Martin Serial Number breakdown-update

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: Fred
Date: 23 Jul 25 - 12:04 PM

Thanks guys.

I'm confident tinkering with a banjo but I've never adjusted a guitar and I don't, really, think I should start with a guitar that's one of the best I've ever had.

I can see no bellying caused by 13's, and I have no arthritis hand issues, so think I'll watch the guitar top and change down only if there's a need.

Cheers again
-F

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: Fred
Date: 23 Jul 25 - 12:10 PM

Gilly -

Re: proofreading after posting. You think you're alone?? ;)

-F

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Jul 25 - 12:53 PM

You'd think I'd no better by now, Fred.

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: MaJoC the Filk
Date: 23 Jul 25 - 02:17 PM

Anyone who's had to proffreed a large body of text (eg a thesis) will find that the first pass finds 90% of the errors, then the next pass 50% of the remaining ones; after that, the only way forward is to get a fresh pair of eyes on the problem, as that'll find a different *class* fo tyops. Don't let that be your external examiner :-) .

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Jul 25 - 07:09 PM

R U a robutt?

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: Fred
Date: 24 Jul 25 - 07:43 AM

^ ?

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: Fred
Date: 24 Jul 25 - 07:55 AM

I've decided to stick with 13-56.

The chicken has lost his bottle ;)

-F

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 24 Jul 25 - 08:29 AM

Because of the arthritis and tenosynovitis in my hands, I’m running Elixir Nano PB 12s or D’Addario XS PB 12s on all my guitars now, including my HD-28V and my D-18 which I used to run with 13s.

As I always do when trying a different gauge of strings, I measured the neck-relief before dropping gauges, and again after the change. On both Dreads, the relief had lessened with the lighter strings - all it took was a (1/8-turn anti-clockwise on the TR to get it back to where I like it (~0.006”). It’s really not difficult or risky, provided you go slow and easy.

I do like to measure things - helps to keep track of action on my guitars and, if something changes, it’s a straightforward matter to determine what the change is, and how to correct it. I know that my actions are all 3/32” - 2/32” at the 12th fret, and ~0.006” relief. If something begins to feel ‘wrong’, I know where my aiming points should be, and what I need to do to hit the target.

IMHO, and YMMV of course!

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: Fred
Date: 24 Jul 25 - 08:55 AM

Hmm...ok, I'll get the appropriate 5mm Allen Key, measure up, throw on a set of 12's, leave it awhile, measure again and make any necessary adjustment to the rod.

Go below would be what I'd do then back up, so I'm adjusting up rather than down.

I'll report back.

-F

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: GUEST,gillymor
Date: 24 Jul 25 - 09:37 AM

You might want to take a look at this Dan Erlewine/Stew Mac vid on understanding truss rods before proceeding and keep in mind that you may not have to do anything after a string change.

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: Fred
Date: 24 Jul 25 - 09:49 AM

Key ordered from Strings Direct. Wanted one with an handle. They didn't have one, so I'll make one for it. Shouldn't be a problem :o

-F

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 24 Jul 25 - 11:41 AM

I agree with Gilly - it’s always a good idea to do some reading/video-watching before tackling a job for the first time. ‘Bryan Kimsey Lutherie’ website and YT videos are also a good source of info.

Because I’ve been tweaking my guitars’ setups for over 60 years, I tend to forget that not everyone is comfortable with this kind of work, but I do firmly believe that most setup tasks are easily-learned by anyone with a modicum of nouse. It’s not rocket-surgery after all… ;-)

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 24 Jul 25 - 11:43 AM

Fred, it’s a shame you won’t be at Leadenham next week - I could have lent you my Stew-Mac long 5mm wrench.

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: Fred
Date: 24 Jul 25 - 12:22 PM

BWM -

As I said to Dave the Gnome in another thread, I'm wrestling with several projects at the minute. They may even rule out the Whitby FF if I don't get my skates on...

I've painted a bit of a false picture, though, as no-one tinkers with a banjo more than I do and yet my One North Star has not only survived but sounds great :)

So, an acoustic guitar is a different beast, I know, but - well, truss rods are truss rods. I'm sure I'll be ok.

Cheers
-F

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: Fred
Date: 24 Jul 25 - 12:26 PM

Ome, even!

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: Fred
Date: 25 Jul 25 - 07:47 AM

Had another go and got a 5mm Allen Key with an handle.

Coming from Dawson's of Denmark St. :)

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 25 Jul 25 - 08:38 AM

It’s only an Allen key - I hope Dawsons was cheap!

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: Fred
Date: 25 Jul 25 - 09:34 AM

Ray -

On orders over £15, Dawson's post free. Unfortunately, this was more, so £5 postage. It's the handle that bumped up the price!

-F

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: Fred
Date: 25 Jul 25 - 09:53 AM

That's confusing! What I meant was, it would be post free if the item cost £15 or more. It didn't BUT, cos of the handle, the postage was bumped up to £5...

Still a bargain!

-F

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: Fred
Date: 25 Jul 25 - 10:47 AM

AND... Mrs F has just phoned me to say that she's ordered one direct from the Martin factory for my D-18.

So, if anyone wants the Dawson's one, drop me a PM and I'll post it off. My treat.

Cheers
-F

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 25 Jul 25 - 12:33 PM

If you google “5 mm allen key with handle” you’ll get more results than you can shake a stick at.

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 25 Jul 25 - 12:36 PM

Should have added that you need one you can use with the strings still on.

Incidentally, does the guitar have a single or dual acting truss rod?

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: Fred
Date: 25 Jul 25 - 02:03 PM

Dual. 5mm key for all Martin's with adjustable rods except Modern Deluxe and SC models which take 4mm.

-F

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 25 Jul 25 - 03:12 PM

”Incidentally, does the guitar have a single or dual acting truss rod?”

Martin changed to two-way rods in the early/mid 2000’s. Fred’s is a recent D-18, it will have the two-way rod.

My HD-28V is a 2010 and my D-18 is a 2012 - both have a two-way rod.

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: Fred
Date: 25 Jul 25 - 03:51 PM

It's a 2024, celebrated its 1st birthday on 11 July, that being when it left its mother(the factory) :)

-F

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: Fred
Date: 26 Jul 25 - 10:46 AM

I can't believe there's no takers for the Dawson's 5mm Allen key WITH ERGONOMIC HANDLE.

I've misjudged ya :)

-F

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 26 Jul 25 - 12:00 PM

Very generous offer, Fred, but most of my guitars need a spanner, the D18 is pre-adjustable truss rod and the other one needs a special hex key with a “U” bend to get round a brace in the top.

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: Fred
Date: 26 Jul 25 - 12:55 PM

That rings a bell about a U bend required in the tool, Ray. I can't recall the guitar brand though.

If no takers for the Allen key, I'll just keep it with all the other stuff. I have a wall cupboard housing strings, tools, microfibre cloths, Dr Ducks Ax Wax, plectrums, thumbpicks, capos, harmonicas etc.

-F

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Jul 25 - 01:04 PM

Thanks, Fred that's very kind of you but I've got my hex key situation sorted out and I just remove the tip from a multi-bit screwdriver and use it for a lever, besides I'm an ocean away.

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: Fred
Date: 26 Jul 25 - 01:08 PM

Guest -

No worries mate :)

-F

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 26 Jul 25 - 01:09 PM

Larrivee, Fred. Mine’s the same model as this - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lc8BcBZ0tAI

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: Fred
Date: 26 Jul 25 - 01:23 PM

That's the brand, Ray. Seen them around - you know, in stores, at gigs - but never played one.

Isn't Atkin another brand that requires a bend in the tool? Think I read it somewhere.

-F

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 26 Jul 25 - 05:44 PM

Never owned an Atkin so can’t be sure. I’ve actually thought of swapping the Larrivee parlour for the equivalent Atkin but I can’t get my head round their obsession for “weathered” finishes/rusty tuners etc.

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: Fred
Date: 26 Jul 25 - 07:42 PM

I tried 2 Atkin models, an Essential D and another I can't name.

I didn't like either, they didn't feel right, look or sound right. But that's just my opinion, and I know people who love 'em, just not for me.

But for over 50 years I've had either Martin or Gibson, so you need to read that into it FWIW :)

-F

Subject: RE: Martin Serial Number breakdown-update
From: Fred
Date: 28 Jul 25 - 02:25 PM

So, tried a set of D'Addario EJ16 on the D-18.

Tone was ok, didn't notice any buzzing or intonation issues but I DID notice a loss of fire, so put Lifespan 13-56 back on.

I think I'll be looking for another acoustic guitar soon, not to replace this one but

an as well as.

-F