I'm working on a 6-string and i'm wondering if i NEED to install a truss rod?...i know that in a traditional 6 string electric or acoustic they prevent the neck from bowing too much...but do i need it for my box? any advice would be much appreciated
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In the 1930s old Stella guitars had no truss rods. The necks were very thick and chunky. Later to make necks thinner, truss rods were installed. Also, a truss rod makes it possible to adjust the neck. Without it, it is what it is! One problem created by an added truss rod is that the guitar becomes top heavy because of the added neck weight. The guitar might not sit right. Adding weight to the box end of the neck (neck thru the body construction) might be necessary. Enjoy.
I remember that Andy guy. He would show up at the jams with his cello. We would flog him with broken guitar strings to stop Andy bowing, but I guess a truss rod would work if you aim it well.
Salty Sea Empire said:
apparently i was too drunk to type last night...what the hell is andy bowing? hahaha
Salty Sea Empire said:
i've already built the neck it is two 3/4 inch pieces of poplar with a 1/2 piece of red oak laminated between the two if that makes any sense... i was hoping that would prevent andy bowing
apparently i was too drunk to type last night...what the hell is andy bowing? hahaha
Salty Sea Empire said:
i've already built the neck it is two 3/4 inch pieces of poplar with a 1/2 piece of red oak laminated between the two if that makes any sense... i was hoping that would prevent andy bowing
That's what I was getting at. I'd still encourage a shorter scale to keep the tension down but it sounds like you're doing just fine for yourself.
Salty Sea Empire said:
i've already built the neck it is two 3/4 inch pieces of poplar with a 1/2 piece of red oak laminated between the two if that makes any sense... i was hoping that would prevent andy bowing
i've already built the neck it is two 3/4 inch pieces of poplar with a 1/2 piece of red oak laminated between the two if that makes any sense... i was hoping that would prevent andy bowing
i've already built the neck it is two 3/4 inch pieces of poplar with a 1/2 piece of red oak laminated between the two if that makes any sense... i was hoping that would prevent andy bowing
Skeesix has the answer. Laminate or add a 1/8"x1/2" bar down down the neck. Check out my albums for more.
-WY
Skeesix said:
Before they started using truss rods in guitars, they would build they necks quite chunky and also laminate in a piece of strong wood or a metal bar. Truss rods were invented because of the higher tension of metal strings. So you could use nylon strings to keep the tension down.
Before they started using truss rods in guitars, they would build they necks quite chunky and also laminate in a piece of strong wood or a metal bar. Truss rods were invented because of the higher tension of metal strings. So you could use nylon strings to keep the tension down.
It depends a bit on if you've built your neck yet. If it's a 1 piece neck then I would say yes. However if your neck is made up of multiple smaller pieces glued together then you could get away without one. Keep in mind that if you want to keep the overall tension down, you can use a shorter scale for your neck. I've got a 6-string lap steel with a laminated 23" scale neck on it. It's been holding up well even tuned up to GBDgbd.
Replies
Salty Sea Empire said:
Salty Sea Empire said:
Salty Sea Empire said:
Salty Sea Empire said:
Skeesix has the answer. Laminate or add a 1/8"x1/2" bar down down the neck. Check out my albums for more.
-WY
Skeesix said:
http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/History/Martin/MartinRods/martinrod...