Once I learned (thank you StewMac) how to do proper setup, life got a LOT easier. Anyone can learn fairly easily and it doesn’t cost a whole lot for tools. Most likely have them in the tool box as is. Hardcore fret/nut work excepted of course. Straight edges, screw drivers, allen wrenches and pliers. Not much more needed.
A well set up guitar is a dream to play. Makes even Squires play like Strats.
My wife bought me the 12 string Tak used for a present for under $200. The only thing wrong with it was it had been strung up wrong. I bought new strings, paid the store another $10 to put them on and it was ready to go.
There's a store just north of Knoxville, TN that is a Martin dealer but has great buys on used of any brand. That's where mine have came from.
I watched the guy set up the one I borrowed. I didn't want to chance screwing up someone elses guitar LOL. Actually I still have it. He didn't want it back but it's too much an aggravation for me to play. The neck is too narrow and on the bottom E my finger slides off.
My DK has the typical thin jackson neck but I much prefer the Charvel’s. Wide and thick as hell by comparison. I have average size hands so it isn’t a ‘sausage finger’ thing.
The problem is adjusting between playing one and the other. First world problems ;)