Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi, I am building a OLF Small Jumbo which has a paddle type neck block. I want to install a Stewmac Hot rod. I would like to adjust the rod at the heel block, eliminating the cover at the headstock. Does this mean I'll have to cut a channel through the paddle part of the neck block?

To access the rod adjustment nut you will have to bring it through the neck block, and cutting a channel is the only way I can think to do it.

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It's not the miles ahead, it's the stone in your shoe


In Markham,Virginia

You'll have to have a channel through the neck block, as well as a hole through
the UTB. Have to have a clear shot from the soundhole through to the hex in
the end of the adjustment nut on the rod.

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Gene

Politicians and diapers must be changed often, and for the same reason- Mark Twain

Thanks, Am I thinking the right way?,I'll have to cut a channel completely through the paddle , which is only 3/8 thick, that and drilling through the brace, will it be strong enough?

No you shouldn't have to cut through the paddle.

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John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

Are you talking about the "paddle", 90º to the neck block under the fretboard extension? If yes, yes you should dado a channel for the truss-rod nut. IME there is no need to drill a hole in the UTB. For one it weakens it right in the middle where it should be the strongest, and secondly, if you use the right rod only the nut should protrude from the neck tenon, thus a small key easily fits between the neck block and the UTB. Additionally the SM rod nut sits deep in the neck. And yes, your paddle will be strong enough.

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Laurent Brondel
West Paris, Maine - USA
http://www.laurentbrondel.com/