TRUSS ROD
First, check your tuning. Affix a capo at the first fret and depress the fourth string at the last fret.
With a feeler gauge, check the gap between the bottom of the string and the top of the 8th
fret—see the spec chart below for the proper gap.
Caution: Because of the amount of string tension on the neck, you should loosen the strings
before adjusting the truss rod. After the adjustment is made, re-tune the strings and re-check
the gap with the feeler gauge.
Adjustment at headstock (allen wrench): Sight down the edge of the fingerboard from behind the
headstock, looking toward the body of the instrument. If the neck is too concave (action too
high), turn the truss rod nut clockwise to remove excess relief. If the neck is too convex (strings
too close to the fingerboard), turn the truss rod nut counter-clockwise to allow the string tension
to pull more relief into the neck. Check your tuning, then re-check the gap with the feeler gauge
and re-adjust as needed.
Adjustment at neck joint (phillips screwdriver): Sight down the edge of the fingerboard from
behind the body, looking up toward the headstock of the instrument. If the neck is too concave
(action too high), turn the truss rod nut clockwise to remove excess relief. If the neck is too
convex (strings too close to the fingerboard), turn the truss rod nut counter-clockwise to allow
the string tension to pull more relief into the neck. Check your tuning, then re-check the gap with
the feeler gauge and re-adjust as needed.
Note: In either case, if you meet excessive resistance when adjusting the truss rod, if your
instrument needs constant adjustment, if adjusting the truss rod has no effect on the neck, or if
you're simply not comfortable making this type of adjustment yourself, take your instrument to
your local guitar professional!
I have actually broken necks trying this process. Thank goodness they were on cheap unwanted
instruments.
Neck Radius
7.25"
9.5" to 12"
15" to 17"
Relief
.014" (0.35 mm)
.012" (0.3 mm)
.010" (0.25 mm)
ACTION
Here is the meat of the matter.
Note: These are manufacturers minimum specifications and can be used as a starting point.
That is what I do. Bring everything to "spec" and fine adjust from there. These are not hard and
