Hi,
Last month I purchased a Taylor 150E 12 string after basically not playing for 20 years plus. I played on stage throughout the '80's until 1987 when I injured my left hand damaging tendons, nerves in my fingers and my wrist losing flexibility. I went from a pretty good guitar player to an average player. I tried playing one more gig in 1988 to impress my new boss and played once more in '93 with a woman I had played with before. had a pair of custom Martins, a D-28 and a D12-28 12 string. They were amazing guitars. In 2000, I got a call from an ex girlfriend I had known since high school. We also dated on and off throughout the '70's and '80's. She was my biggest music fan. She told me she had Cancer and not much time left. She asked me if I'd come and sing to her again when her time came. When I got that call, I hopped on a plane and when I arrived, borrowed a friend's D-28 and sang for her as she took her last breath. Probably the last song she heard was "Never My Love", the first song we danced to at a high school dance. It took ever ounce of strength to play for her without losing it. I was devastated. When I returned home, I just could not play anymore and sold all my guitars including the two Martins. On the 20 anniversary of her death, I talked to her sister and she told me it was time to play again and that she will still hear me. I figured the way 2020 was going, maybe it might be a good escape so I went out and bought a cheap guitar in case I couldn't play anymore. After a few days I felt I could play somewhat but the 6 string wasn't enough to push me onward. I missed the sound of a 12 string so I took it back and traded for the Taylor 150E. I liked the sound and once the action was adjusted liked the way it played. I have a LONG way to go to be functional. I had a great sound system in the old days so for the Taylor I bought a digital reverb and a multi effects pedal. Now with a new set of headphones, I can truly escape. It is good to play again.
The video link has and old recording from 1985 and me trying to play Norwegian Wood again with the Taylor before the action was lowered.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyfMNYxmbz8
