Having been in the stringed instrument repair (as a side line) business forever I thought I might share some of the lesser known terminology with aspiring luthiers. Saturday I got in a Gibson J-45 that the owner claims that "it don't tone out like my brothers J-45". Translation- It doesn't sound like.
Other frequently heard terms are:
"It notes out on the 2nd string" Translation- Fret buzz. Usually in this case due to excessive fret wear.
"My string holder broke" Translation- Broken or loose nut, saddle or bridge. The nut has also known as "String spacer" or "Top nut".
"One of the string turners(yes Turners) broke. Translation- Broken/ damaged machine head.
"It don't note right" Translation-intonation problem or fret buzz.
My all time favorite "It don't chord right" This can relate to any number of problems but in most cases it usually means too much or not enough neck relief or high action.
Anybody got any others?