I have an FG-30LTD that I need to get back into shape. Using the serial number and your archive/spreadsheet, I found out that this was manufactured in the mid 90's as a reissue of an FG-180. I think it needs to have the neck adjusted (the truss rod is accessed from inside the body), and maybe the bridge lowered a little. The action is way higher than 5/64" on the low strings.
Looking through your repair stories I was really impressed with the work and the quality. HOWEVER, I'm really interested in pics of the Gerstner machinist's toolbox. I want one.
Thanks! My wife bought me the toolbox for Christmas 3 or 4 years ago. It's about $400!! You can sometimes find them used, or a Chinese copy for less.
It's odd that they put "LTD" in the model number, suggesting limited production. Which is not true, I've seen many of these for sale. They are all plywood. I've never seen one in person.
The truss rod is not for adjusting the action, it only adjusts the neck curvature in the first few frets. Typically, the cause of high action is by a bad neck angle, caused by decades of string tension pulling the neck up. The truss rod cannot fix this.