Does This JF30-12 Look Like it Needs A Neck Reset? (I have a chance to buy it)

timacn

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There is some space under the straight edge at the end of the fretboard when you run the ruler to the top of the bridge. Is this indicative of a neck issue? (Not sure, but think so.) The seller sent some additional images as well that I can forward to you if you'd like. Thanks for your help.
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Westerly Wood

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The action looks high. Could bring saddle down as much as will allow but doesn’t look like it will help a lot. So only other option know of is a reset.
 

wileypickett

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You can't tell anything from this and shouldn't try to.

The way the seller has the straight-edge set is all wrong -- one end is resting ON TOP OF the bridge and the other on the fretboard extension.

It's also a 12-inch ruler, which isn't long enough to tell you what you need to know.

You need a long enough straight-edge -- 24" is good -- so that you can rest the better part of it ONLY on the fretboard, in a line across the frets, ideally between the pair of D and G strings.

Starting with left-hand edge of the straight-edge near the nut, slide it down to see where the right-hand edge MEETS the bridge. (Don't place the edge on top of the bridge!)

Seeing where it meets the bridge will give you a good idea of the neck angle, and whether or not the guitar is likely to need a neck reset.

Good luck Tim!
 

Budha

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You can't tell anything from this and shouldn't try to.

The way the seller has the straight-edge set is all wrong -- one end is resting ON TOP OF the bridge and the other on the fretboard extension.

It's also a 12-inch ruler, which isn't long enough to tell you what you need to know.

You need a long enough straight-edge -- 24" is good -- so that you can rest the better part of it ONLY on the fretboard, in a line across the frets, ideally between the pair of D and G strings.

Starting with left-hand edge of the straight-edge near the nut, slide it down to see where the right-hand edge MEETS the bridge. (Don't place the edge on top of the bridge!)

Seeing where it meets the bridge will give you a good idea of the neck angle, and whether or not the guitar is likely to need a neck reset.

Good luck Tim!
I agree with Wileypcikett. The additional pictures do not give much additional information for evaluating the neck angle. A wooden 12" straight edge is not of much value in the pictures you have. The article linked below in Frets.com is a very good reference for checking neck angle on an acoustic guitar. If you read it you be loaded with good information for checking out guitar neck angles.

 

timacn

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Thanks, Bud. I actually did refer the the owner (who sent me the pictures) to that Frets article. As wileypickett notes, the ruler is too short to accurately do "the ruler test." Some of the pictures the present owner sent to me are not crystal clear, but it looks like the distance between the strings and the top of the guitar near the bridge is less than the 3/8 inch the Frets article recommends. (and therefore indicative of neck issues) I personally think the neck looks like it needs work, but I am pretty ignorant about these things and I do not trust my opinion on all of this.
 

timacn

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I really want to get a Guild 12, but it's looking like the only smart thing to do is to buy a new one or a used one from a seller who is both honest and who knows what he or she is talking about when advertising a guitar, particularly a 12 string, for sale.
 

adorshki

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I really want to get a Guild 12, but it's looking like the only smart thing to do is to buy a new one or a used one from a seller who is both honest and who knows what he or she is talking about when advertising a guitar, particularly a 12 string, for sale.
Hardd to tell but that next to the last one looks like the (yeah, short) straightedge is meeting exactly the top of the bridge, indicates ideal neck angle, assuming bridge hasn't been shaved. Hitting below the top of the bridge is the problem area, depending on "severity".

Some guitars take a "set" and settle in with sub-optimal neck angles and then stay stable for years, decades even.

If only you could have it in hand.
 

adorshki

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I really want to get a Guild 12, but it's looking like the only smart thing to do is to buy a new one or a used one from a seller who is both honest and who knows what he or she is talking about when advertising a guitar, particularly a 12 string, for sale.
Yep. This seller actually appears to be trying to be helpful but not well-versed in what we really need to see, perhaps?
 

timacn

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The seller was absolutely trying to be helpful. I think many or even most people, myself certainly included, know little or nothing about proper guitar setup, including neck angles, bridges, saddles, etc. It seems that the extra pressure of 12 strings just enhances/accelerates the potential for neck and bridge issues. I'm gonna keep my attention focused on either new instruments or sellers of used Guild 12 strings who are well versed in all of this stuff. (It's just that Guild 12 strings are so hard to find!)
 

JohnW63

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If that top picture has the ruler on the last handful of frets and on the bridge and not showing a gap between the ruler and the frets, you could be fine.
 

Cougar

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There is some space under the straight edge at the end of the fretboard when you run the ruler to the top of the bridge.
That's kind of a backwards way to do it, but I think it does indicate a bad neck angle. As mentioned, you want the end of the ruler to be just short of the bridge, not on top of it. If the ruler was like that and was sitting down on the frets at the end of the fretboard, then on this guitar, the end of the ruler would be below the top of the bridge, which means the neck angle is not good.

I really want to get a Guild 12, but it's looking like the only smart thing to do is to buy a new one or a used one from a seller who is both honest and who knows what he or she is talking about when advertising a guitar, particularly a 12 string, for sale.

Hang in there, Timacn! My three Guilds were bought used. And you're doing exactly the right thing -- have the seller check the neck angle, the height of the saddle, and the other crucial measurements. Check reverb and ebay sold items to determine a reasonable price. Then go for it. A good one will come along. Sometimes you've just got to wait a little while.
 

adorshki

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If that top picture has the ruler on the last handful of frets and on the bridge and not showing a gap between the ruler and the frets, you could be fine.
Right. Thought it might be a good sign at first, then realized that a gap under the straightedge along the fretboard extension might actually be a sign of the extension diving into the top, rather than the neck having a "good" angle outside the body.

As mentioned, you want the end of the ruler to be just short of the bridge, not on top of it.
??? I think you mean the straightedge should ideally meet the top of the bridge, even be able to lay along it in the same plane as the neck, that's the ideal. Not sure what "just short" meant unless you mean it hits the bridge below its top?
 
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Cougar

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Not sure what "just short" meant unless you mean it hits the bridge below its top?
Oh, yeah that wasn't very clear. I mean as you slide the ruler down the fretboard toward the bridge, you want to stop when you get to the bridge. Ideally you want it to line up right at the top of the bridge. The farther it hits below the top of the bridge, the more you're likely to need a neck reset.
 

Budha

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I really want to get a Guild 12, but it's looking like the only smart thing to do is to buy a new one or a used one from a seller who is both honest and who knows what he or she is talking about when advertising a guitar, particularly a 12 string, for sale.
I have seen several really nice Guild 12 strings for sale on this site in the last few months. You may think of posting a "Wanted to Buy" post on this forum. My experience on this site is there are a bunch of good, helpful, and honest people on this site.

Another option is Guitar Center. Guitar Center often has used Guild 12 strings. GC has a really good return policy and is very easy to return purchases if there is a GC close to you. Shipping from them is extremely cheap. I have bought a number of guitars from GC with little information other than the poor pictures on their site and inaccurate condition information. I returned the not so good ones and kept the good ones.

Good luck In you search.
 
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