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How to fit a non-adjustable 'truss rod'

I thought I would share a technique with you which I picked up from a great builder who is not a member CBN. I think you can argue that a 3 or 4 string CBG doesn't really need any additional neck strength, but I've  found myself making thinner necks recently, and I'd like to make sure they stand the test of time. I am also gearing up to have a go at making a 6 string from scratch so this is a technique I will need to learn sooner or later.

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So, to do this you will need some mild steel bar. I got 3x13mm. A 4 metre length cost me about £4. The postage cost twice that but it was almost worth it to see the look on the delivery driver's face when he handed over a 4m long cardboard tube. You also need a router, and a bit of the correct width and depth for the bar.

9353850659?profile=originalI used the parallel guide on the router to slide along the side of the neck to cut the channel. I used a high speed and 4 shallow passes to get the finished depth (which needs to be a tiny bit deeper that the width of the bar)

9353851053?profile=originalIt fits. Now time to glue it in. I used epoxy with a long curing time. Getting the glue in the channel is quite tricky.

9353851092?profile=originalI held the bar in place with clamps and left it overnight. Make sure you put something between the clamps and the neck so you don't glue them together!

9353851671?profile=originalOnce the epoxy had set I lightly sanded the surface to remove any residue.

9353852084?profile=originalThen just glue on your fretboard as usual and you have (hopefully) a super strong bow-resistant neck that you can shape a bit more aggressively than one without a strengthening rod.

Have fun!

RK

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