What a relief (after 6 weeks)

Intonation, Compensation, Frustration
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jrc127
Posts: 70
Joined: Sat Sep 03, 2011 4:37 pm
Location: Manheim, PA

What a relief (after 6 weeks)

Post by jrc127 »

On a newly built guitar, does it normally take several weeks for the neck to work in some relief?

I thought I had done something wrong but kept waiting see before posting. For the first month the neck was about dead flat and no matter what I did with the truss rod it did not put any relief in the neck. Finally, in the last week or so there is relief in the neck and it responds to adjustments to the rod. Of course, first I put in too much relief and then not enough but at least I know it works.

Is that something to expect with each guitar I build?
James Cowhey
Manheim, PA

Martin 000-18 Kit (African Mahogany, Sitka Spruce)
tippie53
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Location: Hegins, Pa
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Re: What a relief (after 6 weeks)

Post by tippie53 »

they are like kids some behave better than others
John Hall
Blues Creek Guitars Inc
Authorized CF Martin Repair Center
president of Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
http://www.bluescreekguitars.com
Tim R
Posts: 104
Joined: Fri Jul 08, 2011 4:15 am

Re: What a relief (after 6 weeks)

Post by Tim R »

John, how many full revolutions of a truss rod, starting from its center position, before it is in danger of breaking? I've put more than half a revolution on mine, I would guess, but would like to adjust some more...

Thanks,
Tim
tippie53
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Re: What a relief (after 6 weeks)

Post by tippie53 »

That depends on the rod. On the Martin rods , they can take a number of turns. The welded on nut rods like the stew mac hot rod can snap easier.
You shouldn't need more than 2 turns to adjust a neck . In most cases you will be good
John Hall
Blues Creek Guitars Inc
Authorized CF Martin Repair Center
president of Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
http://www.bluescreekguitars.com
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