Official Luthiers Forum!

Time once again to reveal my inexperience. :-) A while back I purchased a couple of necks. They came with truss rods and pre-routed channels. The rods are an older, single-action style (pics below). I've never used this type before and after searching the archives here, via Google and on Youtube, I've come up empty. It's not possible for me to discuss this with the seller, so I thought I'd look for some guidance from the OLF membership. So, if anyone can help, it would be great to have some insight on the correct method of installation, the use of any adhesives and a filler strip. If you have any tips to share, I'd appreciate learning about them.

Thanks,
George :-)

P.S. The bottom image shows the rod fully seated and as far up the neck as the slot will allow. Does this look right?

George: If these are the channal type with the tape on the bottom I think you have it installed upside down. I have only seen the dual action of this type of rod. Operate the rod out of it's groove and you should be able to determine the correct way to install. In a single action rod the hump goes up.
Tom

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A person who has never made a mistake has never made anything!!!

Aaahhh... now I get it. Thanks for straightening me out. (Yes, that's a joke. ;-) There really didn't seem to be any room to insert a filler strip, so facing the open/taped portion of the channel down makes much more sense. Sometimes--check that--quite often I can't see the forest for the trees.

I bought these necks from a different source and they seem to be of lower quality than those sold by the major supply houses. Hopefully they will work okay. We'll see. It will be an interesting exercise at any rate, offering an added incentive for me to learn how to make them myself next time.

My education continues. It is wonderful to be learning new things.

Thanks again,

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George :-)

I suspect these necks and truss rods are indeed surplus Martin parts. The rods are in good shape, but the dings, dents, chips and scars on the necks make it appear that they have spent considerable time at the bottom of that surplus bin. I'm hoping to file/sand those areas acceptably smooth. If not, I'll back up and start anew.

Thanks,

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George :-)