anything musical doesn't matter as Ted guides you helpfully and funnily through, from start to finish. What a great day I had, unfortunately it went far too quickly, but I ended up with a great looking and sounding Strumstick and feeling proud of my self and my achievement. A very satisfying day. Thank you for an excellent adventure."

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Thank you Norman......the feelings mutual my friend looking forward to our bandsaw box or jewellry box day later this year. I agree some parts of woodworking need special tools but as you seen its all common sense and with a little TLC you can get some astonishing results. It was a fun day my friend .....don't forget to practice with the instrument now ! Take care Norman .....see you soon .....Ted"

Steve Ford reviewed: Guitar Strumstick Dulcimer 3 strings instrument

"Teds day course was fantastic ! He is a very helpful man with a sense of humour too! My wife paid for a Gift voucher which was valid for 1 year, so in Feb 2020 I decided to use it. The Strumstick 3 stringed instrument was built in just 7 hours and sounded great at the end of the day. I learned about Acoustic instruments building including :- Fret boards, Fret levelling, Tonewoods, neck shaping, band saw use, sanding, finishing, and wood selection. I would recommend this craft course for anyone with or without experience in woodwork. I had 30 mins for lunch and tea breaks at any time we wanted. I chose a weekend day but I could of easily had any evening or daytime. I now have my instrument to play at home for many years to come."

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Thank you Steve, it was a pleasure my friend. Tell your wife Wendy, thank you for the purchase of the Gift voucher and good luck and happy strumming for 2020. Kind regards Ted Ps We have a Bandsaw box and jewellery box day if you are interested ? Later this year we hope to do a Marquetry day too."