Neck Issues on 1985 Larrivee 12-string.

[L07 Shooting Star]

You've done a good job of documenting the problem. Now take it to your tech and see if they can get the action adjusted to an acceptable level without even THINKING about shaving the bridge. If they can get it real close between a little relief adjustment and nut and saddle work, then do it and play the snot out of it for as long as you can. If, after some time, the action seems like it is getting worse, re-check all the measurements against those you have now and if the neck has moved, and you're still loving the guitar, then go ahead and get a reset and adjustment. Or, if the tech cannot get the guitar adjusted pretty well right now as it is, go ahead and get it done now.
But I would stop worrying alot about it and play it as much as you can. Get the opinion of a good tech, and keep that in the back of your mind. I doubt its gonna get a whole lot worse in the next few weeks, and maybe not in the next few years -

Here is an update on my 12-string.  Tadol, I took your advice.  I took it to local music store recommend by "gracem", another forum member.  I left it there to just have the truss rod adjusted.  I got a call the next day from one of their techs (not the same guy I talked to the day before).  He said a truss rod adjustment alone wouldn't be much of an improvement to the action and did I want him to do a complete setup?  I told him not till I came down to discuss it with him.  My concern was "wasting" a setup if the neck had to be reset anyways.  When I got there, I discovered the tech had not really had a good look at it.  I showed him where the neck was pulling away, etc.  He said that may not necessarily be a big issue if it has stabilized.  He said he could lower the nut slots and the saddle and improve the action considerably.  I was worried about affecting the tone by lowering the saddle.  He said it wouldn't be a problem.  If anything I might lose a little volume.  He also said he would look at the neck while the strings were off and see it he thought it was "stable".  So I trusted his judgement and I said "go for it".  That was last Tue.  This morning he called me and said it was done.  I rushed over to pick it up.

I couldn't believe the difference!  The action is just great, and the tone is as before.  I actually think it lost a little volume, but it was loud to start with.  The most incredible thing, though, is that the gap between the neck and body has almost closed up and the former neck twist is almost all gone!!  He said the neck was pretty stable in his opinion and that his adjustments, simply by changing the direction of the tension forces, has pulled the neck much closer to how it should be.  Just like you said, Tadol, he said just play it and watch it and don't be concerned unless it starts to move some more.  So I took it home and have been playing it most of the day, and it was so inspiring, it almost brought tears to my eyes.  (Indulge me.  I've never owned a 12-string before and hardly ever played one.)  The best $42.95 I've ever spent!!

So now, I'm gonna play the hell out of it as suggested and not worry about the neck at all for now.  Thanks Tadol, and Gracem and all of you for your great advice.   I'm a very happy camper.

P.S.  I haven't yet recieved a response to my long-winded email c/w pictures that I sent to Mike at Larrivee.

Kurt

[unclrob]

Thats so cool I'm glad all has worked out.


Oh ya something that should have been said before,once you play a 12 string your hooked,cleaned and cooked.There also very addicting.

[L07 Shooting Star]

Thats so cool I'm glad all has worked out.

Oh ya something that should have been said before,once you play a 12 string your hooked,cleaned and cooked.There also very addicting.

Thanks, unclrob.  It is truly a great guitar (and addictive).
BTW, the bridge on the Yamaki is glued on and clamped as of last night, and just have to wait till Sun. to remove the clamps and string it up.

Kurt

[unclrob]

Ya I've been meaning to mention that guitar repair is also very addictive.Send picks and if you have any questions you got my address.

[dee-ten]

So now, I'm gonna play the hell out of it as suggested and not worry about the neck at all for now.  Thanks Tadol, and Gracem and all of you for your great advice.  I'm a very happy camper.

That's awesome! 

[gracem]

Kurt: so glad to hear how things have worked out - what a great story for a wonderful guitar needing help!  That little guitar shop has been good to me, though I've only had them do minor repairs and set-up.  I've recommended them to a number of people - hats off to good guitar tech's!    Going back through this thread, I also continue to be so impressed by the helpful knowledgeable advice on this forum, especially unclrob - wow.  And I do look forward to meeting up with you Kurt and your 12-er when my life slows down...  Greg

[AZLiberty]

 The best $42.95 I've ever spent!!

Kurt

That is a great price on a setup for a 12.  Last time I had a 12-set up (12+ years ago) it ran me $100.  They are easily twice as much work as a 6.

[L07 Shooting Star]

That is a great price on a setup for a 12.  Last time I had a 12-set up (12+ years ago) it ran me $100.  They are easily twice as much work as a 6.

I didn't really know what to expect but I thought it would be considerably more more than 43 bucks.  I was a bit surpised it didn't cost more.  Greg has dealt with them before but when he recommended them, he didn't mention if they were good value, just that he had good success with them in the past.

Kurt