Location and Adjustment
The truss rod tension is usually controlled using an adjustment bolt (a hex nut or allen key). Depending on the model of guitar, this bolt can be located:
- On older Fender-style electric guitars with bolt-on necks (and vintage re-issues) — on the heel of the neck. Adjustment of such truss rods can be done by a Phillips screwdriver and requires prior removal of the guitar's pickguard or neck.
- On newer Fender-style electric guitars — behind the nut, uncovered and can usually be adjusted by a 1/8" (3 mm) Allen wrench.
- On set-neck electrics — under a cover-plate behind the nut. Gibson & Epiphone guitars have their truss rod bolt covered with a signature bell-shaped plate. Most Gibson electrics have a 5/16” (8 mm) or a 1/4" (6 mm) hex adjustable truss rod nut that can be adjusted with a hex box spanner wrench.
- On acoustic guitars — inside the guitar body, accessible through the sound hole, or on the headstock. Martins use a 3/16" (5 mm) Allen wrench and Gibson uses the same as for the Gibson electrics above.
Counterclockwise adjustment decreases the truss rod tension (correct an underbow) and clockwise adjustment increases the truss rod tension (correct an overbow).
Installing a truss rod in a newly constructed guitar requires woodworking capabilities. Special tools are required including a router with a variety of bits and ability to work with metals. Completed truss rods can be purchased through suppliers or manufactured according to specifications given in literature.
Read more about this topic: Truss Rod
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