I had my right shoulder replaced in November and the left is scheduled in less than two weeks. The arthritis has forced me to quit playing the guitar and I’d sold my acoustics some years ago as a consequence (including two pre war L5s, a Clarence White D28 Brazilian, a modern blonde L5 CES with P90s, a D-45, and too many others to mention.
Replacement of the right shoulder eased things up a bit. And so to get back up to playing speed, I found a 1994 Taylor 810 the other day. No one wants these, so they’re very negotiable. I got it for a song. it is in great physical condition (few dings, no cracks, straight neck, correct neck angle, original tuning machines, frets are level - no high or low).
I set it up with fresh D’Addario EJ16s tonight … I went with a virtually flat neck adjustment, and I filed the saddle to OEM specs. It was about 1/8” taller than factory, so it was probably a new one that was installed by an amateur. The first three frets need dressing due to B string wear, but I rarely play at that end of the neck, and it’s not buzzing. I may dress them, but I haven’t yet. The nut is good.
It plays quite easily now, although I prefer the short scale with my bad left shoulder for the moment.
There are always guitar players on audio forums. Are there any others here with a Lutherie background? I’ve been doing repairs and setups for over 30 years. I find it relaxing and fulfilling… especially when I can bring a guitar up a few notches.
Replacement of the right shoulder eased things up a bit. And so to get back up to playing speed, I found a 1994 Taylor 810 the other day. No one wants these, so they’re very negotiable. I got it for a song. it is in great physical condition (few dings, no cracks, straight neck, correct neck angle, original tuning machines, frets are level - no high or low).
I set it up with fresh D’Addario EJ16s tonight … I went with a virtually flat neck adjustment, and I filed the saddle to OEM specs. It was about 1/8” taller than factory, so it was probably a new one that was installed by an amateur. The first three frets need dressing due to B string wear, but I rarely play at that end of the neck, and it’s not buzzing. I may dress them, but I haven’t yet. The nut is good.
It plays quite easily now, although I prefer the short scale with my bad left shoulder for the moment.
There are always guitar players on audio forums. Are there any others here with a Lutherie background? I’ve been doing repairs and setups for over 30 years. I find it relaxing and fulfilling… especially when I can bring a guitar up a few notches.
