truss rod adjustment

[dougs]

What is the procedure for adjusting the truss rod to eliminate a slight bow in the neck of my OM?  Is this something that I can do, or does it need to go to the shop?         Thanks Folks!

[unclrob]

If there is too much bow tighten the rod a 1/4 turn or less,let rest for a minute or so.If there isn't enough bow loosen the same way.If this freaks you out in any way go see a tech and ask him/her if they can show you how to do it.

[jeremy3220]

If it's a larrivee there should be a truss rod wrench that came with it. It should be something you can do yourself. As usual Frets has a good tutorial on adjusting your truss rod. http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Musician/GenSetup/TrussRods/TrussRodAdj/tradj.html

Personally I think the .013" he recommends as the right amount for the normal player is a little higher than what most people including me use. I would recommend starting with about .006-.010" of relief then go from there. I use automotive feeler gauges to measure the gap.

[RoundLakeDT]

The nut can't be seen but it's right under where the fingerboard starts.  Just like a screw, righty-tighty, lefty-loosey

A slight bow in the neck isn't a bad thing though.  Generally you don't want it ruler-straight or you'll get some strings buzzing.  Like Jeremy says, a little (miniscule) bow is a good thing.  The FRETS article should help on that

When I've changed my Jumbo from medium strings to light gauge, I notice I have to adjust the truss rod by about 1/8 turn to compensate (and vice versa).  At this point I can sight down from the headstock and see the amount of bow (if I go mediums->lights) there's usually a lot of upswing bow in the neck right before the nut, it looks like).  Not an exact measure by any means, but I know how this guitar likes to be setup for good intonation & action

Like unclrob says though, if any concern bring it to a shop.  Ask if you can watch as their tech looks it over; the knowledge you'll get is worth whatever they'll charge for the adjustment.  And you can break truss rods, too, so do be careful

Dave

[lw216316]

There are also examples of HOW TO adjust the rod  - on youtube

- Larry

[dougs]

Thanks guys!   I made a minor adjustment and liked the result. The guitar is an OM-03 and that nut is in a hellava place though!