I'm thinking that there are a few things at play. First and foremost is my lack of skill. I did measure the action and at the 12th fret the E string measures 0.9 " and the G is 1.1". The strings don't really 'ring' enough to do a simple hammer on / off. One place that does set-ups (and they didn't seemed all that thrilled about it) charges close to $100 to start.
It's really a shame that I live in a suburban area (there's a Guitar Center and a Sam Ash within 15 miles) and a number of independent music stores but I have such a bad taste from when I went to buy a Martin. <shakes head> I had a budget of up to $5k and they ignored me. (And I specifically didn't go at a busy time and I made two trips to each store. I didn't keep it a secret what I was buying either.) I guess they don't work on commission.
I'm on Long Island. I'll have to look into this more. One of the tougher things is that I broke my wrist on my dominant hand so it doesn't have the strength or dexterity, or I'd get 1/2 a dozen sets of strings and give it a go myself.
If you smell smoke don't worry. It's just me thinking.
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