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#16
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If this guitar is around 35 years old, it may not have an adjustable truss rod. They introduced them in 1985.
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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 |
#17
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John Brook ‘Lamorna’ OM (European Spruce/EIR) (2019) Lowden F-23 (Red Cedar/Claro Walnut) (2017) Martin D-18 (2012) Martin HD-28V (2010) Fender Standard Strat (2017-MIM) |
#18
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Appreciate all the feedback from everyone!
This one was built in 1985 and appears to have the adjustable truss rod. I'm still irritated by the dishonest seller. I told him I was uneasy about purchasing an acoustic online and asked him to send pics but it was hard to tell from that and with his response stating to me me that the guitar has low action at the 12th fret, I stupidly accepted that as the truth. But at the same time, it's such a hassle to go back and forth. I offered the guy the opportunity to split the cost of the neck rest with me and he said - Nope! If it ends up needing a reset I will continue to fight it out with Reverb and get my money back, but if I can somehow have it setup to play right, I'm cool with keeping it. I do like it otherwise. I purchased a guitar humidifier, truss rod wrench and new strings. Figured I will continue to research but get that stuff on-hand should it be fixable without a reset. |
#19
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#20
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True - I had to assume the worst in that it needs a neck reset. He lied to me about the string height at the 12th fret (in my opinion). But I'm not a luthier and not sure if it can be tweaked to play right without busting the neck off the guitar? I've read that it can kill the sound of a Martin. Again, I'm basing this stuff off of things I've read. Hoping I'm wrong and it just needs a setup but some people's feedback has me worried based on the pics.
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#21
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Said it once, and I re-iterate it now. Then you’ll be in a position to make an informed decision on your next step.
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John Brook ‘Lamorna’ OM (European Spruce/EIR) (2019) Lowden F-23 (Red Cedar/Claro Walnut) (2017) Martin D-18 (2012) Martin HD-28V (2010) Fender Standard Strat (2017-MIM) |
#22
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I applaud that you bought some tools and gauges, but do not touch the instrument yourself until a qualified tech or luthier has looked it over. Once you modify it, you'll likely forfeit your claim for "not as advertised". Or at least dilute your argument. If there is a hex nut visible inside the sound hole at top of the neck block, the truss rod is adjustable. We can only speculate about setup or neck reset without the dimensions that others have mentioned.
I had neck resets done on two Martin guitars. There was no negative change in tone, but playability and intonation improved hugely -- he corrected manufacturing errors while fixing the neck angle. |
#23
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Interesting. I was just looking through the 1937-ish Gibson catalog this morning and they were describing their latest innovation - the adjustable truss rod. Why did it take Martin so long to get on board? |
#24
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I really appreciate the responses guys! I will do as you say. I will not touch the guitar and get it to a qualified luthier. I actually live about an hour away from the Martin factory. Maybe I'll show up at their doors with the guitar and ask them to fix it... j/k!
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#25
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The truss rod and what it does is the most misunderstood part of a guitar. There are plenty of good videos explaining this, and countless threads. I would also assume a 35 year old guitar needed a neck reset unless it had one already. I'll bet the seller didn't have a picture of the bridge either.
Please refrain from shaving the bridge. It just kicks the problem down the road. Martin has always had truss rods, just not adjustable ones. I had an older Martin that was trouble free for decades. I did have the frets leveled once.
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2007 Martin D 35 Custom 1970 Guild D 35 1965 Epiphone Texan 2011 Santa Cruz D P/W Pono OP 30 D parlor Pono OP12-30 Pono MT uke Goldtone Paul Beard squareneck resophonic Fluke tenor ukulele Boatload of home rolled telecasters "Shut up and play ur guitar" Frank Zappa |
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Tags |
acoustic, d-35, martin, repair |
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