Setup for pre-NT neck

[lmacmil]

My friend has an 810 from about 1996.  He thinks it needs a setup because it doesn't play as well as his 1970s Gibson.  He asked me if he should go to the local Guitar Center but I have no experience with them.  I know the NT-neck uses shims at the neck joint to set the action.  What about the pre-NT neck?  Is it a similar process or the more traditional saddle sanding?  Thanks.

[Strumming Fool]

I have two pre-NT Taylors that went back to Taylor for refresh packages in addition to some other service items. In both instances, they reset the neck, which is not the major surgery that is performed on a non-bolt-on neck. Taylor has always used a bolt-on neck even before its NT period. Both guitars came back with improved playability.

I'm not sure whether an authorized Taylor repair center could do the work, but a call to Taylor will help to clarify your friend's options. Hope this helps.

[lmacmil]

Thanks.  I will pass this along.

[Earl]

As a rule I would never go to the local, Guitar Center for any repair work, unless you have a known high quality tech there.  The guys (or gals) who work there change strings and swap pickups in electric guitars, but may not know much about real work on an acoustic guitar, including basic set-ups.  It's a generalization, but I've never run across anyone at a GC that I would trust to touch one of my babies.  Nothing against Guitar Center on principle, I just don't think they are a home for qualified technicians.