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  #1  
Old 03-16-2014, 03:04 PM
Prizen Prizen is offline
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Default Martin dread string tension issue

Hi guys,

I have a D-16GT which I find takes noticeably more effort to fret than my Yamaha fg700s, both are strung with mediums and have the same scale length.

The finger pressure required is very high, and I often end up getting fret buzz as I find it difficult to maintain the required force.

Before I bring it to a guitar tech, is there anything your recommend I check or do to help the issue?

Thanks
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Old 03-16-2014, 03:21 PM
pgilmor pgilmor is offline
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It's hard to say for sure without seeing it, but it sounds like a classic case of "your action is too high". It might need a tweak of the truss rod, or it might need the nut and/or saddle lowered.

Unless you want to do it yourself, just tell the tech it needs a setup and tell him what you want and how you play, and it might not be a bad idea to take the Yamaha with you so he can see how you 'd like it to be.
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Old 03-16-2014, 04:12 PM
codecontra codecontra is offline
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You can check the action of both guitars at the 12th fret. My guess is that the action on your Marin is higher. Even a small difference can make a fairly dramatic change in the playability.
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Old 03-16-2014, 04:53 PM
Brucebubs Brucebubs is offline
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I had a new Martin 12-string guitar that was exactly as you describe, very tiring for your fret hand. The action was too high at the nut. A really good set-up totally changed it, I can play it now for hours.
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Old 03-16-2014, 05:08 PM
Prizen Prizen is offline
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Thanks guys, I'll get it to a tech so.
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