For the first time since 1972, my guitar is at the luthier's for refretting and a neck reset. I have to do without for a week and a half, give or take a day or two.

Now I understand why so many of you find it necessary to own multiple instruments. I've got nothing to play! My only consolation is the knowledge that when I get it back, it will be better than ever. Well, it had *better* be better than ever!

The frets had gotten pretty seriously worn down, and I need a new saddle -- the high E string (well, to be exact, hundreds of high E strings over the years) had cut a notch into the saddle, causing a bit of buzz. The buzz has been going on so long I've probably incorporated its sound into my playing, and might miss it when it's gone! It's been almost like having a resonator on that one string -- more appropriate to some styles/songs than to others.

The neck is basically in great shape -- no bow or warp -- but the action is a little higher than ideal, increasingly so as you go up the neck. The reset job will give me better action all the way up and down the fingerboard than when the instrument was new.

I'm also getting a cosmetic touch-up that's long overdue.

The guy who's doing the work served his apprenticeship with the man who last dealt with this guitar 33 years ago. And the guitar, by the way, is a well-loved 1969 Martin D-18.

I want it back, all fixed up, NOW!