#1
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Does this guitar need a neck reset?
Hi all, Sorry I am not well versed in all the measurements for the neck/string relationship/ Thinking about buying this and am worried about it needing a reset soon or now. it is a martin from the 70s.
Also on a related note, I read here that the 70s Martins had a bridge placement issue. does that affect all or just the dreads thanks for any help https://www.dropbox.com/s/0rzl6bo4if...gyoic.jpg?dl=0 |
#2
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Quote:
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1978 Yamaha FG-331 2020 Recording King ROS-09-TS 2007 Alvarez RF20SM 1936 Supertone 233 "Hawaiian Belle" 1930s Harmony Mandolin Instagram: new_york_albertan |
#3
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A pic of the saddle would help. But, if you can't lower the saddle any further, and the action is that high, then yes you are likely due for a neck reset.
You could also have the bridge shaved to buy some more time, which would be cheaper in the short run, but more expensive in the long run, and could compromise the tone. I'm not sure if it's just dreads or all models that had the intonation problems.
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"What have I learned but the proper use for several tools" -Gary Snyder Bourgeois DR-A / Bowerman "Working Man's" OM / Martin Custom D-18 (adi & flame) / Martin OM-21 / Northwood M70 MJ / 1970s Sigma DR-7 / Eastman E6D / Flatiron Signature A5 / Silverangel Econo A (Call me Dan) |
#4
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You could probably google the intonation issue and get a decent answer if you don't feel like waiting for one of the Martin gurus to get in here.
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"What have I learned but the proper use for several tools" -Gary Snyder Bourgeois DR-A / Bowerman "Working Man's" OM / Martin Custom D-18 (adi & flame) / Martin OM-21 / Northwood M70 MJ / 1970s Sigma DR-7 / Eastman E6D / Flatiron Signature A5 / Silverangel Econo A (Call me Dan) |
#5
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What fret are u measuring at? It should be 12th. Also that fret looks super flat compared to others, may need to be refretted too. As others said you really need to look at how much saddle is left, as well as how much relief is in the neck
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Tom 2016 Bourgeois OM SS (Addy/Maddy/Hide) 2010 Martin D-28 1968 Yamaha FG-180 |
#6
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Yes, try to use a ruler that starts measurements from it's actual end and stand it on the 12th fret behind the string like this;
Here I read my action as slightly higher than 2.0 mm but under 2.5 mm.
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Brucebubs 1972 - Takamine D-70 2014 - Alvarez ABT60 Baritone 2015 - Kittis RBJ-195 Jumbo 2012 - Dan Dubowski#61 2018 - Rickenbacker 4003 Fireglo 2020 - Gibson Custom Shop Historic 1957 SJ-200 2021 - Epiphone 'IBG' Hummingbird |
#7
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The pics are from the ad not from me. Yes the ruler not starting at zero is part of what I was struggling with.
Based on what I am reading it might be double. the normal height |
#8
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Quote:
If the string height is that high and the saddle is very low then it does suggest a neck re-set might be needed.
__________________
Brucebubs 1972 - Takamine D-70 2014 - Alvarez ABT60 Baritone 2015 - Kittis RBJ-195 Jumbo 2012 - Dan Dubowski#61 2018 - Rickenbacker 4003 Fireglo 2020 - Gibson Custom Shop Historic 1957 SJ-200 2021 - Epiphone 'IBG' Hummingbird |
#9
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in that picture, the ruler does not look on top of that fret, rather, the ruler is sitting on the outside edge of that fret, plus the ruler is tilted slightly towards the headstock.
get the buyer to send you a picture as shown in the below article, of an at least 24" ruler laid lengthwise to see where it contacts the bridge. that tells a lot quickly. if he will do that, notice the saddle height and bridge thickness(to see if either appears lower than they should. here you go, an excellent article with pictures http://www.frets.com/FretsPages/Musi...neckangle.html |
#10
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The intonation problem was on dreadnaughts and was caused by a misaligned bridge placement template.
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Bill Guitars: 1910's Larson/Stetson 1 size guitar 1920 Martin 1-28 1987 Martin Schoenberg Soloist 2006 Froggy Bottom H-12 Deluxe 2016 Froggy Bottom L Deluxe 2021 Blazer and Henkes 000-18 H 2015 Rainsong P12 2017 Probett Rocket III 2006 Sadowsky Semi Hollow 1993 Fender Stratocaster Bass: 1993 Sadowsky NYC 5 String Mandolin: Weber Bitterroot |
#11
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Yep. Depending on how far off , it’s an easy and inexpensive fix most of the time. Mine was 1/16th off and it cost me less than 100 dollars. That being said , the issues with the 70s Martins is usually overstated. They can be very good guitars. I have a 72 D35 that is a great example of a Martin.
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#12
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One of the ... no - the very finest Martin I ever owed was a 1973 Martin D35 ..and I'm fussy!
Guitars are individuals. Yes, the '70s wasn't the best era for Martin (and others) but it doesn't mean you should disregard every guitar they made. Regarding action, old folks like me in the UK and Americans mostly measure in Imperial so I would say that the most common action at the 12th fret from the top of the fret to the bottom of the string should be about 3/32" on the bass and 2/32 (1/16") on the treble.
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Silly Moustache, Just an old Limey acoustic guitarist, Dobrolist, mandolier and singer. I'm here to try to help and advise and I offer one to one lessons/meetings/mentoring via Zoom! |
#13
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There is no way you can say what the neck angle is with that photo....but any old Martin needs to be evaluated by someone knowledgeable because resets are commonly required on them.
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#14
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The action is high, if it's a guitar you are considering buying the neck will absolutely need to be reset. Given the picture you were shown, the person selling the guitar is not going to be to helpful as they don't know what or how to measure. Buy a vintage Martin you can visually inspect and play yourself.
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#15
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Quote:
The OP states that the prospective buyer is not "well versed in the measurements of the string/neck relationship." That's a problem, because the seller is also not well versed in how to measure action height. Given that neither party in this transaction is up to speed in determining whether a neck reset is necessary, I'd advise against this transaction going further. Either that, or figure the price of the guitar as if a neck reset is necessary.
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1 dreadnought, 1 auditorium, 1 concert, and 2 travel guitars. |