Martin Kit Truss rod and Transverse brace

[naccoachbob]

Two questions. First, I've got a Martin kit that I bought from a couple who didn't have time to do the build. It has a dovetail neck. The truss rod does not extend from the neck. It ends flush with the end of the dovetail. Because of that, and the normal lengths of hex wrenches, how far into the body should I set my transverse brace?
Second, the kit was not provided with a cover for the truss rod, and when seated, the end of the truss rod near the nut is almost flush with the surface the fretboard will sit on. The other end is maybe 1/32" below the surface. Is this a concern?
Thanks,
Bob

[Jim_H]

I'll leave the first question to a pro.

As to the second. The reason for the cover is to prevent glue from getting on the truss rod when you glue on the fretboard, It needs to move freely and you don't want it glued to the fretboard. Additionally, as I understand it, the deeper the truss rod is in your neck, the more effective it is. My suggestion would be to clean up the channel with a chisel enough to allow a cover to go on. You can make a cover for it from some scrap, or pick up something at the local hobby/craft store that is close and adapt.

[naccoachbob]

Jim, I like your idea. I do want a cap on there to not only keep glue out but to help with possible rattling from the rod.
It'll give me a reason to sharpen my chisels prior to voicing the top.
Thanks,
Bob

[tippie53]

the 2 way does not to be seated any deeper in the neck. It is fine the way it is . Also the traverse brace stays where it is marked out and that should be about 3/8 inch above the sound hole .
When you set the rod lay in a bead of glue on the bottom of the slot , this will fill any void under the rod. Also lay glue on the top of the rod . No filler will be needed.

[naccoachbob]

John, thanks.
Hey, one last question if I might. Do you know what kind of glue Martin uses to put the rosewood veneer on the headstock on their kit necks? I'm thinking of matching the headstock with the Koa binding that I have. I was thinking of using an iron to soften the glue and remove the rosewood.
Thanks, and much appreciated about the truss rod.
Bob

[tippie53]

tite bond and it will come off clean in a few minutes with your cloths iron

[naccoachbob]

Hot dang! Took less than 10 min!!
Thanks once again.

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Bob,
There is only 6 minutes between your last post and Johns last post, so how could it have taken 10 minutes?
Picky, ain't I. :>)

Kevin

[Jim_H]

tite bond and it will come off clean in a few minutes with your cloths iron

Did anyone else read this is "clothes on" instead of "clothes iron" ? :D

[naccoachbob]

Dang, went faster than I thought.
Of course, the veneer ain't too pretty, ended up in two parts.