Official Luthiers Forum!

I just had a guitar come back to me with a broken truss rod.
A good suggestion was made to make your customer aware that truss rods are not for action adjustments.
Which brings to mind that perhaps an information sheet (do's and dont's) be included with the sale.

Is this something you all do? educate your customers about truss rods and what they do, Humidity, finish care,tuner maintenance? anything else?
You'd think that by the time someone is a good enough player to warrant purchasing a custom guitar they would have that knowledge?

Whats common practice?

Yes I send a detailed sheet (with pictures) on truss rod adjustment and the neck attachment system as the bolts there usually need to be snugged up a little in the first year of life. Also a care sheet with humidity/heat stuff etc.
Terry

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It's not what you don't know that hurts you, it's what you do know that's wrong.

I have a 2 page sheet as well. Personally I build my guitar with the access for the truss rod through the soundhole for 2 reasons.
1. I don't like the look of coverplates
2. The truss rod is less likely to be messed with

I also DO NOT include the truss rod allen wrench with the guitar. If you know what you are doing with a truss rod, you will likely have the correct tool. Most don't, so hopefully they will bring the instrument to me or a qualified guitar tech to adjust it.

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Andy Z.
http://www.lazydogguitars.com

I feel that most people buy a guitar to play music, like most people buy cars to drive them.Most don't know anything about the machanics of them as well and should not mess with them that way.They will most times make them worse than they were before hand Which probably happened with that guitar.If i sold a guitar to some one on commision, i would make sure they understand that if they messed with the machanics of it the warrenty would be void.I would also tell them to bring it to me or a qualifyed luthier for such adjustments.Just my 2 cents.

I don't include a truss rod wrench If they call and ask for one, that becomes a learning opportunity and I'm happy to pay the postage. I've found that putting care and maintenence info in the case doesn't mean they pay attention, even when it says IMPORTANT.

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http://www.chassonguitars.com

I'm thinking I'll have it in writing and present it with the guitar.
I'm just not really sure how much info should be given, Martin guitars has a page entitled Care and Feeding of your guitar on their website. Their is no mention of truss rod adj.

I'll check around some other sites and see what they are doing.