All really depends on the reason why the action is now raised.

Most common reason - and can indeed be an expensive repair -- is that the belly of the guitar has been pulled upwards by string tension. This can be easily determined by sighting across the top of the guitar from the side to see if it is "bellied up". This condition is often created by an owner leaving the guitar somewhere that is too hot, such as in a hot automobile in summer, which results in a weakening of the typical hide glues used in assembly, the top plate will no longer be held to the underlying braces by the compromised hide glue and the thin top is then pulled upwards by string tension. The problem is also "permanized" once the guitar is allowed to cool down again in that state.

Another possibility for high action like that could be a loosened neck joint. This one is easy to spot and not as expensive to fix as the above.

That particular model of the Yamaha is nice, but not a super-expensive one, many were made. I wouldn't read too much in the luthier's offer to purchase the guitar in that condition, maybe they intended to repair it or maybe they wanted it for parts, you never can tell. The luthier may also simply have wanted to "save" it from a worse fate.


--Mac

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