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TRUSS ROD GUIDELINES
Here are a few guidelines for installing truss rods for
those who are new to guitar building.
- Select the truss rod by carefully examining your plan.
Each type or size of guitar is a little different, so it
is impossible for LMI to determine which rod you should select
based on the scale length of the instrument or the length
of either the fingerboard or the neck. Custom length truss
rods are available at no additional cost (however the turnaround
time can be lengthy).
- All our truss rods, with the exception of the compression
rods, are installed with the non-moving rod (the square
stock on the two-way and double action rods) bearing against
the fingerboard. The rod that moves when you adjust the
truss rod nut is placed at the bottom of the channel.
- You can install the rod with the adjustment end at either
the headstock or the soundhole.
- Install the rod so that the adjustment end is seated
solidly. Only the adjustment nut should protrude.
- The channel you route for the truss rod should seat
the rod as snuggly as possible. Especially at the ends.
Some use a rounded bit for a round-bottomed channel, but
this is not necessary.
- If you are adjusting through the soundhole, the other
end (non-adjustment) should be seated an inch or so away
from the nut (towards the bridge).
- Most luthiers do not glue in the truss rod, though some
choose to epoxy the metal case that comes with the
TRMR Martin ™ style rod to the walls of the channel .
- It is a good idea to add some silicon caulking to the
channel to help prevent against rattling.
- Cover the channel with some thin tape so that when you
glue you fingerboard down no glue gets on to the truss
rod. Some choose to add a wood shim over the square stock
instead of using tape.
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Important Note:
With the exception of the TRMR made in Japan, all of the truss rods we carry are made, inspected and tested in the USA. Still, we urge you to carefully inspect each rod you receive to make sure it meets your specifications. Once installed, a truss rod can be extremely difficult to replace or repair. Put each rod in a vice and turn the nut beyond its normal range of adjustment (turn it both ways if it is a two-way rod). As with all of our products, LMI is not responsible for any effect of a defective truss rod, or any related costs, beyond the price of the truss rod itself. In keeping with our return policy, we are happy to replace or refund the cost of any rod that you are not happy with. Please call for a return authorization number within 2 weeks of receiving your order.
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