Author Topic: Truss Rod Adjustment  (Read 2747 times)

BobSol

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Truss Rod Adjustment
« on: November 11, 2014, 12:24:04 PM »
Hi Guys
            I've just fitted a set of HD 80/20 Lights to my "new to me" GA12 2011 FLTD KOA as it still had the original factory fitted lights on when I bought it. They seem to have raised the action somewhat which is not surprising as the HD's create a higher string tension. Would I be right in saying that I need to tighten the truss rod nut a touch to compensate. I know I need to check clearance around the sixth fret with a capo on the first and the string fretted at the body, I just didn't want to waste time going the wrong way. Many thanks as ever.
Bob
2011 Taylor GA12 FLTD KOA
2014 Taylor GS Mini Koa FLTD
2014 Taylor 456CE SLTD
2012 Taylor 210
2010 Taylor 510 KOA FLTD
2006 Taylor T5 C2 KOA

BobSol

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Re: Truss Rod Adjustment
« Reply #1 on: November 11, 2014, 03:06:59 PM »
Yipee! Home from work I set about the task with some trepidation never having even seen a truss rod nut before. I checked the string height at the twelth fret and found it at 7/64 and 5/64 respectively and relief with capo on one and fretted at the body to be .013". Off with the cover and there it is, the dreaded truss nut. Tuned to pitch, I tighten a flat, check relief and it's now .011". Another couple of flats and I've settled at .008". String height is now a tad under the recommended 6/64 and 4/64 and it plays beautifully. A pity the top screw on the nut cover misses the headstock and is half way across the slot. I would expect such a simple attachment could and should be better. Other than that I'm proper chuffed. 
2011 Taylor GA12 FLTD KOA
2014 Taylor GS Mini Koa FLTD
2014 Taylor 456CE SLTD
2012 Taylor 210
2010 Taylor 510 KOA FLTD
2006 Taylor T5 C2 KOA

shorty

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Re: Truss Rod Adjustment
« Reply #2 on: November 11, 2014, 03:14:14 PM »
Sounds good BobSol! Just an FYI... When I adjust a trussrod I usually make a slight adjustment and then allow some time to settle in before adjusting more. I cannot say however that this is written in stone and is the ideal way to adjust. Just check back in a few days to see if there is any "overadjustment.  :)
2014 Taylor 614ce Florentine/Blackcherryburst
2013 Benedetto Bambino Deluxe
2012Taylor BTO GS Macassar/Redwood
2012 Martin GPCPA4
2011 Taylor Fall Ltd GS Cocobolo
2011 Taylor Fall Ltd GC 12 Fret Koa
2009 Taylor 814ce TSB
2008 Taylor 654ce
2008 Taylor Fall Ltd GA Koa
2005 Takamine EAN10ce

BobSol

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Re: Truss Rod Adjustment
« Reply #3 on: November 11, 2014, 05:32:18 PM »
Hi Shorty
              Many thanks for the advice. I honestly didn't expect the adjustment to react so quickly but every time I tweaked the nut the measurement was immediate and consistent. The guitar has hardly been played from new and I guess, over time, the string tension just eased the neck forward. Happily, I'm now confident enough to make small adjustments and know what to expect. Thanks again.    Bob. 
2011 Taylor GA12 FLTD KOA
2014 Taylor GS Mini Koa FLTD
2014 Taylor 456CE SLTD
2012 Taylor 210
2010 Taylor 510 KOA FLTD
2006 Taylor T5 C2 KOA