What do you do with...

5thumbs

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...a guitar that's too good to throw away but not good enough to save?

I bought the Seagull M12 in 2010(?) as an experiment; I love the 12-string sound but wasn't sure I wanted to make a serious investment in a "good" (Guild) guitar.
For several years it has been a great "occasional" guitar. But a few days ago I put fresh strings (gasp!) on it and realized that the action had gotten a lot higher. The straightedge test says that a neck reset is in order. This would cost more than the guitar is worth.

OK, I don't have a problem with buying another 12-string; an F412 has been a thought for a long time. But what about the Seagull?

My options seem to be:

A: Drop the tuning down two steps and see if that helps. This I will try in the next few days (I probably should mention that the strings are John Pearse 1400L). Of course, if that works I won't have a reason to search for an F412. Sigh.

B: Do the Killdeer thing and convert to six strings. A "beater" guitar is always good to have.

C: Try to sell it to someone who wants to either live with the action or attempt a repair.

Other ideas? What would you do?

I do NOT want to just throw it away.
 

adorshki

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I'm not sure the lowering the tension efforts would do much good when the neck's already taking a dive.
There's the "lowering the saddle thing" or...any chance you'd want to turn it into a "learning luthierie" project?
Otherwise I would try to sell it to someone who does want to try to repair it.
 

davismanLV

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Yeah, Rick, this is one of those tough situations that.... what do you do? I know my Washburn could easily be in that category. If anything changes with the neck. I bought it in 1995, before I knew about saddle height or any of that stuff. It plays very easily and although it doesn't sound great acoustically, plugged in it's not bad at all. The thing is, that saddle is low and if that neck moves any at all, then what? The guitar is maybe worth $150-200 max. Hardly a candidate for a neck reset. It's in PERFECT condition! Beautiful and flawless after all these years. But so what? I hope someone comes up with a great solution for you, because I may need it one day in the years to come. :subdued:
 

walrus

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Is there a local charity near you that would match the guitar up with someone who might appreciate it? For example, Guitars for Vets, or something for children, teens, whatever? This assumes the guitar is playable, of course.

http://www.guitars4vets.org/

walrus
 

wileypickett

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You could use it for slide playing, maybe?

Me, I'd save the parts -- mainly the tuners, but also the saddle, nut, pickguard, end pins, etc., and either toss the rest, give it away on Craigslist, leave it on the curb or turn it into art, or something.

Anything else is likely to be more hassle than it's worth.
 

Neal

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Here's a crazy idea that just might work...

Buy a nut extender and a dobro tone bar. Use 6 strings, and play it lap style.

I have always been tempted to try a nut extender on a 12-string and see what all 12-strings sound like with a tone bar. It would be huge.
 

kostask

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Seagulls have bolted on necks. That should make neck resets faster, and cheaper. They are also not known for having premature neck reset issues. Before deciding anything, have a trusted/recommended luthier look at it.
 

5thumbs

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Many good ideas here, thanks. My first thought was donation to guitars4vets, but with the raised action it probably would not be the best choice for a beginner.

There isn't a lot of saddle to work with, but I suppose a trip to my luthier is a logical first step. The worst case scenario would be a sale "as-is" to someone willing to repair it.

OK, the panic is over. With reflection it isn't the end of the world - I didn't pay that much for it and got several years of enjoyment out of it.

...And maybe I really do want an F412. :friendly_wink:
 

davismanLV

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MAYBE you want an F412? C'mon Rick, lets get real! LOL!! Even if the saddle is low you can also have the luthier shave the bridge and ramp the strings. I doubt I'd do that to a super nice guitar, but on this one, just get that action lowered so you can still play it, or to sell it. Either way. Luthier time!! :encouragement:
 

12 string

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I had a serious student model classical guitar and didn't know what to do with it. Just didn't play it anymore. I could have sold it but didn't want the bother. Giving it to the DAV was the perfect solution.
 

Just_Guild

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Many good ideas here, thanks. My first thought was donation to guitars4vets, but with the raised action it probably would not be the best choice for a beginner.

There isn't a lot of saddle to work with, but I suppose a trip to my luthier is a logical first step. The worst case scenario would be a sale "as-is" to someone willing to repair it.

OK, the panic is over. With reflection it isn't the end of the world - I didn't pay that much for it and got several years of enjoyment out of it.

...And maybe I really do want an F412. :friendly_wink:


Rick, if you like the Seagull 12 string, and I certainly do mine, rather than spending a lot of money on it, check out my "enabler" Gary at Slightly Touched Guitars. He is a legitimate Godin dealer, lives near me in PA, and so far I have bought 4 guitars from him. One to two more are in the works (what the heck, life is short). My 12 string Seagull is a repair, nicely done, for a very nice price. And the guitar sings better than a Martin. No joke. here is the link: http://slightlytouchedguitar.blogspot.com/

Here's what he has listed now:

12 String Guitars
Coastline S12 ....top crack ..................................$280 R
Coastline S12 QI....top crack ...$629...................$350 R
S & P Songsmith 12 burst.... minor top cr..........$280 R


From what I understand, it's difficult but not impossible to do a neck reset on a Seagull. They use epoxy between the neck and body (not the heel). If mine ever reaches that point, it's a give away.

Hope this helps.
 

Just_Guild

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Rick, if you like the Seagull 12 string, and I certainly do mine, rather than spending a lot of money on it, check out my "enabler" Gary at Slightly Touched Guitars. He is a legitimate Godin dealer, lives near me in PA, and so far I have bought 4 guitars from him. One to two more are in the works (what the heck, life is short). My 12 string Seagull is a repair, nicely done, for a very nice price. And the guitar sings better than a Martin. No joke. here is the link: http://slightlytouchedguitar.blogspot.com/

Here's what he has listed now:

12 String Guitars
Coastline S12 ....top crack ..................................$280 R
Coastline S12 QI....top crack ...$629...................$350 R
S & P Songsmith 12 burst.... minor top cr..........$280 R


From what I understand, it's difficult but not impossible to do a neck reset on a Seagull. They use epoxy between the neck and body (not the heel). If mine ever reaches that point, it's a give away.

Hope this helps.


Oh, forgot to say, he ships nationally and internationally. You can PM me if you want more details.
 

5thumbs

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Thanks again, guys. Will probably visit luthier and then make final decision. All the advice is greatly appreciated.
 

Neal

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For $35 and about a half hour of your time, you might consider installing a JDL Bridge Doctor, and slowly bringing the bridge/saddle/top back down. It totally worked on my D-35, and improved the sustain in the process.

I would never consider one on an expensive guitar (where a neck reset is the preferred option, but on one in this price range, it seems like a reasonable solution.
 

5thumbs

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For $35 and about a half hour of your time, you might consider installing a JDL Bridge Doctor, and slowly bringing the bridge/saddle/top back down. It totally worked on my D-35, and improved the sustain in the process.

I would never consider one on an expensive guitar (where a neck reset is the preferred option, but on one in this price range, it seems like a reasonable solution.

Neal, I installed one shortly after I got the M12, hoping it would prevent future problems. The top is still pretty much where it should be; no obvious bellying/bulging. It looks to me to be a neck issue; we'll see what the luthier says. But thanks much for the suggestion!
 

Rayk

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Bolt on neck? I had c6 cutaway never noticed it being a bolt on huh what you learn some days lol

Bolt on makes for a good DIY project maybe just look at for while see what you it needs take the neck off look again , set back on check it out see what needs doing read up too might be fun if not bolt it back up :)
 
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