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ProfessorGAC

(65,076 posts)
Wed Feb 7, 2024, 06:55 PM Feb 7

12 String Update

Back in November, I had a thread (linked below) about a new 12 string & the issue with my Martin 12.
I wrote a letter to corporate customer service a couple weeks ago, telling them I didn't have the receipt from 17 years ago, but ask that they just take my word that I'm the original owner.
Today, I got an email from them showing they've registered my guitar in their database listing me as the original owner.
And, they provided the address of an authorized service center that's only 25 miles from here.
I'll be darned; they trusted me at my word!
Here's the really weird part. They claim they don't ship their guitars with the end cap attached. It's expected that it gets attached upon setup. The end cap is shipped in the case. This guitar didn't include a case! So, I think I got shafted by Guitar Center, not Martin.
I haven't called the store that's the authorized service center.


https://www.democraticunderground.com/10356508

6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
12 String Update (Original Post) ProfessorGAC Feb 7 OP
Nice!! Eko Feb 7 #1
I got hold of the local joint. ProfessorGAC Feb 7 #2
With the double pickguard? Eko Feb 7 #3
That's The One!! ProfessorGAC Feb 7 #4
How cool, that they registered your guitar, and that the local repair guy thinks they'll highplainsdem Feb 8 #5
Another Update ProfessorGAC Feb 8 #6

ProfessorGAC

(65,076 posts)
2. I got hold of the local joint.
Wed Feb 7, 2024, 08:37 PM
Feb 7

Going to take it there tomorrow or Saturday. (I have to sub calculus on Friday)
The guy I talked to said that it's not a certainty Martin will approve repairs, but his "gut" tells him will.
I have a 6 string Martin DC-28E. And, I've got my B-i-L's Bob Shane model, too. Nice guitar. Ugly as sin.
We'll see what happens. I suppose.

Eko

(7,317 posts)
3. With the double pickguard?
Wed Feb 7, 2024, 08:42 PM
Feb 7

If so that is the ugliest martin I've ever seen. What was wrong with the 12 string?

ProfessorGAC

(65,076 posts)
4. That's The One!!
Wed Feb 7, 2024, 09:07 PM
Feb 7

Sort of. Some had a pickguard above & below the soundhole.
40% of the top is black plastic! 60s spruce top and we can't see it.
It has a different tone than mine. It's a bit more midrangy. Mine is from the 90s, so over 30 years the woods may be quite different.
But, we agree for sure on what an ugly guitar that is.

The link shows that model in the upper left. Was Shane using a garden rake for a pick?

highplainsdem

(49,001 posts)
5. How cool, that they registered your guitar, and that the local repair guy thinks they'll
Thu Feb 8, 2024, 12:05 AM
Feb 8

approve the work it needs! Very good news!

ProfessorGAC

(65,076 posts)
6. Another Update
Thu Feb 8, 2024, 06:55 PM
Feb 8

Took my guitar to the authorized repair place.
First, I have to say it's quite a store. Aside from one Les Paul on consignment and a few archtops with pickups, everything is acoustic. Guitars, banjos, mandolins, fiddles,....
Anyway, the luthier was actually there. He looked at it for a good 10 minutes. He told me "I've never seen anything like this before."
Using a mirror, they could not find the coupling that connects the threaded rod to the adjustment lug. It's either missing, or it's set so deep the lug threads can't reach it.
Since I only play that guitar occasionally (especially now with the bad action) I told them not to rush.
We will see if Martin will cover the cost or not, but at least now it's in the hands of an expert their company authorized.

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