I'm new around here but I just had to post up when I got my guitar back from Mark Arnquist.
A little history:
When I bought my v64 off ebay in 2002, it was in stunning condition. I'm not very particular about the exactitudes of the Beatles' gear, but I knew this guitar was pretty damn close, cosmetically, to the HDN 12. My main concern, however, was playability.
I've used it for the last three years and, for the most part, I was able to get by on it. I've played a few other Ricky 12s (mostly late 80s and early 90s 360/12s) and, for as much as I knew, that was just the way they played. So, I adapted and got used to the feel.
What was REALLY bothering me, however, was that I couldn't get the intonation right. As soon as I got past the 7th fret, it would be pretty horrible. Also, when fretting open position chords, it wouldn't stay in tune. I had to 'compensate' by slightly flattening some open strings to get my open E and A chords to ring 'true'.
I decided I had enough and I sought out someone to fix the problem(s). Again, my main concern is playability not cosmetics.
After Googling and searching on some other boards, the name Mark Arnquist kept popping up. So, I contacted Mark, and explained my situation. Within a few hours, he got back to me and presented me with DETAILED pictures of what he does. I was both impressed and convinced that he would do the 'right' job.
That was three weeks ago. The guitar arrived today and all I can say, with all honesty, is WOW!! I can actually PLAY this guitar without having to fight it. Also, it stays in tune, right up the neck and the open chords ring cleanly and, most importantly, in tune.
Mark's obsession with detail is impeccable. The truss cover and pickguards have been nicely rounded-over, giving the guitar a 'finished' look. The new 12 saddle bridge has been been finished and rounded over, so there are no burrs or sharp edges.
The neck and string height have been properly set up so I can actually play barre chords without having to clamp down on the fretboard. Mark, in jest, asked me if I was playing "slide guitar" with it!
I could never get the action right on this guitar...obviously!! But, the BEST feature, bar none, is the string pairing. The guitar has a new nut and it is situated such that the strings are grouped closely together, but far enough away so they don't 'bump' into each other. It's almost like playing a six string...how cool is that!!
I am completely satisfied with Mr. Arnquist's workmanship and professionalism. Not many techs with Mark's credentials would go through all the step by step detailing of each phase of the process. Also, the turn-around time was great. How many techs can turn out a guitar in less than a week? It took more time for me to wait for UPS than it took for the guitar to be completed.
THANK YOU MR. ARNQUIST!!!
Best regards,
AG
