1 Topic by dmarker

(2 replies, posted in Guitars and accessories)

Here's an update on my Martin (follow-up to my original post 2015-07-07)

Took it to Dave's Guitar Shop in La Crosse WI.  They kept it a couple weeks to humidify, then level the lower frets and setup the action. The guy suggested I try heavier strings, so I said sure, I'll give them a try.  They put coated 12's on it, don't know the brand.  I played it a bunch in the store (thanks for that advice NELA) and it seemed good to go.  I've been playing it at home for about a month now, at least a couple times a week.  (My goal is to get back to playing everyday but I'm not there yet, hope to get there this winter when things slow down.)

Well, tonight I decided to go back to my favorite strings - Martin Phosphor Bronze Extra Lights (10's), and I have my old friend back!  It's the sound I know and enjoy. The action, while I wouldn't call it low, is very playable.  And the fret buzz is gone.  It's been a great night!

Thanks for all the advice and encouragement.

My question about humidifiers - the guy at DGS recommended the sponge-style humidifier that you insert into the sound hole, held by the 3 and 4 strings.  It's what he uses. I bought one from their shop, only $10.  But reading on the Internet, it seems more folks prefer the kind that is attached to the inside of the case.  Any suggestions on style, brand and your experiences with humidifiers would be much appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

Dave

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2 Reply by dmarker

(19 replies, posted in Guitars and accessories)

UPDATE -

As was suggested, I got thee to a luthier pronto (well sort of pronto).

We took my Martin to Dave's Guitar Shop in La Crosse this morning.  The tech gave it a full examination.  His main observation/concern was that the top showed signs of dehydration as it was flat to slightly concave.  It also has a slight hairline crack, maybe 1/2" on the edge of the top shoulder (probably not using the right term here).  This seems odd because it (obviously) is August in Wisconsin - the warmest and most humid month of the year.  I always store the guitar in it's case.  When we got home, I checked our little weather station: 74 degrees in our house and 60% relative humidity.

I have never used a guitar humidifier.  Our indoor relative humidity does go down to about 25% in the middle of winter - pretty much standard here because if you go higher, ice/condensation will form on the inside of the windows on the colder nights.

I left the guitar at Dave's.  They will go through the steps to make sure it's fully hydrated - about a week, and then we'll go from there for adjustments.  He will glue up the crack so it doesn't get worse.  Also plan to start using a humidifier in the case from now on.

Two other topics we discussed.  There is some fret wear that he will want to address after the main problem.  Also, I have been using Martin extra-lights (.010" gauge if I am reading the package correctly) - not sure why I do this, just started twenty years and never thought about changing.  We will be moving up to heavier strings.

Since we were there, I played a whole bunch of guitars.  I really liked a couple, but not nearly as much as the one I have - hoping that she'll be OK!

Again, the signs of a dehydrated top really baffle me.

I would most certainly appreciation any thoughts/observations/experiences you all might have on this situation.

Thanks again!

Dave

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3 Reply by dmarker

(19 replies, posted in Guitars and accessories)

Thanks for all the responses, welcomes and good suggestions.  I will try to answer the questions that you all posed, which will probably lead to a few more questions from me.

Yes, I bought the Martin brand new from Dave's Guitar Shop in La Crosse WI.  I dug out my file tonight and still have all the original paperwork.  I remember completing the paperwork at the shop and they sent it in.  The only work done on it since was June 2013 when I took it back to Dave's.  According to the Martin website, they are a certified repair shop.  I took some notes when I got home because my memory ain't what it used to be.  "They tightened the truss rod and lowered the bridge.  Also oiled the fret bar and polished the frets.  Watch the slight crack at the base of the headstock - really only cosmetic unless it changes over time. Also put on new strings.  Took about an hour and cost $30."

I've been watching the tiny hairline crack in the headstock and it hasn't changed.

The difference between the two guitars seems more complex than just higher action.  I think I should take some time to play them side by side, and really concentrate on what is different, describe it by writing it down.  How much tweaking can a luthier do besides action?  Can I rely on their advise when they play the guitar?  Try to find someone with experience to play it before I take it in?  Or, even though my skills have gone down, just trust what I'm feeling.

I always assumed I would have my Martin for life.  I don't see that trading her in is something I'd want to do at this time.  I traded in the first "real" guitar I ever had - a Sigma that I bought in 1983 - on the Martin purchase.  I still regret that I did that.  (At that time, didn't know that there was a whole community of you guys that collect guitars!)

I will take the advice of getting into a practice routine to build up my muscles.  It may take sometime to fit a trip to a repair shop into our schedule anyways.  Looks like I have two options - back to Dave's in La Crosse or there's a one-man business in Eau Claire.  If I go back to Dave's, how much could the guitar have changed on it's own in two years?  If anyone knows anything about either of these places, good or bad, I would be most interested.  If Martin certified, I should be good either way?

Forgot to ask last night - does string gauge have any influence?  I have always used extra light gauge (carry-over from my 12-string days).  Yes, I have the same strings on both guitars.

And in case you're wondering, my renewed practicing will be on the Martin.  While the Rogue plays nicer right now, sure doesn't sound nicer.  Plus I can tell that her feelings are hurt when I'm playing the Rogue and she's sitting in the corner in her case.  smile

Thanks again for the advice and encouragement.

Dave

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4 Topic by dmarker

(19 replies, posted in Guitars and accessories)

This is my first post on this forum. Before asking for help, thought I should start with a short introduction.

I happened upon this site a few years back when searching for some song chords.  Since then I pop in every once in awhile to see if I can pick up some tidbits.  I have been impressed with the culture here - very friendly and helpful folks.  You all should be proud.

I started playing acoustic guitar as a kid, mostly as a lone wolf.  I played most every day into my late thirties, with the last ten years or so playing in a church group, also some weddings and funerals.  I bought my Martin D28 in 1995, trading in everything else I had.  About 10 years ago I pretty much stopped play altogether.  Life got in the way - some good and some bad stuff.  I'm in my early 50's now and trying for the last few years to get back to it.  I did take my guitar in to a certified Martin shop for inspection and adjusting a few years back.

Here's my problem.  My only other guitar is an $80 knock-around Rogue that I picked up recently from Musician's Friend.  The Rogue is more enjoyable to play than my Martin.

Can I take my Martin to a shop and just say it's not as playable as my el-cheapo?  Would they know what to do, or just think I'm an idiot?  (I know my playing skills are not near what they used to be.)  Also not sure about taking it to the same place as before.  I went to Dave's Guitar Shop in La Crosse Wisconsin.  Anyone have recommendations on where to take it?  We live in north central Wisconsin.

Long shot - Any experienced player in the area interested in connecting and checking it out?

Any thoughts, suggestions or advice would be most appreciated.  Thanks in advance for you help.

Dave

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