Rick Taylor dropped this guitar off for a pickup install after indicating that he was ready to drive to Michigan USA to get this job done because after checking with the "12th Fret" and a couple of other places within a comfortable driving distance of home ( Bayfield ) he had failed to find anyone who had done this installation. After hearing this, I took a few dozen photos of the job-in-progress and decided to post this tutorial / pictorial for the "12th Fret" and the "Guitar Repair Community" as well as my "Guitar Repair and Design Course" students ( past and future ) .
You can check out Rick Taylor at http://www.ricktaylormusic.com/
Click to see fret dress video !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kknr4bZg-2o&feature=player_detailpage
The following photos are a step by step pictorial / tutorial for the installation of the Highlander pickup system for the Tri-Cone National steel.
This is a fairly involved installation, so if you are thinking about doing this job and have any questions ... zip me an email .. I'll be happy to walk you through it !
StringTech / TechDeck Info:
http://mcconvilleguitars.blogspot.ca/p/stringtechs-techdeck-workstation.html
The clearance between the "chrome clip" ( see previous picture) and the pickup ..... " WITH THE STRINGS TUNED TO CONCERT PITCH " .... needs to be between 1/16" and 3/32".This is the single most critical part of this install.
http://mcconvilleguitars.blogspot.ca/p/stringtechs-techdeck-workstation.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVnCt7HGeIo
This 12 String guitar now plays easier than most six string guitars !
Action after neck re-set
This is a nice guitar that sat virtually un-played for 10 years.
12 String Acoustic compensated bone saddle detail
Removed neck before clean up .
Top surface cleaned up and
ready for neck + fingerboard extension.
The relieved neck heel ( face ) and cleaned up fingerboard.
Taylor neck re-set
Neck and top surface ready for re-attachment.
Lowest possible treble side action before re-set
Lowest possible bass side action before re-set.
Saddle bottomed out and action still un-playably high.
