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I have a Washburn D12(not a 12 string, but a 6) which I bought new between 87 and 89. It has laminate back and sides. It was sold to me as a solid top. At the time I did not know any better, but after some research it appears the top is most likely laminate as well.

Despite this, over the years this guitar has developed a really nice tone, and it is a guitar I have had for a long time. If it were a customer's guitar, quite frankly, I would tell him it's not worth fixing. But this is a personal guitar. All it will cost me is my time, and despite it's poor pedigree it is like an old friend.

It is in need of a reset. Action is 5/32 at the 12th on the low E, with .008 in relief at the 8th fret and the saddle down to it's lowest height. It plays well still, even with slightly high action(I prefer 4/32", so not far off from my preference), but I know there's nowhere left to go if the action ever raises further.

I have done tech and repair work for several years, but never a neck reset. I always send them down the road to someone who knows what they are doing on that.

I understand the technique, but have never tried it. However, I will have to do so eventually.

Has anyone ever had a late 80's Washburn apart? Can anyone tell me if this is a dovetail, dowel rod, bolt on mortise and tenon, or other? When or if it comes due I'd sure like to know what I'm in for.

Thanks.

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Hi Mike

If you search 'Washburn reset' on the forum you'll see that it is most unlikely to be a joint that can be conventionally reset.  By the '80s Washburn acoustics were coming from Asian factories, with the attendant problems of Asian Mystery Glue and Asian Mystery Joints.  If you really want to know, get your local vet to xray the joint, but expect dowels and epoxy.  Conversion to bolt-on is almost certainly the route forward - if it's worth doing.

Ian, thanks. I was afraid of that. But that's the info I needed.  When the time comes I'll break out my hand saw.

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